United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act - Directs the President to establish an earthquake hazard reduction program. Lists the objectives of such program, including: (1) the development of technology to make new and existing structures earthquake resistant; (2) the implementation of an earthquake prediction system in areas of high and moderate seismic risk; and (3) the development of model codes and other means to coordinate information about seismic risk with land use policy and building activity. Specifies the Federal agencies which are to participate in, and identifies activities to be conducted under, the program. Establishes a National Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazard Reduction to review and advise the President on matters regarding the earthquake hazard reduction program. Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums for fiscal years 1978-1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require that psychologists be included in any Professional Standards Review Organization appointed under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act - Title I: Establishment of Goals, Planning, and General Economic Policies - Amends the Employment Act of 1946 to declare that all adult Americans able, willing, and seeking work have the right to useful paid employment at fair rates of compensation. States that, in moving toward the goal of full employment, it shall be an objective to maintain trends in the ratio of private employment to civilian public employment and that the first priority is to expand conventional private jobs through policies made available under this Act. Directs the President in each annual Economic Report to recommend numerical goals for employment, production, and purchasing power, as well as policies to support these goals and achieve balanced growth and full employment. Requires the preparation of a Full Employment and Balanced Growth Plan, prepared with the assistance of Economic Advisers and in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget. Requires that such plan set forth foreseeable social and economic goals; provide estimates of unmet social and economic needs; identify available and needed resources; and contain long-term economic goals including: (1) full employment goals set at the number of jobs to be provided in order to reduce unemployment to the minimum level of functional unemployment consistent with efficient job search and labor mobility, (2) full production goals set at levels of output estimated to be yielded by achievement of full employment goals, and (3) full purchasing power goals set at levels estimated to be necessary for attaining and maintaining full employment and production while contributing to an equitable distribution of purchasing power. States that in achieving such goals the President shall include the objective of holding the annual rate of price increases to levels consistent with reasonable price stability. Requires the full employment goal to be consistent with an adult unemployment rate not in excess of three percent. Requires that the plan propose priority policies and programs to support full employment and balanced growth and enumerates sectors of the economy to be included in such policies and programs. Directs the President to submit proposals improving the efficiency and economy of the Federal Government. Requires the Presidents' Budget and Economic Report to set forth the level and composition of Federal expenditures, tax policy, and monetary policy consistent with and in promotion of the goals and policies contained in this Act. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to report to the President and Congress, identifying the extent to which the Federal Reserve will support the economic goals recommended by the President. Stipulates that each Economic Report contain a comprehensive set of anti-inflation policies to supplement monetary and fiscal policy. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Full Employment and Balanced Growth to advise and assist the Council of Economic Advisers. Directs the Council of Economic Advisers to prepare the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Plan and to consult with the Advisory Committee. Title II: Countercyclical, Structural, and Youth Employment Policies - Directs the President to transmit to Congress within 90 days after the enactment of this Act a proposal, together with necessary legislation, establishing permanent supplementary employment policies and programs required to reduce high unemployment arising from cyclical movements in the economy. Specifies types of programs which should be considered by the President in establishing component parts of such proposal and the means to be utilized in coordinating them. Requires the President to transmit to Congress within such period legislation creating a permanent grant program related to the stabilization and needed growth of State and local budgets. Directs the President to transmit to Congress within 180 days after the enactment of this Act (1) a comprehensive regional and structural employment proposal designed to reduce chronic underutilization of human and capital resources in certain areas of the country and in groups within the labor force, and (2) legislation providing institutional means to encourage public and private investment in areas with substantial unemployment and to provide an alternative source of capital funds for local and State governments to finance public facilities. Directs the President to transmit to Congress legislation creating a comprehensive youth employment program which utilizes existing resources and facilities and provides additional employment programs. Directs the President to provide job opportunities through reservoirs of federally operated public employment projects and approved private nonprofit employment projects to the extent that willing, able adults are not otherwise provided job opportunities. Establishes, within the Department of Labor, a Full Employment Office to assist in creating such employment opportunities. Directs the President to transmit to Congress a proposal, together with such legislation as is necessary, on how the income maintenance and employment policies can be integrated to insure that employment is substituted for income maintenance to the maximum extent feasible. Title III: Policies and Procedures for Congressional Review - Requires the Joint Economic Committee to carry out overall review of executive branch policies under this Act. Requires the Committee on the Budget of the Senate and the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives to review the fiscal policy, economy in government policies, and Federal budget priorities recommended by the President. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to review and make recommendations to Congress on annual numerical goals for employment, production, and purchasing power proposed by the President. Provides for Congressional review of the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Plan, including reports to the Joint Economic Committee from the standing committees of Congress on matters that relate to the plan, public hearings before the Joint Economic Committee, and consideration of State and local views on the plan. Establishes a Division of Full Employment and Balanced Growth within the Congressional Budget Office to assist the Joint Economic Committee in the discharge of its duties under this Act. Provides that the provisions of this title, with specified exceptions, be incorporated into the rules of the House of Representatives and Senate, respectively. Title IV: General Provisions - Makes general provisions with respect to nondiscrimination, labor standards, and authorizations of appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Fair Marketing of Petroleum Products Act - Prohibits refiners or distributors of petroleum products from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise, or unless such refiner or distributor withdraws entirely from the sale of refined petroleum products in commerce for sale other than resale in the United States. Limits the marketing activities of a person who is a major market shareholder, as such term is defined in this Act, prohibiting the establishment of new distributorships or retail outlets the personnel of which are under the control of such person or under the control of an entity controlled by such person if such activity would yield to such shareholder a specified share of the market for petroleum products. Sets forth procedural and jurisdictional requirements for suits brought as result of violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Department of Education Act - Establishes the Department of Education, to be administered by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the Secretary's powers and duties. States that the principal function of the Department shall be to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified education-related functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and of the Commissioner of Education. Authorizes the President to transfer to the Department any Federal agency or instrumentality which the President determines to have functions relating to education and should be transferred to promote bureaucratic efficiency and the purposes of this Act. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Welfare. Establishes the Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and make recommendations relative to the coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes the National Advisory Committee on Education. Specifies the Committee's advisory, investigatory, and supervisory duties. Establishes, within the Department, an Office of the Inspector General. Directs the Inspector General to oversee auditing and investigative activities relating to programs and operations of the Department and to take specified actions to promote economy and efficiency in the administration of, and the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse in, programs administered or financed by the Department. Requires the Inspector General to submit specified reports of the Office's activities to the Secretary and to Congress. Transfers to the Office functions, powers, and duties of certain agencies and offices within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. States that all orders, regulations, contracts and licenses previously in effect under any provision of law amended under this Act or in the exercise of functions transferred under this Act shall remain in effect until modified or terminated by the Secretary. States that this Act shall not affect any proceedings pending before any department or agency, but that such proceedings to the extent they relate to functions transferred under this Act shall be continued before the Department. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a working capital fund for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of such common administrative services as the Secretary shall find to be desirable. Authorizes the Secretary to provide specified services, supplies, and facilities for employees of the Department and their dependents stationed in remote areas.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Expresses the Senate's gratitude to Mike Mansfield of Montana for his participation in the Government and his service on behalf of the Nation's people.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1976
Designates the extension of the Senate Office Building presently under construction pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973, as the "Philip A. Hart Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Provides civil penalties for violations of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Refrigerator Safety Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the Poison Prevention Act by amending such Acts. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission to require any person to submit such reports and answers to questions as the Commission may reasonably prescribe under the Flammable Fabrics Act. Gives the same authorization to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Makes the appointment of the Director of the Bureau of Compliance by the Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, under the Consumer Product Safety Act, subject to the approval of the other Commissioners. Provides that whatever level of lead is determined safe under a Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act proceeding will be considered the highest permissible level of lead in paint and other articles bearing such paint regulated under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1976
Foreign Payments Disclosure Act - Requires any person who makes payments to any individual or entity in connection with an official action, sale, or contract with a foreign government for the commercial benefit of the person or foreign affiliate to report such payments to the Secretary of Commerce under regulations issued by such Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate bookkeeping regulations and to conduct investigations to enforce this Act. Authorizes a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for failure to file a required report, failure to maintain records, negligent omission of required information from such a report, or for negligent statement of false information in such a report. Permits the Attorney General to bring an action in a district court of the United States to enjoin such act or practice. Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, except that a legal entity shall be fined not more than $100,000, for failure to file under this Act. Imposes a fine of not more than $100,000 and imprisonment for not more than three years, except that a legal entity shall be fined not more than $500,000, for knowing falsification of reports under this Act. Directs the Secretary to disseminate copies of such report to (1) the Department of Justice, (2) the Department of State, (3) the Internal Revenue Service, and (4) where the person filing is subject to the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to that Commission. Specifies procedures for keeping such a report confidential and making such report public. Authorizes the Attorney General, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of State, with the concurrence of the Attorney General to furnish information contained in reports made under this Act to the foreign government concerned. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Disapproves the deferral of budget authority for operating grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation as reported by the Comptroller General of the United States to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives in his letter dated July 29, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to provide education services for the dependents of persons engaged in the construction of the Chief Joseph Dam and Reservoir in Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1976
Authorizes to be appropriated under the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, for fiscal year 1978 $394,000 for the establishment and enforcement of automobile transfer standards, $3,375,000 for an automobile consumer information study, $3,400,000 for diagnostic inspection demonstration projects, and $562,000 for the enforcement of provisions of the Act dealing with tampering with automobile odometers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Authorizes appropriations to carry out the functions, powers, and duties of the Federal Trade Commission of $47,091,000 for fiscal year 1976, $52,833,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $61,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation, after consulting with the Secretaries of Defense and State and with the approval of the President, to provide insurance to air carriers for risks other than war risks if the Secretary finds that such insurance is unavailable in the commercial market on reasonable terms and conditions and if the President determines such insurance is needed to maintain air service required for reasons of foreign policy. Authorizes the Secretary to operate such expanded insurance program until May 7, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1976
Title I: Aircraft Sabotage Act of 1975 - Revises the description of Federal offenses related to the destruction of aircraft and aircraft facilities, adding the offense of knowingly communicating false information which endangers the safety of an aircraft in flight. Enumerates offenses in violation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation and subjects violators to a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both. Prohibits imparting or conveying a threat to do specified felonious acts related to the destruction of aircraft and aircraft facilities where there is apparent determination and will to carry the threat into execution. Subjects violators to a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both. Title II: Aircraft Piracy Amendments of 1975 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to subject anyone who knowingly communicates false information regarding an attempt to do specified criminal acts related to the destruction of aircraft and aircraft facilities to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 which is recoverable in a civil action brought in the name of the United States. Prohibits unauthorized persons from carrying a concealed deadly or dangerous weapon when boarding an aircraft. Subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Subjects anyone who willfully and maliciously, or with reckless disregard for human life, knowingly communicates false information regarding an attempt to do specified criminal acts related to the destruction of aircraft and aircraft facilities to a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 31, 32; Adds 18 U.S.C. 32A, 36; Amends 28 U.S.C. 1395)
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe guidelines for the development and preparation of State energy conservation implementation programs. Requires that States be given an opportunity to participate in the drafting of such guidelines. Establishes eligibility criteria for State energy conservation implementation programs in order to receive Federal assistance under this Act. Imposes a preliminary requirement that the State establish a State energy conservation advisory committee to assist in the formulation of such program. Authorizes the Administrator to provide Federal financial assistance to States whose proposed energy conservation programs meet such criteria. Lists factors to be considered in determining the amount of such assistance. Stipulates that no State shall receive more than ten percent of the national total in each category of financial assistance. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to assist eligible State programs: $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $50,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Amends the Energy Conservation and Insulation of Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize additional appropriations of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $50,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978 and 1979; and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to assist low-income persons under the provisions of such Act. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to assist in the financing of energy conservation measures. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for such assistance payments: $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $200,000, 000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration to make loans to small business concerns for implementation of energy conservation measures. Limits the total amount of such loans under the Act of $300,000,000. Stipulates that the total amount of such payments to lending institutions under the Act shall not exceed $60,000,000. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans and other obligations issued to finance energy conservation measures consistent with the purposes of this Act. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding guarantees under this Act to $10,000,000,000. Requires annual reports to the Congress on actions taken to implement the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to directly regulate sales prices of new natural gas except for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices for onshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed: (1) the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands; (2) $1.60 per Mcf as adjusted by the Commission; or (3) a ceiling rate established by any State for interstate sale and consumption. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make an annual independent estimate of proved and potential natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the natural gas industry. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within certain high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Directs the Commission to impose a user charge on sales of natural gas for use as boiler fuel. Establishes procedures for the establishment and periodic revision of national ceiling prices for the sale of old natural gas in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any franchise agreement, or any trademark licensing contract or agreement, for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of a trademarked soft drink product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in substantial and effective competition with products of the same general class distributed or sold by others; (2) the licensee is in substantial and effective competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act of 1946.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to assist the Lake Placid 1980 Olympic Games, Inc., or any appropriate public authority in planning, designing, or constructing the permanent sports facilities necessary for the 13th winter Olympic games. Stipulates that such grants may not exceed a total of $28,000,000, except for a specified amount attributable to increases in construction costs. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out this act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Oroville-Tonasket unit extension of the Chief Joseph Dam project in Washington, in accordance with Federal reclamation laws. Authorizes the Secretary to execute new contract terms with the Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District for the payment of project costs. Stipulates that power and energy required for irrigation water pumping for the project shall be furnished by the Federal Columbia River power system. Stipulates that no water from the project shall be used for the production on newly irrigated lands of any basic agricultural commodity if the total supply of such commodity is in excess of the normal supply on an annual basis. Authorizes the appropriation of $35,740,000 for the construction of the works and measures authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to reduce the customs duty for fish netting or fish nets of fabric other than cotton or vegetable fibers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to change the penalty which is applicable under such Act for violations of orders or regulations relating to public notice for proposed construction projects where notice would promote safety in air commerce, from a criminal penalty to a civil penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Amends laws relating to the Coast Guard. Defines "promotion year" as commencing on July 1 of each year and ending June 30 for purposes of considering Coast Guard personnel for promotions. Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to submit to Congress a report in March of each year (previously January) regarding the operations and expenditures of the Guard during the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants available, on a matching basis with non-Federal funds, to States or subdivisions thereof, or private or public nonprofit organizations or associations, for the purpose of encouraging and promoting travel within the United States and its territories.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Amends the Department of Transportation Act and the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to reduce the amount authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation to the Secretary of Transportation for acquiring and utilizing space in suitable buildings of historic or architectural significance and for planning for the conversion of railroad passenger terminals into intermodal transportation terminals and civic and cultural centers. Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 to authorize appropriation to the National Endownment for the Arts of the amounts representing such reduction, to be used for the same purposes. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to repeal the requirement that the Secretary of Transportation preserve railroad passenger terminals that have a reasonable likelihood of being converted or otherwise maintained pending the formulation of plans for reuse.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 200, a bill to provide for the conservation and management of the fisheries.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the appropriation of specified sums through fiscal year 1978 for Federal assistance to State programs for the protection of underground sources of drinking water and for Federal assistance in related research, technical assistance, information, and personnel training.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Ocean and Coastal Resources Act - Title I: Marine Sciences and Technology Policy - Establishes, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Office of Marine Resources, Science, and Technology to develop and implement a program for marine resources and to develop and promote cooperative research and development projects. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the assistance of the Office to prepare a six year national plan for research and development in marine science and technology and for the demonstration and practical implementation of marine science and technology developments. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit such plan to the Congress and the President. Provides that the Office shall operate and maintain a service to be known as the National Ocean and Coastal Advisory Service. States that the service shall impart useful information, knowledge, and technique to organizations and individuals employed or otherwise interested in the assessment, development, and/or conservation of ocean and coastal resources. Provides that the service shall be headed by a Director. Sets forth the responsibility of the Director which includes coordination of all advisory service programs relating to ocean and coastal resources, and formulation of a comprehensive plan for the production and delivery of advisory services regarding ocean and coastal resources. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978 and 1979. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President. Specifies that such report shall provide an evaluation of the status and prospects for marine science and technology. Gives the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere the opportunity to review each such report. Establishes a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration distinguished research award for outstanding achievements and contributions in problem-oriented research related to ocean and coastal resources which meets international, national, and/or regional needs. Title II: National Sea Grant Program Amendments - National Sea Grant Act - Provides that there shall be maintained within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a program of research, education, training, and advisory services to be known as the national sea grant program. Directs that the program shall be administered by the Office of Marine Resources, Science, and Technology. States that the program shall be designed and administered to further research, education, training, and advisory services in ocean and coastal resource development, assessment, and conservation, including relevant research, education, and training in marine science. Requires the program to include the making of grants and contracts in accordance with specifically identified national needs and problems. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, for the purpose of making such grants and contracts. Provides for the appointment of a Director of the national sea grant program who shall establish long-range planning guidelines for the administration of the program, advise the Associate Administrator of existing expertise and capabilities within the program, and provide support for sea grant fellowships through institutions of higher education for educational and training assistance to persons in fields related to marine and coastal resource understanding. Authorizes the Secretary to designate, through the national sea grant program, sea grant colleges, and sea grant regional consortia. Provides that such institutions shall initiate, conduct, and support programs of research, education, training, and advisory services in disciplines and fields that are relevant to the development, utilization, and conservation of ocean and coastal resources. Establishes a sea grant review panel which shall supercede the sea grant advisory panel. Provides that the panel shall function as an advisory body to the Director of the national sea grant program. Authorizes the appropriation of $8,750,000 for the fiscal transition period ending September 30, 1976; and $35,000,000 for fiscal years 1977, 1978 and 1979 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Transportation Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the selection and construction of a natural gas transportation system to deliver Alaskan natural gas to the contiguous 48 States be expedited through the establishment of new administrative and judicial procedures. Directs the Federal Power Commission to complete review of applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity relating to such natural gas transportation system by January 1, 1977, and transmit its findings to the President. Requires that reports from other agencies which the President shall deem appropriate be submitted by February 1, 1977. Establishes criteria for information to be considered in such reports. Directs the President to make a final decision as to proposed systems for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas not later than August 1, 1977. Establishes procedures for Congressional review of such Presidential decision. Establishes procedures for issuance of additional authorizations necessary for completion of the project. Requires the filing of a final environmental impact statement on the proposed project with the Council on Environmental Quality. Stipulates that interagency review procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act shall not apply to this project. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and take other necessary action to enforce all rights-of-way, permits, and leases related to the construction and operation of such natural gas transportation system. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts authorizations issued pursuant to this Act from requirements concerning: (1) compliance with National Environmental Policy Act provisions; (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants; (3) public hearings; and (4) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to develop procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act shall not be subject to judicial review by the courts. Allows for claims that: (1) this Act is unconstitutional; (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights; and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, with review of any final order limited to direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the district court shall not have the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Disapproves the proposed budget deferral numbered D76-96 (Corps of Engineers plans for hopper dredges), as set forth in the President's special message of January 23, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Toxic Substances Control Act - Provides that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that testing of a chemical substance in accordance with a test protocol for such substance is necessary to protect against unreasonable risk to health or the environment, he may by rule require that testing be conducted on such substance to develop data with respect to the health and environmental effects for which there is an insufficiency of data. States that a rule requiring the testing of a chemical substance or mixture must include: (1) identification of the substance or mixture for which testing is required; and (2) standards for the development of test data for such substance. Requires persons intending to manufacture or process the substance to perform the necessary tests. Directs the Administrator upon receipt of the test results to promptly publish in the Federal Register the test data, the intended uses of the substances, and the nature of the tests. Establishes a committee to recommend to the Administrator the chemical substances and mixtures to which the Administrator should give priority consideration for testing. States that the committee shall give priority attention to chemical substances known or suspected of causing or contributing to cancer, gene mutations, and birth defects. Sets forth the membership of the committee. Specifies that upon the receipt of any test data which indicates that a chemical substance or mixture has the potential to induce in human beings cancer, gene mutations, or birth defects, the Administrator shall take action within 180 days to limit human exposure. Requires manufacturers to give 90 day notice to the Administrator of their intent to manufacture a new chemical substance, and to submit data developed in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish within six months criteria defining a significant new distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of a chemical substance. States that in establishing such criteria, the Administrator shall take into account: (1) the projected volume of production; (2) the projected increase in magnitude and duration of human and environmental exposure; and (3) the human health and environmental