United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1974
Declares that the present controlled price of $5.25 per barrel of oil is sufficient to encourage secondary recovery methods; and the proposed decontrol of the price of oil produced domestically by secondary recovery methods is opposed by the Congress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such proposal should be withdrawn forthwith.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1974
Materials and Products Shortages Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish a report within 180 days identifying existing and potential materials and products shortages and those research and development projects which are most likely to substantially reduce such shortages and improve materials and product technology. Delineates goals for such research and development, including better methods of discovering, extracting and refining raw materials; substitute products; recycling; and means to increase the durability and repairability of materials and products. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts, make grants, and guarantee loans relating to such research and development. Sets forth requirements and procedures for such loan guarantees. Requires that, prior to making any financial assistance available under this Act to any person for a research and development project or prior to making any commitment to conduct any research and development project under this Act within the Department of Commerce, the Secretary shall afford an opportunity to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration an opportunity, not to exceed thirty days, to review such project. Sets forth procedures for public access to proprietary information and patents developed through projects assisted under this Act. Requires audits of records of recipients of assistance under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1974
Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that it is the purpose of this Act to encourage the development and manufacture of automobiles which efficiently consume gasoline. Imposes, under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to motor vehicle excise taxes, upon every new automobile manufactured, produced, or imported a tax based on rates of the fuel consumption of such automobile. Sets forth such rates, in terms of miles per gallon, for July 1, 1975 through September 30, 1977, and increases such rates for the period October 1, 1977 to September 30, 1980. States that the tax shall be paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer. Directs the Secretary of the Department of Transportation to study the fuel consumption rates of automobiles which are subject, or may be subject, to the tax imposed by this Act, and on the basis of such studies, determine the fuel consumption of each automobile, to be compiled in a public document, the Automobile Fuel Consumption Schedule. Requires, under the Automobile Information Disclosure Act, that labels include specified fuel consumption information. Sets deadlines for the Secretary to meet in: (1) establishing fuel consumption rates for existing and new automobiles; and (2) recommending legislation for fuel consumption rate taxation after September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Title I: Increases the authorizations of specified appropriations, under the Land and Water Conservation Funds Act, for land and water conservation funds. Sets additional requirements on the State grant programs administered under such Act. Title II: Establishes the historic preservation fund in the Treasury. Provides that during the period concering July 1, 1975, and ending June 30, 1989, there shall be covered into such fund $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and 100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and each fiscal year thereafter, from revenues due to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the rental and sale of public lands for lease under Federal law (30 U.S.C. 191).
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1974
Emergency Jobs Act - Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to permit the Secretary of Labor to make financial assistance available for the purpose of providing transitional employment for unemployed persons in jobs providing needed public services, and training and manpower services. Makes $1,000,000,000 available for the purposes of this Act for obligation in any twelve-month period in which the national rate of unemployment exceeds 4 1/2 percent for three consecutive months, and an additional $1,000,000,000 for every increment of one-half percent over 4 1/2 percent not to exceed a 6 percent unemployment rate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1974
Public Documents Act - Provides that all books, correspondence, documents, papers, pamphlets, models, pictures, photographs, plats, maps, films, motion pictures, sound recordings, and other objects or materials which are prepared for or originated by any elected official of the United States in connection with the transaction of public business during any period when such official holds elective office, and which would not have been prepared if such official had not held such office shall be retained by such official for transmission and preservation pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Directs the elected official to transmit any objects or materials which the Administrator of General Services determines to be public documents to the Administrator within one hundred and eighty days after such official ceases to hold his office. Requires the Administrator to deposit the documents in the National Archives, or donate all or any portion of such documents to any educational institution designated by the elected official. States that a decision by the Administrator of General Services that any object or material is a public document of an elected official of the United States within the meaning of this Act shall be a final agency decision. Provides that, not withstanding any other provision of law or any agreement or understanding, the Administrator of General Services shall obtain or retain, as the case may be, complete possession and control of all public documents prepared for or originated by the President of the United States during the period beginning January 20, 1969, and ending August 9, 1974. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations governing public access to the documents of former elected officials. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1974
