United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Diplomatic Relations Act - Authorizes the President to regulate the privileges and immunities of foreign diplomatic missions and their personnel in a manner consistent with international agreements. Defines "foreign diplomatic mission and personnel thereof" for purposes of this Act. Requires the President to periodically publish a list of permanent foreign diplomatic missions and the personnel thereof. Declares void any judicial writ or process against a person or the property of any person entitled to immunity from suit or process under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to extend the authority granted by such Act to September 30, 1977. Increases the fine for violations of such Act to $25,000 for the first offense and to $50,000 for a subsequent offense. Increases the fine for prohibited exports to Communist-dominated nations to $50,000. Increases the civil penalty for such violation of such Act to $10,000. Permits suspension of the payment of export licensing penalties for a probationary period. Requires that appropriations to carry out the Export Administration Act of 1969 be specifically authorized by Congress for each fiscal year after October 1, 1977. Eliminates authority for Presidential removal of unilateral export controls and assignment of priority to such controls by the Secretary of Commerce. Revises the authority of the President to impose export controls for national security purposes without regard to the availability of such articles from sources other than the United States in order to require the President to predicate the imposition of controls on articles available from other sources upon a determination that absence of such a control would be detrimental to the national security of the United States. Requires the President to include, in semiannual reports to Congress, the nature of the evidence of such detriment. Specifies that any export license application under such Act shall be deemed approved within 90 days of its receipt unless disapproved or unless the applicant is notified that additional time is required for the decision. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to stipulate that such Act shall not be construed as authority for withholding information from Congress. Sets forth confidentiality standards for information acquired under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to account for technical assistance and technical advisory committees in semiannual reports to Congress under such Act. Requires the Secretary to review regulations under such Act in order to report to Congress on simplification of such regulations. Revises the policy for control of exports for national security purposes under such Act to redefine "controlled country" as a country to which exports are restricted for national security or foreign policy purposes, rather than as a Communist country. Repeals the requirement that all United States foreign military, economic, and financial assistance be terminated when the President determines that the recipient country is not effectively cooperating with the United States pursuant to the policy that export of commodities to nations threatening the security of the United States (including the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and all countries under its domination) be regulated. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to require persons agreeing to transfer technical data or other information to any controlled country to furnish information with respect to such agreement to the Secretary of Commerce, under regulations promulgated to monitor the effects of such transfers. Directs the Secretary to study technical data exports and their effects upon the national security or foreign policy of the United States, and to submit a report of such study to Congress. Amends the requirements for reports to Congress and to the President under such Act by appropriate departments or agencies to specify information to be included in such reports and to require semiannual rather than quarterly reports. Requires a special report to Congress by the President on multilateral export controls. Revises the policy of the United States with respect to boycotts by foreign countries against nations friendly to the United States to require domestic exporting concerns to refuse to support such boycotts, under the Export Administration Act of 1969. Requires any United States person receiving a request for such support to report such request to the Secretary of Commerce. Prohibits support of such boycott by any United States person and specifies actions which shall be considered indicative of such support, under the Export Administration Act of 1969. Permits any United States person aggrieved by violation of such prohibitions to bring a civil action in a United States district court, without regard to the amount in controversy, for treble damages, attorney's fees, and costs, under such Act. Amends such Act to exclude petroleum products refined in United States Foreign-Trade Zones from foreign crude oil export controls to prevent excessive drain of scarce materials and to reduce the inflationary impact of abnormal foreign demand, except if the Secretary of Commerce finds that such products are in short supply and issues regulations herein authorized to limit such exports. Amends such Act to permit agricultural commodities purchased by or for a foreign country to remain in the United States free of quantitative limitations on exports relating to domestic supply and inflationary impact, upon approval by the Scretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, and under regulations for such export which the Secretary of Commerce is herein authorized to issue. Prohibits the use of funds authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the construction of, operation of, maintenance of, or the supply of fuel for, any nuclear powerplant under an agreement for cooperation between the United States and any other country.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the House that there should be appropriated $10,000,000 to recondition, activate, and operate the United States ship Sanctuary as a permanent active duty hospital ship to provide immediate assistance to the wounded in Lebanon and to other areas of the world.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Expresses the regrets of the House of Representatives over the trial and sentencing of citizens of South Korea for joining in the declaration of March 1, 1976, calling for the restoration of democracy in South Korea. Urges the Government of the Republic of Korea to remit their sentences.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Directs the House Committee on Armed Services to make a study of the murder by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement. Requires the committee to transmit a report to the House containing a statement of the findings of the committee no later than January 3, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take such steps as may be necessary to place the threat to the peace created by the murder of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement, on the agenda of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1976
