United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Federal Land Policy and Management Act - Title I: Short Title, Declaration of Policy, and Definition - Declares Congressional policy relating to the use and management of public lands. Defines specified terms for the purposes of this Act. Title II: Planning Future Public Land Use - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and maintain on a continuing basis an inventory of all public lands and their resources. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and maintain on a continuing basis a comprehensive inventory of all National Forest System lands and renewable resources. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop, maintain, and revise land use plans which encompass all public lands. Lists guidelines to be followed in the development and revision of such plans. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop, maintain, and revise land and resource management plans for lands in the National Forest System. Specifies guidelines for the development and revision of such land use plans. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to issue management decisions to implement land use plans developed or revised under this Title. Permits either House of Congress to disapprove any management decision that excludes one or more principal uses for two years or longer with respect to a tract of land of at least 100,000 acres. Directs the Secretary, in managing the public lands under a land use plan, to regulate the use, occupancy, and development of such lands. Restricts such authority with respect to (1) the use, occupancy, and development of public lands by Federal agencies, (2) hunting and fishing on public lands, and (3) mining rights. Requires that any instrument relating to the use, occupancy, or development of public lands contain a provision authorizing revocation or suspension of such instrument upon an administrative finding of a violation of any term or condition of the instrument, including terms requiring compliance with regulations under Acts applicable to the public lands and compliance with applicable State or Federal air or water quality standards or implementation plans. Stipulates that, in lieu of specified findings, all conveyances of title issued by the Secretary of the Interior shall reserve to the United States all minerals in the lands and the right to prospect for and remove such minerals. Revises provisions relating to the designation by the Secretary of Agriculture of lands for townsites. Revises provisions regarding sales of tracts of public lands which have been or are presently subject to unintentional trespass to give owners of contiguous lands the right to purchase any such tract at its fair market value before selling the tract at public auction. Subjects the Secretary to specified reporting and notification requirements in relation to such sales. Sets forth procedures for withholding an area of Federal land from settlement, sale, location, or entry under some or all of the general land laws of the United States for the purpose of maintaining other public values in the area or reserving the area for a particular public purpose or program. Limits those individuals to whom the Secretary of the Interior may delegate authority for making such withdrawals. Empowers either House of Congress to disapprove withdrawals of lands aggregating over 5,000 acres. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to units of the National Forest System, to acquire lands or interests therein by purchase, exchange, donation, or eminent domain. Limits the purposes for which the Secretary of the Interior may acquire lands by eminent domain. Details guidelines relating to land exchanges. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, upon making one of specified findings regarding the interest of the United States in specified lands, to issue a document of disclaimer of interest where such a disclaimer would help remove a cloud on title. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey mineral interests owned by the United States where the surface is in non-Federal ownership if he finds (1) that there are no known mineral values in the land, or (2) that the reservation of the mineral rights is interfering with or precluding appropriate nonmineral development of the land and that such development is a more beneficial use of the land than mineral development. Specifies a formula for the determination of grazing fees. Directs that 50 percent of all moneys received as fees for grazing domestic livestock on public lands and on lands in the National Forest System be credited to a separate account in the United States Treasury for the purpose of range rehabilitation, protection, and improvement. Places a ten year limit on permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing. Grants to a holder of an expiring permit or lease first priority for receipt of the new permit or lease. Requires that all grazing permits and leases incorporate an allotment management plan. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to establish at least one grazing advisory board for each Bureau of Land Management district office and National Forest headquarters office in the western States having jurisdiction over more than 5,000 acres of land subject to commercial livestock grazing. Title III: Bureau of Land Management - Declares that the Bureasu of Land Management shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act with respect to the management, use, and protection of the public lands. Specifies penalties for persons violating such regulations. Empowers the Secretary to enter into contracts with State and local law enforcement officials for assistance in enforcing Federal laws and regulations with respect to public lands, or, in lieu thereof, to designate Federal personnel to carry out such enforcement responsibilities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish reasonable filing and service fees