Public Land Policy and Management Act - Title I: Short Title, Declaration of Policy and Definitions - Declares the public policies of the United States, including that the public lands be retained in Federal ownership unless disposal of a particular parcel will best serve the national interest. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Planning Future Public Land Use - Directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to: (1) prepare inventories of all public lands and resources; (2) develop and revise land use plans; and (3) manage public lands under principles of multiple use and sustained yield, with specified exceptions. Prescribes the criteria governing the issuance of permits, licenses, and leases. Specifies the conditions under which a tract of the public lands may be sold and the procedures for competitive bidding. States that all withdrawals of public lands shall be reviewed at the end of the withdrawal period and enumerates additional rules with regard to such withdrawals. Details the conditions governing; (1) the acquisition of land; (2) exchanges; (3) the recordation of mining claims and abandonment; (4) recordable disclaimers of interest in land; and (5) the conveyance of reserved mineral interests. Provides that with regard to specified lands along the lower Colorado River the United States shall be subject to all legal and equitable defenses in any case where the United States seeks to establish title or obtain relief dependent on ownership of such lands. Sets forth the procedures for computation of grazing fees and the duration of grazing leases. Title III: Bureau of Land Management - Establishes within the Department of Interior a Bureau of Land Management, granting such Bureau specified enforcement authorities. Provides for cooperation between the Bureau and State and local law enforcement agencies. Creates a working capital fund for the management of the public lands administered by the Bureau. Authorizes to be appropriated $3,000,000 as initial capital for the fund. Provides for contracts for surveys and resource protection to be made by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the establishment of local advisory councils by the Secretary, outlining the rules governing such councils. Requires the Secretary to file an annual report to review roadless areas of 5,000 contiguous acres and report on the suitability of such areas for preservation as wilderness. Title IV: Desert Lands - Expresses the findings of Congress with respect to deserts. Directs the Secretary to implement a plan for the management, use, development, and protection of the public lands within the California desert area and to create a California Desert Conservation Area Advisory Committee, enumerating the duties of such committee. Provides, under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1926, for specified criteria to be met prior to the conveyance of land for recreation purposes. Requires the Secretary to conduct a desert areas study, authorizing $1,500,000 for such purposes. Title V: Rights-of-Way - Authorizes the Secretaries to grant rights-of-way through public lands for canals, tunnels, pipelines, roads, airways, and other specified systems. Enumerates the procedures, terms, and conditions for such right-of-way granting. Title VI: Effect on Existing Rights; Repeal of Prior Laws; Appropriation Authorization, and Effective Date - Repeals specified laws relating to: (1) homesteading, desert entry, and small tracts; (2) disposal laws; (3) administration of public lands; and (4) rights-of-way. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1974
Coal Pipeline Act - Provides for the increased use of domestic coal by allowing the exercise of the right of eminent domain by any carrier of coal by coal pipeline who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of the Interior. States that, before issuance of such certificate, environmental considerations and the need for energy domestically shall be weighed before the Secretary of the Interior makes his finding. Provides that no carrier granted the power of eminent domain under this Act shall transport any coal in which it has any ownership interest. Provides procedures for making application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for antitrust review, and for enforcement under this Act. Provides a maximum fine of $10,000, six months in jail, or both, for the violation of any provision of, or regulation issued pursuant to, this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1974
Coal Pipeline Act - Provides for the increased use of domestic coal by allowing the exercise of the right of eminent domain by any carrier of coal by coal pipeline who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of the Interior. States that, before issuance of such certificate, environmental considerations and the need for energy domestically shall be weighed before the Secretary of the Interior makes his finding. Provides that no carrier granted the power of eminent domain under this Act shall transport any coal in which it has any ownership interest. Provides procedures for making application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for antitrust review, and for enforcement under this Act. Provides a maximum fine of $10,000, six months in jail, or both, for the violation of any provision of, or regulation issued pursuant to, this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1974
