United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide special authority for the Opportunities Industrialization Centers in order to create and provide job opportunities for specific unemployed persons who were particularly hard hit by the recent economic recession, and to provide opportunities for industry to create additional jobs for the unemployed in rural and urban communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated (OIC) in order to provide comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons. Requires each such contract to contain provisions assuring that specific requirements are complied with, including requirements that (1) special consideration in providing jobs will be given to unemployed persons who are most severely disadvantaged in terms of the length of time they have been unemployed; (2) due consideration will be given to persons who have participated in manpower training programs for whom unemployment opportunities would be otherwise available, and (3) the program will to the maximum extent feasible contribute to the elimination of artificial barriers to employment and occupational advancement. Sets forth special conditions to be met prior to providing financial assistance pursuant to a contract entered into under this Act. Requires the programs to contribute, to the maximum extent feasible, to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants. Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance unless he determines that: (1) periodic reports will be submitted to him to measure the effectiveness of the program; (2) there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or beliefs within the program; and (3) the participants in the program will not be employed in the construction, operation, or maintenance of sectarian religious facilities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Reduces the rate of tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 on employees, employers, and the self-employed for the payment of the cost of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance and the hospital insurance programs of the Social Security Act. Increases by 50 percent the annual Federal contribution to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund in order to provide that one-third of the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program shall be borne by the Federal Government. Increases the amount of an employee's wages or of the income of a self-employed person which will be subject to the social security withholding tax.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Debt Collection Practices Act - Prohibits debt collectors from harassing or intimidating consumers in connection with the collection or attempted collection of any alleged debt arising from a consumer credit transaction. Sets forth conduct violating this Act, including the use of violence by a debt collector, or publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts. Prohibits communication with any person other than the consumer owing the debt or the spouse without prior consent of the consumer. Prohibits false or misleading representation or impersonation in connection with the collection of an alleged debt. States that no debt collector may engage in unfair practices, such as soliciting a post-dated check for purposes of threatening criminal action. Prohibits debt collectors from taking specified legal actions, such as causing unauthorized service of process. Requires a debt collector to keep at each office he maintains specified information regarding his accounts. Provides that each debt collector must disclose, clearly and accurately, to each consumer a list of information which includes the date the alleged debt was incurred and the original creditor. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to report periodically to Congress concerning their administration of functions delegated to them under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to provide, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided thereunder to individuals aged 60 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude $5,000 from the gross income of any individual who has attained age 65 by the close of the taxable year. Reduces such excluded amount by an amount equal to the total of any income received by such individual which is excluded from gross income by reason of any other rule, regulation, or provision.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Housing Authorization Act - Increases the authorization of funds for the following programs administered by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): (1) housing assistance; (2) comprehensive planning; (3) research; and (4) flood insurance. Authorizes an increase in appropriations for HUD's administrative expenses for fiscal year 1977. Increases mortgage limitations under the National Housing Act homeownership assistance programs. Extends assistance under the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act and the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act through fiscal year 1977. Reallocates community development block grant funds under the Housing and Community Development Act. Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to exempt from the Act any loan to finance a residence acquired prior to March 1, 1976, or one year following identification of the area which such building is located as a flood hazard area, whichever is later. Sets limitations on the funds available for the Rehabilitation Loan Program of the Housing Act of 1964 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes appropriations of $500,000,000 to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund under the National Housing Act. Limits Federal coverage of insured loans under coinsurance contracts to only those made by lenders other than State public housing agencies. Provides that interest rates on loans for farm housing will be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury upon request of the Secretary of HUD.
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 · 18 December 1975
Authorizes appropriations for grants and loans for the development, construction, and operation of an exhibition of Polynesian culture as part of the commemoration of the American Revolution Bicentennial in the city of Philadelphia.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Excludes industrially funded personnel in computing the total number of civilian personnel authorized by law for the Department of Defense in any fiscal year.
