United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Establishes a forty-five month period maximum for educational assistance in programs administered by the Veterans' Administration for veterans who have served on active duty for eighteen months or more since January 31, 1955.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Federal Municipal Bond Guarantee Administration Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes, and defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes a Federal Municipal Bond Guarantee Administration. Makes it the duty of the Administration to guarantee bonds issued by municipalities which are found by the Administration to be fiscally responsible, and which apply for guarantees for specific bond issues. Sets forth eligibility requirements for municipalities applying for guarantees under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Municipal Bond Guarantee Fund to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act for fiscal year 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Designates January 6, 1976 as "Haym Salomon Day." Directs the President to issue a proclamation calling for the observance of such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Directs the Architect of the Capital to conduct a study of the feasibility of using solar energy in connection with the heating, cooling, hot water, and electrical systems of the Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn House Office Buildings. Requires that such study consider the conversion and operating costs of such a system. Authorizes the Architect to enter into contracts necessary to carry out the study. Limits expenditures of the Architect under this resolution to $50,000 to be paid from the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to take such action as may be necessary and appropriate to insure that female individuals shall be eligible for appointment and admission to the Coast Guard Academy on the same basis as male individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Farm Tax Equity Act - Limits, under the Internal Revenue Code, deductions with respect to a taxpayer engaged in the business of farming to: (1) the gross income of the business for the taxable year; and (2) in the case of an individual or a bona fide family farm corporation, the higher of $10,000 or the amount of special deductions allowed by this Act, or for any other taxpayer, the amount of special deductions. Prohibits the application of such deductions when the taxpayer uses specified accounting methods. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Directs the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year, 1975, to organize and convene a national conference to be known as the National Women's Conference. Sets forth the composition and goals of the Conference. Grants the Commission powers necessary to carry out this Act. Requires that the Commission submit a report to the President and each House of Congress not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the conference. States that such report shall include findings and recommendations of the Conference. Authorizes the appropriation of not more than $10,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Provides that no veteran may be denied care or treatment at non-Veteran's Administration Hospitals under the CHAMPUS program for any service-connected disability solely because care or treatment for such disability is available at Veterans' Administration medical facilities. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1086(f))
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the ban on military assistance to Turkey should not be lifted until such time as Turkish forces are withdrawn from Cyprus and there is a negotiated settlement in Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene the National Security Council in order to devise a viable strategy for combating the smuggling of opium and heroin from Turkey. Directs that a strategy report be submitted to Congress. Calls for the immediate suspension of all foreign assistance to Turkey until that government implements adequate controls to prevent smuggling into the U.S. of Turkish-grown or processed opium and heroin.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Provides that the statutory limitations and restrictions on the corporate powers of national banking associations with regard to dealing in and underwriting investment securities shall not apply to all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof or agency of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the amendment made by the first section of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Designates August 26 of each year as "Women's Equality Day." Requests that the President issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of the day women of America were first guaranteed the right to vote. Establishes such day as a legal public holiday. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 6103(a))
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to be composed of Cabinet members and Directors of government agencies. Specifies the duties of the Council, including the duty to assist communities, industries, and employees which may be substantially and seriously affected to make adjustment to closure and reduction of bases or cancellation or reduction of defense contracts. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Authorizes the Council to allocate economic development funds appropriated to Federal agencies to communities which would be substantially affected by reduction or elimination of Government military facilities or curtailment or conclusion of military contracts. Title III: Industrial Economic Adjustment - Requires defense contractors to undertake planning and preparation for the employment of the personnel and utilization of the facilities employed on a contract after its completion. Authorizes the Chairman of the Council to provide assistance to defense and nonprofit contractors on conversion to nondefense industry, and appropriates $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for such purpose. Specifies the criteria for assigning priorities among economic projects applying for support under this Act. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Fund - Requires payment to the Council of one-half of one percent of the amount of any defense contract for funding of the Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund to be established in the Treasury. Provides for the return of unexpended moneys of a contractor in the fund if all of his obligations under this Act have been discharged and he has not contracted with the Federal Government to furnish defense materials within 24 months. Title V: Economic Adjustment Assistance For Workers - Provides for the payment of economic adjustment benefits for workers or nonprofit contractors who have been displaced from private defense facilities for 2 years following such displacement. Provides that such assistance shall include up to 80 percent of weekly wages, maintenance of insurance coverages, vested pension credit, and retraining. Conditions the eligibility of workers for such benefits upon maintenance of registration with the Secretary of Labor and an agreement to accept employment determined by the Secretary of Labor to be suitable.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Expresses congressional disapproval of sales to Jordan of the Hawk missile and Vulcan antiaircraft systems as proposed by the President on July 10, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Requires, under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, that the States must provide for periodic inspections of nursing homes to determine compliance with sanitation, environmental, patient care, medical care, dietary and fire safety standards, without advance notice. Specifies that the States must create an ombudsman-ombudswoman system to receive and consider complaints and reports concerning the operation of long-term care facilities. Directs the States to appoint a trustee manager for long term care facilities which fail to meet the specified standards.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1975
