United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Limits to those elementary and secondary school facilities destroyed or damaged after January 2, 1968, and prior to October 1, 1978, the distribution of disaster relief to local educational agencies in federally impacted areas.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Establishes a two-year, seven-member advisory committee to advise the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service with respect to the implementation of the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976. Amends such Act to repeal the requirement that the State and other official agencies designated to perform inspection or weighing functions pay fees to the Administrator to cover the costs of the direct supervision of personnel of such agencies by the field office personnel of the Federal Grain Inspection Service. Authorizes appropriations to cover such supervisory costs. Amends such Act relative to recordkeeping. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, within six months of the effective date of this Act, to review certain recordkeeping provisions of Federal law and the regulations of the Commodity Credit Corporation as they apply to grain elevators, warehouses or other grain storage and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary, on the basis of such review, to establish a single system for recordkeeping by such facilities that will meet the requirements of such regulations and the law.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll 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 nor more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Declares the findings of Congress that firearms used or carried during the commission of certain State crimes affects and constitutes a burden on interstate commerce. Makes it a Federal crime for any person to use or carry a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. Defines crime of violence as any act or omission, which, under applicable State law is a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year or is one of several specifically enumerated crimes. Requires any person convicted of a crime of violence while using or carrying a firearm to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment for 25 years. Stipulates that any term of imprisonment imposed under this Act: (1) shall not be suspended; (2) may not include probation; and (3) may not run concurrently with any sentence imposed by a State for the commission of a crime of violence. Increases the penalty for the use or carrying of a firearm during the commission of a felony that may be prosecuted in the Federal district courts from a term of imprisonment for one year to a term of imprisonment for ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of term of imprisonment of 25 years. Stipulated that such sentences: (1) shall not be suspended; (2) shall not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture and any other appropriate Federal officials to complete action on funding requests within one year of the completion of local participation requirements by applicants for such assistance. Establishes procedures for exempting small watershed projects having a total water capacity of 15,000 acre feet or less from the requirement of filing an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act. Stipulates that the status of such exemptions shall be monitored by the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Energy to study all aspects of the exploration, research and development, production, importation, distribution, and use of all energy-related resources, including national priorities and policies with regard to energy. Gives the Committee legislative jurisdiction over energy related matters.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act to prohibit the issuance of a citation to an employer who has not at any time 30 days prior to an inspection or investigation employed more than ten employees. Exempts an employer charged with a nonserious violation from assessment of a civil penalty if he (1) has not been previously cited for the same violation; and (2) is charged with ten or less nonserious violations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to complete studies on project proposals within one year after local participation requirements are met. Stipulates that construction work which covers 15,000 acre feet or less and which does not require channelization shall be exempt from the filing of environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Imposes upon any article produced in a "foreign-trade zone" or a possession or territory of the United States from foreign meat the import restrictions which would be applicable to the meat had it entered the United States from its country of origin.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Directs the printing as a House document of the transcript of proceedings of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of July 27, 1976, incident to the presentation of a protrait of the Honorable James A. Haley. Authorizes the printing of 1000 additional copies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense shall inter an Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War in Arlington National Cemetery and make a permanent display of representative medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam War in the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
Bicentennial Land Heritage Act - Title I: Bicentennial Land Heritage Program - Establishes the Bicentennial Land Heritage Program for the acquisition, improvement, rehabilitation, and maintenance of units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System, and for the improvement of community recreation facilities. Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums to carry out specified aspects of such program. Title II: Appropriations - Appropriates specified sums for the following: (1) grants for State and local community development programs; (2) land acquisition by and operational expenses of the National Park Service; (3) land acquisition, resource management, anadromous fishery development, and construction by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and (4) planning and constructing roads and parkways within the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Designates the following trails for study as potential additions to the national trails system: (1) Bartram Trail, extending through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee; (2) Daniel Boone Trail, extending through North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky; (3) Desert Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona; (4) Dominguez-Escalante Trail, extending through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona; (5) Florida Trail; (6) Indian Nations Trail, Oklahoma; (7) Nez Perce Trail, extending through Oregon, Idaho, and Montana; and (8) Pacific Northwest Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1976
