United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Tax Neutrality Act - Repeals, under the Internal Revenue Code, the special tax credit granted with respect to dividends received by shareholders owning stock in foreign Lesser Developed Country Holding Companies. Eliminates the special deduction for Western Hemisphere Trade Corporations. Imposes a tax on the undistributed profits of foreign corporations to such corporations' United States shareholders based on each shareholders' prorata share of such undistributed profits. Excludes from gross income distributions to shareholders which have been previously taxed. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to require shareholders of controlled foreign corporations to maintain records and accounts necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act. Repeals the tax exemption presently permitted to Domestic International Sales Corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Allows a court to grant attorneys' fees to the privailing party, other than a governmental entity, in civil actions to enforce civil or Constitutional rights. Provides that a governmental entity shall be liable for costs and fees the same as a private person.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Imposes increased taxes, under the Internal Revenue Code, on cigarettes of $0.50 more per thousand on small cigarettes and $1.05 more per thousand on large cigarettes, the proceeds, coupled with additional appropriations authorizations, to be used in part for programs respecting lung and blood diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Provides for the recovery of attorneys' fees as a part of costs in civil actions to obtain judicial review of agency action where such action is brought on the grounds that it adversely affects civil or constitutional rights, or consumer or environmental interests. Requires that the party seeking review substantially prevail in order to recover such fees. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Provides that the term "dependent child" includes a needy child living with the father, mother, or any other relative of such child for purposes of eligibility under title IV (Aid To Families With Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 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 · 14 July 1975
Prohibits the military departments from using dogs in connection with any research or other activities relating to biological or chemical warfare agents.
United States · United States Congress · 11 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 · 11 July 1975
First Amendment Implementation Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to recognize and confirm the applicability of, and to strengthen and further the objectives of, the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States by removing statutory and regulatory restrictions on broadcasters operating under the Communications Act of 1934. Provides, under such Act, that the term "public interest, convenience, and necessity" shall not be construed to give the Federal Communications Commission jurisdiction to require the provision of broadcast time to any person or for the expression of any viewpoint or otherwise to execise any power, supervision, or review over the content or schedule of any program broadcast by licenses, except where the broadcast of such material is otherwise prohibited by law. Repeals the prohibition under such Act relating to political editorials.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Provides that Members of the House of Representatives and employees of the House, except in specified cases, may not be reimbursed for the difference between the cost of first-class air travel accommodations and the cost of other air travel accommodations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
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 · 9 July 1975
African Development Fund Act - Authorizes the President to accept participation for the United States in the African Development Fund. Requires the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Governor and an Alternate Governor of the Fund. Requires the Governor to cast the votes of the United States for the Director to represent the United States in the Fund. Prohibits any person or agency, unless Congress authorizes by law, from: (1) agreeing to increase the subscription of the United States to the Fund; (2) agreeing to any amendment which increases the subscription of the United States; or (3) making a loan or providing other financing for the Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 as the United States subscription to the Fund. Stipulates that any Federal Reserve Bank requested by the President to act as a depository for the Fund shall do so. Declares that the agreement establishing the Fund shall have full force and effect in the United States upon acceptance of participation.
