United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve as the Federal share of the construction cost of an approved State highway project under the Federal-aid secondary system, any percentage of such cost up to one hundred percent. Requires that any increase in the Federal share of a State's construction costs which are made pursuant to this Act be repaid by the State receiving such increase by January 1, 1977, as a condition for Federal approval of future highway projects of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Emergency Health Benefits Protection Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under the Public Health Service Act, to enter into agreements with insurance carriers to provide health insurance benefits to persons unemployed, where such individuals were covered while employed by their previous employer. Requires the Secretary to enter into agreements with appropriate State agencies for purposes of determining the eligibility of individuals in the State for such benefits, and for the purpose of making payments to carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Federal Employees Political Activities Act - Provides that Federal employees may not request political contributions from other Federal employees, provided, however, that Federal employees may make political contributions of their own volition. Prohibits the use of official authority or influence on the part of Federal employees to affect elections. Provides that such prohibition applies to employees of the United States Postal Service. Provides that such employees may, take an active part in political management or in political campaigns in their roles as private citizens. Defines the phrase "an active part in political management or in political campaigns". Provides as a penalty for violation of this Act not less than 30 days' suspension without pay or removal upon a unanimous vote of the Civil Service Commission, with prosecution in the discretion of the Attorney General.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Part-Time Career Opportunity Act - Phases in, at the rate of 2 percent each year for five years up to a maximum of 10 percent, part-time jobs in the Federal Civil Service. Authorizes the Civil Service Commission to waive or reduce any such percentage minimum for a period not to exceed one year under specified circumstances. States that a decision of the Commission to waive or reduce any such percentage minimum shall include the reasons and justification therefor. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Prohibits the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, from authorizing an increase in the ceiling price of old crude petroleum by more than one dollar per barrel per year. Prohibits any such increase before April 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Makes it unlawful to operate a supersonic aircraft, manufactured in the United States or in a foreign nation, for a commercial flight at supersonic or subsonic speeds in the navigable airspace of the United States until: (1) the Congress, by law, approves findings by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that the operation of such supersonic aircraft in the navigable airspace of the United States will not have detrimental physiological or psychological effects on persons on the ground and will not have detrimental effects on the environment; and (2) the Secretary of Transportation shall have made affirmative findings, and submitted a written report thereon to the Congress, that the operation of supersonic aircraft in the navigable airspace of the United States meets all noise, envornimental, and safety standards prescribed under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 with respect to the operation of aircraft in the navigable airspace of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Natural Gas and Oil Act - Makes technical and conforming changes to the Natural Gas and Oil Act, including the redefining of terms used in such Act. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1976, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use, that all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Requires that the heads of Federal agencies make payments to owners of small businesses who are displaced from their place of business as a result of Federal or federally assisted programs. States that such payment shall be the amount necessary, up to $4,000, to enable such displaced person to lease, rent, or make a downpayment on a decent, safe, and sanitary place of business. Stipulates that in the case of a downpayment exceeding $2,000, the displaced person must equally match any amount over $2,000 in making the payment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires candidates for Federal office, Members of the Congress, each officer and employee of the Federal Government who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year, Federal employees performing the duties of a GS-16 or higher, members of the Uniformed Services in the grade 0-6 or higher, the President, and the Vice President to file annually with the Comptroller General, a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from his spouse or any member of his immediate family) received by him, by and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received by him for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other compensation for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the identity of each asset held by him, by him and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed by him or by him and his spouse jointl, together with the amount of each liability which is owned with respect to any financial interest which is under his constructive control, which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) any transactions in securities of any business entity by him or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transactions in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 during such year; (4) all transactions in commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; and (5) any purchase or sale of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000. Defines the terms used in this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, for coverage under medicare for routine Papanicolaou tests for the diagnosis of uterine cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
National Condominium Act - Provides for the designation of an Assistant Secretary for Condominiums under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to assist in the planning, development, construction, or operation of condominiums or the purchase of condominium units. Establishes minimum national standards for all condominium units the sale of which is financed with Federal assistance in any form, and encourages the States through a new program of Federal grants to establish such standards to protect both the residents of previously leased units to be converted and the potential purchasers of such units from undue hardships and unexpected economic expenses. States that any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this Act shall be fined not less than $15,000 and be imprisoned for not less than two years.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Automobile Fuel Consumption Tax Act - Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code, a tax on all passenger automobiles equipped with an internal combustion engine, to be based on each automobile's fuel economy deficiency. Defines the fuel economy deficiency as the rate of fuel consumption which is below the fuel economy standard applicable for the period during which such automobile is sold. Sets forth the fuel economy standards. Imposes a floor stocks tax on new automobiles held by a dealer for sale. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine the fuel consumption rate of each new automobile and provides that this rate and the tax paid pursuant to this Act be posted on a label affixed to the automobile pursuant to the Automobile Information Disclosure Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the "Energy Research and Development Trust Fund." Provides that there shall be appropriated to the Trust Fund any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated which is equal to the amount attributable to revenues received under this Act. Sets forth regulations for investment of the Trust Fund and provides that amounts in the Trust Fund shall be available for: (1) research and development to increase supplies of, and efficient use of, fossil fuels, and (2) exploration, research, and development to obtain and utilize new sources of energy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Consumers' Nutritional Education Act - Expresses the finding of Congress that adequate resources do not exist for educating and informing consumers about the nutritional value and economic aspects of food purchasing. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to remedy the inadequacy of such resources. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public and private nonprofit agencies for (1) the development of new curriculums to educate consumers on the nutritional and economic aspects of commodities; (2) community consumers' agricultural commodity education programs; and (3) for mass media materials dealing with consumer education of commodities. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act for fiscal year 1976 and each succeeding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Department of Defense Appropriation Authorization Act - Title I: Procurement - Authorizes the appropriation of funds in specified amounts for the fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for the use of the Armed Forces of the United States for procurement of aircraft, missiles, naval vessels, tracked vehicles and other weapons. Title II: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Authorizes the appropriation of funds in specified amounts for the use of the Armed Forces of the United States for research, development, test and evaluation for the fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Title III: Active Forces - Authorizes an end strength for active duty personnel of the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Air Force for specified fiscal years. Title IV: Reserve Forces - Directs the Selected Reserve of each Reserve component of the Armed Forces to be programmed to attain specified average strengths. Provides for reductions in such strengths. Title V: Civilian Personnel - Authorizes an end strength for civilian personnel in the Department of Defense for specified fiscal years. Title VI: Military Training Student Loans - Sets an average military training student load for each component of the Armed Forces for specified fiscal years. Title VII: General Provisions - Provides that within the limitation of appropriations made for the purpose, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of a military department within his department, may provide for any emergency or extradorinary expense which cannot be aniticpated or classified. Provides that when it is so provided in such appropriation, the funds may be spent on approval on authority of the Secretary concerned for any purpose he determines to be proper, and such a determination is final and conclusive upon the accounting offices of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to certify the amount of any such expenditure authorized by him that he considers advisable not to specify, and his certificate is sufficient voucher for the expenditure of that amount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Authorizes additional appropriations of such sums as are necessary for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 to carry out programs authorized by the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976 and 1977 to provide cash grants to State health departments, Indian tribes, or the Indian Health Service for Supplemental food for pregnant and latating women and infants whose diet is nutritionally inadequate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Imposes increased taxes, under the Internal Revenue Code, on cigarettes of $0.50 more per thousand on small cigarettes and $1.05 more per thousand on large cigarettes, the proceeds, coupled with additional appropriations authorizations, to be used in part for programs respecting lung and blood diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Makes it a crime to use any expanding bullet in a firearm in the United States. Defines "expanding bullet". Provides that whoever violates this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned for not more than ten years, or both. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1116)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Directs the Secretary of Labor to prepare and publish monthly a Consumer Price Index for the Elderly designed to reflect the retail prices of items purchased generally by individuals who are at least sixty-two years of age. Requires specified Federal officers to study and investigate any legislative and administrative action necessary for utilizing the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly in lieu of the Consumer Price Index in specific provisions of law referred to by this Act. Directs such officers to report to the Congress within ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act a detailed statement of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislation as a result of the study and investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Provides that a conservation publication published by a State agency which is responsible for management and conservation of fish or wildlife resources shall be considered a publication of a qualified nonprofit organization which qualifies for second-class mail rates. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3626 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Prohibits medical research upon prisoners in Federal prisons, military prisons, and District of Columbia Prisons. Requires assurances, under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, that States not permit medical research to be conducted on prisoners. Defines "medical research" as research experimentation or testing which (as determined under regulations which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall promulgate) is conducted to determine the safety or effectiveness of any drug, medical device, or medical practice.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Elderly and Handicapped Americans Transportation Services Act - Authorizes, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, free or reduced rate transportation to handicapped persons and persons who are sixty-five years of age or older. Authorizes, under the Interstate Commerce Act, free or reduced rate transportation for persons who are sixty-five years of age or older. Authorizes grants for special transportation planning, research and demonstration projects for the handicapped and the elderly. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