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and dependency and indemnity compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of cost-of-living increases in monthly social security benefits or railroad retirement annuities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security or railroad retirement benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any pension which he or she (or any member of his or her family) is otherwise entitled to receive under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Stipulates that the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs should without delay consider and report legislation eliminating the possibility of any loss of or reduction in pensions payable under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration on account of increases in social security or railroad benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security or railroad retirement benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any pension which he or she (or any member of his or her family) is otherwise entitled to receive under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Stipulates that the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs should without delay consider and report legislation eliminating the possibility of any loss of or reduction in pensions payable under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration on account of increases in social security or railroad benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security or railroad retirement benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any pension which he or she (or any member of his or her family) is otherwise entitled to receive under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Stipulates that the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs should without delay consider and report legislation eliminating the possibility of any loss of or reduction in pensions payable under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration on account of increases in social security or railroad benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security or railroad retirement benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any pension which he or she (or any member of his or her family) is otherwise entitled to receive under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Stipulates that the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs should without delay consider and report legislation eliminating the possibility of any loss of or reduction in pensions payable under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration on account of increases in social security or railroad benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Reclamation Authorizations Act - Title I: Kanopolis Unit, Kansas - Reauthorizes the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Kanopolis Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program, to be prosecuted by the Secretary of the Interior in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into land management agreements with the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission upon the expiration of existing leases for agricultural use of publicly owned lands. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,900,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter, for the construction of the Kanopolis Unit. Title II: Oroville-Tonasket Unit, Washington - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Oroville-Tonasket Unit of the Chief Joseph Dam project in Washington. Authorizes the Secretary to renegotiate contract arrangements between the United States and the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District with respect to assignment of irrigation costs. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $39,370,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter, for the construction of the Oroville-Tonasket Unit. Title III: Uintah Unit, Utah - Authorizes the appropriation of $90,247,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the Uintah Unit of the Central Utah Project. Title IV: American Canal Extension El Paso, Texas - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain a 13-mile extension of the American Canal in El Paso, Texas. Requires that the Secretary enter into a repayment contract with local irrigation district authorities prior to project construction. Authorizes the appropriation of $21,714,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the American Canal extension. Title V: Allen Camp Unit, California - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Allen Camp Unit of the Central Valley project in California. Authorizes the Secretary to replace roads and bridges rendered unusable by construction and operation of the Unit. Stipulates that no water from the Unit shall be used for irrigation of excessive crop allotments for a ten-year period after the enactment of this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $64,220,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the Allen Camp Unit. Title VI: Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel, Colorado - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to rehabilitate the Leadville Mine drainage tunnel in Colorado. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,750,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for rehabilitation of the tunnel. Title VII: M'Gee Creek Project, Oklahoma - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the M'Gee Creek project in Oklahoma, in accordance with Federal Reclamation laws. Establishes procedures for reimbursement of project costs. Authorizes the appropriation of $83,239,000 for fiscal year 1978 and thereafter for the construction of the M'Gee Creek project.