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United States · Official source
1,074 records where Rep. Thompson, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-4] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take such steps as may be necessary to place the threat to the peace created by the murder of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement, on the agenda of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Solar Energy for Homes Act - Directs the Administrator of specified Federal housing programs to increase by not more than 20 percent any amount which represents a limitation on the amount of the principal obligation of a mortgage on a dwelling unit, if such increase represents the increase in the cost of the dwelling unit which may be attributed to the unit's being heated or cooled by solar energy. Amends the National Housing Act to provide for the increase in amount of home improvement loans which may be insured if the loan is used to acquire a solar energy system. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act to authorize the use of community development block grants to encourage community development activities related to the use of solar energy in residential housing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make loans and loan guarantees to veterans for the purchase of solar heating and cooling systems to be used in any dwelling or farm residence to be owned and occupied by the veteran as his home.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Amends the Service Contract Act of 1965 to extend its coverage to professional employees who are paid at a rate not exceeding the rate received by Federal government employees in grade 15 of the General Schedule. Requires that the minimum fringe benefits and salaries paid to such employees conform to the most recent National Survey of Professional, Administrative, Technical, and Clerical Pay issued by the Department of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Amends the Service Contract Act of 1965 to extend its applicability to contracts performed in the Panama Canal Zone.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make and insure loans under such Act for the solar heating or cooling of residential structures on family farms.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Public Participation in Government Proceedings Act - Entitles any person to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation incurred by such person in any Federal agency proceeding if the participation of such person promotes or can reasonably be expected to promote a full and fair determination of the issues involved in the proceeding, the economic interest of such person in the outcome is small compared to the costs of participation in such proceeding, and such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such proceeding in the absence of an award under this Act. Requires each agency, whenever practicable, to determine, prior to the commencement of any proceeding, the eligibility of a person for an award under this Act and the amount of such award. Requires payment of such an award, where necessary, prior to the conclusion of such proceeding but in no event later than 90 days after the conclusion of such proceeding. Directs the head of each agency to report annually to Congress with respect to awards made under this Act. Entitles any person who is a party to, or intervenor in, any civil suit or proceeding for judicial review of agency action to costs incurred by such person in litigation if such person is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure, the court determines that such action served an important public purpose, the economic interest of such person in the outcome of such action is small compared with the cost of litigation, and the person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such action absent an award under this Act. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to Congress with respect to awards granted by courts of the United States under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for agency awards under this Act, $10,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979. Authorizes to be appropriated for judicial awards under this Act such sums as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Veterans' Administration Review Act - Provides that decisions of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs on questions of law and fact under any law administered by the Veterans' Administration shall be subject to judicial review. Repeals the authority of the Administrator to pay fees to agents or attorneys in allowed claims for monetary benefits. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 211; Repeals 38 U.S.C. 3403(c))
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers of any age to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of property if during the eight year period preceding the sale or exchange, such property has been owned and used as the taxpayer's principal residence for periods aggregating five years or more. Allows a surviving spouse to tack on the holding and use periods of the decedent spouse without regard to whether such decedent spouse had made an election to exclude gain from a prior sale or exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 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 too 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. 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 · 30 July 1976
Amends the Service Contract Act of 1965 to redefine "service employees" for purposes of Federal service contract labor standards.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1976
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require that an employer who assumes the ownership or operation of a business must honor the terms and conditions of an existing collective bargaining contract.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1976
Establishes a flexible rate of interest for funds deposited with the Treasury of the United States as a permanent loan by the Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Art.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
Omnibus Energy Conservation Act - Title I: Energy Conservation in Residential Housing, Commercial and Public Buildings, and Industrial Plants - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a voluntary standard and certification program for products designed to conserve energy in buildings. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe guidelines for the development and preparation of State energy conservation implementation programs. Requires that States be given an opportunity to participate in the drafting of such guidelines. Establishes eligibility criteria for State energy conservation implementation programs in order to receive Federal assistance under this Act. Imposes a preliminary requirement that the State establish a State energy conservation advisory committee to assist in the formulation of such program. Authorizes the Administrator to provide Federal financial assistance to States whose proposed energy conservation programs meet specified criteria. Lists factors to be considered in determining the amount of such assistance. Stipulates that no State shall receive more than ten percent of the national total in each category of financial assistance. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to assist eligible State programs: $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $50,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans and other obligations issued to finance energy conservation measures consistent with the purposes of this Act. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding guarantees under this Act to $4,500,000,000. Limits the total amount of guarantees which may be issued to any one borrower to $2,000,000. Requires annual reports to the Congress on State energy conservation implementation programs. Amends the Energy Conservation and Insulation of Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize additional appropriations of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $50,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978 and 1979; and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to assist low-income persons under the provisions of such Act. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to assist in the financing of energy conservation measures. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance payments of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978 - 1980. Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration to make loans to small business concerns for implementation of energy conservation measures. Limits the total amount of such loans under the Act to $300,000,000. Stipulates that the total amount of such payments to lending institutions under the Act shall not exceed $60,000,000. Title II: Implementation of Energy Conservation, Programs; Energy Efficiency Research, Development and Demonstration - Establishes in the Energy Research and Development Administration the Energy Extension Service. Directs the Service to develop and implement a comprehensive program for the identification, development, and demonstration of energy conserving practices, techniques, materials, and equipment for: (1) agricultural, commercial, and small business operations; and (2) new and existing residential, commercial, or agricultural structures. Requires that such programs include technical assistance, instruction, and practical demonstrations in energy conservation. Establishes procedures for submission of State plans for the conduct of energy extension service activities within each State in accordance with Federal guidelines. Authorizes financial assistance to States which have plans approved by the Director of the Energy Extension Service. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to prepare a plan for Federal energy education, extension, and information programs. Establishes a National Energy Extension Service Advisory Board to carry on a continuing review of Federal energy extension programs. Authorizes the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to provide financial assistance for the development of State and regional energy conservation research and development institutes on a matching basis. Directs the Administrator to establish an energy use efficiency project designed to demonstrate the feasibility of energy efficiency enhancement in the residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Authorizes additional research, development, and demonstration programs to increase the commercial opportunities for utilization of energy efficient systems. Directs the Administrator to develop, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, performance standards and criteria for energy efficiency equipment and processes. Requires use by Federal agencies of newly-developed energy efficiency technologies. Directs the Administrator to study various institutional factors which may tend to bias economic sectors against the use of energy efficient systems and to report the results to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
Directs the President to proclaim that Valentyn Moroz shall be an honorary citizen of the United States. Urges cooperation in observance of the principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union as one of the signators to the Final Act should provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University for the 1976-77 academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Endangered American Wilderness Act - Designates specified lands in the following national forests as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Umatilla National Forest, Washington and Oregon; (2) Inyo and Sequoia National Forests, California; (3) Coronado National Forest, Arizona; (4) Tongass National Forest, Alaska; (5) Wasatch and Uinta National Forests, Utah; (6) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico; (7) Los Padres National Forest, California; (8) Mendocino National Forest, California; (9) Angles and San Bernadino National Forests, California; and (10) Willamette National Forest, Oregon. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the feasibility and suitability of designating as wilderness specified lands in the following national forests: (1) White River National Forest, Colorado; (2) Lolo and Kootenai National Forests, Montana; (3) Coronado National Forest, Arizona; and (4) Sierra National Forest, California.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any benefits which he or she is otherwise entitled to receive under any Federal or federally assisted program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1976
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a demonstration project under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to provide for water-based mass transportation service from Jersey City, New Jersey, to the shore of Sandy Hook Bay, and from Keyport, New Jersey, to the shore of Sandy Hook Bay.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to perform such work as may be necessary to prevent further deterioration of historically significant sections of the Congressional Cemetery. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the purpose of formulating proposals for the renovation and maintenance of such areas by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary to modify the pipeline route through the States to provide greater environmental protection during the construction period. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to the rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements regarding (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not be subject to judicial review of the courts. Allows the claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional, (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights, and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States District Courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Extends the delimiting period in the case of any eligible veteran who is pursuing, during his or her tenth year of eligibility, a program of education. Terminates such extension on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (1) the date on which the veteran completes, or ceases to pursue, the program he was pursuing in his tenth year of eligibility; or (2) the last day of the 11-year period beginning on the date of his discharge from active duty. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1662(e))
