United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Elderly and Handicapped Persons Transportation Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares on a space-available basis for persons 60 years of age or older and for handicapped individuals and their attendants. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to conduct a study and to report to the Congress on the feasibility and economic impact on air carriers of providing such reduced rate transportation for persons 21 years of age or younger.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish acreage limitations in excess of 160 acres under Federal reclamation laws for lands of lesser productive potential. Authorizes the Secretary to amend existing contracts to conform to the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Deems service as a member of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots as active duty for the purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Amends Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of professional registered nurses in Professional Standards Review Organizations of medical professionals in carrying out the functions of such review organizations pursuant to such Title. Requires the inclusion of two professional registered nurses on the Statewide Professional Standards Review Councils. Requires the inclusion of three professional registered nurses on the National Professional Standards Review Council. Includes professional registered nurses in that class of health care practitioners which may not be held civilly liable for action taken in compliance with or reliance upon norms of care and treatment applied by a Professional Standards Review Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Directs the President to call a National Leadership Conference on Energy Policy during 1977. Declares that the purpose of the Conference shall be to develop specific proposals to increase supplies of energy with minimum impact on the environment while decreasing energy demand without harming America's economic recovery. Stipulates that representatives of various groups shall be included in the Conference. Establishes procedures for preparations for the Conference, including the appointment of a 15-member committee by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt aircraft used primarily for agricultural operation from the excise tax on civil aircraft. Provides for the refund of the excise tax on gasoline used for farming purposes in an aircraft to the aerial applicator who purchased it.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to exclude from the definition of employer any agricultural employer who employs less than 12 man-years of compensated agricultural labor during the calendar year. Includes within the term agricultural employer persons employing the operating crews of combine machines used in the harvesting of grain, if such activity affects interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Grants a Federal charter to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Declares that the purposes of such corporation are to encourage the study of events relating to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and to shield from neglect the graves of those who served there during the attack.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to increase from $250,000 to $1,000,000 the maximum amount of estimated Federal contribution to a small watershed project which will exempt the project from Congressional review and approval procedures. Increases the total amount of loans or advancements the Secretary of Agriculture may make to carry out works of improvement from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000. Stipulates that construction work which covers 15,000 acre feed or less and does not require channelization shall be exempt from filing environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
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 · 10 January 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity; and (2) the customer has authorized disclosure, the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Imposes liability on any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, making such person or entity liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting authority until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observing by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1976
States that the House of Representatives disapproves of The Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 passed by the Council of the District of Columbia on June 29, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1976
States that the Congress disapproves of The Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 Passed by the Council of the District of Columbia on June 29, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to declare it the policy of Congress that the importation of prepared or preserved beef or veal (other than cured or pickled beef and veal and beef in airtight containers) be limited to 11,433,000 pounds after 1976. Authorizes revision of such limitation by the percentage of estimated average domestic commercial production of such articles for any calendar year and the two preceding calendar years compared to the average annual domestic commercial production during 1966 through 1975 inclusive. Sets forth procedures whereby the Secretary of Agriculture shall implement such limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
Designates as wilderness specified lands within the following components of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Forest System: (1) Simeonof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; (2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas; (3) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (4) J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (5) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (6) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois; (7) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana; (8) Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (9) Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (10) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri; (11) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana; (12) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska; (13) Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina; (14) Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; (15) San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; (16) Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming; (17) Sierra National Forest, California; (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; and (19) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of, and the President to submit recommendations relative to, preserving as wilderness specified lands within the following national forests: (1) Angeles National Forest, California; (2) San Bernadino National Forest, California; (3) Mendocino National Forest, California; (4) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (5) Flathead National Forest, Montana; and (6) Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Designates as wilderness specified lands within the following components