Provides, under the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965, that the National Endowment for the Arts shall carry a program for the employment of artists during any fiscal year in which the national rate of unemployment exceeds 6.5 percent. Sets forth conditions governing the expenditure of funds for such a program. Defines the terms "artist" and "unemployed" as it applies to artists. Authorizes to be appropriated $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Clarifies the meaning of the term "outpatient physical therapy services" under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act insofar as such term includes speech pathology services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Communicative Health Care Amendment - Declares the purposes of this Act, including to consolidate and clarify the health care coverage of present services. Specifies the services to be covered relative to the health care for persons with communicative disorders under the health insurance program (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, including preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative functions. Provides that payments presently made to hospitals under the Medicare program based on services provided by an outside resource shall be payable directly to such outside resource provider.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Provides for coverage of comprehensive hearing health care services under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act, including provision for hearing amplification devices financed in part by the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Provides for emergency assistance grants under title XVI of the Social Security Act to recipients of supplemental security income benefits who have lost benefits and in State supplementary payments, and prohibits reductions in such benefits because of benefit increases. Permits payment of supplemental security income benefits directly to drug addicts and alcoholics (without a third-party payee) upon certification of the chief medical officer of the treating facility. Provides for the continuation on a permanent basis of the provision making supplemental security income recipients eligible for food stamps.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under the Public Health Service Act for research projects respecting the use of amniocentesis, other techniques for the detection of birth defects, and programs to inform women of the various uses of amniocentesis. Permits the Secretary to make grants to assist in the cost of establishing and maintaining genetic counseling programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a program under which women may have all or part of the cost of having amniocentesis performed on them paid by the United States. Stipulates that no grants may be made unless an application has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1976 and each succeeding fiscal year of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress an annual report on the anniocentesis program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Provides that recipients of aid or assistance under the aid to families with dependent children, child welfare services, and medicaid programs, and participants in the headstart, follow through, and foster grandparent programs, will not have the amount of such aid or assistance reduced, or entitlement to such aid, assistance, or participation discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - States that the energy needs of United States industry are increasing consistently, although energy resources are limited, and that the conservation of energy is therefore necessary. Declares that rapid development and cost-effectiveness demonstrations, and widespread application by industry, of energy-efficient technologies can be facilitated by Federal financial assistance in the form of research, development, and demonstration projects and through incentives to companies that invest in such technologies. States that it is the purpose of this Act to stimulate the development of energy-efficient technologies in American industry. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish and maintain a program for research, development and demonstration of energy conserving industrial technologies, including: (1) basic and applied research under the control of the Administrator; (2) the development by the Administrator or private persons of prototypes or demonstration models of energy conserving technologies; and (3) the making of grants to private organizations to facilitate the incorporation of such technologies into commercial operating industrial plants, such projects to be used as demonstrations for other industrial facilities. Sets forth priorities to be observed by the Administrator in determining the recipients of grants under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Enumerates priorities to be observed in making or guaranteeing such loans, including: (1) the extent to which a loan recipient is located within a depressed industrial area, and will contribute to the economic recovery of such area; (2) the extent to which such loan or guarantee will foster the widespread adoption of energy conservant technology; (3) the extent to which modernization, rather than replacement, of existing equipment will contribute to the purposes of this Act; and (4) the extent to which small businesses will be able to participate in the benefits resulting from this Act. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of loans and guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Requires that at least 60 percent of the funds available for loans and guarantees be allocated to recipients in depressed industrial areas. Sets forth additional regulations pertaining only to loan guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Limits the outstanding indebtedness guaranteed under this Act to $500,000,000 at any one time. States that no guarantee shall be made under this Act after September 30, 1977. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Declares under the Food Stamp Act that in determining the eligibility of any household that the part of any monthly insurance benefit provided by title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act received by an individual shall be disregarded to the extent that it equals a cost-of-living increase in benefits under such program occurring after 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Declares under the Social Security Act that for purposes of determining the income of any individual who is entitled to supplemental security income benefits, under title II of the (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) any cost-of-living increases occurring after 1974 shall be excluded.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Provides a formula which decreases the rate at which benefits are withheld under the Social Security Act by reason of outside earnings. Provides that the amount of any social security taxes paid by an individual shall be substracted from his or her outside earnings before determining the amount of the benefits to be withheld by reason of such earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
