United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
MHD (Magnetohydrodynamics) Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Declares that Congress finds that MHD electricity generation will help eliminate the dependence of the United States upon foreign energy sources. Declares it to be the policy of the Federal Government to pursue a program of research and development of MHD as a major source of energy and to provide for the development and demonstration of practicable means to employ MHD on a commercial scale. Declares that the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration shall have responsibility for such research, development and demonstration program. Directs the Administrator to initiate and carry out such research and development program for the purpose of achieving commercial utilization of MHD energy in the United States by the mid-1980's. Creates in the Energy Research and Development Administration a Division of MHD Electric Power Generation. Directs the Administrator to establish and operate an MHD energy information data bank. Authorizes and directs the Administrator to support programs of education to provide the necessary trained personnel to perform the MHD energy research, development, and demonstration programs required under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976 such sums, not to exceed $50,000,000, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 1977 to 1980 such sums, not to exceed $100,000,000, as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Extends for an additional 12 month period ending July 1, 1976, the eligibility of recipients of Social Security supplemental security income benefits to receive food stamps.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Title I: Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Checks - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish procedures for expedited payment of monthly benefits. Requires the Secretary, within one day after the date an individual files for late payment of benefits, to cause such monthly insurance benefits to be paid. Title II: Expediting of Hearings and Determination - States that in the administration of the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures designed to assure that: (1) any duly requested hearing to which an individual is entitled thereunder will be held within a reasonable period of time after such hearing is so requested, if such hearing is requested with respect to a determination of entitlement to benefits; and (2) not later than ninety days after such a hearing is requested, the Secretary shall render a final determination on the issues which were the subject of such hearing, or if no final determination of the Secretary has been made at that time, the Secretary shall make payments of benefits to such individual in like manner as if a final determination has been made fully in favor of such individual. Title III: Expedited Payment of Black Lung Benefits; and Expedited Hearings and determinations Respecting Such Benefits - Provides for expedited payments of black lung benefits under the Federal coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting hearings and hearings and determinations on claims for such benefits. Title IV: Limitation of Benefit Reduction to Compensate for Benefit Overpayment - Limits to 25 percent the reduction that may be made in an individual's Social Security benefit check for any month because of any previous overpayment of monthly benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Ozone Protection Act - Declares that the release of chlorofluromethane may pose a danger to public health and safety. Provides for a study by the National Academy of Sciences of the nature and likelihood of potential effects on public health and the environment of the discharge of such gas. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to report to the Congress on such potential effects. Provides for a program of standards to limit the emissions of such gas from major sources. Provides for the enforcement of prohibitions upon the manufacture and sale of aerosol spray containers which discharge such gas, including penalties of up to $10,000 in civil fines per day of violation under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Health Manpower Act - Title I: Extension of Current Authorization Through Fiscal Year 1975 - Extends the authorization for specified trainee, construction, loan guarantee, interest subsidy, special project, financial distress, and scholarship grants, under the Public Health Service Act through fiscal year 1975. Title II: General Provisions - Establishes minimum requirements for the training of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and expanded function dental auxiliaries to extend one academic year and include supervised clinical practice and at least 4 months of classroom instruction. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex by schools training students in the health sciences. Defines acts constituting discrimination. Requires assurances that such schools or entities will not discriminate as a condition of any financial assistance under the Public Health Service Act. Requires financial assistance recipients to maintain records of the disposition of such assistance. Provides that active service of commissioned officers in the Public Health Service shall be accorded the same status as active military service under the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940. Title III: Assistance for Construction of Teaching Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for grants for the construction of teaching facilities for the training of physicians, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, veterinarians, and professional public health personnel. Specifies ceilings for the amounts of such grants. Title IV: Student Assistance; National Health Service Corps - Provides that student loans under the Public Health Service Act may not exceed annual tuition costs plus $2,500. Increases the interest rate on such loans from 3 to 7 percent. Authorizes $30,000,000 to be appropriated for distribution in the student loan funds by participating schools for each of fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to schools of public health for traineeships to train students enrolled in such schools. Authorizes grants for the continuance of scholarship payments to public and private health profession schools through September 30, 1978. Establishes the Public Health and National Health Service Corps Scholarship Training Program. Specifies requirements for participation in the program by eligible institutions and students (including required periods of public health service for participating students). Authorizes grants of up to $25,000 under such program. Revises the National Health Service Corps Program (1) to provide greater financial incentives for physicians and dentists to deliver health services to medically underserved populations, and (2) to insure greater cooperation between State and Federal authorities in the administration of health programs to medically underserved populations. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress concerning the effectiveness of such programs. Establishes the National Advisory Council on the National Health Service Corps. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for the revision of the National Health Service Corps Program. Title V: Grants for Health Professions Schools - Authorizes grants to be made to health profession schools in amounts determined by the number of full-time students and the type of training afforded by the school. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978. Specifies application requirements for the awarding of such grants, including assurances of improved quality of training and increased enrollments by prospective recipients. Entitles eligible public health, veterinary, optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry schools to start-up grants under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for such grants. Authorizes appropriations under such Act for financial distress grants for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978. Title VI: Special Project Grants and Contracts - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 to provide financial assistance to promote (1) residency programs in the general practice of dentistry and (2) with respect to schools of medicine and osteopathy, provision of clinical instruction in family medicine. Broadens the assistance program for financially disadvantaged students, and authorizes appropriations for such program for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for project grants and contracts for schools of optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry to assist these schools in cooperating with other health profession training programs and institutions. Provides for the education and training of United States students returning from foreign medical schools with deficiencies in their medical school educations. Authorizes the Secretary to expand the overall program for training of physician assistants and expanded function dental auxiliaries. Title VII: Public and Allied Health Personnel - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for (1) institutional grants for graduate programs in health administration, hospital administration, health planning, environmental health, and preventive medicine; (2) grants for traineeships to train public and community health personnel for which the Secretary determines there is unusual need; (3) project grants and contracts for the education, coordination, and management of allied health personnel; and (4) grants for advanced training of allied health personnel. Title VIII: Medical Residency Training Programs - Restricts the number of first-year positions to be available in medical residency training programs under the Public Health Service Act. Requires the Secretary to establish a medical residency training program accrediting agency for accrediting such programs for which first-year positions may be designated. Title IX: Miscellaneous - Directs the Secretary to contract for a study of the current and projected geographical distribution of physicians by specialty and subspecialty. Directs the Secretary to arrange for studies (1) to classify allied health personnel according to activities, to identify education costs in each classification, and to identify classifications in which personnel shortages are critical; and (2) of funding alternatives for health professions education.