of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Forest System: (1) Simeonof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; (2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas; (3) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (4) J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (5) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (6) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois; (7) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana; (8) Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (9) Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (10) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri; (11) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana; (12) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska; (13) Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina; (14) Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; (15) San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; (16) Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming; (17) Sierra National Forest, California; (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; and (19) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of, and the President to submit recommendations relative to, preserving as wilderness specified lands within the following national forests: (1) Angeles National Forest, California; (2) San Bernadino National Forest, California; (3) Mendocino National Forest, California; (4) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (5) Flathead National Forest, Montana; and (6) Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River. Directs the Upper Mississippi River Basin Commission to prepare a master plan by 1981 for the management of the Upper Mississippi River. Requires public hearings on a preliminary plan prior to preparation of a final plan. Establishes criteria to be considered in preparing such master plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to the Commission for such study.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Designates as wilderness specified lands within the following components of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Forest System: (1) Simeonof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; (2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas; (3) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (4) J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (5) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (6) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois; (7) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana; (8) Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (9) Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (10) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri; (11) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana; (12) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska; (13) Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina; (14) Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; (15) San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; (16) Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming; (17) Sierra National Forest, California; (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; and (19) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of, and the President to submit recommendations relative to, preserving as wilderness specified lands within the following national forests: (1) Angeles National Forest, California; (2) San Bernadino National Forest, California; (3) Mendocino National Forest, California; (4) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (5) Flathead National Forest, Montana; and (6) Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
States that the House of Representatives disapproves of The Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 passed by the Council of the District of Columbia on June 29, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
States that the House of Representatives disapproves of the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 passed by the Council of the District of Columbia on June 29, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Adds title X - "Special Health Education Programs for Students from a Disadvantaged Background" to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, schools of medicine, dentistry, or osteopathy for the purpose of offering regional three-year demonstration programs introducing secondary students from disadvantaged backgrounds to the health professions. Directs the Commissioner to appoint an advisory committee to advise the Commissioner on the selection for assistance among applicants under this Act. Stipulates that the amount of assistance for any one three-year demonstration program shall not exceed $500,000. Sets forth the activities which each program must provide and the criteria which each application must meet in order to be eligible for funds under this Act. Requires each demonstration project to have an advisory committee composed of at least nine members. Sets forth the authorized uses of funds made available under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that such sum shall remain available for expenditure and obligation through fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate five-year goals in specified areas of rural development and to include a detailed accounting of the progress made and anticipated in meeting such goals in an annual report to Congress. Requires in such report an analysis of the legislative, financial, institutional and other capabilities and constraints which are relevant to meeting such goals. Requires the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development within 60 days if a vacancy should occur in such position.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Adds Part E to title IX - "Regional Medical Academic Summer Enrichment Programs" of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make annual grants to schools of medicine, dentistry, and osteopathy for the purpose of offering regional medical academic summer enrichment programs for undergraduate students from deprived educational or economic backgrounds. Requires such a program to be for a period of at least six but no more than 12 weeks in duration and to offer courses in biomedical sciences, cognitive skills, and test-taking techniques. Stipulates that grants made under this Act may cover 100 percent of the costs of: (1) recruiting and selecting students for such programs; (2) providing counseling and similar services to such students; and (3) a $100 a week stipend for each student enrolled in such a program. States that such grants may cover up to 75 percent of the cost of: (1) transporting students to and from such program; (2) room, board, and other necessary living expenses for students; and (3) reasonable administrative and other costs necessary to carry out such program. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as are necessary for each of the fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make annual grants to schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry for the support of educational programs of such schools relating to the special needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds enrolled in such schools. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth eligibility requirements for funds made available under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