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 · 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 · 9 July 1975
Ground Propulsion Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to carry out a program of research, development, and demonstration directed toward improved ground propulsion systems. Defines the term "ground propulsion system" to mean the engine, transmission, or other drive mechanism, and associated controls, necessary to power automobiles, trucks, trains, buses, and light land and marine recreational vehicles. Makes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration responsible for providing effective management and coordination in connection with ground propulsion systems research, development, and demonstration, including programs for developing ground propulsion systems which are energy conserving, have clean emmission characteristics, and are capable of being mass produced at a reasonable per unit cost. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to assist the Administrator in ground propulsion system research and development. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the provisions of the Act for fiscal years 1976 through 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
World War I Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of the Veterans Administration to pay to each veteran of World War I, who meets the service requirements of this Act, or his widow, a pension at the monthly rate of $150. Defines the terms "veteran" and "World War I". States that the pension under this Act shall be paid to a veteran or his widow without regard to his or her annual income, if solely derived from the payments of social security benefits, railroad retirement benefits, or pensions. Sets forth specified minimum service requirements for a veteran to be eligible for a pension under this Act. Stipulates that a widow must have been married to the veteran for not less than ten years at the time of his death.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Official Accountability Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to assure that persons charged with making or implementing American foreign, military, and national security policy will do so according to law. Title I: National Security Crimes - Stipulates that no officer or employee of the United States, nor any other person who receives any compensation or remuneration from the United States for the commission of any act covered by this Act, shall order or engage in the planning of, preparation for, initiation or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of any international treaty or agreement to which the United States is a party. Prohibits such persons from participating in acts of murder, torture, use of hostages, use of slave labor, and the wanton destruction of cities or towns. Sets forth specified acts which shall be deemed to be in violation of the laws and customs of war for purposes of this Act. Includes in such listing the overthrow by force, violence, or bribery of the leadership of a nation with which the United States is not at war. Provides sanctions for violations of this Act. Places the prosecution of such violations under the exclusive authority of the National Security Solicitor. Title II: Administration and Enforcement - Establishes an independent office of the Legal Office of National Security Affairs. Places such Office under the direction of a National Security Solicitor. Sets forth the powers and duties of such official. Stipulates that such official shall have access to any book, document, paper, record, or other material of any United States agency, including the White House staff and Executive Office of the President.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
State and Local Fiscal Assistance Amendments - Revises the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act in order to allow the Secretary of the Treasury to reserve such percentage of the total entitlement payment as he deems necessary to insure that there will be sufficient funds available to pay adjustments due after the final allocation of funds among the State governments and units of local government. Restricts the use of funds received by the local governments to local priority expenditures, including public safety, environmental protection, and other enumerated areas. Specifies minimum expenditure and other restrictions upon the use of such funds. Makes authorizations to the Trust Fund in amounts as specified. Revises the formula to be used in allocating funds between State and local governments. Indicates circumstances for which State and local governments shall have their entitlement reduced. Provides supplemental entitlements for low income communities. Sets forth procedures which must be adopted by State and local governments before allocation of funds shall be made pursuant to this Act. Provides that such procedures shall include citizen participation in the decision-making process. Forbids discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin, in the allocation of benefits or participation in any program funded by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to take specified action against any unit of government violating this provision. Requires each State to submit a report to the Secretary setting forth the amounts and purposes for which funds have been spent or obligated. Provides for priavte remedies against violators of the provisions of this Act by governmental units.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Provides that, unless the President determines that the national security requires a license or authorization, and makes a report of such determination to the Congress (which report shall be available to every Member of the Congress) at least sixty days prior to the issuance of such license or authorization, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall not license or otherwise authorize any export, and the Energy Research and Development Administration shall not make or permit any export, of nuclear fuel or nuclear technology: (1) to any country which furnishes or agrees to furnish uranium enrichment or nuclear fuel reprocessing plants to a country not a party to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty; or (2) to any country which is not a party to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and which develops either an enrichment or reprocessing plant without concluding an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency or Euratom by which all present and future nuclear facilities are made subject to safeguards established by either such agency against diversion of nuclear material.