United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1976
National Energy Extension Service Act - Establishes an Energy Extension Service in the Energy Research and Development Administration to develop and implement a comprehensive program for the identification and application of energy conserving practices and techniques. Stipulates that programs shall provide for technical assistance and practical demonstration in the agricultural, commercial, residential, and small business sectors. Stipulates that such program shall be implemented in a manner designed to minimize conflict with existing services in the private sector of the economy. Establishes procedures and criteria for the development of State plans for implementing the provisions of this Act. Allows for Federal development of plans for States in which an acceptable plan has not been submitted. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to develop a comprehensive program and plan for coordination of Federal energy education and information dissemination programs. Stipulates that such plan shall detail procedures for assessing the energy efficiency of various Federal programs. Establishes a National Energy Extension Service Advisory Board to conduct a continuing review of the programs developed under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that the annual authorization for such programs may be included in the annual authorization for nonnuclear programs of the Energy Research and Development Administration. Prescribes a formula for allocation of such funds to the States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Replaces Federal criminal statutory provisions penalizing "rape" and "carnal knowledge of females under 16" with provisions penalizing "sexual assault." Designates guilty of sexual assault any person who knowingly engages in sexual contact or penetration of another person without such person's consent. Imposes penalties for sexual contact or penetration of any person who has not attained the age of 18, notwithstanding such person's consent. Sets forth penalties for such assault according to specified criteria, including the consideration of aggravating factors. Specifies procedures for medical examination of alleged victims of offenses under this Act. Prohibits the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual activity unless the court determines after an in camera hearing that the evidence is relevant and material and does not constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031-35)
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Recognizes the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of American commercial aviation. Requests that all concerned governmental agencies join in participating in appropriate national and local ceremonies celebrating such anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 7 April 1976
Federal Regulatory Review Act - Establishes a Federal Regulatory Agency Review Commission to study the structures, policies and regulations of the regulatory agencies and make recommendations to the Congress to promote the elimination of practices which result in greater consumer costs, and to promote competition throughout American industry. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and to have access to any information which is relevant to its function. Directs the Commission to transmit an interim report to the Congress not later than six months after the Commission's first meeting and a final report six months later. Provides that the Commission shall expire 30 days after the submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary to make an additional grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. Stipulates that no such grants shall be made for any project which has as its principal purpose the channelization, damming, dredging, or diversion of a natural watercourse, or the enlargement of any canal other than a canal designated as a historic site. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Lists factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country, with priority consideration to those areas where unemployment exceeds the national average. Stipulates that not less than one-half of one percent nor more than ten percent of all amounts authorized under this title shall be allocated for local public works projects within any one State. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000,000 through fiscal year 1977 in order to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Public Works and Economic Development Act Amendments - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to extend the authorizations for financial assistance to States and localities under the Act through September 30, 1979. Removes the prohibition on Federal assistance to competitors of regulated public utilities. Requires a decrease in the amount of Federal assistance to States and localities which have exhausted their effective taxing and borrowing capacity. Increases from ten percent to 25 percent the minimum amount of Federal funds that must be expended on redevelopment areas under the Act. Allows for additional funds to cover increased construction costs, provided the percentage of the Federal share for such project is not increased. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to agree to pay a portion of the interest on loans guaranteed under this Act. Revises the criteria for designation of redevelopment areas to include all municipalities with a population of 50,000 or more as eligible for such designation. Establishes a program of urban economic development and redevelopment to allievate problems of unemployment, migration, and long-term economic deterioration in urban areas. Details requirements for Federal assistance under such program. Authorizes annual appropriations of $200,000,000 per fiscal year from fiscal year 1977 through 1979. Authorizes an initial appropriation of $50,000,000 for the transitional period from July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of Labor to take steps to assure the validity of unemployment rate information. Repeals the prohibition on financial assistance for electric energy generating and transmission facilities. Authorizes additional assistance to areas suffering from long-term economic deterioration under the special economic development assistance program under Title IX of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority in the amount of $278,657,000 for the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (proposed deferral number D76-036), as transmitted to the Congress by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Energy Efficiency Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish an energy conservation research development and demonstration project. Directs the Administrator to promote basic research in areas related to energy use efficiency including development of low energy consumer products and redesign of industrial, commercial, and