United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Establishes in the White House Office the position of Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Provides that the Special Assistant shall be responsible for advising the President on policies relating to the national security and for supervising the National Security Council.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for donations of blood to charitable organizations in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. Limits the aggregate amount of donations which shall be deductible to $125 in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Directs the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation to convene a full scale investigation into the entire process surrounding Secretary of Transportation William Coleman's decision to grant the Anglo-French Concorde landing rights at John F. Kennedy Airport and at Dulles International Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
National Center for Women Act - Establishes a National Center for Women as an independent agency of the Executive Branch: (1) to review and coordinate Federal programs to insure equal opportunity for women; (2) to serve as a clearinghouse for information on public programs and legislation of interest to women; and (3) to recommend to the President and Congress proposals to improve the status of women. Directs the establishment of a National Board of Advisors within such center, which members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board of Advisors to maintain effective liaison with public agencies and other organizations concerned with the status of women. Transfers to the Administrator of such Center the functions of: (1) the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year; (2) the Citizen's Advisory Council on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (3) the interdepartmental Committee on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (4) the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor; (5) the Women's Action Program of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare; and (6) the Women's Rights Program Unit of the Civil Rights Commission. Creates within the Center an Intergovernmental Task Force on the Status of Women, composed of representatives of specified executive departments and independent regulatory agencies. Directs such Task Force to assist in the evaluation and coordination of Federal programs for women and to develop procedures to insure equal rights to women within Federal agencies. Directs each Federal agency to review regulations, policies, and procedures of its participation and equal opportunity for women.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Government in the Sunshine Act - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that the public is entitled to the fullest practicable information regarding the decision-making process of the Federal Government and that providing such information is the purpose of this Act. Requires that Federal agency proceedings be open to the public unless in the agency's opinion an open meeting would likely disclose information that would be in violation of an individual's rights, would hamper enforcement of the law, or would lead to instability of a financial institution. Requires transcripts or electronic recordings to be prepared of any agency meeting closed to the public. States that such transcripts or recordings with the detrimental information deleted must be made available to the public. Directs that open meetings be recorded in written minutes. Requires that all agency meetings be announced at least one week before such meeting; such announcement must state the time, place, subject matter of such meeting and whether it will be open to the public. Gives jurisdiction to enforce this Act to the United States district courts and authorizes any person to bring a suit to enforce this Act. Sets procedures for the review of agency action by the Court. Allows attorney's fees to be awarded to the party winning a suit brought under this Act. Requires all agencies to report to Congress annually regarding compliance with this Act. States that nothing in this Act authorizes an agency to withhold information it is otherwise required to provide to an individual, the public, or Congress. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 552b) Prohibits ex parte communication with any individual who is or is reasonably expected to be involved in a decision-making proceeding by anyone interested in such proceeding. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 551, 556, and 557) Sets forth conforming amendments. Makes this Act effective 180 days after its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Internal Revenue Administration Act - Establishes the Internal Revenue Administration in the executive branch of the Federal Government for the purpose of administering and enforcing the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes the terms and conditions of office for the Administrator of the Internal Revenue Administration. Transfers all present functions, instructions, rules, or regulations which were promulgated or administered by the Secretary of the Treasury of his delegate with respect to the enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code, to the Internal Revenue Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to maintain the inpatient hospital deductible under the medicare program at the level which was applicable during calendar year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation: (1) designating the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week"; (2) urging an intensification in efforts to disseminate health information; and (3) urging all persons concerned with the rural population to consider ways in which they can promote improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Establishes an 11 member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment: (1) on farms; (2) in zoos; (3) in laboratory experimentation; and (4) in other situations. Excludes the study or treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the President within two years after its last member is appointed. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriaions of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Title I: Foreign Boycotts - Foreign Boycotts Act - Makes it the policy of the United States to oppose, under the provisions of the Export Administration Act, restrictive trade practices or boycotts imposed by foreign countries against any domestic concern of the United States. Provides for the promulgation of rules by the Secretary of Commerce to require that any domestic concern which receives a request for the furnishing of information on the signing of agreements which have the effect of furthering or supporting restrictive trade practices or boycotts by foreign countries to transmit to the Secretary a report stating specified information. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violations of the requirements of this Act. Title II: Disclosure - Domestic and Foreign Investment Improved Disclosure Act - Requires notification, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, by any investor of a proposed acquisition of more than five percent of the equity securities of any United States companys, within ten days after such acquisition, to the issuer of the security, the exchange where it is traded, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sets forth requirements for the statement to be filed with the Commission including: (1) the background, identity, residence, and nationality of such owner and any other person on whose behalf the purchases are to be effected; (2) the source and amount of the funds or other consideration used in making the purchase; (3) the purpose of the acquisition; and (4) the number of shares which are beneficially owned. Grants the Commission authority to seek injunctive relief as it deems necessary and appropriate to secure compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Increases from $10,000 to $100,000 the maximum fine for conspiracy to commit any offense against the United States. Makes $1,000,000 the maximum fine for such offense by a corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 371)
