United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
National Science and Technology Policy and Organization Act - Title I: National Science Policy - Declares that the United States shall adhere to a national policy for science and technology which includes the following principles: (1) the continuing development and implementation of a national strategy for determining and achieving the appropriate scope, level, direction, and extent of scientific and technological efforts based upon a continuous appraisal of the role of science and technology in achieving goals and formulating policies of the United States; (2) the enlistment of science and technology to foster a healthy economy in which the directions of growth and innovation are compatible with the prudent and frugal use of resources and with the preservation of a benign environment; and (3) the development and maintenance of a solid base for science and technology in the United States. States the declaration of Congress that the Federal Government should maintain central policy-planning elements in the executive branch in mobilizing resources for essential science and technology programs, in securing appropriate funding for those programs, and to review systematically Federal science policy and programs and to recommend legislative amendments when needed. States that, in order to expedite and facilitate the implementation of the policy enunciated in this Act, the following coordinate procedures are of paramount importance: (1) Federal procurement policy should encourage the use of science and technology to foster frugal use of materials, energy, and appropriated funds; to assure quality environment; and to enhance product performance; (2) explicit criteria, including cost-effectiveness principles where feasible, should be developed to identify the kinds of science and technology programs that are appropriate for Federal funding support and to determine the extent of such support; (3) Federal promotion of science and technology should maximize quality of research, stability of scientific and technological institutions, and, for urgent tasks, timeliness of results; and (4) antitrust regulation should not preclude cooperation among competing firms in industrial research and development unless such cooperation is anticompetitive. Title II: Office of Science and Technology Policy - Presidential Science and Technology Advisory Organization Act - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Provides for the appointment of a Director, four Assistant Directors, and other personnel. Specifies the functions of the Office, including to: (1) advise the President of scientific and technological considerations involved in areas of national concern; (2) evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the Federal effort in science and technology and advise on appropriate actions; (3) advise the President on scientific and technological considerations with regard to Federal budgets; and (4) assist the President in providing general leadership and coordination of the research and development programs of the Federal Government. Title III: The Federal Science and Technology Survey Committee - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President, and in association with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Federal Science and Technology Survey Committee. States that the Committee shall consist of from five to twelve members appointed by the President. Specifies the qualifications of the members of the Committee. States that the functions of the Committee shall be to survey, examine, and analyze the total context of the Federal science and technology effort including missions, goals, personnel, funding, organization, facilities, and activities in general. Stipulates that the life of the Committee shall be 24 months from the date of its first organizational meeting. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Exempts from the estate tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation operated continually by the decedent for at least five years prior to his death and which passes to a relative on his death. Provides for revocation of such exemption in the event that the successor transfers his interest or stops residing on the farm within five years of the death of his transferor. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that farmland, woodland, or open land which comprises part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, as such rather than at its fair market value. Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower evaluation and recapture of unpaid taxes with interest upon the conversion, rezoning, or removal of such land from the National Register of Historic Places.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Requires that appointments to the United States Coast Guard Academy be made without regard to the race, sex, color, or religious belief of the applicant. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to take such action as may be necessary to insure that female individuals shall be eligible for appointment and admission to the Coast Guard Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes, under the Privacy Act of 1974, the disclosure to individual Members of Congress or their designates of information regarding individuals. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552a)
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