Public Land Policy and Management Act - Title I: Short Title, Declaration of Policy and Definitions - Declares the public policies of the United States, including that the public lands be retained in Federal ownership unless disposal of a particular parcel will best serve the national interest. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Planning Future Public Land Use - Directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to: (1) prepare inventories of all public lands and resources; (2) develop and revise land use plans; and (3) manage public lands under principles of multiple use and sustained yield, with specified exceptions. Prescribes the criteria governing the issuance of permits, licenses, and leases. Specifies the conditions under which a tract of the public lands may be sold and the procedures for the competitive bidding. States that all withdrawals of public lands shall be reviewed at the end of the withdrawal period and enumerates additional rules with regard to such withdrawals. Details the conditions governing; (1) the acquisition of land; (2) exchanges; (3) the recordation of mining claims and abandonment; (4) recordable disclaimers of interest in land; and (5) the conveyance of reserved mineral interests. Provides that with regard to specified lands along the lower Colorado River the United States shall be subject to all legal and equitable defenses in any case where the United States seeks to establish title or obtain relief dependent on ownership of such lands. Sets forth the procedures for computation of grazing fees and the duration of grazing leases. Title III: Bureau of Land Management - Establishes within the Department of Interior a Bureau of Land Management, granting such Bureau specified enforcement authorities. Provides for cooperation between the Bureau and State and local law enforcement agencies. Creates a working capital fund for the management of the public lands administered by the Bureau. Authorizes to be appropriated $3,000,000 as initial capital for the fund. Provides for contracts for surveys and resource protection to be made by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the establishment of local advisory councils by the Secretary, outlining the rules governing such councils. Requires the Secretary to file an annual report to review roadless areas of 5,000 contiguous acres and report on the suitability of such areas for preservation as wilderness. Title IV: Desert Lands - Expresses the findings of Congress with respect to deserts. Directs the Secretary to implement a plan for the management, use, development, and protection of the public lands within the California desert area and to create a California Desert Conservation Area Advisory Committee, enumerating the duties of such committee. Provides, under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1926, for specified criteria to be met prior to the conveyance of land for recreation purposes. Requires the Secretary to conduct a desert areas study, authorizing $1,500,000 for such purposes. Title V: Rights-of-Way - Authorizes the Secretaries to grant rights-of-way through public lands for canals, tunnels, pipelines, roads, airways, and other specified systems. Enumerates the procedures, terms, and conditions for such right-of-way granting. Title VI: Effect on Existing Rights; Repeal of Prior Laws; Appropriation Authorization, and Effective Date - Repeals specified laws relating to: (1) homesteading, desert entry, and small tracts; (2) disposal laws; (3) administration of public lands; and (4) rights-of-way. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) all military, economic, or other assistance, all sales of defense articles and services, all sales of agricultural commodities and services, and all licenses with respect to the transportation of arms, ammunitions, and implements of war (including technical data relating thereto) to the Government of Turkey should be suspended on the date of adoption of this resolution; and (2) the provisions of this resolution should cease to apply when the President reports to the Congress that the Government of Turkey has withdrawn all of its armed forces from Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1974
Provides for the printing of 60,000 copies of the Constitution of the United States in Spanish, for use by members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the House Judiciary Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1974
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Establishes, as an independent establishment of the executive branch, the Federal lobbying Disclosure Commission, composed of the Comptroller General and seven members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Commission to avail itself of the assistance, including personnel and facilities, of the General Accounting Office and the Department of Justice. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the power: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to questions as the Commission may prescribe; and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including: (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act; (2) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting; (3) to develop a filing, coding, and cross-indexing system consonant with the purpose of this Act; (4) to make specified documents filed with it available for public inspection and copying; (5) to preserve such reports and statements for a period of ten years; (6) to compile and summarize (in specified categories) information contained in notices and reports filed; (7) to make audits and field investigations with respect to statements and reports filed under the provisions of this Act; (8) to prepare a special study or report upon the request of any Member of the House of Representatives or the Senate from information in the records of the Commission; and (9) to presecibe suitable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that each lobbyist shall, within 15 days after becoming a lobbyist, file a notice of representation with the Commission. Provides that the notice of representation shall be in such form and detail as the Commission shall prescribe and sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities and sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the Commission containing such records. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1974
