United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Vocational Education Amendments - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1977 to carry out specified provisions of the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Directs the Commissioner of Education to reserve a portion of specified appropriations for transfer to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee and for vocational education programs for Indians. Requires States desiring to participate in programs authorized by such Act to designate or establish a State board, which shall be the sole agency responsible for the administration or supervision of the administration of such programs. States that the responsibilities of such board shall include: (1) the development of policy with respect to vocational education programs; and (2) the development and submission to the Commissioner of the three-year State plan and the annual accountability required under such Act. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Bureau of Occupational and Adult Education within the Office of Education to be responsible for: (1) the administration of any Acts of Congress vesting authority in the Commissioner for vocational, occupational, adult and continuing education programs; (2) the administration of those portions of Acts relating to career education which are relevant to the purposes of other Acts administered by the Bureau; and (3) the functions of the Office of Education relating to manpower training and vocational, technical and occupational training in community and junior colleges. Directs such Bureau to conduct a comprehensive review analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the programs assisted with funds under such Act. Directs the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a fiscal audit of such programs, within each State. Includes, in the membership of the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education and the State advisory councils established under the Vocational Education Act of 1963, representatives of nonprofit private schools, women knowledgeable with the problems of sex discrimination in job training, and persons knowledgeable in the field of guidance and counseling. States that such councils shall have a majority membership of persons who are not educators or administrators in the field of education. Directs such National Council, in conjunction with the National Commission for Manpower Policy, and State advisory councils in conjunction with the State Manpower Services Councils, to identify the vocational and manpower needs of the Nation and assess the extent to which vocational programs represent an integrated and coordinated approach to meeting such needs. Includes in the membership of the National Commission for Manpower Policy a representative of the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education. Authorizes appropriations under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 for the purpose of making grants to State advisory councils to carry out the functions of such councils. Stipulates how such sums are to be apportioned. Requires States desiring to receive funds under such Act to submit a three-year plan for vocational education to the Commissioner. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the preparation and updating of such plans; (2) the preparation of the annual accountability report required under such Act; and (3) program evaluation. Lists the State agencies which the State board shall involve in the participation and formulation of such plan. Requires that such plans: (1) assess the present and future needs for job skills within the State; (2) set forth the objectives sought and the means employed in meeting the need for such job skills; and (3) set forth how the funds made available under such Act shall be used. Authorizes the Commissioner, whenever a plan or the administration of such plan no longer complies with such requirement, to withhold payments to such State until he or she is satisfied that there will no longer be such failure to comply. Requires each State participating in programs under such Act to submit to the Commissioner an annual accountability report which shall: (1) include any necessary updating of the State plan; (2) show the extent to which the objectives of the plan have been achieved; (3) how State, local, and Federal funds were used and distributed to achieve such objectives; and (4) a summary of the evaluations of vocational programs. Requires States to evaluate the effectiveness of such vocational education programs. Sets forth specified criteria to be used in making such evaluation. Directs the Commissioner to further prescribe nationally uniform criteria and procedures to be used in such evaluations. Directs the Commissioner and Administrator of the National Center for Education Statistics to jointly develop information and uniform definitions for a national vocational education data reporting and accounting system including information on vocational students, programs, program completers, staff, facilities and expenditures. Directs the Commissioner in conjunction with the Administrator to prepare an annual report on the status of vocational education. Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee to: (1) improve coordination between administrators and planners of vocational education programs; (2) to develop and implement an occupational information system to meet the needs of vocational education programs, and employment and training programs; and (3) assist the State occupational information committees which are required to be established pursuant to this Act for the planning and operation of similar programs at the State level. Revises the authorized uses of funds for State vocational education programs. Authorizes appropriations which States may use for: (1) special programs for disadvantaged persons as defined in this Act; (2) supportive services for basic vocational education programs; (3) support of State research coordinating units and for contracts made by such units pursuant to comprehensive plans of program improvement; (4) construction, equipment, and operation of residential schools to provide vocational education; (5) cooperative vocational education programs; and (6) work-study programs. Directs the Commissioner to pay to each State participating in vocational education programs, an amount equal to 50 percent of the State and local expenditures in carrying out its State plan. Sets forth formulas to determine the amount of Federal payments to States for various programs under this Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for consumer and homemaking education programs under the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Sets forth the requirements for State plans to be eligible for funds for such programs. Directs the Commissioner, from funds reserved under this Act, to use such funds for contracts for program improvement projects and for the support of a national center for research in vocational education. States that such Center shall, either directly or through contracts: (1) conduct applied research and development on problems of national significance in vocational education and disseminate the results of such projects; (2) provide leadership development through an advanced study center and inservice education activities for State and local leaders in vocational education; (3) develop and provide information to facilitate national planning and policy development in vocational education; (4) act as a clearinghouse for information on contracts made for program inprovement projects; and (5) develop methods of evaluating programs. Establishes within the Education Division of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Coordinating Committee on Research in Vocational Education to: (1) develop a plan establishing national priorities for the use of funds for vocational education programs, projects, and research and to coordinate the efforts of various agencies in seeking to achieve such priorities; and (2) develop a management information system on the projects funded pursuant to such plan. Directs the Commissioner of Education, with the Secretary of Labor, to develop and disseminate information on the status of bilingual education in the United States and to evaluate the impact of such education on the shortages of well-trained personnel and the unemployment of persons with limited English-speaking ability. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into contracts for bilingual vocational education programs. Sets forth the purposes for which such contracts or grants may be used. Directs qualified vocational educators to provide such individuals an opportunity to spend full time in advanced study of vocational education for a maximum three year period. Directs the Commissioner to pay to the institutions of higher education in which such individual is pursuing his or her course of study such amounts as are consistent with the prevailing practices under comparable federally supported programs. Sets forth the requirements an institution must meet to have its vocational education leadership development program approved by the Commissioner. Directs the National Institute of Education to undertake an evaluation and study of vocational education programs. States that such Institution shall make an interim report on the results of such study to the President and Congress by September 30, 1979, and a final reprot by September 30, 1980. Directs the National Center for Education Statistics to coordinate data collection and the formation and issuance of applications for vocational education programs and to disseminate summaries of such data collected to States, local educational agencies, and colleges and universities. Repeals provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 relating to occupational education programs. Extends the authorization for appropriations until 1978 for grants to States under the National Defense Education Act. Sets forth the effective dates for the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
United States Grain Standards Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the United States Grain Standards Act, to require official inspection of grain at export port locations by authorized employees of the Department of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to a State agency to perform official inspection functions at export port locations if such agency meets specified criteria. Provides that such authority may be revoked at any time upon notice to the State agency without opportunity for a hearing. Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to official inspections other than at export port locations, to designate any State or local governmental agency, or any person as an official inspection agency if such agency or person meets specified requirements. States that designations of official inspection agencies shall terminate within three years and may be renewed. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke a designation of an official inspection agency, after opportunity for a hearing, if such agency has failed to meet specified criteria. Allows temporary suspension without a hearing of such designation if the Secretary considers such action to be in the best interest of the official inspection system. Directs the Secretary to collect reasonable fees to cover the estimated cost to the Department incident to the performance of official inspection. Provides for the collection of fees from designated official inspection agencies. Requires the weighing of all grain received at or shipped from export port elevators. Directs that such weighing be supervised by authorized Department of Agriculture employees. Allows the Secretary to delegate such functions to qualified State agencies. Allows the Secretary to revoke such delegation at any time upon notice to the agency without opportunity for a hearing. Provides for United States supervision of weighing of United States grain received at or shipped from export port elevators at Canadian ports. States that no weighing supervision shall be provided at any export port elevator unless the operator of such elevator has met specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) investigate the weighing and certification of the weight of grain shipped in interstate and foreign commerce; (2) require the maintenance of complete and accurate records of the weighing of such grain; and (3) prescribe by regulation the standards, procedures, and controls for accurate weighing and certification of weights of grain. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study concerning the supervision of weighing, the weighing and certification of weights of grain, and the inspection and testing of scales used in the weighing of grain, and to report the results of such study to specified Committees of the Congress. Prohibits the use of scales for weighing which have been disapproved by the Secretary or a State or local government agency or person designated by the Secretary. Requires that representatives of the Secretary be afforded access to any elevator, warehouse, or other storage or handling facility for grain. Authorizes the collection of fees to cover the cost to the Department of such supervision of weighing. Authorizes the collection of fees from any agency or person designated to perform weighing functions. Prohibits any person from performing official inspection functions unless such person holds an unsuspended, an unrevoked license, or authorization from the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to summarily revoke any license whenever the licensee has been convicted of any specified offense under this Act. Allows the Secretary to refuse to provide official inspection or weighing services under this Act with respect to any grain offered for such services if: (1) the individual involved has knowingly committed any violation specified in this Act or has been convicted of any Federal law with respect to the handling, weighing, or official inspection of grain; and (2) providing such service would be inimical to the integrity of the service. Authorizes the Secretary to assess a civil penalty not to exceed $50,000 per violation for such offenses. States that no official inspection agency or State agency delegated inspection authority personnel shall be employed in or engaged in or have any financial interest in, any business involving the commercial transportation, storage, merchandising, or other handling of grain; and that no business or governmental entity conducting any such business shall operate or be employed by, or have any financial interest in, any official inspection agency or a State agency delegated inspection authority. Requires any person who has obtained official inspection to, within a five year period thereafter, maintain complete and accurate records of grain transactions, and permit any authorized representative of the Secretary to have access to such records. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any present or former officer or employee of the Department or of any State agency delegated authority under this Act to make public information obtained under this Act. States that such prohibition shall not apply to persons divulging information which he reasonably believes involves prohibited conduct under this Act or criminal activity. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provision of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make a study regarding the adequacy of current grain standards. Requires the Secretary to submit annually a summary of all complaints received by the Department from foreign purchasers and prospective purchasers of grain to specified Congressional committees, and the actions taken by him in implementing the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of the practicability, desirability, and feasibility of using organic waste materials to improve soil fertility and to prepare and submit a report of the results of such study to the President and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide acceptable uses of excess campaign contribution funds including: (1) use in connection with another specified general election which is held no later than two years after the election during which the contribution was made; (2) in the case of a candidate who is elected, such candidate may use excess contributions to defray any ordinary and necessary expenses incurred by such person in connection with the duties of the Federal office; and (3) such excess funds may be contributed by the candidate to any charitable organization as described in the Internal Revenue Code. Requires a candidate who does not put excess contributions to any of the specified uses to return such contributions to the persons making contributions to such candidate, and deposit the balance of such contributions which are not so returned in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund or to deposit the entire amount of such contributions in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
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. Lists 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. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. 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 five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center 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 appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. 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 $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten 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. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners, including owners of water rights, under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the 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 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to Act. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the minesite and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regraded areas. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. 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. Stipulates 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. Requires operators to obtain a permit prior to conducting any coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operation on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified 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. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. 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. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the approriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 immediately and $10,000,000 for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and for the next four years.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Drafting Week." Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Postal Service should not close or otherwise suspend the operation of any post office during the six-month period beginning on the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Requires the report of the Select Committee on Intelligence filed on January 29, 1976, be referred to the Committee on House Administration, and such Committee shall follow the procedures agreed to between the Select Committee and the President with respect to the disclosure of classified information transmitted to the select committee. States that after such procedures have been complied with, such report, as it may be altered in accordance with such procedures, shall be printed as a House document.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Synthetic Fuels Research and Demonstration Act - Title I: Motor Vehicle Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Project - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a synthetic fuels project for motor vehicles in accordance with a research and development plan. Prescribes criteria to be followed by the Administrator in: (1) the selection of a synthetic fuel; (2) the selection of a project agency; and (3) the establishment of a research and demonstration plan. Requires that the Administrator submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 through fiscal year 1979 for such project. Title II: Electrical Generation Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Projects - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program of Federal assistance to public utilities for the support of synthetic fuels projects for the generation of electricity. Establishes criteria for applicants to be considered for financial assistance. Establishes guidelines for the Administrator in selecting projects from eligible applicants. Stipulates that the amount of funds for any such project shall be based on the difference between the cost of the synthetic fuel and the cost of conventional fuel which would ordinarily be used. Limits payments under this Act to: (1) 5 cents per gallon of synthetic fuel; and (2) $1,000,000 for any single project. Requires the Administrator to submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $3,000,000 through fiscal year 1979 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies shall be encouraged to exercise their full legal authority to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public shall not be reduced or impaired by the operations of pay television. Calls for regulation of pay television in a manner consistent with the establishment and maintenance of over-the-air television broadcast services.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit a pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil from transporting any oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Provides, under the Legislative Reorganization Act, that pay adjustments for Members of Congress may take effect no earlier than the beginning of the Congress next following the Congress in which they are approved.