United States Grain Standards Act Amendments - Requires, under the United States Grain Standards Act, that inspections made under such Act be made by Federal employees. Increases the criminal penalties for violations of such Act from a fine of $3,000 and six months imprisonment to $5,000 and one year for a misdemeanor and from $6,000 and two years imprisonment to $10,000 and four years for a felony.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, in determining the extent to which the value of an individual's home is excludable for purposes of establishing his or her eligibility for supplemental security income benefits, to take into account regional variations in the market prices of homes and to make periodic adjustments reflecting changes in land and home values.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Removes the numerical limitation on Allen J. Ellender Fellowships to disadvantaged secondary school students. Authorizes $750,000 each for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and $1,000,000 each for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should assess the situation in the drought-stricken areas where many people are suffering from malnutrition and are in grave danger of dying from malnutrition; (2) the President should report to Congress such recommendations as he determines to be appropriate to alleviate the malnutrition in such areas; and (3) the appropriate committees of Congress should give priority to any such recommendations of the President so as to expedite the response of the United States to the malnutrition problems in such areas.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Historic Structures Tax Act - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for the preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures by allowing a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the amortization of the amortizable basis of any certified historic structure based on a period of 60 months. Specifies that no deduction shall be allowed for any expense or loss incurred as a result of the destruction of a certified historic structure. Limits deductions on structures erected upon a site which was occupied by a certified historic structure which was demolished or substantially altered. Allows the taxpayer to compute the depreciation deduction attributable to substantially rehabilitated property as through the original use of such property commenced with him. Permits deductions for transfer of the remainder or partial interests in property for conservation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense, in administering Public Law 94-11 which appropriates foreign assistance for fiscal year 1975, include in the $300,000,000 foreign military credit sales appropriated to assist the State of Israel, F-15 fighter planes, electronic countermeasures, and other sophisticated weapons necessary to insure the continued viability of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Santa Moncia Mountains and Seashore Urban National Park in the State of California. Specifies which lands shall be included within the boundaries of the Park. Requires the Secretary to identify lands which should be acquired to achieve the purposes of this Act. States that with respect to improved properties, the Secretary shall not acquire fee title unless he determines that such property is being used, or is threatened with uses, which are detrimental to the purposes of this Act. Defines "improved property" as property on which a detatched single family dwelling is located or property developed for agricultural uses. Permits owners of improved properties to retain a right of use and occupancy for a definite term of up to 25 years. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs and to the Committees on Appropriations of the United States Congress a detailed program identifying the lands selected and the annual acquisition program which he recommends for the ensuing five fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with local government in establishing zoning laws or ordinances which will assist of achieving the purposes of this Act. Establishes the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashores Urban National Park Advisory Commission, to be composed of 15 members appointed by the Secretary for terms of three years each. Directs the Secretary to meet at least annually with the Commission to consult on general policies and specific matters related to planning, administration, and development affecting the park. Authorizes specific appropriations of up to $500,000 for the development of needed public facilities. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Clarifies the meaning of the term "outpatient physical therapy services" under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act insofar as such term includes speech pathology services.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Communicative Health Care Amendment - Declares the purposes of this Act, including to consolidate and clarify the health care coverage of present services. Specifies the services to be covered relative to the health care for persons with communicative disorders under the health insurance program (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, including preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative functions. Provides that payments presently made to hospitals under the Medicare program based on services provided by an outside resource shall be payable directly to such outside resource provider.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Provides for coverage of comprehensive hearing health care services under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act, including provision for hearing amplification devices financed in part by the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
