United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Authorizes the addition of specified lands to Mount McKinley National Park and Katmai National Monument, Alaska. Establishes new areas of the National Park System in Alaska. Designates new additions to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System in the State of Alaska. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Truth in Budgeting Act - Provides for full congressional review of all Federal programs every 2 years by the appropriate standing committees of the House and Senate. Provides that each comprehensive review conducted by a committee with respect to a Federal program under this Act shall include a detailed consideration of the past experience under the program and a projection of the expected future experience of the program, a consideration of alternate ways of carrying out the activities involved and alternative funding levels for such activities, and evaluation of each such alternative in terms of its probable costs and benefits, a comparison of each such alternative with other programs and activities in the same or related fields, and an evaluation of the overall success or failure of the program. Details the method to be used to review such programs by the standing committee. Provides that no funds in excess of the appropriations for the previous year may be authorized for a program that has not been subject to review during that calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Prohibits the person holding the position of Secretary of State from holding simultaneously the position of Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, or any other position supervising, directing, or controlling the staff of the National Security Council. States that this Act shall apply with respect to any individual who is appointed to the position of Secretary of State on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Establishes as the boundaries of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia, the boundaries depicted on the map entitled "Boundary Map, Manassas National Battlefield Park" dated May 5, 1975. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire by donation, purchase, or exchange, lands and interests including scenic easements, located within the boundaries. Authorizes the acquisition of lands adjacent to the Park if such acquisition would be a significant contribution to the historical purpose of the park. Sets forth the rights of owners of residences located within park boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Environmental Health Act - Provides that in any proceeding requesting equitable relief pursuant to any statute administered by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, or instituted at the request of the Administrator, other than a suit for review of a Federal administrative action, a showing by a party that any person is engaging in a course of conduct of discharging, emitting, or manufacturing any substance, where such conduct presents a reasonable risk of being a threat to public health, shall give rise to a rebuttable presumption that a threat to public health exists warranting the granting of such equitable relief as is deemed appropriate to protect the public against such threat. Provides that where a showing is made giving rise to a presumption pursuant to this Act, the person engaging in such course of conduct of discharging, emitting, or manufacturing shall have the burden of proving: (1) that in fact no threat to public health exists or that the risk of any such threat is negligible; or (2) that the physical and economic considerations in favor of such course of conduct outweigh all costs incident to the conduct, including any possible threat to public health.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendation as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of electric and hybrid vehicles for urban indiviual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Defines terms as used in this Act. States that a hybrid vehicle is one propelled by a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric and hybrid vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate: (1) for the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Provides guaranties of loans made to small businesses for commercial development of electric and hybrid vehicles. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for 1977, $30,000,000 for 1978, $60,000,000 for 1979 and $20,000,000 for 1980; to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Provides, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, that subject to specified conditions, rail service on any main line of railroad which is operated by a railroad in reorganization and which is not designated for conveyance to the Consolidated Rail Corporation or to other railroads pursuant to the final system plan may be discontinued and, if traffic from the discontinued line has been accommodated for a period of 180 days, abandoned. Requires the Consolidated Rail Corporation to provide rail service over light density lines which are not designated for conveyance to the Corporation and have operated profitably in calendar years 1973 and 1974. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an audit and examination of the accounting procedures used whereby costs incurred beyond a particular light density line are assigned to such line in calculation of net operating gain and net operating loss of such line. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act up to $38,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Increases the estate tax exemption allowed under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $125,000. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to $100,000. Provides that, for purposes of the tax imposed with respect to any decedent holding an interest in a qualified farm or business, a deduction is allowed from the value of the taxable estate in the amount of: (1) $75,000; or (2) the value of the decedent's interests in any qualified farm or business, whichever is less. States that a "qualified farm or business" means a trade or business, including farming, in the management or operation of which there has been material participation by the decedent or the decedent's spouse (determined without regard to the activities of any agent) throughout any five calendar years ending during the eight year period which ends an the decedent's death.