United States · United States Congress · 9 October 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 October 1975
Local Freight and Passenger Services Amendments - Redefines "interim light density lines" for purposes of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act as meaning all rail properties used or useful in providing local rail service in the region, except rail properties (1) designated in the final system plan as profitable lines to be operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or profitable railroads pursuant to this Act; (2) approved for abandonment prior to the effective date of the final system plan; or (3) which are out of service as of the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Corporation to determine and publish criteria to assist States and local and regional transportation authorities in making determinations whether to provide rail service continuation subsidies to maintain in operation particular rail properties, and provide legal and technical assistance to such authorities. States that the Corporation must issue regulations containing standards for the computation of subsidies for rail passenger services. Permits discontinuance of freight service on any interim light density line if such line is not subject to an offer of or an agreement for purchase or subsidy, and notice of intent to discontinue freight service is sent to the Governor and local governments of the affected States. Authorizes discontinuance of rail passenger service after specified conditions have been met. Prohibits discontinuance or abandonment if a shipper, a State, the United States, a local or regional transportation authority, or any other responsible person offers (1) a rail service continuation subsidy which covers the difference between the revenue attributable to such rail properties and the avoidable costs of providing service on such rail properties plus a reasonable return on the value of such rail properties; or (2) to purchase such rail properties in order to operate rail service over such properties. Sets forth procedures governing the rehabilitation of out-of-service and interim light density lines. Directs the U.S. Railway Association to issue a supplement to the final system plan which shall (1) provide for the transfer of all interim light density lines to the Corporation; and (2) designate the value of all interim light density lines and the value of the securities and other benefits to be received for rail properties transferred to the Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to help such States meet the cost of establishing and implementing State rail plans. Stipulates that State plans are not suitable unless such plan provides for prompt determination and evaluation of (1) the amount of rail service continuation subsidies required for each interim light density line; (2) the total direct and indirect costs of abandonment of interim light density lines; and (3) the total direct and indirect costs of maintaining interim light density lines. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make supplementary grants to State, local, or regional transportation authorities for the purpose of assisting such entities in paying for additional costs of passenger service resulting from the implementation of the regulations promulgated by the Office pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
OPEC Price Reduction Act - Provides that if the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries increases its publicly announced price for crude oil, natural gas, or products between September 1, 1975, and December 1, 1975, then the President shall reduce, but not below zero, the amount of any duty, license fee, supplemental fee, or other charge, imposed under the Trade Expansion Act, on imports of such oil, gas, or products by an amount equal to such increase.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Requires the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Grants special court leave to Federal employees when called as witnesses in any judicial proceeding to which the United States, the District of Columbia, or a State or local government is a party.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Amendments - Revises the existing Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act. Adds new provisions, including a statement of congressional findings and purposes, to such Act. Inserts a "general duty" clause requiring each mine operator to furnish miners with employment and a place of employment which are free from hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or injury. Requires the adoption of Federal mine safety standards and provides for promulgation of emergency temporary standards if the newly created Assistant Secretary of Labor for Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety determines that miners are exposed to grave danger from substances determined to be toxic or to cause injury, or from new hazards. Adds provisions allowing affected operators to apply for a variance from the established standards. Offers such operators an opportunity to participate in a hearing on the promulgation of standards. Sets forth instances when the Assistant Secretary may grant a variance. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or the Assistant Secretary to inspect any mine subject to this Act. Provides that in making inspections and investigations the Assistant Secretary may require the testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence. Prohibits advance notice of inspections, providing penalties for violations of such prohibition. Provides for a comprehensive program of miner education in occupational safety and health, including access to information concerning the toxicity of materials to which miners may be exposed. Requires that regulations affecting operators shall be available at each mine. Entitles miners to compensation at a regular rate of pay when a mine is closed pursuant to the Act. Establishes the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Commission, as an independent agency, to appoint hearing examiners (to adjudicate disputes under the Act) and to review the decisions of such examiners. Establishes, in the Department of Labor, an Office of the Assistant Secretary for Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety to be filled by Presidential appointment, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Creates the Advisory Committee on Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Health and Safety to consult with the Assistant Secretary and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on the administration of the Act. Transfers the administration of the Act from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Labor. Authorizes the transfer of personnel to the Department of Labor. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act States that the Secretary shall give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a vist; or (2) if conditions are found during such a vist which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1978 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey specified lands at the Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey, to the Airship Association as a site for an airship museum.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey specified lands at the Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey, to the Airship Association as a site for an airship museum.