Expresses the sense of the House that the President should make available to the House Judiciary Committee and the Special Prosecutor all subpoenaed tapes and evidentiary information, and comply fully with the United States Supreme Court ruling on this matter.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1974
Land Use Planning Act - Title I: Assistance to States - Sets forth the findings of Congress and policies of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make annual grants to any State which has: (1) established an eligible land use planning agency, and (2) an intergovernmental advisory council to assist in the development and administration of a land use planning process. Defines the elements which constitute a comprehensive land use planning process, including provisions for: (1) public involvment in the process; (2) coordination of land use activites of all State agencies; (3) consideration of esthetic, ecological, recreational and geological needs; and (4) environmental policies. Describes the factors to be included in any methods of implementation employed by a State in carrying out its land use planning process. Provides for interstate cooperation in coordinating land use planning. States that prior to making a grant to any State, the Secretary shall consult with specified officials and shall ascertain that land use planning criteria have been met. Prescribes an appeal procedure for States found ineligible to receive grants. Title II: Indian Reservation and Other Tribal Lands - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to appoint a task force to study the need for and form of land use planning grants to any Indian tribe to assist in developing a land use planning process for Indian reservations and other tribal lands. Title III: Public Lands - Requires that each public land management agency head prepare and maintain an inventory of all public lands and other resources under his jurisdiction. States that in the development of public land use plans, specified considerations and priorities shall be taken into account. Establishes the Interagency Land Use Policy and Planning Board and enumerates the duties of such Board. Provides for the appointing of the memberss of the Board. Directs the Executive office to issue guidelines to Federal agencies and States to assist them in carrying out the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary to investigate the need for and form of stating national land use policies, taking into account specified factors. Calls for the Secretary to issue a biennial report on land resources, uses, and problems. States that, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Secretary may hold hearings, take testimony and receive evidence. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of: (1) $100,000,000 for each of eight fiscal years for grants to States under title I; (2) $5,000,000 for each of three fiscal years for grants to the States for the purpose of accelerating the decisional process with respect to land use plans; and (3) $10,000,000 for each of three fiscal years for administration of this Act. Provides for the allotment of such funds. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1974
Provides for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on any resolution to impeach the President of the United States. Authorizes the Speaker to appoint a committee of five members to provide such arrangements as may be necessary in connection with such a broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1974
States that any mailing of matter, as penalty mail, in excess of five thousand identical pieces, may not be carried in the mails as penalty mail until the officer, executive department, or independent establishment of the Government which intends to transmit such matter has submitted to the Comptroller General of the United States a request for certification that the carriage of such matter in the mails as penalty mail is in compliance with law and has received such certification from the Comptroller General.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1974
Revises the Employment Act of 1946 to make the promotion of price stability a recognized factor in the formulation of national economic policy, along with the promotion of employment, production, and purchasing power.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1974
Declares it to be the sense of the House that: (1) the contribution by the United States to the growing economic and human crisis in the developing world should be primarily in the form of food and the means and technology to produce it; (2) the President, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Agriculture and their advisors should give the highest priority to the immediate expansion of American food assistance and (b) take such additional steps as might be necessary to expedite the transfer of American food commodities on concessional and donation terms to those nations most severely affected; (3) the United States should increase its matching pledge to the World Food Program for 1975-1976 and encourage other nations to do so; (4) the President and the Secretary of State should (a) negotiate with other major food exporting nations to seek to obtain their participation in this emergency effort proportionate to their share of world food exports and, (b) strongly encourage oil exporting nations to contribute a fair share to these efforts to assist the most severely affected nations; (5) the United States should announce its desire to work with the oil exporting and other nations in a major effort to increase world fertilizer production with the possibility of including the offer of American technology and capital; and (6) the President should encouarge the American people to reduce the non-critical, non-food-producing uses of fertilizer which now total nearly three million tons of nutrient a year, to make available increased fertilizer supplies for raising food production at home and in the developing world. Declares the sense of the House that the President of the United States and the Secretaries of State and Agriculture should, and are hereby urged and requested to: (1) maintain regular and full consultation with the appropriate committees of the Congress; and (2) report to the Congress and the Nation at regular intervals on the progress toward formulating an American response in a cooperative framework to the world food crisis and the needs of the most severly affected developing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1974