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Federal Food Marketing Appraisal Act - Establishes a bipartisan National Commission on Food Costs, Pricing, and Marketing, consisting of five Members of the Senate, five members of the House of Representatives, and five members to be appointed by the President from outside the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to analyze and appraise the costs, pricing, functioning, and structure of the food marketing industry. Directs the Commission to make interim reports and to submit to the President and to the Congress a final report of its findings and conclusions within eighteen months after the date on which funding commences. States that such report shall include treatment of (1) recent changes in the food industry; (2) the responsiveness of food prices to changes in farm-level prices; (3) the kind of food marketing system that would best achieve efficiency of production and distribution; and (4) the effectiveness of present national policy with respect to the food marketing system. Sets forth the powers and administrative authority of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations of up to $2,500,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Supplemental Community Development Employment Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to any State, metropolitan city, or urban county which meets the requirements of a community development program as specified in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Authorizes appropriations of $780,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth allocation requirements with respect to the grants. States that in any calendar quarter, 75 percent shall be allocated to metropolitan cities and urban counties, except that the Secretary may establish such percentage as he deems appropriate in view of unemployment and related factors. Requires that unemployment data, determined by the Secretary of Labor, shall be utilized to establish the supplementary grant amounts which will be distributed in any calendar quarter. Stipulates that any metropolitan city or urban county which has been allocated supplementary grant assistance shall submit an application which outlines the proposed job intensive use and demonstrates that the use is consistent with the recipient's community development program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 to establish as an independent establishment of the Executive Branch the Federal Election Commission, consisting of the Secretary of the Senate (ex officio), the Clerk of the House (ex officio), and six members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that more than three members appointed by the President may be affiliated with the same party. Sets members' terms at six years with one members' term expiring every year. States that members will be chosen from among individuals who are not currently elected or appointed as an officer or employee of any branch of the Government of the United States, except current members of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to emphasize agricultural research as a distinct mission of the Department of Agriculture, to be certain such research is effectively coordinated, and to provide a mechanism for identifying the Nation's highest priority problems for agricultural research. Provides for an additional Assistant Secretary of Agriculture to be responsible for the agricultural research activities of the Department of Agriculture and to serve as co-chairman of the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Directs the Secretary to appoint a scientist to serve and report to such new Assistant Secretary and to act as Executive Secretary of such Committee. Establishes, within the Department of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Specifies the membership of such Committee. States that the Committee's responsibilities shall include: (1) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (2) providing a forum for research sponsoring agencies to exchange information on agricultural plans and programs; and (3) making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding applications for funding of mission-oriented basic agricultural research. Requires such Committee to annually submit a report of its activities to specified committees of the Congress. Defines "mission-oriented basic agricultural research" as research on fundamental science topics with regard to which there is a basic need in existence for new knowledge that would be genrated by such research, has a strong potential for benefitting mankind and deals with more than an unproven concept. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First and Second Morrill Acts and to State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research, without regard to matching State funds. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Declares it to be the sense of Congress that Federal funding for existing agricultural research programs be increased by $250,000,000 annually.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year for five years a plan to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and anti-competitive regulations. Requires that such reformation plan be directed toward regulation in the areas of: (1) banking and finance; (2) energy and environment; (3) commerce, and transportation; (4) food, health, safety, and trade practices; and (5) labor, housing, and small business. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for Congressional review of such plan. Provides that if Congress fails to pass any regulatory reform legislation by a specified date after the President submits his plan to the Congress, such plan shall become effective as of a specified date and all rules of any agency described in such plan shall be of no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizies the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $250,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than ten years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the board for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through any available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 657, 658, 1006, and 1014)
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies shall be encouraged to exercise their full legal authority to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public shall not be reduced or impaired by the operations of pay television. Calls for regulation of pay television in a manner consistent with the establishment and maintenance of over-the-air television broadcast services.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Extends appropriations authorized under the Library Services and Construction Act until September 30, 1981. Authorizes, for the purpose of making grants to States for library services, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $130,000,000 for fiscal year ending 1979 and such sums as may be necessary for the fiscal years 1980, and 1981. Provides that for the purpose of making grants to States for public library construction there shall be authorized an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the period beginning July 1, ending September 30, 1976, and for fiscal years 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981. 