United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, for cash management purposes, to invest any portion of the Treasury's operating cash for periods of up to 90 days in (1) obligations of depositories maintaining Treasury tax and loan accounts secured by a pledge of collateral acceptable to the Secretary as security for tax and loan accounts, and (2) obligations of the United States and of agencies of the United States. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit public money in any federal savings and loan association or member of a federal home loan bank. Amends the National Housing Act to make institutions insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation depositories of public money. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define qualified savings and loan associations which may receive tax payments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Prohibits collective bargaining agreements between the United States Postal Service and labor organizations recognized as exclusive bargaining representatives for their respective postal employee units from containing procedures which would preclude employees from being represented in grievance and adverse actions arising under such agreements by representatives of their own choosing.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
House Commission on Congressional Operations Resolution - Establishes within the House of Representatives a House Commission on Congressional Operations. Requires the Commission to: (1) make a continuing study of the organization and operation of Congress and recommend improvements; (2) identify any court proceedings or action of vital interest to the Congress or the House of Representatives, and to call such proceeding to the attention of the House; and (3) conduct a continuing study of the jurisdiction of various standing committees of the House and their relative work loads, and of ways of rationalizing committee jurisdictions between the two Houses of Congress. Establishes for the House of Representatives an Office of Placement and Office Management, subject to the supervision and control of the Commission, to assist Members, committees, and officers seeking competent personnel, and to furnish advice with respect to office management. Declares that the expenses of the Commission shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House. Sets forth regulations governing the use of funds for foreign travel by the Commission and its employees.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that eligible drugs, requiring a physician's prescription or certification, shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Medicare Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protect against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with with Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from requiring an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are required to be maintained by the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Welfare Reorganization to: (1) study any problems which exist in the interaction of present benefit programs; (2) formulate legislation to resolve such problems; (3) study the system used by the House to refer proposed welfare legislation to committees; and (4) study whether there is a need in the House for a standing committee to handle such legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to stipulate that, subject to specified provisions, it shall not be an unfair labor practice for a labor organization or its agents to engage in, or induce any individual employed by any person to engage in, a strike, refusal to perform services, or threat thereof (1) at the site of the construction, alteration, painting, or repair of a building or other structure; and (2) directed at any of several persons in the construction industry who are either joint venturers or in the relationship of contractor and subcontractor in the performance of such construction, alteration, painting or repair. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit a strike, refusal to work, or threat thereof (1) in violation of an existing collective bargaining contract; (2) in furtherance of a labor dispute concerning only working conditions of individuals employed at other common construction sites; (3) directed at a person who is not engaged primarily in the construction industry and who, through its employees, is installing or servicing its own products or is doing construction work at one of its prior facilities; or (4) which presently otherwise constitutes an unfair labor practice. Prohibits common construction site picketing or threats thereof for specified purposes, including (1) to remove or exclude from such site any individual on the ground of sex, race, creed, color, or national origin; (2) to cause or attempt to cause discrimination on the basis of labor union membership; or (3) to force, require, or persuade any person to refrain or cease from dealing in products or systems of another processor or manufacturer. Requires a labor organization, before engaging in an activity permitted by this Act, to give prior notice to certain persons and receive written authorization from the national or international labor organization with which it is affiliated. Sets forth separate prerequisites in the case of activities to be conducted with respect to sites located at military installations or at Federal facilities or installations a major purpose of which is, or will be, the development, production, testing, or firing of munitions, weapons, missles, or space vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from onshore Federal lands. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Authorizes the Commission to terminate such exemptions on or after April 15, 1978, if they are no longer deemed necessary to protect high priority consumers of natural gas. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through December 31, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Sets forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for the fiscal year 1977. Provides that the recommended level of Federal revenues is $348,500,000,000 and the amount by which the aggregate level of Federal revenues should be decreased is $10,600,000,000. States that the appropriate level of total new budget authority is $482,306,000,000. Establishes the appropriate level of the public debt at $720,500,000,000. Sets forth the appropriate level of new budget authority and the estimated budget outlays for each major functional category.