Eastern Wilderness Areas Act - Designates specified lands in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Provides for a study of specified additional lands in eighteen states and Puerto Rico for such inclusion. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1974
Provides that, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, real property which is farmland, woodland, or open land and forms part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value as farmland, woodland, or open land (rather than at its fair market value). Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower valuation and recapture of unpaid tax with interest under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1974
Requests that each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Canal Zone, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands conduct a survey or study to determine the views of their citizens with respect to abortion laws.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1974
Potomac River National Historical Park Act - Provides for the establishment of the Potomac River National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1974
Makes it unlawful, under the Interstate Commerce Act, for any railroad to refuse to transport any refrigerator car because of the fact that such car is owned or controlled by a shipper or a nonrailroad owner. Makes it the duty of every carrier by railroad to handle all refrigerator equipment in the same manner and subject to the same rules and regulations, regardless of whether such equipment is owned or controlled by railroad or nonrailroad interests.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) it most strongly condemns all acts of terrorism in the Middle East; (2) the President and the Secretary of State should and are hereby urged and requested to (a) call upon all governments to condemn this inhuman act of violence against innocent victims; and (b) strongly urge the governments who harbor these groups and individuals to take appropriate action to rid their countries of those who subvert the peace through terrorism and senseless violence; and (3) the President should request the American Ambassador to the United Nations to take appropriate action before that body in order to have introduced a Security Council resolution condemning this brutal act of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1974
Navajo-Hopi Development Act - States that it is the object of this Act to solve the land dispute between the Navajo and Hopi Tribes in a manner which would be in harmony with such a program of reservation development. Title I: The Navajo-Hopi Development Commission - Establishes a Navajo-Hopi Development Commission, to be composed of one Federal member appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, two members appointed by the Navajo Tribal Council, and two members appointed by the Hopi Tribal Council. Enumerates the functions of the Commission, including to: (1) analyze the results of the programs initiated on the reservations under the Act of April 19, 1950, and other Federal laws; (2) prepare plans for the economic and social development of the reservations; and (3) conduct investigations and studies of the resources of the reservations. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President and the Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission not to exceed $500,000 for fiscal year 1975, and not to exceed $500,000 for each of the four succeeding fiscal years. Enumerates the administrative powers of the Commission. Title II: Development of Programs - Directs the Commission to: (1) prepare a comprehensive plan for the construction of development highways and access roads on reservations; (2) prepare a comprehensive plan for the proper utilization of the agricultural and water resources of the reservations; and (3) enter into agreements with the tribes and occupiers of land providing for land stabilization, erosion control, and reclamation through changes in land use, and conservation treatment. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1974
States that the House of Representatives salutes Henry Aaron as an "All-American Good Guy" and extends to him the congratulations, esteem, and affection of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1974
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, to transmit to the Federal Power Commission the rate schedules promulgated by him on November 1, 1973 for each of five Bureau of Reclamation projects (Central Valley, Colorado River storage, Parker-Davis, eastern and western divisions of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin, and Rio Grande), and all pertinent documents, letters, memoranda, and other materials. Requires the Commission, with the assistance of the Comptroller General, to promptly conduct a thorough review of the promulgated schedules and the criteria and procedures followed by the Secretary in developing such schedules for the purpose of determining their reasonableness and adequacy and their consistency with applicable requirements of law and regulations. Provides that, upon completion of such review, the Commission shall issue a decision as to each project, approving the schedules or recommending modifications to the Secretary. States that each such decision shall be made on the record after an opportunity for public hearing pursuant to the Federal Power Act. Requires the Secretary to promptly publish proposed regulations providing for opportunity for an adequate public hearing and written decision on the record concerning any electric power rate increase hereinafter proposed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Extends the period for which reduced rates with respect to specified classes of mail shall be effective. Requires the budget program of the Postal Service to include separate statements with respect to public service cost claimed as reimbursements and sums determined by the Postal Service to be the costs incurred as the result of reductions in postal rates to specified classes of persons.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of a national park, recreation area, or wilderness area in the Ridgelands east of the San Francisco Bay in the State of California. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1974