Sludge Management Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study the environmental, health, and economic effects of subsurface landfilling sludge on soils and ground water, and alternate methods of sludge disposal. Directs the Administrator of develop guidelines for sludge disposal and land-spreading in order to protect the public health and welfare. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States and localities of up to 40 percent of the cost of removal of sludge from navigable waters of the United States or any adjacent shoreline. Directs the Administrator to establish an Environmental Protection Agency Task Force on sludge removal. Authorizes the establishment of programs of training, demonstration, and surveys relating to the restoration of water quality where degraded by sludge. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for regulating and controlling the transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous sludge. Establishes a permit program for activities relating to hazardous sludge two years after the enactment of this Act. Establishes procedures for adoption and approval of State hazardous sludge permit programs in accordance with criteria prescribed by the Administrator. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit grants for treatment works, after September 30, 1976, unless the applicant demonstrates that adequate confined disposal methods will be provided.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1976
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1977 to carry out the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States and Spain, January 24, 1976, including $15,000,000 for military assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $7,000,000 for security supporting assistance under such Act, $2,000,000 for international military education and training under such Act, and $12,000,000 for guaranties under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Declares such assistance exempt from restrictions upon grants to an economically developed nation capable of sustaining its own defense burden and economic growth, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Stipulates the scope and policy with respect to such Treaty. Directs that the United States contribution toward modernization and maintenance of the aircraft control and warning network in Spain be financed from Department of Defense appropriations. Authorizes the President to apply the proceeds from the lease of aircraft to Spain to the purchase of aircraft for such country, notwithstanding restrictions regarding the application of such proceeds.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1976
Entitles all persons sustaining damage as a result of the collapse of the Teton Dam on the Teton River, Idaho, to receive full compensation from the United States as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or his designee in accordance with the laws of the State of Idaho. Stipulates that acceptance of any award made under this Act shall constitute a complete release of all claims of the claimant arising from the dam collapse. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with the owner of irrigation facilities damaged by the dam collapse to finance the repair or reconstruction of such facilities. Permits claimants aggrieved by a decision by the Secretary under this Act to appeal the decision to the United States District Court for the District of Idaho.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 or more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the flood control project on the Santa Ana River in California, at an estimated Federal cost of $655,540,000.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Aircraft Noise Reduction and Airport Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to promulgate regulations prescribing noise standards for the operation of civil subsonic turbojet powered aircraft above a specified weight at any airport within the United States. States that such regulations shall provide for requirements of partial compliance at intervals prior to the end of a five-year period after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the operation of aircraft which do not meet such requirements at the end of such five-year period. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to publish a list of the operators of noncomplying aircraft. Authorizes grants to such individuals to retrofit or replace such noncomplying aircraft. Authorizes appropriations out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund of $300,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Establishes the Potomac National River in Maryland, Viginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of such national river. Directs the Secretary to encourage and assist the jurisdictions in which the national river is located to plan, acquire, develop, and manage lands within and adjacent to the national river for recreation, fish and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, or similar purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to such jurisdictions for acquisition of lands and interests in lands within 2,000 feet of the banks of the Potomac River. Permits hunting on lands within the national river which are under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with non-Federal public bodies for the operation and management by the Secretary or such public bodies of lands within the national river in accordance with a mutually acceptable management plan. Directs the Secretary to formulate and transmit to appropriate Congressional committees within three years from the date of the enactment of this Act a plan for the development and use of lands within the national river. Includes the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park as identifiable units of the national river and stipulates that such historical parks shall continue to be administered separately in accordance with their respective enabling acts. Establishes a Potomac National River Advisory Commission to advise and consult with other Federal agencies, State agencies, local governments, and persons on matters relating to recreation, historic preservation, scenic protection, and resource conservation within and in the vicinity of the national river. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within two years after the date of enactment of this Act recommendations as to extension of the national river from the area established by this Act to the Potomac River's source at Fairfax Stone, West Virginia, and to its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Abolishes the Federal Energy Administration, created by the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, and the following of its offices: the Office of Management and Administration (other than the Office of Private Grievances and Redress); the Office of Intergovernmental, Regional, and Special Programs; the Office of Congressional Affairs; the Office of Communications and Public Affairs; the Office of the General Counsel; and the Office of the Administrator. Transfers the functions of other offices as follows: the functions of the Offices of Energy Policy and Analysis, Energy Conservation and Environment, and International Energy Affairs are transferred to the Energy Research and Development Administration; the functions of the Office of Energy Resource Development (including the Office of Strategic Petroleum Reserve) are transferred to the Department of the Interior; and the functions of the Office of Regulatory Programs (including the Office of Private Grievances and Redress) are transferred to the Federal Power Commission. Continues all agency rules involving the transferred offices until acted upon by the President or other authorized official. Continues allocations before any court involving such offices or actions before such transferred offices Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to oversee the transfer of functions directed by this Act. Requires the Director to report to Congress on the progress of such transfer 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Specifies appropriations authorized by this Act to carry out the functions transferred by this Act for the period July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976 and for fiscal year 1977. Makes this Act effective on the date of its enactment or on July 1, 1976, whichever is earlier.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Nuclear Energy Reappraisal Act - Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to cease the granting of licenses or construction authorizations for nuclear fission powerplants pending the outcome of a comprehensive study by the Office of Technology Assessment. Continues such termination until Congress determines that safety and environmental hazards have been adequately studied and that nuclear fission plants are clearly superior to other energy sources. Authorizes a resumption of licensing under limited conditions which shall be specified by Congress. Requires a five-year independent study of the nuclear fuel cycle by the Office of Technology Assessment. Empowers the Office to compel delivery of any information necessary for conducting such study. Directs all government agencies to cooperate fully with the Office. Requires the preparation of a final report with recommendations at the end of five years and annual progress reports. Requires the following specific issues to be considered in the final report: (1) safety and environmental hazards, including an analysis of reported malfunctions; (2) genetic effects of low level radiation; (3) economic implications of a long-term nature; (4) proliferation dangers; (5) economical and technical capabilities of utilities; and (6) licensing procedures of past regulatory agencies. Stipulates that existing nuclear fission powerplants shall operate at less than licensed core power level and be annually derated should Congress fail to determine that the licensing of fission plants may continue after conclusion of the study. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 per year for each of the five fiscal years following the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every public contract under the Davis-Bacon Act shall contain a provision that the contractor must notify the contracting agency when ever a strike occurs involving employees who are engaged in carrying out such contract. Directs the head of the agency involved to terminate any contract if he determines that the contractor has replaced, or attempted to replace, any employee participating in such a strike.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every contract within the scope of the Service Contract Act of 1965 shall contain a provision requiring that in the case of a work stoppage which is directly related to a labor dispute between the contractor and the employees carrying out the contract, the contractor and the collective bargaining representative shall immediately notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that the work stoppage has occured. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a fact finding panel within two days after receiving such notice. Requires the panel to publish, within five days, its findings on whether the work stoppage is beyond the control of the contractor and was caused without his fault. States that if the panel finds the contractor at fault, the head of the Federal agency which is a party to the contract involved may not make further progress payments on the contract, or exercise any option which would have the effect of increasing the amount payable to the contractor, or the amount of service to be acquired from the contractor, until the dispute is settled. Permits termination of the contract if no collective bargaining agreement is signed within 45 days following the work stoppage.