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
Establishes a Foreign Service grievance procedure. States that it is the purpose of such procedure to provide officers and employees of the Service and their survivors with a means to insure the fullest measure of due process and to provide for the just consideration and resolution of grievances of such officers employees and survivors. Provides that the Secretary shall implement this Act by promulgating regulations to provide for the consideration and resolution of grievances by a board. Sets forth provisions which such regulations shall include. Provides for judicial review of regulations promulgated by the Secretary and of the actions of the Secretary or the board pursuant to such regulations.
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
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 · 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 · 25 July 1975
Electric Utilities Rate Reform Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes, and defines the terms used in the Act. Directs State and local electric utility regulatory authorities to implement and maintain rate schedules which distribute costs to customer classes in accordance with the costs these classes impose on utilities by their consumption patterns. Provides that no regulatory authority, for ratemaking purposes, may allow recoupment of promotional and advertising expenses, unless such expenses finance efforts encouraging the conservation of electricity or the shifting of the consumption of electricity from peak load periods to off-peakload periods. Provides that no regulatory authority may allow or otherwise make lawful, as part of any rate schedule, a fuel adjustment clause permitting monthly changes in the utility's lawful rate equal to the changes in the cost to the utility of generating fuels, including all applicable taxes, tariffs, or similar charges without: (1) requiring prior notice of the changed cost of fuel and the adjusted rate before any rate change can be implemented; (2) public proceedings to establish that the utility continually manages fuel purchases, uses, and generating facilities prudently and efficiently; (3) such rate adjustments distributing fuel costs and charges consistently with the standards established in this Act; and (4) reserving the power to subsequently determine that the adjusted rates or parts thereof are unlawful and subject to refund. Authorizes the Federal Power Commission to make grants to non-Federal regulatory authorities, in accordance with regulations established by the Commission, in such amounts as are necessary to compensate such authorities for additional costs incurred in complying with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such amounts as are necessary to make such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for programs designed to reduce unemployment and to repair and improve essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, restoration, rehabilitation or improvement of roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate guidelines and procedures with respect to grant applications. Sets forth certain items which must be included in each application. Limits the use of grants made pursuant to this Act to the payment of wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act. Requires that jobs created pursuant to this Act be made available first to furloughed railroad maintenance employees, then to persons who have exhausted their unemployment benefits, to unemployed persons who are not eligible for such benefits, and to other unemployed or underemployed persons. States that roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act if: (1) they are designated for transfer to the Consolidated Rail Corporation in the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act; (2) they are utilized by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; or (3) they are owned by a railroad in reorganization under the Bankruptcy Act. Sets forth as the goals toward which each project receiving financial assistance under this Act must be structured: (1) the reduction of unemployment; (2) the acceleration and expansion of a national rail rehabilitation effort; (3) the coordination of repair and rehabilitation work with other rail transportation priorities; (4) the completion of each such project within 12 months; and (5) the maximization of chances for permanent employment of individuals employed under such projects. Requires that wages paid to workers in projects undertaken with financial assistance pursuant to the terms of this Act be not less than those prevailing for similar work in the same locality. Authorizes the appropriation of $240,000,000 for providing financial assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Provides under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act that supplementary medical insurance covers durable medical equipment used in the patient's home which is furnished on a lease-purchase basis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to encourage suppliers of durable medical equipment to make such equipment available on a lease- purchase basis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a source of financial assistance for homeowners and builders so as to enable them to purchase and install solar heating equipment or combined solar heating and cooling equipment, primarily through the small business segment of the economy, in order to substantially reduce energy use. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make loans to individuals and families owning and occupying one- to four-family residential structures, and to persons engaged in building residential structures of any kind, to assist them in purchasing and installing qualified solar heating or solar heating and cooling equipment (as defined by this Act) in such structures. Specifies the maximum amount, interest rate, and maturity date of such loans. Sets forth loan application requirements. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist the Small Business Administration in carrying out the provisions of this Act by transmitting technical findings and recommendations and providing information concerning solar heating and cooling equipment to any person upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that energy conservation practices adopted for the design, construction, and utilization of these facilities will have a beneficial effect on the Nation's overall supply of energy, and the procurement of solar heating and cooling units for use in Federal buildings in connection with demonstrations of solar energy applications on such buildings under this Act should help to create a market for such units generally. States that it is the policy of this Act to insure that energy conservation and solar energy technology be employed in the design and construction of certain Federal facilities as set forth in this Act, and, to the maximum extent feasible, in the design and construction of all other Federal and federally-assisted facilities. Defines terms used in this Act, including the terms "energy use analysis," and "life cycle energy costs". Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of Defense to, in consultation with each other, develop, publish, and from time to time update guidelines designed to assure that the most effective and efficient measures for the conservation of energy and the use of solar energy systems are incorporated in: (1) the design, construction, and renovation of Federal and federally assisted buildings; and (2) the procurement of goods and services for such buildings and for other Federal purposes. States that the guidelines developed by the Secretary and the Administrator shall be consistent with each other. Requires the guidelines developed by the Secretary to be applied to all new and existing buildings under his control. Requires the guidelines developed by the Administrator to be applied to all other new and existing buildings, as defined in this Act. Directs all other Federal agencies to comply with the requirements of the applicable guidelines. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator: (1) to submit to Congress an energy use analysis with respect to the construction, acquisition, or leasing of any new building to which guidelines apply; and (2) with respect to existing buildings, to submit an inventory and energy use analysis of all such buildings, setting forth detailed plans for incorporating required improvements. Directs each Federal agency to submit to the Administrator or Secretary a detailed life cycle energy costs analysis of any building to be constructed, acquired, or leased by it for its use. Prohibits the purchase of any major energy using, generating, or conserving equipment by a Federal agency without prior submission of life cycle energy cost analysis. Provides for an increase in the allowable dollar amount of Federal assistance for building construction or major rehabilitation to cover the cost of solar energy equipment or other special energy equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 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 $200 of such educational expenses, 25 percent of the next $300, and 5 percent of the next $1000 of such expenses. Reduces such credit by 1 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $22,500. 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 · 19 June 1975
Medical Malpractice Claims Settlement Assistance Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the achievement of equal access to quality health care at a reasonable cost is jeopardized by the uncertain future availability and cost of medical malpractice insurance. Title I: Federal Authority - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make available to insurance companies and other insurers reinsurance against medical malpractice claims by any of their insureds which exceed $200,000 within a qualified State. Defines "qualified States" as a State which meets requirements set forth in this Act. Permits the Secretary to use existing facilities and services in carrying out his responsibilities under this Act. Entitles the Secretary to recover from any insurer the amount of any unpaid premiums lawfully payable by such insurer to the Secretary. Requires, as a condition to the receipt of reinsurance, that each insurer file specified information with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to conduct comprehensive studies of medical malpractice claims and litigation, in order to determine methods of minimizing the costs of such a system. Title II: State Programs - Requires States to establish a program for the arbitration of medical malpractice claims. Provides that any civil action arising from a claim for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice on the part of any health professional or health care insitution may be instituted in a court of the State only after there has been an arbitration of the claim which forms the basis for such action. Sets forth procedures governing the initiation of arbitration, the appointment of an arbitration panel, hearing procedures, the decision of the arbitration panel, proceedings subsequent to the decision of the arbitration panel, the admissibility of the arbitration panel decision as evidence at trial, and the reporting of arbitration decisions. Requires States to establish and appropriately enforce a schedule of maximum contingent fee rates which may be charged or accepted by attorneys for services performed in connection with claims for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice. Provides that in order for any State to be eligible for Medicaid payments under title XIX of the Social Security, such State must have in effect a patient grievance mechanism applicable to all health care entities within the State. States that in order to qualify for malpractice reinsurance under this Act, such patient grievance mechanism must (1) receive, investigate, and evaluate grievances of patients respecting medical injuries occurring in noninstitutional settings, and (2) assist in the equitable settlement of any claims arising out of such grievances. Requires such mechanism to make quarterly reports to the Secretary on the grievances received by the mechanism, the disposition of such grievances, and the medical malpractice claims arising out of such grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 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 · 16 June 1975
Prohibits carriers of Federal employee insurance from reducing or excluding health benefits without such proposed changes being published in the Federal Register and without hearings by the Civil Service Commission on such proposed changes.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1975
Requires under the Social Security Act the continued application of the 8 1/2 percent nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Terminates the existence of the Federal Metal and Nonmettalic Mine Safety Board of Review established pursuant to the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act. Grants the Secretary of the Interior authority to review mine closing orders which were previously reviewed by the Board. Makes final orders issued by the Secretary subject to the same judicial appeal procedures which Board orders were subject to. (Amends 30 U.S.C. 729-731)