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - States that the current depressed condition of the national economy has had an especially heavy impact upon local governments, making it no longer possible for them to finance needed public facilities, thereby threatening the health, safety, and general welfare of their citizens. Declares it to be needless and unwise public policy for a vast pool of idle manpower to coexist with a backlog of needed and long overdue local public facilities work. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce acting through the Economic Development Administration to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Provides that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Directs the Secretary to prescribe those rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. States factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. States that not more than 10 percent of all amounts authorized to carry out this Act shall be granted for local public works projects within any one State. Provides that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted by this Act shall be paid wages a rate not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $5,000,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Medical Device Amendments - Revises the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the safety and effectiveness of medical devices intended for human use. Establishes classifications for such devices based upon their safety and effectiveness. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to classify all such devices. Authorizes the Secretary to establish panels of experts for the purpose of securing recommendations with respect to such classifications. Provides that, based on new information respecting a device, the Secretary may, upon his own initiative or upon petition of an interested person, by regulation: (1) change such device's classification; and (2) revoke, because of the change in classification, any regulation in effect with respect to such device. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a performance standard for those devices for which reasonable assurance for the safety and effectiveness of the device cannot be made. Sets forth criteria to be followed in establishing such standard. Directs the Secretary to provide for periodic evaluation of performance standards established under this Act. Establishes procedures to be followed by the Secretary in developing and changing such standards. Provides that the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a notice inviting any person, including any Federal agency, to submit an existing standard or an offer to develop such a standard. Requires the Secretary to obtain from the offeror such information concerning the offeror as the Secretary determines is necessary to disclose potential conflicts of interests. States that if a standard or offer to create a standard is submitted to the Secretary which he does not accept he shall publish in the Federal Register notice of that fact together with the reasons therefor. Authorizes the Secretary to accept offers to develop a proposed standard for a device. Allows the Secretary to contribute to the offeror's cost in developing a proposed standard. Makes provisions for the development of performance standards by the Secretary when no other means are available. Requires premarket approval for medical devices for which insufficient information exists for the establishment of a performance standard and which are purported or represented to be for a use which is of substantial importance in supporting, sustaining, or preventing impairment of human life. Establishes procedures for premarket approval of such devices. Sets forth criteria upon which the approval or disapproval of such devices shall be based, including a lack of showing by the applicant of reasonable assurance that such device is safe for use under the conditions prescribed in the proposed labeling. Allows the Secretary in specified circumstances to withdraw his premarket approval of a device. Sets forth procedures to be followed for the withdrawal of such approval. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt from the premarket approval requirements established by this Act devices which are intended solely for investigational use for the purpose of developing data relating to the safety and effectiveness of such devices. Authorizes the Secretary to ban devices intended for human use if he finds that: (1) they present substantial deception of a substanital risk of illness or human injury; and (2) such deception or risk could be eliminated by corrective labeling but the manufacturer does not do so. Sets forth procedures governing the banning of such devices. Authorizes the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to hear appeals of any person adversely affected by a decision, rule, or order, of the Secretary under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to require manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of medical devices, and health professionals utilizing them to participate in a process of notification to users of those medical devices which the Secretary determines present an unreasonable risk of substantial harm to the public health. Authorizes the Secretary to require a manufacturer of a medical device intended for human use which (1) presents a substantial risk of harm to the public health and (2) was not properly designed or manufactured, to repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of such device at no cost to the person using it. Authorizes the Secretary to require that a device be limited to sale or distribution by prescription of a licensed medical practitioner. Authorizes the Secretary to establish mandatory manufacturing methods for medical devices. Sets forth procedures controlling the establishment of such methods. Requires manufacturers of medical devices intended for human use to register with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and to provide specified information concerning such devices. Requires every person who is a manufacturer, importer, or distributor of a medical device intended for human use to establish and maintain such records as the Secretary may by regulation direct. Makes conforming amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Extends specified sections of such Act relating to labeling, inspection, and seizures to medical devices.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides for the administrative and judicial review of claims (involving the amount of benefits payable) which arise under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare).
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
States that it shall be unlawful for any officer or employee of any executive department or agency to do the following: (1) to permit, require, or request any officer or employee of the United States, or any individual applying for employment as an officer or employee of the United States, to take any polygraph test in connection with his services or duties or in connection with his application for employment; (2) to discharge, discipline, or deny promotion to any officer or employee of the United States, or to threaten to commit any such act by reason of his refusal or failure to submit to such requirement or request. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person engaged in any business or other activity in or affecting interstate commerce to do the following: (1) to permit, require, or request any officer or employee or any individual applying for employment to take any polygraph test; or (2) to deny employment to any individual, or to discharge, discipline, or deny promotion to any officer or employee, or to threaten to commit such act, by reason of his refusal or failure to submit to such requirement or request. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 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 · 20 March 1975
Requires the Secretary of Defense to take such action as is necessary to insure that any member of the Armed Forces who is discharged shall receive a discharge certificate which shall indicate that such member was so discharged and which shall not bear any indication of the conditions under which such separation occured. States that the reason why such member was so separated (other than by reason of discharged dismissal pursuant to a sentence of a general or special court-martial) and all other records or documents pertaining to such reason or reasons shall be treated as confidential and shall not be made known to or otherwise released to any private person or any public agency (whether Federal, State, or local) without the prior written consent of the member concerned. Sets forth the conditions under which an enlisted member of the Armed Forces may be discharged under other than honorable conditions. Establishes procedures for military review panels in considering the dishonorable discharge of enlisted personnel. Requires military review panels to conduct hearings which afford the enlisted member concerned an opportunity to: (1) appear before the panel and present evidence in his own behalf; (2) be represented by counsel; (3) confront the witnesses against him; and (4) examine documentary and real evidence against him. States that the recommendation of a review panel appointed under the provisions of this Act for separation under other than honorable conditions may be appealed to an appeal board established by the Judge Advocate General concerned, or the General Counsel of the Department of Transportation, as appropriate. Authorizes the Secretaries concerned to prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretaries concerned, after consultation with the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, to establish a number (but not less than ten) of regional boards of review throughout the United States. States that the function of the regional boards shall be to review the discharge or dismissal (other than a discharge or dismissal by a general or special court-martial) of any former member of an Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the military department concerned. Provides that if a request for the review of a discharge or dismissal of any person who was discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces within the fifteen-year period immediately preceding the effective date of this Act was filed before such effective date and such review resulted in no change to the discharge or dismissal, or no new discharge was issued, another request for review of that discharge or dismissal pursuant to this Act may be filed and such review shall be acted upon without prejudice, if such request for review is filed with the appropriate regional board of review within the one-year period immediately following such effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Repeals the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 which makes flood insurance coverage and community participation in the national flood insurance program prerequisites for approval of any financial assistance in a flood hazard area.