War Resisters Exoneration Act - States that notwithstanding any other provision of law, general amnesty is hereby granted to any person for violation of one or more of the laws enumerated in this Act or regulations and policies promulgated pursuant thereto, if such violation was committed between January 4, 1961, and November 22, 1974. Provides that such amnesty is automatic, and no application to the Amnesty Commission or any other agency is necessary to effectuate it. Sets forth a list of laws to which this Act shall apply, including sections of the Military Selective Service Act and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. States that the effect of the general amnesty granted by or under this Act, shall be to: (1) restore to the grantee all civil, political, citizenship, and property rights which have been or might be lost, suspended, or otherwise limited as a consequence of such violation; (2) immunize the grantee from criminal prosecution for such violation; (3) expunge all notation relating to such violation from the records of law enforcement agencies and cause an appropriate entry to be made in relevant public records; (4) require the granting of an honorable discharge to any person who received a discharge other than an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces if such violation was solely the cause, or a substantial cause, of the granting of such other than honorable discharge; (5) require that the honorable discharge from the Armed Forces granted by subsection (4) of this section contain no indication of any kind of the reason for the discharge; and (6) nullify all other legal consequences of such violation and entitle the grantee to indicate in any manner that such violation never occurred. Establishes the Amnesty Commission to grant general amnesty to any individual who, during the period beginning January 1, 1961, and ending on November 22, 1974, violated any Federal law or State or local law if the Commission finds that: (1) such violation was in substantial part motivated by the individual's opposition to, or protest against, the involvement of the United States in Indochina; and (2) the individual was not personally responsible for any significant property damage or substantial personal injury to others in the course of his violation of any such law. Provides that in any case in which the Commission finds that an individual was personally responsible for significant property damage or substantial personal injury to others in the course of his violation of any such law, the Commission shall grant amnesty if it finds that such conduct was justifiable on the basis of a moral or ethical belief deeply held by the individual. States that, upon petition to any district court of the United States, by petitioner or a legal representative, the United States citizenship of any former citizen who states that he renounced such citizenship or became naturalized in a foreign country, solely or partly because of disapproval of involvement of the United States in Indochina shall be fully and unconditionally restored. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purposes of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job-creation impact of Federal govenment public service employment programs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to States and to local governments to coordinate budget-related actions by such governments with Federal government efforts to stimulate economic recovery. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making such grants $500,000,000, plus such additional sums as are warranted according to the formula set forth in this Act for the twelve calendar quarters following any calender quarter during which the seasonally adjusted national unemployment exceeds six percent. States that no appropriations are authorized for grants for any calender quarter if the national unemployment rate did not exceed six percent during the most recent calendar quarter which ended three months before the beginning of such calendar quarter. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of such funds to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. States that State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for allocations to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments: two parts unemployment and one part adjusted taxes raised. States that the Secretary shall allocate funds for the purpose of making emergency support grants to each identifiable local government. Specifies that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintian basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal, and accounting for Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of Treasury may require and that the Secretary of Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that the labor standards and wage requirements of this Act will be compiled with; (7) provide that requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds recived under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program of activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. Provides that in any case where the Secretary of the Treasury makes a finding of discrimination by a State or local government and is unable to to achieve compliance within 30 days, he is specifically authorized to defer payment to the discriminating jurisdiction unless compliance is achieved. Requires that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds autnorized under this Act. Allows payments to be made in installments in advance or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments and underpayments. Provides that no funds be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that juriddiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than six percent. Requires the Secretary of Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. States that funds will continue to be withheld until the Secretary of Treasury is satisfied that compliance has been achieved. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purposes of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job-creation impact of Federal govenment public service employment programs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to States and to local governments to coordinate budget-related actions by such governments with Federal government efforts to stimulate economic recovery. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making such grants $500,000,000, plus such additional sums as are warranted according to the formula set forth in this Act for the twelve calendar quarters following any calender quarter during which the seasonally adjusted national unemployment exceeds six percent. States that no appropriations are authorized for grants for any calender quarter if the national unemployment rate did not exceed six percent during the most recent calendar quarter which ended three months before the beginning of such calendar quarter. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of such funds to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. States that State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for allocations to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments: two parts unemployment and one part adjusted taxes raised. States that the Secretary shall allocate funds for the purpose of making emergency support grants to each identifiable local government. Specifies that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintian basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal, and accounting for Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of Treasury may require and that the Secretary of Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that the labor standards and wage requirements of this Act will be compiled with; (7) provide that requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds recived under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program of activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. Provides that in any case where the Secretary of the Treasury makes a finding of discrimination by a State or local government and is unable to to achieve compliance within 30 days, he is specifically authorized to defer payment to the discriminating jurisdiction unless compliance is achieved. Requires that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds autnorized under this Act. Allows payments to be made in installments in advance or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments and underpayments. Provides that no funds be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that juriddiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than six percent. Requires the Secretary of Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. States that funds will continue to be withheld until the Secretary of Treasury is satisfied that compliance has been achieved. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives to following information: (1) the sequence of events in the United States response to Cambodia's seizure of the United States merchant ship Mayaguez and its crew; (2) military and diplomatic action carried out by Cambodian and other parties with respect to seizure of the Mayaguez; (3) the specific military and diplomatic options considered by the National Security Council in seeking the release of the ship and its crew; (4) what consultations were carried out between the President and Congress; (5) what if any military action had been ordered by the United States Armed Forces with respect to the Mayaguez incident before the Secretary General of the United Nations was asked to give diplomatic assistance; (6) specifics concerning the intelligence information and military actions by the United States; (7) if known, the exact position and course of the Mayaguez when it was seized; (8) what covert and intelligence activities were conducted in or over or from off the shores of Cambodia subsequent to the Khmer Rouge take over in April 1975; (9) what warning, if any, was issued to the United States merchant marine prior to the seizure of the Mayaguez; (10) under what authority of law were the United States Armed Forces used to secure the release of the Mayaguez and its crew; and (11) what steps were taken to insure the accuracy of the various announced casualty figures relating to the Mayaguez rescue operation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1975
Harbor Drift Removal Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to reduce and remove drift and debris from publicly maintained commercial boat harbors of the United States and from the land and water areas immediately adjacent. Provides that the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall be responsible for developing projects for such removal. Sets the Federal share at 75 percent of the total cost of any project. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake projects without specific congressional approval when the total Federal cost for the project is less than $400,000. Authorizes to be appropriated an additional $11,700,000 for the removal of drift from the New York harbor.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Personal Safety Firearms Act - Title I: Registration - Makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly possess a firearm that is not registered under this Act. Excludes from the registration requirement any firearm which has previously not been registered, if it is held for sale by a certified dealer who keeps records as required by the Secretary of the Treasury or if it is possessed by a Federal, a State or a local government body. Allows to remain unregistered for 180 days after the effective date of this Act any firearm possessed by a person on such date and continuously held by that person during the 180 day period. Provides that a certified dealer, before selling a firearm to a person who must register it, must require the registration of the firearm and must file such application with the Secretary at the time of sale. Requires that when a person other than a certified dealer sells a firearm, the purchaser must file an application for registration prior to receipt of the firearm. Stipulates that the application form to be prescribed by the Secretary must include at least the following: (1) the name, address, date, and place of birth, and social security number of the applicant; (2) the name of the manufacturer, caliber, the model, the type, and the serial number of the firearm; and (3) the date, place, and the person from whom the firearm was obtained and such person's appropriate registration or license number. Requires that the prospective registrant keep a duplicate of his registration application, which duplicate shall suffice as temporary evidence of registration. Provides for the automatic expiration of the certified record of a firearm upon any change of name of the registered owner or residence, unless the Secretary is notified within 30 days of such change. Makes unlawful the carrying of a firearm required to be registered without having a registration certificate or temporary evidence of registration. Makes unlawful the refusal to exhibit such required registration information upon demand of a law enforcement officer. Requires any registrant, who sells his registered firearm, to return his registration to the Secretary within 5 days of the sale and to give certain information about the transferee. Makes it mandatory for one who acquires a firearm subject to registration regulations to require the seller to exhibit a registration certificate, whose number must then be placed on the new registration application. Prohibits a licensed dealer from taking a firearm by way of pledge or pawn without also taking and retaining the registration certificate. Requires prompt notification of the death of a registrant or of the loss, theft or destruction of a firearm. Forbids a licensed dealer from selling ammunition for use in a firearm required to be registered without requiring the purchaser to exhibit his registration certificate for a firearm which uses such ammunition. Provides that whoever violates the registration requirements shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000. Allows the Secretary to pay reasonable value for firearms voluntarily relinquished to him. Provides that any information as to any registration or application shall be disclosed only to the National Crime Information Center. Title II: Licensing - Requires the Secretary to determine which States have adequate permit systems for the possession of firearms and to publish in the Federal Register the names of such States. Provides for certain provisions to be met for an adequate permit system. Makes it unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise transfer any firearm or ammunition to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer or licensed dealer unless: (1) the sale or transfer is not prohibited by any other provision of this Act; and (2) the purchaser or transferee exhibits a valid permit issued to him by a State or political subdivision having an adequate permit system, or the purchaser or transferee exhibits a valid Federal gun license. Directs a licensed dealer to issue a Federal gun license to a person upon presentation of the