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Denies the business tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred for lobbying (including appearances before, and the sending of statements or communications) before Congress or other legislative bodies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Provides that Members of the House of Representatives may hire for not more than six months in any fiscal year one Vietnam veteran as a Vietnam veteran congressional intern. Makes available $3,000 a year to each Member to be paid to such intern at a rate not to exceed $500 a month.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Emergency Tenants' Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency rent payments on behalf of tenants who are, or will be, subject to eviction proceedings as a result of being unable to make their rental payments by reason of their unemployment or underemployment. States that such payments may not be approved unless: (1) the tenant will be unable to make his rental payments; (2) the tenant has incurred a substantial reduction in income due to adverse economic conditions; (3) there is a reasonable prospect that the tenant will be able to repay the loan made by the Secretary; and (4) the rental property is the tenant's principal place of residence. Allows rental assistance for part or all of the tenant's rent up to $250 per month for a maximum of two years. Provides for interest to be charged according to the tenant's ability to pay but not more than eight percent per annum. Requires that the payments be deferred until the tenant is able to repay the loan. Permits the Secretary to require security for the repayment of the loan, but provides that the Secretary may not refuse a loan for lack of security. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $500,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that no payments may be authorized after September 30, 1977. Provides for penalties for any person obtaining any benefits under this Act through the giving of false information. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every 60 days concerning delinquent repayments and actions taken to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. States that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Department of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to Cooperation in Humanitarian Fields.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1975
Extends the protection of the Executive Protective Service to foreign diplomatic missions located outside the District of Columbia, in metropolitan areas where there are 20 or more such missions headed by full-time career officers. Increases the maximum number of Executive Protective Service Officers from 850 to 1200. Allows the Secretary of the Treasury to utilize the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of State and local governments to carry out the functions of the Executive Protective Service. Limits appropriations for reimbursement to such government to $3,500,000 for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Natural Gas Production and Conservation Act - Defines terms used in this Act, including: (1) "affiliate" to mean any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control or ownership with any other person; (2) "old natural gas" to mean natural gas dedicated to interstate commerce prior to January 1, 1975 with the determination or dedication to be the findings the Commission made at the time deliveries of such natural gas were first made; (3) "producer" to mean a person who produces and sells more than 10 million mcf of natural gas per year and who is not or does not qualify as a small producer; and (4) "user" to mean a person or governmental entity using natural gas after it is delivered in interstate or intrastate commerce. Provides that new natural gas may be sold or transferred in interstate or intrastate commerce by a producer or small producer at a price that does not exceed: (1) the national base price established by the Federal Power Commission or any relevant high-cost production base price established by the Commission plus; (2) an adjustment to the national base price or any high-cost production base price for inflation or deflation for new natural gas first delivered during the year for which such adjustment is applicable; (3) an additional annual price increase equal to 2 percent per year of the adjusted base price of such gas at the time of initial dedication or such higher annual adjustment as may be approved by the Commission to be necessary to cover increased costs of production and provide for a reasonable rate of return on investment to such producer; and (4) adjustments to increase or decrease the base prices at the wellhead for gathering services, removing impurities, quality adjustments, expenses incurred such as State or Federal production or severance taxes, and the uncompensated value of advanced payments made to the producer. Permits a producer of new natural gas that is liquified, regasified or synthetic natural gas, to charge a special price that is just and reasonable based on his costs of production. States that those producers who discovered natural gas on the Federal domain more than two years before the enactment of this Act and still have not comitted such natural gas reserves to a pipeline are not able to take advantage of the incentive new gas or exempt gas pricing provisions. Directs the Commission to establish the initial national base price at a level of not less than 40 cents per mcf nor more than 75 cents per mcf. Directs the Commission to review and reestablish the national base price and any high-cost production base price at five-year intervals after the date of their initial establishment. Sets forth the criteria to be used in establishing the initial national base price, any initial high-cost production base prices, and subsequent national and subsequent high-cost production price bases. Requires the Commission to establish any base price for new natural gas pursuant to the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act. Permits the pass-through on a dollar-for-dollar basis of the cost of all new natural gas and exempt natural gas incurred by any pipeline unless such costs exceed the applicable price permitted under this Act. States that after the date of enactment of this Act, all sales of natural gas in interstate commerce that are not sales of old natural gas must comply with the provisions of this Act concerning new natural gas, unless such gas is exempt gas sold by a producer or small producer who qualifies as an independent. Allows a small producer to sell new natural gas in interstate or intrastate commerce at a price that exceeds the price authorized to be charged by a producer so long as such price does not exceed the applicable national or high-cost reproduction price by more than 50 