United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Emergency Housing and Mortgage Assistance Act - Title I: Stimulation of Housing Construction - Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Amendments - States that mortgages purchased by the Governmental National Mortgage Association under the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act may not have an interest rate in excess of seven and one-half percent. Increases the total amount of mortgage purchases and commitments which may be made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under such Act to $10,000,000,000. Requires that at least 80 percent of such funds be used to purchase mortgages having original principal obligations not exceeding $36,000. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase mortgages of multifamily residence not purchased under present laws. Title II: Emergency Mortgage Relief - Emergency Homeowner's Relief Act - States it to be the purpose of this Act to prevent widespread mortgage foreclosure and distress sale of homes, resulting from temporary loss of employment and income through a program of emergency loans and advances and mortgage relief payments to homeowners. Sets forth as conditions for the extension of assistance under this Act: (1) that the holder of the mortgage has indicated his intention to foreclose to the mortgagor; (2) that mortgage payments have been delinquent for at least three months; (3) that adverse economic conditions have caused the mortgagor to become involuntarily unemployed or underemployed and to have incurred a substantial reduction in income as a result; (4) that there is a reasonable prospect that the mortgagor will be able to make the adjustments necessary for a full resumption of mortgage payments; and (5) that the mortgaged property is the principal residence of the mortgagor. States that assistance provided under this Act will be in the form of either: (1) emergency mortgage relief loans or advances of credit; or (2) emergency mortgage relief payments. Sets the limits of such payments at $250 per month for up to 12 months with one 12-month extension available. Provides that payments be repaid on such terms as the Secretary prescribes. Authorizes the Secretary to insure financial institutions against losses which they might sustain as a result of emergency loans or advances of credit made pursuant to this Act. States that the aggregate amount of loans and advances insured shall not exceed $1,500,000 at any one time. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency mortgage relief payments to certain mortgagees on behalf of distressed homeowners. Establishes the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Fund in the United States Treasury for making mortgage relief loans and payments pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Federal supervisory agencies with respect to financial institutions to take steps to encourage forebearance in residential mortgage loan foreclosures, and to request all mortgages to give such agencies at least 30 days notice prior to instituting foreclosure proceedings. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within sixty days of the enactment and at sixty-day intervals thereafter on the actions taken under this Act. Authorizes the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to make such advances to any insured bank as the Corporation determines to be necessary to facilitate participation in the program authorized by this title.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Provides that a charitable organization shall be denied exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code where amounts paid or incurred by such organization during each taxable year to influence legislation exceed specified sums of money, or where a significant portion of the activities of such organization consists of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. Designates charitable organizations to which this Act applies, and defines the term "influencing legislation". Disallows deductions to charitable organizations where the contribution is made for the purpose of influencing legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Removes the numerical limitation on Allen J. Ellender Fellowships to disadvantaged secondary school students. Authorizes $750,000 each for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and $1,000,000 each for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Allows specified percentage tax deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, for the cost of acquiring recycled solid waste materials during the taxable year. Provides, in lieu of any allowable depreciation deduction, for the amortization of the cost basis of solid waste recycling facilities over a period of 60 months.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States delegation to the European Security Conference should not agree to the recognition by the European Security Conference of the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and it should remain the policy of the United States not to recognize in any way the annexation of the Baltic nations by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 3 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 · 21 May 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the United Service Organizations, Incorporated. Provides that such corporation shall provide a voluntary civilian agency responsible to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense, through which the people of this Nation may, in peace or war, serve the religious, spiritual, social, welfare, educational, and entertainment needs of the men and women in the Armed Forces within or without the territorial limits of the United States. Requires that the corporation shall be nonpolitical and, as an organization, shall not furnish financial aid or assistance to, or otherwise promote the candidacy of, any person seeking elective public office. States that no substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall involve carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. Provides that the corporation, its regional, State, and local councils, organizations, chapters, and affiliates shall have the sole and exclusive right to use the names "United Service Organizations, Incorporated" and "USO" and such distinctive insignia, emblems, and badges as the corporation may lawfully adopt in carrying out its purposes. Authorizes the Department of Defense and any other agency of the United States Government, to provide such assistance as they determine is appropriate to enable the corporation to carry out its purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Repeals the Military Selective Service Act. Provides that all activities and duties of the Reconciliation Service program of the Selective Service System shall be transferred to the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Jobs Creation Act - Title I: Individual Income Taxes - Allows a tax credit in the amount of 10 percent (up to $1,000) of the amount of qualified savings 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 $1,000 of capital gain shall be excluded from gross income during the taxable year. Provides for purposes of the estate tax, that the lessor of: (1) $200,000; and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation continually owned by him for five 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 · 21 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 · 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 · 19 May 1975
