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United States · Official source
2,450 records where Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Provides for the payment by the Federal Government of the cost of the defense of judges and judicial officers sued in their official capacities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Decreases from $160,000,000 to $75,000,000 the providing authority for the Agricultural Conservation Program (REAP) in the Agriculture-Environmental and Consumer Protection Appropriation Act, 1974. Reduces by the uncommitted balances of authorizations the limitation to the total payments required by all contracts entered into under title IV (Housing for Education Institutions) of the Housing Act of 1950. States that contract authority provided for the fiscal year 1973 under forest development of roads and trails provisions of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1970 is rescinded in the amount of $63,533,000. Rescinds additional amounts under such Act for public lands development of roads and trails and for park roads and trails.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Provides that the Director and Deputy Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and the Director of the Federal Judicial Center may retire and be eligible for a retirement annuity before the completion of fifteen years of service in such capacity if they have reached the age of sixty-six years or more, provided that each has completed a specified number of years of service.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1974
Establishes within the Treasury an Offender Rehabilitation Fund to be available to the Attorney General as a revolving fund to make loans to releasees not to exceed $150 for any releasee during any calendar month, up to $600 in aggregate for any releasee. Specifies the factors to be taken into account by the Attorney General in determining whether a releasee is in need of loan assistance under this Act. Stipulates that, if the Attorney General determines that it is in the best interest of the releasee not to have money provided directly to him, a loan may be in the form of the purchase of essential needs of the releasee. Specifies the terms and conditions of loans to be made under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Revises the copyright laws with respect to: (1) the rights of authors or proprietors of unpublished works, (2) the registration of unpublished works, (3) deposit of copyrights with the Copyright Office after publication, (4) actions or proceedings for infringement, and (5) duration, renewal, and extension of copyrights. Increases the fees payable to the Copyright Office for registration of claims to copyright and other services rendered.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Establishes a Joint Committee on Central Intelligence composed of seven Members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate, and seven Members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Requires the joint committee to make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and problems relating to the gathering of intelligence affecting the national security and of its coordination and utilization by the various departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government. Requires the Central Intelligence Agency and other services engaged in foreign intelligence activities to keep the joint committee fully and currently informed with respect to their activities. Provides that all bills, resolutions, and other matters in the Senate or the House of Representatives relating primarily to the Central Intelligence Agency and to other services engaged in foreign intelligence activities shall be referred to the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1974
New Homestead Act - Provides that in the case of any farm purchase loan to any person who is (1) a nonowner-operator of a farm or (2) an owner-operator of a farm who is not reliant on such farm for his principal source of income, the Secretary of Agriculture may make or insure any such loan up to $100,000 or 90 percent of the value of the farm being purchased, whichever is greater. States that the repayment of any farm purchase loan by any person who was at the time of such loan a nonowner-operator of a farm or an owner-operator of a farm, but not reliant on such farm for his principal source of income, shall, upon the request of such person at the time the loan is made or insured, be made as follows: (1) during the first twelve-month period beginning on the first day of the first month after the loan is made and during each of the next fourteen twelve-month periods, one-eightieth of the total amount to be financed including interest; and (2) (A) during each of the next twenty-five twelve-month periods, one twenty-fifth of an amount equal to the total amount to be financed including interest minus the amount paid pursuant to paragraph (1); or (B) at the close of the fifteenth twelve-month period, the balance of the principal plus an amount of interest which would have been due and payable during the first fifteen twelve-month periods had the forty-year loan been paid in four hundred and eighty equal installments; except that the balance of the loan shall become due and payable if such farm or any interest therin is transferred without the approval of the Secretary to any person ineligible for a loan. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1974
Land Use Planning Act - Title I: Assistance to States - Sets forth the findings of Congress and policies of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make annual grants to any State which has: (1) established an eligible land use planning agency, and (2) an intergovernmental advisory council to assist in the development and administration of a land use planning process. Defines the elements which constitute a comprehensive land use planning process, including provisions for: (1) public involvment in the process; (2) coordination of land use activites of all State agencies; (3) consideration of esthetic, ecological, recreational and geological needs; and (4) environmental policies. Describes the factors to be included in any methods of implementation employed by a State in carrying out its land use planning process. Provides for interstate cooperation in coordinating land use planning. States that prior to making a grant to any State, the Secretary shall consult with specified officials and shall ascertain that land use planning criteria have been met. Prescribes an appeal procedure for States found ineligible to receive grants. Title II: Indian Reservation and Other Tribal Lands - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to appoint a task force to study the need for and form of land use planning grants to any Indian tribe to assist in developing a land use planning process for Indian reservations and other tribal lands. Title III: Public Lands - Requires that each public land management agency head prepare and maintain an inventory of all public lands and other resources under his jurisdiction. States that in the development of public land use plans, specified considerations and priorities shall be taken into account. Establishes the Interagency Land Use Policy and Planning Board and enumerates the duties of such Board. Provides for the appointing of the memberss of the Board. Directs the Executive office to issue guidelines to Federal agencies and States to assist them in carrying out the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary to investigate the need for and form of stating national land use policies, taking into account specified factors. Calls for the Secretary to issue a biennial report on land resources, uses, and problems. States that, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Secretary may hold hearings, take testimony and receive evidence. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of: (1) $100,000,000 for each of eight fiscal years for grants to States under title I; (2) $5,000,000 for each of three fiscal years for grants to the States for the purpose of accelerating the decisional process with respect to land use plans; and (3) $10,000,000 for each of three fiscal years for administration of this Act. Provides for the allotment of such funds. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1974
Eastern Wilderness Areas Act - Designates specified lands in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Provides for a study of specified additional lands in eighteen states and Puerto Rico for such inclusion. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1974
National Commission on the Economy Act - Establishes the National Commission on the Economy to conduct a comprehensive study to determine: (1) the causes of (a) price instability; (b) erosion of consumer purchasing power; (c) the high rate of unemployment and serious problems of underemployment; (d) severe inflationary pressures; (e) shortages in certain essential commodities, raw materials, and finished products; (f) problems relating to productivity; and (g) such other economic problems as the Commission determines to have a significant impact on consumers; (2) the effectiveness of existing organizational and institutional arrangements in the Federal Government for establishing sound economic policies; (3) the impact on the economy of the major regulatory agencies of the Federal Government; (4) the adequacy of the data collection practices of the Federal Government as they relate to the formulation of economic policy; and (5) the impact on the economy of the fiscal and monetary policies of the Federal Government. Provides that, in determining the causes of the current economic problems listed above, the Commission shall consider the impact of industrial concentration, international economic conditions, the activities of major multinational business firms, and the policies and programs of the Federal Government relating to such matters. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and to the Congress a progress report (to be submitted one year after the date of the enactment of the first Act appropriating funds for the Commission) and a final report (to be submitted not later than two years after the date of the enactment of the first Act appropriating funds for the Commission) containing: (1) a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission; and (2) the recommendations of the Commission formulated pursuant to this Act. States that the Commission shall be composed of specified numbers of individuals representing the private sector and the legislative and executive branches of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1974
Provides for the expansion of the area of the Redwood National Park in California.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1974
Surveillance Practices and Procedures Act - Expresses the findings and declarations of Congress, including that Congress should establish practices and procedures to be followed by the Government when engaging in surveillance activities so as to reconcile the Government's interest in executing its investigative, law enforcement, and other functions with the Congressional and public interests in protecting the integrity of the individual's right to privacy and other constitutional rights and liberties. Defines the term "foreign agent". Requires authorization for interception of wire or oral communications in national security cases. Sets forth the procedure for interception of such communications relating to national security by requiring applications for an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication to be made in writing upon oath or affirmation to a judge of competent jurisdiction. Specifies the content required in any such application.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Postpones the effective date of the proposed amendments to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure which are embraced by the order entered by the United States Supreme Court on April 22, 1974, and which were transmitted to the Congress by the Chief Justice on April 22, 1974, until August 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Prohibits, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the issuance of general permits which authorize the taking (whether incidental or otherwise) of marine mammals in connection with commercial fishing operations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1974
Refers H.R. 15403, entitled "A bill for the relief of Marlin Toy Products, Incorporated," to the Chief Commissioner of the United States Court of Claims, pursuant to sections 1492 and 2509 of Title 28, United States Code, as amended.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, a reduced tax rate for qualified domestic production of beer.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Provides for the relief of Marlin Toy Products, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1974
Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation four annual installments of $375,000,000 each for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury to the International Development Association.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1974
Extends from two to three and one-half years the time within which the National Commission for the Review of Federal and State Laws on Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance is authorized to make its report. Provides that the law with respect to public disclosure shall not apply to records, reports, or transcripts of the closed sessions of the Commission. Provides that, notwithstanding other provisions of law, the Commission may use intercepted wire or oral communications as evidence in its proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1974
National Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish by order appropriate nonoperational Federal mobile home and recreational vehicle safety standards. Provides that, in prescribing standards under this Act, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall: (1) consider relevant available mobile home safety data; (2) consult with such State or interstate agencies (including legislative committees) as he deems appropriate; (3) consider whether any such proposed standard is reasonable, practicable, and appropriate for the particular type of mobile home or recreational vehicle for which it is prescribed; (4) consider whether any such standard will result in a substantial increase in the retail price of mobile homes or recreational vehicles; and (5) consider the extent to which any such standard will contribute to carrying out the purpose of this title. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue initial Federal recreational vehicle and mobile home safety standards upon the expiration of a two hundred and seventy day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall issue new and revised Federal recreational vehicle and mobile home safety standards under this title upon the expiration of the five hundred and forty-day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes both a National Mobile Home Safety Advisory Council, and a National Recreational Vehicle Safety Advisory Council, a majority of each of which shall be representatives of the general public, including representatives of State and local governments, and the remainder shall include mobile home or recreational vehicle, manufacturers, dealers, representatives of insurers, and nationally recognized standards-producing organizations. Provides that the Secretary shall consult with the appropriate Advisory Council before establishing or revoking any mobile home or recreational vehicle safety standard pursuant to this title. Directs the Secretary to conduct research, testing, development and training necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides that no person shall: (1) manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce, or import into the United States, any mobile home or recreational vehicle manufactured on or after the date any applicable Federal mobile home or recreational vehicle safety standard takes effect under this title unless it is in conformity with such standard; (2) fail or refuse access to or copying of records, or fail to make reports or provide information, or fail or refuse to permit entry or inspection, as required under this Act; (3) fail to issue a certficate required by this Act, or issue a certificate to the effect that a mobile home or recreational vehicle conforms to all applicable Federal mobile home or recreational vehicle safety standards, unless such person in the exercise of due care has reason to know that such certificate is false or misleading in a material respect; or (4) fail to furnish notification of any defect as required by this Act. Provides for civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct such inspection and investigation as may be necessary to enforce Federal mobile home and recreational vehicles safety standards established under this Act. Provides that every manufacturer, distributor, and dealer of mobile homes and recreational vehicles shall maintain such records, make such reports, and provide such performance and technical data to the Secretary as may be required to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a National Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Safety Institute in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Provides that such Institute shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Authorizes such Institute to: (1) develop, establish, and forward to the Secretary of Transportation recommended mobile home and recreational vehicle nonoperational safety standards; (2) conduct research, testing, development, and training as authorized by this title; (3) prepare the annual report to the Congress required by this title; and (4) perform all other functions of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President an annual report on the activities of the Department of Transportation under this title. States that nothing in this Act shall prevent any State agency or court from asserting or continuing jurisdiction under State law over any aspect of mobile home or recreational vehicle safety with respect to which no standards have been established pursuant to this title. Provides that any State may assume responsibility for enforcement of any Federal standards which have been established under this Act upon approval by the Secretary under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States which have been delegated enforcement responsibility to assist them in identifying their needs and responsibilities in the area of safety standards enforcement or in developing enforcement plans. Provides that the Federal share of each such grant shall not exceed 90 percent of the total cost. Authorizes Federal participation under the Home Owner's Loan Act of 1933 in any loan made for the purchase of a recreational vehicle or mobile home which meets or exceeds the safety standards established under this Act. Provides for Federal participation in loans made to veterans purchasing mobile homes and recreational vehicles which meet such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1974
Designates for study specified rivers in California, Michigan, Alabama, Wyoming, Colorado, Minnesota, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Wisconsin as potential additions to the national wild and scenic rivers system.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1974
Provides that no citizen of the United States who is otherwise qualified to vote in any State or political subdivision in any primary or election shall be denied the right to vote in such primary or election on account of his conviction of a criminal offense unless he is imprisoned in a correctional institution or facility at the time of each primary or election. States that whoever shall intentionally deny or attempt to deny any person of any right secured by this Act shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1974
Terminates the Airlines Mutual Aid Agreement, effective June 1, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1974
Title I: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Provides for increases in appropriation ceilings for the acquisition of specified units of the National Park System. Title II: Development Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for development of specified units of the National Park System. Title III: Boundary Changes - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise the boundaries of specified units of the National Park System. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by donation, purchase, or exchange and to develop specified National Park lands. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary up to $100,000 to conduct studies to determine the cause and extent of the damage to the foundation of the historic structures of the San Juan National Historic Site. Authorizes to be appropriated up to $8,400,000 in addition to available funds, for moving costs, relocation benefits, and other expenses incurred pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Provides that whenever an owner of property, to be acquisitioned to the National Park System, elects to retain a right of use and occupancy, such owner shall be deemed to have waived the relocation benefits and displaced person status accorded by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the month of May 1974, as "National Arthritis Month".