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Energy Industry Deconcentration Act - Prohibits any corporation or association from: (1) controlling deposits of more than one type of energy-producing mineral, after December 31, 1979 and (2) engaging engaging in more than one aspect of the petroleum and natural gas industry after December 31, 1979. Requires corporations or associations which would be in violation of this Act except for the effective date to submit plans for compliance to the Federal Trade Commission before January 1, 1978. Prohibits any individual from serving as a director of more than one company engaged in every resource production, refining, transportation, or marketing.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Urban Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States and to municipalities wholly or partly within urbanized areas for projects for the construction of bikeways. Provides that such bikeways shall be for commuting, recreational, and other purposes. States that the Federal share of any such project shall be 80 percent of the total cost. Requires that the remaining 20 percent is to be paid by the grantee. Provides that no grant shall be made unless such bikeway project is in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities. Authorizes the appropriation to the Secretary to carry out this Act, $10,000,000 per fiscal year out of the Highway Trust Fund, and $10,000,000 per fiscal year out of any other Treasury money not otherwise appropriated.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Grain Export Control Act - Requires prior approval by the Secretary of Agriculture of the export of wheat, corn, soybeans, or any other grain in excess of one hundred thousand tons.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Increases to 90 days the period before an election during which a Member of, or Member-elect to, the Congress may not make a mass mailing as franked mail if such Member or Member-elect is a candidate in such election. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3210)
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Declares that a greater unity of the Atlantic Community would strengthen the common defense, assure more adequate energy resources and improve commerce. Establishes an eighteen-member delegation authorized to organize and participate in a convention attended by delegations from North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies. States that the convention shall explore the possibility of agreement on the means to transform the relationship of such nations into a more effective unity based on federal principles. Provides for appointment of delegates to the convention. Allows the delegation to maintain a staff. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Directs the Architect of the Capital to conduct a study of the feasibility of using solar energy in connection with the heating, cooling, hot water, and electrical systems of the Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn House Office Buildings. Requires that such study consider the conversion and operating costs of such a system. Authorizes the Architect to enter into contracts necessary to carry out the study. Limits expenditures of the Architect under this resolution to $50,000 to be paid from the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to take such action as may be necessary and appropriate to insure that female individuals shall be eligible for appointment and admission to the Coast Guard Academy on the same basis as male individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
States that it shall be unlawful for any officer or employee of any executive department or agency to do the following: (1) to 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; or (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 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 · 29 July 1975
Requires the Attorney General of the United States to conduct an investigation to determine whether antitrust violations are occurring in the manufacture or marketing of replacement home canning lids. Directs the Attorney General to submit a report to the Congress no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this joint resolution detailing his findings, proposed action and recommendations concerning legislation. Calls for a final report no later than one year after enactment of this joint resolution detailing actions taken by the Attorney General against any person violating the antitrust acts in regard to the manufacture or marketing of such lids.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Provides for the establishment on the basis of decennial censuses, of congressional districts composed of contiguous and compact territory for the election of Representatives to the Congress. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the United States district courts to hear and determine controversies under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Increases the Federal share of a rail service continuation subsidy under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to 100 percent during each of the two fiscal years following the effective date of the final system plan, 90 percent during the succeeding fiscal year, and 70 percent for each fiscal year thereafter. Requires the United States Railway Association to analyze specific railroad branch lines for inclusion in the final system plan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Provides that every person or body politic including the District of Columbia who subjects any person under the jurisdiction of the United States to the deprivation of any Constitutional right, privilege, or immunity, shall be liable to the party injured.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Stipulates that it is the policy of the Congress that Federal employees should be encouraged to fully exercise, to the extent not expressly prohibited by laws, their rights of voluntary participation in the political processes of our Nation. Defines the terms used in this Act. States that an employee may not use his official authority or influence for the purpose of: (1) interfering with the result of any election; (2) intimidating or commanding any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as such individual may choose; or (3) influencing the giving or withholding a political contribution. Prohibits specified forms of solicitation by Federal employees. Provides for leave without pay for Federal employees engaging in activities relating to seeking elective offices. Establishes a Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees. Directs the Board to hear and decide cases brought under this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate specified reports and allegations of activities prohibited by this Act. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to conduct a program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees as to prohibited political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Provides that a State legislator shall be eligible for the tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for living expenses (up to $300) presently allowed to members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Stipulates that the Postal Service may not require the installation of mailboxes at the curb line of residential property in any locality if the governing authority of such locality prohibits such installation. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 404)
