United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to provide transportation by motor vehicle or water carrier for persons attached to, or employed in, such department to and from their places of employment. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 2632)
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to replace locks and construct a new dam on the Mississippi River at Alton, Illinois, at an estimated cost of $391,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for wildlife mitigation and recreational activities in connection with such project. Authorizes a joint study by the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of Transportation of alternative solutions to freight transportation requirements for the Upper Mississippi and Illinois waterway system. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the construction of a 12-foot channel above Alton, Illinois.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1976
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of moneys to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil in bulk directly for a vessel, an offshore production of port facility, or an oil pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective dates; Conforming Amendments - Specifies the effective date of, and amends specified laws to conform with, the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to extend the authorization of appropriations necessary to carry out marine mammal research grants and the administration of the Marine Mammal Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of (1) $1,000,000 for each fiscal year through September 30, 1979, for commercial fishing year development; (2) $4,000,000 to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through September 30, 1978, to carry out its responsibilities under such Act; and (3) $700,000 to the Department of the Interior through September 30, 1978, to carry out its responsibilities under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. States that such plan shall: (1) identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial basis (priority aquatic species); and (2) contain a program of aquaculture development for such priority aquatic species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce or Secretary of the Interior, whichever is appropriate, to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center; (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States; (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations; and (4) submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all the Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior to carry out any function under this Act through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any grant made available under this Act to one-half of the estimated cost of the project for which the grant was made. Authorizes either Secretary to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the appropriate Secretary to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default. Authorizes the Secretary to make disaster loans available to individuals who have guaranteed loans under this Act. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund for the purpose of guaranteeing loans or making disaster loans available under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an insurance program for persons with guaranteed loans under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to carry out the various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Entitles the foreign-built passenger vessel, "Cunard Adventurer," to be documented to engage in the coastwise passenger trade between ports in the State of Hawaii, and to engage in the coastwise passenger trade between ports on the western coast of the United States and specified ports in the State of Hawaii. Conditions such documentation upon the transfer of the ship to any citizen of the United States and compliance with the inspection laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Ocean Shipping Act - Amends the Shipping Act of 1916 to include controlled carriers within the coverage of such Act. Defines "controlled carrier" as one which is directly owned, or whose operating assets are directly owned, by any government other than a government whose vessels by treaty are accorded most-favored-nation treatment or national treatment by the United States. Directs that no controlled carrier shall maintain rates or charges or structures of rates or charges in its tareffs filed with the Commission that are above or below a level which is just and reasonable. Provides that in determining whether rates are reasonable, consideration shall be given to whether the rates or charges are below a level which is fully compensatory or above the level of rates or charges applicable to non-United States ports in countries adjacent to the United States so as to encourage diversion of cargo from United States ports. Requires controlled carriers filing rates or charges or structures of rates or charges to designate and retain a registered agent within the United States. Forbids any controlled carrier to establish rates or charges which have the purpose or the effect of diverting or selectively diverting cargo from a United States port to or through a non-United States port in a country adjacent to the United States in order to avoid the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,950,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Amends the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 to extend until October 1, 1979 (presently October, 1977) provisions of the Act providing for reimbursement to fishermen for confiscation of their fishing vessel by foreign countries in specified situations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Amends the Canal Zone Code to provide a method for computing interest due on funds invested in the Panama Canal Company by the United States. Provides that no depreciation shall be allowed on the investment of the United States for lands, titles, treaty rights, and excavations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 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 · 1 June 1976
Recommends that the Board on Geographic Names approve a proposal to name two mountains in Alaska after the later Congressmen Hale Boggs and Nick Begich.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Debt Collection Practices Act - Prohibits debt collectors from harassing or intimidating consumers in connection with the collection or attempted collection of any alleged debt arising from a consumer credit transaction. Sets forth conduct which violates this Act, including the use of violence by a debt collector, and practices used to acquire local information about a debtor which publicize the indebtedness, such as post cards. Limits the communication that the debt collector may have with the consumer in connection with debt collection. Requires that further direct collection efforts cease once the consumer has absolutely refused to pay except that the collector may advise the consumer that the further efforts are being terminated and that there is a possiblity of an attorney invoking the creditor's remedies. Prohibits false or misleading representation or impersonation in connection with the collection of an alleged debt. List unfair practices which a collector is required to avoid, including the acceptance by a debt collector from a consumer of any check or other negotiable instrument that is postdated or the soliciting of such instrument for purposes of threatening criminal action. Prohibits the taking of specified legal actions, such as causing unauthorized service of process, on the part of collectors. Requires that, within five days after the initial communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt, the collector send the consumer a written notice containing specified information, including the name of the creditor, so as to provide the consumer with the opportunity to dispute the validity of the debt. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Requires that the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General report periodically to Congress concerning administration of their functions under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Title I: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for the acquisition of lands and interests therein within the following units of the National Park System: (1) Arches National Park, Utah; (2) Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia; (3) Buffalo National River, Arkansas; (4) Capitol Reef National Park, Utah; (5) Fire Island National Seashore, New York; (6) Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi; (7) Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Illinois; (8) Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado; (9) North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Washington; (10) Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire; and (11) Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska. Title II: Development Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for development of the following units of the National Park System: (1) Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Tennessee; (2) Arkansas Post National Memorial, Arkansas; (3) Chamizal National Memorial, Texas; (4) Fort Larned National Historic Site, Kansas; (5) Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah; (6) Jefferson National Expansion Memorial National Historic Site, Missouri; (7) Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire; and (8) Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals provisions relating to beach erosion control, hurrican protection, and purchase of public utility facilities within Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a comprehensive plan for the protection, management, and use of such seashore. Authorizes the Secretary to designate specified areas for addition to the Colorado National Monument, Colorado. Increases the maximum amount authorized to be appropriated for acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of sites of specified events which occurred in Kansas during the decade prior to and during the Civil War. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to transfer specified lands to the jurisdiction of the Director of the National Park Service in Montgomery County, Maryland. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer specified lands in such county to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire up to 64 acres of land for addition to the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Amends the Safe Boating Act of 1971 to extend from 18 to 24 months the period which the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating may interpose, at his discretion, between the date of issuance of a boating safety standard requiring major changes in the boat manufacturing industry and the effective date of such safety standard. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct research, testing, and development necessary to carry out the purposes of the Federal Boat Safety Act. Provides that a manufacturer's duty to notify buyers of defects in the boat or associated equipment shall be limited to defects or failures of compliance discovered by the manufacturer within three calendar years after the year in which the boat or associated equipment involved is first offered for sale by the manufacturer or within the life of the warranty on the boat or associated equipment involved, whichever period is longer. Directs that the Federal share of the total cost of a State's boating safety program may not exceed 50 percent in any fiscal year for which funds are appropriated under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Amends the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960 to provide that no United States registered pilot shall be liable for damages of more than $1,000 for any injury, damage, or other loss which results from his negligence in navigating any vessel on the Great Lakes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Amends the Central, Western, and South Pacific Fisheries Development Act to extend the appropriation authorization through fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for each fisscal year from 1977 through 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Permits the steamship United States to be used as a floating hotel. Provides that during a national emergency the vessel may be requisitioned or purchased by the United States and just compensation for title or use shall be paid in accordance with the Merchant Marine Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Amends the National Sea Grant College and Program Act of 1966 by authorizing the appropriation of $50,000,000 for Sea Grant Colleges and Marine Science Development. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to support and encourage the advancement of research and development capabilities of other nations relating to the exploration, conservation, and management of marine resources. Authorizes the Secretary to support the funding of education and training of foreign nationals through sea grant colleges and other suitable institutes and agencies of the United States. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out such provisions. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to enable the Secretary to enter into contracts with, or make grants to, specified organizations for purposes of conducting activities of a national scope and concern appropriate in assisting him in carrying out programs relating to the development, conservation, utilization, management, and protection of the marine environment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Amends laws relating to the Coast Guard. Defines "promotion year" as commencing on July 1 of each year and ending June 30 for purposes of considering Coast Guard personnel for promotions. Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to submit to Congress a report in March of each year (previously January) regarding the operations and expenditures of the Coast Guard during the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Provides that no waiver of specified navigation laws set forth in the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, shall be effective unless, 60 days prior to the effective date thereof, notice that such a waiver is being considered is published in the Federal Register and opportunity is given for comment and to request a public hearing thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Amends the National Sea Grant College and Program Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations for such Act through September 30, 1979. Authorizes the expenditure of $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Provides that provisions of the Act prohibiting the use of funds for the purchase or rental of any land or the rental, purchase, construction, or repair of buildings, docks, or vessels shall not apply to the payment for the services of research vessels and other ocean facilities directly supporting specific sea grant sponsored activities. Redefines "marine environment" to include the seabed and subsoil of submarine areas beyond the Continental Shelf and the natural resources thereof. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to encourage the advancement of other nations relating to the exploration, conservation, and management of marine resources. Gives the Secretary authority to support the funding of education and training of foreign nationals through sea-grant institutions. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1979 to carry out such functions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with, or grants to, eligible institutions to assist the Secretary in carrying out programs relating to the development, management, and protection of the marine environment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisee has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to review a franchise except for the reasons stated above or the franchisor has a legitimate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Debt Collection Practices Act - Prohibits debt collectors from harassing or intimidating consumers in connection with the collection or attempted collection of any alleged debt arising from a consumer credit transaction. Sets forth conduct violating this Act, including the use of violence by a debt collector, or publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts. Prohibits communication with any person other than the consumer owing the debt or the spouse without prior consent of the consumer. Prohibits false or misleading representation or impersonation in connection with the collection of an alleged debt. States that no debt collector may engage in unfair practices, such as soliciting a post-dated check for purposes of threatening criminal action. Prohibits debt collectors from taking specified legal actions, such as causing unauthorized service of process. Requires a debt collector to keep at each office he maintains specified information regarding his accounts. Provides that each debt collector must disclose, clearly and accurately, to each consumer a list of information which includes the date the alleged debt was incurred and the original creditor. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to report periodically to Congress concerning their administration of functions delegated to them under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Authorizes the appropriation of additional funds to the Secretary of the Interior for development of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Historic Site, Saint Louis, Missouri.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Lifeline Rate Act - Stipulates that no rate schedule of an electric utility shall result in a greater per kilowatt-hour charge to residential electric consumers for a subsistence quantity of electric energy than the lowest charge to any other electric consumer. Sets forth procedures for civil suits and judicial review where violations by utilities as regulatory authorities are alleged under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Authorizes the expenditure of $353,000 by the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries for inquiries and investigations. Allocates $100,000 to be expended for the procurement of consultant services. Requires the chairman of the Committee to furnish the Committee on House Administration with information regarding any study or investigation intended to be financed from such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Authorizes specified appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1977 for vessel and aircraft procurement and facilities construction. Authorizes a specified year-end strength for Coast Guard active duty personnel for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the Coast Guard average military student loads for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Amends the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and for each succeeding fiscal year for the operations of the Office of Environmental Quality and the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to order the capture and removal of, wild free-roaming horses and burros on public lands in a humane manner when: (1) there are excess animals; (2) they are old, sick, or lame; or (3) it is an act of mercy. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or donate excess wild free- roaming horses and burros. Directs the Secretary to give priority to persons seeking such excess animals for private domestic use. Authorizes the Secretary to order the destruction of wild free-roaming horses or burros in a humane manner, but only if it can be shown that such action is the only practical alternative. Stipulates that, upon sale, donation, or destruction, such animals shall lose their status as wild free-roaming horses and burros and no longer be subject to Federal laws relating to their protection, management, and control. Authorizes the Secretary to use aircraft or motorized vehicles on public lands for the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that such authority be exercised only in accordance with humane procedures and with other statutes aimed at the protection of wildlife.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Authorizes the appropriation of funds for fiscal year 1977 to carry out the provisions of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 as follows: (1) $5,300,000 to regulate the transportation and dumping of radioactive waste; (2) $6,000,000 to carry out monitoring and research regarding the effects of the dumping of material into coastal waters; and (3) $6,200,000 for the designation of marine sanctuaries in those areas of the ocean waters, and of the Great Lakes and their connecting waters, as the Secretary of Commerce determines necessary for the purpose of preserving or restoring such areas for their conservation, recreational, ecological, or esthetic values.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Emergency Financial Assistance Corporation Act - Creates a body corporate to be known as the Emergency Financial Assistance Corporation to make and guarantee long-term loans at reasonable interest rates: (1) to State and local governments for public works and facilities; (2) to individuals and corporations to establish new businesses and industries and to expand or otherwise improve existing businesses and industries; and (3) to public agencies and private nonprofit and limited dividend corporations for the construction of low-and-moderate income housing, in order that vital public services may be provided, the health and welfare of our people will be safeguarded, and a full employment economy will be achieved. Provides that the Corporation shall have a capital stock of $1,000,000,000 subscribed by the United States, payment for which shall be subject to call in whole or in part by the Board of Directors. Authorizes the Corporation to issue rates, debentures, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness up to an aggregate amount of 20 times the paid-in-capital stock of the Corporation at that time. Authorizes the Corporation to make direct loans and guarantees to State and local governments, direct loans for the benefit of business and industry, and loans for low-and-moderate income housing projects. Exempts the Corporation from the taxing authority of the United States or any State or local government. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury $1,000,000,000 to finance the purchase of Corporation stock.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to extend until June 30, 1979, (presently exists until June 30, 1976) the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to accept bids for ship construction. Eliminates the requirement that such approval be based upon the existence of a construction-differential subsidy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Authorizes the appropriation without fiscal year limitation for the Department of Commerce, for the fiscal year 1977, as follows: (1) $403,721,000 for obligations incurred for operating differential subsidy; (2) $19,500,000 for research and development activities; (3) $4,560,000 for reserve fleet expenses; (4) $13,260,000 for maritime training at the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York; and (5) $3,741,000 for financial assistance to State marine schools. Authorizes the appropriation for the fiscal year 1977 of such additional supplemental amounts for the activities for which appropriations are authorized under this Act as may be necessary for increases in salary, pay, retirement, or other employee benefits authorized by law, and/or increased costs for public utilities, food service, and other expenses of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Tonnage Measurement Simplification Act - Transfers from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, responsibility for measuring vessels by tonnage. Requires that a vessel be measured if it engages in international voyage by sea, or it is at least 24 meters in length and is self-propelled. Provides that a vessel not required to be measured by this Act may be measured if requested by the owner. Specifies instances in which remeasurement shall be required. Provides that a vessel measured prior to the effective date of this Act shall be considered as having been measured as required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Defines "a substance other than convention oil" for purposes of the Intervention on the High Seas Act as meaning those oils, noxious substances, liquified gases, and radioactive substances enumerated in the Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Marine Pollution by Substances Other than Oil or otherwise determined by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating as being liable to create a hazard. States that for purposes of implementing the Act, in determining whether there is grave and imminent danger of major harmful consequences to the coastline or related interests of the United States, the Secretary shall consider the interests directly affected or threatened, including but not limited to human health, fish, shellfish, and other living marine resources, wildlife, coastal zone and estuarine activities, and public and private shorelines and beaches.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Repeals the law: (1) providing for issuance by the Commissioner of Customs of certificates to sail for pleasure in any designated yacht; (2) providing for prescription by the Secretary of the Navy of signals for all licensed yachts; and (3) providing that no licensed yacht shall engage in trade nor violate the revenue laws of the United States, and requiring every licensed yacht to comply with the laws in all respects. Revises specified provisions of law governing pleasure yachts, including granting the authority to issue certificates declaring a vessel to be a pleasure vessel to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. States that such certificates shall be used to identify a vessel to a foreign government as a vessel owned by a United States citizen. Sets forth the requirements to be met by applicants for certificates and the form of such certificates. States that a pleasure vessel may not be documented under any law of the United States. Provides an exception for retention of documentation for vessels with preferred mortgages perfected before January 1, 1977. Grants certified pleasure vessel crew members all rights, privileges, and benefits they otherwise would have if the vessel were documented under the laws of the United States. Changes existing law governing the reciprocal exemption of foreign yachts from charges and tonnage taxes to encompass "vessels". Makes additional conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Vessel Documentation Act - Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to designate ports of documentation in the United States where vessels may be documented. Describes the vessels which shall be eligible for documentation. States that eligibility shall be based upon weight (minimum of five tons) and ownership by a citizen of the United States, or the Government of the United States or a political subdivision thereof. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe the form of filing, the manner of filing, and the information to be contained in applications for certificates of documentation. Requires the Secretary to maintain a numbering system for the identification of documented vessels. Provides that a certificate of documentation issued under this Act is: (1) conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, but not in any proceeding conducted under the laws of the United States; (2) evidence of qualification to be employed in a specified trade; and (3) not conclusive evidence of ownership in any proceeding in which ownership is in issue. Authorizes the issuance of a registry for any vessel which is eligible for documentation. Lists the privileges incident to the issuance of a registry, including authority to be employed in foreign trade. Allows the issuance of a coastwise license or an appropriately endorsed registry for any vessel which: (1) is eligible for documentation; (2) was built in the United States; and (3) qualifies under laws of the United States to be employed in the coastwise trade. Provides that vessels receiving such a license may be employed in coastwise trade and the fisheries. Establishes similar requirements for the issuance of a Great Lakes license and a fishery license. Prohibits the employment of a documented vessel in any trade other than a trade covered by the certificate of documentation. Provides that whenever the owner of a vessel knowingly falsifies or conceals a material fact, or makes a false representation in connection with the documentation of his vessel under this Act, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, that vessel, together with its equipment, is liable to seizure by, and forfeiture to, the United States. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of State to provide for the issuance of a provisional registry for any vessel procured outside the United States which meets the ownership requirements of this Act. Imposes a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each violation of this Act to be assessed and collected by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Strikes the present restriction upon the authority for the leasing for military purposes of structures and their associated real property in foreign locations which limits such authority to the Secretaries of the military departments. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 2675)
![Official portrait of Rep. Sullivan, Leonor K. (Mrs. John B.) [D-MO-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001057_200.jpg)