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Establishes the Commission on Unemployment Caused by the Dispersion of Hazardous Industries and specifies the composition of the Commission. States that it shall be the duty of the Commission to: (1) review occupational safety and health laws and policies in those countries which are attracting United States industry to determine the extent to which such laws, or the absence of such laws, influences the dispersion of United States industry; (2) assess the impact of such industrial dispersion upon the United States economy, including the contribution of industrial dispersion to increased unemployment in the United States; (3) determine the extent to which United States tax, tariff, and foriegn policies encourage the exportation of potentially hazardous industries; (4) examine the role of international organizations in the promulgation and implementation of international standards governing hazardous industries; (5) assess the effect of industrial dispersion upon the health and safety of foreign workers, United States workers and American consumers; and (6) recommend appropriate legislation and/or administrative action, if necessary, which should be taken by the United States and/or international organizations to prevent the dispersion of hazardous industries.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act States that the Secretary shall give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a vist; or (2) if conditions are found during such a vist which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1978 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
National Workers' Compensation Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that existing State workers' compensation laws fail to provide adequate, prompt, and equitable protection to workers and the families of workers injured or killed on the job. States that it is the purpose of Congress: (1) to establish federally guaranteed workers' compensation benefits for employees in the States and to establish administrative requirements for State workers' compensation agencies; (2) to establish appropriate procedures for enforcement of such benefits while maintaining State workers' compensation systems; and (3) to encourage and provide technical and financial assistance to the States to make improvements in their existing workers' compensation programs designed (a) to provide all workers and their families an adequate, prompt, and equitable system of workers' compensation in the event they suffer work-related disabling injury, disease, or death, and (b) to restore disabled workers through medical, vocational rehabilitation services to the fullest physical, mental, and economic usefulness of which they are capable. States that the provisions of this Act shall apply to all employers and all employees in any State. States that there shall be no time or dollar maximum limitation on the total amount of compensation or services in cases of death or total disability. Specifies minimum amounts of death or total disability payments under the State workers' compensation laws. Sets forth provisions for the enforcement of the rights of claimants under this Act. Provides for the bringing of a civil action in a United States district court upon the exhaustion of available State administrative remedies. Specifies administrative requirements for State workers' compensation agencies. Provides for the enforcement of such requirements by the Secretary of Labor. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to undertake a study of diseases related to employment for the purposes of this Act and to make recommendations for appropriate standards for determining: (1) whether such a disease arose out of or in the course of employment; and (2) whether death or disability was due to such disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to States to assist in identifying needs and responsibilities in the area of workers' compensation and in developing plans to improve the workers' compensation system. States that the grant may cover up to 90 percent of the cost of such programs. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to collect, compile and analyze workers' compensation statistics. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President, for transmittal to Congress, on the subject matter of this Act. Establishes a National Workers' Compensation Advisory Commission. States that the Commission shall be composed of nine members appointed by the President from the fields of labor, business or insurance, and from the general public. Enumerates the duties of the Commission which shall include the monitoring of the progress of the States in improving their workers' compensation programs, and advising the Secretary of the compliance of the State workers' compensation agencies with the provisions of this Act. Enumerates the powers of the Committee. Requires the Committee to report on its actions annually to the President and to Congress. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Amendments - Revises the existing Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act. Adds new provisions, including a statement of congressional findings and purposes, to such Act. Inserts a "general duty" clause requiring each mine operator to furnish miners with employment and a place of employment which are free from hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or injury. Requires the adoption of Federal mine safety standards and provides for promulgation of emergency temporary standards if the newly created Assistant Secretary of Labor for Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety determines that miners are exposed to grave danger from substances determined to be toxic or to cause injury, or from new hazards. Adds provisions allowing affected operators to apply for a variance from the established standards. Offers such operators an opportunity to participate in a hearing on the promulgation of standards. Sets forth instances when the Assistant Secretary may grant a variance. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or the Assistant Secretary to inspect any mine subject to this Act. Provides that in making inspections and investigations the Assistant Secretary may require the testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence. Prohibits advance notice of inspections, providing penalties for violations of such prohibition. Provides for a comprehensive program of miner education in occupational safety and health, including access to information concerning the toxicity of materials to which miners may be exposed. Requires that regulations affecting operators shall be available at each mine. Entitles miners to compensation at a regular rate of pay when a mine is closed pursuant to the Act. Establishes the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Commission, as an independent agency, to appoint hearing examiners (to adjudicate disputes under the Act) and to review the decisions of such examiners. Establishes, in the Department of Labor, an Office of the Assistant Secretary for Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety to be filled by Presidential appointment, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Creates the Advisory Committee on Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Health and Safety to consult with the Assistant Secretary and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on the administration of the Act. Transfers the administration of the Act from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Labor. Authorizes the transfer of personnel to the Department of Labor. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act States that the Secretary shall give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a vist; or (2) if conditions are found during such a vist which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1978 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Provides that the Commodity Credit Corporation shall be the seller or marketing agent for all export sales of specified raw agricultural commodities. Authorizes the Corporation to acquire commodities on the domestic market to meet the objectives of this Act. Allows the Corporation to act upon the request of a producer or any other person as an exclusive marketing agent. States that the owner of the commodity may stipulate the minimum price below which the commodity can not be sold. Requires that a record of all terms and conditions of each export scale be made available for public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Emergency Medical Services Systems Act Amendments - Extends through fiscal year 1979, under the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act, the prohibition of grants or contracts made by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, for the modernization of emergency facilities to States, units of local government, or other public service entities which did not receive a grant or contract for the same purpose the preceeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to make a second grant to or enter into a second contract with an eligible entity for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services. Includes planning costs in the coverage of grants and contracts for expansion and improvement of emergency medical services. States that emphasis in awarding grants or contracts for research relating to the delivery of emergency medical services in rural areas should be placed on identifying and using techniques and methods to apply the results of such research. Authorizes recipients of grants or contracts for the: (1) establishment and operation; or (2) expansion and improvement of an emergency medical services system to use funds under such grant or contract for a training program related to such a system. Authorizes through fiscal year 1977 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for feasibility studies and planning in connection with the establishment and operation of an emergency medical services system. Authorizes through fiscal year 1980 appropriations for grants and contracts for the establishment and operation, and planning and improvement of such emergency systems. Directs that at least 20 percent of the funds appropriated be made available for feasibility studies and planning from 15 percent to 10 percent of the funds appropriated. Authorizes through fiscal year 1978 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for the support of research in emergency medical techniques, methods, devices, and delivery. Defines the duties of the unit established within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for the administration of grants made and contracts entered into under the Emergency Medical Services Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, and nursing and similar institutions to assist programs of training in the field of emergency medical service. Authorizes through fiscal year 1980 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for such training programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct two studies in areas related to the improvement of emergency medical services.
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
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
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 · 24 July 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the United States House of Representatives of attempts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the Senate will review United States commitments to the Third World nations involved in the expulsion and will consider the implication of continued membership in the United Nations.
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
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act States that the Secretary shall give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a vist; or (2) if conditions are found during such a vist which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1978 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Establishes in the House of Representatives the permanent Select Committee on Energy which shall not have legislative jurisdiction but which shall have jurisdiction to conduct investigations and studies of the development, application, use, and control of all forms of energy and power in order to establish a coordinated program for the development and control of all forms of such energy and power. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of each investigation together with recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the ban on military assistance to Turkey should not be lifted until such time as Turkish forces are withdrawn from Cyprus and there is a negotiated settlement in Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Expresses congressional disapproval of sales to Jordan of the Hawk missile and Vulcan antiaircraft systems as proposed by the President on July 10, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act States that the Secretary shall give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a vist; or (2) if conditions are found during such a vist which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1978 for the purposes of 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 · 14 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act States that the Secretary shall give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a vist; or (2) if conditions are found during such a vist which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1978 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Extends to a Federal annuitant the right to elect within one year after remarriage whether such annuitant's new spouse shall be entitled, if otherwise qualified, to a survivor's annuity. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8339, 8341)