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Interstate Horseracing Act - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on such industry. Declares that the policy of the Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. States that any person accepting any interstate off-track wages in violation of this Act shall be liable for damages to the host State (the State in which the race in held), the host racing association, and any horse owner whose horse participated in the horserace with respect to which the off-track wage was accepted.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize a loan level of $2,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1976 to 1980 for the Federal loan insurance program. Extends the Federal interest subsidy program created under such Act until September 30, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Housing Incentive Investment Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) to make monthly housing investment interest differential payments to lenders. Prohibits GNMA from approving a mortgage for assistance unless: (1) the mortgage covers a one-to-four family dwelling; (2) the home mortgage is not in excess of $35,000; (3) the purchaser's interest payments are at least two but not more than six percent below the market rate of interest for home mortgages; (4) the lender's interest rate will be adjusted every six months by GNMA to reflect the yield on VA-FHA mortgages; and (5) the purchaser agrees to repay the aggregate amount of differential payments with interest. Requires that upon sale or other disposition of the dwelling or upon termination of the use of the dwelling by the purchaser as his principal residence prior to retirement of the first mortgage, the cost of the extra assistance by GNMA be repaid by the borrower from the appreciation on his home. Authorizes GNMA to establish a lender's interest rate which may not exceed the average yield on VA-FHA mortgages during the six calendar months preceding the date of execution of the mortgage. Allows GNMA to adjust the lender's interest rate upward or downward every six months except that no single adjustment may exceed one quarter of one percent nor may an aggregate upward adjustment exceed two and one-half percent. Provides that if the lender's rate falls below the borrower's rate that the borrower shall be credited with the difference. Establishes in the Treasury a Housing Incentive Investment Fund to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes GNMA to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase and sell such notes and obligations. Sets the termination of this program for five years after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1976
Youth Counseling and Employment Act - Establishes within the Department of Labor a Youth Employment Office, to be headed by a Director appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance through grants and contracts in urban and rural areas for comprehensive work and training programs, and necessary supportive and follow-up services; including: (1) programs to provide useful work experience for high school students from low-income families; (2) programs to provide unemployed, underemployed, or low-income persons aged 16 and over with useful work and training; and (3) jobs for economically disadvantaged youths during the summer months. Requires that to the maximum extent feasible programs conducted under this Act be linked to work and training programs conducted pursuant to the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. States that assistance shall be provided, to the maximum extent feasible, for a minimum period of three years. Requires the Director of the Office to conduct necessary studies to assess the effectiveness of the programs and to keep appropriate Congressional committees fully informed. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, to provide financial assistance in urban and rural areas with large concentrations of unemployed and low-income persons for comprehensive work and training programs and necessary supportive and followup services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Interstate Horseracing Act - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on such industry. Declares that the policy of the Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. States that any person accepting any interstate off-track wages in violation of this Act shall be liable for damages to the host State (the State in which the race is held), the host racing association, and any horse owner whose horse participated in the horserace with respect to which the off-track wager was accepted.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1976
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the basic principles and positions which Secretary of State Henry Kissinger expounded in his address at Lusaka, Zambia, on April 27, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Public Service Employees Retirement Income Security Act - Sets forth regulations governing employee welfare or pension benefit plans established or maintained by State or local government entities. Requires that every employee benefit plan be established and maintained pursuant to a written instrument. Requires that such instrument provide for one or more named fiduciaries who jointly or severally shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the plan. Specifies that all such fiduciaries shall discharge their duties with respect to a plan solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries. Requires that every benefit plan: (1) provide a procedure for establishing and carrying out a funding policy and method consistent with the objectives of the plan and the requirements of this Act; (2) describe any procedure under the plan for the allocation of responsibilities for the operation and administration of the plan; (3) provide a procedure for amending such plan, and for identifying the persons who have authority to amend the plan; and (4) specify the basis on which payments are to be made to and from the plan. Requires that all assets of an employee benefit plan be held in trust by one or more trustees. Specifies the method of appointment of the trustees and stipulates that the trustees shall have exclusive authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of the plan, subject to limitations. Establishes qualifications for, and limitations on, the acquisition and holding of securities and real property by plans subject to this Act. Prohibits any fiduciary who has the authority or discretion to control or manage the assets of a plan from permitting the plan to hold or acquire any employer security or employer real property if such fiduciary knows or should know that holding such security or real property violates this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an exemption procedure under which an exemption of any fiduciary or transaction, or any class of fiduciaries or transactions, from the securities and real property holding restrictions of this Act may be granted. Prohibits the Secretary from granting any such exemption unless the exemption is: (1) administratively feasible; (2) in the interests of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries; and (3) protective of the rights of participants and beneficiaries of such plan. Authorizes the following transactions by fiduciaries and plans, with specified limitations: (1) loans made by the plan to parties in interest who are participants or beneficiaries of the plan; (2) contracts or arrangements with a party in interest for office space, or legal, accounting, or other services necessary for the establishment or operation of the plan; (3) provision of any ancillary service by a bank or similar financial institution supervised by the United States or a State, if such bank or other institution is a fiduciary of such plan; (4) exercise of a privilege to convert securities, to the extent provided in regulations of the Secretary of Labor; and (5) distribution of the assets of the plan by a fiduciary in accordance with the terms of the plan if such assets are distributed in the same manner as assets are allocated under specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Specifies reporting and disclosure requirements to be followed by the administrator of an employee benefit plan with respect to the Secretary of Labor and plan participants. Declares that any person who is a fiduciary with respect to a plan who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by this Act shall be personally liable to make good to such plan any losses resulting from such breach. Declares void any agreement or instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary from such liability. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified crimes from serving as fiduciaries of employee benefit plans during, or for five years after, such conviction, or imprisonment for such conviction. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Specifies the grounds for civil actions which may be brought by the participant, fiduciary, or beneficiary of an employee benefit plan or the Secretary of Labor, to enforce the provisions of this Act with respect to such plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate fully the operation of any employee benefit plan to determine whether such plan is in compliance with this Act. Sets forth a procedure for the denial of benefits to any participant or beneficiary by any employee benefit plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the duties and responsibilities imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Increases the amount of lands authorized to be added to Morristown National Historical Park in New Jersey.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Olympic Winter Games Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants to the Lake Placid 1980 Olympic Games, Incorporated, at such times, and under such conditions as he considers necessary and appropriate, for assisting in the planning, design, and construction of the necessary winter sports and supporting facilities in connection with the XIII international Olympic winter games. Requires the Secretary to take necessary action to assure that the facilities constructed with Federal assistance will be designed to provide maximum continued public use and benefit following the completion of the 1980 Olympic winter games. Requires the Secretary to submit interim reports to the Congress on the progress of the design and construction of facilities pursuant to this Act, together with any recommendations for further Federal Government involvement to assure a successful staging of such games. Specifies that a final report shall be submitted following completion of the 1980 games. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of $49,040,000 for grants and $250,000 for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1976
Burn Facilities Act- Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to expand the programs on the treatment of burn injuries, research on burns, and the rehabilitation of burn victims by establishing additional burn centers, upgrading hospital burn units, and supporting research and training programs in the treatment and rehabilitation of burn victims. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to assist the Secretary by providing information on existing burn treatment programs and specified other information. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1976 through 1978, and the appropriation of such sums as may thereafter be necessary, to carry out the purposes of this Act. u41
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary to make an additional grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. Stipulates that no such grants shall be made for any project which has as its principal purpose the channelization, damming, dredging, or diversion of a natural watercourse, or the enlargement of any canal other than a canal designated as a historic site. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Lists factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country, with priority consideration to those areas where unemployment exceeds the national average. Stipulates that not less than one-half of one percent nor more than ten percent of all amounts authorized under this title shall be allocated for local public works projects within any one State. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000,000 through fiscal year 1977 in order to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Directs the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for various projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle hulks. Authorizes the Administrator to impose conditions consistent with the purposes of this Act upon such grants. Limits the amount of available Federal assistance to 85 percent of the total cost. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by State, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy, and resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for solid waste research and development and for grants for energy and resource recovery programs: $65,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977; $17,000,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1977; and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for State, interstate, and local planning: $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $9,000,000 for the transitional period; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for construction of facilities: $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; 12,000,000 for the transitional period; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Removes the present requirement that a veteran either: (1) have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable; or (2) have died while in the active service, for his widow, children, or parents to be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 410)
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Energy Conservation Research and Development Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish an energy conservation program through the development of new technologies designed to reduce consumption by small energy consumers and organizations that influence energy consumption. Title I: State Energy Conservation Research and Development Institutes - Authorizes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist the States in establishing and operating energy research, development and demonstration institutes. Authorizes the expenditure of additional funds to the institutes for special projects which would not otherwise be undertaken, provided such funds are matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by non-Federal sources. Lists requirements and qualifications for such institutes. Authorizes the Administrator to establish additional rules and regulations, and to encourage cooperation between the institutes and other organizations. Directs the Administrator to submit an annual progress report to Congress with regard to projects financed under this title. Title II: Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service - Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress a cooperative energy conservation plan, including the creation of a Cooperative Energy Conservation Service. Details requirements for such a plan, including a list of services to be offered by the Conservation Service. Requires congressional action before the plan becomes finalized. Title III: Authorizing Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 to each State for the establishment of the institutes during fiscal year 1977. Authorizes $250,000 to each State for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1980, inclusive, for such purposes. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for special energy conservation projects of such institutes: $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977 and 1978, for the establishment of the Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Designates April 13, 1976 as "Thomas Jefferson Day."