percent. Provides that a producer or small producer which qualifies as an independent may charge any price for exempt natural gas on or after the date of enactment of this Act if such price does not exceed the average price of new domestic crude oil on the date such exempt natural gas is first dedicated. Requires all purchasers to file with the Commission all new natural gas and exempt natural gas sales contracts, transfer agreements, or any other transfer arrangements. States that with respect to old natural gas, the Commission is directed not to authorize any increase in the price charged by a producer or small producer except under enumerated circumstances. Requires all pipelines to give first priority for sales or transfers under the applicable tariff for old natural gas to local distribution companies to meet the requirements of each such local distribution company's residential users and small users to the extent old natural gas is available. Provides that sales of new natural gas or exempt natural gas by producers or small producers may be made without any application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under the Natural Gas Act. Provides that, after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall require all new natural gas pipeline transportation facilities on Federal lands to be common carriers available for use by any pipeline to transport natural gas upon payment of a reasonable transportation fee. Requires that natural gas producers on Federal lands undertake and complete exploratory and developmental programs to obtain maximum efficient levels of production at the earliest feasible date following the leasing of these lands. Requires that, after the date of enactment of this Act, all production of new natural gas or exempt natural gas from Federal lands shall be sold or transferred to a pipeline. Directs the Commission to conduct studies of production, gathering, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of natural, artificial, or synthetic gas. Directs the Commission to promulgate by rule a national plan to prohibit as soon as practicable the boiler fuel use of natural gas not initially contracted for prior to January 1, 1975 by users other than residential or small users. Prohibits any interruption or curtailment of natural gas service and requires necessary steps to assure as soon as practicable the availability in interstate commerce of sufficient quantities of natural gas for certain priority agricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to declare a natural gas supply emergency within the service area of a pipeline which is unable or may be unable to supply its residential users, small users, hospitals, services and products vital to the public health and safety. Includes synthetic natural gas within the jurisdication of the Federal Power Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1975
Uniform Federal Welfare and Medicaid Assistance Act - Increases to 75 percent the Federal matching rate for purposes of reimbursement to States under the Medicaid and Aid to Families with Dependent Children programs of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Corporate Management Interlocks Act - Prohibits, unless specific approval has been granted by the Attorney General, corporate management interlocking relationships. States that this Act shall apply (1) if any one of the persons involved in an interlocking relationship shall have capital, surplus, and undivided profits aggregating more than $1,000,000, and (2) if any one of the persons involved in an interlocking relationship is engaged in commerce. States that this Act shall not prohibit any interlocking relationship when one of the persons involved directly or indirectly lawfully owns more than 50 percent of the voting stock of the other company, or where 50 percent or more of the voting stock of each of the persons involved in an interlocking relationship is directly or indirectly lawfully owned by the same person. Sets a fine of not more than $50,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding one year upon conviction of a willful violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Energy-Related Unemployment Compensation Act - Provides for the Federal payment of State unemployment compensation benefits which are paid to individuals who are unemployed because of the natural gas shortage.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Provides that a party seeking review of a Federal agency action involving civil rights, constitutional rights, or consumer or environmental interests may, if he substantially prevails, be awarded reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Allows a court to grant attorneys' fees to the privailing party, other than a governmental entity, in civil actions to enforce civil or Constitutional rights. Provides that a governmental entity shall be liable for costs and fees the same as a private person.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Provides that all meetings and portions thereof of Government agencies at which official action is considered or discussed shall be open to public observation. Excludes from this requirement any portion of an agency meeting where the agency determines that the meeting: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel; (3) would tend to disclose information which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual; (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes; or (5) will disclose information relating to trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Requires each agency to make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting, and whether such meeting is open or closed to the public, at least one week before each meeting. Requires that a transcript or electronic recording of each such meeting be made available to the public for inspection. Permits an agency to delete from the transcripts or recordings made available to the public specified materials. Requires that written minutes shall be made of any agency meeting open to the public. Directs each agency to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States to enforce the requirements of this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to ex parte communications. Defines "ex parte communication" as meaning a communication not on the public record with respect to which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not given.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Provides, under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act, that developmentally disabled children receiving services under the foster grandparent program may continue to receive such services as adults. States that public or nonprofit private agencies may expend funds obtained by grant from the Federal Government for such services only if the children are being fully served.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Juvenile Delinquency in the Schools Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to curb juvenile delinquency, violence, and vandalism in the public schools. Authorizes appropriations under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Reserves 5 percent of the amounts appropriated for discretionary use by the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for grants to States and the District of Columbia to carry out programs complementary to the purposes of this Act. Reserves up to 3 percent of the amounts appropriated for grants to territories and Indian schools. Requires the remainder of funds to be allocated to local educational agencies within the States according to the following criteria: (1) the financial need of local educational agencies; (2) the extent and impact of delinquency and crime in the schools of the district to be served; and (3) the degree to which the district to receive funds under the Act has established effective procedures for the protection of the constitutional rights of students and employees of the school district affected. Requires recipients to expend not less than fifty percent of funds granted under this Act for educational programs, including renovation of facilities, but not including programs utilizing security technology and personnel. Directs that the remainder of funds appropriated under this Act be expended on specified activities designed to achieve the purposes of this Act, including utilization of security technology and personnel. Stipulates that no funds may be used to support the introduction, presence, or use of firearms, other weapons, or chemical agents in any school. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Provides for the recognition of representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3402(a)(1))
