United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1976
National Energy Extension Service Act - Establishes an Energy Extension Service in the Energy Research and Development Administration to develop and implement a comprehensive program for the identification and application of energy conserving practices and techniques. Stipulates that programs shall provide for technical assistance and practical demonstration in the agricultural, commercial, residential, and small business sectors. Stipulates that such program shall be implemented in a manner designed to minimize conflict with existing services in the private sector of the economy. Establishes procedures and criteria for the development of State plans for implementing the provisions of this Act. Allows for Federal development of plans for States in which an acceptable plan has not been submitted. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to develop a comprehensive program and plan for coordination of Federal energy education and information dissemination programs. Stipulates that such plan shall detail procedures for assessing the energy efficiency of various Federal programs. Establishes a National Energy Extension Service Advisory Board to conduct a continuing review of the programs developed under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that the annual authorization for such programs may be included in the annual authorization for nonnuclear programs of the Energy Research and Development Administration. Prescribes a formula for allocation of such funds to the States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1976
Small Corporate Employers Retirement Pension Plans Act - Authorizes small corporate employees to establish a qualified trust, or annuity plan under the Internal Revenue Code, by complying with the alternative plan which prescribes minimum participation standards, minimum vesting standards, and minimum funding standards different from those presently applicable to qualifying trusts. Allows an employer to take a tax deduction for contributions to an employees' trust or annuity in excess of 100 percent of such contribution, up to a contribution level of $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Small Corporate Employers Retirement Pension Plans Act - Authorizes small corporate employees to establish a qualified trust or annuity plan under the Internal Revenue Code, by complying with the alternative plan which prescribes minimum participation standards, minimum vesting standards, and minimum funding standards different from those presently applicable to qualifying trusts. Allows an employer to take a tax deduction for contributions to an employees' trust or annuity in excess of 100 percent of such contribution, up to a contribution level of $25,000. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Recognizes the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of American commercial aviation. Requests that all concerned governmental agencies join in participating in appropriate national and local ceremonies celebrating such anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
United States Air Traffic Services Corporation Act - States the finding of Congress that the Office of the Secretary of Transportation has exercised arbitrary and capricious control over the entire range of Federal Aviation Administration activities and that the proper conduct of the responsibilities associated with civil aviation development and safety requires action by an independent Federal aviation corporation. Establishes the United States Air Traffic Services Corporation as a body corporate with its principal office in the District of Columbia to be managed by a ten member Board of Directors. Sets forth the membership, pay, terms of office, and categories of expertise from which the members of such Board shall be chosen. Authorizes the Board to appoint such corporate officers as necessary to carry out the functions of the Corporation and to contract for the temporary or intermittent services of experts and consultants. Sets forth the powers of the Board of Directors and the Corporation. Allows the Corporation to change the rates of tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code relating to taxes on special fuels, taxes on the transportation of persons and property by air and taxes on the use of civil aircraft. Transfers to the Corporation all the functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Transportation, including those which are exercised by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under specified laws and provisions of law relating to civil aviation. Tranfers the personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, unexpended appropriations, and funds of the Department of Transportation relating to civil aviation to the Corporation. Makes technical amendments in specified laws to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts, certificates, licenses and privileges currently in effect shall continue in effect until modified or terminated by the Board. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act in an amount equal to 50 percent of the total funding requirement of the Corporation for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges improved health services and intensified dissemination of health information for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Title I: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the amount of appropriations authorized under such Act to $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $450,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $625,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $800,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Revises procedures for the apportionment of land and water conservation fund moneys to States by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes public participation requirements with respect to the preparation of comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the planning and development of sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks, provided specified conditions are met. Title II: Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to establish a historic preservation fund in the United States Treasury. Stipulates that $24,400,000 for fiscal year 1977, $75,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and $100,000,000 annually for