United States · United States Congress · 26 June 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 · 26 June 1975
Provides for the establishment on the basis of decennial censuses, of congressional districts composed of contiguous and compact territory for the election of Representatives to the Congress. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the United States district courts to hear and determine controversies under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Adds rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives. Provides that the Congressional Record shall contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks delivered on the floor of the House together with supportive data. Directs that revisions of the Record shall be limited to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors. Allows insertions in the Record of remarks not actually delivered on the floor by unanimous consent. Requires that such insertions be printed in a type face distinctively different from that used for verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Provides that no veteran may be denied care or treatment at non-Veteran's Administration Hospitals under the CHAMPUS program for any service-connected disability solely because care or treatment for such disability is available at Veterans' Administration medical facilities. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1086(f))
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, to require reasonable bonds from market agencies, dealers, and packers to secure the performance of their obligations with respect to transactions involving livestock or poultry. Authorizes the Secretary to summarily order, without a hearing, any person subject to the provisions of such Act to pay a seller of livestock or poultry by certified check or to establish a custodial account if the Secretary has reason to believe that such action is necessary to protect vendees. Empowers the Secretary to request the Attorney General of the United States Livestock to apply to the United States district court for a temporary injunction or restraining order whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that any person subject to this Act (1) is unable to pay for livestock products, (2) has operated while insolvent, or (3) does not have the required bond. Provides that debts of a bankrupt that are owing for the purchase of livestock or poultry shall have priority if, at the time such debts were incurred, the bankrupt was a packer, market agency, or dealer subject to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Requires, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, a permit from the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, for the discharge of dredged or fill material into channels of navigable waters at sewage disposal sites.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review certain rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Provides that an administrative rule, the violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such rules by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Permits the Federal Communications Commission to extend three-year broadcast licenses for an additional two years upon a finding of public interest. Requires in making such determination, considerations of whether different term lengths for radio and television stations and for different categories of licensees are in the public interest. Limits other class licenses to a five-year maximum, prescribing the renewal procedures for such licenses and the criteria to be considered in renewal, including responsiveness and lack of serious deficiencies. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 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 · 12 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of State to furnish to the House of Representatives the following information: (1) specific diplomatic initiatives carried out by the United States in response to Cambodians seizure of the United States merchant ship Mayaguez and its crew; (2) what diplomatic initiatives are known to have been carried out by Cambodia and other parties in respect to such seizure; (3) what specific diplomatic options were considered and rejected by the National Security Council; (4) what United States covert actions and intelligence gathering activities were conducted in or over or from off the shore of Cambodia prior to the seizure of the Mayaguez; and (5) what communications have occurred to date between the United States and Thailand regarding the use of Thai territory in conjunction with the United States military action to secure the release of the Mayaguez and its crew?
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives to following information: (1) the sequence of events in the United States response to Cambodia's seizure of the United States merchant ship Mayaguez and its crew; (2) military and diplomatic action carried out by Cambodian and other parties with respect to seizure of the Mayaguez; (3) the specific military and diplomatic options considered by the National Security Council in seeking the release of the ship and its crew; (4) what consultations were carried out between the President and Congress; (5) what if any military action had been ordered by the United States Armed Forces with respect to the Mayaguez incident before the Secretary General of the United Nations was asked to give diplomatic assistance; (6) specifics concerning the intelligence information and military actions by the United States; (7) if known, the exact position and course of the Mayaguez when it was seized; (8) what covert and intelligence activities were conducted in or over or from off the shores of Cambodia subsequent to the Khmer Rouge take over in April 1975; (9) what warning, if any, was issued to the United States merchant marine prior to the seizure of the Mayaguez; (10) under what authority of law were the United States Armed Forces used to secure the release of the Mayaguez and its crew; and (11) what steps were taken to insure the accuracy of the various announced casualty figures relating to the Mayaguez rescue operation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Requires that the Budget of the United States Government for fiscal year 1977 and subsequent fiscal years contain the same functional categories as those that were in effect for fiscal year 1975. Requires that any proposed change in such functional categories be approved by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations and the Budget.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the United States Postal Service should recommend to the Postmaster General that a special postage stamp be issued commemorating two hundred years of free enterprise in the United States.