and reasonable charges and commissions with respect to applications and other documents relating to public lands. Establishes a working capital fund for the management of public lands, such fund to be made available for expenses necessary for furnishing supplies and equipment services in support of Bureau programs. Empowers the Secretary to: (1) conduct investigations, studies, and experiments involving the management, protection, development, and conveying of public lands; (2) enter into contracts and cooperative agreements involving the management protection, development, and sale of public lands; (3) accept contributions and donations of money, services, and property for the management, development, and conveying of the public lands, including the acquisition of rights-of-way for such purposes; and (4) enter into contracts with respect to the airborne cadastral survey and resource protection operations of the Bureau. Authorizes the Secretary to establish advisory councils to furnish advice regarding land use planning, classification, retention, management, and disposal of public land within the area for which the advisory council is established. Direct the Secretary to review roadless areas of the public lands and report recommendations to the President as to the suitability of such areas for designation as wilderness. Requires the President to report to Congress his recommendations with respect to designation as wilderness of each such area. Stipulates that a recommendation of the President for designating a specified area as wilderness shall become effective only if so provided by an Act of Congress, whereas a recommendation against the inclusion of a specified area within the wilderness system shall take effect unless disapproved by either House of Congress. Title IV: Desert Lands - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and implement a comprehensive long-range plan for the management, use, development and protection of the lands within the California Desert Conservation Area as designated pursuant to this Act. Instructs the Secretary to establish a California Desert Conservation Area Advisory Committee to assist in the preparation and implementation of such plan. Amends the Recreation and Public Purposes Act to specify additional prerequisite findings for the transfer of public lands to a State or political subdivision thereof, or to a nonprofit corporation for public purposes. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide opportunities for public participation with respect to such transfers. Revises provisions placing limitations on the number of acres which may be transferred to any entity each year. Stipulates that conveyances of land to be used for recreational purposes shall be made without monetary compensation. Permits the Secretary of the Interior to designate a tract of the public lands for sale upon making one of specified findings. Allows either House of Congress to disapprove the sale of any designated tract which exceeds 2,500 acres. Requires that sales of public lands be conducted under competitive bidding procedures except where equitable considerations or public policies necessitate modified competitive or noncompetitive bidding. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review specified withdrawals of public lands in enumerated western States. Title V: Rights-of-Way - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to lands within the National Forest System, other than wildererness areas, to grant, issue, or renew rights-of-way for enumerated uses. Sets forth disclosure requirements for right-of-way applicants. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of roads within or near public lands in locations which will permit maximum economy in harvesting timber from such lands. Lists alternatives for financing such roads. Permits the Secretary of the Interior to require the users of a road, trail, land, or other facility administered by the Secretary through the Bureau to either maintain or deposit sums for the maintenance of such facilities in a satisfactory condition. Requires, to the extent practical, utilization of rights-of-way in common. Requires that each right-of-way or permit reserve to the Secretary concerned the right to grant additional rights-of-way or permits for compatible uses on or adjacent to rights-of-way granted pursuant to this Act. Sets forth guidelines for determining the boundaries and duration of, and compensation for, rights-of-way. Directs the Secretary concerned to include in each grant of a right-of-way under this Act such terms and conditions as is deemed necessary to protect specified environmental, administrative, economic, and other public interests. Prescribes grounds and procedures for the suspension or termination of rights-of-way. Permits the Secretary concerned, when conveying lands subject to a right-of-way, to (1) reserve to the United States that portion of the lands which lies within the boundaries of the right-of-way, or (2) convey the lands subject to the right-of-way and reserving to the United States the right to enforce any terms and conditions of the right-of-way when such reservation or retention of rights is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title VI: Effect on Existing Rights; Repeal of Prior Laws; Appropriation Authorization, and Effective Date - Repeals specified statutes and portion of statutes relating to (1) homesteads, (2) sales and disposals of public lands, (3) townsite reservations and sales, (4)abandoned military reservations, (5) Presidential authority to withdraw or reserve public lands from entry or disposition under the public land laws, and (6) issuance of rights-of- way on public lands and lands in the National Forest System. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act. Sets forth procedures for requesting appropriations for the Bureau of Land Management. Details provisions regarding the effect of this Act on other Federal laws and on existing rights-of-way.
