United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Requests the President of the United States to establish by Executive Order a Strike Force for Medicare and Medicaid Review which utilizes the resources of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Management and Budget, and other agencies to review, investigate, and audit operations of the medicare and medicaid programs. Requests the Strike Force to report its findings and recommendations to each House of Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Federal-Aid Highway Act Amendments - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1976 to increase and extend the appropriations authorized under such Act for the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for the Federal-aid primary system to $3,350,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1990. Increases the Federal share for projects financed with primary funds on the Federal-aid primary system from 70 percent of its cost to 80 pecent, or to 95 percent under specified circumstances. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving projects on such system if the portion of the project that is on a new location does not provide for complete control of access. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109, 120)
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1976
Title I: Frederick Law Olmsted Home and Office, Brookline, Massachusetts - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and transmit to specified Congressional committees a study of the feasibility and suitability of designating the Frederick Law Olmsted Home and Office, Brookline, Massachusetts, as a unit of the National Park System. Title II: Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and transmit to specified Congressional committees a study of the feasibility and suitability of designating Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York, as a unit of the National Park System. Title III: National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture at or near Wilberforce, Ohio - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and transmit to specified Congressional committees a study of the feasibility and suitability of establishing a National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture in the vicinity of Wilberforce, Ohio. Title IV: Kalaupapa Settlement on the Island of Molokai, Hawaii - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility and desirability of designating as a unit of the National Park System all or part of Kalawao County on the island of Molokai, Hawaii, in which is located the Kalaupapa leper settlement. Requires the Secretary to submit a report of such study, including a detailed proposed master development plan, to the President and Congress within two years of the enactment of this title. Establishes the Kalaupapa National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Prohibits agencies and departments of the United States from taking any action which would impact on the proposed park area pending submission of the Secretary's report. Title V: Shawnee Hills, Illinois - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate all or part of the Shawnee Hills in specified counties in Illinois as a national recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
Establishes the Santa Monica Urban Park in California. Directs the Secretary to establish the Urban Park Planning Commission to develop the park plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $650,000 for expenses of the Commission. Makes available to the Commission an additional $250,000 upon authorization of the Secretary. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 for grants to State and local units for land acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense shall inter an Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War in Arlington National Cemetery and make a permanent display of representative medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam War in the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Surplus School Conversion Act - Entitles taxpayers, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to take a deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified school or hospital property based on a period of 180 months. Defines qualified school or hospital property to mean any building or other structure which is acquired by the taxpayer from a tax-exempt organization which used such structure to provide facilities for an educational institution or an institution which provided medical or custodial care. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Surplus School Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to local agencies to pay the costs of renovating closed school buildings so they may be converted for other educational and social purposes. Suggests purposes for which conversion grants may be extended, including: (1) community centers; (2) senior citizen centers; (3) day care centers; (4) vocational schools; (5) medical facilities; and (6) recreational centers. Sets forth application requirements which local agencies must complete including: (1) structuring a plan for renovation of the closed school building; (2) estimating costs of such renovation; and (3) demonstrating to the Secretary's satisfaction sufficient financial ability to carry out the provisions of such plan. States that the amount of a grant under this Act shall be 80 percent of the estimated cost of renovation. Requires local agencies which receive a grant for more than the actual cost of renovation to return such surplus money to the Secretary. Sets priorities to be followed by the Secretary in approving applications for grants under this Act including: (1) an application for renovating a closed school building in a school district whose current school enrollments have decreased by ten percent or more from the school enrollments of the previous school year, and (2) an application for renovating a closed school building which is not being utilized for any educational or social service purpose at the time of application. Directs the Secretary to serve as a national clearinghouse to local agencies by providing information on feasible alternative uses for closed school buildings. Prohibits the distribution of more than ten percent of the funds appropriated by Congress for the program for grants in any fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the President and Congress: (1) a yearly report listing local agencies which received grants and the purposes for which such grants were made; and (2) a detailed evaluation of the effectiveness of the program based on cost analysis and a survey of school closure problems to be submitted at the end of three years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Civil Aeronautics Board to grant exemptions from the requirements of such Act for all-cargo operations in interstate air transportation pending consideration of an application for initial certification under such Act if such exemption is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President call a White House Conference on Marriage and the Family in order to establish a national understanding of the role played by marriage and the family in the development of a viable society.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Permits the enlistment of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees into the U.S. Armed Forces if the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that any such alien intends to make a legal declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States after his or her status has been adjusted to that of an alien admitted for permanent residence. States that the authority to enlist such aliens into the Armed Forces shall expire 12 months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Indo-Chinese Refugee Status Adjustment Act - Permits the Attorney General, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, to adjust the status of any alien from Indochina to permanent resident without regard to immigration quotas or lack of possession by such alien of specified required immigration documents. States such alien need only be eligible to receive an immigrant visa to qualify for such change of status.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a medal commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of the drafting by Thomas Jefferson in 1777 of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate five-year goals in specified areas of rural development and to include a detailed accounting of the progress made and anticipated in meeting such goals in an annual report to Congress. Requires in such report an analysis of the legislative, financial, institutional and other capabilities and constraints which are relevant to meeting such goals. Requires the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development within 60 days if a vacancy should occur in such position.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Deletes the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act which limit to two the number of petitions for preference status which may be granted to a petitioner on behalf of an alien orphan immigrating to the United States for adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Veterans' Administration Review Act - Provides that decisions of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs on questions of law and fact under any law administered by the Veterans' Administration shall be subject to judicial review. Repeals the authority of the Administrator to pay fees to agents or attorneys in allowed claims for monetary benefits. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 211; Repeals 38 U.S.C. 3403(c))