residential patterns to improve energy conservation. Directs the Administrator to enter into agreement for the demonstration of energy use efficiency by: (1) retrofitting significant numbers of existing houses and apartments; (2) construction of new dwellings with advanced energy efficiency design features; and (3) retrofitting and new construction of a significant number of energy efficiency systems in commercial, industrial agricultural, and governmental applications. Requires the development of performance standards and criteria for energy equipment and processes used in residential, commercial, agricultural industrial, and governmental applications. Directs the Administrator to disseminate information on improved energy efficiency uses to the public and to evaluate consumer reaction to energy efficiency and processes. Directs the heads of Federal agencies to introduce energy efficient processes into their departments as soon as possible. Establishes criteria for competitive procurement procedures in the purchase of such new processes. Directs the Administrator to study various institutional factors which effect energy use efficiency, including tax laws, administrative regulations, environmental, and capital related factors. Requires a semi-annual progress report to Congress with recommendations by the Administrator for future legislative action. Authorizes the appropriation of $60,000,000 for each fiscal year from 1977 through 1981 to further the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that amounts authorized but not expended during the first two fiscal years may be appropriated for any of the three succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Expresses the appreciation of the Congress of the United States to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Physical Society, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Psychological Association, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Optional Society of America, and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology for their participation in the science and engineering congressional fellowship program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency for fiscal year 1977 for environmental research, development, and demonstration activities in the following categories and amounts: (1) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, $13,813,900; (2) health studies under the Public Health Service Act, $878,900; (3) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, $13,592,500; (4) under the Clean Air Act, $129,223,500; (5) under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, $9,278,900; and (6) under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, $89,779,300. Prohibits the transfer of more than ten percent of the total funds in one category to another category without the consent of Congress. Establishes procedures for obtaining the consent of Congress in such cases. Authorizes tranfers of an amount not to exceed ten percent of the total research budget for the Agency to other authorized Agency activities (except waste treatment works construction grants and overseas research programs). Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare a comprehensive five-year plan for environmental research, development and demonstration. Requires a study of all aspects of the coordination of environmental research and development, to be chaired by the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Energy Conservation Research and Development Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish an energy conservation program through the development of new technologies designed to reduce consumption by small energy consumers and organizations that influence energy consumption. Title I: State Energy Conservation Research and Development Institutes - Authorizes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist the States in establishing and operating energy research, development and demonstration institutes. Authorizes the expenditure of additional funds to the institutes for special projects which would not otherwise be undertaken, provided such funds are matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by non-Federal sources. Lists requirements and qualifications for such institutes. Authorizes the Administrator to establish additional rules and regulations, and to encourage cooperation between the institutes and other organizations. Directs the Administrator to submit an annual progress report to Congress with regard to projects financed under this title. Title II: Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service - Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress a cooperative energy conservation plan, including the creation of a Cooperative Energy Conservation Service. Details requirements for such a plan, including a list of services to be offered by the Conservation Service. Requires congressional action before the plan becomes finalized. Title III: Authorizing Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 to each State for the establishment of the institutes during fiscal year 1977. Authorizes $250,000 to each State for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1980, inclusive, for such purposes. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for special energy conservation projects of such institutes: $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977 and 1978, for the establishment of the Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Increases the estate tax exemption for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Provides that there shall be printed for the use of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy 2,000 copies of the committee print entitled "Review of National Breeder Reactor Program," a report by the Committee's Ad Hoc Subcommittee To Review the Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
National Science Foundation Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation of $797,000,000 to the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1977. Sets forth regulations with respect to the use of such funds. Authorizes the Foundation to continue the Alan T. Waterman Award for scientific research or advanced scientific study during fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Authorizes the following additional appropriations for the prosecution of the comprehensive plan of development for specified river basins under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army: Alabama-Coosa River Basin, $6,000,000; Arkansas River Basin, $6,000,000; Brazos River Basin, $19,000,000; Columbia River Basin, $39,000,000; Mississippi River and tributaries, $220,000,000; Missouri River Basin, $85,000,000; North Branch, Susquehanna River Basin, $72,000,000; Ohio River Basin, $23,000,000; Red River Waterway project, $32,000,000; San Joaquin River Basin, $46,000,000; Santa Ana River Basin, $2,000,000; South Platte River Basin, $22,000,000; and Upper Mississippi River Basin, $2,000,000. Stipulates that the total amount authorized to be appropriated by this Act shall not exceed $574,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Authorizes appropriations under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $20,000,000 for fiscal 1978. Authorizes appropriations for fire research and safety of $5,500,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Prohibits the Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration from conducting fire research without the specific authorization of the Secretary of Commerce. Stipulates that no commitment to obligate funds for the construction of any facility of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control shall be made unless the Congress approves.