American Indian Health Care Education and Improvement Act - Expresses the findings of Congress. Declares that it is the policy of this Nation to meet the national goal of providing the highest possible health status to Indians and to provide existing Indian health services with all resources necessary to effect that policy. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make scholarship grants to specified health care individuals who agree to provide their professional services to Indians after completion of training. Prescribes the priorities to be followed in awarding such scholarships and the procedures to be followed if an individual fails to comply. Authorizes appropriations totaling $92,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 through 1978, and $36,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 and each succeeding fiscal year. Empowers the Secretary to make scholarship grants to Indians for undergraduate programs in the health care areas. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make scholarship grants to individuals who: (1) are currently employed by the Indian Health Service and who agree to continue such employment; and (2) are engaged in the field of Indian health care and who agree to provide services for a period of two years for each study grant. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Title II: Health Services - Authorizes the Secretary to expend, through the Service, $123,500,000 over a five-fiscal-year period to eliminate health service backlogs. Authorizes the appropriation of such amount for specified purposes, including patient care, field health, dental care, and maintenance and repair. Title III: Health Facilities - States that, for the purpose of eliminating inadequate, outdated, and otherwise unsatisfactory Service hospitals, health centers, stations, and other Service facilities, the Secretary is authorized to expend $400,000,000 over a five-fiscal-year period, in accordance with a specified schedule. Empowers the Secretary to expend, for the purpose of reducing health hazards, $470,000,000 over five fiscal years to supply unmet needs for safe water and sanitary waste disposal facilities in Indian homes and communities. Title IV: Access to Health Services - Provides that for purposes of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, the Service facilities used to provide health care to Indians are deemed to be accredited facilities and may receive payment for such services. Title V: Access to Health Services for Urban Indians - Defines the term "urban Indian." Empowers the Secretary to enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to provide Federal assistance to such organizations for establishing outreach programs to make urban Indians knowledgeable of the health service resources available. Enumerates the conditions of such contracts and the criteria for selecting Indian urban organizations for contracts. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of this title $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Title VI: Access to Health Services for Rural Indians - Defines the term "rural Indian." Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide grants to Indian tribal units requesting financial assistance for transportation and communication systems designed to assist in the delivery of medical care to rural Indians; (2) provide professional assistance for such systems; and (3) prescribe criteria for the awarding of such grants. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the purposes of this title. Title VII: Indian Health Problem Research - Requires the Secretary to direct the National Science Foundation to provide grants for research into disease and immunology among Indians, and other specified areas of Indian health concern. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on the progress made in effecting the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1974
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to initiate the establishment of a national program of basic and applied research and development with respect to all environmentally acceptable energy sources and utilization technologies. Defines the term "Administrator" as (1) the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Agency upon the creation of such agency by law; (2) the head of any other agency created for the purpose of designing and implementing the Federal nonnuclear energy research and development program; or (3) an individual appointed by the President to administer the program. Directs the Administrator to: (1) aggresively pursue research and development programs in a wide range of nonnuclear energy technologies; (2) develop the technology and information base necessary to support development of the widest possible range of options available for future energy policy decisions; (3) investigate the option of energy self-sufficiency for the United States; (4) pursue the development of new energy sources in such a way as to encourage the fullest possible private participation; (5) examine and, if feasible, implement methods by which Federal nonnuclear research and development expenditures authorized by this Act are utilized to broaden the base of ownership of energy industry capital; (6) conduct Federal nonnuclear energy research and development authorized by this Act, in such a way that such research and development