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - States that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System; to organize an Administration of the Department of Transportation to acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, modernize, and to restructure the rail lines included within such System; to transfer to the States responsibility for maintenance of rail lines not included within such System; to require minimum standards of maintenance for rail lines; to establish rights of access by rail carriers to rail lines they do not own; and to provide Federal funding to the Administration and to States for rehabilitation of rail lines. Defines terms used in the Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Secretary of Transportation with specified data describing the current condition of the railroad, and with a verified statement identifying all railroad lines of the carrier. Designates the Initial Interstate Railroad System, and rail lines which shall be excluded from such system. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold hearings and recommend additions to and deletions from such system. Requires the Secretary, after giving full consideration to such recommendations, to prepare and release a concise descriptive study of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad System, including future maintenance standards of each rail line in the system. States that after hearings and recommendations by the Office, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress a final Interstate Railroad System Plan designed to promote and enhance the ability of rail carriers to provide modern, efficient, and economical interstate rail freight and passenger service responsive to present and future needs and demands. Requires the Secretary to determine and publish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the resporation of all rail lines in the system to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that rail properties acquired by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation shall be part of the final system. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration to revise the future maintenance standards so long as such revision reflects changes in the anticipated use of the individual lines. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Federal Rail Property Administration. Grants the Administration power to acquire rail lines and property and to enter into leases with a railroad company which deeds rail lines to the Administration. Sets forth conditions governing such leases. Permits railroads to offer to transfer all facilities which are included in the System to the Administration, whereupon the Administration shall enter into a lease and accept title to the facilities so offered. Requires the Secretary to develop programs of rehabilitation and capital improvements for rail properties owned by the Administration. States that such programs shall be incorporated into and be made terms of the lease of such property. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and to Congress on the extent and condition of all properties owned by the Administration, and on the condition of all other rail properties in the Nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations for each year beginning with the year in which this Act is enacted and continuing for a period of ten years such sums as are necessary for (1) rehabilitation of lines as required under this Act, and (2) to provide the materials used in maintenance as required under this Act. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Authorizes additional sums of money for reports, expenses, and maintenance materials. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Permits abandonment of rail service on properties not designated part of the final system. Sets forth conditions governing discontinuation of service. Title VI: Labor Contracts - States that all contracts between rail carries and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full force, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Title VII: Northeast Corridor - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to operate high speed rail passenger service in the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations for improvement of the Northeast Corridor.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Establishes in the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Energy. Authorizes the committee to conduct a study with respect to all aspects of the exploration, research and development, production, importation, distribution, and use of all energy-related natural resources, including national priorities and policies with regard to energy.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Requires that any rule or regulation proposed by any officer or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government to implement a law or a program pursuant to a law must be submitted to both Houses of Congress for review. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective 60 legislative days after submission if Congress neither disapproves it by resolution or passes a concurrent resolution specifically approving such rule or regulation. Incorporates the provisions of this Act into the rules of the two Houses of Congress. Establishes procedural rules with respect to the consideration of a resolution disapproving the proposed rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 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 · 7 September 1975
Methanol Fuel Act - Provides that every person, at his election, shall be entitled to a deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified methanol producing facility based on a period of 60 months. Defines the term "qualified methanol producing facility" to mean any tangible property: (1) which is used in producing methanol from coal, wood, waste, or natural gas; and (2) which is of a character subject to the allowance for depreciation. Specifies the amount of such deduction. Provides that such deduction shall be in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Exempts gasoline and special fuels containing at least 10 percent methanol from excise taxes otherwise imposed on gasoline and special fuels.
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 · 30 July 1975
Title I: Wildlife Restoration Fund - Extends the period during which States may expend funds apportioned to them for wildlife restoration projects under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. Authorizes States to use funds apportioned to them under specified provisions of such Act for the purpose of paying not more than 75 percent of the cost of a hunter education program, or a public target range program, or both. Stipulates that the non-Federal share of the cost of any such program may be derived from license fees paid by hunters, but not from moneys derived by the State through any other Federal grant program. Title II: Tax on Sale of Component Parts of Firearm Ammunition - Imposes a tax of 11 percent, to be paid by the manufacturer, upon component parts of ammunition (including, but not limited to, cartridge cases, primers, bullets, shots, wads and powders) for firearms (including pistols and revolvers).