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a charitable deduction against the income, estate, and gift tax for contributions by an individual to a domestic fraternal society operating under the lodge system for the purpose of constructing or maintaining a building the principal purpose of which is to house such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - Title I: General Provisions - Expresses the intent and findings of Congress that alternative energy sources for public and private consumption are necessary to reduce dependence on petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear and hydroelectric generations as a power source. Establishes the objective of establishing a cooperative effort to recover potential energy sources and other valuable materials from discarded material. Title II: Office of Discarded Materials; Authorities of the Administrator - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish within the Agency an Office of Discarded Materials to carry out administrative functions under this Act and the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Stipulates that the Administrator shall have exclusive supervisory authority over litigation commenced under this Act. Requires that the concurrence of the Administrator be obtained with respect to any aspect of proceedings before the Supreme Court where the Attorney General acts as the Administrator's representative. Directs the Administrator to collect information on discarded materials for dissemination to the public. Requires the establishment of resource recovery panels to assist State and local programs. Directs the Administrator to undertake studies and reports on discarded mining wastes and sludge material. Authorizes Federal grants to public and private applicants to assist in the purchase of discarded tire shredders. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 and 1979 for such programs and studies. Requires annual reports to Congress by the Administrator on activities of the Office of Discarded Materials. Title III: Hazardous Waste Management - Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for identifying hazardous waste materials. Establishes procedures for the development of standards to seasonably protect human health from hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to establish a permit program to regulate the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Establishes requirements for application for such permits. Directs the Administrator to establish standards for State hazardous waste programs. Establishes procedures for authorization and withdrawal of authorization by the Administrator for the operation of State programs. Requires the operators of facilities regulated by this Act to allow authorized officials duly designated by the Administrator access to records relating to hazardous waste, and to enter and inspect facilities at any reasonable time upon the furnishing of a written statement as to the reason for the inspection by the authorized official. Establishes procedures for Federal enforcement of hazardous waste regulations. Title IV: State or Regional Discarded Materials Plans - Directs the Administrator to establish guidelines for State or regional discarded materials management plans. Lists factors to be considered by the Administrator in developing such guidelines. Establishes minimum requirements for approval of plans by the Administrator. Authorizes technical assistance to States and localities for the development and implementation of such plans. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for classification of facilities as sanitary landfills. Stipulates that each State or regional plan shall require disposal of all discarded material in a sanitary landfill. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for grants to States for the development and implementation of State plans. Authorizes Federal loan guarantees from the United States Resource Recovery Corporation to local governments and other persons only with respect to facilities located in States or regions having an approved plan. Title V: Duties of the Secretary of Commerce in Resource Conservation and Recovery - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish accurate specifications for recovered materials, to promote development of resource recovery technology, and to stimulate the development of markets for recovered materials. Title VI: United States Resource Recovery Corporation - Creates a nonprofit United States Resource Recovery Corporation to stimulate the construction of new resource recovery facilities by reducing a portion of the operating risk inherent in traditional methods of capital formation for such facilities. Authorizes the Corporation to provide financial assistance to eligible facilities for up to 50 percent of the initial project cost. Limits the amount of financial assistance, which may be outstanding at any time to a total of $2,500,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, for administrative expenses incurred by the Corporation. Title VII: Federal Responsibilities - Requires Federal procurement agencies to maximize use of resource recovery and energy efficient methods in Federal procurement practices. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish guidelines for procurement agencies with recommended practices designed to encourage energy conservation and resource recovery. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who seek to enforce legally protected rights under this Act. Authorizes citizen suits in Federal district courts for alleged violations of provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1976
Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1975 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of freight transportation in the Midwest including the effects on railroads which could be caused by possible changes in the capacity of the lock system of the Mississippi River and the Illinois Waterway navigation system. Prohibits the expansion of the present lock capacity on the Mississippi or Illinois river prior to the submission of the Secretary's study to Congress one year from the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Requires that an election commissioner be appointed in American Samoa. States that the duty of the Commissioner will be to conduct a plebiscite on the issue of whether there should be a popular election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of that country. Provides that a gubernatorial election be held within one year of such plebiscite if there is a majority of affirmative responses. Directs the legislature of American Samoa to establish rules and procedures regarding nomination, length of terms, and removal from the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act to provide that persons employing fewer than 25 employees in connection with a farming operation, or persons entering into a contract or other arrangement for the furnishing and operation of any machinery used in connection with a farming operation shall not be considered employers for purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to directly regulate sales prices of new natural gas except for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices for onshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Establishes procedures for the establishment and periodic revision of national ceiling prices for the sale of old natural gas in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Federal Land Policy and Management Act - Title I: Short Title, Declaration of Policy, and Definition - Declares Congressional policy relating to the use and management of public lands. Defines specified terms for the purposes of this Act. Title II: Planning Future Public Land Use - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and maintain on a continuing basis an inventory of all public lands and their resources. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and maintain on a continuing basis a comprehensive inventory of all National Forest System lands and renewable resources. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop, maintain, and revise land use plans which encompass all public lands. Lists guidelines to be followed in the development and revision of such plans. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop, maintain, and revise land and resource management plans for lands in the National Forest System. Specifies guidelines for the development and revision of such land use plans. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to issue management decisions to implement land use plans developed or revised under this Title. Permits either House of Congress to disapprove any management decision that excludes one or more principal uses for two years or longer with respect to a tract of land of at least 100,000 acres. Directs the Secretary, in managing the public lands under a land use plan, to regulate the use, occupancy, and development of such lands. Restricts such authority with respect to (1) the use, occupancy, and development of public lands by Federal agencies, (2) hunting and fishing on public lands, and (3) mining rights. Requires that any instrument relating to the use, occupancy, or development of public lands contain a provision authorizing revocation or suspension of such instrument upon an administrative finding of a violation of any term or condition of the instrument, including terms requiring compliance with regulations under Acts applicable to the public lands and compliance with applicable State or Federal air or water quality standards or implementation plans. Stipulates that, in lieu of specified findings, all conveyances of title issued by the Secretary of the Interior shall reserve to the United States all minerals in the lands and the right to prospect for and remove such minerals. Revises provisions relating to the designation by the Secretary of Agriculture of lands for townsites. Revises provisions regarding sales of tracts of public lands which have been or are presently subject to unintentional trespass to give owners of contiguous lands the right to purchase any such tract at its fair market value before selling the tract at public auction. Subjects the Secretary to specified reporting and notification requirements in relation to such sales. Sets forth procedures for withholding an area of Federal land from settlement, sale, location, or entry under some or all of the general land laws of the United States for the purpose of maintaining other public values in the area or reserving the area for a particular public purpose or program. Limits those individuals to whom the Secretary of the Interior may delegate authority for making such withdrawals. Empowers either House of Congress to disapprove withdrawals of lands aggregating over 5,000 acres. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to units of the National Forest System, to acquire lands or interests therein by purchase, exchange, donation, or eminent domain. Limits the purposes for which the Secretary of the Interior may acquire lands by eminent domain. Details guidelines relating to land exchanges. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, upon making one of specified findings regarding the interest of the United States in specified lands, to issue a document of disclaimer of interest where such a disclaimer would help remove a cloud on title. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey mineral interests owned by the United States where the surface is in non-Federal ownership if he finds (1) that there are no known mineral values in the land, or (2) that the reservation of the mineral rights is interfering with or precluding appropriate nonmineral development of the land and that such development is a more beneficial use of the land than mineral development. Specifies a formula for the determination of grazing fees. Directs that 50 percent of all moneys received as fees for grazing domestic livestock on public lands and on lands in the National Forest System be credited to a separate account in the United States Treasury for the purpose of range rehabilitation, protection, and improvement. Places a ten year limit on permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing. Grants to a holder of an expiring permit or lease first priority for receipt of the new permit or lease. Requires that all grazing permits and leases incorporate an allotment management plan. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to establish at least one grazing advisory board for each Bureau of Land Management district office and National Forest headquarters office in the western States having jurisdiction over more than 5,000 acres of land subject to commercial livestock grazing. Title III: Bureau of Land Management - Declares that the Bureasu of Land Management shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act with respect to the management, use, and protection of the public lands. Specifies penalties for persons violating such regulations. Empowers the Secretary to enter into contracts with State and local law enforcement officials for assistance in enforcing Federal laws and regulations with respect to public lands, or, in lieu thereof, to designate Federal personnel to carry out such enforcement responsibilities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish reasonable filing and service fees and reasonable charges and commissions with respect to applications and other documents relating to public