Railroad Right-of-Way Improvement Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to provide, during times of high unemployment, assistance to create employment opportunities in rebuilding the Nation's railroad rights-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance during times of high unemployment for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed and under employed persons in jobs maintaining or rebuilding railroad rights-of-way. Authorizes, for such purposes, appropriations of $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires such funds be expended only for wages and employment benefits. Prohibits further obligation of such funds to be made subsequent to a determination by the Secretary that the rate of national unemployment (seasonally adjusted) has receded below 4.5 percent for three consecutive months. Requires applications for financial assistance for a railroad right-of-way employment program to contain specified assurances. Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress at least annually a detailed report setting forth the activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975
Provides that appointments, promotions, assignments, and transfers within the Federal civil service shall be made without regard to political recommendations. Prohibits Members of Congress, State and local elected officials, officials of political parties, and any other individual or organization from making recommendations with respect to any person being considered for appointment, transfer, promotion, or assignment. Prohibits officers or employees of the United States from soliciting, considering, or accepting such recommendations. Authorizes any officer or employee of the United States to solicit or furnish a statement with respect to a person if: (1) it is furnished pursuant to a request or requirement of the executive agency concerned and consists solely of an evaluation of the work performance, ability, aptitude, and general qualifications of such person; (2) it relates solely to the character and residence of such person; (3) it is furnished pursuant to a request made by an authorized representative of the United States solely in order to determine whether such person meets the loyalty, suitability, and character requirements for employment with the United States; or (4) it is furnished by a former employer of such person pursuant to a request of the executive agency concerned, and consists solely of an evaluation of the work performance, ability, aptitude, and general qualifications of such person during his employment with such former employer. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 3303)
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the officers and administrators of the various governmental institutions supported by public moneys should take steps to remove from facilities under their control all architectual barriers to the handicapped. Directs that funds for such efforts be taken from their discretionary funds.
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 · 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 · 14 May 1975
Revises clause 6 of rule XXVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that managers appointed by the House to each conference committee shall transact all business in meetings open to the public except where the House, by majority vote and in open session, shall vote to close such meeting or meetings. Directs that it shall be in order to debate such motion to close for ten minutes before the vote is taken on that motion, one-half of such time to be given to debate by the mover of the motion and one-half to debate in opposition to the motion.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Emergency Compensation and Special Unemployment Assistance Extension Act - Title I: Additional Thirteen Weeks of Emergency Unemployment Compensation - Provides for an additional thirteen weeks of emergency unemployment compensation under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974. Title II: Amendments of Emergency Jobs and Special Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 - Extends the special unemployment assistance program as created by the Emergency Jobs and Special Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 for one year. Provides for an additional thirteen weeks of benefits for eligible individuals under such Act. Makes technical and clarifying amendments to such Act. Title III: Loans to the Unemployment Fund of the Virgin Islands - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make loans to the Virgin Islands for the payment of compensation under the unemployment compensation law of the Virgin Islands. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide for the disposal of asbestos chrysotile from the national stockpile and the supplemental stockpile. Requires the avoidance of market disruptions in the timing and method of such disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should be supported in his efforts in furishing humanitarian and resettlement assistance to refugees from South Vietnam and Cambodia and that such funds as may be necessary to furnish such assistance be provided as expeditiously as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Requires, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, that no bill or report of a committee or conference be considered unless copies of such are available to Members at least four hours before consideration. Directs that it shall not be in order for the Speaker to entertain a request for the suspension of the provisions of this clause.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1975
Prohibits franked mailings by Members of the Congress and officers of the United States other than mailings related to the closing of their official business, after such Members or officers have left office. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3210 (b) (1))
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1975