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Farm Tax Equity Act - Limits, under the Internal Revenue Code, deductions with respect to a taxpayer engaged in the business of farming to: (1) the gross income of the business for the taxable year; and (2) in the case of an individual or a bona fide family farm corporation, the higher of $10,000 or the amount of special deductions allowed by this Act, or for any other taxpayer, the amount of special deductions. Prohibits the application of such deductions when the taxpayer uses specified accounting methods. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should assess the situation in the drought-stricken areas where many people are suffering from malnutrition and are in grave danger of dying from malnutrition; (2) the President should report to Congress such recommendations as he determines to be appropriate to alleviate the malnutrition in such areas; and (3) the appropriate committees of Congress should give priority to any such recommendations of the President so as to expedite the response of the United States to the malnutrition problems in such areas.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Provides, under the Foreign Military Sales Act, that no letter of offer to sell any defense articles or services under such Act may be issued until the end of the first period of thirty calendar days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the statement required by such Act is transmitted, unless the President in his statement certifies that an emergency exists which requires such sale in the national security interests of the United States. States that the President may issue such letter of offer thirty days after the statement has been so transmitted unless, before the end of the first period of thirty calendar days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the statement is transmitted, Congress adopts a concurrent resolution disapproving the proposed sale, credit sale, or guaranty with respect to which the statement is made. Specifies the procedures by which such a resolution shall be considered by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Energy Information Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes and defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: National Energy Information Administration - Creates as an independent agency of the Federal Government the National Energy Information Administration, to be headed by an Administrator. Provides that the function of the Administration shall be the collection, tabulation, comparison, analysis, standardization, and dissemination of energy information pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to coordinate existing energy information collection activities of all Federal agencies. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress and the President a plan for the consolidation of the energy information activities of the Federal Government. Provides for the imposition of criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of, or theft of, non-public energy information. Title II: National Energy Information System - Directs the Administrator to establish a National Energy Information System which shall be operated and maintained by the Administration. Provides that such System shall contain such information as is required (1) to provide a description of and facilitate analysis of energy supply and consumption within and affecting the United States on the basis of such geographic areas and economic sectors as may be appropriate and (2) to meet adequately the needs of the Congress and of those Federal agencies which are responsible for energy policy analysis and formulation and for energy regulation. Requires major energy producing companies to file annual financial reports with the Administrator. Requires major energy consuming companies to file annual energy consumption reports, including the amounts and types of energy used, with the Administrator. Provides that the information collected pursuant to this Act shall be made public, except where such information: (1) constitutes a trade secret; (2) would substantially harm the company that supplied it if disclosed; (3) was obtained from a Federal, State, or local agency on a confidential basis; and (4) was classified for national security or foreign policy reasons. Authorizes the Administrator to delay the disclosure of geological information. Provides that only Federal employees having official use for such information shall have access to the information in the non-public categories listed above. Title III: Energy Resources Surveys and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis a survey of all mineral fuel resources and nonmineral energy resources in the public lands of the United States. Stipulates that such survey program shall be designed to provide information about the location, extent, value and characteristics of all such resources. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Directs the Comptroller General to continuously monitor and evaluate the activities and operations of the Administration. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Energy Information Administration and the Department of the Interior such amounts as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such agencies by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Provides that a license for the export of arms, ammunition, or implements of war may not be issued until a report on such exports is submitted to Congress. Directs that the report shall include information as to the name and address of the cosignee, user and manufacturer and the dollar amount of items contained in the application. Specifies that Congress has twenty days to object to the application. (Amends 22 U.S.C. 1934)