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Directs the Architect of the Capital to conduct a study of the feasibility of using solar energy in connection with the heating, cooling, hot water, and electrical systems of the Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn House Office Buildings. Requires that such study consider the conversion and operating costs of such a system. Authorizes the Architect to enter into contracts necessary to carry out the study. Limits expenditures of the Architect under this resolution to $50,000 to be paid from the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Defines the term "agricultural" under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the exemption from the tax on corporations. States that such term includes the art or science of cultivating land, harvesting crops or marine resources, or raising of livestock.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that energy conservation practices adopted for the design, construction, and utilization of these facilities will have a beneficial effect on the Nation's overall supply of energy, and the procurement of solar heating and cooling units for use in Federal buildings in connection with demonstrations of solar energy applications on such buildings under this Act should help to create a market for such units generally. States that it is the policy of this Act to insure that energy conservation and solar energy technology be employed in the design and construction of certain Federal facilities as set forth in this Act, and, to the maximum extent feasible, in the design and construction of all other Federal and federally-assisted facilities. Defines terms used in this Act, including the terms "energy use analysis," and "life cycle energy costs". Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of Defense to, in consultation with each other, develop, publish, and from time to time update guidelines designed to assure that the most effective and efficient measures for the conservation of energy and the use of solar energy systems are incorporated in: (1) the design, construction, and renovation of Federal and federally assisted buildings; and (2) the procurement of goods and services for such buildings and for other Federal purposes. States that the guidelines developed by the Secretary and the Administrator shall be consistent with each other. Requires the guidelines developed by the Secretary to be applied to all new and existing buildings under his control. Requires the guidelines developed by the Administrator to be applied to all other new and existing buildings, as defined in this Act. Directs all other Federal agencies to comply with the requirements of the applicable guidelines. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator: (1) to submit to Congress an energy use analysis with respect to the construction, acquisition, or leasing of any new building to which guidelines apply; and (2) with respect to existing buildings, to submit an inventory and energy use analysis of all such buildings, setting forth detailed plans for incorporating required improvements. Directs each Federal agency to submit to the Administrator or Secretary a detailed life cycle energy costs analysis of any building to be constructed, acquired, or leased by it for its use. Prohibits the purchase of any major energy using, generating, or conserving equipment by a Federal agency without prior submission of life cycle energy cost analysis. Provides for an increase in the allowable dollar amount of Federal assistance for building construction or major rehabilitation to cover the cost of solar energy equipment or other special energy equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a source of financial assistance for homeowners and builders so as to enable them to purchase and install solar heating equipment or combined solar heating and cooling equipment, primarily through the small business segment of the economy, in order to substantially reduce energy use. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make loans to individuals and families owning and occupying one- to four-family residential structures, and to persons engaged in building residential structures of any kind, to assist them in purchasing and installing qualified solar heating or solar heating and cooling equipment (as defined by this Act) in such structures. Specifies the maximum amount, interest rate, and maturity date of such loans. Sets forth loan application requirements. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist the Small Business Administration in carrying out the provisions of this Act by transmitting technical findings and recommendations and providing information concerning solar heating and cooling equipment to any person upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Metric Conversion Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to plan and coordinate the increasing use of the metric system of measurement in the United States, and to plan and coordinate the voluntary substitution of metric measurement units for customary measurements units in education, trade, commerce, and all other sectors of the economy. Establishes a United States Metric Board to implement the policy set out in this Act. Directs the Board to: (1) consult with and take suggestions from various groups regarding the conversion; (2) encourage activities of standardization organizations to develop or revise as rapidly as practicable engineering standards to a metric measurement basis; and (3) assist the public, through information and education programs, to become familiar with the meaning and applicability of metric terms and measure in daily life. Lists the powers of the Board, including the powers to accept gifts and to employ staff. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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 · 8 July 1975
Defines the term "periodical publications" for purposes of postal rate application. Authorizes the mailing of catalogs and course listings issued by institutions of higher education at second-class mail rates. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3626)
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Allows individuals who have attained age 65 or who are disabled a refundable tax credit of up to $500, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, for property taxes paid by them on their principal residences or for a portion of the rent attributable to property taxes they pay for their principal residences during the taxable year. Reduces the credit available under this Act by 10 percent of the individual's adjusted gross income in excess of $9,000. Disallows the tax deduction for such taxes when a tax credit is taken.