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to expand the definitions of "rural" and "rural areas" to include places not part of or associated with an urban area which have a population of between 10,000 and 20,000 people and which have a serious lack of mortgage credit for lower- and moderate-income families.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development programs, construction of facilities including land acquisition, and research and program management. Permits utilization of research and development appropriations for: (1) items of a capital nature which may be required at locations other than installations of the Administration for the performance of research and development contracts, and (2) grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Sets forth further guidelines regarding the use and availability of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act. Specifies procedures where amounts designated for specific programs may be varied upward and whereby up to one half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development may be combined with $10,000,000 of funds appropriated for facility construction to construct or modify laboratories or other installations deemed by the Administration to be immediatley needed. Prohibits utilization of sums appropriated pursuant to this Act for: (1) any research or management program in excess of the amount specifically authorized for that program, (2) any program deleted by Congress from requests originally made, or (3) any program which has not been presented to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences unless each such Committee has been given notice of any such proposed action and transmits written notice to the Administration that it has no objection. Directs the Administration to consider geographical distribution whenever feasible in allocating its research and development funds. Authorizes the Administration, when so provided in appropriation Acts, to enter into and to maintain a contract for tracking and data relay satellite services. Establishes an additional Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology within the Administration. Revises the compensation of members of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for, and the construction, modernization, and availability of aeronautical test facilities. Declares that Congress finds that the general welfare of the United States requires application of the Administration's expertise to ground propulsion systems research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Drafting Week." Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Visa and Naturalization Administration Act - Establishes in the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Visa and Naturalization Administration to which are transferred: (1) the functions, powers, and duties of the Visa Office of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs in the Department of State, and the functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of State with respect to such Office; (2) specified functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Labor; (3) the functions, powers, and duties of the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization; and (4) the functions, powers, and duties of the Attorney General under the Immigration and Nationality Act except those functions, powers, and duties pertaining to the enforcement of a final order of deportation. Creates an Office of Inspector General to investigate each program administered by the Administration and to report to Congress concerning complaints and investigations with respect to Administration programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Replaces Federal criminal statutory provisions penalizing "rape" and "carnal knowledge of females under 16" with provisions penalizing "sexual assault." Designates guilty of sexual assault any person who knowingly engages in sexual contact or penetration of another person without such person's consent. Imposes penalties for sexual contact or penetration of any person who has not attained the age of 18, notwithstanding such person's consent. Sets forth penalties for such assault according to specified criteria, including the consideration of aggravating factors. Specifies procedures for medical examination of alleged victims of offenses under this Act. Prohibits the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual activity unless the court determines after an in camera hearing that the evidence is relevant and material and does not constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031-35)
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Revises the boundaries of Olympic National Park in the State of Washington. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for land acquisition within such boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisee has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to review a franchise except for the reasons stated above or the franchisor has a legitimate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year for five years a plan to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and anti-competitive regulations. Requires that such reformation plan be directed toward regulation in the areas of: (1) banking and finance; (2) energy and environment; (3) commerce, and transportation; (4) food, health, safety, and trade practices; and (5) labor, housing, and small business. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for Congressional review of such plan. Provides that if Congress fails to pass any regulatory reform legislation by a specified date after the President submits his plan to the Congress, such plan shall become effective as of a specified date and all rules of any agency described in such plan shall be of no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Increases, under the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code, the ceiling on the amount of earnings which may be counted for social security benefit and tax purposes. Sets forth proposed ceilings of $15,300 for calendar year 1976, $22,200 for calendar year 1977, $26,100 for calendar year 1978, and $28,500 for calendar year 1979.