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Allows a court to grant attorneys' fees to the privailing party, other than a governmental entity, in civil actions to enforce civil or Constitutional rights. Provides that a governmental entity shall be liable for costs and fees the same as a private person.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Provides for the recovery of attorneys' fees as a part of costs in civil actions to obtain judicial review of agency action where such action is brought on the grounds that it adversely affects civil or constitutional rights, or consumer or environmental interests. Requires that the party seeking review substantially prevail in order to recover such fees. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Personal Safety Firearms Act - Title I: Registration - Makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly possess a firearm that is not registered under this Act. Excludes from the registration requirement any firearm which has previously not been registered, if it is held for sale by a certified dealer who keeps records as required by the Secretary of the Treasury or if it is possessed by a Federal, a State or a local government body. Allows to remain unregistered for 180 days after the effective date of this Act any firearm possessed by a person on such date and continuously held by that person during the 180 day period. Provides that a certified dealer, before selling a firearm to a person who must register it, must require the registration of the firearm and must file such application with the Secretary at the time of sale. Requires that when a person other than a certified dealer sells a firearm, the purchaser must file an application for registration prior to receipt of the firearm. Stipulates that the application form to be prescribed by the Secretary must include at least the following: (1) the name, address, date, and place of birth, and social security number of the applicant; (2) the name of the manufacturer, caliber, the model, the type, and the serial number of the firearm; and (3) the date, place, and the person from whom the firearm was obtained and such person's appropriate registration or license number. Requires that the prospective registrant keep a duplicate of his registration application, which duplicate shall suffice as temporary evidence of registration. Provides for the automatic expiration of the certified record of a firearm upon any change of name of the registered owner or residence, unless the Secretary is notified within 30 days of such change. Makes unlawful the carrying of a firearm required to be registered without having a registration certificate or temporary evidence of registration. Makes unlawful the refusal to exhibit such required registration information upon demand of a law enforcement officer. Requires any registrant, who sells his registered firearm, to return his registration to the Secretary within 5 days of the sale and to give certain information about the transferee. Makes it mandatory for one who acquires a firearm subject to registration regulations to require the seller to exhibit a registration certificate, whose number must then be placed on the new registration application. Prohibits a licensed dealer from taking a firearm by way of pledge or pawn without also taking and retaining the registration certificate. Requires prompt notification of the death of a registrant or of the loss, theft or destruction of a firearm. Forbids a licensed dealer from selling ammunition for use in a firearm required to be registered without requiring the purchaser to exhibit his registration certificate for a firearm which uses such ammunition. Provides that whoever violates the registration requirements shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000. Allows the Secretary to pay reasonable value for firearms voluntarily relinquished to him. Provides that any information as to any registration or application shall be disclosed only to the National Crime Information Center. Title II: Licensing - Requires the Secretary to determine which States have adequate permit systems for the possession of firearms and to publish in the Federal Register the names of such States. Provides for certain provisions to be met for an adequate permit system. Makes it unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise transfer any firearm or ammunition to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer or licensed dealer unless: (1) the sale or transfer is not prohibited by any other provision of this Act; and (2) the purchaser or transferee exhibits a valid permit issued to him by a State or political subdivision having an adequate permit system, or the purchaser or transferee exhibits a valid Federal gun license. Directs a licensed dealer to issue a Federal gun license to a person upon presentation of the following: (1) a valid official document issued by the person's State or political subdivision, showing his name, current address, age, signature and photograph; (2) a statement, in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary and dated within 6 months and signed by the chief law enforcement officer (or his delegate) of the locality of residence of the person, that to the best of that officer's knowledge that person is not under indictment, has not been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, is not a fugitive from justice, and is not otherwise prohibited by any provision of Federal, State, or local law from possessing firearms and ammunition; (3) a statement in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary, dated within 6 months and signed by a licensed physician, that in his professional opinion such person is mentally and physically capable of possessing and using a firearm safely and responsibly; (4) a statement signed by the person in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary, that he may lawfully possess firearms and ammunitions under the laws of the United States and of the State and political subdivision of his residence; and (5) a complete set of such person's fingerprints certified to by a Federal, State or local law enforcement officer, and a photograph reasonably identifying the person. Provides that such Federal gun licenses shall be issued in the form prescribed by the Secretary and shall be valid for a period not exceeding 3 years. Accords any person denied a Federal gun license the right to apply directly to the Secretary for the issuance of a Federal gun license. Permits, unless otherwise prohibited by this Act, a licensed dealer to ship a firearm or ammunition to a person only if