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every public contract under the Walsh-Healey Act shall contain a provision that the contractor must notify the contracting agency whenever a strike occurs involving employees who are engaged in carrying out such contract. Directs the head of the agency involved to terminate any contract if he determines that the contractor has replaced, or attempted to replace, any employee participating in such a strike.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every contract within the scope of the Walsh-Healey Act shall contain a provision requiring that in the case of a work stoppage which is directly related to a labor dispute between the contractor and the employees carrying out the contract, the contractor and the collective bargaining representative shall immediately notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that the work stoppage has occured. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a fact finding panel within two days after receiving such notice. Requires the panel to publish, within five days, its findings on whether the work stoppage is beyond the control of the contractor and was caused without his fault. States that if the panel finds the contractor at fault, the head of the Federal agency which is a party to the contract involved may not make further progress payments on the contract, or exercise any option which would have the effect of increasing the amount payable to the contractor, or the amount of services to be acquired from the contractor, until the dispute is settled. Permits termination of the contract if no collective bargaining agreement is signed within 45 days following the work stoppage.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every public contract entered into by any branch of the Armed Forces under the Service Contract Act shall contain a provision that the contractor must notify the head of the branch of the Armed Forces involved whenever a strike occurs involving employees who are engaged in carrying out such contract. Directs the head of the Armed Forces involved to terminate any contract if he determines that the contractor has replaced, or attempted to replace, any employee participating in such a strike.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Requires that every contract within the scope of the Davis-Bacon Act shall contain a provision requiring that in the case of a work stoppage which is directly related to a labor dispute between the contractor and the employees carrying out the contract, the contractor and the collective bargaining representative shall immediately notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that the work stoppage has occured. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a fact finding panel within two days after receiving such notice. Requires the panel to publish, within five days, its findings on whether the work stoppage is beyond the control of the contractor and was caused without his fault. States that if the panel finds the contractor at fault, the head of the Federal agency which is a party to the contract involved may not make further progress payments on the contract, or exercise any option which would have the effect of increasing the amount payable to the contractor, or the amount of services to be acquired from the contractor, until the dispute is settled. Permits termination of the contract if no collective bargaining agreement is signed within 45 days following the work stoppage.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1976
Extends from ten to 15 years the period in which eligible veterans may receive veterans' educational assistance. Makes such extension effective on the date of the enactment of this Act. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Authorizes a taxpayer, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to treat qualified architectural and transportational barrier removal expenses which are paid or incurred during the taxable year as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Deems such expenses so treated as allowable tax deductible expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Solar Energy Incentive Act - Allows an individual to take a tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, in an amount equal to 25 percent of the qualified solar heating and cooling equipment expenditures incurred by the taxpayer with respect to his principal residence to the extent such expenditures do not exceed $8,000, plus that portion of the qualified State or local real property taxes paid or accrued for the taxable year or accrued for the taxable year attributable to such solar heating and cooling expenditures. Authorizes an individual to take a tax deduction for a part of the acquisition costs of any qualified solar heating and cooling equipment for any residence. Limits such deduction to the lesser of ten percent of the acquisition costs or $800 or $400 for the third year of such acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Export Policy. Directs the Committee to conduct a full and complete study of: (1) the threat of nuclear proliferation; (2) the present policies of the United States concerning nuclear proliferation; (3) the decisionmaking process within the executive branch on nuclear export policies; and (4) any related areas which the committee deems necessary to investigate and study to discharge its responsibilities. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Regulatory Agency Self-Destruct Act - Provides that each Federal regulatory agency is abolished as of noon July 4, 1976, unless, prior to such date: (1) the President conducts an investigation of the agency's overall performance (including, but not limited to a study of the agency's effectiveness in accomplishing its general purposes and promoting the public welfare), makes public a report on the findings of the investigation, and recommends to the Congress that such agency or agencies should not be abolished; (2) the relevant committee or committees of the House and Senate conduct an inquiry into the performance and effectiveness of the agency or agencies and make public a report of such findings, conclusions, and recommendations; and (3) the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution disapproving the abolition of the agency or agencies. Defines "Federal regulatory agency" to mean any of the following: (1) the Civil Aeronautics Board; (2) the Federal Communications Commission; (3) the Federal Maritime Commission; (4) the Federal Power Commission; (5) the Federal Trade Commission; (6) the