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - States that the energy needs of United States industry are increasing consistently, although energy resources are limited, and that the conservation of energy is therefore necessary. Declares that rapid development and cost-effectiveness demonstrations, and widespread application by industry, of energy-efficient technologies can be facilitated by Federal financial assistance in the form of research, development, and demonstration projects and through incentives to companies that invest in such technologies. States that it is the purpose of this Act to stimulate the development of energy-efficient technologies in American industry. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish and maintain a program for research, development and demonstration of energy conserving industrial technologies, including: (1) basic and applied research under the control of the Administrator; (2) the development by the Administrator or private persons of prototypes or demonstration models of energy conserving technologies; and (3) the making of grants to private organizations to facilitate the incorporation of such technologies into commercial operating industrial plants, such projects to be used as demonstrations for other industrial facilities. Sets forth priorities to be observed by the Administrator in determining the recipients of grants under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Enumerates priorities to be observed in making or guaranteeing such loans, including: (1) the extent to which a loan recipient is located within a depressed industrial area, and will contribute to the economic recovery of such area; (2) the extent to which such loan or guarantee will foster the widespread adoption of energy conservant technology; (3) the extent to which modernization, rather than replacement, of existing equipment will contribute to the purposes of this Act; and (4) the extent to which small businesses will be able to participate in the benefits resulting from this Act. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of loans and guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Requires that at least 60 percent of the funds available for loans and guarantees be allocated to recipients in depressed industrial areas. Sets forth additional regulations pertaining only to loan guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Limits the outstanding indebtedness guaranteed under this Act to $500,000,000 at any one time. States that no guarantee shall be made under this Act after September 30, 1977. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
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 · 26 June 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the extension of most-favored-nation status to Romania should be approved contingent upon the President's certification to the Congress of the following: (1) that the Romanian Government will respect the rights of the Hungarian and other minorities in Romania, (2) that the Romanian Government give assurances that the provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding the free emigration of immediate relatives of America citizens to the United States will be complied with.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Provides that an employee of an agency who is found to have undergone an unjustified or unwarranted personnel action shall be deemed to have performed service for the agency during the period of such action. Allows the restoration of annual leave in excess of the maximum leave accumulation permitted by law. Credits such leave to a separate account which shall be available for use by the employee within the time limits prescribed by Civil Service regulation. Provides for liquidation by lump-sum payment of leave which was not credited to a former employee if such employee is not on the rolls on the date of the enactment of this Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5596 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 12 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 · 11 June 1975
Eliminates the requirement, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, that annual reports with respect to the present value of employee pension benefit plan liabilities describe allocation by termination priority categories. Increases the period of time for determining as a variable the amounts necessary to amortize credits to the funding standard account from 5 to 30 plan years. Requires that changes in actuarial methods be taken into account in determining credits to the funding standard account. States that in situations where the assets of a plan are held by two or more trustees, each shall use reasonable care to prevent a co-trustee from committing a breach of fiduciary responsibility and they shall jointly manage the assets of the plan. Revises the standards and available procedures for determining when liability for the breach of a co-fiduciary attaches. Sets forth amended standards governing fiduciary responsiblity with respect to fund assets. Eliminates restrictions on specified fiduciaries to receive reasonable compensation for services rendered. Makes the development of a system under which risks with respect to contingent liability insurance are equitably distributed between the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and private insurers discretionary with the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to make such insurance available for employers by September 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Intergovernmental Countercyclical Assistance Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal Government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal Government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job creation impact of Federal Government public service employment programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to State and local governments to carry out the purposes of this legislation. Authorizes for each of 12 succeeding calendar quarters (beginning with the first calendar quarter after the date of enactment of this Act) $500,000,000 when the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reaches 6 percent plus an additional $250,000,000 for each whole percentage point over 6 percent of the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the preceding calendar quarter. Provides that no funds would be authorized for any calendar quarter during which the national unemployment rate was under 6 percent. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of the authorized funds for distribution to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. Specifies that State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of its unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals, with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for the allocation to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments-two parts unemployment and one part adjusted taxes raised. States that the Secretary shall allocate for the purpose of making emergency support grants to each identifiable local government. Specifies that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintain basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance under this Act. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of the Treasury may require and that the Secretary of the Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that labor standards and wage requirements of this Act be complied with; (7) provide that the Act's requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds received under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and to not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. Provides that in any case where the Secretary of the Treasury makes a finding of discrimination by a State or local government and is unable to achieve compliance within 30 days, he is specifically authorized to defer payment to the discriminating jurisdiction unless compliance is achieved. States that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds authorized under this Act. Allows payments to be made in installments, in advance or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments and underpayments. Provides that no funds be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that jurisdiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than 6 percent. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. States that funds will continue to be withheld until the Secretary of Treasury is satisfied that compliance has been achieved. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Forbids, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the employment or referral for employment of aliens who have not been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. States that a person who employs or refers for employment such an individual shall not be deemed to have violated this Act if he has: (1) obtained a form signed by the individual stating that he is a citizen or lawfully admitted alien; and (2) himself signed a form stating that he has read the individual's birth certificate or any other document which validates the individual's statement. Provides that any person who violates this Act shall be fined in an amount equal to the cost to the United States of deporting such alien if such alien is deported, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both, for the first such employment or referral, and shall be fined the same amount, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, for each such subsequent employment or referral. Directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service to increase the personnel of the United States Border Patrol and Investigations Branch by 2,500 by the end of fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this provision. Provides that this Act shall take effect 90 days after enactment and shall only apply to aliens who become employed or are referred for employment on or after that date.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Long-Term Care in 1976. Directs the Conference to consider methods to : (1) make long-term health care available to those who need it; (2) provide alternatives to nursing home placement; (3) improve the quality of care offered in long-term care facilities; (4) provide for appropriate training of personel; and (5) finance the necessary benefits structure to make long-term care a right of all Americans. Requires that the Conference submit a final report to the President not later than one hundred and twenty days following the date on which the Conference is called. Authorizes the Secretary of Health Education, and Welfare to establish an Advisory Committee to the Conference composed of not more than twenty-eight professionals and public members. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to carry out the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Authorizes interest subsidy payments under the National Housing Act to assist nursing homes in repair and renovation in order to comply with Federal standards if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare certifies that such facilities are otherwise in substantial compliance with such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the United Service Organizations, Incorporated. Provides that such corporation shall provide a voluntary civilian agency responsible to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense, through which the people of this Nation may, in peace or war, serve the religious, spiritual, social, welfare, educational, and entertainment needs of the men and women in the Armed Forces within or without the territorial limits of the United States. Requires that the corporation shall be nonpolitical and, as an organization, shall not furnish financial aid or assistance to, or otherwise promote the candidacy of, any person seeking elective public office. States that no substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall involve carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. Provides that the corporation, its regional, State, and local councils, organizations, chapters, and affiliates shall have the sole and exclusive right to use the names "United Service Organizations, Incorporated" and "USO" and such distinctive insignia, emblems, and badges as the corporation may lawfully adopt in carrying out its purposes. Authorizes the Department of Defense and any other agency of the United States Government, to provide such assistance as they determine is appropriate to enable the corporation to carry out its purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Campuses for the Elderly Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program under which qualified organizations, public and private, will submit plans for the development of carefully conceived and innovative projects to meet the special health care, housing, and related needs of elderly persons in the campus-type setting. Provides that from the plans submitted the Secretary shall select which he determines are most promising in furtherance of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make, and contract to make, interest subsidy payments to the holder of any mortgage covering a project designed in accordance with a plan selected under this Act. Provides that as a condition for receiving such a subsidy the owner shall operate the project in accordance with such requirements as the Secretary may prescribe. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to make such payments. Requires an evaluation of such projects not later than two years after their implementation to determine their effectiveness and suitability in meeting the needs of elderly persons. Provides that such evaluation shall be made by a committee consisting of the following members: (1) three members of the Congress to be appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Represenatives; and (2) six members to be appointed by the Secretary of which three shall be representative of the medical profession and three shall be persons who have had experience in the administration of health-care facilities, both proprietary and nonproprietary. Provides that the Committee shall submit to the Secretary for transmittal to the Congress a report with respect to its findings and recommendations not later than six months after the date on which the committee is fully organized. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums (not to exceed $70,000) as may be necessary to carry out this evaluation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Elderly Day Care Center Act - Revises title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include "elderly care center" in the definition of "provider of service."
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Requires any nursing home, which provides services under State plans approved under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, fully to disclose to the State licensing agency the identity of each person who has any ownership interest in such home or is the owner (in whole or in part) of any mortgage, deed of trust, note, or other obligation secured (in whole or in part) by such home.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Nursing Home Personnel In-Service Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants, not to exceed $100,000 per grant, to assist public or nonprofit private schools of nursing to meet the costs of developing short-term in-service training programs for nurses aids and orderlies for nursing homes. Provides that such programs shall emphasize the special problems of geriatric patients. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Authorizes an experimental program under the Social Security Act to provide for care for elderly individuals in their own homes. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary carry out the purposes of this Act for fiscal year 1975 and for each fiscal year thereafter.