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 · 5 June 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, to require reasonable bonds from market agencies, dealers, and packers to secure the performance of their obligations with respect to transactions involving livestock or poultry. Authorizes the Secretary to summarily order, without a hearing, any person subject to the provisions of such Act to pay a seller of livestock or poultry by certified check or to establish a custodial account if the Secretary has reason to believe that such action is necessary to protect vendees. Empowers the Secretary to request the Attorney General of the United States Livestock to apply to the United States district court for a temporary injunction or restraining order whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that any person subject to this Act (1) is unable to pay for livestock products, (2) has operated while insolvent, or (3) does not have the required bond. Provides that debts of a bankrupt that are owing for the purchase of livestock or poultry shall have priority if, at the time such debts were incurred, the bankrupt was a packer, market agency, or dealer subject to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance for programs aimed at reducing unemployment and at repairing, rehabiliting, and improving railroad roadbeds, and facilities. Provides that within sixty days after enactment the Secretary shall make funds available to any railroad which has laid off, furloughed, or otherwise reduced the number of maintenance-of-way and signal system maintenance employees between the period from June 1, 1974, through April 15, 1975, to the extent necessary to enable such a railroad to hire and maintain until June 1, 1976, sufficient numbers of such employees at prevailing wages to restore the size of its repair and rehabilitation work force to the maximum level maintained between June 1, 1974, and April 15, 1975. Requires that such employees be utilized by the railroad for priority categories of work as specified in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary until December 31, 1976, to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to States, political subdivisions or combinations thereof, the Appalachian Regional Commission, or Regional Action Planning Commissions for a rehabilitation program involving a facility within the categories set out in this Act. States that in reviewing the applications for financial assistance under this section, the Secretary shall consider specified criteria, including: (1) the extent to which the proposed project meets the objectives of this Act, and (2) the severity of unemployment in the affected area and the impact that the proposed project is likely to have on that unemployment. Establishes an Advisory Commission to assist the States, political subdivisions, and regional commissions in identifying eligible roadbeds and facilities and in formulating and submitting appropriate grant applications. Sets forth objectives and priority categories and eligibility requirements for grants. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to be expended solely for the acquisition of materials or equipment necessary or appropriate for implementing or carrying out a repair, rehabilitation, or improvement program or project receiving or approved to receive Federal financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Directs that no contract or agreement for the performance of work receiving Federal financial assistance shall be entered into under this Act without assurances that required labor standards shall be maintained in the performance of such work. Requires that all laborers and mechanics employed by railroads, contractors, and subcontractors in the performance of work done with the aid of such financial assistance shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar work in the locality as determined in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to the extent necessary to administer the provisions of this Act. Requires that each recipient of assistance under this Act, directly or indirectly, regardless of form, shall maintain any records as the Secretary shall prescribe. States that the Secretary may conduct cost and benefit assessment studies of various programs under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $600,000,000 for the purposes of this Act, which not more than $7,000,000 shall be available to the Secretary for administrative expenses in implementing this Act, such sums to remain availble until expended. Authorizes the appropriation of an additional $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance as provided by this Act, such sums to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Terminates the existence of the Federal Metal and Nonmettalic Mine Safety Board of Review established pursuant to the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act. Grants the Secretary of the Interior authority to review mine closing orders which were previously reviewed by the Board. Makes final orders issued by the Secretary subject to the same judicial appeal procedures which Board orders were subject to. (Amends 30 U.S.C. 729-731)
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Nuclear Energy Study Act - Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to undertake an independent comprehensive study and investigation of the entire nuclear fuel cycle as specified in this Act. Requires that all government agencies cooperate to the fullest extent with the Office. Requires that the Office provide annual reports to Congress and the public on the progress of the study. Directs the Office to submit a final report to the Congress and the public five years after the enactment of this Act concerning the safety and environmental hazards of nuclear fission power plants and the nuclear fuel cycle. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for each of the first five fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act to fund the investigation and study.