Interstate Commerce Commission; (7) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (8) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; and (9) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Provides that each Federal regulatory agency not abolished by the above procedure, or any successor agency established pursuant to this Act, shall be abolished on July 4, 1983, except that those agencies which have been in existence for 25 years or less shall be abolished on July 4, 1991, unless the President and the Congress take action as described above to disapprove such abolition. States that each regulatory agency established by the Congress on or after July 1, 1974, shall be abolished 15 years from the date on which it is first empowered to exercise its functions and duties according to the Act creating such agency unless the President and the Congress take such action as described above to disapprove such abolition. Requires that before January 2, 1976, and on or before a date six months prior to each date of abolition of an agency as specified in this Act, the President shall prepare and submit to the Congress a plan for the orderly transfer of such functions, powers, and duties, if any, as are determined by the President to be essential to the public health, safety, or welfare, from an agency, which is subject to the termination provisions of this Act, to the President or to a successor agency designated by the President. Provides that all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, certificates, licenses, contracts, rates, and privileges which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by a Federal regulatory agency abolished by this Act or by any court of competent jurisdiction, under any provision of law affected by this Act, and which are in effect at the time these provisions take effect, shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or repealed by the President, the head of a designated successor agency or by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
United States · United States Congress · 8 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 · 7 April 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to assist any veteran, who has a permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss, or loss of use, of one arm and one leg, including but not limited to cases of hemiparaplegia, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair, in acquiring a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran's disability, and necessary land therefor. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 801)
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Guam Shipyard Repair Facility Act - Requires the Guam shipyard facility to function at the maximum productive capacity at which it has operated in the past. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to study the necessity of maintaining shipyard repair facilities in the western Pacific not dependent on foreign treaties or foreign workers, and to report to the Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate within six months of the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Declares that the heating and cooling of buildings accounts for a significant portion of the consumption of oil, natural gas, coal, and electric power in interstate commerce, and that the use of solar heating and cooling equipment reduces reliance on natural resources. Prohibits State and local laws which permit the construction of buildings or other obstructions which would interfere with the amount of sunlight necessary for the operation of solar heating and cooling equipment in buildings. Declares that State and local laws which are not inconsistent with the purposes of this Act are not preempted by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Energy Conservation Implementation Act - Title I: State Energy Conservation Implementation Program - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe guidelines for the development and preparation of proposed State energy conservation programs. Stipulates that such guidelines be designed to allow States maximum flexibility and discretion in preparing such programs. Requires that States be given an opportunity to participate in the drafting of such guidelines. Authorizes the Administrator to provide Federal financial assistance to States whose proposed energy conservation programs meet specified Federal criteria. Stipulates that such assistance may be in the form of loan guarantees, interest subsidies, or grants. Lists factors to be considered in determining the amount of such assistance. Stipulates that no State shall receive more than 12.5 percent of the national total in each category of financial assistance. Establishes the following limits on financial assistance under this Act: (1) loan guarantees- shall not exceed an aggregate of $10,000,000,000 at any one time; (2) interest subsidies to residential and small business consumers-authorizes an appropriation of not more than $90,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $180,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $360,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1979 and 1980; (3) grants to States-$50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Specifies the following criterial for State programs as a pre-condition to receiving Federal financial assistance under this Act: (1) limits the maximum term of loan guarantees or subsidies to 15 years or the anticipated useful life of any permanent facilities, whichever is shorter; (2) requires procedures for energy audits and distribution of resultant information to consumers; (3) requires incentives for the implementation of energy conservation measures by individual owners and tenants; (4) demonstration that such program is designed to achieve maximum energy savings in the shortest possible time; and (5) reasonable assurance that the financial interest of the United States will be protected. Authorizes States to encourage the development of energy conservation cooperatives of residential energy consumers as part of their energy conservation programs. Title II: Energy Conservation Extension Service - 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. Requires that such programs include technical assistance, instruction, and practical demonstrations in energy conservation opportunities. Directs 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. Requires that local extension offices disseminate information, advice, and assistance 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 · 9 March 1976