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Permits the Secretary of the Treasury under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act to withhold a percentage of the total entitlement payment for any period to insure sufficient funds for final allocation of funds among the state and local units of government. Appropriates to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Funds: (1) $1,625,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, (2) $6,687,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, (3) $6,837,500,000 for fiscal year 1978, (4) $6,987,500,000 for fiscal year 1979, (5) $7,137,500,000 for fiscal year 1980, and (6) $7,287,500,000 fiscal year 1981. Appropriates to the Fund as noncontiguous States adjustments: (1) $1,195,000 for fiscal year 1976, and (2) $4,780,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1981. Exempts amounts appropriated to the Fund from the provisions of the Congressional Budget Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report with appropriate recommendations to the Congress no later than September 30, 1980, concerning the extension of this title. Declares that if the entitlement of any Indian tribe or Alaskan native village is waived for any entitlement period, then the amount of such entitlement shall become part of the entitlement of the county government of the county in which such unit is located. Increases the maximum percentage points per entitlement period until it reaches 175 percent. Directs each State and local unit of government which receives funds under such Act to submit a report to the Secretary after the close of each entitlement period on the use of the funds received. Directs such unit of local government which expects to receive funds to submit a report to the Secretary on how it plans to use the funds it expects to receive. Empowers the Secretary whenever he determines that a unit of government has failed to comply with an applicable regulation to withhold all or a portion of the entitlement funds due such unit of government, to terminate the eligibility of such unit of government, and to require repayment of the entitlement funds expended. Requires units of government to provide an opportunity for citizens to give recommendations and views on the proposed expenditures of all funds within such units distributed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Adds rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives. Provides that the Congressional Record shall contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks delivered on the floor of the House together with supportive data. Directs that revisions of the Record shall be limited to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors. Allows insertions in the Record of remarks not actually delivered on the floor by unanimous consent. Requires that such insertions be printed in a type face distinctively different from that used for verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1975
Extends through fiscal year 1978 the authorization of appropriations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to enable the Department of Interior and the Department of Commerce to carry out their responsibilities and functions under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Jobs Creation Act - Title I: Individual Income Taxes - Allows a tax credit in the amount of 10 percent (up to $1,000) the amount of qualified individual deposits and investments made by an individual during the taxable year. Defines qualified investments as amounts used to purchase stock in or debt instruments of a domestic corporation. Provides that the first $1000 of capital gain shall be excluded from gross income during the taxable year. Provides, for purposes of the estate tax, that the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation continually owned by him for 5 years prior to his death and which passes to a related individual shall be excluded from the value of the taxable estate. Title II: Corporation Taxes - Reduces the normal tax rates imposed on corporations. Increases the investment credit to 15 percent (12 percent in the case of property constructed or acquired before an unspecified date in March, 1975). Increases the corporate surtax exemption from $25,000 to $100,000. Increases the class life variance for purposes of the depreciation deduction allowed for property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income. Title III: Employee Stock Ownership Plan Financing - Creates special deductions for dividends paid during the taxable year by employers on securities held by an employee stock ownership plan (as defined by this title). Provides for the distribution of dividends to employees and repurchase of qualifying employer securities from persons receiving distributions. Provides for the exclusion from gross income of that part of a distribution held or reinvested within 60 days in income-producing assets of equivalent value for the purpose of realizing current income from such assets.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Provides, in the determination of rates of basic pay in conversions of the General Schedule of employees and positions subject to prevailing rate pay schedules, that employees who were receiving night differential pay under specified conditions shall be entitled to an inclusion of such differential pay in their new basic pay rate. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 5334)
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stipulates that such park is not to exceed three thousand five hundred acres. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review certain rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Provides that an administrative rule, the violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such rules by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Occupational Safety and Health Amendments - Defines "employer," under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to mean a person engaged in a business affecting commerce who has employees, but does not include the United States, any States or political subdivision of a State, any nonagricultural employer who employed no more than 25 employees at any time during the preceding calendar year, or a small farmer. Requires the evaluation of specified existing standards in order to determine the applicability of each such standard to each class of business concern with each industry. Provides, in specified cases, that the Secretary of Labor give an employer reasonable advance notice that an inspection will be made. Requires that notices of alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act be in writing and state allegations with particularity. Sets forth specified circumstances in which employers in violation of the provisions of such Act shall not receive notices, including: (1) if the employer can show that implementing a specified rule or standard would not materially affect the safety or health of his employees in the facility inspected; and (2) if he can show that he has employed alternative procedures to protect his employees from contemplated hazards. Sets forth procedures for enforcement of the provisions of such Act. Provides that no person shall discharge or discriminate against any employee because such employee has filed any complaint under such Act. Enumerates affirmative defenses to any proceedings brought under such Act. Allows the Secretary of Labor to enter into compliance agreements with employers believed to be in violation of standards. Directs the Secretary, upon request from an employer, to visit the workplaces of employers for the purpose of affording consultation and advice to such employer. Requires the Secretary to provide technical advice, assistance, and consultation to employers with less than 100 employees when it appears to the Secretary that such assistance is necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Methanol Fuel Act - Provides that every person, at his election, shall be entitled to a deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified methanol producing facility based on a period of 60 months. Defines the term "qualified methanol producing facility" to mean any tangible property: (1) which is used in producing methanol from coal, wood, waste, or natural gas; and (2) which is of a character subject to the allowance for depreciation. Specifies the amount of such deduction. Provides that such deduction shall be in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Exempts gasoline and special fuels containing at least 10 percent methanol from excise taxes otherwise imposed on gasoline and special fuels.