lands. Establishes a working capital fund for the management of public lands, such fund to be made available for expenses necessary for furnishing supplies and equipment services in support of Bureau programs. Empowers the Secretary to: (1) conduct investigations, studies, and experiments involving the management, protection, development, and conveying of public lands; (2) enter into contracts and cooperative agreements involving the management protection, development, and sale of public lands; (3) accept contributions and donations of money, services, and property for the management, development, and conveying of the public lands, including the acquisition of rights-of-way for such purposes; and (4) enter into contracts with respect to the airborne cadastral survey and resource protection operations of the Bureau. Authorizes the Secretary to establish advisory councils to furnish advice regarding land use planning, classification, retention, management, and disposal of public land within the area for which the advisory council is established. Direct the Secretary to review roadless areas of the public lands and report recommendations to the President as to the suitability of such areas for designation as wilderness. Requires the President to report to Congress his recommendations with respect to designation as wilderness of each such area. Stipulates that a recommendation of the President for designating a specified area as wilderness shall become effective only if so provided by an Act of Congress, whereas a recommendation against the inclusion of a specified area within the wilderness system shall take effect unless disapproved by either House of Congress. Title IV: Desert Lands - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and implement a comprehensive long-range plan for the management, use, development and protection of the lands within the California Desert Conservation Area as designated pursuant to this Act. Instructs the Secretary to establish a California Desert Conservation Area Advisory Committee to assist in the preparation and implementation of such plan. Amends the Recreation and Public Purposes Act to specify additional prerequisite findings for the transfer of public lands to a State or political subdivision thereof, or to a nonprofit corporation for public purposes. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide opportunities for public participation with respect to such transfers. Revises provisions placing limitations on the number of acres which may be transferred to any entity each year. Stipulates that conveyances of land to be used for recreational purposes shall be made without monetary compensation. Permits the Secretary of the Interior to designate a tract of the public lands for sale upon making one of specified findings. Allows either House of Congress to disapprove the sale of any designated tract which exceeds 2,500 acres. Requires that sales of public lands be conducted under competitive bidding procedures except where equitable considerations or public policies necessitate modified competitive or noncompetitive bidding. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review specified withdrawals of public lands in enumerated western States. Title V: Rights-of-Way - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to lands within the National Forest System, other than wildererness areas, to grant, issue, or renew rights-of-way for enumerated uses. Sets forth disclosure requirements for right-of-way applicants. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of roads within or near public lands in locations which will permit maximum economy in harvesting timber from such lands. Lists alternatives for financing such roads. Permits the Secretary of the Interior to require the users of a road, trail, land, or other facility administered by the Secretary through the Bureau to either maintain or deposit sums for the maintenance of such facilities in a satisfactory condition. Requires, to the extent practical, utilization of rights-of-way in common. Requires that each right-of-way or permit reserve to the Secretary concerned the right to grant additional rights-of-way or permits for compatible uses on or adjacent to rights-of-way granted pursuant to this Act. Sets forth guidelines for determining the boundaries and duration of, and compensation for, rights-of-way. Directs the Secretary concerned to include in each grant of a right-of-way under this Act such terms and conditions as is deemed necessary to protect specified environmental, administrative, economic, and other public interests. Prescribes grounds and procedures for the suspension or termination of rights-of-way. Permits the Secretary concerned, when conveying lands subject to a right-of-way, to (1) reserve to the United States that portion of the lands which lies within the boundaries of the right-of-way, or (2) convey the lands subject to the right-of-way and reserving to the United States the right to enforce any terms and conditions of the right-of-way when such reservation or retention of rights is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title VI: Effect on Existing Rights; Repeal of Prior Laws; Appropriation Authorization, and Effective Date - Repeals specified statutes and portion of statutes relating to (1) homesteads, (2) sales and disposals of public lands, (3) townsite reservations and sales, (4)abandoned military reservations, (5) Presidential authority to withdraw or reserve public lands from entry or disposition under the public land laws, and (6) issuance of rights-of- way on public lands and lands in the National Forest System. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act. Sets forth procedures for requesting appropriations for the Bureau of Land Management. Details provisions regarding the effect of this Act on other Federal laws and on existing rights-of-way.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Authorizes the government of the Virgin Islands to levy a surtax on future income taxes payable to itself which will not exceed ten percent. Authorizes $15,000,000 in loan funds to be appropriated for the government of the Virgin Islands' operating expenses. Authorizes $61,000,000 to be appropriated for loans for the capital improvement program of the Virgin Islands. States the conditions for extension and repayment of such loans. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to place stipulations on such loans as he deems necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000 to the United States Railway Association for the period beginning May 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1977, for the purpose of carrying out the Association's administrative expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Designates specified areas within the following national parks and national monuments as wilderness: (1) Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico; (2) Gunnison National Monument, Colorado; (3) Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona; (4) Great Sand Dunes National Monument Colorado; (5) Haleakala National Park, Hawaii; (6) Isle Royale National Park Michigan; (7) Joshua Tree National Monument, California; (8) Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado; (9) Pinnacles National Monument, California; and (10) Saguaro National Monument, Arizona. Revises the boundaries of Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, and Pinnacles National Monument, California. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of specified lands in Coronado National Forest, Arizona, for designation as wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President shall seek the elimination of surety deposit requirements on vegetable protein products imposed by the European Economic Community. Provides that if the President shall fail to eliminate such requirements, he shall obtain full compensation for such actions under article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
States that the term "migrant worker" under the Farm Labor Contractor Act of 1963 shall not include any individual whose primary employment is in custom cutting or combine operations in connection with the harvesting of grains.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Postal Service should not close or otherwise suspend the operation of any post office during the six-month period beginning on the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to eliminate flood insurance and community participation in the national flood insurance program as prerequisites for Federal approval of financial assistance for acquisition or construction of or for lending institution loans secured by, any building, mobile home, or personal property located or to be located in an area having special flood hazards.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the negotiations between Southern Railway and Chessie System on one hand and railway labor organizations on the other should be resumed, with the assistance of the Secretaries of Labor and Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands and interests in lands in specified areas of Nebraska and to establish the Trails West National Historical Park in Nebraska and Wyoming once sufficient lands have been acquired. Creates a Trails West National Historical Park Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Free Market and Food Protection Resolution - States that whenever the President or any other member of the executive branch suspends export sales of corn, wheat, soybeans, or grain sorghum, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make payments to any farmowner or operator who has in storage at the beginning of the suspension any amount of the commodity for which export sales have been suspended. Sets forth the specified percentage rate of such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Increases the maximum amount authorized to be appropriated for acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of sites of specified events which occurred in Kansas during the decade prior to and during the Civil War.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to mark the sites of the Cherokee Strip in the States of Kansas and Oklahoma in commemoration of its opening on September 16, 1893, and its subsequent homesteading. Authorizes the Secretary to assist in the maintenance and operation of the Cherokee Strip Living Museum at Arkansas City, Kansas. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Federal Energy Development Impact Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make Federal grants, loans, and loan guarantees for acquisition, construction, and equipment of various public facilities to States, localities, and Indian tribes which are affected by the development of Federal energy resources. Limits the aggregrate amount of outstanding Federal assistance under this Act to $1,000,000,000. Stipulates that no Federal commitments shall be entered into after September 30, 1989. Lists the following "public facilities" as eligible for assistance under this Act: schools, libraries, roads and related improvements, water supply and sewer systems, and facilities for storm water drainage, waste treatment, health care, fire protection, police, recreational participation, and governmental administration. Directs the Secretary to establish a formula for the allocation of such Federal assistance, in accordance with the following factors: (1) projected population growth resulting from additional direct employment caused by development of Federal energy resources; (2) average costs of public facilities; (3) regional differences in construction costs; and (4) need for additional public facilities as related to the rate of expected population growth. Authorizes discretionary increases in allotments of up to five percent if justified by special environmental circumstances. Imposes conditions on the use and allocation of funds within each State and among Indian tribes. Limits the amount of grants to the lesser of (1) ten percent of the total allotment for each State or tribe, or (2) $1,000,000 for each impacted area. Authorizes the Secretary to forgive all or part of the principal of and interest on loans or guarantees where projected development or growth does not occur and such forgiveness would appropriately reflect any current and future inability of the borrower to repay. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Energy Development Impact Assistance Fund to provide the assistance authorized under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000,000 to provide capital to the fund, to remain available until September 30, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than ten years for disclosure of (1) the association of any individual or entity with the foreign intelligence operation of the United States, or (2) the identity of such individual where such disclosure may prejudice the safety of such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Directs the United States Railway Association to deliver a certified copy of the final system plan to the special court within 120 days after its effective date (presently 90 days).