National Forest Timber Management Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for future timber sales from national forests consistent with the criteria set forth in this Act. Requires that timber sales be made only from stable lands which are capable of regenerating a commercial stand of timber. Requires that minimum reforestation requirements be included in such standards. Imposes quantity sales limitations on timber sales in order to prevent the quantity and quality of timber from declining. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for maximum utilization of all trees sold from the national forests. Requires a complete interdisciplinary review from an environmental, biological, engineering, and economic standpoint of all proposed timber sales of $5,000 or more in national forests. Directs the Secretary to make public at least 60 days prior to each sale a brief statement as to the consistency of such proposed cut with principles of multiple use. Requires that the Secretary impose limitations on clearcutting practices in national forests. Prohibits the Secretary from allowing the cutting of immature trees except where the cutting of such trees: (1) conforms to specified forest management purposes; (2) achieves an even age distribution in southern pine forests; and (3) in connection with clearcuts where the stand of trees is predominantly of mature trees. Prohibits the cutting and removal of any tree from national forests unless such tree has been properly marked. Authorizes clearcuts without marking of individual trees in accordance with standards to be promulgated by the Secretary. Requires that the Secretary evaluate and limit the effects of proposed conversions of plant communities within natural forests. Prohibits contracts for the cutting of timber in national forests for more than a three-year period. Prohibits the use of DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons by the Secretary in the national forests for pest control purposes. Requires that the Secretary and the Forest Service take steps to preserve the natural ecosystems, soil resources, and fish and wildlife resources in national forests. Requires the preparation of a multiple use-sustained yield management plan for each national forest. Requires the establishment of a cost accounting system for future timber sales, to include indirect and direct administrative costs with respect to growth and reforestation of timber as well as sales. Allows States and localities to elect to receive payments from the Secretary of Agriculture based on the amount of specified public lands within the boundaries of such governmental units in lieu of the sum of amounts made available to States and localities under other provisions of Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Declares that the purpose of this Act is to encourage colleges and universities to develop programs that give their students an opportunity to gain an appreciation of international problems and ideas by providing financial assistance for students participating in such programs. Directs the Secretary of State to provide funds to institutions of higher education for stipends to students participating in international internships for travel expenses and additional stipends for such students for living expenses if such student demonstrates financial need. Directs that an institution may grant any such stipend to a student who: (1) is pursuing a course of full-time study at the junior or senior level of undergraduate school, or is a graduate student; (2) possesses academic excellence and knowledge of a foreign language; (3) has been placed in an international internship relevant to the student's course of study; (4) has agreed to participate in such internship for not less than three months and not more than one year; and (5) has been fully insured by the institution against expenses incurred by illness or accident during such internship. Sets forth the basis on which sums appropriated for such grants shall be allotted to the States. Authorizes security investigations of students receiving stipends under this Act where such investigation is a precondition to service with the international organization supervising such student. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress of the activities carried out and expenditures made in furtherance of the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from authorizing, except for emergency purposes, the entrance into or operation within the United States of any civil supersonic aircraft engaged in commercial service which generates noise in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Prohibits the landing or taking off, except in emergencies, of any supersonic aircraft which generates a noise level in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft from Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Directs the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation to convene a full scale investigation into the entire process surrounding Secretary of Transportation William Coleman's decision to grant the Anglo-French Concorde landing rights at John F. Kennedy Airport and at Dulles International Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
International Security Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to military assistance grant programs to require that any request for security assistance for each fiscal year be accompanied by a statement from the President on the status of human rights in each country included in such program, and mitigating factors in favor of continued assistance. Requires the President to include in the annual foreign assistance report a statement of the impact of military assistance on the United States military capacity, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes appropriations of $366,000,000 for military assistance for fiscal year 1976 and limits appropriations for Korea, Thailand, Jordan, Philippines, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Greece, Turkey, and international organizations. Prohibits use of such funds to supply sophisticated weapons systems unless the furnishing of such systems is important to United States national security. Limits the authority of the President to order defense articles and services for military assistance to emergency situations involving the security interests of the United States. Places specific financial limitations upon such assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the transfer of stockpiles of defense articles for any foreign country to another foreign country unless specifically authorized. Limits the value of such stockpiles located in foreign countries (other than for NATO) to the amount authorized for security assistance for that fiscal year. Terminates, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the operation of United States military assistance advisory groups and missions, unless specifically authorized by Congress. Limits the number of Armed Forces personnel which the President may assign to the Chief of each United States Diplomatic Mission to perform such function. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for such purposes for fiscal year 1978. Specifies that authority to furnish grant military assistance shall terminate on September 30, 1977. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish education and training to military and related civilian personnel on a reimbursable basis. Authorizes the appropriation of $28,150,000 for fiscal year 1976 for such purposes. Repeals restrictions on military assistance for training foreign military students. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for the general supervision of such programs. Makes the Secretary of Defense primarily responsible for such programs. Specifies administrative procedures for furnishing such assistance. Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States shall maintain a flexible policy toward the Middle East. Declares that the "joint resolution to implement the United States proposal for the early-warning system in the Sinai" does not constitute Congressional approval of any commitment or agreement upon which any other nation or organization may rely. Authorizes appropriations of $1,883,300,000 for fiscal year 1976 for security supporting assistance. Sets forth limitations upon the amount of such assistance available to countries in the Middle East and minimum amounts solely for Israel and Egypt. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the special requirements fund of the President for Middle East assistance to carry out agreements between the Sinai early warning system, and to assist the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palenstine Refugees in the Middle East. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to repeal policy statements requiring the reduction of foreign military sales by the United States. Amends such Act to limit the authority of the President to transfer defense articles sold under the Act by permitting Congressional disapproval except in emergency situations. Extends the payment period for credit sales from ten to 12 years. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,065,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for foreign military sales credits, with specified limitations and requirements. Repeals the regional ceilings for foreign military sales. Requires that the name and fee of any military sales agent be disclosed to Congress by the President, under the Foreign Military Sales Act and, for purposes of export licenses, under the Mutual Security Act of 1954. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require that the President submit to Congress an arms sales impact statement containing specified information in a quarterly report on defense sales. Requires the President to submit annual arms sales estimates to Congress with an analysis of such sales on the balance of power and the arms race, international negotiations, the defense production capacity of the United States, and military stocks and preparedness. Places an annual ceiling of $9,000,000,000 on arms sales in any fiscal year, except for emergency conditions. Requires approval by the Secretary of Defense of specified foreign military sales contracts. Imposes a penalty of not more than $25,000, or not more than two years imprisonment, or both, for failure to secure such approval. Declares it the policy of the United States to encourage control and reduction of arms traffic. Requires the President to review the arms sales policies and practices of the United States. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the contingency fund of the President for supporting assistance, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes the appropriation of $42,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 for International Narcotics Control. Repeals Indochina assistance under such Act and terminates regulations, contracts, and agreements thereof. Authorizes interim quarter appropriations for continuing authorized foreign assistance programs. Sets forth Congressional findings that involvement of external forces in Angola constitutes a threat to peace. Calls upon the President to seek an agreement to end the hostilities and maintain the United States policy of nonintervention. Prohibits any assistance to military or paramilitary operations in Angola, except under specified conditions. Requires the President to submit to Congress a report on security and self-sufficiency efforts in Korea. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President seek an agreement with the Soviet Union with respect to limiting military forces in the Indian Ocean. Prohibits assistance to countries which grant sanctuary to international terrorists, except upon a Presidential determination that extraordinary circumstances exist. Prohibits military assistance and sales credit to Chile until the President determines that substantial progress toward the enforcement of human rights has been made in that country. Amends the Mutual Security Act of 1954 to require the President to submit to Congress reports of licenses issued for the export of munitions. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or sex in the furnishing of defense articles, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Foreign Military Sales Act. Calls upon the President to express concern for United States citizens arrested in Mexico and to submit periodic reports to Congress regarding the status of such citizens and their treatment. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 to aid Cypriot refugees, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Amends such Act to permit the President to waive restrictions on assistance or aid to Turkey to enable Turkey to fulfill defense responsibilities to NATO. Permits trade with North and South Vietnam under specified restrictions. Permits such trade to continue only if: (1) within 90 days the President certifies that progress in being made to obtain information regarding American prisoners and missing in action in Vietnam; or (2) at the end of 180 days the President certifies that a substantial number of such persons and American war dead have been accounted for. States that Congress views Soviet intervention in Angola and support of Cuban armed forces in Angola as inconsistent with detente and other international agreements. Declares that such intervention should be taken into account in United States foreign policy planning and negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Directs the House Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on International Relations to begin a study of the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. Requires each committee to report, within three months of the date on which this resolution is approved, its recommendations to the Speaker of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Requires that every contract within the scope of the Service Contract Act of 1965 shall contain a provision requiring that in the case of a work stoppage which is directly related to a labor dispute between the contractor and the employees carrying out the contract, the contractor and the collective bargaining representative shall immediately notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that the work stoppage has occured. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a fact finding panel within two days after receiving such notice. Requires the panel to publish, within five days, its findings on whether the work stoppage is beyond the control of the contractor and was caused without his fault. States that if the panel finds the contractor at fault, the head of the Federal agency which is a party to the contract involved may not make further progress payments on the contract, or exercise any option which would have the effect of increasing the amount payable to the contractor, or the amount of service to be acquired from the contractor, until the dispute is settled. Permits termination of the contract if no collective bargaining agreement is signed within 45 days following the work stoppage.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Requires that every contract within the scope of the Walsh-Healey Act shall contain a provision requiring that in the case of a work stoppage which is directly related to a labor dispute between the contractor and the employees carrying out the contract, the contractor and the collective bargaining representative shall immediately notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that the work stoppage has occured. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a fact finding panel within two days after receiving such notice. Requires the panel to publish, within five days, its findings on whether the work stoppage is beyond the control of the contractor and was caused without his fault. States that if the panel finds the contractor at fault, the head of the Federal agency which is a party to the contract involved may not make further progress payments on the contract, or exercise any option which would have the effect of increasing the amount payable to the contractor, or the amount of services to be acquired from the contractor, until the dispute is settled. Permits termination of the contract if no collective bargaining agreement is signed within 45 days following the work stoppage.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Requires that every public contract under the Walsh-Healey Act shall contain a provision that the contractor must notify the contracting agency whenever a strike occurs involving employees who are engaged in carrying out such contract. Directs the head of the agency involved to terminate any contract if he determines that the contractor has replaced, or attempted to replace, any employee participating in such a strike.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Requires that every public contract under the Davis-Bacon Act shall contain a provision that the contractor must notify the contracting agency when ever a strike occurs involving employees who are engaged in carrying out such contract. Directs the head of the agency involved to terminate any contract if he determines that the contractor has replaced, or attempted to replace, any employee participating in such a strike.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Requires that every contract within the scope of the Davis-Bacon Act shall contain a provision requiring that in the case of a work stoppage which is directly related to a labor dispute between the contractor and the employees carrying out the contract, the contractor and the collective bargaining representative shall immediately notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that the work stoppage has occured. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a fact finding panel within two days after receiving such notice. Requires the panel to publish, within five days, its findings on whether the work stoppage is beyond the control of the contractor and was caused without his fault. States that if the panel finds the contractor at fault, the head of the Federal agency which is a party to the contract involved may not make further progress payments on the contract, or exercise any option which would have the effect of increasing the amount payable to the contractor, or the amount of services to be acquired from the contractor, until the dispute is settled. Permits termination of the contract if no collective bargaining agreement is signed within 45 days following the work stoppage.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government should accelerate its development of commercial sailing ships. States that the budget of the Maritime Administration, the Department of the Navy, the Energy Research and Development Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Federal Energy Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Commerce should include adequate funds to prove the commercial viability of sailing ships.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ryan, Leo J. [D-CA-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000558_200.jpg)