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
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Extends the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to authorize a depreciation deduction for expenditures incurred to rehabilitate low-income rental housing from January 1, 1975, to January 1, 1981. Increases the aggregate amount limitation for such deduction from $15,000 to $20,000. Increases the amount of such expenses that must be incurred in 2 consecutive years by the taxpayer to be eligible for such deduction from $3,000 to $5,000.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
States that the Airlines Mutual Aid Agreement approved by the Civil Aeronautics Board is adverse to the public interest and is hereby terminated. States that the effective date of this Act is February 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1975
Fair Credit Billing Act Amendments - Defines the term "discount" for purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Truth in Lending Act as meaning a reduction made from the regular price in a transaction covered by such Act. Stipulates that the term "discount" shall not, under specified application of the provisions of such Act, mean a surcharge. Specifies that the term "surcharge" shall mean any method of increasing the regular price to a creditcard holder which is not imposed upon cash-paying customers. Prohibits the imposition of a surcharge in specified instances covered by the Truth in Lending Act where the holder of a credit card elects to use his card in lieu of paying by cash or check.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Emergency Financial Assistance Corporation Act - Creates a body corporate to be known as the Emergency Financial Assistance Corporation to make and guarantee long-term loans at reasonable intrest rates to State and local governments for public works and facilities, to individuals and corporations to establish new businesses and industries and to expand or otherwise improve existing businesses and industries, and to public agencies and private nonprofit and limited dividend corporations for the construction of low-and-moderate-income housing, in order that vital public services may be provided, the health and welfare of our people will be safeguarded, and a full employment economy will be achieved. Provides that the Corporation shall have a capital stock of $1,000,000,000 subscribed by the United States, payment for which shall be subject to call in whole or in part by the Board of Directors. Authorizes the Corporation to issue notes, debentures, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness up to an aggregate amount of 20 times the paid-in capital stock of the Corporation at that time. Authorizes the Corporation to make direct loans and guarantees to State and local governments, direct loans for the benefit of business and industry, loans for low-and-moderate-income housing projects. Exempts the Corporation from the taxing authority of the United States or any State or local government. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury $1,000,000,000 to finance the purchase of Corporation stock.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Emergency State and Community Financial Assistance Corporation Act - Establishes the Emergency State and Community Financial Assistance Corporation to make and guarantee new loans at reasonable interest rates to States and local governments for public works and facilities. States that the Corporation shall have a capital stock of $1,000,000,000 subscribed by the United States, payment for which shall be subject to call in whole or in part by the Board. Authorizes the Corporation to issue rates, debentures, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness in such amounts and on such terms and conditions or its Board may determine, subject to the limitations prescribed in this Act. Exempts the Corporation from the taxing authority of the United States or any State or local government. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury $1,000,000,000 to finance the purchase of Corporation stock.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Excludes industrially funded personnel in computing the total number of civilian personnel authorized by law for the Department of Defense in any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Debt Collection Practices Act - Prohibits debt collectors from harassing or intimidating consumers in connection with the collection or attempted collection of any alleged debt arising from a consumer credit transation. Sets forth conduct violating this Act, including the use or threatened use of violence by a debt collector, or threatening a consumer with imprisonment for failure to pay a debt. Prohibits any debt collector, not a licensed attorney, from engaging in the practice of law in connection with the collection or attempted collection of any debt. Prohibits false or misleading representation, or impersonation, in connection with the collection of an alleged debt. States that no debt collector may engage in unfair practices, such as obtaining information form any source about a consumer under false pretenses or through false representation. Requires a debt collector to keep at each office he maintains specified information regarding his accounts. Provides that each debt collector must disclose, clearly and accurately, to each consumer a list of information which includes the date the alleged debt was incurred and the original creditor. Requires debt collectors to permit inspection of records by consumers. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to report periodically to Congress concerning their administration of functions delegated to them under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Emergency Municipal Credit Assistance Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to alleviate the distress in the municipal securities market and expand such market by providing debt service guarantees and rechanneling municipal borrowing for federally aided projects, coupled with Federal interest reduction payments. Establishes within the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Municipal Debt Guarantee Corporation with a five-member Board of Directors. Requires the Corporation to submit to the President a comprehensive annual report of its activities under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Corporation, upon application, to guarantee municipal securities. Provides that no security shall be guaranteed unless the interest income thereon is subject to Federal taxation. Directs the Corporation not to make such guarantees unless the debt service on such securities is within the financial capability of the borrowing municipality. Requires that the municipality pledge to reimburse the Corporation for any losses it may sustain because of the guarantee. Authorizes the Corporation to establish a revolving fund to provide for the timely payment of any liabilities incurred as a result of guarantees. Directs the Secretary of Treasury to purchase any notes or other obligations of the Corporation issued pursuant to this Act. Sets forth a plan whereby the Corporation may make interest reduction payments to the borrowing municipality. Provides that municipalities may apply for Federal guarantees and other financial assistance to cover their outstanding indebtedness where they face a high probability of default. Requires that notice be given to bondholders by municipalities that apply for, and obtain from, the Corporation an agreement to guarantee. Requires that the sale of federally supported notes or bonds hereafter issued by local agencies to finance federally aided public housing be made directly to the Federal Financing Bank.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Increases the maximum loan amounts under the National Housing Act which may be insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for the purchase of mobile homes.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Truth in Leasing Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to assure a meaningful disclosure of the terms of leases of personal property so as to enable the lessee to compare more readily the various lease and credit terms available to him, to limit balloon payments, and to assure meaningful and accurate disclosures of lease terms in advertisements. Requires, under the Truth in Lending Act, the lessor of personal property to give to the lessee, prior to the consummation of the lease, a dated written statement on which the lessor and lessee are identified setting out in a clear conspicuous manner the terms of the lease, as specified by this Act. Imposes specified limitations upon consumer lease advertising. Makes a lessor who violates the provisions of this Act civilly liable to the lessee. Enumerates damage limitations and defenses for the lessor.