States that the House of Representatives disapproves proposed deferral of budget authority numbered D75-17, relating to funds for Federal aid highways, as transmitted to the Congress in the President's message of September 20, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the message transmitted to Congress by the President on October 4, 1974, relating to the deferral of budget authority (D75-60) relating to funds for National Park Service road construction.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority numbered D75-63, as modified by D75-63A, relating to funds for Bureau of Indian Affairs road construction, as transmitted to the Congress in the President's message of October 4, 1974, and January 30, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the President's message transmitted to the Congress on October 4, 1974, relating to the proposed deferral of budget authority (D75-24) relating to funds for rail crossing demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the Presidents messages of October 4, 1974, and November 13, 1974, relating to the proposed deferral of budget authority relating to funds for public lands development roads and trails.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves proposed deferral of budget authority numbered D75-24, relating to funds for construction and reconstruction of the Great River Road as transmitted to the Congress in the President's message of October 4, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority relating to funds for Forest Service forest roads and trails and roads and trails for State national forests as transmitted to the Congress in the President's messages of October 4, 1974, and November 13, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Provides an additional personal income tax exemption of $750 under the Internal Revenue Code where a taxpayer, his spouse, or any dependent of the taxpayer is handicapped. Defines the term "handicapped" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a pension to each veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service at any time during World War I and who is not eligible for other pension benefits. Defines World War I as meaning the period beginning on April 5, 1917, and ending on July 2, 1921. Provides for a schedule of pension payments under this Act. Provides that if the veteran is married and living with or reasonably contributing to the support of his spouse, or has a child or children, the monthly rate of pension under this Act shall be $150. Provides that if the veteran is unmarried (or married but not living with or reasonably contributing to the support of his spouse) and has no child, the monthly rate of pension shall be $135. Provides that if the veteran has a disability by reason of which he is permanently housebound, the monthly rate hereunder shall be increased by $50. Provides that veterans in need of regular aid and attendance shall have their monthly rates increased by $125. Directs the Administrator to pay to widows of veterans, receiving benefits under this Act at time of death, pension benefits as prescribed in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Provides that a general increase in social security benefits shall not be taken into account in determining the eligibility of individuals or families to receive benefits under any Federal plan or program or any State plan or program which is funded in whole or in part by Federal funds if the effect of such increase would be to reduce or eliminate the benefits available under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Expresses appreciation to Mr. Frank Wills on behalf of the People of the United States for his discovery and reporting of the Watergate break-in. Directs that every effort be made to assist him in obtaining employment in a position commensurate with his experience.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides, under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, for the extension of specified provisions for an additional 20 years. Makes permanent the ban against requiring compliance with tests and devices as a prerequisite to voting.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate 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. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Allows a deduction from gross income under the Internal Revenue code of up to $1250 ($625 in the case of a married individual filing separately) for social agency, legal, and related expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child by the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides that pension or annuity plans to qualify for tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code shall provide for payments to the participant's survivor beginning on the earliest date that the participant could have collected annuity benefits under such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Returnable Beverage Container Act - Provides that no person shall manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce any beverage container other than a returnable beverage container. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish such regulations as are necessary for the purpose of this Act. Sets forth penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months imprisonment for violation of provisions of this Act. Directs that the provisions of this Act shall be applicable, one year after passage, to metal cans with attached opening devices and to all other non-returnable containers three years after passage.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Directs the officers of the House of Representatives to conduct seminars for freshmen Members of Congress. Provides for the curriculum and expense reimbursement for such seminars. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes each freshman member to employ an interim staff between election and the next regular session of Congress. Authorizes expenditures for stationary during such period. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Handgun Control Act - Makes it unlawful with specified exceptions, for any person to import, manufacture, sell, buy, transfer, receive, transport own, or possess any handgun or handgun ammunition. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may, consistent with public safety and necessity, exempt from such prohibitions by licensed importers, manufacturers, or dealers, and by pistol clubs licensed under this Act as may in his judgment be required for the operation of such pistol club. Requires a pistol club desiring to be licensed under this Act to file an application for such license with the Secretary. Establishes a $25 annual fee for such license. Directs such clubs to meet various requirements in order to have their applications approved. Provides for administrative and judicial review in the case of a license denial or revocation by the Secretary. Provides that whoever violates any provision of this Act or knowingly makes any false statement or represenation with respect to the information required by the provisions of this Act to be kept in the records of a pistol club licensed under this Act, or in applying for any license under the provisions of this Act, shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, and shall become eligible for parole as the Board of Parole shall determine. Provides that any handgun involved or used in, or intended to be used in, any violation of the provisions of this Act or chapter 44 (firearms legislation) of title 18, United States Code, or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, or any violation of any other criminal law of the United States, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture. Exempts from the provisions of this Act the importation, manufacture, sale, purchase, transfer, receipt, or transportation of any handgun which the Secretary determines is: (1) being imported or manufactured for, sold, or transferred to, purchased, received, owned, possessed or transported by, or issued for the use of, the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof; (2) a professional security guard service licensed by the State; or (3) a handgun manufactured prior to 1890, which is unserviceable, and intended for use as a curio, museum piece, or collectors' item. Establishes procedures for the reimbursement of a person who voluntarily delivers a handgun to a law enforcement agency. Directs the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1091-1100).