will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in those industries with which such research and development is directly involved; and (7) to the degree feasible provide for a program for the international exchange of energy-related technologies. Provides that Federal involvement in energy research, development, and commercial application shall be limited, to the greatest extent possible, to those areas where there is the least likelihood that the private sector will achieve the desired goal without Federal assistance. Sets forth duties of the Administrator. Provides that the Administrator shall, in awarding contracts for the performance of research and development under this Act and for the purpose of centralizing the contracting function, contract solely with the Atomic Energy Commission or its successor in interest. Provides that in developing proposals pursuant to this Act the Administrator may utilize various forms of Federal assistance and participation including: (1) joint Federal-industry experimental, demonstration, or commercial corporations; (2) contractual agreements or grants to non-federally owned facilities; (3) contracts for the construction and operation of federally owned facilities; (4) Federal purchases or guaranteed price of the products of demonstration plants or activities; and (5) Federal loans to conduct demonstrations of new technologies. Sets forth regulations with respect to the operation of a joint Federal-industry corporations. Sets forth regulations for competitive systems of price supports proposed pursuant to this Act. Sets forth Congressional reporting requirements for the Administrator. Sets forth regulations regarding patents derived through programs in which there is Federal participation under this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to convey to any individual, corporation, or other business organization immunity from civil or criminal liability, or to create defenses to actions, under the antitrust laws. Authorizes and directs the Council on Environmental Quality to carry out a continuing analysis of the conduct of research and development of energy technologies in regard to environmental quality. Directs the Water Resources Council to undertake assessments of water resource requirements and water supply availability for any energy technology and any probable combinations of energy technologies which are the subject of research and development efforts authorized by this Act. Authorizes the appropriations (1) to carry out the purposes of this Act, in fiscal year 1975, $1,300,000,000 and in fiscal year 1976, $1,800,000,000; and (2) for expenses incurred in administering this Act, such funds as may be necessary in each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1974
National Interest Lands Reservation Act - Designates specified public lands and waters in the State of Alaska for national conservation purposes to be administered as units of the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and the National Forest System. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1974
Modern Congress Act - Title I: Citizens' Committees to Study Congress - Establishes a committee to be known as the Citizen's Committee to Study Congress to make a complete study relating to the functions, powers, duties, and operation of the Congress. Specifies the membership composition and selection process for such Committee. Enumerates the areas to be studied by the Committee, including: (1) determination of how the Congress may best exercise its function of reviewing and evaluating programs and activities of the United States Government; and examining the operation of the Congress itself (including but not limited to its powers, priorities, privileges, traditions, the means by which the Congress makes decisions, its committee system, and its staffs). Requires the Committee to submit, not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, a final, comprehensive report to the Senate and the House of Representatives with respect to its study. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Office of Congressional Counsel General - Establishes in the legislative branch of the Government the Office of Congressional Counsel General, which shall be under the direction and control of the Congressional Counsel General. Enumerates the duties of the Congressional Counsel General including to: (1) render to the Congress, and to the Comptroller General, legal opinions upon questions arising under the Constitution and laws of the United States; and (2) render to the Congress advice with respect to the purpose and effect of provisions contained in laws, or to be inserted in proposed legislative measures. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Office of the Congressional Counsel General such sums as may be required for the performance of the duties of the Congressional Counsel General under this title. Title III: General Accounting Office - States that whenever the Comptroller General has reasonable cause to believe that any officer or employee of the executive branch is about to expend, obligate, or authorize the expenditure or obligation of public funds in an illegal or erroneous manner or amount, he may institute a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for declaratory and injunctive relief. Provides that specified provisions of this title shall be construed as creating a procedural remedy in aid of the statutory authority of the Comptroller General and not as otherwise affecting such authority. Title IV: Congressional Annual Reports - Provides that not later than 60 days after the end of each regular session of Congress, the Majority Leaders and Minority Leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives shall submit to Congress and the President a "State of the Congress" message with respect to such session. Requires that each such message shall include statements concerning: (1) those matters about which the Congress has taken the initiative, (2) priorities established by the Congress, and (3) matters not acted upon by Congress but upon which Congress should act or have acted. Title