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $1,500 to $5,000 the deduction allowed for contributions to individual retirement accounts. Eliminates the present prohibition of such deductions by taxpayers who are participants in other retirement plans.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Requires the inclusion of professional registered nurses in Professional Standards Review Organizations of medical professionals in carrying out the functions of such review organizations under Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act. Requires the inclusion of two professional registered nurses on the Statewide Professional Standards Review Councils. Requires the inclusion of three professional registered nurses on the National Professional Standards Review Council. Includes professional registered nurses in that class of health care practitioners which may not be held civilly liable for action taken in compliance with or reliance upon norms of care and treatment applied by a Professional Standards Reveiw Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Stipulates that mining companies or related operations which have discharged amphibole asbestos fibers into Lake Superior shall be required to pay the cost of removing such fibers from water used for human consumption, under regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for failure to make any payment required under this Act or under regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Prohibits mining or related operations from discharging amphibole asbestos fibers except on land and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for violations of requirements imposed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Title I: Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia - Revises the boundaries of Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title II: Monocacy National Battlefield, Maryland - Renames Monocacy National Military Park, Maryland, as Monocacy National Battlefield. Revises the boundaries of such park. Amends specified provisions relating to park administration. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for land acquisition and facility development. Title III: George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia - Revises the boundaries of George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title IV: Olympic National Park, Washington - Revises the boundaries of Olympic National Park, Washington. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to acquire lands within such revised boundaries. Title V: Pecos National Monument, New Mexico - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept the donation of lands for addition to Pecos National Monument, New Mexico. Title VI: Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands for addition to Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to purchase such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
Directs the President to proclaim that Valentyn Moroz shall be an honorary citizen of the United States. Urges cooperation in observance of the principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union as one of the signators to the Final Act should provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University for the 1976-77 academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Federal Agency Control and Review Act - Requires the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a study lasting one to two years of each Federal agency's efficiency and effectiveness. Requires that such report be submitted to the President and Congress. Authorizes the President to submit to Congress his recommendations with respect to such report. States that a report must have been concluded on all existing agencies within 12 years after the enactment of this Act and on all agencies within ten years after their creation. Requires that such study be repeated every ten years. Terminates such Federal agency ten years after the Office's report is submitted to Congress unless Congress adopts legislation to continue such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Civil Aeronautics Board to grant exemptions from the requirements of such Act for all-cargo operations in interstate air transportation pending consideration of an application for initial certification under such Act if such exemption is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Reclamation Authorizations Act - Title I: Kanopolis Unit, Kansas - Reauthorizes the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Kanopolis Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program, to be prosecuted by the Secretary of the Interior in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into land management agreements with the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission upon the expiration of existing leases for agricultural use of publicly owned lands. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,900,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter, for the construction of the Kanopolis Unit. Title II: Oroville-Tonasket Unit, Washington - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Oroville-Tonasket Unit of the Chief Joseph Dam project in Washington. Authorizes the Secretary to renegotiate contract arrangements between the United States and the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District with respect to assignment of irrigation costs. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $39,370,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter, for the construction of the Oroville-Tonasket Unit. Title III: Uintah Unit, Utah - Authorizes the appropriation of $90,247,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the Uintah Unit of the Central Utah Project. Title IV: American Canal Extension El Paso, Texas - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain a 13-mile extension of the American Canal in El Paso, Texas. Requires that the Secretary enter into a repayment contract with local irrigation district authorities prior to project construction. Authorizes the appropriation of $21,714,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the American Canal extension. Title V: Allen Camp Unit, California - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Allen Camp Unit of the Central Valley project in California. Authorizes the Secretary to replace roads and bridges rendered unusable by construction and operation of the Unit. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $64,220,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the Allen Camp Unit. Title VI: Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel, Colorado - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to rehabilitate the Leadville Mine drainage tunnel in Colorado. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,750,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for rehabilitation of the tunnel. Title VII: M'Gee Creek Project, Oklahoma - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the M'Gee Creek project in Oklahoma, in accordance with Federal Reclamation laws. Establishes procedures for reimbursement of project costs. Authorizes the appropriation of $83,239,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the M'Gee Creek project.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 or more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1976
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mine lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners, including owners of water rights, under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to Act. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the minesite and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regarded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep-slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requries the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspection by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operations on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 immediately and $10,000,000 for the next two fiscal years; (2) for the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000,000; (3) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (4) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and for the next four years.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Includes within the meaning of the term "hospital" in Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, rural health facilities of 50 beds or less.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that vocational education should be treated equally with other forms of education by the Congress, and executive agencies administering educational and Veterans' programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Extends the delimiting period in the case of any eligible veteran who is pursuing, during his or her tenth year of eligibility, a program of education. Terminates such extension on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (1) the date on which the veteran completes, or ceases to pursue, the program he was pursuing in his tenth year of eligibility; or (2) the last day of the 11-year period beginning on the date of his discharge from active duty. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1662(e))