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Directs the Commission on Civil Rights to study specified aspects of the local, State, and Federal criminal justice systems as they affect women, including: (1) any indications of discrimination against women in criminal sentencing or parole standards, or both (including evaluations of the various community release programs); (2) whether segregated custodial systems require the same or different rules for men and women prisoners; and (3) whether existing programs and facilities are adequate for women (and any consequent violations of equal protection).
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1975
Unemployment Assistance Act - Provides increased unemployment benefits under the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974. Specifies that such benefits shall be equal to two-thirds of such eligible individual's weekly wages, but not to exceed wages of $300 per week. Defines eligible individuals as those eligible for unemployment benefits under approved State law or the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act or other provisions of Federal law. Declares such increased unemployment benefits shall commence in an area and continue until for a period of three consecutive months the rate of unemployment averages less than 4 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Treats the amounts paid for custodial care by institutions of dependents afflicted by Down's syndrome as amounts paid for medical care for purposes of deductibility from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Automobile Fuel Consumption Tax Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to encourage the development and manufacture of passenger automobiles which are efficient in fuel consumption. Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code, a tax on all passenger automobiles sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer, at a graduated rate determined by the fuel consumption rate, in miles per gallon, of each such automobile. States that the taxable fuel consumption rate shall be the rate set forth in the Atuomobile Fuel Consumption Schedule specified in this Act. Imposes a floor stocks tax on new automobiles held by a dealer for sale. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to periodically study the fuel consumption rates of passenger automobiles and revise the Automobile Fuel Consumption Schedule. Requires that a label describing the fuel consumption rate and the amount of the fuel consumption tax must be affixed to all new cars sold.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Federal Conflict of Interest Act - Declares the purpose of the Act to be: (1) to circumscribe the Government activities of persons whose prior employment was with a regulated group; (2) to permit judicial enforcement by private persons of the provisions of this Act; and (3) to establish an independent mechanism for the purpose of monitoring the enforcement of existing conflict of interest statutes. Provides that no officer or employee in the executive branch of the Federal Government, whose rate of pay is equal to or greater than the rate established for level GS-16 in the General Schedule or who occupies a professional or technical position with duties of a nature that the employee could cause an economic advantage for or handicap against a special interest in the discharge of his official duties and responsibilities or who occupies a management, administrative, or investigative position, in either regulatory or management echelons, where his actions are likely to have a significant impact on special interest enterprises, shall: (1) participate in any Federal regulatory action or policy decision which involves any special interest in which such officer or employee had a substantial economic involvement any time during a period of two years prior to the commencement of the term of office or employment of such officer or employee; or (2) participate in any Federal regulatory action or policy decision involving any subject matter concerning which such officer or employee has been involved or participated personally for or represented a special interest any time during a period of ten years prior to the commencement of the term of office or employment of such officer or employee. Requires any such individual, within thirty days of the commencement of any Federal office or employment, to submit to the head of the agency or entity in connection with which such office or employment is held a detailed statement of such officer's or employee's former substantial economic involvement with any special interests. Requires such statement to include the dates and a comprehensive description of such substantial economic involvement, including all work done for such special interest in connection with the Federal Government. Makes it the duty of every officer and employee of the United States having the authority to do so to dismiss any other officer or employee who takes or holds office or employment in violation of this Act, and any person may by action in the nature of mandamus compel any office or employee of the United States to execute the duty imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act-Defines "lobbying" and other terms used in this Act. Requires each lobbyist, within 15 days of becoming a lobbyist, to file a notice of representation with the Federal Edection Commission. Sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities. Sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the commission containing such records. Requires GS-15 and above employees of the executive branch to maintain records of communucations received from outside parties expressing opinions or containing information with respect to the policy making process. Directs each executive agency to make such records available for public inspection. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the powers: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to question as the Commission may prescribe: and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including; (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act: (2) to develop forms for the filing of records of outside contacts by executive branch employees; and (3) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting, filing coding, and cross-indexing. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Abzug, Bella S. [D-NY-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000018_200.jpg)