Provides for assistance to refugees from South Vietnam or Cambodia under the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, provided that due consultation is made with the appropriate State and local agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Medical Malpractice Claims Settlement Assistance Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the achievement of equal access to quality health care at a reasonable cost is jeopardized by the uncertain future availability and cost of medical malpractice insurance. Title I: Federal Authority - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make available to insurance companies and other insurers reinsurance against medical malpractice claims by any of their insureds which exceed $200,000 within a qualified State. Defines "qualified States" as a State which meets requirements set forth in this Act. Permits the Secretary to use existing facilities and services in carrying out his responsibilities under this Act. Entitles the Secretary to recover from any insurer the amount of any unpaid premiums lawfully payable by such insurer to the Secretary. Requires, as a condition to the receipt of reinsurance, that each insurer file specified information with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to conduct comprehensive studies of medical malpractice claims and litigation, in order to determine methods of minimizing the costs of such a system. Title II: State Programs - Requires States to establish a program for the arbitration of medical malpractice claims. Provides that any civil action arising from a claim for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice on the part of any health professional or health care insitution may be instituted in a court of the State only after there has been an arbitration of the claim which forms the basis for such action. Sets forth procedures governing the initiation of arbitration, the appointment of an arbitration panel, hearing procedures, the decision of the arbitration panel, proceedings subsequent to the decision of the arbitration panel, the admissibility of the arbitration panel decision as evidence at trial, and the reporting of arbitration decisions. Requires States to establish and appropriately enforce a schedule of maximum contingent fee rates which may be charged or accepted by attorneys for services performed in connection with claims for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice. Provides that in order for any State to be eligible for Medicaid payments under title XIX of the Social Security, such State must have in effect a patient grievance mechanism applicable to all health care entities within the State. States that in order to qualify for malpractice reinsurance under this Act, such patient grievance mechanism must (1) receive, investigate, and evaluate grievances of patients respecting medical injuries occurring in noninstitutional settings, and (2) assist in the equitable settlement of any claims arising out of such grievances. Requires such mechanism to make quarterly reports to the Secretary on the grievances received by the mechanism, the disposition of such grievances, and the medical malpractice claims arising out of such grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Requests the President to establish a Presidential task force on the missing in action and their families, to propose courses of action to achieve a full accounting, and to make recommendations concerning Federal policies relating to the missing in action.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress and the director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the heads of other departments affected by this Act, to issue and revise regulations from time to time, relating to the trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violations of this Act. Establishes an advisory commission of 7 members to consult with the Secretary and make recommendations with respect to regulations concerning trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment or of one year, for the sale, shipment, or transport, of any unapproved trap or any animal skin or hide or bird feathers taken in violation of this Act. Outlines those trapping regulations specifically applicable to Federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with any affected State pursuant to which the Secretary shall assist such State to enable it to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Prohibits, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, the President from setting minimum prices for crude oil, residual fuel oil, or any refined petroleum product without congressional review. Requires that amendments to such Act be subject to congressional approval and be supported by a report from the President as to the need for the proposed amendment and impact of such amendment upon the price of energy products and domestic production and the consumption of energy. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should not enter into any formal international agreement having the effect of establishing a price floor on crude oil, residual fuel oil, or any refined petroleum product until such time as the Congress grants him the authority to enter into it.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Recommends the Secretary of Transportation to make a concerted effort to come to a voluntary agreement with industry for the development of passive restraint systems in automobiles in order to defer a call for rulemaking until these systems have been proven effective.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Title I: Amendments to the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act - Requires that any agreement between any State and the Secretary of Labor shall provide that payment of emergency compensation for any week of unemployment after December 31, 1975, shall be made to an individual only if his last employment included at least five work days in an area where an emergency compensation benefit period is in effect with respect to such week of unemployment. Directs the Secretary to propose to each State a modification of any agreement in order to bring it into conformity with this Act. Title II: Amendments to Title II of the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act - Requires with respect to State agreements made with the Secretary of Labor that special unemployment assistance for any week of unemployment be made to an individual only if he was last employed for at least five work days in an area where a special unemployment assistance period is in effect. Requires the Secretary of Labor to modify the agreement he has with each State to cause payments to be made in accordance with such Act. Establishes the maximum assistance amount of an individual who has exhausted his special unemployment assistance available to him during his benefit year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Applies to national mortgage associations the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to reserves for losses on loans. Provides for the determination of the reasonable addition to the reserve for bad debts in the case of a national mortgage association. Stipulates that taxable income of a national mortgage association shall be computed by excluding the income from, and expenses attributed to, all qualifying real property loans acquired by the taxpayer before January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of electric vehicles for urban individual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate for: (1) the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Authorizes $40,000,000 to be appropriated to the Administrator for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under the supplementary medical insurance (Medicare) program of of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the indiviudal could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's medicaid program under the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a home health patient ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled, (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services, (3) identify abuses against home health patients, (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients, (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable, and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Makes the children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under the medicaid program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Provides that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed by this section shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under the Internal Revenue Code ot 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 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 · 17 April 1975