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Provides that no State shall be required to apply a means test, or limit benefits on the basis of federally prescribed income levels, in determining the individuals for whom education, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services may be provided under the Social Security Act, if such services are provided in a manner consistent with State plans approved under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Comprehensive Right to Privacy Act - Requires that any organization of State or local government maintaining an information system that includes personal information shall: (1) collect, maintain, use, and disseminate only personal information necessary to accomplish a proper purpose of the organization; (2) collect information to the greatest extent possible from the data subject directly; (3) maintain information in the system with accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and pertinence as necessary to assure fairness in determinations relating to a data subject; (4) make no dissemination to another system or any individual other than the data subject without specifying requirements for security and the use of information exclusively for the purpose set forth in the notice required under this Act; (5) maintain a complete and accurate record, including identity purpose, and date, of every access to any personal information in a system by persons or organizations not having regular access authority; and (6) collect no personal information concerning the political or religious beliefs, affiliations, and activities of data subjects maintained by any government agency unless expressly authorized by statute. Prohibits any State or local government from requiring individuals to disclose for statistical purposes any personal information unless such disclosure is required by a constitutional provision or Act of Congress, and the individual is so informed. Requires any organization maintaining or proposing to establish an information system for personal information to: (1) give notice of the existence and character of each existing system once a year to the Federal Privacy Board; (2) give public notice of the existence and character of each existing system each year; and (3) assure that such public notice specifies the categories of data maintained, and the categories of all information sources, a description of types of use made of information, and the procedures whereby an individual can gain access to such information and contest its accuracy and the necessity for its retention. Requires any organization maintaining personal information to inform an individual asked to supply personal information whether he is legally required, or may refuse, to supply the information requested, and also of any specific consequences, which are known to the organization, of providing or not providing such information. Permits data subjects who dispute information about themselves to have such disputed information noted as being disputed when such information about him is disseminated. Requires, upon request, corrections in information to be sent to past recipients of information. Directs organizations maintaining information to inform, within two years and each year thereafter, individuals on whom data is stored of its content and where a copy of such data may be obtained. Sets forth exemptions to the provisions of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any organization to require an individual to disclose or furnish his social security account number, for any purpose in connection with any business transaction unless the disclosure or furnishing of such number is specifically required by Federal law. Establishes the Federal Privacy Board whose five members shall be appointed by the President. Directs the Board to: (1) publish an annual Data Base Directory of the United States containing the name and characteristics of each personal information system covered by this Act; (2) make rules to assure compliance with this Act; (3) upon the determination of a violation of a provision of this Act or regulation promulgated under the Act, and after opportunity for a hearing, order the organization violating such provision to cease and desist such violation; and (4) conduct open, public hearings on all petitions for exceptions or exemptions from provisions, application, or jurisdiction of this Act. States that any individual or organization or responsible officer of an organization who willfully: (1) keeps an information system without having notified the Federal Privacy Board; or (2) issues personal information in violation of this Act; or (3) solicits, uses, or otherwise acquires information in violation of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 in each instance or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Provides that any person, system, or agency which violates the provisions of the Act, or any rule, regulation, or order issued thereunder, shall be liable to any person aggrieved thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1975
Railroad Right-of-Way Improvement Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to provide, during times of high unemployment, assistance to create employment opportunities in rebuilding the Nation's railroad rights-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance during times of high unemployment for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed and under employed persons in jobs maintaining or rebuilding railroad rights-of-way. Authorizes, for such purposes, appropriations of $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires such funds be expended only for wages and employment benefits. Prohibits further obligation of such funds to be made subsequent to a determination by the Secretary that the rate of national unemployment (seasonally adjusted) has receded below 4.5 percent for three consecutive months. Requires applications for financial assistance for a railroad right-of-way employment program to contain specified assurances. Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress at least annually a detailed report setting forth the activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975
Provides that appointments, promotions, assignments, and transfers within the Federal civil service shall be made without regard to political recommendations. Prohibits Members of Congress, State and local elected officials, officials of political parties, and any other individual or organization from making recommendations with respect to any person being considered for appointment, transfer, promotion, or assignment. Prohibits officers or employees of the United States from soliciting, considering, or accepting such recommendations. Authorizes any officer or employee of the United States to solicit or furnish a statement with respect to a person if: (1) it is furnished pursuant to a request or requirement of the executive agency concerned and consists solely of an evaluation of the work performance, ability, aptitude, and general qualifications of such person; (2) it relates solely to the character and residence of such person; (3) it is furnished pursuant to a request made by an authorized representative of the United States solely in order to determine whether such person meets the loyalty, suitability, and character requirements for employment with the United States; or (4) it is furnished by a former employer of such person pursuant to a request of the executive agency concerned, and consists solely of an evaluation of the work performance, ability, aptitude, and general qualifications of such person during his employment with such former employer. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 3303)