following: (1) a valid official document issued by the person's State or political subdivision, showing his name, current address, age, signature and photograph; (2) a statement, in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary and dated within 6 months and signed by the chief law enforcement officer (or his delegate) of the locality of residence of the person, that to the best of that officer's knowledge that person is not under indictment, has not been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, is not a fugitive from justice, and is not otherwise prohibited by any provision of Federal, State, or local law from possessing firearms and ammunition; (3) a statement in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary, dated within 6 months and signed by a licensed physician, that in his professional opinion such person is mentally and physically capable of possessing and using a firearm safely and responsibly; (4) a statement signed by the person in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary, that he may lawfully possess firearms and ammunitions under the laws of the United States and of the State and political subdivision of his residence; and (5) a complete set of such person's fingerprints certified to by a Federal, State or local law enforcement officer, and a photograph reasonably identifying the person. Provides that such Federal gun licenses shall be issued in the form prescribed by the Secretary and shall be valid for a period not exceeding 3 years. Accords any person denied a Federal gun license the right to apply directly to the Secretary for the issuance of a Federal gun license. Permits, unless otherwise prohibited by this Act, a licensed dealer to ship a firearm or ammunition to a person only if the dealer confirms that the purchaser has been issued a valid permit pursuant to an adequate State permit system, a Federal gun license, or a Federal dealer's license, and notes the number of such permit or license. Prohibits any person to possess a firearm or ammunition without a valid State or local permit, if he is resident of a State or locality having an adequate permit system, or a Federal gun license. Title III: Specifications for Approved Handguns - Prohibits the Secretary from approving for sale or delivery any handgun model unless such model meets specified criteria. Sets forth requirements to be met by pistol and revolver models, including specifications relating to: (1) length; (2) weight; (3) frame construction; (4) caliber; (5) safety features; and (6) miscellaneous equipment. Requires the Secretary to give written notification of the results of evaluation and testing, including specific reasons, in the case of handgun models which fail to meet the standards for approval, for such a finding. States that licensees whose models are not found to be in compliance with relevant standards shall have 10 days to submit in writing specific objections to such findings, and may request a retesting of such model, together with justification therefor. Provides that if upon retesting the Secretary's finding remains adverse, or the Secretary finds retesting is not warranted, the aggrieved party may, within 60 days, file a petition in the United States district court in the district in which the aggrieved party has his principal place of business in order to obtain judicial review of such finding. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 923A, 931-938; Amends 18 U.S.C. 922)
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Protection. States that the Agency shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a comprehensive statement of the activities and accomplishments of the Agency during the preceding calendar year, including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and such recommendations for legislation necessary or desirable to protect the interests of consumers within the United States. Directs the Agency, in the performance of its functions, to advise the Congress and the President as to matters affecting the interests of consumers; and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services made available to them through the trade and commerce of the United States. States the functions of the Agency, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; and (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance for public inspection and copying of which the Agency has received, arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken by it. Directs the Agency to investigate and report to Congress on the desirability and feasibility of establishing a National Consumer Information Foundation which would administer a voluntary, self-supporting, information tag program. Prohibits sex discrimination in any program activity receiving Federal assistance under the Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act such sums as may be required for fiscal year 1976, for the transitional period July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, and for fiscal years 1977 and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of State to furnish to the House of Representatives the following information: (1) specific diplomatic initiatives carried out by the United States in response to Cambodians seizure of the United States merchant ship Mayaguez and its crew; (2) what diplomatic initiatives are known to have been carried out by Cambodia and other parties in respect to such seizure; (3) what specific diplomatic options were considered and rejected by the National Security Council; (4) what United States covert actions and intelligence gathering activities were conducted in or over or from off the shore of Cambodia prior to the seizure of the Mayaguez; and (5) what communications have occurred to date between the United States and Thailand regarding the use of Thai territory in conjunction with the United States military action to secure the release of the Mayaguez and its crew?
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the designation of 1975 as International Women's Year has its full support. Calls for 1975 to be a time for launching new programs and forming new attitudes to overcome obstacles encountered by women in exercising their full human rights. States that Congress should take appropriate legislative actions to correct inequities. Calls for equal job and educational opportunities and greater representation at official conferences. Recognizes the unique problems faced by older women. Acknowledges the contributions of homemakers to their families and communities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Presidential Science and Technology Advisory Organization Act - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the office of Science and Technology Policy. Makes it the duty of the Director of such office to be the President's chief policy advisor with respect to scientific and technological matters. Authorizes to be appropriated such amounts as may be necessary to carry out functions under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review specified lands comprising approximately 28,000 acres in the Sierra National Forest, California, for possible inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
![Official portrait of Rep. Abzug, Bella S. [D-NY-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000018_200.jpg)