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Establishes the Office of Inspector General in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the Inspector General Shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the Inspector General shall investigate each program administered by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in order to determine if such program is administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and to recommend corrections of deficiencies in such program. Requires the Inspector General to report annually to Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Inspector General may secure any information that he deems necessary from any agency of the Federal Government. Gives the Inspector the power to hold hearings and issue subpenas as necessary to gather information. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Taxpayer Audit Disclosure Act - Requires the establishment of formal procedures and criteria for the selection of individual income tax returns for audit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to provide any individual selected for auditing with a written notice which clearly specifies the reasons for and manner in which the return of such individual was selected for audit. Provides that the Secretary or his delegate shall furnish to such individual a written explanation which describes the audit procedure, the rights which a taxpayer may exercise during such procedure, the right of the taxpayer to make an administrative or judicial appeal from an adverse decision at the end of such procedure, and the right of the taxpayer to claim a refund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to submit to the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation before September 30 of each year a report setting forth: (1) the number of individuals whose returns were selected for audit during the previous 12-month period; (2) a classification of individuals whose returns were audited during the previous 12-month period by, among other factors, income levels, geographic distribution, and profession; (3) the number of individuals audited during the previous 12-month period who were found to have made underpayments or overpayments of tax, together with summary statistics reflecting the percentage of such number, by income category, who made underpayments or overpayments of certain ranges of amounts (to be determined by the Secretary or his delegate); and (4) such other information as may be requested by the joint committee in accordance with the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 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 · 19 March 1975
Prohibits, except as provided in this Act, the inspection of tax returns and the disclosure of information contained in such returns. Authorizes the inspection of returns by or disclosure to (1) the taxpayer or his representative; (2) employees of the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Justice solely for purposes of enforcement of the tax laws; (3) State agencies charged with administration of the tax laws only for that purpose; (4) the President of the United States in the performance of his official duties; and (5) the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation for statistical purposes only. Increases the criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure or receipt of information under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Prohibits any increase in the price of consumer commodities by any retailer once a price is placed on any such commodity by such retailer. Imposes civil penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Makes loans available, under the Small Business Act, for small businesses suffering economic injuries as the result of the disruption of operations and services of public utilities occurring on or after February 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act - Title I: Health Revenue Sharing - Special Health Revenue Sharing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to State health and mental health authorities to assist in meeting the costs of providing comprehensive public health services under State plans approved under this Act. Sets forth the required elements of the content of such State plans. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to make grants pursuant to this title. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and the same amount for fiscal year 1977 for payments under grants for establishing and maintaining programs for the screening, detection, diagnosis, prevention, and referral for treatment of hypertension. Title II: Family Planning Programs - Family Planning and Population Research Act - Authorizes appropriations for the family planning and population research programs of the Public Health Service Act for the fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct, make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or private entities for projects for research in the biomedical, contraceptive development, behavioral and program implementation fields related to family planning and population. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 to carry out such research. Sets forth reporting requirements for the Secretary to Congress. Permits local and regional governmental entities to apply for and receive directly such grants or contracts. Title III: Community Mental Health Centers - Community Mental Health Centers Amendments - Presents the finding of the Congress that: (1) community mental health care is the most effective and humane form of care for a majority or mentally ill individuals; and (2) federally funded community mental health centers have had a major impact on the improvement of mental health care; and (3) there is a shortage and maldistribution of community health care resources in the U.S. Provides that the comprehensive mental health services which shall be provided through a community mental health center under the Community Mental Health Centers Act shall include: (1) inpatient-services, outpatient services, day care and similar partial hospitalization services, and emergency services; (2) detoxification and referral services for the treatment of alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and other drug abuse and drug dependence problems (including narcotic addiction); (3) consultation and education services for health professionals, schools, State and local law enforcement and correctional agencies, public welfare agencies, health services delivery agencies, and other appropriate entities; (4) assistance to courts and other public agencies in screening residents of the center's catchment area who are being considered for referral to a State mental health facility for treatment to determine if they should be so referred and provision, where appropriate, of treatment for such persons through the center as an alternative to treatment at such facility; and (5) provision of followup care for residents of its catchment area who have been discharged from a State mental health facility; and (6) other enumerated programs and services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out projects to develop community mental health center programs. Authorizes appropriations for the payment of such grants for fiscal years 1975 and 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private community mental health centers and other entities to assist them in meeting their costs of operation during the first eight years after their establishment. Authorizes appropriations for the payment of such grants for fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to any community mental health center for the costs of providing consultation and education services under this Act. Sets forth criteria for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for the payment of such grants for fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Sets forth general regulations governing grants made under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the operation of community mental health centers which are under financial distress. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for the payment of such grants for the fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Directs the Secretary to pay the Federal share of projects for the acquisition, leasing, and construction of community mental health centers, and for the acquisition of initial equipment for such facilities. Defines "Federal share" with respect to such projects. Sets forth the procedures for approval of, payment of grants to, and allocation of funds for, projects under this title. Establishes within the National Institute of Mental Health the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out through such Center a study of specified issues involving rape; and to assist community mental health centers and qualified public and nonprofit private entities in conducting research concerning the control and prevention of rape. Authorizes to be appropriated $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to support such study and research. Defines the terms used in this title. Sets forth general regulations with respect to the administration of this title. Title IV: Migrant Health Centers - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to assist in the establishment, initial operation, and continued operation of migrant health centers serving high impact areas. Defines "migrant health center" as an entity which provides health services to agricultural migratory workers and their families. Defines the terms used in this title. Sets forth health services to be supplied by migrant health centers. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public and private entities, in areas in which no migrant health centers exist and which are not high impact areas, to provide health care to agricultural workers and their families. Authorizes appropriations for the payment of such grants for fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Directs the Secretary to appoint and organize a National Advisory Council on Migrant Health, to advise, consult with, and make recommendations on matters concerning the organization, operation, selection, and funding of migrant health centers. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of (1) the quality of housing which is available to agricultural migratory workers in the United States while away from their permanent abodes; (2) the effect on the health of migrant workers of deficiencies in such housing; and (3) Federal, State, and local government standards respecting housing conditions for such workers during such period. Sets forth the reporting requirements for the Secretary for such study. Title V: Community Health Centers - Defines the term "community health center" as meaning under the Public Health Service Act an entity which provides primary health services, referral to providers of supplemental health services for all residents of the area it serves and other services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for projects to plan and develop community health centers which will serve medically underserved populations. Requires primary health services to be available and accessible in the area served by the center promptly, as appropriate, and in a manner which assures continuity. Provides that the governing body of a community health center shall have at least a majority of its members as being served by the center and who as a group represent the individuals receiving services from the center, shall meet at least once a month, shall establish general policies for the center, shall approve the center's annual budget, and shall approve the selection of a director for the center. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to assist in: (1) the establishment and initial operation of community health centers which will service a medically underserved population; and (2) meeting the cost of the continued operation of such centers. Authorizes appropriations for the payment of grants under this title for fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Authorizes to be appropriated $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the study of specified diseases including those borne by rodents. Authorizes to be appropriated $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for home health services, as defined in the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Committee on Mental Health and Illness of the Elderly. Directs the Secretary to establish a temporary commission to be known as the Commission for the Control of Epilepsy and Its Consequences. Directs the Secretary to establish a temporary commission to be known as the Commission for the Control of Huntington's Disease and Its Consequences. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities for projects for the establishment of comprehensive hemophilia diagnostic and treatment centers. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities for projects to develop and expand existing blood separation centers. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Title VII: Extension of Current Authorities Through Fiscal year 1975 - Authorizes the extension through fiscal year 1975 of specified Public Health Service Act and Community Mental Health Centers Act grant programs due to expire in 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Energy Materials Conservation Education Act - Establishes within the Office of Education the Council on the Conservation and Nonuse of Energy-Materials, the members of which shall broadly represent the public and private sectors. Directs the Council to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on programs established under this Act. States that funds appropriated for grants and contracts under this Act shall be available for (but not limited to) such activities as: (1) community education programs concerning the conservation and nonuse of energy and materials, including special programs for adults; (2) dissemination of information to public and private nonprofit preschool, elementary, secondary, higher, adult, and community education programs; (3) research, development, and dissemination of curriculums, texts and materials, tests, and programs for adequate vocational and technical education and career counseling for persons in the field of energy-materials conservation and nonuse; and (4) programs and projects to recruit, train, organize, and employ professional and other persons, and to organize and participate in energy-materials conservation and nonuse educational programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or private nonprofit agencies, organizations, and other institutions for planning and carrying out community-oriented education programs or projects on the conservation and nonuse of energy materials in American society for the benefit of interested and concerned adults, young persons, ethnic and cultural groups, community, labor and business leaders, and other individuals and groups within a community. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to purchase from one or more life insurance companies a policy or policies of mortgage protection life insurance on a group basis for veterans unable to obtain commercial life insurance because of a service- connected disablility. Sets forth the maximum amount of insurance under a policy provided under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to deduct insurance premiums from any compensation or other cash benefits payable to veteran by the Veterans' Administration, and to pay such premiums to the insurers. States that any amount of insurance in force under this Act on the date of death of an insured veteran shall be paid only to the holder of the mortgage loan on the veteran's home as a credit toward loan indebtedness. Requires each policy purchased under this Act to provide for the following: (1) reinsurance with other insurers which meet the Administrator's criteria; (2) that the Administrator may discontinue a whole policy, or exclude from coverage loans made after a date fixed by him; (3) issuance to each insured veteran of a certificate setting forth the benefits to which he is entitled; (4) any other provisions necessary to carry out this Act; and (5) an annual accounting to the Administrator of the amount of premiums paid, the total of all mortality and other claim charges incurred, and the amount of the insurer's expenses and risk charges. States that insurance under this Act shall terminate upon whichover of the following events first occurs: (1) satisfaction of the veteran's indebtedness under the loan upon which the insurance is based; (2) the veteran's 70th birthday; (3) termination of the veteran's ownership of the property securing the loan; (4) discontinuance of payment of premiums by the veteran; or (5) discontinuance of the entire contract or agreement. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 791-95)
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a deduction: (1) the home improvement expenses (up to a maximum of $500) paid by a taxpayer; and (2) the residential addition amortization (the aggregate of which may not exceed $5,000).
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under the supplementary medical insurance (Medicare) program of of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the indiviudal could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's medicaid program under the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a home health patient ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled, (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services, (3) identify abuses against home health patients, (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients, (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable, and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Makes the children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under the medicaid program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Provides that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed by this section shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under the Internal Revenue Code ot 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Provides, under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, that an oil or gas lease pertaining to the Outer Continental Shelf shall be issued by the Secretary of the Interior only after such lease has been submitted by the Secretary to Congress and only if neither House of Congress passes a resolution within 90 days stating that such House does not favor the lease. States how the 90-day disapproval period shall be determined and defines "resolution" for purposes of this Act. Provides that debate on a resolution shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which shall be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Act Amendments - Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal years subsequent to that of 1975 to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program of assistance to the States to initiate, maintain, or expand nonprofit breakfast programs in schools. States that as a national nutrition and health policy, it is the purpose and intent of the Congress that the school breakfast program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 be made available in all schools where it is needed to provide adequate nutrition for children in attendance. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with State educational agencies, to carry out a program of information to the schools in furtherance of this policy. Requires that within ninety days after the enactment of this legislation, the Secretary shall report to the committee of jurisdiction in the Congress his plans, and those of the cooperating State agencies, to bring about the needed expansion in the school breakfast program. Sets forth the schedule of income limitations for reduced price lunches. Provides for the disbursement of funds under this Act to nonprofit private schools. Provides for the inclusion of specified commodities, such as cereal and shortening, in the food donations to the school lunch program covered by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program to assist States through grants-in-aid and other means to initiate, maintain, or expand nonprofit food service programs for needy children in institutions providing child care. Sets forth requirements for the apportionment of funds under this Act to the States. Authorizes the use of funds under the National School Lunch Act for nonfood assistance for the special food service program. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant, and Fetal Nutrition. Provides for the membership of such Council. Makes it the function of the Council to make a continuing study of the operation of the special supplemental food program and any related Act under which diet supplementation is provided to women, infants, and children, with a view to determining how such programs may be improved. Directs the Council to submit to the President and the Congress annually a written report of the results of its study together with such recommendations for administrative and legislative changes as it deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Provides that any correspondence to any Member of Congress which is: (1) sent to any official business address of the Member; and (2) mailed by a resident of the State or congressional district which is represented by the Member; may be mailed free of postage. Directs the Postal Service to maintain a supply of mailing forms for use in correspondence to Members of Congress, to be available at a nominal cost. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3220)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Increases from twenty-six to thirty-nine the maximum number of weeks for which an individual may receive unemployment assistance under the special unemployment assistance program established by the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Increases from thirteen to twenty-six the maximum number of weeks for which an individual may receive emergency compensation under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. Requires that amounts established by States for individuals in emergency compensation accounts must equal the lesser of (1) 100 percent (presently 50) of the total amount of regular compensation payable to the individuals with respect to the benefit year on the basis of which he most recently received regular compensation, or (2) 26 times (presently 13) his average weekly benefit amount for his benefit year. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 3304m.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Tax Equity Act - Title I: Capital Gains and Losses - Repeals the alternative tax presently allowed to corporations (and to individuals under specified circumstances) on long-term capital gain arising from: (1) dispositions pursuant to binding contracts and (2) distribution pursuant to liquidation. Provides, in lieu of the present 50 percent deduction for net long-term capital gain, an exclusion of one-third of 1 percent times the number of months long-term capital asset property used in the taxpayer's trade or business was held over 12 months. States that capital losses shall be allowed only to the entent of capital gains for the taxable year (up to $1000 in the case of an individual taxpayer). Provides for the carryover or carryback (to a maximum of 3 taxable years) of net capital losses (allowing carrybacks only if the net capital loss exceeds $10,000). Provides that the basis of specified property personal or household effects, life insurance proceeds, and income rights acquired from a decedent dying after June 30, 1975 shall be the same as the basis in the hands of the decedent plus its proportionate share of the Federal and State estate taxes attributable to the net appreciation in value of all such properties, even if such property is also community property. Requires the executor of an estate to supply specified information, in accordance with regulations to be propounded by the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to the decedent and the basis of his property. Provides that income from the sale or exchange of patent rights shall be treated as royalties (ordinary income) rather than as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. Title II: Income Derived From Extraction Of Minerals Repeals the percentage depletion allowance for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974. Provides for the deduction of expenditures (including intangible drilling costs) incurred in the exploration and development of mineral property. Repeals the maximum tax (33 percent on sales of oil and gas properties. Provides an exclusion from gross income of amounts derived from foreign mineral properties, provided that such income is not derived from: (1) a nonoperating mineral interest; (2) distributions received with respect to the stock of a corporation, and (3) amounts includible in gross income as undistributed profits of controlled foreign corporations. Limits the losses allowable from the disposition of mineral property to the extent of the gains from the sale or exchange of such property during the taxable year. Title III: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Individuals - Provides that the maximum rate of income tax for individuals shall be 50 percent of taxable income. Allows a credit of 24 percent of the amount of deductions which would be allowable, but for this Act, for the following: (1) personal exemptions; (2) interest on non-business obligations; (3) non-business State and local taxes; (4) non-business losses of property; (5) charitable contributions; (6) medical care; and (7) taxes and interest paid by a cooperative housing association. Authorizes the President to increase or decrease the 24 percent credit rate authorized by this Act subject to the disapproval by either House of Congress. States that such increase or decrease may not exceed 2 percentage points. Provides for a reduction in the tax rates applicable to those earning less than $10,000 per year. States that the income received by a child from a trust created by his parent, and dividends, interest, and royalties from property given the child by his parents shall be includible in the gross income of the parent if the claims a credit for the exemption allowable for such child as a dependent. Provides that share holder-employees of closely held corporations must include in gross income that part of of contributions paid by an employer-corporation (and deductible by it) to trusts, annuities, or bond purchase plans for the benefit of the sharehaolder-employee in excess of: (1) 15 percent of his compensation; or (2) $7500, and the amount of any forfeitures allocated to the employee's account under a stock bonus or profit-sharing plan. Repeals the $100 exclusion from gross income for dividends and trust income. Limits the deduction of interest on investment indibtedness to $5000 plus the amount of the net investment income. Restricts the business and income-producing expense deduction for business or trade-related conventions held outside of the United States to the cases where it is more reasonable for the meeting to be held outside of the United States than within the United States. Disallows business expense deductions for the use of a dwelling unit which is used by the taxpayer during the taxable year as a residence. Limits deductions attributable to farming to the gross income derived from farming for the taxable year, and, in the case of an individual, the higher of $10,000 on the amount of special deductions allowable. Provides for the computation of earings and profits on a consolidated basis with respect to distributions by the common parent corporation of a controlled group of corporations. Terminates the preferential tax treatment presently accorded to qualified stock options and restricted stock option plans under the Internal Revenue Code. Taxes trust income payable to the children of the grantor to the grantor if the child is under 21 years of age or a student. Provides that the deductible losses of a limited partner in a partnership cannot exceed his or her investment. Repeals the exemption for earned income from foreign sources. Provides that a partnership shall be treated as a corporation for purposes of income taxation upon filing of a registration statement for the offering of units of interest in a partnership with the Securities Exchange Commission. Title IV: Reform Measures Affedting Primarily Corporations - Repeals the investment credit for business property placed in service after Jan. 1, 1976. Repeals the Asset Depreciation Range System. States that, in the case of a corporation, the depreciation allowance shall not exceed the depreciation recorded on the corporation's books. Provides also that the deduction for repair expenses shall be limited to the amount recorded on the corporation's books. Limits the deduction on the aggregate amount of dividends received to 85 percent of taxable income computed without regard to specified deductions. Repeals the provision allowing nonrecognition of gain on the sale of inventory in specified cases. Denies, in the case of corporate reorganization, tax-free exchange treatment to investment companies. Disqualifies transactions which result in the shareholders of a merging corporation owning less than 20 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the surving corporation as reorganizations. Repeals the special treatment of bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Repeals the special deductions for Western Hemisphere trade corporations. Taxes the undistributed profits of foreign corporations to such corporations' United States shareholders based on each shareholder's pro rata share of such undistributed profits. Repeals the tax exemption presently permitted to Domestic International Sales Corporations. Title V: Reforms Affecting Individuals And Corporations - Reduces the exemption from the 10 percent minimum tax on items of tax preference from $30,000 to $12,000. Subjects interest on governmental obligations, mineral exploration and development expenditures, and foreign tax credits to the minimum (10 percent) tax on preferences. Provides that the difference between the cost to a shareholder of the use of corporate property and the fair market value of such use shall be includible in the gross income of the shareholder. Limits the allowable depreciation deduction for rental real estate to an amount which will not reduce the adjustment basis to an amount below any mortgage indebtedness on such property. Reduces the deduction of charitable gifts of appreciated property tothe amount of the property's basis at the time of the gift. Provides that the foreign tax credit shall not include foreign taxes paid or accrued on any item excluded from gross income or gain not recognized under the Internal Revenue Code. Limits the foreign tax credit to that proportion of the tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code which the taxpayer's taxable income from sources outside the United States bears to his entire taxable income. Title VI: Estate and Gift Tax Amendments - Provides for the integration of the estate tax rate with the rate schedule applied to the amount of adjusted inter vivos gifts ( the amount of such gifts to be computed according to a formula set forth in this Act). Limits the aggregate amount of charitable deductions allowed under the estate tax provision to $50 percent of the amount by which the value of the gross estate exceeds the aggregate amount of deductions for expenses, indebtedness, taxes, and casualty losses incurred during the settlement of the estate. Title VII: State and Local Obligations - Repeals the exemption for interest on state and local obligations issued after December 31, 1975. Directs the United States to pay 40 percent of the interest yield on state and local obligations. Title VIII: Withholding Of Income Tax On Dividends And Interest - Directs every person who pays interest or dividends to deduct and withhold on such interest or dividends a tax equal to 10 percent of the amount thereof: Defines the terms "interest" and "dividend" for this purpose. Directs every person required to deduct and withhold any tax to make quarterly returns of such tax to the appropriate officer.