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
Emergency Employment Appropriation Act - Authorizes the appropriation of enumerated sums for emergency employment for fiscal year 1975. Title I: - Authorizes specified amounts for the Comprehensive Manpower Assistance, Community Service Employment for Older Americans, and Temporary Employment Assistance programs in the Department of Labor. Authorizes specified amounts for the Health Services, Higher Education, and Social and Rehabilitative Service Work Incentives programs in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Authorizes $5,000,000 for the administrative expenses of the United States Railway Association in the Department of Transportation. Title II: Limits the application of sums under this Act. Prohibits the expenditure of sums authorized by this Act for the acquisition of motor vehicles other than motor vehicles manufactured and assembled in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 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 · 3 June 1975
Authorizes the President to proclaim the 28th day of September 1975 as "Teacher's Day". Calls upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Requires the Postal Service to consult with agencies of State and local governments with respect to the construction of specified Postal Service facilities. Provides for hearing procedures with respect to proposals for such construction.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Metric Conversion Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to plan and coordinate the increasing use of the metric system of measurement in the United States, and to plan and coordinate the voluntary substitution of metric measurement units for customary measurements units in education, trade, commerce, and all other sectors of the economy. Establishes a United States Metric Board to implement the policy set out in this Act. Directs the Board to: (1) consult with and take suggestions from various groups regarding the conversion; (2) encourage activities of standardization organizations to develop or revise as rapidly as practicable engineering standards to a metric measurement basis; and (3) assist the public, through information and education programs, to become familiar with the meaning and applicability of metric terms and measure in daily life. Lists the powers of the Board, including the powers to accept gifts and to employ staff. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Provides, under the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act, for the establishment within the Energy Research and Development Administration of a Division of Ground Propulsion Systems. Authorizes research, development, and demonstration of ground propulsion systems and states that such activities shall be conducted so as to contribute to specified goals, including the improvement of and verifying of ground propulsion systems with emphasis on efficiency, performance, and usefulness. Defines "ground propulsion system" as the engine, transmission, or drive, and associated controls, necessary to power automobiles, trucks, trains, buses, and selected light marine vehicles. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and $100,000,000 for fiscal years 1978-80.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Truth in Spending Act - Requires that any bill or resolution of a public character introduced in the House of Representatives or the Senate, and the report on any such bill or resolution reported by any committee of either House, shall contain an estimate of the average cost for each taxpaying family, if such bill were enacted into law. Provides that no bill or resolution shall be considered until such determination is made. Calls upon the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to print statistics of the average cost for each taxpaying family of bills and resolutions for the week and for the year in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Revises the Act creating the American Revolution Bicentennial Advisory Council to increase the number of appointments and permit the appointment of members from the New England States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Revises clause 6 of rule XXVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that managers appointed by the House to each conference committee shall transact all business in meetings open to the public except where the House, by majority vote and in open session, shall vote to close such meeting or meetings. Directs that it shall be in order to debate such motion to close for ten minutes before the vote is taken on that motion, one-half of such time to be given to debate by the mover of the motion and one-half to debate in opposition to the motion.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service and the Congress should take action to simplify the Federal income tax forms. Calls upon the States and local governments which impose income taxes to model their forms upon the Federal income tax forms.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to delegate to the States functions of the Chief of Engineers with respect to the location and plans for structures, excavations, or fills in or on navigable waters where there is no regular and substantial waterborne interstate transportation of commercial goods.