V: House Legislative Review Subcommittees - Provides that each standing committee of the House shall establish a subcommittee on legislative review, and that each such subcommittee shall review and study, on a continuing basis, the application, administration, and execution of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of the committee. Requires each subcommittee to make reports, not less than once each year, on its studies and reviews, including such comments and recommendations as it considers appropriate. Title VI: Office of Congressional Communications - Establishes for the Congress, under the Architect of the Capitol, an Office of Congressional Communications. States that the Office shall: (1) maintain a library of video tapes of all television network news programs and television programs. of significant public interest; (2) provide for closed circuit telecasts of, and tape, committee proceedings and proceedings of the Senate and House of Representatives; (3) provide equipment in the office of each Member of Congress to receive telecasts of any such proceedings and for the viewing of any tapes; (4) have installed, at appropriate places, equipment to receive information transmitted by any of the major news wire services; and (5) upon request, assist Members with respect to press, photographic, recording, taping, radio, and television matters. Transfers the House Recording Studio and the Senate Recording Studio, and all their records, property, assets, and personnel to the Office. Title VII: Study of Computer Scheduling of Senate Work - States that the Citizen's Committee established in this Act shall arrange for a detailed study, to the scheduling problems of the Senate. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title, but, in no case shall this sum exceed $100,000. Title VIII: Joint Committee on National Security - Provides that in order to enable the Congress to more effectively carry out its constitutional responsibility in the formulation of foreign, domestic, and military policies of the United States and in order to provide the Congress with an improved means for formulating legislation and providing for the integration of such policies which will further promote the security of the United States, there is established a joint committee of the Congress which shall be known as the Joint Committee on National Security. Details the membership composition of such Committee and outlines its functions, including: (1) to make a study of the foreign, domestic, and military policies of the United States to determine whether such policies are being appropriately integrated in furtherance of the national security; (2) to make a study of the recommendations and activities of the National Security Council relating to such policies; (3) to make a study of Government practices and recommendations with respect to the classification and declassification of documents.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Provides for the establishment of the Clara Barton National Historic Site, Maryland; John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon; Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, North Dakota; Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Massachusetts; Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, Alabama; and Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Federal Oil and Gas Corporation Act - Directs the Federal Power Commission to establish a corporation to be known as the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation, administered by a Board of Directors consisting of five qualified individuals who shall be selected by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires that all members of the Board shall be individuals who believe and profess a demonstrable belief in environmental protection and the purposes of the antitrust and consumer protection laws of the United States. Requires that no member of the Board shall, during his term in office, be engaged in any other business, nor may he have any financial interest in any business entity which is engaged in the exploration, development, production, transportation, or sale of natural gas or oil. Grants the Corporation power to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, foreign, or private lands; (2) develop and sell natural gas or oil discovered by exploration, or otherwise obtained by sale, lease, purchase, exchange, or contract, and to build and operate all those facilities necessary for the development or sales of such resources; and (3) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy, from whatever source. Requires any Federal agency or department having authority to lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of Federal lands, or rights to natural gas or oil which is or may be located on Federal lands, including offshore rights, shall, upon receipt of a request of the Corporation under this Act, grant the Corporation such right to develop without payment within 90 days after the receipt of such request. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, to the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to make sales of such oil in a manner which will promote competition among suppliers of crude oil; and to build, lease, or purchase transportation facilities for the natural gas or oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for delivery of such natural gas or oil in a manner which will promote competition among suppliers of natural gas or oil. Requires that sales of natural gas or oil by the Corporation shall be made at fair and reasonable prices designed to promote competition among suppliers of these energy resources. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and for each of the next ten succeeding fiscal years $50,000,000 to carry out its activities under this Act. Provides that all funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides for the expansion of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission.
![Official portrait of Rep. Udall, Morris K. [D-AZ-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/u000001_200.jpg)