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Prohibits, except in cases of extreme emergency, assistance under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to any country which the President determines is not making reasonable and productive efforts, especially with regard to family planning, designed to alleviate the causes of the need for assistance provided under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Revises clause 6 of rule XXVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that managers appointed by the House to each conference committee shall transact all business in meetings open to the public except where the House, by majority vote and in open session, shall vote to close such meeting or meetings. Directs that it shall be in order to debate such motion to close for ten minutes before the vote is taken on that motion, one-half of such time to be given to debate by the mover of the motion and one-half to debate in opposition to the motion.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide for the disposal of asbestos chrysotile from the national stockpile and the supplemental stockpile. Requires the avoidance of market disruptions in the timing and method of such disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Provides that the Sequoia National Game Refuge shall become part of the Sequoia National Park, and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the new area. States that nothing in this Act shall terminate or impair any private right in permits or property in the Game Refuge.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Requires, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, that no bill or report of a committee or conference be considered unless copies of such are available to Members at least four hours before consideration. Directs that it shall not be in order for the Speaker to entertain a request for the suspension of the provisions of this clause.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 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 · 23 April 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Provides that all meetings of Government agencies at which official action is considered or discussed shall be open to the public. Excludes from this requirement any portion of an agency meeting where the agency determines by vote of a majority of its entire membership that the meeting: (1) will probably disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and procedures or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual; (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes; (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person; or (6) will relate to the conduct or disposition of a case or adjudication governed by specified sections of the United States Code. Requires each agency to make a public announcement of the date, place, subject matter of each meeting, and whether open or closed to the public, at least one week before each meeting. Requires that a transcript or electronic recording of each such meeting, together with any official minutes of such meeting be made available to the public for inspection. Permits an agency by majority vote to delete from the transcripts or recordings made available to the public specified materials. Directs each agency to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States to enforce the requirements fo this Act. Prohibits ex parte communication between interested persons and members of the agency in question, or an administrative judge, or an employee who is or may be involved in the decisional process of the proceeding. Requires each agency subject to such prohibition to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this Act. Grants to the district courts of the United States the jurisdiction to enforce such prohibitions by declaratory judgement, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Defines "ex parte communication" as meaning a communication relevant to an on-the-record agency proceeding where such communication is not made openly or on the record.
United States · United States Congress · 18 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 $200 of such educational expenses, 25 percent of the next $300, and 5 percent of the next $1000 of such expenses. Reduces such credit by 1 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $22,500. 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 · 18 April 1975
Directs the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe such regulations as are necessary to prohibit any pricing practices in the furnishing of any fuel or other form of energy (including electricity) to the ultimate consumer which are regulated by a Federal or State agency and which allow per unit rates to vary inversely with total consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a credit against the income tax the expenses of elementary or secondary education paid by an individual during the taxable year to any private nonprofit elementary or secondary school for a dependent. Limits such credit to the lesser of 100 percent of the expenses or $300. Reduces such credit by an amount equal to 1 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $22,500.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Prohibits former Federal employees who participated in a contract formulation whose value exceeded $10,000 from being employed, for a period of two years, by anyone who has a direct interest in the contract. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 207)
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. States that areas designated as part of the National Wildlife System as of January 1, 1975, shall continue to be a part of the System until otherwise specified by Act of Congress unless such lands are disposed of in accordance with provisions of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Cost-of-living Adjustment Act- Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for automatic cost-of-living adjustments, based on the Consumer Price Index, in: (1) the income tax rates; (2) the amount of standard deductions; (3) the amount of personal exemptions; (4) the amount of depreciation deductions; and (5) the adjusted basis for property. Makes cost-of- living adjustments in specified United States savings bonds and certificates and on other obligations of the United States.
