United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to impose staffing standards for day care centers shall require staff-to-child ratios of one adult for each child under six weeks old and (subject to State action in specified cases) one adult for each eight children between six weeks and three years old.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1975
Prohibits the use of gasoline and diesel fuel for the busing of public school students to schools farther away than the closest public school offering educational courses for the appropriate grade level of the students concerned. Exempts from the provisions of this Act, parents using gasoline or diesel fuel to transport a child to a public school.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to furnish the House of Representatives a list of public school systems in the United States which will be receiving Federal funds and will be engaging in the busing of schoolchildren to achieve racial balance. Provides that such information shall be provided for the period from August 1, 1975, to June 30, 1976. Requires the Secretary to furnish any documents respecting the rules and regulations of the Department with respect to the use of Federal funds, administered by the Department, for such busing.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Requires that any rule or regulation proposed by any officer or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government to implement a law or a program pursuant to a law must be submitted to both Houses of Congress for review. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective 60 legislative days after submission if Congress neither disapproves it by resolution or passes a concurrent resolution specifically approving such rule or regulation. Incorporates the provisions of this Act into the rules of the two Houses of Congress. Establishes procedural rules with respect to the consideration of a resolution disapproving the proposed rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
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 · 25 July 1975
Declares the solidarity of the United States Congress in support of the democratic aspirations of the Portuguese people. Denounces the conspirational maneuvers of the Communists. Calls for congressional hearings on the Portuguese crisis. Urges NATO to warn Moscow against supporting communist subversion in Portugal. Calls upon Moscow to terminate such actions. Requests that the Department of State ask the Helsinki Conference to adopt a resolution proclaiming the right of the Portuguese people to determine their form of government through free election, and to appoint a committee to supervise such an election.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Provides in addition to the punishment otherwise provided for the commission of a felony that anyone who uses a firearm to commit any felony, or carries a firearm unlawfully during the commission of any felony, the commission of which may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for not less than two years nor more than ten years. Allows the United States to appeal a suspended or probationary sentence following a first conviction under this Act.
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
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses unless such articles is injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Provides that in civil actions where the United States is a plaintiff, a prevailing defendant may recover a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs, whether or not other costs are awarded or awardable against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines the term "income" as used in the Food Stamp Act as the monthly gross income of all members of a household, including any in-kind payment, and the total value of any publicly funded assistance payments which supplement food and housing needs. Excludes specified individuals from the definition of "household. Provides for the distribution of federally donated foods to households upon the request by a political subdivision that such distribution be made to all eligible households in lieu of food stamps. Excludes households from eligibility for food stamps: (1) if the monthly household income exceeds the poverty index level of income established by the Office of Management and Budget; or (2) if the market value of liquid and nonliquid resources of a household consisting of one individual exceeds $1,500 or the resources of a multiple member household exceed $2,250 exclusive of specified resources. Excludes from eligibility households which include an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who is enrolled in an institution of postsecondary education and such enrollment is a substitute for fulltime employment. Declares that a refusal to work at a plant or site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed a refusal to work which makes the household of the nonworking individual ineligible for food stamps. Rejects as an excuse for refusal to accept work a condition of employment which requires an individual to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any labor organization. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to require each household receiving benefits under this Act to report its income at least once each month. Requires food coupons to be designed with a space for the recipient to sign upon receipt and again at redemption. Requires one member of each eligible household to be issued a photo-identification card with a color photograph of the recipient. States that such card must be presented at redemption at a food store. Sets forth specific instructions to provide control and accountability over the distribution of food coupons to State agencies. Ties the value of the coupon allotment to the overall retail cost-of-living index. States that the "nutritionally adequate diet" as used to determine the amount of the coupon allotment shall mean the low-cost food plan developed by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. States that the United States Postal Service shall serve as a food stamp issuing agency upon the request of a State food stamp administration agency. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the States 100 percent of the costs of providing food stamps to eligible aliens, and 75 percent of the costs of State investigations, prosecutions, collections of claims and other State activities related to retrieving food stamp losses. Provides for payment by the Federal Government to the States of a share of the difference between the face value of the coupon allotment and the amount charged eligible households for the allotment. Sets forth the method of determining and paying the Federal share. Directs the transfer of all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Beef Research and Information Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders: (1) providing for the establishment and administration of plans for advertising, sales promotion, and consumer information with respect to the use of cattle, beef, or beef products and for the disbursement of necessary funds for such purposes; (2) providing for research and studies with respect to sale, distribution, marketing, utilization, or production of cattle, beef, or beef products, and the creation of new products thereof, to the end that the marketing and utilization of cattle, beef, or beef products may be encouraged, expanded, improved, or made more acceptable, and the data collected by such activities may be disseminated and for the disbursement of necessary funds for such purposes; and (3) providing that slaughterers maintain and make available for inspection such books and records as may be required by any order issued pursuant to this Act. Provides for the establishment of a Beef Board, to be composed of not more than 68 cattle producers or representatives of cattle producers appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Beef Board, including: (1) the administration of the orders of the Secretary in accordance with its terms and provisions; and (2) the issuance of rules and regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of such orders. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum among cattle producers who have been engaged in the production of cattle for the purpose of ascertaining whether the issuance of an order is approved or favored by not less than two-thirds of such producers. Authorizes appropriations of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Permits the Federal Communications Commission to extend three-year broadcast licenses for an additional two years upon a finding of public interest. Requires in making such determination, considerations of whether different term lengths for radio and television stations and for different categories of licensees are in the public interest. Limits other class licenses to a five-year maximum, prescribing the renewal procedures for such licenses and the criteria to be considered in renewal, including responsiveness and lack of serious deficiencies. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Occupational Safety and Health Amendments - Defines "employer," under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to mean a person engaged in a business affecting commerce who has employees, but does not include the United States, any States or political subdivision of a State, any nonagricultural employer who employed no more than 25 employees at any time during the preceding calendar year, or a small farmer. Requires the evaluation of specified existing standards in order to determine the applicability of each such standard to each class of business concern with each industry. Provides, in specified cases, that the Secretary of Labor give an employer reasonable advance notice that an inspection will be made. Requires that notices of alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act be in writing and state allegations with particularity. Sets forth specified circumstances in which employers in violation of the provisions of such Act shall not receive notices, including: (1) if the employer can show that implementing a specified rule or standard would not materially affect the safety or health of his employees in the facility inspected; and (2) if he can show that he has employed alternative procedures to protect his employees from contemplated hazards. Sets forth procedures for enforcement of the provisions of such Act. Provides that no person shall discharge or discriminate against any employee because such employee has filed any complaint under such Act. Enumerates affirmative defenses to any proceedings brought under such Act. Allows the Secretary of Labor to enter into compliance agreements with employers believed to be in violation of standards. Directs the Secretary, upon request from an employer, to visit the workplaces of employers for the purpose of affording consultation and advice to such employer. Requires the Secretary to provide technical advice, assistance, and consultation to employers with less than 100 employees when it appears to the Secretary that such assistance is necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Calls for a concerted effort to come to an agreement with industry on a plan to increase the use of passive restraint systems on the roads. Defers rulemaking with respect to passive restraints on the highways until they are proven to reduce deaths and injury.