each fiscal year thereafter until fiscal year 1989 be covered into the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and other Federal Mining laws. Stipulates that such moneys shall remain available until appropriated to carry out the purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Authorizes the appropriation of $175,000 per year for fiscal years 1977,1978, and 1979 for the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Authorizes appropriations under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $20,000,000 for fiscal 1978. Authorizes appropriations for fire research and safety of $5,500,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Prohibits the Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration from conducting fire research without the specific authorization of the Secretary of Commerce. Stipulates that no commitment to obligate funds for the construction of any facility of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control shall be made unless the Congress approves.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development programs, construction of facilities including land acquisition, and research and program management. Permits utilization of research and development appropriations for: (1) items of a capital nature which may be required at locations other than installations of the Administration for the performance of research and development contracts, and (2) grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Sets forth further guidelines regarding the use and availability of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act. Specifies procedures where amounts designated for specific programs may be varied upward and whereby up to one half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development may be combined with $10,000,000 of funds appropriated for facility construction to construct or modify laboratories or other installations deemed by the Administration to be immediatley needed. Prohibits utilization of sums appropriated pursuant to this Act for: (1) any research or management program in excess of the amount specifically authorized for that program, (2) any program deleted by Congress from requests originally made, or (3) any program which has not been presented to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences unless each such Committee has been given notice of any such proposed action and transmits written notice to the Administration that it has no objection. Directs the Administration to consider geographical distribution whenever feasible in allocating its research and development funds. Authorizes the Administration, when so provided in appropriation Acts, to enter into and to maintain a contract for tracking and data relay satellite services. Establishes an additional Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology within the Administration. Revises the compensation of members of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for, and the construction, modernization, and availability of aeronautical test facilities. Declares that Congress finds that the general welfare of the United States requires application of the Administration's expertise to ground propulsion systems research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint to the Federal service specified State, territory, and local meat and poultry inspection personnel to enforce and perform Federal inspection requirements with respect to slaughterhouses and processing establishments whose products are distributed solely intrastate where such regulation is required because the State or territory in which such slaughterhouses or processing establishments are located has failed to develop or enforce sufficient inspection standards. Details provisons relating to: (1) compensation of; (2) credit for prior State, territory, or local service by; (3) retention of accumulated leave by; and (4) eligibility for civil service retirement annuities of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Independent Federal Aviation Agency Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the proper conduct of the responsibilities associated with civil aviation development and safety requires unencumbered action by an independent Federal aviation agency. Establishes the Federal Aviation Agency as an independent agency of the United States. Provides for the appointment of an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the powers of such officers. Transfers to the Administration all functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Transportation and other officers of the Department of Transportation which are exercised by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, under the Federal Aviation Act, the Airport and Airway Development Act, and other specified laws. States that all orders, determinations and rulings which have been issued or allowed to become effective shall continue in effect. Provides that no suit or other proceeding shall be abated by reason of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Prohibits the inspection, acquisition, or requisition by officers, employees, agents or departments of the United States of the medical or dental records of patients not receiving assistance from the Federal Government. Imposes penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Declares that the House of Representatives, on behalf of the people of the United States, express their complete and unqualified gratitute to Oliver Sipple for preventing an assailant from assassinating President Ford.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Extends from February 1, 1976, to October 1, 1977, the period during which payment may be made for child day care services under titles IV (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act without regard to new staffing standards imposed by or under title XX.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to Oliver Sipple for his selfless heroism in preventing the assassination of Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