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1974
Parole Reorganization Act - Establishes, as an independent entity in the Department of Justice, a United States Parole Commission, to consist of a national office and five regional offices. States that the Commission shall have the power to establish general policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations for the Commission, including rules with respect to the factors to be taken into account in determining whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole. Provides that the Commission shall meet not less frequently than quarterly to establish its general policies and rules. States that, whenever confined and serving a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, a prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole after serving one-third of such term or terms or after serving ten years of a life sentence or of a sentence over thirty years. Stipulates that a prisoner shall be released on parole if his record shows that he has substantially observed the rules of the institution in which he is confined on the date of his eligibility for parole, unless it is determined by an examining panel that he should not be released on such date for one or more of the following reasons: (1) there is a reasonable probability that such prisoner will not live and remain at liberty without violating any criminal law; (2) there is a reasonable probability that such release would be incompatible with the welfare of society; or (3) the prisoner's release on such date would so deprecate the seriousness of his crime as to undermine respect for the law. Requires the regional offices to hold a hearing in making a determination of whether to release a prisoner on parole. Sets forth the procedure to be followed in such hearings. Authorizes the regional Commissions to impose such conditions of parole as are deemed reasonably necessary to insure that the parolee will lead a law-abiding life or to assist him in doing so. Provides, with certain exceptions, that the jurisdiction of the Commission over the parolee shall terminate no later than the date of the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which he was sentenced. States that if the regional commissioner believes that any parolee has violated a condition of his parole, or that there is reason to terminate any parolee's assignment to a center or similar facility, he may order such parolee to appear before him or before a hearing examiner, or issue a warrant and retake the parolee as provided in this Act. Requires that a hearing be held on such a matter. Authorizes the courts to fix eligibility for parole at the time of sentencing of an individual. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide that any prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole if such prisoner is ineligible for such release under any other provision of law. Requires the Commission to report annually to each House of Congress on the activities of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1974
Surveillance Practices and Procedures Act - Expresses the findings and declarations of Congress, including that Congress should establish practices and procedures to be followed by the Government when engaging in surveillance activities so as to reconcile the Government's interest in executing its investigative, law enforcement, and other functions with the Congressional and public interests in protecting the integrity of the individual's right to privacy and other constitutional rights and liberties. Defines the term "foreign agent". Requires authorization for interception of wire or oral communications in national security cases. Sets forth the procedure for interception of such communications relating to national security by requiring applications for an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication to be made in writing upon oath or affirmation to a judge of competent jurisdiction. Specifies the content required in any such application.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1974
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to initiate the establishment of a national program of basic and applied research and development with respect to all environmentally acceptable energy sources and utilization technologies. Defines the term "Administrator" as (1) the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Agency upon the creation of such agency by law; (2) the head of any other agency created for the purpose of designing and implementing the Federal nonnuclear energy research and development program; or (3) an individual appointed by the President to administer the program. Directs the Administrator to: (1) aggresively pursue research and development programs in a wide range of nonnuclear energy technologies; (2) develop the technology and information base necessary to support development of the widest possible range of options available for future energy policy decisions; (3) investigate the option of energy self-sufficiency for the United States; (4) pursue the development of new energy sources in such a way as to encourage the fullest possible private participation; (5) examine and, if feasible, implement methods by which Federal nonnuclear research and development expenditures authorized by this Act are utilized to broaden the base of ownership of energy industry capital; (6) conduct Federal nonnuclear energy research and development authorized by this Act, in such a way that such research and development will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in those industries with which such research and development is directly involved; and (7) to the degree feasible provide for a program for the international exchange of energy-related technologies. Provides that Federal involvement in energy research, development, and commercial application shall be limited, to the greatest extent possible, to those areas where there is the least likelihood that the private sector will achieve the desired goal without Federal assistance. Sets forth duties of the Administrator. Provides that the Administrator shall, in awarding contracts for the performance of research and development under this Act and for the purpose of centralizing the contracting function, contract solely with the Atomic Energy Commission or its successor in interest. Provides that in developing proposals pursuant to this Act the Administrator may utilize various forms of Federal assistance and participation including: (1) joint Federal-industry experimental, demonstration, or commercial corporations; (2) contractual agreements or grants to non-federally owned facilities; (3) contracts for the construction and operation of federally owned facilities; (4) Federal purchases or guaranteed price of the products of demonstration plants or activities; and (5) Federal loans to conduct demonstrations of new technologies. Sets forth regulations with respect to the operation of a joint Federal-industry corporations. Sets forth regulations for competitive systems of price supports proposed pursuant to this Act. Sets forth Congressional reporting requirements for the Administrator. Sets forth regulations regarding patents derived through programs in which there is Federal participation under this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to convey to any individual, corporation, or other business organization immunity from civil or criminal liability, or to create defenses to actions, under the antitrust laws. Authorizes and directs the Council on Environmental Quality to carry out a continuing analysis of the conduct of research and development of energy technologies in regard to environmental quality. Directs the Water Resources Council to undertake assessments of water resource requirements and water supply availability for any energy technology and any probable combinations of energy technologies which are the subject of research and development efforts authorized by this Act. Authorizes the appropriations (1) to carry out the purposes of this Act, in fiscal year 1975, $1,300,000,000 and in fiscal year 1976, $1,800,000,000; and (2) for expenses incurred in administering this Act, such funds as may be necessary in each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1974