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Approves the compact of permanent union between Puerto Rico and the United States. Accords to Puerto Rico the right of self-government and jurisdiction over the population, territorial seas, and Island of Puerto Rico, as well as jurisdiction over the adjacent population, territorial seas, and islands. Gives the U.S. responsibility for and authority with respect to international relations and defense affecting Puerto Rico. Permits Puerto Rico to enter into specified categories of agreements with other countries consistent with the functions of the U.S. as determined by the President and the Governor of the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico on a case-by-case basis. States that all persons born in Puerto Rico are citizens of the U.S. Makes U.S. currency the exclusive currency of Puerto Rico. Declares that economic, trade, and commercial relations between the two parties shall be conducted within the framework of the common market previously and henceforth established. Lists related rights and responsibilities. Provides that U.S. immigration laws, rules, regulations, and procedures shall be applied to Puerto Rico except as the President and Governor agree to limit or increase the quota of aliens who may be admitted. Directs that Puerto Rico be represented by one elected representative in each House of Congress. Provides that U.S. laws, present and past, be given full effect. Allows, prior to passage of any legislation affecting Puerto Rico, the Governor to submit to Congress objections to its applicability. Exempts Puerto Rico from the provisions of such legislation if the respective Congressional committee or committees by vote express agreement with the objections. Prohibits this procedure if proposed laws directly affect the rights and duties of citizens, security and common defense, foreign affairs, or currency. Allows the U.S. to transfer to Puerto Rico, with its consent, the total or partial performance of Federal functions. Creates a six-member Joint Commission, three members and their successors to be appointed by the President, and three by the Governor. Subjects the Commission to review by the President and the Governor after an initial period of five years, such review to encompass the Commission's membership and continuation. Assigns the Commission to help in the perfection of relations between the U.S. and Puerto Rico, directing it to study: (1) the desirability of retaining, modifying, or eliminating the application of specific Federal laws to Puerto Rico, giving priority to laws pertaining to communications, coastal shipping, and administration of Selective Service; (2) the possible transfer of Federal functions to Puerto Rican agencies; and (3) the desirability of recommending a system of contributory payments from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Treasury, based upon disbursements by the Puerto Rican legislature from the general fund or any other sources subject to its legislative action. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to U.S. and Puerto Rican courts with respect to justifiable questions arising under this Act. Establishes a U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico. Declares that the public policy of the U.S. and Puerto Rico is to make the minimum wage in Puerto Rico equal to that of the U.S. as soon as economic conditions permit. Grants Puerto Rico exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to minimum wage and working hours, labor-management relations, and occupational health and safety regulation, except as those areas apply to the shipping and aviation industries, where the appropriate Federal law governs. Requires that this compact, to become effective: (1) be approved by the U.S. Congress; (2) be approved by the Puerto Rican electorate in a special referendum; and (3) be proclaimed approved by the electorate, such proclamation to include the effective date as agreed upon by the President and the Governor. (It must become effective within one year of approval). Directs that the provisions of this Act shall not interrupt or impair pending matters before courts or quasi-judicial agencies, and shall not affect franchises, permits, and other grants previously issued. Requires mutual agreement between the two governments for modification of this Act, and with respect to specified provisions concerning fundamental relations, the approval of the Puerto Rican electorate is also required.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Provides that no debt owned to the United States by any foreign country may be settled in an amount less than full value of such debt unless the Congress by concurrent resolution approves of such settlement.
![Official portrait of Rep. Skubitz, Joe [R-KS-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000472_200.jpg)