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Establishes the Potomac National River in Maryland, Viginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of such national river. Directs the Secretary to encourage and assist the jurisdictions in which the national river is located to plan, acquire, develop, and manage lands within and adjacent to the national river for recreation, fish and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, or similar purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to such jurisdictions for acquisition of lands and interests in lands within 2,000 feet of the banks of the Potomac River. Permits hunting on lands within the national river which are under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with non-Federal public bodies for the operation and management by the Secretary or such public bodies of lands within the national river in accordance with a mutually acceptable management plan. Directs the Secretary to formulate and transmit to appropriate Congressional committees within three years from the date of the enactment of this Act a plan for the development and use of lands within the national river. Includes the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park as identifiable units of the national river and stipulates that such historical parks shall continue to be administered separately in accordance with their respective enabling acts. Establishes a Potomac National River Advisory Commission to advise and consult with other Federal agencies, State agencies, local governments, and persons on matters relating to recreation, historic preservation, scenic protection, and resource conservation within and in the vicinity of the national river. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within two years after the date of enactment of this Act recommendations as to extension of the national river from the area established by this Act to the Potomac River's source at Fairfax Stone, West Virginia, and to its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Electric Utility Rate Reform and Regulatory Improvement Act - Title I: General Provisions -- Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Defines terms as used in this title. Limits applicability of this title to sales of electric energy for purposes other than resale by an electric utility, where sales by such utility for purposes other than resale exceed 200 million kilowatt-hours during the second preceding calendar year. Imposes national minimum standards on utility rate structures, to be enforced by State regulatory authorities. Prohibits rate structures which allow lower rates for increased consumption without a showing that such lower rates actually reflect decreased costs. Eliminates price differentials for residential users of subsistence quantities of electricity, unless the Governor of the State has determined that an adequate alternative means to alleviate the burden to low-income residential consumers has been implemented. Stipulates that promotional and advertising costs may not be treated by a utility as an operating expense for purposes of rate determination. Requires evidentiary hearings by regulatory authorities on proposed rate increases. Limits the amount of actual increases pursuant to an automatic adjustment clause which may become effective without such a hearing. Requires that regulatory authorities annually review existing utility rate schedules. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to prescribe variances upon application by individual electric consumers unduly hardshipped by rate schedules. Directs State authorities to prescribe load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand on electric utilities. Establishes procedures to be followed in determining marginal costs of service to electric consumers. Establishes an Electric Utility Rate-making Assistance Office in the Federal Energy Administration to provide information and assistance with respect to ratemaking policies and procedures established by this Act. Title III: Economic Regulation of Bulk Power Supply - Amends the Federal Power Act to require that public utilities make new, increased, or retired capacity in bulk power facilities available to others engaged in the sale or transmission of electric energy in the same geographical area. Establishes additional requirements and procedures to insure continuation of service in cases of anticipated deficiencies in the available supplies of electric power. Requires that the Federal Power Commission hold evidentiary hearings on proposed rate increases. Limits the amount of actual increases pursuant to an automatic adjustment clause which may becomes effective without such a hearing. Requires the establishment of an Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission for the purpose of adequate representation of consumer interests before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to such Office. Authorizes the Commission to pay reasonable fees to certain participants in evidentiary hearings, not to exceed $1,000,000 for all such persons in any fiscal year. Directs the Commission to prescribe minimum standards to assure a reliable supply of electric energy. Requires electric utilities to develop a quality control program to assure compliance with such reliability standards. Directs the Commission, upon consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, to study the desirability and means of increasing competition within the electric utility industry. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to conduct a study on the feasibility of generating electricity near the place of consumption. Title IV: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office (established by title II of this Act) to make grants to State regulatory authorities for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Prescribes criteria on the allotment of funds to the States. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation. Title V: Coordination of Planning and Siting of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Directs the Chairman of the Federal Power Commission to supervise the overall approval process for the siting of bulk power facilities. Establishes procedures to assist in coordinating the Federal approval process.