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the designation of 1975 as International Women's Year has its full support. Calls for 1975 to be a time for launching new programs and forming new attitudes to overcome obstacles encountered by women in exercising their full human rights. States that Congress should take appropriate legislative actions to correct inequities. Calls for equal job and educational opportunities and greater representation at official conferences. Recognizes the unique problems faced by older women. Acknowledges the contributions of homemakers to their families and communities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Eliminates any requirement that an institution have in effect a utilization review plan in order to qualify for participation in the medicare, medicaid, or maternal and child health and crippled children's services programs as administered under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Defines the term "navigable waters", for purposes of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as it applies to Corps of Engineers responsibility and authority to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Truth in Spending Act - Requires that any bill or resolution of a public character introduced in the House of Representatives or the Senate, and the report on any such bill or resolution reported by any committee of either House, shall contain an estimate of the average cost for each taxpaying family, if such bill were enacted into law. Provides that no bill or resolution shall be considered until such determination is made. Calls upon the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to print statistics of the average cost for each taxpaying family of bills and resolutions for the week and for the year in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
States that approval of State highway safety programs by the Secretary of Transportation shall not be contingent upon any requirement that a State adopt a law or regulation requiring any motorcycle operator 18 years of age or older or passenger 18 years of age or older to wear a safety helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 402)
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, to establish and maintain national ambient air quality standards, standards of performance for new stationary sources, and National emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. States that such standards may not be more stringent than primary and secondary ambient air quality standards. Requires the Administrator to approve State implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards if: (1) they include emission limitations, or operational techniques, schedules and time-tables for compliance with such measures as promulgated by the Administrator as such may be necessary to insure attainment of standards within the areas affected by various sources; and (2) they provide for the granting of a variance for an emission source beyond the dates provided an application is made therefor and specified criteria are met. States that a variance granted under an applicable implementation plan shall be deemed approved by the Administrator unless within 30 days after the grant of the variance by the State, the Administration finds that the requirements of this Act have not been met.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Prohibits franked mailings by Members of the Congress and officers of the United States other than mailings related to the closing of their official business, after such Members or officers have left office. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3210 (b) (1))
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Calls for a concerted effort to come to an agreement with industry on a plan to increase the use of passive restraint systems on the roads. Defers rulemaking with respect to passive restraints on the highways until they are proven to reduce deaths and injury.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a deduction from gross income the value of volunteer services up to a maximum of $2,500 performed in a Veterans' Administration Hospital. Values such contribution on an hourly basis at $2 per hour or the minimum hourly wage.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 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 · 30 April 1975
Sets forth on an aggregate basis, the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 1976. Recommends $299,400,000,000 in Federal revenues with a total budget authority of $300,000,000,000 with $299,400,000,000 in total budget outlays. States that the deficit in the budget which is appropriate in light of economic conditions is $0. Provides that the appropriate level of the public debt is $542,400,000,000 and increases the statuatory limit of such debt by $11,400,000,000. States that Congress may revise this resolution in the event of sharp revisions in revenue or spending estimates.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Recommends the Secretary of Transportation to make a concerted effort to come to a voluntary agreement with industry for the development of passive restraint systems in automobiles in order to defer a call for rulemaking until these systems have been proven effective.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Federal Employees Freedom of Choice Act - Specifies that each employee of the Federal Government shall have the right, freely and without fear of penalty or reprisal, to form, join and assist a labor organization or to refrain from any such activity, and shall be protected in the exercise of this right.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Provides that the right of individual employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities, may not be restricted by an agreement requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment (such restriction being presently authorized under the National Labor Relations Act under specified conditions).