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Fair Marketing of Petroleum Products Act - Prohibits refiners or distributors of petroleum products from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise, or unless such refiner or distributor withdraws entirely from the sale of refined petroleum products in commerce for sale other than resale in the United States. Sets forth procedural and jurisdictional requirements for suits brought as result of violation of this Act. Prohibits a person who is a major market shareholder from commencing or expanding the operation of any distributorship or retail establishment whose personnel are under the control of such major market shareholder or entity controlled by such major market shareholder. Provides that any corporation which knowingly violates such prohibition on marketing expansion shall upon conviction be fined in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protection against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide a Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons and judicial subpenas. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may not require an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are required to be maintained by the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Repeals the Military Selective Service Act. Provides that all activities and duties of the Reconciliation Service program of the Selective Service System shall be transferred to the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act - Prohibits the transfer of nuclear materials to any country which has not ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons unless the President determines, and the Congress by concurrent resolution approves, that such sale is essential to national security.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it does not favor specified proposed amendments to the rules and regulations of the Small Business Administration pertaining to the imposition of loan maturity fees and other fees and charges for loan application preparation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it does not favor specified proposed amendments to the rules and regulations of the Small Business Administration pertaining to the imposition of loan maturity fees and other fees and charges for loan application preparation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Oil Import Purchase Authority Act - Provides that the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration after October 1, 1975, to be responsible for the importation of petroleum into the United States. Prohibits the importation of petroleum into the United States after such date unless pursuant to a sale. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the allocation by sale of all petroleum so imported. Requires the Administrator to make adjustments in the prices paid by purchasers so that the average price paid is equal for all purchasers of a similar quality of petroleum. Stipulates that funds for the purchase of petroleum be appropriated from the general revenues, and that moneys realized on the sale of such petroleum be returned to the general revenues. Requires the Administrator to establish disciplinary rules for bidders who fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their bids. Prohibits any officer or employee of the Energy Administration from disclosing any information relating to the bids. Specifies a fine not to exceed $100,000 for 10 years imprisonment, or both, for such disclosure. Requires the Administrator to limit knowledge of the identity of bidders to six persons within the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1975
Requires, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, that imported meat and meat food products made in whole or in part of imported meat be labeled "imported" at each stage of distribution until delivery to the ultimate consumer. Directs that owners of eating establishments shall provide that individuals purchasing food from such establishment be informed of the fact that such establishment serves meat or meat food products containing meat imported from a foreign country. Establishes fines for violation of this Act by eating establishments engaged in operations affecting commerce and which sell meat or meat food products which have been imported from foreign countries.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1975
Federal Mines and Minerals Health and Safety Amendments - Title I: Transfer of Mines and Minerals Health and Safety Functions - Creates, within the Department of Labor, the Mines and Mineral Health and Safety Administration, under the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. Provides that the head of this administration be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and specifies his duties and rate of compensation. Transfers specified health and safety functions from the Secretary of the Interior, the Director of the Bureau of Mines and the Director of the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration to the Secretary of Labor, to be administered by this Administration. Transfers associated personnel, property, records and funds to the Secretary of Labor. Declares that, in carrying out the transferred functions, the Secretary of Labor and the Administration shall give priority to the health and safety of mining and mineral industry personnel and their families, and specifies particular areas of concern. Abolishes the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration. Prohibits any Federal employee performing any function under any law administered by the Administration or under this Act from having any direct or indirect interest in the mining or minerals industry, with specified exceptions. Title II: Coal Mine Health and Safety - Sets forth procedures governing judicial review of mandatory health or safety standards promulgated under this Act. Requires that all meetings of any committee established under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act be open to the public. Directs the Secretary to take prompt action in assessing and collecting civil penalties for violations of mandatory health and safety standards and provides for personnel to insure such promptness. States that the Secretary shall conduct evaluations of potential losses or shifts of mandatory health and safety standards