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Disapproves the proposed budget deferral D76-105, relating to budget authority for the special supplemental food program (WIC) administered by the Food and Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Affairs Act - Title I: Arts and Humanities - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act to authorize the Chairman of the of the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish grants-in-aid programs in each State to develop and promote the humanities. Sets forth standards relating to program administration for plans submitted by persons and entities seeking assistance. Prohibits the Chairman from making grants to more than one person or entity in any State. Specifies a formula for alloting funds appropriated for grants-in-aid. Authorizes appropriation to the National Endowment for the Arts and to the National Endowment for the Humanities of specified sums for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and such funds as may be necessary for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Revises the maximum amount which may be appropriated to such Endowments as grants matching amounts received through donation, bequest, and devise. Requires the President to appoint members of the National Council on the Arts and members of the National Council on the Humanities with the advice and consent of the Senate. Title II: Museum Services - Museum Services Act - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Institute of Museum Services, consisting of a National Museum Services Board and a Director of the Institute. Authorizes the Director, subject to the advice of the Board, to make grants to museums to increase and improve museum services. Confers authority to the Institute to accept grants, gifts, or bequests of money for immediate disbursement in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Directs the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities to advise and consult with the Board and the Director on major problems incurred by the Institute and to coordinate the Institute's policies and activities with those of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for grants by the Institute for fiscal years 1977 through 1980. Title III: Challenge Grant Program - Authorizes the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts to establish a program of contracts with, or grants-in-aid to, public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of assisting cultural organizations and institutions and promoting citizen involvement with such bodies. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1980 to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Higher Education Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Higher Education Act - Extends the authority of the Commissioner of Education to make grants to eligible students under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Extends the authorization for appropriations for specified provisions of such Act. Requires the Commissioner to publish by July 1, in the Federal Register, a schedule of expected family contributions for purposes of eligibility for basic educational opportunity grants under such Act. States that if Congress, by resolution, disapproves such schedule the Commissioner shall publish a new schedule together with a statement identifying the recommendations made in connection with such resolution. Includes as part of the criteria the Commissioner shall use in promulgating regulations with respect to such expected contribution any educational expenses of other dependent children in the family. Includes as part of "effective family income" as defined under such Act, Social Security payments to the student which would not have been paid if such individual were not a student. Extends the authorization for appropriations in such sums as may be necessary for payments to the States for incentive grants to students under such Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for work-study programs under such Act. Authorizes institutions receiving funds under such programs to use a portion of such funds for administrative expenses and for job location and development programs. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into agreements with eligible institutions for programs which locate and develop jobs for currently enrolled students, if such institution provides specific assurances to the Commissioner. Extends the authorization for appropriations to enable the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher learning for cooperative education programs under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for training, demonstration, research grants or contracts for such programs. Sets forth the requirements which institutions of higher learning must meet to become eligible for cooperative education grants. States that in approving applications for such grants the Commissioner shall give priority to programs which show the greatest promise of success. Sets forth criteria for making such determination. Requires that, in the case of default on a loan made under the direct student loan program under such Act, the Commissioner be notified of such default in a report describing the total number of loans from such loan fund which are in default. Repeals the requirement that the Commissioner be notified when a student is no longer in good standing for payments to be suspended to such student. Authorizes institutions to permit borrowers to pay less than the $30 per month repayment minimum under such Act in cases of hardship. Requires that any agreement between an institution and a student for a loan from such fund shall provide that the liability to repay such loan be cancelled upon the death or permanent and total disability of the borrower. Makes training grants available to the States for the purpose of designing and developing programs to increase the proficiency of institutional and State financial aid administrators in all aspects of student financial aid. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations for community service programs under such Act and for continuing education programs as defined in this Act. Sets forth how such appropriations are to be allotted to the States and American territories. Requires any State to be eligible for such assistance to create a State advisory council which shall submit a State plan which establishes a comprehensive and coordinated Statewide system of community service and continuing education programs. Prohibits the Commissioner from requiring any State to make any agreement or submit any data which is not specifically required under such Act. States that in a judicial review of the Commissioner's disapproval of a State plan or suspension from participation in any such programs, the Commissioner shall have the burden of proof that the State's plan or administration of such plan is at variance with any of the provisions of such Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make available technical assistance to States and to institutions of higher education. Extends appropriations for college library programs under such Act. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to financial assistance to the Library of Congress for the acquisition and cataloging of library material. Extends appropriations for assistance to developing institutions, education professions development programs, and improvement of undergraduate instruction programs under such Act. Directs the Commissioner to authorize grants to institutions for the renovation and modernization of undergraduate and graduate academic facilities. Sets forth the criteria which the Commissioner shall use in determining the priorities of eligible construction projects. Defines "renovation or modernization" for purposes of this Act. Extends the graduate program grants and general assistance grants to institutions of higher learning under such Act. Requires the Commissioner to conduct public hearings before disapproving any State Commission plan filed pursuant to such Act for grants to community colleges and occupational education. Authorizes appropriations for such grants through fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to existing community colleges to: (1) assist them in modifying their educational programs and instructional delivery systems to provide educational programs for persons whose educational needs have been inadequately served; and (2) assist them in expanding their enrollment capacity or in establishing new educational sites. Revises the Federal share of carrying out projects through grants to enable community colleges to lease facilities. Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1977 for occupational education programs under such Act. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to: (1) programs for institutions of higher education to share technical and other educational and administrative facilities and resources; and (2) law school clinical experience programs. Sets forth funding requirements for specified provisions of such Act. Title II: Amendments to Other Acts - Amends the National Defense Education Act to authorize the Commissioner to carry out programs to increase the understanding of students in the United States about the cultures and actions of other nations. Extends the authorization for appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act through fiscal year 1977. Extends the authorization for appropriations to carry out the provisions of the General Education Provisions Act through fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Provides, under the National Labor Relations Act, that the National Labor Relations Board shall direct an election by secret ballot if, at the end of 45 days following submission of a petition for representation, there are unresolved issues concerning the appropriate collective bargaining unit. Directs the Board to expedite resolution of the disputed issues. Authorizes the Board to make employers and employees whole, when such relief is appropriate, for the loss of economic benefits or business opportunities resulting from unfair labor practice violations, and to provide other remedial relief. Sets forth criteria to be taken into account by the Board when seeking an injunction to restrain an unfair labor practice.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Provides an additional twenty-six weeks of unemployment benefits (presently limited to twenty-six weeks) under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Establishes a National Commission on Food Production, Processing, Marketing, and Pricing, to be composed of nine members. Directs the Commission to study and appraise the economic and industrial structure of all segments of the food industry, including: (1) economic forecasts; (2) desirable structural changes in the various segments of the food industry; and (3) the effect of food imports and exports on producers, processors, and consumers in the United States. Requires the Commission to make such interim reports as it deems advisable, and to make a final report of its findings, recommendations, and conclusions to the President and to the Congress by July 1, 1978. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. Requires that, within six months following the filing of the final report, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture shall each publish separate reports on the policy planning, budget allotments, investigations, complaints, indictments, litigation, and other actions of each agency with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws on the various sectors of the food industry. Directs the FTC and the Department of Justice to submit to the Congress and to publish in the Federal Register annual indices of the structure and the state of competition in the food industry. Authorizes appropriations to the Commission of up to $3,750,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of up to $1,000,000 to the Federal Trade Commission to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Stipulates that no rule or regulation which is issued pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and which is to become effective after February 13, 1976, shall become effective until the enactment of legislation after the date of enactment of this Act with respect to the eligibility and purchase requirements of persons receiving benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Title I: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the amount of appropriations authorized under such Act to $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $450,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $625,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $800,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Revises procedures for the apportionment of land and water conservation fund moneys to States by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes public participation requirements with respect to the preparation of comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the planning and development of sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks, provided specified conditions are met. Title II: Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to establish a historic preservation fund in the United States Treasury. Stipulates that $24,400,000 for fiscal year 1977, $75,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and $100,000,000 annually for each fiscal year thereafter until fiscal year 1989 be covered into the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and other Federal Mining laws. Stipulates that such moneys shall remain available until appropriated to carry out the purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Authorizes the appropriation of $175,000 per year for fiscal years 1977,1978, and 1979 for the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Directs the President to express the request of the United States Government that the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University to join the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute for the 1976-77 academic year.