the dealer confirms that the purchaser has been issued a valid permit pursuant to an adequate State permit system, a Federal gun license, or a Federal dealer's license, and notes the number of such permit or license. Prohibits any person to possess a firearm or ammunition without a valid State or local permit, if he is resident of a State or locality having an adequate permit system, or a Federal gun license. Title III: Specifications for Approved Handguns - Prohibits the Secretary from approving for sale or delivery any handgun model unless such model meets specified criteria. Sets forth requirements to be met by pistol and revolver models, including specifications relating to: (1) length; (2) weight; (3) frame construction; (4) caliber; (5) safety features; and (6) miscellaneous equipment. Requires the Secretary to give written notification of the results of evaluation and testing, including specific reasons, in the case of handgun models which fail to meet the standards for approval, for such a finding. States that licensees whose models are not found to be in compliance with relevant standards shall have 10 days to submit in writing specific objections to such findings, and may request a retesting of such model, together with justification therefor. Provides that if upon retesting the Secretary's finding remains adverse, or the Secretary finds retesting is not warranted, the aggrieved party may, within 60 days, file a petition in the United States district court in the district in which the aggrieved party has his principal place of business in order to obtain judicial review of such finding. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 923A, 931-938; Amends 18 U.S.C. 922)
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Vietnam Era Reconciliation Act - Provides immunity from prosecution and punishment to those persons who because of disapproval of the military involvement of the United States in Indochina during the period covering January 1, 1961, and ending May 1, 1975, resisted the draft, were absent from the Armed Forces without leave, or disobeyed an order, which order if obeyed could reasonably have led to the death of another human being. Directs that persons convicted of such offenses and who are serving, or have served, a prison sentence or other punishment shall be released from prison and from other punishment, and any remaining portion or terms of punishment shall be deemed to have been served. Provides that a person who is serving a sentence as a result of the above offenses and is also serving a sentence for an offense not covered by this Act shall be released only from that portion of his sentence specifically applied to offenses covered by this Act. Provides that persons serving a term of reconciliation service, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 8313, of September 16, 1974, may be released from such service and the remaining portion may be waived. Directs that legal proceedings instituted as a result of offenses covered by this Act be dismissed. Requires all records and information relating thereto to be expunged from all Government department and agency files, records and correspondence. Provides that any person who is eligible for relief under this Act shall be granted a certificate of resignation without condition from the Armed Forces. States that no person shall be denied any statutory or constitutional right because of any crime for which relief is granted by this Act. Exempts from that provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act which denies admission to the U.S. to any person who left the country to avoid military service, any former citizen of the U.S. who makes a sworn statement to an appropriate official of the Immigration and Nationalization Service to the effect that he renounced citizenship because of disapproval of military involvement of the United States in Indochina. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Protection. States that the Agency shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a comprehensive statement of the activities and accomplishments of the Agency during the preceding calendar year, including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and such recommendations for legislation necessary or desirable to protect the interests of consumers within the United States. Directs the Agency, in the performance of its functions, to advise the Congress and the President as to matters affecting the interests of consumers; and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services made available to them through the trade and commerce of the United States. States the functions of the Agency, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; and (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance for public inspection and copying of which the Agency has received, arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken by it. Directs the Agency to investigate and report to Congress on the desirability and feasibility of establishing a National Consumer Information Foundation which would administer a voluntary, self-supporting, information tag program. Prohibits sex discrimination in any program activity receiving Federal assistance under the Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act such sums as may be required for fiscal year 1976, for the transitional period July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, and for fiscal years 1977 and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of State to furnish to the House of Representatives the following information: (1) specific diplomatic initiatives carried out by the United States in response to Cambodians seizure of the United States merchant ship Mayaguez and its crew; (2) what diplomatic initiatives are known to have been carried out by Cambodia and other parties in respect to such seizure; (3) what specific diplomatic options were considered and rejected by the National Security Council; (4) what United States covert actions and intelligence gathering activities were conducted in or over or from off the shore of Cambodia prior to the seizure of the Mayaguez; and (5) what communications have occurred to date between the United States and Thailand regarding the use of Thai territory in conjunction with the United States military action to secure the release of the Mayaguez and its crew?