under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Permits a miner, who is laid off, threatened with discharge, or discriminated against because of the results of the standards, to request an investigation by the Secretary. Specifies the procedures for the Secretary to follow in conducting such an investigation. Empowers any person injured as a result of a violation of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act to bring suit in an appropriate United States district court, which shall have jurisdiction without regard to the amount in controversy or citizenship of the parties. Provides that any person may commence a civil action against the person allegedly in violation of the mandatory health and safety standards, or against the Secretary for failing to perform a nondiscretionary duty under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Title III: Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Health and Safety - Provides that all non-mandatory health and safety standards promulgated prior to this Act become mandatory standards within ninety days after enactment of this Act, with exceptions. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, to initiate research for upgrading of all mandatory standards and to publish such proposed and finalized standards. Permits any interested individual to apply for a review of any mandatory health or safety standard to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the circuit in which such person resides. Expands the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Safety Act to include any mine inspection which reveals: (1) an imminent danger; (2) a violation of mandatory standards which has not created an imminent danger; and (3) a violation of mandatory standards which could contribute substantially to a health or safety hazard. Prescribes the orders for withdrawal or abatement in each category. Provides procedures for review by the Secretary of any orders issued pursuant to the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Safety Act, and for judicial review of any order, with exceptions, issued by the Secretary under such Act. Requires that each mine maintain a conspicuous bulletin board, on which notices, orders and decisions given to a mine operator, pursuant to the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Safety Act, must be immediately posted. Empowers the Secretary to institute a civil action for relief, including an injunction, and specifies the civil and criminal penalties for which a mine operator will be liable if in violation of any provision of the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Safety Act. Provides that if a mine is closed under such Act, all miners working during the closing shift who are idled shall be entitled to full compensation, but not for more than the balance of such shift. Elaborates entitlements of miners to compensation under other specific circumstances of closings. Expands the purposes for which authorized representatives of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare may enter and investigate mines. Extends to miners' representatives the right to immediate inspection when such representative has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of a mandatory health or safety standard exists or that an imminent danger exists. Specifies circumstances under which actions for damages and citizen suits may be commenced. Provides that all accidents, including unintentional roof falls, shall be investigated by the operator or his agent to determine the cause and the means of preventing a recurrence. Requires that records of all accidents and ensuing investigations shall be kept, and specifies periods for mandatory reporting. Authorizes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research related to the development of safety and health standards, and to perform all functions with respect to mines that it performs with respect to employments under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in carrying out his functions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to include accurate statistics on work injuries and illnesses occurring in the mines.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Revises clause 6 of rule XXVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that managers appointed by the House to each conference committee shall transact all business in meetings open to the public except where the House, by majority vote and in open session, shall vote to close such meeting or meetings. Directs that it shall be in order to debate such motion to close for ten minutes before the vote is taken on that motion, one-half of such time to be given to debate by the mover of the motion and one-half to debate in opposition to the motion.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 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 · 12 May 1975
Nuclear Energy Reappraisal Act - Terminates the granting of construction licenses of nuclear fission powerplants in the United States pending action by the Congress following a comprehensive five-year study of the nuclear fuel cycle with particular reference to its safety and environmental hazards, to be conducted by the Office of Technological Assessment. Empowers the Office to compel delivery of any information in the possession of the National Laboratories which the Office deems necessary for conducting its study. Specifies that all Government agencies shall cooperate to the fullest extent with the Office. Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to submit, within five years, a report to Congress and the public concerning safety and environmental hazards of nuclear fission powerplants and the nuclear fuel cycle. Requires the report to include recommendations as to whether a resumption of the licensing of nuclear fission power plants should be allowed, and if so, the conditions under which licenses should be granted. Authorizes appropriations for the study of $15,000,000 for each of the five fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Requires, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, that no bill or report of a committee or conference be considered unless copies of such are available to Members at least four hours before consideration. Directs that it shall not be in order for the Speaker to entertain a request for the suspension of the provisions of this clause.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1975