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets for the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperative eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) minimum broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization ; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicants' initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Provides for the recognition of representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3402(a)(1))
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Equal Opportunity for Displaced Homemakers Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a multipurpose service program for displaced homemakers, including: (1) job counseling and training services; (2) health education and counseling services; (3) financial management services; (4) educational services; and (5) outreach and information services with respect to Federal employment, education, health, and unemployment assistance programs. Defines a "displaced homemaker" as an individual who: (1) has worked in the home, providing unpaid household services for family members; (2) is not gainfully employed; (3) has had, or would have, difficulty in securing employment; and (4) has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by such income, or has been dependent on Federal assistance but is no longer eligible for such assistance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of and appropriate procedures for allowing displaced homemakers to participate in specified Federal programs. Requires the Secretary to submit a final report to each House of the Congress not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Directs the Federal Energy Administration not to forgive or defer collection of any accrued fees arising under the oil import fee program. Provides that if the Supreme Court denies the petition of certiorari or otherwise affirms the decision of the United States Court of Appeals that such fees are unlawful; all such fees shall be refunded to consumers, not to the oil importers.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Community-Based Day Treatment and In-Home Services for Children and Families Act - Provides, under title IV of the Social Security Act, for the establishment of day treatment and in-home arrangements for services to children and families in trouble. Makes funds appropriated under the Social Security Act for child welfare services available to cooperating State agencies in the provision of day treatment and in-home services to children and families. Authorizes the appropriation of an additional $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years following the enactment of this Act, for the purposes of this Act. Provides for the distribution of such funds to the appropriate State agencies. Defines the terms "day treatment services", and "in-home services". States that the term 'day treatment services' includes psychiatric, psychological, social casework, educational, vocational, recreational, health, and child care services, and any other services which are furnished a child or family in the home or through community-based services with the intent of preventing the child's institutionalization or other placement outside the family, except where such institutionalization or placement is in the child's best interest. States that the term 'in-home' specifically includes homemaking, housekeeping, and counseling services, and any other services which are furnished in the home and are aimed primarily at the family unit with the intent of keeping the family structure intact or reuniting a separated family. Requires States, as a condition to receiving Federal payments for child welfare services, to limit the placement of children outside or the home for treatment to those cases in which all feasible alternatives have been exhausted, or such placement has been ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. Requires State plans for aid and services to needy families with children to provide that the State agency supervising the administration of the plan will: (1) exhaust all feasible alternatives to placement of a child in a foster home, institution, or other residential facility before placing or approving the placement of such child in such a home, institution, or facility, and (2) submit to the Secretary periodic reports indicating the steps being taken to explore such alternatives (and the various types of alternative arrangements being considered) in connection with the placement of children in such homes, institutions, and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Consumer Beef-Grading Act - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Task Force on Beef-Grading Standards, to exist until terminated by the Congress. Sets forth the duties of the Commission, including to determine the needs and preferences of consumers with respect to beef-grading standards, and to make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to prescribing regulations establishing new beef-grading standards. Outlines factors which must be considered in making such recommendations. Provides that the task force shall be composed of 16 members appointed by the Secretary. Directs that the task force be headed by a Director appointed by the members. Authorizes the Director to appoint a staff. Directs the Secretary to establish new beef-grading standards which shall reflect the recommendations made by the task force. Requires the Secretary to prepare notices describing the beef-grading standards prescribed pursuant to this Act. Provides that such standards shall include amounts of marbling and leanness in each grade of beef, the nutritional qualities of each grade, cost-value information, and general instructions on preparation and cooking of each grade. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of consumer education with regard to the beef- grading standards. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums or may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Prohibits the exploration for and the mining of and the purchase of all valuable mineral deposits within any area of the National Park System. Repeals laws or provisions of laws which permit mining in: (1) Glacier Bay National Monument; (2) Death Valley National Monument; (3) Coronado International Memorial, Arizona; (4) Mount McKinley National Park; and (5) Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate such regulations as are necessary to govern existing valid mineral rights in the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, of licensee of the discharging vessel. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of any person in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge accurs. Provides that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other Federal, State, or local official or agency, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which from which the discharge occurred (up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel). Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilitiies and licensees of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to generally act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of moneys from the Fund for payment of damages not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Provides that the Fund shall be provisioned through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility, (2) offshore or onshore facilities, or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. States that each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee shall establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to change regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Provides for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes appropriations for the administration of their Act for fiscal years 1976,1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Provides that buildings constructed for use by the United States Postal Service shall be designed and constructed in a manner making them accessible to the physically handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Denies electric and gas public utilities a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred by such utilities to advertise or promote the sale or use of electricity or gas.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Declares it to be a finding of Congress that unemployment levels are excessively high among young adults, and that there are large inventories of conservation work and other work of a public nature on public lands, including the national park and forest systems, which require large amounts of labor and relatively small capital investments. States that it is the purpose of this Act to complement the Youth Conservation Corps Act and to provide employment to young adults. Declares the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be between the ages of 19 and 24; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretaries shall be guided in determining the location of projects and the type of work to be done. States that priority should be given to counties having a high rate of unemployment and that highly labor intensive projects should be sought. States that the rate of pay for Corps members should be set at the current Federal minimum wage. Extends the provisions of this Act to cover employment of young adults in State conservation programs in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Conservation Corps Act which make such an extension. Requires the Secretaries to prepare, within eight months of the enactment of this Act, a plan for the execution of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for preparing the plan and for preparing the sites, facilities, and equipment selected in this plan. Authorizes the appropriation of funds as specified for the four fiscal years during which young adults are employed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendation as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1975
Prohibits, under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the introduction or delivery for introduction into commerce of the chemical compounds known as polychlorinated biphenyls.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1975
Requires, under the Truth in Lending Act, creditors to post a sign at each place of business where he extends credit to consumers which states clearly and conspicuously the current rates of interest being charged for each category of loan.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Requires the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Open Lobbying Act - Requires each Member of Congress and his or her staff to maintain a register of all contacts with lobbyists. States that such record shall be available for the public. Makes lobbyists responsible for recording all lobbying contacts made with the Member or staff.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Neighborhood Preservation and Rehabilitation Amendments - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that neighborhoods in United States cities have deteriorated due to lack of public facilities and a lack of capital resources to rehabilitate and maintain such neighborhoods States that private financing is increasingly unavailable in such neighborhoods and declares it to be the purpose of this Act to establish a neighborhood preservation and rehabilitation program. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. States that such grants shall be for units of general local government to assist them in carrying out programs to improve basic community facilities and services in designated neighborhood preservation areas. States that an area proposed by a unit of general local government as a neighborhood preservation area must be found by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to have a reasonable prospect of being restored or maintained. Requires, as a second condition for receiving a grant under this Act, that an application by a unit of general local government include a three-year rehabilitation plan, and that the Secretary find this plan to be workable. Declares that, in fiscal year 1976, grants will be made to between ten and 20 cities, including at least two with populations of less than 100,000, and in fiscal years 1977 and 1978, grants will be made to between five and ten cities, of which at least one each year must be a city with a population of less than 100,000. Directs the Secretary to prepare guidelines and regulations setting forth the details of the program's administration. Authorizes the Secretary, under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970, to make mortgage insurance available to facilitate the refinancing of mortgages covering housing located in neighborhood preservation areas.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Provides that all meetings of Government agencies at which official action is considered or discussed shall be open to public observation. Excludes from this requirement any portion of an agency meeting where the agency determines that the meeting: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel; (3) would disclose information which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual; (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Requires each agency to make a public announcement of the date, place, subject matter of each meeting, and whether open or closed to the public, at least one week before each meeting. Requires that a transcript or electronic recording of each such meeting be made available to the public for inspection. Permits an agency to delete specified materials from the transcripts or recordings made available to the public. Directs each agency to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States to enforce the requirements of this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to ex parte communications. Defines "ex parte communication" as meaning a communication not on the public record with respect to which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not given.