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Revises the Federal law creating the American Revolution Bicentennial Advisory Council to expand the Council in order to include members from the New England States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Oil Import Control and Energy Conservation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Purposes - States that the purpose of this Act is to reduce dependence of the United States on foreign oil by imposing restrictions on the importation of petroleum and petroleum products so as to reduce the amount of imports of petroleum and petroleum products as rapidly as practicable, and to insure the equitable distribution of petroleum on a nationwide basis. Title II: Limitations on Imported Petroleum and Petroleum Products and Exemption from such Limitations - States that during each calendar quarter of calendar year 1975 the aggregate quantity of petroleum and petroleum products which may be imported into the United States may not exceed a quantity valued at more than $5,625,000,000. States that during each calendar quarter of calendar year 1976 the aggregate quantity of petroleum and petroleum products which may be imported into the United States may not exceed a quantity valued at more than $5,500,000,000. Provides that any importer who can show, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury that the price paid by him for any imported petroleum or any imported petroleum product was at least 5 percent less than the average price for all quantities of such petroleum or such petroleum product which were entered during that quarter may, during the immediately succeeding calendar quarter, enter any quantity of that kind of petroleum or petroleum product. Title III: Extension of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 and Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 - Extends the mandatory allocation provisions of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 until August 31, 1976, (presently such provisions expire on August 31, 1975). Extends the expiration date of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 from June 30, 1976 until August 31, 1976. Title IV: Control of Domestic Crude Oil - Provides, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, that no amendment to a Presidential regulation regarding the mandatory allocation of petroleum or petroleum products which would have the effect of permitting an increase in the national average price of old crude oil above the January 1, 1975, base price may take effect except as provided in this Act. States that no such amendment shall take effect unless: (1) the purpose of such amendment is to take into account decline in field production or significant increases in the cost of production of crude oil resulting from the use of secondary or tertiary recovery methods; and (2) such amendment would not permit increases in the price of old crude oil or any classification thereof so as to result in a national average price of old crude oil which exceeds by more than 50 cents per barrel the January 1, 1975, base price. Requires that any proposed exemption of an oil or product from the mandatory allocation provisions of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 be supported by a finding that competition and market forces are adequate to protect industrial and individual consumers from price gouging and to assure that prices of such oil or product will be just and reasonable. Title V: Equalization of Residual Fuel Oil Prices - Directs the President to exercise his authority under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to equalize the ceiling price throughout the United States at which residual fuel oil is sold or exchanged, consistent with reasonable variations which reflect different transportation costs. Title VI: Windfall Profits Tax - Imposes a windfall profits tax on producers of crude oil produced in the United States. Sets forth a table for the computation of this tax. Provides for the collection and remittance of a windfall profits tax. Sets forth reporting requirements for producers of domestic crude oil. Provides criminal penalties for willful failure to comply with such reporting requirements. Title VII: Amendment of the Clean Air Act of 1970, Imposition of an Excise Tax on the Sale of Fuel Inefficient Automobiles, Granting of Tax Credits on the Sale of Fuel Efficient Automobiles, and Other Purposes - Imposes upon every passenger automobile sold in the United States a tax. States that such tax will be determined by multiplying $100 by the difference between the specified mileage standard for the applicable model year and the actual mileage as determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Sets forth a list of mileage standards and maximum taxes payable for each of the years 1977-1981. Allows a credit against the tax imposed by this title. States that the amount of such credit will be determined by multiplying $100 by the difference between the specified mileage standard for the applicable model year, and the actual mileage. Stipulates that the maximum credit cannot exceed $400 for any model year. Requires that credits be claimed only in the fiscal year in which the purchase is made. Specifies the manner in which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is to determine the actual mileage of vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Prohibits franked mailings by Members of the Congress and officers of the United States other than mailings related to the closing of their official business, after such Members or officers have left office. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3210 (b) (1))
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Metric Conversion Act - Establishes a United States Metric Board to implement the change of the United States to the metric system by devising and carrying out a program of encouragement, coordination and public education. Requires the Board to consult with industry, commerce, science, consumers, engineering, education, labor, State and local governments, foreign government, and such others as are deemed appropriate in carrying out its duties. Directs the Board to submit conversion programs approved by the Board to the President who shall within 60 days approve or disapprove the program. Provides that, upon approval, the President shall forward immediately the conversion program to both Houses of Congress on the same day and to each House while it is in session. Directs the Board to implement such program after sixty legislative days followig the date of delivery to the Congress. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings and enter into contracts. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.