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to reimburse the States, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, for real property tax relief programs aimed at elderly households with incomes of $15,000 or less. Provides that the amount of such reimbursement shall be a percentage (determined on the basis of the household income) of the tax relief provided multiplied by the aggregate number of households receiving such relief. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1976 through 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 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 · 11 June 1975
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Affairs Act - Title I: Arts and Humanities - Authorizes, under the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts to make grants to the American Film Institute. Authorizes, under the same Act, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish a grants-in- aid program for existing and developing humanities programs in States which meet the standards set forth in such Act. Sets forth the requirements for applications by States for such grants. Sets forth the policy by which funds will be allotted to States under this Act. Establishes the minimum amount which will be allotted at $100,000. Provides for 100 percent funding of State programs in specified cases, and for grants to multi-State groups. Directs the chairman to withhold further grants or require repayment of grants already made when noncompliance by the State agency receiving such grants is discovered. Authorizes, under the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, the appropriation of $113,500,000 for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 for programs of the National Endowment for the Arts. Authorizes, under such Act, identical appropriations for programs of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Authorizes, under such Act, the appropriation of up to $25,000,000 per year, each to the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities for each year through fiscal year 1980, for the purpose of matching donations made to each endowment. Title II: Museum Service and Exhibitions - Museum Services Act - Establishes an Institute for the Improvement of Museum Services within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that such Institute shall consist of the Director of the Institute and a National Museum Services Board. States that the Board shall consist of fifteen members appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate and eight ex officio members as set forth in this Act. Sets forth the terms of office of the members of the Board. Provides that the Board shall have the responsibility for the general policies with respect to the powers, duties, and authorities vested in the Institute under this Act. States that the Director shall make available to the Board such information and assistance as may be necessary to enable the Board to carry out its functions. Provides that the Director shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall serve at the pleasure of the President and perform such duties and exercise such powers as the Board may prescribe. States that there shall be a Deputy Director who shall be appointed by the President and serve at his pleasure. States that the Deputy Director shall serve as Director during the absence or disability of the Director, or in the event of a vacancy in the office of Director. Sets forth a list of activities for which the Director, subject to the approval of the Board, is authorized to make grants to museums to increase and improve museum services. Provides that grants under this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the cost of the program for which the grant is made. Gives the Institute the authority to accept in the name of the United States grants, gifts, or bequests of money for immediate disbursement in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $30,000,000 for each of the succeeding fiscal years ending prior to October 1978. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount equal to the amount contributed to the Institute under this Act during such time period. Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act - Authorizes the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities to indemnify works of art, printed matter, other artifacts and objects and motion pictures or recordings which have educational, cultural, historical or scientific value, and whose exhibition is certified by the Secretary of State as being in the national interest. Sets forth the procedures to be followed in applying to the Council for the indemnification of works as provided by this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to pay any amount for which the Council becomes liable under any indemnification agreement. Limits the coverage under this Act to loss or damage in excess of the first $25,000 out of a single incident. Directs the Council to issue regulations providing for prompt adjustment of all claims arising under valid agreements of indeminification, including the arbitration of the dollar value of damage not amounting to total loss. Directs the Council to certify the validity of all claims to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary: (1) to enable the Council to carry out its functions under this Act; and (2) to pay certified claims. Directs the Council to report annually to Congress: (1) all claims paid during the preceding fiscal year; (2) claims pending as of the close of such period; and (3) the total face value of outstanding contracts at the close of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives to following information: (1) the sequence of events in the United States response to Cambodia's seizure of the United States merchant ship Mayaguez and its crew; (2) military and diplomatic action carried out by Cambodian and other parties with respect to seizure of the Mayaguez; (3) the specific military and diplomatic options considered by the National Security Council in seeking the release of the ship