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
Urges the President to seek a treaty or other appropriate international agreement establishing a wildlife preserve for humpback whales in the West Indies.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
States that the United States should, as expeditiously as possible, take all necessary actions to effect a regional conservation treaty for the protection of northern hemisphere pinnipeds (includes seals and walruses).
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States delegation to the European Security Conference should not agree to the recognition by the European Security Conference of the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and it should remain the policy of the United States not to recognize in any way the annexation of the Baltic nations by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 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 · 8 April 1975
Directs the President to exercise his authority under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to equalize the ceiling price throughout the United States at which residual fuel oil is sold or exchanged so as to assure equitable electric power rates and charges throughout the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Parole Reorganization Act - Establishes, as an independent entity in the Department of Justice, a United States Parole Commission, to consist of a national office and five regional offices. States that the Commission shall have the power to establish general policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations for the Commission, including rules with respect to the factors to be taken into account in determining whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole. Provides that the Commission shall meet not less frequently than quarterly to establish its general policies and rules. States that, whenever confined and serving a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, a prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole after serving one-third of such term or terms or after serving ten years of a life sentence or of a sentence over thirty years. Stipulates that a prisoner shall be released on parole if his record shows that he has substantially observed the rules of the institution in which he is confined on the date of his eligibility for parole, unless it is determined by an examining panel that he should not be released on such date for one or more of the following reasons: (1) there is a reasonable probability that such prisoner will not live and remain at liberty without violating any ciminal law; (2) there is a reasonable probability that such release would be incompatible with the welfare of society; or (3) the prisoner's release on such date would so deprecate the seriousness of his crime as to undermine respect for the law. Requires the regional offices to hold a hearing in making a determination of whether to release a prisoner on parole. Sets forth the procedure to be followed in such hearings. Authorizes the regional Commissions to impose such conditions of parole as are deemed reasonably necessary to insure that the parolee will lead a law-abiding life or to assist him in doing so. Provides, with certain exceptions, that the jurisdiction of the Commission over the parolee shall terminate no later than the date of the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which he was sentenced. States that if the regional commissioner believes that any parolee has violated a condition of his parole, or that there is reason to terminate any parolee's assignment to a center or similar facility, he may order such parolee to appear before him or before a hearing examiner, or issue a warrant and retake the parolee as provided in this Act. Requires that a hearing be held on such a matter. Authorizes the courts to fix eligibility for parole at the time of sentencing of an individual. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide that any prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole if such prisoner is ineligible for such release under any other provision of law. Requires the Commission to report annually to each House of Congress on the activities of the Commission.
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 · 8 April 1975
Allows a deduction from gross income under the Internal Revenue code of up to $1250 ($625 in the case of a married individual filing separately) for social agency, legal, and related expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child by the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Prescribes penalties for the use of firearms in the commission, and carrying firearms during the commission, of any felony with respect to which United States courts have exclusive and original jurisdiction. Prescribes penalties for the use of carrying of any firearm transported in interstate or foreign commerce in the commission of any crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year upon conviction in a State court. Provides a sentence, in addition to the punishment set forth for the commission of such felony or crime, of a term of five to ten years imprisonment. States that in case of a second or subsequent conviction, such person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. (Amends 18 U.SC. 924(c))
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stipulates that such park is not to exceed three thousand five hundred acres. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Directs the House Commission on Information and Facilities to provide for radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber. Calls upon the Commission to provide for monitors to receive the television coverage to be located in such offices of the Capitol and the House and Senate office buildings as the Commission, after consultation with the Speaker of the House, considers desirable. States that the Commission shall initially provide for transmission of the audio portion of the coverage to offices of Members and officers of the House and Senate. Directs the Commission to provide a daily written summary of the proceedings of the House and other information pertaining to legislative activity. Requires that the Commission make available to the public and commercial broadcasting stations radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber, videotapes of such coverage, and recordings of the audio portion of such coverage subject to requirements specifies under this Act. Specifies that such requirements do not include limitations or restrictions on the selection of materials for broadcast use. Authorizes the Commission to employ such persons and enter into such contracts as shall be necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution. Provides that expenses of the Commission shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House. Directs the Commission, as soon as possible after the conclusion of the first session of the Ninety-fourth Congress, to report to the House on activities carried out under this resolution.
![Official portrait of Rep. Coughlin, Lawrence [R-PA-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000807_200.jpg)