United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been, (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activites. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes, under the Privacy Act of 1974, the disclosure to individual Members of Congress or their designates of information regarding individuals. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552a)
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Food Industry Antitrust Reports Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to submit to the appropriate House and Senate committees a report on actions with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws in the various sectors of the food industry. Requires that such report be made not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and yearly thereafter. Provides that no later than five years after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the market structure and state of competition in the food industries. Requires the Commission and the Department of Justice to provide to the Congress an analysis of the adequacy of available data on which any study is based. Authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of $1,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Scientific and Technological Research Act - Establishes the National Technology and Research Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to make investments and make and guarantee loans to carry out high-financial risk energy and environmental research. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the request of the Board of Directors of such Corporation, to purchase stock in such Corporation of up to $1,000,000,000. Authorizes $1,000,000,000 to be appropriated for such purchase. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to pay the difference, if any, between the interest paid by the Corporation on its obligations and the interest received by the Corporation on its loans, and to reimburse the capital of the Corporation to the extent of any defaults, and such additional sums as may be necessary to establish and operate the Corporation and otherwise carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Corporation to require, as a condition for making any loans or loan gurarantees or investments, that the Corporation be given a share in the equity or royalties of projects developed by the recipient which the Corporation helped finance. Directs the Board of Directors of the Corporation to establish a Scientific Advisory Panel. Stipulates that no loan or loan guarantee may be made without the approval of the Advisory Panel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Requires, under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, that committee reports on proposed legislation in either House of Congress must contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Requires the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Directs that no Member of the House of Representatives may draw funds against the stationery allowance except for items related to the operation of any official office. Provides that any allowance not used by a former member shall be paid into the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1975
Requires, under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, that committee reports on proposed legislation in either House of Congress must contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Provides that property used in, or related to, a taxpayer's business which was acquired at no cost to him shall not be a capital asset for purposes of taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Open Lobbying Act - Requires each Member of Congress and his or her staff to maintain a register of all contacts with lobbyists. States that such record shall be available for the public. Makes lobbyists responsible for recording all lobbying contacts made with the Member or staff.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Denies Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to apply to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1975
Renames the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation the Federal Commodity Insurance Corporation. Transfers the functions and duties of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and the Secretary of Agriculture under the Federal Crop Insurance Act to the Federal Commodity Insurance Corporation. States that the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors. Sets forth procedures for the appointment of the Board. Extends the existing crop insurance program from coverage of 7 agricultural commodities to coverage of 25 commodities. Authorizes the Corporation to extend insurance to other commodities on the basis of demand for such coverage and the anticipated risk of loss to the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to offer its insurance program in additional counties according to a specified plan. Specifies the percentage of loss of each crop that the Corporation shall offer insurance against. Stipulates that insurance offered by the Corporation shall not cover losses due to the neglect or malfeasance of the producer or the failure of the producer to follow established good production practices. Requires the Corporation to report annually to Congress the results of its operations and to include in such report, a list of all agricultural commodities for which insurance has been requested but which are not insured by the Corporation, and a list of all counties for which insurance has been requested but which are not covered by the Corporation. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976, and each fiscal year thereafter, a sum not to exceed $20,000,000 or an amount equal to 2.3 percent of the total insurance liability assumed by the Corporation in the immediately preceding fiscal year, whichever amount is greater, as may be necessary to cover the operating and administrative costs of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Requires the President, under the War Powers Resolution, before taking any steps which would firmly commit United States Armed Forces to hostilities, to in every possible instance discuss fully the proposed decision for using such Armed Forces with Members of Congress, including but not limited to the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and the House of representatives, the chairmen of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees of the Senate, and the chairmen of the Armed Services and International Relations Committees of the House of Representatives and to fully consider their advice and counsel before committing the United States Armed Forces to any such proposed decision. Provides that any person employed by, under contract to, or under the direction of any department or agency of the United States Government who is either (1) actively engaged in hostilities in any foreign country; or (2) advising any regular or irregular military forces engaged in hostilities in any foreign country shall be deemed to be a member of the Armed Forces of the United States for the purposes of such Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Exempts, under the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the Federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels. Exempts such organization from the tax on communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Requires that the support price of milk be adjusted by the Secretary of Agriculture at the beginning of each quarter to reflect estimated changes during the immediately preceding quarter in the index of prices paid by farmers of production items, interest, taxes and wage rates.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Allows as deductions under the Internal Revenue Code amounts paid in cash by or on behalf of an individual: (1) to an employee's trust; or (2) for the purpose of an annuity contract as defined in the Code. Establishes the limitations on such deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 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 · 5 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the officers and administrators of the various governmental institutions supported by public moneys should take steps to remove from facilities under their control all architectual barriers to the handicapped. Directs that funds for such efforts be taken from their discretionary funds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
States that it is the policy of the United States to renounce the strategy of a nuclear first strike, and to take all steps to negotiate an end to efforts by the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve a counterforce capacity.