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 · 11 May 1976
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Redefines the meaning of the term "food" as used in the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to include seeds and plants for garden use. Redefines the term "household" to delete the requirement that individuals sharing common living quarters be related in order to qualify as a household. Defines the term "nutritionally adequate diet. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the Food Stamp program. States that no household shall be eligible if its income exceeds the income poverty guideline for a household of its size as prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget. Stes forth standards by which the income of a household shall be determined. Excludes from gross income Federal, State, and local taxes, and necessary expenses incurred in self-employment. Establishes limits on the value of liquid and nonliquid assets owned or being purchased by a household for purposes of determining eligibility. Specifies types of holdings which are to be included in determining the value of the household's assets. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; or (4) fails to actively seek employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, postsecondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusel to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no individual shall be considered a household member for food stamp program purposes who: (1) has reached his eighteenth birthday; (2) is enrolled in an institution of higher education; and (3) is properly claimed or could be claimed as a dependent by a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no individual shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program who resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of living. Sets the charge for a household coupon allotment at 30 percent of the household's monthly income. Requires State agencies administering the food stamp program to conduct nutrition education programs for food coupon recipients. Establishes a plan whereby the States will pay two and one-half percent of the bonus value of the food coupon allotments made to State residents each month of fiscal year 1977, with an additional two and one-half percent added annually until the States pay ten percent of such bonus value each year.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Jobs Creation Act - Allows as a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code an amount equal to ten percent of the increase in the total amount of qualified savings deposits and investments of an individual. Stipulates that such credit shall not exceed $1,000. Increases the maximum tax deduction for retirement savings to $2,000. Excludes from gross income amounts received by an individual as dividends from domestic corporations. Allows a taxpayer to exclude from gross income up to $1,000 of gain from the sale or exchange of securities. Allows the nonrecognition of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business property, at the election of the taxpayer, to the extent that the amount realized on such sale or exchange is reinvested in qualified small business property by the taxpayer during the reinvestment period beginning one year before the date of the sale or exchange and ending one year after such date. Allows the executor of an estate which includes an interest in a qualified closely held business which exceeds either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate or 50 percent of the value of the taxable estate, but is less than $300,000 to elect: (1) to pay the estate tax in up to 20 equal annual installments (presently ten); and (2) to defer the payment of the first installment until five years after the filing of the return. Reduces the corporate normal tax rate to 20 percent. Reduces the corporate surtax rate to 22 percent. Increases the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000. Revises the procedure for the determination of the investment credit to provide graduated rates of 25 percent of the qualified investment to the extent that the qualified investment does not exceed $25,000; 20 percent of the qualified investment to the extent that the qualified investment exceeds $25,000 and does not exceed $50,000; plus 15 percent of the qualified investment to the extent that qualified investment exceeds $50,000. Increases the allowable percentage variation from any class life prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury to 40 percent. Allows a taxpayer to elect to take a tax deduction for a capital recovery allowance on qualified tangible property in lieu of the depreciation allowance. Allows a taxpayer to elect a 12-month amortization period for pollution control facilities. Increases the exemption for specified small issues of industrial revenue bonds which allows the exclusion from gross income of investment received on such bonds to the extent that the bond issue does not exceed $10,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the acreage of individually owned land which may eligibly receive project water as nonexcess acreage under Federal reclamation laws at 160 acres of class I land or the equivalent acreage of lands of lesser productive value as would be appropriate for an economic family size farm. Requires the Secretary in establishing land classes to take into account factors including soil characteristics, crop adaptability, cost of crop production and soil characteristics.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Wheat and Wheat Foods Research and Nutrition Education Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to authorize and enable the creation of an orderly procedure, adequately financed through an assessment and voluntary contributions, for the development and initiation of an effective and continuous coordinated program of research and nutrition education designed to improve and enhance the quality and make the most efficient use of American wheat, processed wheat, and wheat end products to insure an adequate diet for all Americans. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders to effectuate the declared purpose of this Act. States that such orders shall include provisions: (1) for establishing projects for research and nutrition education for wheat and wheat products; (2) for establishing and carrying on research or studies with respect to the sale, distribution, marketing, and utilization of wheat and wheat products and the creation of new products; and (3) requiring that processors, distributors of processed wheat, and end product manufacturers maintain and make available for inspection such books and records as may be required by any order issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue orders providing for the establishment of a Wheat Industry Council to: (1) administer and make rules and regulations to effectuate orders issued pursuant to this Act; (2) receive, investigate and report to the Secretary complaints of violations of such orders; and (3) recommend to the Secretary amendments to such orders. States that the membership of such Council shall represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers and consumers on an equal basis. Requires each end product manufacturer to pay to such Council an assessment, not to exceed five cents per hundredweight, based on the total number of hundredweights of processed wheat purchased by or transferred to such manufacturer to be used for expenditures and expenses incurred by the Council or Secretary under this Act. Exempts from this Act any end product manufacturer who does not purchase more than 2,000 hundredweight of processed wheat per year for use in manufacture. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum among end product manufacturers to determine whether the issuance of an order under this Act is favored by such manufacturers. States that no such order shall become effective unless: (1) votes were cast by more than 50 percent of the registered end product manufacturers; and (2) not less than two-thirds of such voting manufacturers approve of such order or by a majority of such manufacturers if such majority manufacturerd not less than two-thirds of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting in the referendum. Allows end product manufacturers who have reserved the right to seek refunds and who disfavor the programs under this Act to receive from the Council the assessment paid to such Council. Sets forth the procedures for the administrative and judicial review of orders or obligations imposed under this Act. States that any person who willfully violates any order issued under this Act or who fails to remit any required assessment or fee shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per violation. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum on request by ten percent or more of the end product manufacturers to determine whether such manufacturers favor the suspension or termination of any order. States that such order shall be suspended or terminated if 50 percent of the voting manufacturers or manufacturers who produce end products containing more than 50 percent of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting approve of such action. Authorizes the Secretary to make investigations for the effective carrying out of his or her responsibilities under this Act or to determine whether any person has or is about to violate any of the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for any organization wishing to: (1) participate in the nominating of Council members; (2) represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers or consumers; and (3) request the issuance of an order under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President shall seek the elimination of surety deposit requirements on vegetable protein products imposed by the European Economic Community. Provides that if the President shall fail to eliminate such requirements, he shall obtain full compensation for such actions under article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 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 appropriation 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 research 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 mined 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 regraded areas. 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. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires operators to obtain a permit prior to conducting any coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface. 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 inspections 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 operation 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 mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. 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 approriation 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 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 (3) 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 · 9 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Postal Service should not close or otherwise suspend the operation of any post office during the six-month period beginning on the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands and interests in lands in specified areas of Nebraska and to establish the Trails West National Historical Park in Nebraska and Wyoming once sufficient lands have been acquired. Creates a Trails West National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Allows recovery by the prevailing party of attorney's fees from the United States in civil actions where the United States is a party which does not prevail.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate lands within specified areas for addition to the Colorado National Monument, Colorado, and to acquire any lands so designated or interests therein. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to emphasize agricultural research as a distinct mission of the Department of Agriculture, to be certain such research is effectively coordinated, and to provide a mechanism for identifying the Nation's highest priority problems for agricultural research. Provides for an additional Assistant Secretary of Agriculture to be responsible for the agricultural research activities of the Department of Agriculture and to serve as co-chairman of the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Directs the Secretary to appoint a scientist to serve and report to such new Assistant Secretary and to act as Executive Secretary of such Committee. Establishes, within the Department of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Specifies the membership of such Committee. States that the Committee's responsibilities shall include: (1) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (2) providing a forum for research sponsoring agencies to exchange information on agricultural plans and programs; and (3) making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding applications for funding of mission-oriented basic agricultural research. Requires such Committee to annually submit a report of its activities to specified committees of the Congress. Defines "mission-oriented basic agricultural research" as research on fundamental science topics with regard to which there is a basic need in existence for new knowledge that would be genrated by such research, has a strong potential for benefitting mankind and deals with more than an unproven concept. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First and Second Morrill Acts and to State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research, without regard to matching State funds. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Declares it to be the sense of Congress that Federal funding for existing agricultural research programs be increased by $250,000,000 annually.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant to any person holding a lease for oil shale under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act, additional leases for lands outside the oil shale lease lands. Restricts the use of such lands. Provides that such leases shall not be issued unless the lessee shows that the additional land is necessary to the operations under the oil shale lease and that the lease is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 23 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 · 22 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating November 10, 1975, in commemoration of the two hundredth anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.
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
States that the liability of a broker who sells any agricultural commodity on behalf of his principal when that commodity serves as security for any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under a program administered by the Farmers Home Administration shall be limited to the extent of any commission received by the broker as a result of the sale.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the first Saturday after the first Tuesday in January as "National Ski Week".