Designates specified lands in the National Park System in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Hawaii, and California as wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1974
Provides for the elimination of the copyright expiration date of January 1, 1975, for a limited copyright in sound recordings for the purpose of protecting against unauthorized duplication and piracy of sound recordings. Sets forth increased criminal penalties for piracy and counterfeiting of sound recordings, and for the knowing and fradulent transportation, sale, or receipt of phonograph records bearing forged or counterfeit labels.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
States that, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act, mandatory allocation by amounts shall not apply to the first sale of crude oil produced in the United States from any lease whose average daily production of crude oil for the preceding calendar year does not exceed ten barrels per well. States that, in such case, mandatory allocation by price shall apply. Provides, under the Mineral Leasing Act, as amended, that the first sale of crude oil and natural gas liquids produced from any lease whose average daily production of such substances for the preceding calendar month does not exceed ten barrels per well shall not be subject to any allocation program with respect to allocation by amounts for fuels or petroleum established pursuant to any Federal law for allocation of fuels or petroleum.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Designates specified lands in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Carolina within the National Wildlife Refuge System as wilderness areas. Designates specified lands in California and Montana within the National Forest System as wilderness areas. Provides that all primitive area classifications of areas herein designated as wilderness are abolished. Provides that the wilderness areas designated by this Act shall be goverened by the appropriate provisions of the Wilderness Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1974
Requires, under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods covered by such Act shall disclose each of their ingredients in the order of their predominance and by their common name. Makes provisons for such labels to disclose changes in such ingredients.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Denies a tax deduction for any expenditure of any oil company for advertising not directly related to the sale of products or services under the Internal Revenue Code States that this prohibition shall not be construed to apply to the allowance of a deduction for expenses incurred in appearances before the committees, or individual Members of Congress or of any body of a State.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Disallows, under the Internal Revenue Code, percentage depletion deductions on foreign oil and gas wells, tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs for foreign oil or gas wells, and tax credits for income, war profits, or excess profits tax paid or accrued which is attributable to income from foreign oil or gas wells. Allows a tax deduction for excess profits taxes imposed by foreign countries to the extent a credit is denied for such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) A world without war is possible; (2) In such a world nations will rely for their external protection on world institutions strong enough to stop any nation from making war, capable of assuring peaceful and just settlements of international disputes, and reliable enough to be entrusted with such power; and (3) it is the policy of the United States to initiate and to implement with other nations practical steps consistent with our commitment to the United Nations for the expeditious realization of such institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1974
Federal Oil and Gas Corporation Act - Creates a body corporate by the name of the "Federal Oil and Gas Corporation" which shall establish and administer on Federal land a national program of natural gas and oil exploration and development. Prohibits the Directors of such Corporation from having a financial interest in any corporation engaged in the business of distributing and selling natural gas or oil to the public nor in any corporation engaged in the business of natural gas or oil exploration, development, transportation or use, nor shall any Director have any interest in any business which may be affected by the activities of the Corporation. Provides that the Corporation shall have the power to explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, foreign, or private lands; develop and sell natural gas or oil discovered by exploration, or otherwise obtained by sale, lease, purchase, exchange, or contract; and to build and operate all those facilities necessary for the development or sale of such resources; construct, lease, purchase, or authorize the construction of transmission pipelines within transmission distance from the place where such oil and gas is produced and to interconnect with other systems; and to incur debt for capital purposes. States that such debt may be incurred in the form of bonds, debentures, equipment trust certificates, conditional sale agreements, or any other form of securities, agreements, or obligations. Provides that any Federal agency or department having authority to lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of Federal lands or rights to natural gas or oil which is or may be located on Federal lands, including offshore rights, shall, upon the receipt of a request of the Corporation grant the Corporation such right to develop without payment within ninety days after the receipt of such request. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil, natural gas, or oil, it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to make sales of such products in a manner which will promote competition among suppliers of such products. States that sale of natural gas or oil by the Corporation shall be made at fair and reasonable prices designed to promote competition among suppliers of these energy resources. Requires that, in selling natural gas or oil, the Corporation shall give price, supply, or delivery preference to States, political subdivisions of States, and independent refiners. States that it shall be the objective of the Corporation to prevent all adverse environmental impacts associated with the activities of the Corporation which will likely impose an unacceptable cumulative burden of pollution or degradation upon the natural resources of the vicinity and the region. Provides that, prior to the initiation of any program of exploration or the construction of any major facility under this Act, the Corporation shall prepare with the approval of its environmental advisory committee an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to audit the transactions of the Corporation at such times as he shall determine, but not less frequently than once each governmental fiscal year. Authorizes all appropriations necessary to the Corporation for each fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1974