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 · 1 August 1975
Prohibits the person holding the position of Secretary of State from holding simultaneously the position of Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, or any other position supervising, directing, or controlling the staff of the National Security Council. States that this Act shall apply with respect to any individual who is appointed to the position of Secretary of State on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
States that it is the sense of the Congress that the President appoint a Special Prosecutor and have empaneled a grand jury to investigate possible criminal violations of the Sherman and Clayton Antitrust Acts: (1) arising from the Federal Trade Commission complaint (docket numbered 8934; July 18, 1973) involving Exxon, Texaco, Gulf, Mobil, Standard Oil of California, Standard Oil of Indiana, Shell, and Atlantic Richfield; (2) arising from any concerted maintenance of an inaccurate natural gas reserve reported program which influences the price at which producers sell natural gas to interstate pipeline companies by the American Gas Association, Exxon, Gulf, Mobil, Pennzoil, Shell, Standard Oil of California, Standard Oil of Indiana, Tenneco, Texaco, Union Oil of California, and Continental Oil Corporation; or (3) arising from collusive conduct in the curtailment of gas supplies by deliberately maintaining nonproducing gas reserves on Federal offshore leases in the Gulf of Mexico in order to intensify pressure for deregulation of natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Energy Industry Deconcentration Act - Prohibits any corporation or association from: (1) controlling deposits of more than one type of energy-producing mineral, after December 31, 1979 and (2) engaging engaging in more than one aspect of the petroleum and natural gas industry after December 31, 1979. Requires corporations or associations which would be in violation of this Act except for the effective date to submit plans for compliance to the Federal Trade Commission before January 1, 1978. Prohibits any individual from serving as a director of more than one company engaged in every resource production, refining, transportation, or marketing.
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
Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide employment for unemployed rural residents through rural conservation employment projects within rural areas of substantial unemployment. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to employ rural residents over eighteen who have been unemployed for at least thirty consecutive days to carry out rural conservation projects within the National Forest System and other lands under the Secretary's jurisdiction, and in conjunction with cooperative projects on non-Federal lands. Directs the Secretary to determine rates of pay, hours, and other conditions of employment. Places a maximum wage limitation of $10,000 per year. Authorizes specified appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for programs designed to reduce unemployment and to repair and improve essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, restoration, rehabilitation or improvement of roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate guidelines and procedures with respect to grant applications. Sets forth certain items which must be included in each application. Limits the use of grants made pursuant to this Act to the payment of wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act. Requires that jobs created pursuant to this Act be made available first to furloughed railroad maintenance employees, then to persons who have exhausted their unemployment benefits, to unemployed persons who are not eligible for such benefits, and to other unemployed or underemployed persons. States that roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act if: (1) they are designated for transfer to the Consolidated Rail Corporation in the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act; (2) they are utilized by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; or (3) they are owned by a railroad in reorganization under the Bankruptcy Act. Sets forth as the goals toward which each project receiving financial assistance under this Act must be structured: (1) the reduction of unemployment; (2) the acceleration and expansion of a national rail rehabilitation effort; (3) the coordination of repair and rehabilitation work with other rail transportation priorities; (4) the completion of each such project within 12 months; and (5) the maximization of chances for permanent employment of individuals employed under such projects. Requires that wages paid to workers in projects undertaken with financial assistance pursuant to the terms of this Act be not less than those prevailing for similar work in the same locality. Authorizes the appropriation of $240,000,000 for providing financial assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Declares that a greater unity of the Atlantic Community would strengthen the common defense, assure more adequate energy resources and improve commerce. Establishes an eighteen-member delegation authorized to organize and participate in a convention attended by delegations from North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies. States that the convention shall explore the possibility of agreement on the means to transform the relationship of such nations into a more effective unity based on federal principles. Provides for appointment of delegates to the convention. Allows the delegation to maintain a staff. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Corporate Citizenship and Competition Act - Title I: Establishment of the Federal Corporate Chartering Commission - Establishes a commission to be known as the Federal Corporate Chartering Commission. Sets forth the membership of the Commission. Directs the Commission to begin its duties under this Act within 10 days of its establishment. Title II: Federal Charters for Principal Industrial Corporations - Requires each principal industrial corporation engaged in interstate or foreign commerce to file an application with the Commission for a Federal Corporate Charter. States that such application shall contain: (1) the name of the corporation; (2) the location of the principal place of business of such corporation; (3) the names and addresses of the members of such corporation's board of directors and of the principal executive officers of such corporation; and (4) a copy of the State charter or charters or articles of incorporation of such corporation. States that a charter issued pursuant to this