United States · United States Congress · 23 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 · 15 July 1975
Energy Conservation in Buildings Act - Title I: Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons - Weatherization Assistance Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to provide funds to the States for weatherization of dwellings of low-income persons, particularly the low-income elderly and the handicapped. Enumerates criteria for the evaluation of weatherization grant applications, including an estimation of the amount of fuel to be conserved by the weatherization program. Provides that a program determined not to be in compliance with the provisions of its approved application for any fiscal year shall not receive Federal funds until substantial compliance is established. Title II: Energy Conservation Building Standards - Building Energy Conservation Standards Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to publish performance standards for new commercial buildings within 18 months of enactment of this title. Directs the Secretary to monitor the progress made by the States and their political subdivisions in adopting and enforcing model energy conservation standards. Authorizes to be appropriated to the States $10,000,000 for technical assistance in implementing model energy conservation standards approved by the Secretary. Provides for research and demonstration projects to assist the development of performance standards under this title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Building Energy Conservation Standards Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act: (1) to assist in the development and implementation as soon as feasible of energy conservation standards for new residential and commercial buildings to achieve the maximum practicable economics in fuels and energy consumption within reasonable cost levels; and (2) to encourage States and local governments to adopt and enforce such standards through their existing building codes and other construction control mechanisms. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to develop and promulgate proposed performance standards for new commercial buildings, and to promulgate standards within six months of the publication of the proposed standards. Requires the Secretary to promulgate such proposed standards for new residential buildings within three years of the enactment of this Act. Requires standards to be published within six months of the publication of the proposed standards. Directs the Secretary, assisted by the National Institute of Building Sciences: (1) to monitor the progress of the States in adopting and enforcing such standards; (2) to identify obstacles inhibiting implementation of such standards; (3) to evaluate the effectiveness of existing standards; and (4) to report to Congress on the progress of the States and to recommend additional measures to encourage the application of such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the States to assist them in implementing the standards approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 to make such grants. Directs the Secretary to consult with builders, public officials, and representatives of consumer groups in developing and promulgating performance standards under this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct such research and demonstration activities as are necessary to assist in the development of performance standards under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Provides that if the Postal Service and a supervisory organization, recognized by the Postal Service under this Act, representing a majority of supervisors are unable to agree, within 60 days after the organization submits a written notice to the Postal Service, upon a program for consultation or a plan to participate directly in the planning and development of pay policies and schedules, fringe benefit programs, and other programs relating to supervisory employees, either party shall have the right to refer the matter to an arbitration board established under the provisions of this Act. Provides that if the Postal Service and a supervisory organization recognized by the Postal Service under this Act as representing the majority of supervisors are unable to agree with respect to pay policies and schedules, fringe benefit programs, and other programs related to supervisory employees, which affect all or a substantial portion of supervisory personnel on a long- term or permanent basis, after participating directly in the planning and development thereof, either party, upon a 30-day written notice, may refer the dispute to an arbitration board established under the provisions of this Act. Provides for the establishing of an arbitration board to consider specified disputes. Sets forth hearing requirements to be met by such board. Provides that the decisions of the arbitration board shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Emergency Housing Act - Title I: Emergency Middle-Income Housing - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial assistance with regard to home mortgages for middle-income families: (1) by making, and contracting to make, periodic interest reduction payments; and (2) by purchasing, and committing to purchase, below-market-interest-rate mortgages, through the facilities of the Government National Mortgage Association. Provides that the aggregate amount of mortgages assisted under this title shall not exceed amounts approved in appropriation Acts, and in no event shall such amount exceed $7,500,000,000. Provides that in making financial assistance available under this part, the Secretary shall take appropriate steps to encourage the construction or sale of dwelling units which he determines will contribute to the conservation of land and energy resources because of their design or their location in clusters or projects or otherwise. Title II: Emergency Mortgage Relief Payments - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency mortgage relief payments on behalf of homeowners who are delinquent in their mortgage payments. Authorizes to be appropriated for purposes of this title up to $250,000,000. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning specified characteristics of the housing market.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that neither the United States nor any State shall deprive any human being, from conception, of life without due process of law; nor deny to any human being, from conception, within its jurisdiction, the equal protection of the law. States that neither the United States nor any State shall deprive any human of life on account of age, illness, or incapacity.