Energy Information Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Bureau of Energy Information - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Commerce a Bureau of Energy Information to be a main line component of the Social and Economic Statistics Administration, coequal with the Bureau of the Census. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to perform the duties conferred upon the Bureau by this title or delegate any of them. Provides that the Bureau shall be headed by a Director of Energy Information to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the principal function of the Bureau shall be to operate, maintain, and improve the National Energy Information System established by Title II of this Act. Enumerates the work priorities of the Bureau. Title II: National Energy Information System - Establishes a National Energy Information System, to be operated and maintained by the Bureau. Directs that the components of the System shall be: (1) a public library of energy information; (2) a confidential library of energy information for restricted governmental use; and (3) a secret library of energy information for use only in preparing anonymous statistics. Specifies the characteristics of the System. States that the purpose of the public library is to make available to the general public promptly and conveniently as much of the information in the System as can be released consistently with national security and reasonable competitive equities. States that the purpose of the secret library is to serve the Nation's need for accurate statistical information on mineral fuel reserves, natural energy resources, and energy industries. Directs the Director to place in the secret library information obtained under authority of this Act for which either the national security or reasonable competitive equities require that the information be wholly suppressed or be published only in statistical aggregations of a size and type sufficient to prevent any person from learning or inferring the data furnished by any particular establishment or individual. Prescribes the priorities for entry of information into the System. Enumerates the standards for entry of information into the public, confidential, and secret libraries. Imposes penalties on any employee of the Bureau or other employee who, having taken and subscribed the oath of office, publishes or communicates, without the written authority of the Secretary or the Director, any information coming into his possession by reason of his employment from or for entry in the confidential library or the secret library of the System. Penalizes refusal or neglect to provide information, and the providing of false information, under this Act. Title III: Energy Resources Inventories and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis an inventory of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources in the public lands of the United States, including the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifies the content of such compilation. Title IV: Information on Mineral Fuel Reserves and Natural Energy Resources - Makes it the duty of every substantial energy resources company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce to report annually to the Director full and complete details of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources which it, together with its affiliates, owns or controls anywhere in the world. Provides that all reports required by this title and title V shall be entered by the Director, immediately upon receipt, into one of the three libraries of the System. Title V: Information on the Energy Industries - Makes it the duty of every major energy company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce, to report annually to the Director on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Specifies the content of such reports. Authorizes the requiring of additional reports, at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce or the Director. Title VI: General Accounting Office Oversight - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to review and evaluate the procedures and activities of the Bureau. Title VII: Conformance of and with Other Statutes - Provides that whenever any of the information obtained from any major energy company under this Act is contained in any other report of such company, such report having been filed prior to the effective date of this Act, the Director may excuse such company from filing a report with him, containing the same information. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Reports Act. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Provides that if any provision of this Act or the applicability thereof is held invalid the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior such amounts, as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such Departments by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1973
Military Construction Moratorium Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to suspend during the period of two years beginning with the date of enactment of this Act any construction, conversion, rehabilitation, or installation of a public work or facility in connection with a military construction project, unless: (1) such construction, conversion, rehabilitation, or installation is being performed under a contract awarded before the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) the Secretary of Defense determines that overriding considerations of national security require that such construction, conversion, rehabilitation, or installation not be suspended. Defines the term "military construction project" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1973
Oil Shale Mining and Energy Corporation Act - Creates the "Oil Shale Mining and Energy Corporation" to establish and administer on Federal land a national program of oil shale exploration and development. Provides that the Corporation shall have a Board of Directors appointed by the President with Senate approval, such board to direct the exercise of all the powers of the Corporation. Provides that the Corporation: (1) may make contracts to carry out its functions under this Act; (2) may purchase, lease, or dispose of such personal property as it deems necessary; (3) shall have the power to exercise the right of eminent domain; (4) shall have such power as may be necessary for the exercise of the powers specifically conferred in this Act; (5)shall have the power to acquire or dispose of real property except for oil or gas exploration and development; (6) shall have the power to explore for oil shale on Federal lands, to develop and sell oil and gas and other oil shale products produced on Federal lands, and to build and operate all those facilities necessary for the development or sales of such resources, as authorized by this Act; (7) shall have the power to explore, develop, acquire or sell oil and gas and other oil shale products alone or on