States that it is the policy of the United States to rely upon private commercial sources for goods and services required to meet Government needs, unless: (1) such reliance would demonstrably disrupt or significantly delay an urgent agency program; or (2) in-house performance is mandatory for national security; or (3) the product or service is not and cannot be made available from the private sector and is available from a Federal source.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires that the United States Government prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Exempts from the tax on the use of a taxable aircraft under the Internal Revenue Code any person who holds a certificate as an agricultural aircraft operator, whose aircraft is equipped for agricultural operations, and who uses it primarily for such agricultural operations. Grants to an aerial applicator the right to any payment, credit, or refund under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the use of any liquid as a fuel in an aircraft by such aerial applicator, who was the ultimate purchaser thereof, and who has obtained a waiver in writing from an operator of the farm of his right to any such payment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Regulatory Reform Act - Provides that before any rule promulgated by any Federal agency can become effective, it must be submitted to the Congress for approval. Requires that an economic impact statement accompany such submission. Authorizes agencies to make rules which impose a penalty upon an employer of an employee who violates any rule or regulation in effect against such employer. States that no agency may require an applicant or a party to an agency proceeding to provide such agency with information or documents which have been previously furnished to such agency or which are not directly relevant to such application or proceeding. Entitles the applicant for any license to reimbursement by such agency for the complete costs of such party's application if such agency has not made a final determination in the licensing proceeding within six months of the date of announcement of the intention of any such proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1975
Increases the amount of money paid to States and counties for forest services and watershed protection from 25 percent of the cost of State programs to 75 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Provides that no debt owned to the United States by any foreign country may be settled in an amount less than full value of such debt unless the Congress by concurrent resolution approves of such settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Designates 1976 as "National Bicentennial Highway Safety Year." Provides that each month of 1976 shall focus on a specific area of activity which offers the prospect of achieving substantial reductions in accidents on the Nation's highways.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Drug Pushers Elimination Act - Title I : Increased Penalties - Increases, under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, the penalties for the manufacture or distribution of a controlled narcotic drug to : (1) not less than 5 years, nor more than 25 years, imprisonment, and a fine of up to $50,000; (2) not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $100,000 if a person had a previous felony conviction relating to controlled substances; (3) not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 if the crime was committed while such person was on release from a charge of violating this Act. Excepts addicted persons from the minimum term of imprisonment in all three categories of this Act. Provides that a conspiracy to commit any offense of this Act shall be punished as prescribed for the commission of the offense. Title II: Conditions of Release - Adds, for the judicial officer's consideration in setting conditions of release, the element of whether the person poses a danger to the safety of other persons, himself, the community, and the property of others. Sets forth procedures to govern the pretrial and posttrial release of persons charged with offenses involving specified narcotic drugs. Title III: Miscellaneous - Adds to the list of property which is subject to forfeiture all moneys used, or intended for use, in manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or acquiring any controlled substances.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines "household" under the Food Stamp Act as meaning a group of individuals who are sharing common living quarters, but who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, and who have access to cooking facilities and for whom food is customarily purchased in common. Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve any plan which permits any household to simultaneously participate in both the food stamp program and the distribution of federally donated foods. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget adjusted pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards of eligibility which shall include, but not be limited to, the amounts of liquid and nonliquid assets. Provides that household income for purposes of the food stamp program shall be the gross income of the household less: (1) a standard deduction of $100 a month applicable to all households; (2) an additional deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there at least one member who is age sixty-five or older. Limits eligibility to participate in the food stamp program to citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residency. States that no individual shall be considered eligible for the food stamp program as a member of a household if he is: (1) over 18; (2) is enrolled at an institution of higher education; and (3) is a dependent child for income tax purposes of a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Prohibits households which transfer liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program from becoming eligible for at least a ninety-day period. Requires the Secretary to issue photo identification cards to households certified eligible to participate in the program. States that households shall be charged thirty percent of their income for the coupon allotment issued to them. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further inssuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Provides for a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Student Aid Abuse Act - Provides that any person who receives funds under the provisions of this Act for the making of grants or loans as provided in this Act shall be deemed a custodian of public funds and shall not disburse or otherwise use any of such funds for any purpose other than as expressly authorized by the provisions of this Act. Provides criminal penalties for: (1) payment to any student of any amount as a loan or grant under this Act except by check to the student or to an institution of higher education, or both, and no such check shall be negotiated unless personally endorsed by such student; (2) deceiving or defrauding any student attending or intending to attend an institution of higher education with regard to: (A) benefits which may be available under any Federal student aid or loan or loan guarantee program; or (B) tuition and fees for which Federal student aid or loans or loan guarantees are available or rights to refunds of such tuitions and fees; (3) knowingly and willfully making or causing to be made any false statement or representation of a material fact in any application for any guaranteed student assistance loan, or in any application requesting interest or special allowance payment by a lender for any guaranteed student assistance loan. Provides that any student enrolled in the programs of any educational organization or institution operated for profit who receives a Federal student assistance grant or loan, and who withdraws from such programs, shall be entitled to a pro rata refund of tuition and fees, and any such refund shall first be applied to reduction of such student's obligations under Federal student loan programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1975
Empowers the Small Business Administration, under the provisions of the Small Business Act, to make loans to enable small business concerns to finance residential housing construction or rehabilitation for sale or rental. Requires the Administration to determine the reasonableness of repayment of its loans on a case-by-case basis. Stipulates that the Administration may engage in activities which involve borrowers who may, from time to time, take advantage of other Federal programs in carrying out their business, notwithstanding the restriction which prohibits the Administration from duplicating the work or activities of any other department or agency of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1975
Requires, under the Congressional Budget Act, that the first congressional budget resolution each year fix ceilings on budget outlays and new budget authority which must be met for the coming fiscal year (instead of only setting forth flexible targets as under present law) and include three-year budget projections. Prohibits the consideration of any measure in the House or Senate if its enactment would result in total budget outlays or total budget authority in excess of the ceiling in effect under the most recently adopted congressional budget resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1975
Requires, under the Federal Aviation Act, the Civil Aeronautics Board to issue certificates of public convenience and necessity authorizing the holder to engage in interstate air transportation between points in the same State where the applicant has been continuously engaged in intrastate air transportation since July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
National Science and Technology Policy and Organization Act - Title I: National Science Policy - Declares that the United States shall adhere to a national policy for science and technology which includes the following principles: (1) the continuing development and implementation of a national strategy for determining and achieving the appropriate scope, level, direction, and extent of scientific and technological efforts based upon a continuous appraisal of the role of science and technology in achieving goals and formulating policies of the United States; (2) the enlistment of science and technology to foster a healthy economy in which the directions of growth and innovation are compatible with the prudent and frugal use of resources and with the preservation of a benign environment; and (3) the development and maintenance of a solid base for science and technology in the United States. States the declaration of Congress that the Federal Government should maintain central policy-planning elements in the executive branch in mobilizing resources for essential science and technology programs, in securing appropriate funding for those programs, and to review systematically Federal science policy and programs and to recommend legislative amendments when needed. States that, in order to expedite and facilitate the implementation of the policy enunciated in this Act, the following coordinate procedures are of paramount importance: (1) Federal procurement policy should encourage the use of science and technology to foster frugal use of materials, energy, and appropriated funds; to assure quality environment; and to enhance product performance; (2) explicit criteria, including cost-effectiveness principles where feasible, should be developed to identify the kinds of science and technology programs that are appropriate for Federal funding support and to determine the extent of such support; (3) Federal promotion of science and technology should maximize quality of research, stability of scientific and technological institutions, and, for urgent tasks, timeliness of results; and (4) antitrust regulation should not preclude cooperation among competing firms in industrial research and development unless such cooperation is anticompetitive. Title II: Office of Science and Technology Policy - Presidential Science and Technology Advisory Organization Act - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Provides for the appointment of a Director, four Assistant Directors, and other personnel. Specifies the functions of the Office, including to: (1) advise the President of scientific and technological considerations involved in areas of national concern; (2) evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the Federal effort in science and technology and advise on appropriate actions; (3) advise the President on scientific and technological considerations with regard to Federal budgets; and (4) assist the President in providing general leadership and coordination of the research and development programs of the Federal Government. Title III: The Federal Science and Technology Survey Committee - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President, and in association with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Federal Science and Technology Survey Committee. States that the Committee shall consist of from five to twelve members appointed by the President. Specifies the qualifications of the members of the Committee. States that the functions of the Committee shall be to survey, examine, and analyze the total context of the Federal science and technology effort including missions, goals, personnel, funding, organization, facilities, and activities in general. Stipulates that the life of the Committee shall be 24 months from the date of its first organizational meeting. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Requires Executive agencies to submit proposes ruless and an explanation thereof to Congress. Provides that such proposes rules shall become effective within 60 days after submission unless either House of Congress disapproves of such rules by resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Independent Federal Aviation Agency Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the proper conduct of the responsibilities associated with civil aviation development and safety requires unencumbered action by an independent Federal aviation agency. Establishes the Federal Aviation Agency as an independent agency of the United States. Provides for the appointment of an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the powers of such officers. Transfers to the Administrator all functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Transportation and other officers of the Department of Transportation which are exercised by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, under the Federal Aviation Act, the Airport and Airway Development Act, and other specified laws. States that all orders, determinations and rulings which have been issued or allowed to become effective shall continue in effect. Provides that no suit or other proceeding shall be abated by reason of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Airport and Airway Development Act Amendments - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prepare and publish a revised national airport system plan for the development of public airports in the United States. States that such plan should include: (1) an identification of the levels of public service and the uses made of each public airport in the plan, and the projected airport development which the Secretary deems necessary to fulfill the levels of service and use of such airports during the next 10-year period; and (2) a listing of the amount of funds expended in each of the fiscal years 1971 through 1975 for terminal area development at each air carrier, commuter, and reliever airport, showing separately the amounts expended for nonrevenue producing public use areas and for other areas. Authorizes appropriations of up to $2,000,000 to carry out such purpose. Authorizes specific appropriations under the Airport and Airway Development Act to develop air carrier airport programs and general aviation airports in the territories of the United States. Specifies the apportionment and distribution of funds under the Airport and Airway Development Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants of up to $25,000 to any State for up to 75 percent of the cost of developing standards for airport development at general aviation airports in each State, other than standards for safety of approaches. Authorizes appropriations of $1,275,000 to carry out such purposes. Stipulates that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no part of any funds authorized to be obligated for fiscal years 1978, 1979 and 1980 shall be obligated or otherwise expended except in accordance with a statute enacted after the date of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of airports in areas where land requirements, local taxes or a low revenue return per acre may require the closing of such airports, together with recommendations concerning the preservation of such airports. Directs the Secretary to establish a civil aviation information distribution program within each region of the Federal Aviation Administration. Prohibits the closure of any existing flight service station operated by the Federal Aviation Administration, except under specified conditions. Authorizes appropriations of $72,000,000 to the Secretary to undertake a demonstration project related to ground transportation services to the Oakland International Airport, California, which will be consistent with the objectives of the Urban Mass Transportation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments - Extends through fiscal year 1977 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) water treatment works pilot training programs; (2) the development of a system of forecasting the supply of and demand for water pollution control specialists; (3) grants for State pollution control programs; (4) scholarships, training grants and contracts in the field of water pollution control; (5) grants to designated agencies to assist in the development and operation of continuing areawide waste treatment management planning processes; (6) grants to the States for lake water improvement programs; and (7) the purposes of this Act other than those specified in (1) through (6) above. Authorizes the use of ad valorem taxes to satisfy the user charge system requirement for applicants for treatment works grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Extends the provisions for Federal reimbursement of construction costs of publicly owned water treatment works to include reimbursement for works on which construction was started not later than July 1, 1973. Increases the amount of the appropriation authorized to cover such reimbursement to $2,950,000,000. Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend from July 1, 1977, until July 1, 1982, the deadline for the achievement of effluent limitations of public treatment works required by the Federal Water Pollution Act. Directs the Administrator, when considering such extension, to consider the cost involved in achieving secondary and alternative treatment and the effects such secondary and alternative treatment will have on public health and water quality. Extends until April 1, 1975, the deadline for submission of State water quality inventory reports. Requires such reports to be revised and kept current biennially. Directs the Administrator to submit such reports to Congress on or before October 1, 1975; October 1, 1976, and biennially thereafter. Eliminates the requirement that public hearings on proposed effluent standards be held within thirty days following publication of the standard. Permits the Administrator to defer the effective date of proposed effluent standards for up to three years following promulgation of such standards if he determines that compliance within one year is technologically unfeasible for a particular category of sources. Establishes a civil penalty of not to exceed $50,000 for the owner or operator of any vessel, onshore or offshore facility from which any hazardous substance is discharged. Provides for the designation by the Administrator, as a hazardous substance, any element or compound which presents an imminent and substantical danger to public health or welfare, including fish, shellfish, wildlife, shorelines, and beaches. Provides for a civil penalty of unspecified limit when the United States can show that the discharge of a hazardous substance was the result of willful negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the responsible owner or operator.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Revises the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to allocate to the coastal States 37 1/2 percent of all rentals and royalties paid in connection with any lease on the Outer Continental Shelf. Exempts from such requirement funds credited to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. States that the proportion of the total amount set aside which shall be distributed to any coastal State shall bear the same ratio to such total amount as the amount of production sold from deposits adjacent to such coastal State.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of electric and hybrid vehicles for urban indiviual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Defines terms as used in this Act. States that a hybrid vehicle is one propelled by a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric and hybrid vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate: (1) for the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Provides guaranties of loans made to small businesses for commercial development of electric and hybrid vehicles. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for 1977, $30,000,000 for 1978, $60,000,000 for 1979 and $20,000,000 for 1980; to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - States that the purposes of this Act are: (1) to make grants for, and support through loan guarantees, research and development leading to production prototypes of an advanced automobile or automobiles within four years from the date of enactment and to secure the certification after testing of those prototypes which are likely to meet the Nation's long-term goals with respect to fuel economy, environmental protection, and other objectives; and (2) to preserve, enhance and facilitate competition in research, development, and production of existing and alternative automobiles and automobile components. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to perform specific tasks, including the following: (1) make grants for research and development efforts likely to lead or contribute to the development of an advanced automobile or automobiles; (2) make loan guarantees for research and development efforts which show promise of leading or contributing to the development of an advanced automobile or automobiles; (3) conduct and accelerate research and development programs within the Department of Transportation for the purpose of contributing to the research and development of a production prototype of an advanced automobile or automobiles; and (4) test or direct the testing of production prototypes and secure certification as advanced automobiles for those which meet the applicable requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $175,000,000 to pay the interest on, and the principal balance of, any obligation guaranteed by the Secretary as to which the obligor has defaulted. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test each production prototype of an automobile developed in whole or in part with Federal financial assistance under this Act, or referred to him for such purpose by the Secretary, to determine whether such production prototype complies with any exhaust emission standards or any other requirements promulgated or reasonably expected to be promulgated under any provision of the Clean Air Act, the Noise Control Act, or any other provision of Federal law administered by him. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act of $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Permits the Federal Communications Commission to extend three-year broadcast licenses for an additional two years upon a finding of public interest. Requires in making such determination, considerations of whether different term lengths for radio and television stations and for different categories of licensees are in the public interest. Limits other class licenses to a five-year maximum, prescribing the renewal procedures for such licenses and the criteria to be considered in renewal, including responsiveness and lack of serious deficiencies. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to waive the payment of premiums for National Service Life Insurance by veterans who have attained age 70, and who have met requirements of regulations under this Act. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 726)
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Directs that applications for assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for bilingual education programs be developed in consultation with both parents of English-speaking children and parents of children of limited English-speaking ability.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Directs the Architect of the Capital to conduct a study of the feasibility of using solar energy in connection with the heating, cooling, hot water, and electrical systems of the Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn House Office Buildings. Requires that such study consider the conversion and operating costs of such a system. Authorizes the Architect to enter into contracts necessary to carry out the study. Limits expenditures of the Architect under this resolution to $50,000 to be paid from the contingent fund of the House.