Act shall not be deemed to create any entitlement or property interest, but shall be held to be a terminable license or privilege. Requires each corporation obtaining a charter under this Act to transmit to the Commission the following information at 12-month intervals: (1) the names and duties of the principal executive officers and of the board of directors of the corporation; (2) product line reports; (3) voting stock ownership reports; (4) debt structure reports; and (5) Federal income tax payment reports. Directs that all information gathered by the Commission under authority of this Act shall be made fully and completely available to the public unless such information would be extraordinarily injurious to a corporation's ongoing operations. Title III: Reorganization of Certain Industries - States the finding of Congress that there is a substantial and harmful lack of competition which has not been remedied by the antitrust laws in the following named industries: (1) the motor vehicle industry; (2) the petroleum industry; and (3) the steel industry. Declares that as a consequence the above named industries should be reorganized in accordance with the procedures set forth in this title. Authorizes the Commission to request from each of the corporations comprising the above named industries: (1) such information as the corporation believes should be considered in the reorganization of the industry of which it is a part; and (2) a plan for reorganization (for the corporation or the industry of which it is a part). Empowers the Commission, after consideration of the material submitted to it, to propose a plan of reorganization for the industry or industries which it has determined to reorganize first. Directs that such plan should attempt to: (1) maximize the number of competitors at each level of activity or production, but without substantial impairment of significant economies of scale; (2) to minimize the degree and extent of vertical integration to the extent compatible with such economies; (3) to maximize the potential for the entry of new corporations into the industry at each level of activity or production; and (4) to protect employee pension, health, and other benefit plans, and shareholder interests. Specifies the elements to be contained in the reorganization plans and accompanying Federal charters. Provides for public hearings on such plans, congressional review, and if necessary judicial review. Title IV: Enforcement - Empowers the Commission to enforce the provisions of this Act and the provisions of any charter issued by it. Provides civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. States that if it appears to the Commission that a corporation is engaged in a continuing violation of this Act the Commission may revoke the charter of such corporation and seek an injunction to enjoin such corporation from engaging in interstate or foreign commerce. Title V: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Directs the Commission to report once every two years to the President and the Congress on the progress made in achieving the policies and purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Increases the excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code on small and large cigarettes, providing that such increased taxes collected after June 30, 1976, shall be appropriated to the National Cancer Research Fund established by this Act in the Treasury in specified amounts for fiscal years 1977 and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Highway Safety Act - Revises the Highway Safety Act to provide for the reduction of funds apportioned to a State for highway safety programs when such State does not have or is not implementing such programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1977 through 1980 for the purposes of making incentive grants to States which have showed the greatest progress in reducing traffic fatalities. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out highway safety programs and highway safety research and development programs under the Highway Safety Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Interfuel Competition Act - Provides that it shall be unlawful for any integrated oil company to acquire any coal, oil shale, tar sands, uranium, geothermal steam, and solar energy asset after the enactment of this Act, or to own or control such asset after the expiration of three years after enactment of this Act. Requires that each integrated oil company controlling such assets report such holdings to the Attorney General and Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. Directs the Attorney General and/or the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to commence a civil action for relief whenever this Act shall be violated. Establishes the penalty for violationg this Act as a fine of not to exceed $100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding ten years, or both. Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Stipulates that it is the policy of the Congress that Federal employees should be encouraged to fully exercise, to the extent not expressly prohibited by laws, their rights of voluntary participation in the political processes of our Nation. Defines the terms used in this Act. States that an employee may not use his official authority or influence for the purpose of: (1) interfering with the result of any election; (2) intimidating or commanding any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as such individual may choose; or (3) influencing the giving or withholding a political contribution. Prohibits specified forms of solicitation by Federal employees. Provides for leave without pay for Federal employees engaging in activities relating to seeking elective offices. Establishes a Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees. Directs the Board to hear and decide cases brought under this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate specified reports and allegations of activities prohibited by this Act. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to conduct a program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees as to prohibited political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Increases to 90 days the period before an election during which a Member of, or Member-elect to, the Congress may not make a mass mailing as franked mail if such Member or Member-elect is a candidate in such election. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3210)