30, 1981. States that for the purpose of making grants to States to enable them to carry out interlibrary cooperation programs there shall be authorized an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1980, and 1981. Authorizes, for the same time periods such appropriations as may be necessary to enable the States to carry out public library service programs for older persons. Provides that administrative costs in connection with any program or activity carried out by any State under this Act shall be matched by such State from funds other than Federal funds.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Encourages the Federal Communications Commission to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public is not impaired by the operation of pay television. Expresses the sense of Congress that the development of pay television should be regulated in a manner consistent with the maintenance of free broading.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Excludes from the Bristol Cliffs Wilderness (Vermont), private lands inadvertently encompassed by former legislation. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire such lands, at a value not in excess of fair market value, to be included in the boundaries of Bristol Cliffs Wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Excludes from the Bristol Cliffs Wilderness (Vermont), private lands inadvertently encompassed by former legislation. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire such lands, at a value not in excess of fair market value, to be included in the boundaries of Bristol Cliffs Wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Extends under the Rehabilitation Act, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) vocational rehabilitation services; (2) research and training; (3) grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities; (4) vocational training services for handicapped individuals; (5) special projects and demonstrations; (6) the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults; (7) program and project evaluation; (8) secretarial responsibilities; and (9) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Allied Services Act - Title I: Human Services Planning - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for developing the allied delivery of human services (services to help families in need to achieve the highest level of personal independence and self-sufficiency) within a State. Provides for the designation of State and local agencies to administer the development program in service areas designated by the Governor of the State. Requires such local agencies to develop for the service area a local plan which is designed to serve as a demonstration or evaluation of means to substantially improve the allying and consolidation of human services planning and delivery. States that, to be approved by the State agency, such plan must also: (1) specify the agencies and organizations which have agreed to participate in the local program for the allied delivery of human services within the service area; (2) contain a survey of the needs for human services within the service area and an inventory of resources available to meet those needs; (3) enumerate the human services programs which will be allied within the service area; (4) provide reasonable assurance that the agencies and organizations participating in the local plan will make progress toward allying their provision of services; (5) describe the progress which the local agency has made in achieving the objectives specified in any preceding local plan developed by the local agency pursuant to this subsection; (6) specify procedures found adequate by the Secretary to assure that interested agencies, organizations, and individuals will have their views taken into consideration with respect to the carrying out of the local plan. Provides requirements for the approval of State plans for the allied delivery of services. Provides that if the Secretary finds, after notice to a State and adequate opportunity for the State to respond, it is failing to comply substantially with the provisions of its approved allied delivery of services plan for any fiscal year (or that any local agency designated thereunder is failing to comply substantially with the provisions of its local plan which was incorporated into such State plan), then thereafter (during such year and until there is no longer any such failure to comply) no Federal funds may be consolidated or transferred, no requirements may be waived, and no payments of grants under this Act may be made. Provides for notice to the public of allied delivery of services plans and for means to accept comments from the public thereon. Title II: Administrative Support Services - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States which have in effect State plans approved under this Act or through such States to local agencies which have local plans approved by such States, to assist in meeting the initial costs of allying or consolidating administrative support services and management functions necessary to facilitate the allied delivery of human services where funds to cover such costs cannot be obtained from other sources. Provides that no State, office, or agency may receive grants under this title for more than 3 years. Title III: Special Authorities - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make single grants for human services. Authorizes transfer of Federal assistance available for expenditure under a human services program for use in another human services program. Authorizes waiver of program requirements certified by State or local agencies to be impeding the implementation of its plan. Authorizes $20,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act for fiscal year 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the National Ski Patrol System. Makes the purpose of the corporation the promotion, in all and any ways, of public safety in skiing. Provides that the principal office of the corporation shall be located in Denver, Colorado. Requires the corporation to maintain a designated agent in the District of Columbia. Provides for the membership of the corporation. Sets forth the powers and the limitations of such corporation. Prohibits corporation participation in any political activity or in any attempt to influence legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Provides that buildings constructed for use by the United States Postal Service shall be designed and constructed in a manner making them accessible to the physically handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Denies electric and gas public utilities a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred by such utilities to advertise or promote the sale or use of electricity or gas.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1975