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Recommends that the Board on Geographic Names approve a proposal to name two mountains in Alaska after the later Congressmen Hale Boggs and Nick Begich.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1976
Authorizes the American Legion to place in the District of Columbia on land of the national park system the bell which is known as the American Legion's Freedom Bell. Provides that all costs which are necessary for the placement of the Freedom Bell shall be borne by the American Legion. Provides that the Bell shall be maintained by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1976
Authorizes the American Legion to place in the District of Columbia on land of the national park system the bell which is known as the American Legion's Freedom Bell. Provides that all costs which are necessary for the placement of the Freedom Bell shall be borne by the American Legion. Provides that the Bell shall be maintained by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1976
Increases the amount authorized to be appropriated to establish, equip, operate, and maintain a metallurgy research center on the Fort Douglas Military Reservation, Utah.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1976
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority in the amount of $688,430 for the Secretary of the Interior to design a metallurgy research center to be established on the Fort Douglas Military Reservation, Utah (deferral number D76-110).
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive legislative jurisdiction over, the foreign intelligence activities of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies to the extent that such agencies engage in foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of Central Intelligence must keep the joint committee fully informed with respect to all foreign intelligence activities of the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. Charges the joint committee with the establishment of guidelines for the classification of information originating with the joint committee. Prescribes penalties for the public release of classified materials by any congressional officer, employee of the joint committee, or former congressional officer or employee of the joint committee. Requires that no nonintelligence gathering operation, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be conducted until 30 days after the President reports such operation to the joint committee, unless it is essential to national security that such operation begin immediately. Ceases all such operations which at any time are disapproved by the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall: (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank, are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing, primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committee of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legistation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Title I: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for the acquisition of lands and interests therein within the following units of the National Park System: (1) Arches National Park, Utah; (2) Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia; (3) Buffalo National River, Arkansas; (4) Capitol Reef National Park, Utah; (5) Fire Island National Seashore, New York; (6) Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi; (7) Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Illinois; (8) Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado; (9) North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Washington; (10) Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire; and (11) Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska. Title II: Development Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for development of the following units of the National Park System: (1) Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Tennessee; (2) Arkansas Post National Memorial, Arkansas; (3) Chamizal National Memorial, Texas; (4) Fort Larned National Historic Site, Kansas; (5) Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah; (6) Jefferson National Expansion Memorial National Historic Site, Missouri; (7) Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire; and (8) Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals provisions relating to beach erosion control, hurrican protection, and purchase of public utility facilities within Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a comprehensive plan for the protection, management, and use of such seashore. Authorizes the Secretary to designate specified areas for addition to the Colorado National Monument, Colorado. Increases the maximum amount authorized to be appropriated for acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of sites of specified events which occurred in Kansas during the decade prior to and during the Civil War. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to transfer specified lands to the jurisdiction of the Director of the National Park Service in Montgomery County, Maryland. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer specified lands in such county to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire up to 64 acres of land for addition to the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Commissioner of Education to make Federal interest subsidy and administrative cost allowance payments to holders of loans under such Act on behalf of the borrower within 30 days of receipt by the Commissioner of an itemized voucher in such form as the Commissioner shall by regulation prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Authorizes the appropriation of $78,322,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the Uintah unit of the central Utah project by the Secretary of the Interior. Reaffirms the authorization for the construction, operation, and maintenance of such unit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the seven-day period commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week," to recognize the National Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and its social, cultural, and service programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to include in the Renewable Resource Program, national program recommendations which take into account specified policy objectives. Requires the Secretary to provide for public participation in the formulation and review of proposed land management plans for units of the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that set out the process for the development and revision of such land management plans. Requires that such regulations specify procedures to insure that plans are prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and guidelines set out in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to appraise and sell so much of the trees and other forest products found upon National Park System lands as may further the policies set forth in the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act, and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Repeals the requirement that such forest products be sold for use only in the United States or territory in which the timber reservation from which such products were taken is located. Increases to $10,000 in appraised value the maximum value of timber and cord wood which the Secretary may sell without advertisement.
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 · 9 April 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the first week of May of each year as "Clean Air Week," and inviting the Governors and Mayors of State and local governments to issue similar proclamations. Requests the President to consider including in such a proclamation an invitation calling upon the communications media and all organizations and individuals concerned with programs to improve the quality of the atmosphere to participate in "Clean Air Week."
![Official portrait of Rep. Howe, Allan [D-UT-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000851_200.jpg)