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Truth in Government Act - Expressly makes Federal employees and elected officials criminally liable for knowingly and willfully making false statements in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Allows a court to grant attorneys' fees to the privailing party, other than a governmental entity, in civil actions to enforce civil or Constitutional rights. Provides that a governmental entity shall be liable for costs and fees the same as a private person.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Provides for the recovery of attorneys' fees as a part of costs in civil actions to obtain judicial review of agency action where such action is brought on the grounds that it adversely affects civil or constitutional rights, or consumer or environmental interests. Requires that the party seeking review substantially prevail in order to recover such fees. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Provides that, unless the President determines that the national security requires a license or authorization, and makes a report of such determination to the Congress (which report shall be available to every Member of the Congress) at least sixty days prior to the issuance of such license or authorization, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall not license or otherwise authorize any export, and the Energy Research and Development Administration shall not make or permit any export, of nuclear fuel or nuclear technology: (1) to any country which furnishes or agrees to furnish uranium enrichment or nuclear fuel reprocessing plants to a country not a party to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty; or (2) to any country which is not a party to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and which develops either an enrichment or reprocessing plant without concluding an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency or Euratom by which all present and future nuclear facilities are made subject to safeguards established by either such agency against diversion of nuclear material.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the lands, waters and interests to forty-eight-mile segment of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Provides that such area be set aside to establish the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary to allow owners of land, within the recreation area, used for noncommercial residential or agricultural purposes to retain such land for a definite term not to exceed twenty-five years. Directs the Secretary of administer, protest, and develop the recreation area in accordance with the Atlanta Regional Commission Chattahoochee Corridor Study. Allows the Secretary to enter into written agreements with agencies of the State of Georgia for their participation in the administration and development of the recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Stipulates that the Postal Service may not require the installation of mailboxes at the curb line of residential property in any locality if the governing authority of such locality prohibits such installation. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 404)
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Exempts from the estate tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation operated continually by the decedent for at least five years prior to his death and which passes to a relative on his death. Provides for revocation of such exemption in the event that the successor transfers his interest or stops residing on the farm within five years of the death of his transferor. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that farmland, woodland, or open land which comprises part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, as such rather than at its fair market value. Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower evaluation and recapture of unpaid taxes with interest upon the conversion, rezoning, or removal of such land from the National Register of Historic Places.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1975
Disapproves the loan of three landing craft (LCM-8's) to Panama, as proposed by the letter from the Department of the Navy of May 5, 1975, to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Provides that Members of the House of Representatives and employees of the House, except in specified cases, may not be reimbursed for the difference between the cost of first-class air travel accommodations and the cost of other air travel accommodations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under the Public Health Service Act for research projects respecting the use of amniocentesis, other techniques for the detection of birth defects, and programs to inform women of the various uses of amniocentesis. Permits the Secretary to make grants to assist in the cost of establishing and maintaining genetic counseling programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a program under which women may have all or part of the cost of having amniocentesis performed on them paid by the United States. Stipulates that no grants may be made unless an application has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1976 and each succeeding fiscal year of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress an annual report on the anniocentesis program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Prohibits the person holding the position of Secretary of State from holding simultaneously the position of Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, or any other position supervising, directing, or controlling the staff of the National Security Council. States that this Act shall apply with respect to any individiual who is appointed to the position of Secretary of State on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Revises the Fisherman's Protective Act by directing the Secretary of Commerce, before the close of the ninety-day period after the date of the enactment of this Act, to identify any foreign enterprise engaging in commercial whaling. States that the names of such enterprises shall be published in the Federal Register. States that it shall be unlawful for any article produced or distributed by such enterprise to be imported into the United States. Provides that such sanctions shall continue until the foreign enterprise concerned has ceased to engage in commercial whaling. Provides that any action by such an enterprise to dismantle or convert any vessel used in commercial whaling shall be deemed to be prima facie evidence that such enterprise has ceased to engage in commercial whaling. Specifies that the sanctions shall continue to apply to any such enterprise which transfers whaling equipment to another enterprise which is engaged in whaling.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Adds rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives. Provides that the Congressional Record shall contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks delivered on the floor of the House together with supportive data. Directs that revisions of the Record shall be limited to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors. Allows insertions in the Record of remarks not actually delivered on the floor by unanimous consent. Requires that such insertions be printed in a type face distinctively different from that used for verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise regulations governing the allocation of use between commercial and noncommercial users of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon National Park and all other rivers administered by the Department of the Interior with recreational potential. Provides that until an equitable allocation is formulated the Secretary shall provide for maximum use of such rivers by the noncommercial users, including organized educational groups, and for the remaining use by the commercial users.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Declares it to be the policy of the Congress to support research in agriculture and forestry at State agricultural experiment stations, land grant colleges, and other forestry research institutions, through Federal grants to help finance physical facilities as required for the effective conduct of adequate research programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible institutions for purposes of planning, acquisition, construction, repair, rehabilitation, renovation, and remodeling of buildings, laboratories and other capital facilities (including the acquisition of fixtures and equipment which are to become a part of such buildings) which are necessary to more effectively conduct research in agriculture, forestry, and related sciences. Authorizes to be appropriated for allocation to eligible institutions for purposes of making such grants such sums as the Congress deems advisible. Sets forth procedures for allocating funds among eligible institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Removes the numerical limitation on Allen J. Ellender Fellowships to disadvantaged secondary school students. Authorizes $750,000 each for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and $1,000,000 each for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Bureaucratic Accountability Act - Title I: Rulemaking Involving Public Property, Loans, Grants, Benefits, or Contracts - Defines "rulemaking" for purposes of the Administrative Procedure Act to include Federal agency action on matters relating to public property, loans, grants, benfits, or contracts. Title II: Subpena Power - Requires each Federal agency to designate by rule the officers authorized to sign and issue subpenas. Provides that the employee who presides at the reception of evidence at an agency hearing may not: (1) consult a person or party on a fact in issue, unless on notice and opportunity for all parties to participate; or (2) be responsible to or subject to the supervision or direction of an employee or agent engaged in the performance of investigative or prosecuting functions for an agency. Title III: Payment of Expenses Incurred Before Agencies - Directs each Federal agency to pay to any interested person who participates in an agency preceeding the reasonable costs of such participation, including attorney fees, if the agency determines that such person is unable to pay such costs and that such person made a discernible contribution to promoting agency implementation of any law related to such proceeding. Title IV: Sovereign Immunity - Bars the Federal Government from invoking the defense of sovereign immunity in civil actions against Federal agencies in which the plaintiff seeks relief other than money damages. Title V: Enforcement of Standards for Grants - Directs each Federal agency which is authorized to make and administer Federal grants-in-aid to maintain a complaint procedure, as specified by this Act, for the receipt, consideration, and disposition of complaints from persons adversely affected by agency action on grant applications or grant distributions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise regulations governing the allocation of use between commercial and noncommercial users of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon National Park and all other rivers administered by the Department of the Interior with recreational potential. Provides that until an equitable allocation is formulated the Secretary shall provide for maximum use of such rivers by the noncommercial sector and for the remaining use by the commercial sector.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Provides for the designation of specified lands in the Point Reyes National Seashore, California, which constitute approximately 38,700 acres, as wilderness. Provides that the wilderness designated by this Act shall be known as the Reyes Miwok Point Wilderness, Reyes Esteros Wilderness, and Point Reyes Clem Miller Wilderness. Designates Point Reyes National Seashore as a natural area of the National Park System.