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 · 20 January 1976
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to use sampling methods in taking agricultural censuses, except that he may substitute another method where he determines that sampling methods would be inappropriate. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142(a))
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Provides, under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act, that developmentally disabled children receiving services under the foster grandparent program may continue to receive such services as adults. States that public or nonprofit private agencies may expend funds obtained by grant from the Federal Government for such services only if the children are being fully served.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Designates 1976 as "National Bicentennial Highway Safety Year." Provides that each month of 1976 shall focus on a specific area of activity which offers the prospect of achieving substantial reductions in accidents on the Nation's highways.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Declares it to be a finding of Congress that unemployment levels are excessively high among young adults, and that there are large inventories of conservation work and other work of a public nature on public lands, including the national park and forest systems, which require large amounts of labor and relatively small capital investments. States that it is the purpose of this Act to complement the Youth Conservation Corps Act and to provide employment to young adults. Declares the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be between the ages of 19 and 24; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretaries shall be guided in determining the location of projects and the type of work to be done. States that priority should be given to counties having a high rate of unemployment and that highly labor intensive projects should be sought. States that the rate of pay for Corps members should be set at the current Federal minimum wage. Extends the provisions of this Act to cover employment of young adults in State conservation programs in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Conservation Corps Act which make such an extension. Requires the Secretaries to prepare, within eight months of the enactment of this Act, a plan for the execution of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for preparing the plan and for preparing the sites, facilities, and equipment selected in this plan. Authorizes the appropriation of funds as specified for the four fiscal years during which young adults are employed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Federal Regulatory Review Act - Establishes a Federal Regulatory Agency Review Commission to study the structures, policies and regulations of the regulatory agencies and make recommendations to the Congress to promote the elimination of practices which result in greater consumer costs, and to promote competition throughout American industry. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and to have access to any information which is relevant to its function. Directs the Commission to transmit an interim report to the Congress not later than six months after the Commission's first meeting and a final report six months later. Provides that the Commission shall expire 30 days after the submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
National Climate Program Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to help the Nation respond more effectively to climate-induced problems by enabling its Government to be aware of and anticipate climate fluctuations and their domestic and international impacts, particularly in the areas of management and planning of domestic and international food supplies, and land, natural resource, and energy allocation and utilization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate the establishment and operation of a climate program to collect, analyze and disseminate data concerning past, present and future climatic states, their fluctuations, and the influence of man's activities on the process of climatic dynamics. States that the program shall include, but not be limited to: (1) development of a climate impact warning system to provide both timely warnings and assessments of the risks of future climate impacts; (2) improvement of current monthly and seasonal temperature and precipitation predictions, particularly with respect to their impact on food production, availability of water resources, and energy consumption; and (3) development of mathematical-computer systems for the modeling, simulation, and prediction of climate and man's effects on climate. Directs the Secretary to consult and coordinate with climatic experts and with Federal departments and agencies. Requires the Secretary to establish advisory committees in the field of climatology and related fields. Specifies that the Secretary must prepare and submit an annual report for the President and the Congress on the administration of this Act, including, but not limited to: (1) a summary of the achievements of the climate program during the previous year; (2) a list of publications produced as a result of research sponsored under this Act; and (3) a summary of the outstanding problems encountered in the administration of this Act during the year. Authorizes to be appropriated to the participating Federal departments and agencies such sums to carry out the provisions of this Act as may be necessary, not to exceed $10,000,000 for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, not to exceed $42,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, not to exceed $48,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and not to exceed $56,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to delegate to the States specified functions with respect to the location and plans for structures, excavations, dredging, or fills in or on navigable and other waters of the United States covered under the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Requires that a condition of any such delegation shall be the enactment by the State of legislation, and a State permit program, which is at least as effective as the Federal standards under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
National Science and Technology Policy and Organization Act - Title I: National Science Policy - Declares that the United States shall adhere to a national policy for science and technology which includes the following principles: (1) the continuing development and implementation of a national strategy for determining and achieving the appropriate scope, level, direction, and extent of scientific and technological efforts based upon a continuous appraisal of the role of science and technology in achieving goals and formulating policies of the United States; (2) the enlistment of science and technology to foster a healthy economy in which the directions of growth and innovation are compatible with the prudent and frugal use of resources and with the preservation of a benign environment; and (3) the development and maintenance of a solid base for science and technology in the United States. States the declaration of Congress that the Federal Government should maintain central policy-planning elements in the executive branch in mobilizing resources for essential science and technology programs, in securing appropriate funding for those programs, and to review systematically Federal science policy and programs and to recommend legislative amendments when needed. States that, in order to expedite and facilitate the implementation of the policy enunciated in this Act, the following coordinate procedures are of paramount importance: (1) Federal procurement policy should encourage the use of science and technology to foster frugal use of materials, energy, and appropriated funds; to assure quality environment; and to enhance product performance; (2) explicit criteria, including cost-effectiveness principles where feasible, should be