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
Increases the value of exemptions for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to take an active role in working for modernization and reform of the United Nations. Requests the President to direct the Secretary of State to formulate proposals for such reforms. Requests the President to report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives before June 30, 1975, on the United States position and proposals to be submitted in this regard.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Calls for a concerted effort to come to an agreement with industry on a plan to increase the use of passive restraint systems on the roads. Defers rulemaking with respect to passive restraints on the highways until they are proven to reduce deaths and injury.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a credit against the income tax amounts paid by an individual during the taxable year for the expenses of higher education for himself or any other individual. Limits such credit to 100 percent of the first $300 of such educational expenses, 50 percent of the next $300, and 10 percent of the next $400 of such expenses. Reduces such credit by 2 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $20,000. Reduces the amount of educational expenses otherwise recognized by this Act by the amounts received as scholarships, fellowships, and veterans benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 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 · 25 March 1975
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademark licensing contract or agreement for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of a trademarked soft drink product shall not be unlawful, provided that: (1) such product is in free and open competition with products of the same class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act of 1946.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Repeals, under the Social Security Act, the provisions for the establishment of Professional Standards Review Organizations to review services covered under the medicare and medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Constitutional Amendment - States that, except in time of war or national emergency, the Congress shall make no appropriation for any fiscal year if the resulting total of appropriations for such fiscal year would exceed the total revenues of the United States for such fiscal year, nor shall there be expended by or on behalf of the United States during any fiscal year an aggregate amount which exceeds the total revenue of the United States for that fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Provides, under the Social Security Act, that any State with a statewide Professional Standards Review Organization shall be established as one area for which a Professional Standards Review Organization may be designated, if such State requests.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Provides, under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, that specific grants under such Act shall not be made to any State, unit of general local government, or public agency, unless there is in effect a law enforcement officer's bill of rights. States that such bill of rights must substantially provide as a minimum the rights enumerated in this Act, including: (1) the right of a law enforcement officer to engage in political activity during off-duty hours or to refrain from such activity; and (2) observance of specified standards with respect to the investigation of a law enforcement officer who is under investigation for alleged malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance of official duty, with a view to possible disciplinary action, demotion, dismissal, or criminal charges. States that such standards shall include: (1) informing the law enforcement officer of the nature of the investigation, the names of any complainants, and the identity and authority of the person conducting such investigation; (2) full recordation of the investigation; and (3) allowing the law enforcement officer to have his counsel present at any interrogation in connection with the investigation. Grants a law enforcement officer the right to recover pecuniary and other damages from persons violating any of the rights established under the bill of rights. Provides that no law enforcement officer shall be required to disclose, for the purposes of promotion or assignment, any item of his property, income, assets, debts, or expenditures. Establishes a Law Enforcement Officers' Grievance Commission composed of representatives of the general public, law enforcement agencies, and other public agencies. Gives the Commission the authority to receive, investigate, and determine grievances of any law enforcement officer, and to require testimony under oath and the production of documents. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Fiscal Integrity Act - Revises the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act to define the term "Federal revenue and budget outlay limit" to be the amount derived through a specified series of mathematical formulas. Prohibits the concurrent resolution on the budget from including any provision which exceeds the Federal revenue and budget outlay limit. Requires that each House include in its report to its House a comparison of estimated budget authority as set forth by the President and by the concurrent resolution. Prohibits amendment of the concurrent resolution during consideration by the Senate or the House of Representatives which exceeds the Federal revenue and budget outlay limit. Requires that the impact of new budget authority and budget outlays, and a projection for the next five fiscal years of the impact of new tax expenditures on the Federal revenue and outlay limit be included in a statement accompanying a bill or resolution reported by a committee of either House. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to include in his five-year projection report, the concomitant predicted Federal revenue and budget outlay limits for each fiscal year. Prohibits a concurrent resolution from being reported at any time which increases total revenues or the budget outlay limit unless such limit has been suspended pursuant to this Act. Prohibits Congress from making any appropriation for any fiscal year in excess of the Federal revenue and budget outlay limit. Provides for the reduction of the public debt by any revenue which exceeds such limit during any fiscal year. Permits the suspension of the revenue and budget outlay limit by the declaration of a fiscal emergency through the passage of a concurrent resolution approved by two-thirds of the members present in each House. Requires that all bills of a public or private character introduced in either House of Congress have printed at the bottom of the first page a fiscal note which States the amounts likely to be the costs and savings achieved in the implementation of a bill.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that real property which is farmland, woodland, or open land and forms part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value as farmland, woodland, or open land (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 · 19 March 1975
Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring, under the Clean Air Act, an indirect source emission review as a part of any applicable implementation plan. States that any rules or regulations with respect to the requirement of such review as a part of any such plan previously promulgated by the Administrator shall be void on the date of the enactment of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Collins, James M. [R-TX-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000638_200.jpg)