a joint or cooperative basis with any private or public entity; (8) shall have the power to engage in research directed toward the development and utilization of oil shale deposits on Federal lands, and may build, own, and operate research testing, or demonstration facilities, alone or on a joint or cooperative basis with any private or other public entity; (9) shall have the power to obtain and operate facilities necessary for the production, sale, transportation, or delivery of oil, gas, or other shale products; and (10) shall have the power to sell commercially valuable minerals which may be obtained incidental to the production of oil shale products on Federal lands. Authorizes the President of the United States to transfer to the Corporation the use, posession, and control of such other Federal land or personal property of the United States as he may from time to time deem necessary. Specifies, with respect to the Corporation, procedures for maintaining accounts, entering into contracts, and providing annual financial statements and reports. Provides for audit, by the Comptroller General, of the transactions of the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to lease, purchase, or construct transmission pipelines within transmission distance from the place where oil and gas products from oil shale on Federal lands are produced and to interconnect with other systems. Authorizes and directs the Board of Directors of the Corporation, in order to render financial assistance to States and local governments within whose jurisdiction the Corporation has acquired properties previously subject to State and local taxation, to pay to such State and local governments percentages of the gross proceeds derived from the operation of the Corporation. Provides that such payments are in lieu of taxation and that the Corporation, its property, franchises, and income are expressly exempted from taxation in any manner by any State or local government. Authorizes the Corporation to issue and sell bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness in order to assist in financing its oil shale resources exploration and development program and to Fund such bonds. Provides criteria for setting of rates for sale of oil shale products by the Corporation. Provides that all net proceeds (over expenses) of the Corporation for each fiscal year shall be deposited in the American Indian Fund, such Fund to be created in the Treasury of the United States. Provides for the allocation of such Fund to eligible Indian tribes by the Secretary of Interior under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act. Directs that, prior to the initiation of any program of exploration or the construction of any major facility under this Act, the Corporation shall prepare an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, such statement to be made public. Provides that hearings be held to allow interested persons to submit comments on the statement. Prohibits the Corporation from using surface mining techniques for the exploration or development of oil shale resources. Authorizes the appropriation to the Corporation for each fiscal year all sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserves can only be mined by underground methods. States that the purpose of the Act is to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Control of Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires surface coal mining operations to comply with the following requirements: (1) on steep slopes no debris or soil may be placed on the downslope, except soil from the initial cut, provided that the soil is shaped and graded to prevent slides, erosion, and water pollution, and is revegetated; (2) preservation of topsoil after excavation; (3) stabilization of mine wastes, including safety in retention of water wastes; and (4) minimal disturbance of the hydrologic balance at the minesite. Requires compliance with such standards 90 days after enactment for mines where overburden hasn't been removed. Requires, within 150 days of enactment, Federal enforcement of such standards until State standards are accepted, such enforcement to include mine inspection. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 24 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, state laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, six months after approval of a State program, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for five years, has been issued. States that permit applications must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act, assurance that reclamation can be achieved, and that post-mining land use will be compatible with surrounding uses; and that permits won't be issued for land within 300 feet of occupied dwelling or within a park. 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. States 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. Allows renewal of permits. Establishes general performance standards requiring: (1) extraction of coal sufficient to prevent future need for re-excavating the land; (2) restoration of the land to a condition to which it can support previous uses; (3) keeping reclamation current with mining operations; (4) restoration of approximate original contour of the land; (5) safety measures in dam construction and non-degradation of water quality in streams below dams; (6) restoration of topsoil and vegetation; and (7) limitations and mandatory notices on use of explosives. Differentiates standards for steep-slope and flat terrain mining. Authorizes only one-year permits for steep-slope mining. Allows exceptions to reclamation standards where a post mining use of the land differs from previous use, is appropriate, and begins within three years. Calls for regulations of underground coal mining that requires: (1) backfilling all mine wastes and tailings into mine voids, where possible; (2) permanent underground mine support; (3) sealing of entrances; (4) contouring and revegetation of wastes and tailings; and (5) safety standards in dam construction. Directs mine operators to have remedial programs to eliminate polluting discharge. Requires permit applicants to give notice to public bodies in the local area of their plans, and for such bodies to make public their comments. Gives any person with a valid legal interest the right to object to a proposed surface mining and reclamation operation. Allows public hearings on such objections. Establishes procedures for such hearings. Demands that permit applicants, whose permits have been approved, post performance bonds to assure that the requirements of this Act are met. States that such bonds shall not be less than $10,000. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Prohibits suspension or revocation of a permit except with time for permitee to correct his violations and public hearing, if requested, provided that emergency threats to public health or the environment may justify suspension of permit subject to determination later if violation has occurred. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Allows, where State regulatory authorities don't exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of violations of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Requires civil penalties upon violators of this Act or regulations under it. Permits any person to bring civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Empowers district courts to require the regulatory authority to enforce nondiscretionary duties under the Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Authorizes grants to Indian tribes to assist in development and administration of a mining control program for tribal lands. Allows an Indian tribe to have the Secretary administer its program under this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet certain criteria, including some long-existing and especially deep mines. Title III: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands, for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines, and for the Secretary of Agriculture to use in entering agreements with landowners and tenants providing for control and prevention of erosion. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land and to transfer it the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining use of reclaimed land. Title IV: 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. Title V: A Program for Non-Coal Mine Environmental Impact Control - Requires States to implement programs for designation of lands unsuitable for mining minerals other than coal. Title VI: Appropriation Authorization; Definitions; and General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; $40,000,000 initially to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; and for research and demonstration projects, $5,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and for each fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes grants to States for developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Gives the President power to suspend for 90 days any requirement of this Act concerning surface mining reclamation operations if a national emergency exists. Requires written permission of landowners, where different from underlying mineral owners, to mine or reclaim land. Title VII: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior 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, center, or equivalent agency 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 appropriation each year of $5,000,000 for the next seven fiscal years for specific projects in such institutes. Authorizes appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and a sum increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year thereafter for grants and contracts for other research into aspects of mining and mineral resources problems. Calls for the Secretary to appoint an advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Authorizes the establishment of the Big Thicket National Preserve in the State of Texas. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, but not to exceed $63,812,000 for the acquisition of lands and interests in lands and not to exceed $7,000,000 for development.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
States that a patent application or application for trademark registration shall be considered as having been filed in the Patent Office on the date that it would have been received by the Patent Office except for any delay caused by a substantial interruption of the postal service in a significant part of the United States, due to work stoppage, national emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances, which has been determined by the Commissioner of Patents to have interfered with the transmission of mail to the Patent Office, if a claim is made for the benefit of an earlier filing date in accordance with procedures specified in this Act. Provides that no patent or trademark application shall be entitled to an earlier filing date unless a verified statement by the applicant or owner of record or by his attorney or agent claiming the earlier filing date is filed in the Patent Office within three months after the publication in the Federal Register of the date on which the interruption is deemed to have ended. (Adds 35 U.S.C. 27)
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Public Safety Officers Benefits Act - Provides that in any case in which the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration determines that an eligible public safety officer has died as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the performance of duty, leaving a spouse or one or more eligible dependents, the Administration shall pay a gratuity of $50,000. States the order of precedence for the payment of the gratuity to dependents. Excludes the payment of benefits if death was caused intentionally or by intentional misconduct or by an individual who would otherwise be entitled to the death benefits. Authorizes the appropriation in each fiscal year of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Social Services Amendments - Outlines the objectives to be achieved under this Act, including: (1) the goal of self-support; (2) the goal of family care or self-care; (3) the goal of community-based care; and (4) the institutional care goal. Provides, under the Social Security Act, for maximum freedom for each State to determine which services will be made available, the persons eligible for such services, the manner in which such services are provided, and any limitations on the receipt of such services. Requires that social services to be offered at the option of the States to all eligible persons shall include: (1) day care services for children; (2) day care services for children with special needs; (3) service for children in foster care; (4) protective services for children; (5) family planning services; (6) protective services for adults; (7) services for adults in foster care; (8) homemaker services for individuals in their own homes; (9) chore services; (10) home delivered or congregate meals; (11) day care services for adults; (12) health related services; (13) home management and other functional education services; (14) housing improvement services; (15) a full range of legal services; (16) transportation services necessary to travel to and from community facilities or resources for receipt of services; (17) educational and training services; (18) employment services; (19) information, referral, and determination of eligibility and the need for services, without regard to individual eligibility criteria; (20) special services for the mentally retarded, or special adaptations of generic services; (21) special services for the blind; (22) services for alcoholism and drug addiction; (23) special services for the emotionally disturbed as defined by the State; (24) special services for the physically handicapped as defined by the State; and (25) any other proposed services at the request of a State. Provides that States are entitled to Federal financial participation for the delivery of mandatory and optional social services under the State plan to the extent of the appropriations allocated by the Congress. Requires that State plans submitted with respect to the services program shall contain a provision for a fair hearing, under which applicants and recipients may appeal exclusion from a service program. Provides that State plans shall provide for the establishment of a social services advisory committee, to include members representative of recipients of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Directs the President to negotiate with the Soviet Union for establishment of an "open cities" program between that country and the United States. Authorizes appropriation of necessary sums to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1973
Prohibits military and economic assistance to any country which interns or imprisons its citizens for political purposes.