Denies Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to apply to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to foster and promote, through appropriate means and on an economically sustainable basis, the development and expansion and both traditional and innovative approaches to direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. States that for purposes of this Act, the term "direct marketing from farmers to consumers" means the marketing of agricultural commodities at any marketplace (including, but not limited to, roadside stands, city markets, and vehicles used for house-to-house marketing of agricultural commodities) established and maintained for the purpose of enabling farmers to sell their agricultural commodities directly to individual consumers, or organizations representing consumers. Directs the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture to conduct and facilitate activities designed to foster methods of direct marketing from farmers to consumers. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review certain rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Provides that an administrative rule, the violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such rules by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to foster and promote, through appropriate means and on an economically sustainable basis, the development and expansion of both traditional and innovative approaches to direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. States that for purposes of this Act, the term "direct marketing from farmers to consumers" means the marketing of agricultural commodities at any marketplace (including, but not limited to, roadside stands, city markets, and vehicles used for house-to-house marketing of agricultural commodities) established and maintained for the purpose of enabling farmers to sell their agricultural commodities directly to individual consumers, or organizations representing consumers. Directs the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture to conduct and facilitate activities designed to foster traditional methods of direct marketing from farmers to consumers, including: (1) compiling regulations relevant to direct marketing within such State; (2) the sponsorship of conferences designed to facilitate the sharing of information on direct marketing programs; and (3) the providing of technical assistance to groups establishing direct marketing programs. Authorizes appropriations of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Requires Executive agencies to submit proposes ruless and an explanation thereof to Congress. Provides that such proposes rules shall become effective within 60 days after submission unless either House of Congress disapproves of such rules by resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes, under the Privacy Act of 1974, the disclosure to individual Members of Congress or their designates of information regarding individuals. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552a)
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the first Saturday after the first Tuesday in January as "National Ski Week".
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - States that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System; to organize an Administration of the Department of Transportation to acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, modernize, and to restructure the rail lines included within such System; to transfer to the States responsibility for maintenance of rail lines not included within such System; to require minimum standards of maintenance for rail lines; to establish rights of access by rail carriers to rail lines they do not own; and to provide Federal funding to the Administration and to States for rehabilitation of rail lines. Defines terms used in the Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Secretary of Transportation with specified data describing the current condition of the railroad, and with a verified statement identifying all railroad lines of the carrier. Designates the Initial Interstate Railroad System, and rail lines which shall be excluded from such system. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold hearings and recommend additions to and deletions from such system. Requires the Secretary, after giving full consideration to such recommendations, to prepare and release a concise descriptive study of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad System, including future maintenance standards of each rail line in the system. States that after hearings and recommendations by the Office, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress a final Interstate Railroad System Plan designed to promote and enhance the ability of rail carriers to provide modern, efficient, and economical interstate rail freight and passenger service responsive to present and future needs and demands. Requires the Secretary to determine and publish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the resporation of all rail lines in the system to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that rail properties acquired by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation shall be part of the final system. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration to revise the future maintenance standards so long as such revision reflects changes in the anticipated use of the individual lines. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Federal Rail Property Administration. Grants the Administration power to acquire rail lines and property and to enter into leases with a railroad company which deeds rail lines to the Administration. Sets forth conditions governing such leases. Permits railroads to offer to transfer all facilities which are included in the System to the Administration, whereupon the Administration shall enter into a lease and accept title to the facilities so offered. Requires the Secretary to develop programs of rehabilitation and capital improvements for rail properties owned by the Administration. States that such programs shall be incorporated into and be made terms of the lease of such property. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and to Congress on the extent and condition of all properties owned by the Administration, and on the condition of all other rail properties in the Nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations for each year beginning with the year in which this Act is enacted and continuing for a period of ten years such sums as are necessary for (1) rehabilitation of lines as required under this Act, and (2) to provide the materials used in maintenance as required under this Act. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Authorizes additional sums of money for reports, expenses, and maintenance materials. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Permits abandonment of rail service on properties not designated part of the final system. Sets forth conditions governing discontinuation of service. Title VI: Labor Contracts - States that all contracts between rail carries and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full force, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Title VII: Northeast Corridor - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to operate high speed rail passenger service in the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations for improvement of the Northeast Corridor.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Requires, under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, that committee reports on proposed legislation in either House of Congress must contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs 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. Requires 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 specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, 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 or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
![Official portrait of Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000072_200.jpg)