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Congressional Campaign Financing Act - Establishes, within the Internal Revenue Code, procedures by which candidates for nomination for election, or for election to either House of Congress may receive payments of public funds in amounts matching contributions made to the candidates' nomination or election campaign funds. Defines terms used in the Act. Establishes, within the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, a separate Congressional election payment account. Sets forth procedures by which the Secretary of the Treasury may make payments from such account to the campaign funds of candidates certified by the Federal Election Commission as eligible to receive payments. Limits to $100 the amount of a contribution which an individual may make to one candidate's primary election campaign or to that candidate's general election campaign. Requires the Federal Election Commission to examine and audit the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate and to require the candidate to repay to the Secretary the amount of any excess payments made by the Secretary. Requires the Commission to report to Congress at the end of each Federal general election year on the qualified campaign expenses of each candidate, the amount paid to each candidate, and the amount of repayments required from candidates. Authorizes the Commission to bring action in any United States district court to recover any amounts deemed payable to the Secretary as the result of an audit. Establishes a criminal penalty consisting of a fine of up to $25,000, or 5 years in prison, or both for violation of the limitations on expenditures. Establishes a criminal penalty consisting of a fine of $10,000, or 5 years in prison, or both for knowingly using payments made pursuant to this act for unauthorized purposes. Establishes identical penalties for knowingly furnishing false information to the Federal Election Commission or for withholding information requested by the Commission, and for knowingly giving or accepting kickbacks or illegal payments.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Truth in Government Act - Expressly makes Federal employees and elected officials criminally liable for knowingly and willfully making false statements in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Combined Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Income Tax Reporting Amendments - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make available specified tax returns to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Empowers the Secretary of HEW and the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement for the processing of information contained in such returns. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide to the Secretary of HEW any documents they agree are necessary for such processing. Directs the Managing Trustee of the Trust Funds established pursuant to the Social Security Act, including the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, to pay into the Treasury the amounts he and the Secretary of HEW estimate will be expended from the general fund of the Treasury by the Departments of HEW and Treasury for the administration of (1) titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and (2) specified chapters and subchapters of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of HEW to apportion (between each trust fund and the general fund in the Treasury) the costs of administrating titles II, XVI and XVIII of the Social Security Act and its costs in carrying out specified functions of this Act. Revises the formula by which the adjustment to the contribution and benefit base is to be computed following an increase in social security benefits.
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
United States Grain Standards Act Amendments - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to hire, without regard to the regulations governing appointments in the competitive service, as official inspection personnel, any individual licensed to perform functions of official inspection under the United States Grain Standards Act. Permits the Secretary to require the periodic rotation of Federal and State official grain inspection personnel. Includes, as a prohibited act under the United States Grain Standards Act, the deceptive weighing of grain. Requires all scales used for weighing grain in commerce to automatically stamp the correct weight of grain weighed on a receipt or a ticket which shall be made immediately available to both buyer and seller. Directs the Secretary to provide for the registration with the Secretary of all persons engaged in the buying for sale, the handling, the weighing, or the transporting of grain for sale in interstate or foreign commerce as a prerequisite to doing business. Sets forth specified exceptions to the registration requirement. Provides for the criminal prosecution of an individual who registers falsely or who deals in grain without being registered. Provides for the revocation of registration for violations of the regulations governing grain dealings. Sets forth prohibitions for official inspection personnel with respect to conflicts of interest. Requires grain dealers registered pursuant to this Act to maintain specified records of all transactions relating to grain deals. Makes it a prohibited act to knowingly add any foreign material to grain which would change its character or test weight. Increases the fine and term of imprisonment for commission of the prohibited acts enumerated in the United States Grain Standards Act. Provides for the treatment of the murder or manslaughter of any Federal or State official inspection personnel under the Federal law governing murder and manslaughter. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a State agency to carry out official inspections under this Act. Requires such inspections to meet the same standards as those imposed by Federal inspection personnel. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations requiring all foreign material in grain to be considered dockage items, as defined in this Act. Requires the Secretary to promulgate instructions governing the testing of the protein content of wheat. Directs the establishment of grades of wheat to assure: (1) that the production, conservation, and delivery of high grade grain will be rewarded; and (2) that in a normal year for each kind and class of United States grain, there is a grade which is competitive in reputation for quality in the world market.