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Directs the Comptroller General to audit annually the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Advisory Council, the Federal Open Market Committee, and all Federal Reserve banks and branches. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress within six months after the end of each fiscal year on the results of the audit. States that such report shall specifically indicate any program, financial transaction, or undertaking observed in the course of the audit which in the opinion of the Comptroller General has been carried out without legal authority.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to reimburse applicants for positions in the National Health Service Corps for actual expenses incurred in traveling to and from their places of residence to an area in which they would be assigned for the purpose of evaluating such area with regard to being assigned in such area. Declares that commissioned officers and other personnel of the Corps assigned to provide health services for medically underserved populations shall not be included in determining whether any limitation on the number of personnel which may be employed by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare has been exceeded. Sets forth pay adjustments for physicians and dentists serving in the Corps in medically underserved population areas. Defines the term "medically underserved population" to mean the population of an area having a critical health manpower shortage, as determined by the Secretary. Includes Guam, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands as "States" under the Act. Directs the Secretary to take specified factors into consideration in designating medically underserved populations. Directs the Secretary to require as a condition for the approval of an application for medical personnel under the Act that the applicant enter into an agreement which provides that: (1) the applicant shall be responsible for charging for health services by the Corps personnel to be assigned; (2) the applicant shall take action for the collection of payments for such health services; and (3) the applicant shall pay to the United States specified calculated amounts. Provides that Corps personnel shall be assigned on the basis of the extent of the population's need for health services and without regard to the ability of members of the population to pay for health services. Directs the Secretary, in making an assignment, to seek to match characteristics of the assignee and of the population in order to increase the likelihood of the assignee remaining to serve the population upon completion of his assignment period. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance to all medically underserved populations to which are not assigned Corps personnel; (2) make arrangements to enable Corps personnel to utilize the health facilities of the areas in which the population resides; and (3) make grants, with specified limitations, for purposes of providing health services. Establishes the National Advisory Council on the National Health Service Corps to consult with, advise, and make recommendations to, the Secretary with respect to his responsibilities in carrying out this Act, and to review regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Sets forth membership, terms of office, and rates of pay and allowances for such council. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Nurse Training Act - Title I: One-Year Extension - Extends, under the Public Health Service Act, the authorization of appropriations for grants for construction of nursing schools, for loan guarantees and interest subsidies, and for capitation grants, until June 30, 1975. Title II: Revision and Extension of Programs through Fiscal Year 1978 - Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants for construction of nursing schools. States that each collegiate school of nursing shall receive $00 for each student enrolled in each of the last two years of such school. Provides capitation grants for other schools of nursing. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for capitation grants. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to assist public or nonprofit private schools of nursing which are in serious financial straits to meet operational costs required to maintain quality educational programs or which have special need for financial assistance to meet accreditation requirements. Prescribes the procedures for the making of such grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for such grants. Empowers the Secretary to make grants to schools of nursing and other entities to meet the costs of special projects, including: (1) to increase educational opportunities for disadvantaged students; (2) to provide continuing education for nursing; and (3) to increase the supply or distribution by geographic area or by specialty of adequately trained nursing personnel needed to meet the health needs of the nation, including the need to increase the availability of personal health services and the need to promote preventive health care. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for such grants. Authorizes the making of grants by the Secretary for: (1) advance nurse training programs; and (2) nurse practioner programs. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to provide for the training of nurses to teach and to serve as nurse practioners. Authorizes appropriations of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, for Federal allotments to student nurse loan funds. Extends the student nurse scholarship program through 1978. Title III: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Public Health Service Act. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to determine on a continuing basis the current and projected supply of the various classifications of nurses, their geographic distribution, pay rates, activity status, and advanced training status. Requires a report annually to the Congress upon such findings together with recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Emergency Unemployment Health Benefits Act - Includes a new title under the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Health Benefits Act establishing an emergency health benefits program for the unemployed. Declares all unemployed individuals who (1) are entitled to receive State or Federal unemployment benefits and (2) would if their employment had not been discontinued, be covered under an employer-sponsored health insurance plan to be eligible for health insurance benefits of the type provided by their previous employer. Extends such benefits to the dependent spouse and the dependent children of such eligible individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into arrangements with carriers and State agencies to carry out this Act. Stipulates that no health insurance benefits may be provided under this Act after June 30, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Securities Reform Act -Title I: Regulation of Exchanges and Associations - Includes within the term "member," for purposes of the Act, any person who agrees to be regulated by an exchange and with respect to whom the exchange undertakes to enforce the Federal securities laws and the exchange rules. Makes registered national securities exchanges and associations subject to identical regulatory provisions. States that any registered broker or dealer meeting applicable capital or competency requirements must be allowed to join any registered national securities exchange. Requires the governing body of every such exchange to contain public representatives, and requires the exchange to provide adequate resources to permit the public representatives to employ staff or retain professional personnel independent of the exchange staff. Prohibits registered national securities exchanges from imposing any schedule of prices or fixing rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other charges subject to a statutory timetable for the elimination of the current fixed minimum commission rate system. Gives persons denied membership on an exchange the right to seek review of such denial by the SEC and the courts. Permits members disciplined by an exchange to appeal such action to the SEC and to the courts. Provides that any proposed change in exchange rules must be filed with the SEC, which must publish such proposed change and allow interested persons a reasonable opportunity for comment thereon. States that the proposed change shall take effect forty-five days after publication by the SEC unless the SEC disapproves it. Allows registered national securities exchanges, with the concurrence of the SEC, to share the cost, functions and responsibility of the conduct of examinations and inspections of members, and to furnish copies of any reports of inspections or examinations to each other. Establishes new procedures to be followed by the Commission in compelling exchanges and registered associations to change their rules, and in regulating off-floor trading by exchange members. Gives the SEC the authority to suspend or expel exchange members who have violated exchange rules. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing their members from executing transactions for customers in other markets whenever those markets offer a better price to such customers. Requires the SEC to adopt rules to assure that customers are getting the best price from their brokers. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing its members from participating in any registered clearing agency or securities depository. Gives the SEC authority to investigate and bring injunctive actions for violations of National Association of Securities Distributors rules and exchange rules, and to bring injunctive actions to compel a registered national securities exchange or association to enforce compliance with the rules of such exchange or association. Title II: Financial Responsibility; Regulation of Brokers Dealers; Reports and Examinations - Broadens existing prohibitions on improper hypothecation of securities by brokers, dealers and members to embrace improper lending of such securities. Requires all members of a registered national securities exchange to register with the SEC. Requires persons registering as broker-dealers to file certified financial statements with their application (rather than verified statements). Requires that, within six months of the granting of an application for registration, the Commission, or an exchange, or the NASD as designated by the Commission, shall examine the new broker-dealer to determine whether it is operating in conformity with the Federal securities laws. Adds armed robbery and grand larceny to the list of statutory offenses which bar a person from becoming a broker-dealer. Requires the Commission, in cooperation with the exchanges and the NASD, to devise and administer a uniform examination which, with respect to partners, officers, and supervisory employees shall include questions relating to enumerated matters. Directs the SEC, by no later than July 1, 1975, to establish minimum capital requirements, providing for ample, liquid and permanent capital for brokers, dealers and members. Authorizes the Commission to classify brokers, dealers and members for purposes of establishing such requirements. Requires registered national securities exchanges to furnish copies of documents to the SEC upon request. Requires registered brokers, dealers and members to supply their customers with certified comparative balance sheets and income statements. Authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regulating the reporting of transactions and to prescribe uniformity in accounting procedures and systems of brokers and dealers and members. Title III: Development of a National Clearance and Settlement System - Authorizes the Commission to make rules applicable to brokers or dealers regulating the time and method of making settlements, payments and deliveries and closing of accounts. Provides that, in the exercise of this rulemaking authority, the Commission shall not affect the authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to regulate securities credit. Requires clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents to register with the SEC, and establishes appropriate procedures. Sets forth procedures under which the Commission must grant or deny application for registration of clearing agencies and securities depositories. Authorizes the Commission to establish terms and conditions under which a clearing agency, securities depository or transfer agent may withdraw from registration. Gives the SEC direct rulemaking power over clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Empowers the SEC to review clearing agency or securities depository action in the areas of disciplinary action or denial of admission to a participant. Grants the Commission disciplinary powers with respect to clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Directs the SEC, on or before December 31, 1976, to take appropriate steps to eliminate the use of the stock certificate as a means of settlement of securities transactions between brokers and dealers. Authorizes the Commission to grant confidential treatment to material filed with it only under very limited conditions, including a finding that disclosure is not in the public interest. Empowers the Commission to prescribe rules with respect to the form or format of securities issued by companies, any class of whose securities is registered under the Act, or which would be required to be so registered except for the exemption from registration provided for securities of registered investment companies or insurance companies under certain conditions. Directs every issuer whose securities are registered on a national securities exchange to consolidate in a single person the functions of transfer agent and registrar. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct a study to consider the public policy implications of the growing practice of registering securities in "street name" and to determine whether steps can be taken to facilitate communications between corporations and their shareholders while, at the same time, retaining benefits of such registration. Prohibits the imposition of state or local taxes on securities, or on the transfer of securities, solely because the facilities of a registered clearing agency or securities depository are physically located in the taxing jurisdiction. Requires registered national securities exchanges, associations, brokers, dealers, clearing agencies and securities depositories to: (1) report information about missing, lost or stolen securities to the SEC or such person as the SEC designates; and (2) require the fingerprinting of partners, directors, officers, and employees and the submittal of such fingerprints to the Attorney General of the United States for identification and appropriate processing. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the SEC to include in its annual report to Congress certain designated information concerning the Commission's administration of the Freedom of Information Act. Raises the amount of the registration fee every national securities exchange must pay to the SEC from 1/500th of one percent to 1/100th of one percent of the dollar amount of sales of securities (other than certain governmental obligations) transacted on that exchange. Title V: Development of a National Securities Market System - Directs the Commission to establish a national market system for transactions in securities. Directs the Commission to make a study of the need for the establishment of a national regulatory body to administer the national market system, and to report its results to the Congress by December 31, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated $300,000 for each study.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Developmental Disabilities Amendments - Authorizes to be appropriated for demonstration and training grants under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act $9,250,000 for fiscal year 1975; $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes to be appropriated for the planning, provision of services, and operation of facilities for persons with developmental disabilities $32,500,000 for fiscal year 1975. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may make grants to public or nonprofit private entities for: (1) demonstration projects for the provision of services to persons with developmental disabilities who are also disadvantaged because of their economic status or the location of their residences; (2) technical assistance relating to services and facilities for persons with developmental disabilities, including assistance in State and local planning or administration respecting such services and facilities; (3) training of specialized personnel needed for the provision of services for persons with developmental disabilities or for research directly related to such training; (4) developing or demonstrating new or improved techniques for the provision of services to persons with developmental disabilities; (5) gathering and disseminating information relating to developmental disabilities; (6) coordinating, community resources for services to persons with developmental disabilities; and (7) improving the administration and quality of services provided in programs for such persons. Authorizes to be appropriated $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the purpose of making payments under these grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for allotment to States for services and facilities for persons with developmental disabilities. Provides in the case of such allotments, that not less than ten percent of that allotment shall be used by such State for the purpose of assisting it in developing and implementing plans designed to eliminate inappropriate placement in institutions of persons with developmental disabilities, and to improve the quality of care and the surroundings of persons for whom institutional care is appropriate; and of the amount allotted to any State for each succeeding fiscal year, not less than 30 percent of that allotment shall be used by the State for such purposes. Stipulates that in order to be approved by the Secretary, a State plan must provide reasonable assurance that adequate financial support will be available to complete the construction of, and to maintain and operate when such construction is completed, any facility, the construction of which is assisted with sums allotted under the provisions of this Act. Provides that for purposes of any determination by the Secretary as to whether any urban or rural area is a poverty area, the Secretary may not determine that an area is an urban or rural poverty area unless; (1) such area contains one or more subareas which are characterized as subareas of poverty; (2) the population of such subarea or subareas constitutes a substantial portion of the population of such rural or urban area; and (3) the project does, or (when completed or put into operation) will, serve the needs of the residents of such subarea or subareas.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Emergency Health Benefits Protection Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under the Public Health Service Act, to enter into agreements with insurance carriers to provide health insurance benefits to persons unemployed, where such individuals were covered while employed by their previous employer. Requires the Secretary to enter into agreements with appropriate State agencies for purposes of determining the eligibility of individuals in the State for such benefits, and for the purpose of making payments to carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Natural Gas and Oil Act - Makes technical and conforming changes to the Natural Gas and Oil Act, including the redefining of terms used in such Act. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1976, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use, that all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