Designates the following trails for study as potential additions to the national trails system: (1) Bartram Trail, extending through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee; (2) Daniel Boone Trail, extending through North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky; (3) Desert Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona; (4) Dominguez-Escalante Trail, extending through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona; (5) Florida Trail; (6) Indian Nations Trail, Oklahoma; (7) Nez Perce Trail, extending through Oregon, Idaho, and Montana; and (8) Pacific Northwest Trail, extending through Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
National Forest Management Act - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to identify and report to Congress annually all lands in the National Forest System which either need to be reforested or are not growing at their best potential rate. Requires the Secretary to annually transmit to Congress an estimate of the sums necessary to replant and otherwise treat an amount of land equal to the acreage to be cut over that year plus a sufficient portion of those lands currently in need of replanting or treatment so as to eliminate the backlog of lands in need of reforestation within eight years of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary, subsequent to such eight-year period, to annually transmit to Congress an estimate of the sums necessary to replant and treat lands being cut over and to maintain planned timber production on other lands within the National Forest System in order to prevent the development of a backlog larger than the needed work at the beginning of the fiscal year. Requires the Renewable Resource Assessment to include program recommendations which reflect specified policy objectives. Directs the Secretary to provide for public participation in the consideration of land and resource management plans for National Forest System lands. Requires the Secretary to assure that such plans are developed, maintained, and revised so as to: (1) achieve specified goals of the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960; (2) be in accordance with specified guidelines and procedures; and (3) permit the application of silvicultural systems only in conformity with specified standards. Limits timber sales contracts, in lieu of specified findings, to ten years. Stipulates that, unless the necessity for permanent roads is set forth in the forest development road system plan, roads constructed on land of the National Forest System in connection with a timber contract or other lease or permit shall be designed with the goal of reestablishing vegetative cover on the roadway and other affected areas. Prohibits the return to the public domain of lands now or hereafter reserved or withdrawn from the public domain as national forests other than by Act of Congress. Abolishes the National Forest Reservation Commission and transfers the Commission's functions to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to implement an annual report of all land purchasers and exchanges relating to the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary to sell trees and forest products found upon National Forest System lands in accordance with policies set forth in the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act. Increases to $10,000 in appraised value the maximum value of timber and cordwood which the Secretary may sell without advertisement.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1976
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1977 of $150,000 under the Indian Elementary and Secondary School Assistance Act, $1,200,000 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and $632,000 under the Adult Education Act for the continuation of specified grants authorized under those Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Entitles the foreign-built passenger vessel, "Cunard Adventurer," to be documented to engage in the coastwise passenger trade between ports in the State of Hawaii, and to engage in the coastwise passenger trade between ports on the western coast of the United States and specified ports in the State of Hawaii. Conditions such documentation upon the transfer of the ship to any citizen of the United States and compliance with the inspection laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Requires the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirements of Title XI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non- Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 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 · 10 June 1976
Requires that an election commissioner be appointed in American Samoa. States that the duty of the Commissioner will be to conduct a plebiscite on the issue of whether there should be a popular election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of that country. Provides that a gubernatorial election be held within one year of such plebiscite if there is a majority of affirmative responses. Directs the legislature of American Samoa to establish rules and procedures regarding nomination, length of terms, and removal from the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Extends the delimiting period in the case of any eligible veteran who is pursuing, during his or her tenth year of eligibility, a program of education. Terminates such extension on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (1) the date on which the veteran completes, or ceases to pursue, the program he was pursuing in his tenth year of eligibility; or (2) the last day of the 11-year period beginning on the date of his discharge from active duty. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1662(e))
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 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 appropriations 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 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 mine 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 regarded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. 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. Requries the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. 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 inspection 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 operations 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 coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. 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 appropriation 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 the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000,000; (3) 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 (4) 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 · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for amounts paid by the taxpayer to an eligible educational institution for tuition for the attendance of the taxpayer or any eligible dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Recommends that the Board on Geographic Names approve a proposal to name two mountains in Alaska after the later Congressmen Hale Boggs and Nick Begich.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 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 appropriations 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 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 mine 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 regarded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. 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. Requries the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. 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 inspection 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 operations 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 coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. 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 appropriation 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 the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000,000; (3) 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 (4) 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 · 20 May 1976