developed to identify the kinds of science and technology programs that are appropriate for Federal funding support and to determine the extent of such support; (3) Federal promotion of science and technology should maximize quality of research, stability of scientific and technological institutions, and, for urgent tasks, timeliness of results; and (4) antitrust regulation should not preclude cooperation among competing firms in industrial research and development unless such cooperation is anticompetitive. Title II: Office of Science and Technology Policy - Presidential Science and Technology Advisory Organization Act - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Provides for the appointment of a Director, four Assistant Directors, and other personnel. Specifies the functions of the Office, including to: (1) advise the President of scientific and technological considerations involved in areas of national concern; (2) evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the Federal effort in science and technology and advise on appropriate actions; (3) advise the President on scientific and technological considerations with regard to Federal budgets; and (4) assist the President in providing general leadership and coordination of the research and development programs of the Federal Government. Title III: The Federal Science and Technology Survey Committee - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President, and in association with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Federal Science and Technology Survey Committee. States that the Committee shall consist of from five to twelve members appointed by the President. Specifies the qualifications of the members of the Committee. States that the functions of the Committee shall be to survey, examine, and analyze the total context of the Federal science and technology effort including missions, goals, personnel, funding, organization, facilities, and activities in general. Stipulates that the life of the Committee shall be 24 months from the date of its first organizational meeting. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Energy Extension Service Act - Establishes in the Energy Research and Development Administration the Energy Extension Service. Directs the Service to develop and implement a comprehensive program for the identification, development, and demonstration of energy conserving practices, techniques, materials, and equipment for: (1) agricultural, commercial, and small business operations, and (2) new and existing residential, commercial, or agricultural buildings or structures. States that such programs shall provide for technical assistance, instruction, and practical demonstrations in energy conservation opportunities. Authorizes the Service to establish energy extension service offices consisting of city offices, county agents, and technical staff assistants in order to accomplish the objectives of this Act. Provides for dissemination of advice and assistance by local offices by means of (1) specific studies and recommendations, (2) demonstration projects, (3) distribution of studies and instructional materials, (4) seminars, and (5) other outreach programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make payments to State or local governments upon their election in an amount equal to 75 cents for each acre of specified categories of public land within the boundaries of the State or local political subdivision.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Exempts, under the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the Federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels. Exempts such organization from the tax on communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments - Extends through fiscal year 1977 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) water treatment works pilot training programs; (2) the development of a system of forecasting the supply of and demand for water pollution control specialists; (3) grants for State pollution control programs; (4) scholarships, training grants and contracts in the field of water pollution control; (5) grants to designated agencies to assist in the development and operation of continuing areawide waste treatment management planning processes; (6) grants to the States for lake water improvement programs; and (7) the purposes of this Act other than those specified in (1) through (6) above. Authorizes the use of ad valorem taxes to satisfy the user charge system requirement for applicants for treatment works grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Extends the provisions for Federal reimbursement of construction costs of publicly owned water treatment works to include reimbursement for works on which construction was started not later than July 1, 1973. Increases the amount of the appropriation authorized to cover such reimbursement to $2,950,000,000. Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend from July 1, 1977, until July 1, 1982, the deadline for the achievement of effluent limitations of public treatment works required by the Federal Water Pollution Act. Directs the Administrator, when considering such extension, to consider the cost involved in achieving secondary and alternative treatment and the effects such secondary and alternative treatment will have on public health and water quality. Extends until April 1, 1975, the deadline for submission of State water quality inventory reports. Requires such reports to be revised and kept current biennially. Directs the Administrator to submit such reports to Congress on or before October 1, 1975; October 1, 1976, and biennially thereafter. Eliminates the requirement that public hearings on proposed effluent standards be held within thirty days following publication of the standard. Permits the Administrator to defer the effective date of proposed effluent standards for up to three years following promulgation of such standards if he determines that compliance within one year is technologically unfeasible for a particular category of sources. Establishes a civil penalty of not to exceed $50,000 for the owner or operator of any vessel, onshore or offshore facility from which any hazardous substance is discharged. Provides for the designation by the Administrator, as a hazardous substance, any element or compound which presents an imminent and substantical danger to public health or welfare, including fish, shellfish, wildlife, shorelines, and beaches. Provides for a civil penalty of unspecified limit when the United States can show that the discharge of a hazardous substance was the result of willful negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the responsible owner or operator.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to impose staffing standards for day care centers shall require staff-to-child ratios of one adult for each child under six weeks old and (subject to State action in specified cases) one adult for each eight children between six weeks and three years old.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1975
Highway Trust Fund Act - Extends for an additional 15 years, until 1993, the provisions which establish the Highway Trust Fund and impose the taxes which are transferred to the Highway Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of electric and hybrid vehicles for urban indiviual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Defines terms as used in this Act. States that a hybrid vehicle is one propelled by a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric and hybrid vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate: (1) for the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Provides guaranties of loans made to small businesses for commercial development of electric and hybrid vehicles. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for 1977, $30,000,000 for 1978, $60,000,000 for 1979 and $20,000,000 for 1980; to carry out the provisions of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCormack, Mike [D-WA-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000365_200.jpg)