Prohibits franked mailings by Members of the Congress and officers of the United States other than mailings related to the closing of their official business, after such Members or officers have left office. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3210 (b) (1))
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Vietnam and Cambodia Refugee Resettlement Assistance Act - Authorizes $127,000,000 to be appropriated for a period of no more than 90 days for assistance to refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia for medical care, resettlement, social and welfare services, transportation to third countries or back to Vietnam and Cambodia if requested. Places a one-year moratorium on the hiring by any intelligence agency of the United States Government or by the Department of Defense of refugees who participated in the Operation Phoenix program. Directs the President to report to Congress regarding: (1) the occupations and backgrounds of refugees; and (2) those refugees who participated in the Operation Phoenix program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service and the Congress should take action to simplify the Federal income tax forms. Calls upon the States and local governments which impose income taxes to model their forms upon the Federal income tax forms.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Executive Agreements Review Act - Provides that each executive agreement, entered into after the date of enactment of this Act, shall be transmitted by the President to the Senate, or, in cases requiring non-disclosure for the immediate time, to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations under an appropriate written injunction of secrecy to be removed only upon due notice from the President. Provides that the Senate must agree to a simple resolution of disapproval of such agreement within 60 calendar days of continuous session to negate the agreement. Provides that resolutions with respect to executive agreements must be referred to a Senate committee, and specifies procedures for the discharge of the committee from consideration of the bill if it fails to report on such bill within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, to require reasonable bonds from market agencies, dealers, and packers to secure the performance of their obligations with respect to transactions involving livestock or poultry. Authorizes the Secretary to summarily order, without a hearing, any person subject to the provisions of such Act to pay a seller of livestock or poultry by certified check or to establish a custodial account if the Secretary has reason to believe that such action is necessary to protect vendees. Empowers the Secretary to request the Attorney General of the United States Livestock to apply to the United States district court for a temporary injunction or restraining order whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that any person subject to this Act (1) is unable to pay for livestock products, (2) has operated while insolvent, or (3) does not have the required bond. Provides that debts of a bankrupt that are owing for the purchase of livestock or poultry shall have priority if, at the time such debts were incurred, the bankrupt was a packer, market agency, or dealer subject to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance for programs aimed at reducing unemployment and at repairing, rehabiliting, and improving railroad roadbeds, and facilities. Provides that within sixty days after enactment the Secretary shall make funds available to any railroad which has laid off, furloughed, or otherwise reduced the number of maintenance-of-way and signal system maintenance employees between the period from June 1, 1974, through April 15, 1975, to the extent necessary to enable such a railroad to hire and maintain until June 1, 1976, sufficient numbers of such employees at prevailing wages to restore the size of its repair and rehabilitation work force to the maximum level maintained between June 1, 1974, and April 15, 1975. Requires that such employees be utilized by the railroad for priority categories of work as specified in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary until December 31, 1976, to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to States, political subdivisions or combinations thereof, the Appalachian Regional Commission, or Regional Action Planning Commissions for a rehabilitation program involving a facility within the categories set out in this Act. States that in reviewing the applications for financial assistance under this section, the Secretary shall consider specified criteria, including: (1) the extent to which the proposed project meets the objectives of this Act, and (2) the severity of unemployment in the affected area and the impact that the proposed project is likely to have on that unemployment. Establishes an Advisory Commission to assist the States, political subdivisions, and regional commissions in identifying eligible roadbeds and facilities and in formulating and submitting appropriate grant applications. Sets forth objectives and priority categories and eligibility requirements for grants. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to be expended solely for the acquisition of materials or equipment necessary or appropriate for implementing or carrying out a repair, rehabilitation, or improvement program or project receiving or approved to receive Federal financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Directs that no contract or agreement for the performance of work receiving Federal financial assistance shall be entered into under this Act without assurances that required labor standards shall be maintained in the performance of such work. Requires that all laborers and mechanics employed by railroads, contractors, and subcontractors in the performance of work done with the aid of such financial assistance shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar work in the locality as determined in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to the extent necessary to administer the provisions of this Act. Requires that each recipient of assistance under this Act, directly or indirectly, regardless of form, shall maintain any records as the Secretary shall prescribe. States that the Secretary may conduct cost and benefit assessment studies of various programs under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $600,000,000 for the purposes of this Act, which not more than $7,000,000 shall be available to the Secretary for administrative expenses in implementing this Act, such sums to remain availble until expended. Authorizes the appropriation of an additional $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance as provided by this Act, such sums to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Requires, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that all persons engaged in business as retail distributors of packaged consumer goods mark the selling price plainly on the principal display panel of the package label.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Family Farm Antitrust Act - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Provides that no person engaged in commerce in a business other than farming, whose nonfarming business assets exceed $3,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products, or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer owned and controlled cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act, if the person is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 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 · 29 April 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States delegation to the European Security Conference should not agree to the recognition by the European Security Conference of the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and it should remain the policy of the United States not to recognize in any way the annexation of the Baltic nations by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Plutonium Recovery Control Act - Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from licensing, permitting, or otherwise authorizing, except for military or research and development purposes, (1) the operation of any nuclear power reactor using recycled plutonium fuel, or (2) the construction or operation of any facility which reprocesses or recovers plutonium from spent nuclear power reactor fuel. Requires the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct and complete within three years a comprehensive study of the recycling of plutonium for the purpose of determining the extent of the dangers to the public health and safety and to the environment from such recycling. States that such study shall include: (1) investigation of the toxicity and carcinogenic characteristics of plutonium; (2) investigation of the risks of the unauthorized diversion or theft of plutonium; and (3) consideration of the development of systems for the use of plutonium which will assure the protection of the public health and safety and the environment. Provides that the prohibitions expressed in this Act shall continue until Congress legislates otherwise.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
National Oil Recycling Act - Exempts from the excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code lubricating oils sold for use in producing rerefined oil. Directs all Federal officials to encourage the use of recycled oil, through procurement policies, contracts and education. Requires the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense, and all other Federal agencies to revise their procurement specifications to encourage the use of recycled oil. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make a grant to any State which submits a waste oil management plan which includes specified provisions required by this Act. Limits the authorization to one grant for each State in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for fiscal years 1976 through 1980. Specifies the standards to be used by the Administrator in determining the amounts of such grants. Limits to $500,000 the grants to any State during fiscal years 1976 through 1980 for the implementation and operation of the waste oil management plan of such State. Permits States to provide for stricter control of recycled oil, used oil, or new oil than that provided for by Federal law. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations: (1) with respect to the labeling of recycled oil in order to carry out the purpose of this Act; and (2) requiring any container of automotive and industrial oil, to have affixed a label stating the proper disposal of such oil. Requires automotive oil packaged for sale to be sold in resealable containers. Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to conduct a program of research to improve the performance and marketability of recycled oil. Requires the Administrator to conduct research into the environmental and public health impacts of various used oil disposal practices. Imposes a penalty of $50,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year for entering into any contract with the intent to discourage the recycling of used oil. Requires specified oil users, users of oil recycler, or used oil collectors to maintain complete records of the use or collection and the disposition of such oil. Specifies the reports which the Administrator of Energy Research and Development shall submit regarding the research conducted pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Administrator, through the Attorney General and a district court of the United States, to order the licensing of a patent whenever necessary to effectuate this Act or to prevent a lessening of competition. Imposes a general penalty for violating any provision of this Act of $25,000 or six months in prison. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976 through 1980 specified amounts to carry out the purposes of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bedell, Berkley W. [D-IA-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000298_200.jpg)