Authorizes the American Legion to place in the District of Columbia on land of the national park system the bell which is known as the American Legion's Freedom Bell. Provides that all costs which are necessary for the placement of the Freedom Bell shall be borne by the American Legion. Provides that the Bell shall be maintained by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Federal Land Policy and Management Act - Title I: Short Title, Declaration of Policy, and Definition - Declares Congressional policy relating to the use and management of public lands. Defines specified terms for the purposes of this Act. Title II: Planning Future Public Land Use - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and maintain on a continuing basis an inventory of all public lands and their resources. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and maintain on a continuing basis a comprehensive inventory of all National Forest System lands and renewable resources. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop, maintain, and revise land use plans which encompass all public lands. Lists guidelines to be followed in the development and revision of such plans. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop, maintain, and revise land and resource management plans for lands in the National Forest System. Specifies guidelines for the development and revision of such land use plans. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to issue management decisions to implement land use plans developed or revised under this Title. Permits either House of Congress to disapprove any management decision that excludes one or more principal uses for two years or longer with respect to a tract of land of at least 100,000 acres. Directs the Secretary, in managing the public lands under a land use plan, to regulate the use, occupancy, and development of such lands. Restricts such authority with respect to (1) the use, occupancy, and development of public lands by Federal agencies, (2) hunting and fishing on public lands, and (3) mining rights. Requires that any instrument relating to the use, occupancy, or development of public lands contain a provision authorizing revocation or suspension of such instrument upon an administrative finding of a violation of any term or condition of the instrument, including terms requiring compliance with regulations under Acts applicable to the public lands and compliance with applicable State or Federal air or water quality standards or implementation plans. Stipulates that, in lieu of specified findings, all conveyances of title issued by the Secretary of the Interior shall reserve to the United States all minerals in the lands and the right to prospect for and remove such minerals. Revises provisions relating to the designation by the Secretary of Agriculture of lands for townsites. Revises provisions regarding sales of tracts of public lands which have been or are presently subject to unintentional trespass to give owners of contiguous lands the right to purchase any such tract at its fair market value before selling the tract at public auction. Subjects the Secretary to specified reporting and notification requirements in relation to such sales. Sets forth procedures for withholding an area of Federal land from settlement, sale, location, or entry under some or all of the general land laws of the United States for the purpose of maintaining other public values in the area or reserving the area for a particular public purpose or program. Limits those individuals to whom the Secretary of the Interior may delegate authority for making such withdrawals. Empowers either House of Congress to disapprove withdrawals of lands aggregating over 5,000 acres. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to units of the National Forest System, to acquire lands or interests therein by purchase, exchange, donation, or eminent domain. Limits the purposes for which the Secretary of the Interior may acquire lands by eminent domain. Details guidelines relating to land exchanges. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, upon making one of specified findings regarding the interest of the United States in specified lands, to issue a document of disclaimer of interest where such a disclaimer would help remove a cloud on title. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey mineral interests owned by the United States where the surface is in non-Federal ownership if he finds (1) that there are no known mineral values in the land, or (2) that the reservation of the mineral rights is interfering with or precluding appropriate nonmineral development of the land and that such development is a more beneficial use of the land than mineral development. Specifies a formula for the determination of grazing fees. Directs that 50 percent of all moneys received as fees for grazing domestic livestock on public lands and on lands in the National Forest System be credited to a separate account in the United States Treasury for the purpose of range rehabilitation, protection, and improvement. Places a ten year limit on permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing. Grants to a holder of an expiring permit or lease first priority for receipt of the new permit or lease. Requires that all grazing permits and leases incorporate an allotment management plan. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to establish at least one grazing advisory board for each Bureau of Land Management district office and National Forest headquarters office in the western States having jurisdiction over more than 5,000 acres of land subject to commercial livestock grazing. Title III: Bureau of Land Management - Declares that the Bureasu of Land Management shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act with respect to the management, use, and protection of the public lands. Specifies penalties for persons violating such regulations. Empowers the Secretary to enter into contracts with State and local law enforcement officials for assistance in enforcing Federal laws and regulations with respect to public lands, or, in lieu thereof, to designate Federal personnel to carry out such enforcement responsibilities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish reasonable filing and service fees and reasonable charges and commissions with respect to applications and other documents relating to public lands. Establishes a working capital fund for the management of public lands, such fund to be made available for expenses necessary for furnishing supplies and equipment services in support of Bureau programs. Empowers the Secretary to: (1) conduct investigations, studies, and experiments involving the management, protection, development, and conveying of public lands; (2) enter into contracts and cooperative agreements involving the management protection, development, and sale of public lands; (3) accept contributions and donations of money, services, and property for the management, development, and conveying of the public lands, including the acquisition of rights-of-way for such purposes; and (4) enter into contracts with respect to the airborne cadastral survey and resource protection operations of the Bureau. Authorizes the Secretary to establish advisory councils to furnish advice regarding land use planning, classification, retention, management, and disposal of public land within the area for which the advisory council is established. Direct the Secretary to review roadless areas of the public lands and report recommendations to the President as to the suitability of such areas for designation as wilderness. Requires the President to report to Congress his recommendations with respect to designation as wilderness of each such area. Stipulates that a recommendation of the President for designating a specified area as wilderness shall become effective only if so provided by an Act of Congress, whereas a recommendation against the inclusion of a specified area within the wilderness system shall take effect unless disapproved by either House of Congress. Title IV: Desert Lands - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and implement a comprehensive long-range plan for the management, use, development and protection of the lands within the California Desert Conservation Area as designated pursuant to this Act. Instructs the Secretary to establish a California Desert Conservation Area Advisory Committee to assist in the preparation and implementation of such plan. Amends the Recreation and Public Purposes Act to specify additional prerequisite findings for the transfer of public lands to a State or political subdivision thereof, or to a nonprofit corporation for public purposes. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide opportunities for public participation with respect to such transfers. Revises provisions placing limitations on the number of acres which may be transferred to any entity each year. Stipulates that conveyances of land to be used for recreational purposes shall be made without monetary compensation. Permits the Secretary of the Interior to designate a tract of the public lands for sale upon making one of specified findings. Allows either House of Congress to disapprove the sale of any designated tract which exceeds 2,500 acres. Requires that sales of public lands be conducted under competitive bidding procedures except where equitable considerations or public policies necessitate modified competitive or noncompetitive bidding. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review specified withdrawals of public lands in enumerated western States. Title V: Rights-of-Way - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to lands within the National Forest System, other than wildererness areas, to grant, issue, or renew rights-of-way for enumerated uses. Sets forth disclosure requirements for right-of-way applicants. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of roads within or near public lands in locations which will permit maximum economy in harvesting timber from such lands. Lists alternatives for financing such roads. Permits the Secretary of the Interior to require the users of a road, trail, land, or other facility administered by the Secretary through the Bureau to either maintain or deposit sums for the maintenance of such facilities in a satisfactory condition. Requires, to the extent practical, utilization of rights-of-way in common. Requires that each right-of-way or permit reserve to the Secretary concerned the right to grant additional rights-of-way or permits for compatible uses on or adjacent to rights-of-way granted pursuant to this Act. Sets forth guidelines for determining the boundaries and duration of, and compensation for, rights-of-way. Directs the Secretary concerned to include in each grant of a right-of-way under this Act such terms and conditions as is deemed necessary to protect specified environmental, administrative, economic, and other public interests. Prescribes grounds and procedures for the suspension or termination of rights-of-way. Permits the Secretary concerned, when conveying lands subject to a right-of-way, to (1) reserve to the United States that portion of the lands which lies within the boundaries of the right-of-way, or (2) convey the lands subject to the right-of-way and reserving to the United States the right to enforce any terms and conditions of the right-of-way when such reservation or retention of rights is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title VI: Effect on Existing Rights; Repeal of Prior Laws; Appropriation Authorization, and Effective Date - Repeals specified statutes and portion of statutes relating to (1) homesteads, (2) sales and disposals of public lands, (3) townsite reservations and sales, (4)abandoned military reservations, (5) Presidential authority to withdraw or reserve public lands from entry or disposition under the public land laws, and (6) issuance of rights-of- way on public lands and lands in the National Forest System. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act. Sets forth procedures for requesting appropriations for the Bureau of Land Management. Details provisions regarding the effect of this Act on other Federal laws and on existing rights-of-way.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Emergency Food Stamp Vendor Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, to prescribe regulations to be followed by food coupon vendors or any officers, employees, or agents thereof with respect to the depositing of funds received for such coupons and the accounting for such funds to the State and Federal Government. Requires vendors to deposit such funds weekly in accordance with Department of Agriculture regulations. Requires more frequent deposit of balances of $1,000 or more. States that vendors act as fiduciaries of the Federal Government when receiving food coupon funds. Prohibits the use of such funds by vendors for the benefit of any other than the Federal Government. Requires vendors to report periodically to State and Federal Government agencies the amount of funds deposited. Establishes criminal penalties for the violation of the regulations established in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Amends the National Trails System Act to direct a study of the desirability and feasibility of designating the Nez Perce Trail, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana as a national scenic trail.
![Official portrait of Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000635_200.jpg)