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Revises the Fisherman's Protective Act by directing the Secretary of Commerce, before the close of the ninety-day period after the date of the enactment of this Act, to identify any foreign enterprise engaging in commercial whaling. States that the names of such enterprises shall be published in the Federal Register. States that it shall be unlawful for any article produced or distributed by such enterprise to be imported into the United States. Provides that such sanctions shall continue until the foreign enterprise concerned has ceased to engage in commercial whaling. Provides that any action by such an enterprise to dismantle or convert any vessel used in commercial whaling shall be deemed to be prima facie evidence that such enterprise has ceased to engage in commercial whaling. Specifies that the sanctions shall continue to apply to any such enterprise which transfers whaling equipment to another enterprise which is engaged in whaling.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that energy conservation practices adopted for the design, construction, and utilization of these facilities will have a beneficial effect on the Nation's overall supply of energy, and the procurement of solar heating and cooling units for use in Federal buildings in connection with demonstrations of solar energy applications on such buildings under this Act should help to create a market for such units generally. States that it is the policy of this Act to insure that energy conservation and solar energy technology be employed in the design and construction of certain Federal facilities as set forth in this Act, and, to the maximum extent feasible, in the design and construction of all other Federal and federally-assisted facilities. Defines terms used in this Act, including the terms "energy use analysis," and "life cycle energy costs". Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of Defense to, in consultation with each other, develop, publish, and from time to time update guidelines designed to assure that the most effective and efficient measures for the conservation of energy and the use of solar energy systems are incorporated in: (1) the design, construction, and renovation of Federal and federally assisted buildings; and (2) the procurement of goods and services for such buildings and for other Federal purposes. States that the guidelines developed by the Secretary and the Administrator shall be consistent with each other. Requires the guidelines developed by the Secretary to be applied to all new and existing buildings under his control. Requires the guidelines developed by the Administrator to be applied to all other new and existing buildings, as defined in this Act. Directs all other Federal agencies to comply with the requirements of the applicable guidelines. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator: (1) to submit to Congress an energy use analysis with respect to the construction, acquisition, or leasing of any new building to which guidelines apply; and (2) with respect to existing buildings, to submit an inventory and energy use analysis of all such buildings, setting forth detailed plans for incorporating required improvements. Directs each Federal agency to submit to the Administrator or Secretary a detailed life cycle energy costs analysis of any building to be constructed, acquired, or leased by it for its use. Prohibits the purchase of any major energy using, generating, or conserving equipment by a Federal agency without prior submission of life cycle energy cost analysis. Provides for an increase in the allowable dollar amount of Federal assistance for building construction or major rehabilitation to cover the cost of solar energy equipment or other special energy equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a source of financial assistance for homeowners and builders so as to enable them to purchase and install solar heating equipment or combined solar heating and cooling equipment, primarily through the small business segment of the economy, in order to substantially reduce energy use. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make loans to individuals and families owning and occupying one- to four-family residential structures, and to persons engaged in building residential structures of any kind, to assist them in purchasing and installing qualified solar heating or solar heating and cooling equipment (as defined by this Act) in such structures. Specifies the maximum amount, interest rate, and maturity date of such loans. Sets forth loan application requirements. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist the Small Business Administration in carrying out the provisions of this Act by transmitting technical findings and recommendations and providing information concerning solar heating and cooling equipment to any person upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Increases to $5,000 the amount of outside earnings which (subject to further increases under the automatic adjustment provisions) is permitted an individual each year without any deductions from benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides that earnings in excess of that figure will reduce benefits by only one-third of the excess (rather than by one-half as at present).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Provides that Members of the House of Representatives and employees of the House, except in specified cases, may not be reimbursed for the difference between the cost of first-class air travel accommodations and the cost of other air travel accommodations.
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 · 26 June 1975
Provides that, unless the President determines that the national security requires a license or authorization, and makes a report of such determination to the Congress (which report shall be available to every Member of the Congress) at least sixty days prior to the issuance of such license or authorization, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall not license or otherwise authorize any export, and the Energy Research and Development Administration shall not make or permit any export, of nuclear fuel or nuclear technology: (1) to any country which furnishes or agrees to furnish uranium enrichment or nuclear fuel reprocessing plants to a country not a party to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty; or (2) to any country which is not a party to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and which develops either an enrichment or reprocessing plant without concluding an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency or Euratom by which all present and future nuclear facilities are made subject to safeguards established by either such agency against diversion of nuclear material.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bedell, Berkley W. [D-IA-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000298_200.jpg)