effects thereof. Prohibits manufacture or distribution of a chemical substance identified by the Administrator in a rule as a significant new distribution or use unless the manufacturer submits notice of his intention to do so and the data required under this Act. Exempts from this requirement persons who satisfactorily demonstrate that the proposed substance or activity will not cause an unreasonable risk of injury to human health or to the environment. Specifies that substances manufactured or intended to be manufactured only in small quantities solely for scientific experimentation or analysis or for chemical research shall be exempted from the requirements of this Act, unless the Administrator, by rule, specifies otherwise. Authorizes the Administrator, upon a finding that a chemical substance is dangerous or potentially dangerous, to prescribe rules to: (1) prohibit the manufacture or distribution of a substance or limit the amount which may be produced or distributed; (2) prohibit particular use or uses of such a substance; and (3) require an adequate warning with regard to the use or disposal of the substance. Provides the Administrator with criteria for formulating such rules. Permits the Administrator to formulate quality control rules if he has good cause to believe processing or manufacturing permits or causes dangerous adulteration of a chemical substance. Provides that the Administrator shall conduct hearings to determine if quality control rules are necessary. Provides that the Administrator may file an action for temporary or permanent relief in a U.S. district court against an imminently hazardous chemical substance for its seizure or against any person who is a manufacturer, processor, or distributor of such chemical substance. Authorizes the Administrator, by rule, to require reports of all manufacturers and processors of chemical substances where appropriate to ascertain the nature, quantity and uses of substances produced. Prohibits the Administrator from taking action under this Act if any risks to health or environment could be prevented by employing existing Federal law. Permits the Administrator to inspect and examine the records and properties of persons to the extent that such records and properties relate to the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of chemical substances subject to this Act. Provides that this Act shall not apply to any chemical substances which are to be used solely for export from the United States. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall refuse entry into the United States of any chemical substance or article containing such substance offered for entry which fails to conform with rules promulgated under this Act. Provides that all information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, the Administrator or his representative which contains or relates to trade secrets shall be considered confidential. Makes it unlawful to refuse to comply with any provision of this Act or any rule promulgated under the authority of this Act. Provides a $25,000 a day civil penalty for each day of violation. Declares that the Administrator shall waive compliance with this Act upon request of the Secretary of Defense and upon a determination by the President that the requested waiver is necessary in the interest of national defense. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out this Act of $11,100,000 for fiscal year 1976, $2,600,000 for the transitional period, and $10,100,000 for fiscal year 1977. Stipulates that no part of the funds so authorized to be appropriated shall be used to construct any research laboratories. Requires the Administrator to prepare and submit annually to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to prohibit the Secretary of the department in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is operating from issuing permits for the taking of the killer whale during the moratorium in the taking of such species. Exempts taking for specified scientific purposes from such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1976
Expresses the appreciation of Congress to specified scientific and engineering societies for their Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Programs. Encourages the scientific and engineering communities to continue and expand such activities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Intergovernmental Coordination Act - Declares the finding of Congress that areawide planning has greatly contributed to the solution of problems which affect the Nation's urban and rural areas, that the differences in the administrative components of Federal planning requirements make it difficult to achieve the purpose of areawide planning, and that failure to integrate planning leads to conflict among public policy objectives. Declares that it is national policy to encourage coordination of all levels of government and of all Federal agencies assisting or requiring areawide planning to achieve the benefits of such planning and eliminate the conflicts arising in the absence of such planning. Amends the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 to provide that any Federal agency which administers programs requiring a State plan as a condition of assistance must require that the Governor of the State or his designee be given an opportunity to comment on the relationship of such plan to comprehensive and other State plans where such plans have applicability to areawide or local planning. Authorizes any areawide agency created by State law or interlocal agreement and answerable to elected officials of local government to perform areawide planning under any Federal assistance program. Requires every metropolitan areawide agency established under the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 or the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 to adopt and update annually a program for the coordinated use of Federal areawide planning assistance. Prohibits the making of any areawide planning grant after July 1, 1968, to any area that has not adopted such program. Requires that before planning assistance grants are made to any areawide agency not established by such Acts, an agreement must be reached between such areawide agencies and the Federal agency administering the appropriate program which declares the relationships, coordination, cooperative arrangements, and plans which such areawide agency has made with respect to other activities related to areawide growth management. Requires the appropriate Federal agency which permits or requires the division of a State into two or more planning districts to utilize a district plan established by the State upon the request of the Governor of the State as long as the program establishing such district plan meets criteria set forth in this Act. Permits funds to be made available to areawide planning agencies established under the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 or the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 jointly with funds made available under any other Federal assistance program. Authorizes the Office of Mangement and Budget or any other agency designated by the President to formulate rules to administer this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Strikes the present restriction upon the authority for the leasing for military purposes of structures and their associated real property in foreign locations which limits such authority to the Secretaries of the military departments. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 2675)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Airport and Airway Development Act Amendments - Increases the obligational authority for airport development grants, under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, for the ten-year period ending September 30, 1980, from $2,500,000,000 to $4,695,000,000. Redefines "airport development," under such Act, to include: (1) construction, alteration, repair, or acquisition of airport passenger terminal buildings or of facilities directly related to the movement of passengers and baggage; (2) security equipment; (3) snow removal equipment; (4) noise suppression hardware and barriers (including land); (5) preparation and establishment of an airport master plan or capital improvement program; (6) planning for adequate ground transportation to and from a public airport; and (7) acquisition of land for and the construction of multimodal terminal buildings. Defines, under such Act, "air carrier airport," "capital improvement program," "general aviation airport" (public airports which are not air carrier airports), and "reliever airport" (general aviation airports designated by the Secretary of Transportation). Redefines "terminal area," to include vehicles and facilities related directly to movement of passengers and baggage. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a revised national airport system plan by January 1, 1978, which shall be designed to improve the orderly development of a public airport system. Designates fiscal years 1971 through 1975 as the period in which the Secretary may make planning grants for airport system planning and master planning. Authorizes appropriations for developing air carrier and reliever airports and airport system planning as follows: $625,000,000 through September 30, 1976; $535,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $570,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $605,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $640,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations for developing general aviation airports as follows: $50,000,000 through September 30, 1976; $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations to make grants for airport development from such funds. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations of $250,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1980 for establishing and improving air navigation facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations of $50,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1980 for research, development and demonstration projects, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Limits expenditure of the balance of moneys in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to programs and activities authorized by the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970. Requires that by October 1 of each fiscal year funds made available for such period for grants under such Act for air carrier and reliever airports shall be apportioned by the Secretary according to a dollar-for-passenger formula to carrier airports. Provides that no carrier airport shall receive less than $150,000 nor more than $10,000,000 in any fiscal year. Requires that by such dates the Secretary shall also apportion funds for general aviation airport development according to a population and land area formula to the States, and in part, according to the Secretary's discretion. Permits up to $10,000,000 per fiscal year, of the funds for air carrier and reliever airports, to be made available for airport system planning. Requires project applications, under such Act, to not propose any airport development which is not included in the current revision of the national airport system plan; and requires that after January 1, 1978, no project applications shall propose any airport development which is inconsistent with such plan. States that the Secretary's approval of a capital improvement program for an air carrier airport shall be considered approval of each project identified in such program plan, subject to a specification by such airport of the source of available funds under such Act for each project under the program. Requires projects for terminal area development to certify installation of requisite safety and certification equipment. Permits the Secretary to accept conclusory certifications of fulfilled or expected fulfillment by airport sponsors of the requirements of such Act. Allows the Federal share of project costs under such Act to be 90 percent with respect to airports enplaning less than one-quarter of one percent of the total of enplaned passengers each year, and 90 percent for reliever and general aviation airports, and 75 percent for all other airports. Permits such Federal share to be 50 percent of the development costs for construction, repair, or acquisition of public passenger terminal facilities related directly to passenger or baggage movement; and 75 percent of such costs for multimodal passenger terminal facilities; and 75 percent of the costs of an airport system planning project. Requires airport sponsors to consult with air carriers in deciding to undertake development projects, and not to include Federal costs shares in the establishment of user charges. Directs the Secretary to offer terms and conditions in project approvals which provide for obligation of funds over more than one fiscal year for projects extending more than one fiscal year at carrier airports and reliever airports. Permits the Secretary to make grants, from funds for general aviation airport development projects, to States for the management of a demonstration program for administering grants-in-aid for such airports in such State. Sets forth certifications which the chief executive officer of such a State shall make to the Secretary regarding the State's eligibility and interest in such management. Directs the Secretary to report by March 31, 1978, on the results of any such demonstration programs, of which there shall be no more than three. Empowers the Secretary to exempt specified Alaskan airports from requirements of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 relating to airport security. Permits the Secretary to compensate air carriers for amounts expended for security-screening facilities and procedures attributable to foreign air transportation. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose through fiscal year 1978. Directs the Secretary to attempt to reduce the capital, operating, maintenance, and administrative costs of the national airport and airway system. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to stipulate that the Federal Aviation Administrator may exempt specified smaller airports from regulations relating to fire and rescue ability. Requires the Secretary to study, and report within one year, on the feasibility of land bank planning and development for future and existing airports; and on the establishment of new and major public airports. Provides that required inspection and quarantine services at airports of entry shall be performed during regular Sunday and holiday hours without reimbursement from the airport owners or operators. Makes it a condition precedent to receipt of funds for airport development projects, under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, that each civil aeronautics enterprise using an airport applying for such funds be subject to the same rates, fees, rentals, and other charges, and to the same rules, regulations, and conditions as are uniformly applicable to all other civil aeronautic enterprises making the same or similar uses of such airport.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to require shippers of hazardous materials (presently "extremely hazardous") to file registration statements with the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes appropriations of $7,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 to carry out programs relating to the transportation of hazardous materials and for other activities carried out pursuant to the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Air Travel Protection Act - Declares that it is the policy of the United States to provide for the protection of the public against financial loss from injury, death or property damage from an aircraft incident, by requiring persons engaged in domestic air transportation to provide financial protection for the indemnification of victims of air incidents. Includes as a condition for a certificate for interstate or overseas air transportation that the air carrier maintain financial protection of such type and in such amounts as the Secretary of Transportation shall require to indemnify victims of aircraft incidents. Directs the Secretary to extend such requirement to persons engaged in intrastate air transportation. States that the amount of financial protection required shall be the amount of liability insurance available from private sources, unless the Secretary establishes a lesser amount based on specified criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the proportion of such insurance to be borne by persons holding type certificates under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 with respect to aircraft, aircraft engines, and propellors or appliances used in the operation of aircraft. Requires compliance with such a determination to claim any benefits provided under this Act. Directs the Secretary to indemnify victims of air incidents if the liability incurred is in excess of the financial protection provided by the air carrier. Authorizes the Secretary to create a fund for such indemnification purposes by directing air carriers to collect as part of a charge for domestic air transportation, and place in such fund, an amount specified by the Secretary. Allows air carriers to include an additional charge to be applied against the financial protection required under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into indemnity agreements and make advance payments thereon whenever such action would facilitate the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to use private facilities and services to the maximum extent possible to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that any such indemnity agreements shall include the provisions that the Secretary shall have final authority regarding the payment of any claims under such agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with other indemnitors to establish coordinated procedures for prompt handling, investigation, and settlement of claims for liability. Authorizes payments to provide immediate assistance following an aircraft incident. States that such payment shall not constitute an admission of liability and shall be applied to any final judgment or settlement. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules, regulations, and policies as are deemed proper to carry out the functions of this Act. Requires the Secretary to maintain an integral set of accounts created under this Act which shall be audited annually. Directs the Secretary to include in the annual report to Congress all activities, expenditures, and receipts under this Act. Requires provisions in indemnity agreements and insurance policies with respect to extraordinary aircraft occurrences which waive: (1) any issue or defense based on the conduct or fault of the claimant; (2) any issue or defense of charitable or governmental immunity; and (3) any defense based on the statute of limitations if suit is instituted within two years of the incident. Defines "extraordinary aircraft occurrence" for purposes of this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the United States district court in the district where such extraordinary occurrence takes place with respect to any public liability action arising out of such occurrence. Allows the Secretary or defendant to transfer venue to such court from any other State or district court. Limits recovery from such extraordinary occurrence to allowable expenses, loss of income, replacement service loss, and survivor's loss. Defines such terms for purposes of this Act. Deducts from such recovery for economic detriment, social security benefits, workmen's compensation benefits, or any State required temporary non-occupational disability insurance and other benefits received by an individual, (except the proceeds from life insurance). Disallows, in the event of death, recovery for pain and suffering of the deceased or other noneconomic injury. Disallows recovery of other persons for pain and suffering or noneconomic detriment unless such person has sustained serious and permanent disfigurement or other serious and permanent injury or has a total disability for more than 90 days. Prohibits recovery for exemplary or punitive damages. Allows any person who recovers in an action based on an extraordinary aircraft occurrence to recover as part of such judgment costs and expenses reasonably incurred in the prosecution of such action. Provides that this Act shall have no application to claims under life, accident, or similar insurance policies. Makes technical amendments in the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Magnuson, Warren G. [D-WA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b6bcbf426a6727b130ff10246e7c1bfa_200.jpg)