and its crew; (4) what consultations were carried out between the President and Congress; (5) what if any military action had been ordered by the United States Armed Forces with respect to the Mayaguez incident before the Secretary General of the United Nations was asked to give diplomatic assistance; (6) specifics concerning the intelligence information and military actions by the United States; (7) if known, the exact position and course of the Mayaguez when it was seized; (8) what covert and intelligence activities were conducted in or over or from off the shores of Cambodia subsequent to the Khmer Rouge take over in April 1975; (9) what warning, if any, was issued to the United States merchant marine prior to the seizure of the Mayaguez; (10) under what authority of law were the United States Armed Forces used to secure the release of the Mayaguez and its crew; and (11) what steps were taken to insure the accuracy of the various announced casualty figures relating to the Mayaguez rescue operation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the designation of 1975 as International Women's Year has its full support. Calls for 1975 to be a time for launching new programs and forming new attitudes to overcome obstacles encountered by women in exercising their full human rights. States that Congress should take appropriate legislative actions to correct inequities. Calls for equal job and educational opportunities and greater representation at official conferences. Recognizes the unique problems faced by older women. Acknowledges the contributions of homemakers to their families and communities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1975
Foreign Discriminatory Practices Act - Title I : Prohibits discriminatory actions by United States exporters which have the purpose or effect of supporting restrictive trade practices or boycotts imposed against countries friendly to the United States by other foreign countries under the Export Administration Act of 1969. Requires United States exporters to report requests that it engage in activities prohibited under this Act. Title II : States that whenever an exporter violates the provisions of Title I, the Secretary of Commerce shall suspend or revoke the export license or privileges of the exporter.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1975
Mortgage Disclosure Act - Requires each financial institution which makes federally related mortgage loans to compile and make available to the public for inspection and copying at each office of that institution specified information concerning real estate loans, and savings accounts. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the requirements imposed under this Act unless such enforcement is specifically charged to some other Government agengy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 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 · 5 June 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 · 5 June 1975
Expands the size of Redwood National Park in the State of California. Requires management of the Park to emphasize protection of the resources downstream from the watershed.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 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 · 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 · 4 June 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development under the Energy Reorganization Act to establish and maintain a comprehensive program for the conduct, sponsorship, and promotion of research, development, and demonstration of industrial energy-conserving technologies. Specifies criteria that the Administrator is required to apply in reaching decisions regarding the directions, priorities activities, and operations of the industrial energy conservation program. Requires the Administrator, in furthering the goals of this Act, to: (1) allocate 60 percent of the funds available for contracts, grants, and loans to depressed areas; and (2) promulgate rules and regulations. Requires the Administrator to compile a list of depressed industrial areas. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal year 1976, and for each fiscal year thereafter, such funds as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development under the Energy Reorganization Act to establish and maintain a comprehensive program for the conduct, sponsorship, and promotion of research, development, and demonstration of industrial energy-conserving technologies. Specifies criteria that the Administrator is required to apply in reaching decisions regarding the directions, priorities activities, and operations of the industrial energy conservation program. Requires the Administrator, in furthering the goals of this Act, to: (1) allocate 60 percent of the funds available for contracts, grants, and loans to depressed areas; and (2) promulgate rules and regulations. Requires the Administrator to compile a list of depressed industrial areas. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal year 1976, and for each fiscal year thereafter, such funds as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Nuclear Energy Study Act - Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to undertake an independent comprehensive study and investigation of the entire nuclear fuel cycle as specified in this Act. Requires that all government agencies cooperate to the fullest extent with the Office. Requires that the Office provide annual reports to Congress and the public on the progress of the study. Directs the Office to submit a final report to the Congress and the public five years after the enactment of this Act concerning the safety and environmental hazards of nuclear fission power plants and the nuclear fuel cycle. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for each of the first five fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act to fund the investigation and study.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
![Official portrait of Rep. Drinan, Robert F. [D-MA-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000499_200.jpg)