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Weatherization Assistance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to develop and implement weatherization programs to insulate the dwellings of low-income persons, particularly those who are elderly, in order to conserve needed energy and aid those persons least able to afford higher energy costs. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to provide grants to State Governors and the Mayor of the District of Columbia and to transfer funds to the Commission of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to assist in carrying out home weatherization programs. Directs the Administrator to develop and publish criteria by which application for funds may be evaluated. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $55,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1976,1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Requires under the Social Security Act the continued application of the 8 1/2 percent nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Authorizes and directs the General Accounting Office to audit the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Advisory Council, the Federal Open Market Committee, and Federal Reserve banks and their branches. Requires the Comptroller General to annually file a report with Congress on the results of the audit. Directs the Comptroller General to include recommendations for attaining a more economical and efficient administration of the entities audited.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Applies to national mortgage associations the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to reserves for losses on loans. Provides for the determination of the reasonable addition to the reserve for bad debts in the case of a national mortgage association. Stipulates that taxable income of a national mortgage association shall be computed by excluding the income from, and expenses attributed to, all qualifying real property loans acquired by the taxpayer before January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Credit Union Financial Institutions Act Amendments - Title I: New Powers and Modernization - Empowers a Federal credit union to make loans and extend credit to members, other credit unions, or financial organizations. Permits credit unions to make loans to members in accordance with the following: (1) loans shall be made in conformity with criteria established by the board of directors and with standards enumerated in this Act; (2) lines of credit shall be established to a stated maximum amount on certain terms and conditions which may be different than those of another borrower; (3) loans to other credit unions shall be approved by the board of directors and not exceed 1 percent of the unimpaired capital and surplus; and (4) participation loans shall be in accordance with written policies of the board of directors. Empowers the credit union to invest funds: (1) in securities or obligations guaranteed by the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; (2) in obligations of any State, or the several territories and possessions or any political subdivision thereof; and (3) in the shares or obligations of any other organization which advances the development of credit unions. Empowers credit unions to place their funds: (1) in share accounts or deposits of savings which are insured by an agency of the Federal Government, or by any federally or State insured credit union; and (2) in demand or time deposits of banks whose accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Empowers such credit union to sell all or part of its assets to another credit union, or to purchase assets from another such credit union, and to permit members to transfer money to and from the member's account pursuant to regulations of the Board. Declares that Federal credit union membership shall consist of the incorporators, and such other persons and organizations as may be elected. Stipulates that a Federal credit union shall be managed by a board of directors, a supervisory committee, and a credit committee. Requires the board of directors to annually elect from their number an executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a treasurer, and a secretary. States that the board of directors shall meet at least once a month and shall have general control of the direction of the Federal credit union. Enumerates the general functions and duties of the board of directors. Permits the board of directors to elect a credit committee. Makes it the duty of the committee to hold such meetings as are necessary to consider applications for loans or lines of credit. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against its demand deposits in the Central Liquidity Facility and in currency and coin in such other form as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may provide. Authorizes the board to declare a dividend after provision for required reserves has been made. Authorizes issuance of shares in joint tenancy with persons designated by the credit union member. Authorizes shares to be issued in the name of a minor or in trust. Repeals provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act pertaining to: (1) District of Columbia credit unions; (2) approval of certificates; and (3) conditions upon conversion to Federal status. Title II: Restructuring the National Credit Union Administration - Establishes in the executive branch of the Government an independent agency to be known as the National Credit Union Administration. Places the Administration under the management of a National Credit Union Administration Board and provides for a National Credit Union Administration Advisory Board. States that the Board shall have three members having credit union experience appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Chairperson of the Board to be the spokesperson of the Board and to represent the Board and the National Credit Union Administration in its relations with other branches of the Government. Requires that an Advisory Board be elected to advise and make recommendations on policy matters to the Board. Permits any aggrieved party to seek to enjoin or obtain other appropriate remedy when a charter revocation or suspension or an involuntary liquidation is ordered by the Board. Limits the powers of the Administration to the exercise of all powers specifically granted by the provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act and such incidental powers as shall be necessary to carry out the power so granted. Title III: Share Insurance - Includes credit unions organized and operated according to the laws of the trust territories in the Federal credit unions whose member accounts are insured by the Administrator. Title IV: Central Liquidity Facility - Establishes the National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility to: (1) provide funds to meet the liquidity needs of credit unions; (2) provide for an orderly transfer of funds; and (3) assist credit unions to improve their general welfare and the financial and general welfare of their members and member's family. Vests management of the Facility in the National Credit Union Administration Board. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to advance $500,000 to be utilized by the Facility for initial organization and operating expenses. Declares the initial capitalization of the Facility shall be by stock subscription consisting of shares having a par value of $50 each. Enumerates the general powers of the Board in administering the Central Liquidity Facility. Entitles any member of the Facility to apply in a form prescribed by regulations for advances. Authorizes the Board to deny or grant any application upon such terms as it may prescribe by regulations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase any obligation issued by the Board in the event of insufficient funds in the Facility to meet the obligations arising under this Act. Directs the Board to prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress annually a full report on the activities of the Facility for the previous year. Exempts the Facility from all taxation imposed by the United States or by any State.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Provides that no procedures established pursuant to the collective bargaining agreements between postal workers and the Postal Service shall preclude employees from being represented in grievance by representatives of their own choosing. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 1206(b))
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Declares it to be the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the canal and zone, and should in no way cede, dilute, forfeit, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, power, authority, jurisdiction, territory, or property that are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere; (2) that there be no relinquishment or surrender of any presently vested United States sovereign right, power, or authority or property, tangible or intangible, except by treaty authorized by the Congress and duly ratified by the United States; and (3) that there be no recession to Panama, or other divestiture of any United States-owned property, tangible or intangible, without prior authorization by the Congress (House and Senate), as provided in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 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 · 8 May 1975
Requires retail and wholesale food concerns authorized to accept food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to offer informational materials and application forms to customers. Requires States: (1) to provide an opportunity to receive and file an application for participation in the food stamp program to any person on the same day of such person's first reasonable attemp to make an oral or written request for food stamp aid; and (2) to complete the certification of all eligible households and provide an authorization-to-purchase card not later than thirty days after such an initial attempt to request assistance. Provides that all eligible households in areas of substantial or persistant unemployment shall be immediately certified for food stamps upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall elect two Senators and the number of Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State. States that each Senator or Representative so elected shall be an inhabitant of the District and shall possess the same qualifications as to age and citizenship and have the same rights, privileges, and obligations as a Senator or Representative from a State.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Credit Uses Reporting Act - Establishes a program of reporting on uses of commercial bank credit and on the accommodation of national priority uses of credit. Enumerates national priority uses for purposes of this Act. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to administer such program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Increases the amounts of annual contributions authorized for the low-income public housing program under the United States Housing Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make annual contributions to public housing agencies for the operation of low-income housing projects. Authorizes appropriations of $525,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $572,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Stipulates that this Act does not affect authority to make annual contributions to low-income housing as it existed prior to July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Equal Credit Opprotunity Act Amendments - Revises the coverage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to include prohibitions against credit discrimination based upon age (provided the applicant has the capacity to contract), race, color, religion, or national origin. Exempts from such Act loan assistance authorized by law or offered by nonprofit organizations to aid an economically disadvantaged class. Provides that the fact that a creditor's loans to any classification are not equal to the population percentage of such classifications in the creditor's trade area, is not a violation of the Act. Directs the Board to establish an advisory committee to advise and consult with it in the exercise of its functions under this Act. Revises the civil liability provisions for violations of the Act. Provides that no later than February 1 of each year after 1976, the Board and the Attorney General shall make reports to Congress concerning the administration of their functions under this title.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Provides under the Internal Revenue Code that the amount of the income tax credit for investment in qualified depreciable property shall be equal to 12 percent of the qualified investment.