National Energy and Conservation Corporation (AMPOWER) Act - Declares the finding of Congress that Government-sponsored exploration, development, investment in and production of petroleum reserves will increase petroleum production on public lands and tidelands. Establishes a National Energy and Conservation Corporation (AMPOWER) to achieve specified goals, including: (1) the exploration, development, and production of public lands and tideland oil, natural gas, oil shale, and coal either independently or in partnership with private industry; and (2) the acceleration of the creation and demonstration of specified technologies. Declares it to be the policy of Congress that costs of production of offshore oil and natural gas and the manufacture of liquid and gaseous fuels from oil shale and coal will be funded through appropriations should such costs exceed market prices. States that fuels produced by the Corporation shall be sold on the open market by competive bid, provided that 50 percent of the production shall be reserved for bids from publicly owned utilities and from State, county, municipal, and other government bodies. Provides a Board of Directors for the Corporation to consist of five members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets compensation for Board members and the procedure for removal. Authorizes the Board to appoint such personnel as are necessary for the transaction of the Corporation's business and to fix their compensation. Enumerates the Corporation's powers and duties, including: (1) the power to sue; (2) to make contracts to carry out its functions under this Act; and (3) holding power in the name of the United States to exercise the right of eminent domain. States that, in carrying out its duties under this Act, the Corporation may conduct research and development with a view toward improving the technology related to the use of oil shale, gasification of coal methods, geothermal steam, and solar energy as sources of energy for domestic and industrial used in the United States. Requires the Corporation at all times to maintain and complete accurate account books. States that all purchases and contracts for supplies or services, except for personal service, made by the Corporation, shall be made after advertising . Requires the Board to file with the President and the Congress, in December of each year, a financial statement and a complete report as to the business of the Corporation covering the preceding governmental fiscal year. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the transactions of the Corporation at such times as he shall determine, but not less often than once each governmental fiscal year. Authorizes the Corporation to issue bonds, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, not to exceed $30,000,000,000 outstanding at any one time, which bonds may be sold by the Corporation to obtain funds to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that the payment of interest and principal on such bonds shall be guaranteed by the United States. Authorizes the Corporation to institute proceedings for the acquisition by condemnation of any lands, easements, or rights-of-way which, in the opinion of the Corporation, are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that such actions shall be instituted in the U.S. district court for the district in which the land, easement, or right-of-way is located. Gives the Corporation access to the Patent Office for the purpose of studying, ascertaining, and copying all methods, formulas, and scientific information necessary to enable the Corporation to use and employ the most efficacious and economical process for the exploration and development of energy resources. States that all general penal statutes relating to the larceny, embezzlement, conversion, or to the improper handling, retention, use, or disposal of public money's or property of the United States, shall apply to the moneys and property of the Corporation. Provides that any person who, with intent to defraud the Corporation, or to deceive any director, officer, or employee of the Corporation or any officer or employee of the United States, shall be find not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, if he: (1) makes any false entry in any book or the Corporation; (2) makes any false report or statement for the Corporation. Provides a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, for any person who receives any compensation, rebate, or reward, or enters into any conspiracy, collusion, or agreement, express or implied, with intent to defraud the Corporation. States that the proceeds derived by the Board from the sale of energy minerals or any other products manufactured by the Corporation shall be paid into the U.S. Treasury, except such proceeds as are determined necessary for the operation of the Corporation's energy minerals resources exploration and development program. Exempts also a continuing fund of $2,000,000 to defray emergency expenses and to insure continuous operation. Provides that the Corporation shall give all possible weight to the protection of the environment in the siting and design of facilities constructed pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000,000 for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act. Allows the expenditure of such sums as needed without fiscal year limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Recreational Vehicle National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to confirm that the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 provides authority for the Secretary of Transportation to issue Federal motor vehicle safety regulations and standards, and take other actions, dealing with the safety aspects of electrical, plumbing, and heating installations in recreational vehicles. Provides that such regulations under such Act shall provide for protection from the hazards of fire, explosions, electrical shock, contaminated water, or noxious fumes or gases in the living quarters of recreational vehicles. Defines recreational vehicle as meaning a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment primarily designed for highway travel and constructed to provide temporary living quarters for recreation, camping, travel, or office use; and which has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by a motor vehicle; which is of such a size and weight as not to require special highway movement permits; including a motor home, a travel trailer, a camping trailer, a fifth-wheel travel trailer, a slide-in-camper (truck camper), and a pickup cover; but not including a minibike, a snowmobile, a dunebuggy, a motorcycle, or other form of off-road or all-terrain vehicle.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Prescription Drug Price Information Act - Requires drug retailers to post prominently a list of the prices of the one hundred prescription drug products that had the highest dollar volume of retail sales by such drug retailer. Enables any person, including States, to commence a civil action to obtain an injunction restraining any drug retailer from violating this Act. Prescribtion Drug Advertising Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and with the appropriate agency of any State, to establish programs and procedures to implement the advertising, at the discretion of vendors, of prescription drug prices, and to eliminate any legal impediments to such advertising. Defines as an unfair act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the prohibition or burdening of advertising of prescription drug prices.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Prescription Drug Labeling Act - Requires that in the labeling and advertising of drugs sold by prescription the "established name" of such drug must appear each time their proprietary name is used.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Prescription Drug Patent Licensing Act - Requires that whenever the Federal Trade Commission, upon complaint made to it by a qualified applicant for a license under a drug patent, determines through an investigation and hearing that such application for license was not granted and that the price quoted to druggists by the patentee is more than 500 percent of the total cost of production, the Commission shall order such patentee to grant an unrestricted license to any qualified applicant to make, use, and sell such drug. States that the Commission may delay such order up to five years to provide a fair return on the patentee's invested capital. (Adds 35 U.S.C. 294)
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Prescription Drug Freshness Act - Requires that over-the-counter drugs whose effectiveness or potency becomes diminished after storage must be prominently labeled by the manufacturer as to the date beyond which the product shall not be used. Requires that similar prescription drugs be similarly labeled by the retailer dispensing the product.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Independent Regulatory Agencies Reform Act - Provides that the term "independent regulatory agency" means the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other agency which the Congress by law provides is an independent regulatory agency for purposes of this Act. Provides that the President shall appoint the chairmen of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission from among the members of such bodies by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that each such member shall serve in such capacity until the expiration of his term on such body. Revokes the power of the President to remove for inefficiency a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the President to remove for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office a member of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Federal Power Commission to act in its own name and through its own attorneys in any civil action and to supervise and conduct litigation in any civil action to which the Commission is a party. Provides that any communication to Congress respecting legislation, by any independent regulatory agency, whether transmitted in its annual report or otherwise, shall not be submitted to or be subject to clearance by the Office of Management and Budget or any other authority. Provides that an independent regulatory agency submits any budget estimate or request to the President or the Office of Management and Budget, it shall concurrently transmit a copy of that estimate or request to the Congress. Declares that no officer or agency of the United States shall have any authority to prohibit, impose conditions on, or in any way impair the free communication by such independent regulatory agency with the Congress, its committees, or any of its Members with respect to any budget estimate or request of such independent regulatory agency. Provides for access to information held by such independent regulatory agencies by specified congressional committees. Provides that the appointment of any person to the staff of an independent regulatory agency shall not be subject to approval by the office of the President, or the Office of Management and Budget. Directs each independent regulatory agency to promulgate conflict of interest rules within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Carney, Charles J. [D-OH-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000164_200.jpg)