Voter Registration and Election Administration Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to the States to carry out programs to encourage voter registration, education, and participation. Provides that each State may, in its discretion, allocate all or part of any grant made under this Act to political subdivisions of such State. Provides that each grant made under this Act shall be used for programs related to voter registration and election administration, including but not limited to: (1) programs to increase opportunities for voter registration, such as mail registration, expanded registration hours and locations, mobile registration facilities, election day registration, re-registration programs, door-to-door canvassing procedures, and other methods which the State may deem appropriate; (2) programs to improve election administration procedures such as the purchase of additional voting machinery, organization and planning of election administration activities, improvements in ballot preparation and absentee ballot procedures, coordination of election activities, and other methods designed to facilitate the smooth functioning of the election administration process; (3) planning, evaluating, and designing the use of electronic data processing or other appropriate procedures to streamline and modernize voter registration and election administration, with special emphasis on techniques which would allow voter registration closer to election day; (4) programs for the prevention and control of fraud; (5) education and training programs for State and local election officials; and (6) establishing nonpartisan programs for the purpose of voter and citizen education. Provides that the Comptroller General shall audit and review annually the programs of at least five States receiving grants under this Act. Provides that the Comptroller General shall disseminate to all the Chief Elections Officers of the States a summary of the types of programs he found to be most effective and those he found to be least effective. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $35,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to take an active role in working for modernization and reform of the United Nations. Requests the President to direct the Secretary of State to formulate proposals for such reforms. Requests the President to report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives before June 30, 1975, on the United States position and proposals to be submitted in this regard.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Authorizes payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for emergency inpatient hospital services furnished outside the United States to a qualified individual whose principal residence is within the United States, without regard to where the emergency occurred.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Provides under the Internal Revenue Code for a decrease by one-half of the reduction of the allowable deduction of a charitable contribution of inventory or other property used in a trade or business, if such property is related to the purpose of the organization's tax exempt status, the property is not transferred for other property, the property consists solely of medical supplies, and the taxpayer receives a written statement concerning the use of the property.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
MHD (Magnetohydrodynamics) Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Declares that Congress finds that MHD electricity generation will help eliminate the dependence of the United States upon foreign energy sources. Declares it to be the policy of the Federal Government to pursue a program of research and development of MHD as a major source of energy and to provide for the development and demonstration of practicable means to employ MHD on a commercial scale. Declares that the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration shall have responsibility for such research, development and demonstration program. Directs the Administrator to initiate and carry out such research and development program for the purpose of achieving commercial utilization of MHD energy in the United States by the mid-1980's. Creates in the Energy Research and Development Administration a Division of MHD Electric Power Generation. Directs the Administrator to establish and operate an MHD energy information data bank. Authorizes and directs the Administrator to support programs of education to provide the necessary trained personnel to perform the MHD energy research, development, and demonstration programs required under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976 such sums, not to exceed $50,000,000, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 1977 to 1980 such sums, not to exceed $100,000,000, as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Voter Registration and Election Administration Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to the States to carry out programs to encourage voter registration, education, and participation. Provides that each State may, in its discretion, allocate all or part of any grant made under this Act to political subdivisions of such State. Provides that each grant made under this Act shall be used for programs related to voter registration and election administration, including but not limited to: (1) programs to increase opportunities for voter registration, such as mail registration, expanded registration hours and locations, mobile registration facilities, election day registration, re-registration programs, door-to-door canvassing procedures, and other methods which the State may deem appropriate; (2) programs to improve election administration procedures such as the purchase of additional voter machinery, organization and planning of election administration procedures, improvements in ballot preparation and absentee ballot procedures, coordination of election activities, and other methods designed to facilitate the smooth functioning of the election administration process; (3) planning, evaluating, and designing the use of electronic data processing or other appropriate procedures to streamline and modernize voter registration and election administration, with special emphasis on techniques which would allow voter registration closer to election day; (4) programs for the prevention and control of fraud; (5) education and training programs for State and local election officials; and (6) establishing nonpartisan programs for the purpose of voter and citizen education. Provides that the Comptroller General shall audit and review annually the programs of at least five States receiving grants under this Act. Provides that the Comptroller General shall disseminate to all the Chief Elections Officers of the States a summary of the types of programs he found to be most effective and those he found to be least effective. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $35,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Population Affairs to be directed by an Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs. Sets forth the duties of the Assistant Secretary. Establishes within the Department an Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Creates within the Administration a National Center for Family Planning Services, headed by a Director, which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Public information, program planning and evaluation, manpower development and training, supervision of field services, and grants management. Establishes within the Administration, a National Institute for Research on Human Reproduction and Population Change which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Reproduction physiology research, contraceptive development and evaluation, operational research, social science research, public information, manpower development and training, and grants management. Establishes a National Family Planning Services Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Center for Family Planning Services. Establishes a National Population Sciences Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Institute for Research on Human Reproduction and Population Change. Sets forth the functions of the Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year such amounts as may be necessary to meet the administrative expenses of the Administration. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit a report to Congress on each January 1 for the five years following the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976-1978 for the following: (1) special project grants for family planning services; (2) formula grants for family planning, public health services; (3) manpower development and program planning and evaluation; (4) research grants and contracts; (5) grants for support of population sciences research centers; and (6) planning and population growth information distribution and educational materials development.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Metric Conversion Act - Establishes a National Metric Conversion 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 governments, and such others as are deemed appropriate in carrying out its duties. Requires the Board, within 12 months after the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act, to develop and submit to the Secretary of Commerce, for transmittal to the President and Congress, a plan to convert to the metric system. Provides that such plan will be implemented within 60 days unless disapproved by Congress. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings and enter into contracts. Provides that an executive director shall be responsible for carrying out the Board's duties. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Accelerated Capital Formation Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide incentives for accelerated financing of United States corporate capital and to encourage voluntary methods for diffusing equity ownership among the employees of United States enterprises with respect to both existing and newly formed capital. Allows an employer, under specified conditions, to deduct the amount of any dividend paid by him during the taxable year with respect to employer securities. Permits, in specified instances, a contribution, bequest, or similar transfer of employer securities or other property to an employee stock ownership plan to be deemed a charitable contribution. Entitles an employee taking part in an employee stock ownership plan to a distribution of his nonforfeitable interest upon retirement, death, or other separation from service. Allows an individual, under specified conditions, to exclude from gross income that part of the distribution which consists of employer securities or other assets. States that no contribution to an employee stock ownership plan may be allocated for the benefit of any participant if the value of the total accumulation of employer securities and other investments under the plan for the benefit of that participant exceeds $500,000. Sets forth the conditions under which the acquisition or holding of qualifying employer securities and the incurring of acquisition indebtedness by an employee stock ownership plan shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Provides that payments by an employer to an employee stock ownership plan for the purpose of enabling such plan to pay specified acquisition indebtedness shall not be treated as compensation or fringe benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to subject Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, and Federal intermediate credit banks to the corporate taxes imposed by such Code.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Repeals, under Immigration and Nationality Act procedures for granting immigrant status, the limitation restricting adoption to no more than two children.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Financial Institutions Act - Title I: Payment of Interest on Deposit Accounts - Authorizes member banks of the Federal Reserve System (and nonmember building and loan, savings and loan, and homestead associations, and cooperative banks) to pay interest on accounts requiring 30 days' notice for withdrawal from such accounts, even though such notice is not required in practice. Directs the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to consult with the Secretary of the Treasury before prescribing rules for the payment and advertisement of interest on deposits (as well as shares or withdrawable accounts in the case of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board). Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with appropriate specified bodies, to submit a report to Congress concerning limitation on rates of interest or dividends paid by depository institutions. Directs depository institutions to furnish in writing specified items of information concerning terms and conditions of deposit at the time of deposit and annually thereafter. Prohibits depository institutions from advertising calculations of percentage rate or yield based on a period in excess of one year or on the effect of any grace period; or making use of the term "profit" in referring to earnings payable on deposit. Exempts specified transactions from such disclosure and advertising requirements. Provides procedures for enforcing compliance with such requirements, and provides liability to the depositor in the event that disclosure requirements are violated. Title II: Expanded Deposit Liability Powers and Reserves - Creates uniform maximum and minimum limits for reserve ratios for reserves to be maintained against: (1) demand, savings, and time deposits, and (2) demand accounts and negotiable order of withdrawal accounts in Federal Home Loan Banks. Authorizes Federal savings and loan associations to raise capital in the form of demand accounts. Authorizes such associations to permit withdrawal or transfer of accounts on negotiable, transferrable or nontransferrable check, order or authorization; and overdrafts; and to engage in credit card operations. Authorizes the Board to allow Federal Reserve Banks to perform clearinghouse function for member banks and Federal Home Loan Banks and members thereof an equitable basis. Title III: Lending and Investment Powers - Authorizes Federal savings and loan associations to invest in, sell, or service (1) consumer, real estate, and construction loans and (2) securities, commercial paper, and bankers' acceptance with specified restrictions. Title IV: Charters for Thrift Institutions - Provides that charters for thrift institutions may authorize such institutions to provide for the financing of family and consumer needs. Redesignates the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation as the Federal Savings Insurance Corporation. Authorizes Federal and State mutual associations to convert to State and Federal mutual associations, respectively, under specified conditions. Title V: Credit Unions - Extends the time limit for maturity of (1) insured loans made by Federal credit unions from 5 to 7 years; and (2) secured loans made by Federal credit unions from 10 to 12 years. Authorizes a federally insured State credit union to invest its funds in deposit accounts (excluding demand deposits or checking accounts) of federally insured credit unions. Creates the National Credit Union Administration Discount Fund. Provides for the capitalization of the Fund. Authorizes the Administration of the Fund: (1) to purchase obligations from member credit unions; (2) to borrow and give security therefor and pay interest thereon; and (3) to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes members of the Fund to apply for advances and specifies the conditions to which such advances will be subject. States that the Fund and its assets, except its real and tangible personal property, shall be exempt from taxation. Title VI: Government Insured and Guaranteed Mortgage Loans - Provides that interest rates for mortgages and loans insured under the National Housing Act shall be as agreed to by the parties thereto, under the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines the rate to be excessive. Title VII: To Provide For the Uniform Application of the Tax Laws To All Financial Institutions And A Credit For Interest From Qualifying Real Property Loans - Uniform Tax Treatment of Financial Institutions Title - Redefines the term "bank" for purposes of the general rules applicable to banking institutions under the Internal Revenue Code. Changes the rules for determination of the reserve for losses for financial institutions for each taxable year. Provides for nonrecognition of gain or loss as a result of foreclosure on any property which was security for the payment of any indebtedness. Provides that the foreclosing party's basis in such property shall be the amount of the indebtedness for which the property was secured, plus costs of acquisition. Provides new rules for the treatment of distributions of stock to shareholders by domestic building and loan associations where such distribution does not qualify as a deduction for dividends paid on deposits. Authorizes a deduction for the repayment of loans made before September 1, 1951, by the United States or any mutual fund established pursuant to the laws of any State to financial institutions as defined in this Act. Provides for separate taxation under Subchapter L (relating to the taxation of insurance companies) of the life insurance business of a mutual savings bank where such life insurance business is conducted separately from the other business of a mutual savings bank. Allows a deduction for dividends paid on deposits to banking organizations qualifying as such for purposes of the term "bank" as expanded by the provisions of this Act. Redefines the terms "domestic building and loan association" and "cooperative bank" for the purposes of this Act. Allows as a credit against its income tax 3.5 percent (1.5 percent in the case of an individual) of the amount of interest received or accrued from qualifying residential mortgage loans if at least 70 percent of the total assets of such corporate taxpayer are qualifying residential loans. Defines the term "qualifying residential loan" for the purposes of this Act. Provides that if such credit (together with other specified tax credits allowable) exceeds the income tax for such taxable year, the taxpayer will be allowed to carry such credit back to the three taxable years preceding the unused credit year; and to the seven taxable years following the unused credit year. States that in the case of estates and trusts, and in the case of small business corporations electing taxation directly to shareholders under Subchapter S, the interest from qualifying residential mortgage loans shall be allocated among the parties in the same proportion as the income received by such entities is distributable to the benficiaries or shareholders. Makes the necessary conforming and technical amendments to bring the related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code into consonance with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Directs the House Commission on Information and Facilities to provide for radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber. Calls upon the Commission to provide for monitors to receive the television coverage to be located in such offices of the Capitol and the House and Senate office buildings as the Commission, after consultation with the Speaker of the House, considers desirable. States that the Commission shall initially provide for transmission of the audio portion of the coverage to offices of Members and officers of the House and Senate. Directs the Commission to provide a daily written summary of the proceedings of the House and other information pertaining to legislative activity. Requires that the Commission make available to the public and commercial broadcasting stations radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber, videotapes of such coverage, and recordings of the audio portion of such coverage subject to requirements specifies under this Act. Specifies that such requirements do not include limitations or restrictions on the selection of materials for broadcast use. Authorizes the Commission to employ such persons and enter into such contracts as shall be necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution. Provides that expenses of the Commission shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House. Directs the Commission, as soon as possible after the conclusion of the first session of the Ninety-fourth Congress, to report to the House on activities carried out under this resolution.