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 · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the people of the Virgin Islands to organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the people of the Virgin Islands. Requires that such constitution shall include a bill of rights. Provides for eligibility for membership at the convention. Establishes voting procedures for the approval or disapproval of such constitution as may be drafted by the convention. Provides that upon taking effect, a constitution drafted and approved under this Act shall supersede such provisions of the Organic Act of the Virgin Islands as may be inconsistent with such constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the people of Guam to organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Legislature of Guam to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the people of Guam. Requires that such constitution shall include a bill of rights. Provides for eligibility for membership at the convention. Provides for voting procedures for the approval or disapproval of such constitution as may be drafted by the convention. Provides that upon taking effect, a constitution drafted and approved under this Act shall supersede such provisions of the Organic Act of Guam as may be inconsistent with such constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Stipulates that Members of Congress may not, for purposes of State income tax laws, be treated as residents of any State other than the State from which they were elected. (Amends 4 U.S.C 113)
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines the term "income" as used in the Food Stamp Act as the monthly gross income of all members of a household, including any in-kind payment, and the total value of any publicly funded assistance payments which supplement food and housing needs. Excludes specified individuals from the definition of "household. Provides for the distribution of federally donated foods to households upon the request by a political subdivision that such distribution be made to all eligible households in lieu of food stamps. Excludes households from eligibility for food stamps: (1) if the monthly household income exceeds the poverty index level of income established by the Office of Management and Budget; or (2) if the market value of liquid and nonliquid resources of a household consisting of one individual exceeds $1,500 or the resources of a multiple member household exceed $2,250 exclusive of specified resources. Excludes from eligibility households which include an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who is enrolled in an institution of postsecondary education and such enrollment is a substitute for fulltime employment. Declares that a refusal to work at a plant or site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed a refusal to work which makes the household of the nonworking individual ineligible for food stamps. Rejects as an excuse for refusal to accept work a condition of employment which requires an individual to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any labor organization. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to require each household receiving benefits under this Act to report its income at least once each month. Requires food coupons to be designed with a space for the recipient to sign upon receipt and again at redemption. Requires one member of each eligible household to be issued a photo-identification card with a color photograph of the recipient. States that such card must be presented at redemption at a food store. Sets forth specific instructions to provide control and accountability over the distribution of food coupons to State agencies. Ties the value of the coupon allotment to the overall retail cost-of-living index. States that the "nutritionally adequate diet" as used to determine the amount of the coupon allotment shall mean the low-cost food plan developed by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. States that the United States Postal Service shall serve as a food stamp issuing agency upon the request of a State food stamp administration agency. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the States 100 percent of the costs of providing food stamps to eligible aliens, and 75 percent of the costs of State investigations, prosecutions, collections of claims and other State activities related to retrieving food stamp losses. Provides for payment by the Federal Government to the States of a share of the difference between the face value of the coupon allotment and the amount charged eligible households for the allotment. Sets forth the method of determining and paying the Federal share. Directs the transfer of all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, an exemption from income taxation for specified income of condominium housing associations, homeowner associations, and cooperatve housing corporations operated for the management, maintenance, landscaping, and repair of common areas and dwellings.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Social Security Reform Amendments - Repeals the earnings limitation under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides benefits under such title to husbands, widowers, and fathers on the same basis as wives, widows, and mothers who presently receive benefits. Eliminates the five-month waiting period for disability benefits. Continues the benefit entitled under such title through the month of the beneficiary's death. Permits individuals 65 years of age or older to elect an exemption from Social Security coverage and payment of Social Security taxes. Eliminates marriage or remarriage of a beneficiary as a factor in terminating or reducing the amount of benefits available. Authorizes direct payments to physicians and other providers at their option under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
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.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act - States that, within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, each county shall elect whether it wishes to proceed under the terms of this Act to receive payments from the Federal Government equal to the real property taxes otherwise due from public lands within such county, or to continue to receive whatever payments such county is entitled to receive under any existing applicable Federal law providing for Federal payments for such county similar to those available under this Act or for payment to such county of part of the revenue derived from such public land. Establishes procedures for the appraisal of public lands. Provides that when any county within a State has elected to proceed under the terms of this Act, there shall be established for that State a State board of appraisal appeal. Provides that each board shall consider and decide any appeal from a county within the State relating to the appraisal of public land within such county. States that decisions of the board shall not be subject to judicial review unless arbitrary or capricious. States that, beginning in the first complete fiscal year after the acceptance of such appraisal by both the county involved and the Administrator, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to pay annually to the State in which such county is located an amount equivalent to the State, county, and local real property taxes on public lands within such county, based on the tax rate applicable to similar private lands at the value arrived at under the appraisal conducted under this Act, if such public lands were not exempt from such taxes. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall interfere with the right of State or local governments to levy possessory interests taxes on private owners of improvements made by private users on public lands. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to administer this Act and to make the payments authorized by it.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Freestone Peach Research and Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders applicable to persons engaged in the handling of freestone peaches. Authorizes the Secretary to collect assessments on freestone peaches handled under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the use of such funds for research and education for freestone peaches in a manner prescribed in this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue a plan to effectuate the policy of this Act, after notice and opportunity for a hearing. Requires to be in any such plan promulgated by the Secretary: (1) the establishment by the Secretary of a National Freestone Peach Research and Education Board; (2) that the board shall be made up of producers; (3) that the board members shall serve without compensation; (4) that the board shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a budget on a fiscal period basis; (5) that the board shall develop and submit to the Secretary for his approval any research or education programs, or projects; (6) that the board shall be provided with authority to enter into contracts or agreements, for the carrying out of research or education programs; and (7) that the board shall maintain books and records, and submit to the Secretary such reports as are necessary for appropriate accounting. Makes it the responsibility of each handler designated by the board to collect assessments levied on freestone peaches to make such payments to the board. Permits any person aggrieved by any such plan issued by the Secretary to file a written petition with the Secretary stating his objections thereto. Grants to the district courts of the United States the jurisdiction to specifically enforce, and to restrain any person from violating any plan or regulation issued pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make such investigations as he deems necessary for the effectuation of his responsibilities under this Act, or to determine whether a handler or any other person has engaged or is engaging in any acts or practices which constitute a violation of any provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a referendum among producers to determine whether the issuance of a plan is approved or favored by producers. Requires the Secretary, whenever he finds that a plan or any provision obstructs the declared policy of this Act, to terminate or suspend the operation of such plan or provision thereof. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Rice Act - Title I: Rice - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, to establish for each of the 1976 and 1977 crops of rice a national acreage allotment which shall be the number of acres which will produce an amount of rice equal to the estimated domestic consumption and exports (less imports) of rice for the marketing year beginning in the year in which the crop is to be produced, adjusted to maintain adequate supplies or to prevent excessive carryover stocks. Requires that the national acreage allotment shall not be less than two million acres. Directs the Secretary to allocate the national acreage allotment on the basis of the rice allotments established for the preceding crops, as equitablly adjusted. Provides for reserving a portion of the rice allotment for apportionment to new rice farms and new rice producers. Sets forth criteria for reducing the rice allotment. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer for any year because of natural disaster all or part of such rice acreage for any farm in the county or in any other nearby county on which the transfer is to be made will be engaged in the production of rice and will share in the proceeds in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to permit the owner and operator of any farm for which a farm acreage allotment has been established to sell or lease all or any part to any other owner or operator of a farm in the same State, or to transfer all or any part of such allotment to any other farm owned or controlled by him if in the same State. Title II: Rice Research - Authorizes the national research programs with respect to rice for specified purposes, including: (1) to reduce fertilizer and herbicide usage in excess of production needs; (2) to develop varieties of rice more susceptible to complete fertilizer utilization; and (3) to improve the resistance of rice plants to disease and to enhance their conservation and environmental qualities. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out such research. Title III: Miscellaneous - Provides, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, that for the 1976 and 1977 crops of rice, a cooperator shall be a producer on a farm on which a farm acreage allotment has been established or to which a producer acreage allotment has been allocated, who has set aside the acreage required under such Act and who complies with the conditions of eligibility prescribed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary through fiscal year 1983 for the construction of mint buildings. States that the aggregate amount of sums appropriated under this Act shall not exceed $105,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Animal Health Research Act - Sets forth the purpose of this act and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with the several States for the purpose of encouraging and assisting them in carrying out programs of animal health research at eligible institutions. Authorizes the Congress to appropriate such funds, not to exceed $20,000,000 annually, as it may determine necessary to support such research programs. Specifies the formula by which funds appropriated under this Act shall be apportioned. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds, not to exceed $15,000,000 annually, as may be necessary to support research on specific national or regional animal health problems. Provides that in developing plans for the use of such funds the Secretary shall consult the Advisory Board created by this Act. Authorizes to appropriated such sums, not to exceed $12,000,000 annually, as may be necessary to support costs of providing veterinary medical science research facilities. Provides that such funds shall be apportioned in accordance with the formula set forth in this Act. States that each dean or director of an eligible institution shall submit a brief annual report of research accomplishments on a project-by-project basis. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Veterinary Medical Science Research Advisory Board which shall consist of twelve members. Authorizes the SEcretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides that any grant funds under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act which were withheld from allotment by Presidential direction for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975 shall be alloted among the States by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with a specified formula. Revises the distribution of such allotments to the States for fiscal years beginning with 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Revises the Emergency Livestock Credit Act to include the Federal Financing Bank in the term "legally organized lending agency" only to the extent that such Bank may hold the guaranteed portion of such loans. Allows a contract that guarantees such loan to require the Secretary of Agriculture to participate in up to 90 percent of any loss. Extends to seven years the period of time loans guaranteed under such Act may be repaid. Restricts the total principal balance outstanding at any one time to $250,000 on loans guaranteed under this act for any one loan applicant. Terminates the authority to make loans under this Act on December 31, 1976. Allows the lender to accept collateral for such guaranteed loans which has depreciated in value due to temporary economic conditions, but which remains adequate security for the loan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish national petroleum reserves on any reserved or unreserved public lands of the United States except lands in the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, areas now under review for inclusion in the Wilderness System in accordance with provisions of the Wilderness Act of 1964, and lands in Alaska other than those in Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 4. States that no national petroleum reserve that includes all or part of an existing naval petroleum reserve shall be established without prior consultation with the Secretary of Defense. Authorizes the development of the oil and gas in the national petroleum reserves in the contiguous 48 States established pursuant to this Act. Requires competitive bidding procedures with prior public notice for any contract, lease, or operating agreement for development and production of oil and gas from a national petroleum reserve. States that the terms and conditions for such development, which shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior, shall be subject to disapproval by Congress. Provides that any oil or gas produced from such petroleum reserves shall, with exceptions, be subject to all the limitations and licensing requirements of the Export Administration Act. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to explore for oil and gas on Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 4 and to report annually to Congress on his plan for exploration of such reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Small Business Tax Relief Act - Allows an investment tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code to small businesses for depreciable property on which construction begins after December 31, 1974, or which is acquired after such time, equal to 10 percent of the qualified investment (the applicable percentage of the basis of each new such property and cost of each used such property placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year) up to $20,000 and 7 percent of such investment in excess of $20,000. Increases the additional first-year depreciation allowance under the Internal Revenue Code for a small business from 20 to 25 percent. Increases the cost allowance of such property on which such deduction is based from $10,000 to $15,000. Prescribes a formula for computing the last-in-first-out (LIFO) inventory adjustment for small businesses whose closing inventory is less than $200,000 and who do not use the LIFO inventory methods described in the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Allows small businesses a carryover for 10 years of a net operating loss.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Terminates the requirement under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act that prior approval of the Secretary of Agriculture be obtained for export sales of feed grains, wheat, soybeans, or other agricultural commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Provides that moneys due to the States under the Mineral Leasing Act from revenues derived from the development of oil shale resources may be used for the planning, construction, and maintenance of public facilities and provision of public services (presently limits expenditure of such funds to public roads and schools).
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Provides for releases from terms and conditions in the authorization for the approval by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Agency of the exchange of a portion of real property conveyed to the city of Grand Junction, Colorado.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Permits the States to use monies received from sales, bonuses, royalties and rentals of public lands under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act for the planning, construction, and maintenance of public facilities and the provision of public services (presently limits expenditure of such funds to public roads and schools). (Amends 30 U.S.C. 19)
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish on specified public lands of the United States national petroleum reserves the development of which needs to be regulated in a manner consistent with the total energy needs of the Nation, including but not limited to, national defense. Requires the Secretary to review the potential for oil and gas production, in the State of Alaska, and to submit to Congress within one year a plan of development.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides that the House of Representatives of the 95th Congress and each succeeding Congress shall consider and adopt the rules of its proceedings. Limits general debate on the resolution incorporating the proposed rules to 10 hours, to be equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader.
![Official portrait of Rep. Johnson, James P. (Jim) [R-CO-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000148_200.jpg)