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a certain individual in full settlement of such individual's claims against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Youth Camp Safety Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed 80 percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Charges the Director with establishing within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a report on his administration under this Act. Prescribes penalties for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Director to request and receive directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics needed to carry out the functions under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay (in addition to any already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, or to the surviving spouse of each such veteran, or when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Establishes as an independent agency of the executive branch the Solar Energy Loan Administration to provide financing to homeowners for the purchase of solar- powered residential heating and cooling equipment. Authorizes the Administrator of the Solar Energy Loan Administration to make loans, repayable at two percent interest, for the purchase and installation of such equipment. Requires that equipment meet such minimum standards as are developed under the Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act. Authorizes up to $100,000,000 to be appropriated to provide an initial amount for the program under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Amends Rule XI of the House of Representatives to stipulate which committees and subcommittees may not meet on the second Tuesday or fourth Thursday of the month, and which committees and subcommittees may not meet on the second Thursday or fourth Tuesday of each month.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffitt and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Title I: Flathead, Montana - Designates a specified segment of the Flathead River, Montana, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title II: Missouri, Montana - Designates a specified segment of the Missouri River in Montana as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Limits the lands which may be included within, and acquired for, such park, and details guidelines relating to park administration. Title III: Obed, Tennessee - Designates a specified segment of the Obed River, Tennessee, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title IV: Housatonic, Connecticut - Designates a specified segment of the Housatonic River in Connecticut as a potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title V: Section IV Amendment - Repeals the provision in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act prohibiting the addition of a river or portion of a river to the National Wild and Scenic River System until the close of the full session of the appropriate State legislature that begins following the submission of any recommendation to the President with respect to such addition. Title VI: Feather, California - Redefines the boundaries of the portion of the Feather River, California, which is a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Calls for hearings by the committee with appropriate jurisdiction to consider and determine what should be the Nation's future telecommunications policy.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1976
Establishes the House Committee on Intelligence to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government. Provides that the committee shall make every effort to assure that the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States provide complete, informed, and timely intelligence necessary for the executive and legislative branches to make sound decisions affecting the security and vital interests of the Nation. Provides that the committee shall review all proposed legislation, messages, petitions, memorials, authorizations for appropriations, and other matters relating to the intelligence activities of all departments and agencies of the Government. Specifies that this resolution in no way restricts the authority of any other committee to study and review any intelligence activity to the extent that such activity directly affects a matter otherwise within the jurisdiction of such committee. Requires the committee to make regular and periodic reports to the House on the nature and extent of the intelligence activities of the various departments and agencies of the United States. Provides that the committee shall formulate and carry out such rules and procedures as it deems necessary to prevent the disclosure of information in the possession of such committee. Authorizes the committee to disclose publicly any information in its possession after a determination by such committee that the public interest would be served by such disclosure. Requires approval by a committee vote before such disclosure is allowed and the vote must be reported to the President. Directs that upon certification by the President that the disclosure of such information would be a threat to the national interest of the United States that outweighs any public interest in the disclosure, the information shall be withheld; unless decided otherwise by a vote of the entire House. Provides that the House may vote to disclose all or any part of the information or to return the issue to the committee for final determination. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate any unauthorized disclosure of intelligence information by a Member, officer, or employee of the House and to report such findings to the House. Provides that no funds shall be appropriated for any fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1976, for the use of any department or agency of the United States to carry out intelligence activities, unless such funds shall have been previously authorized by a bill or joint resolution passed by the House during the same or preceding fiscal years. Limits the expenses of the committee, for the period from the date this resolution is agreed to through the end of the 94th Congress, to $250,000.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to assist any veteran, who has a permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss, or loss of use, of one arm and one leg, including but not limited to cases of hemiparaplegia, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair, in acquiring a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran's disability, and necessary land therefor. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 801)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Provides for the disposal under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 of surplus real property at not less than 25 percent of fair market value to States and their political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities for economic development purposes where such areas meet special needs arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment arising from the closing of Federal facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that executive agencies have promulgated rules containing criminal sanctions which have often exceeded the intent of Congress. States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review specified rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Requires public notice of proposed rulemaking, allowance of public participation in such rulemaking, and a public statement of the basis and purpose of any adopted rule. 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 resolution by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that each person held in slavery from the founding of the Republic to the ratification of the fourteen amendment shall be considered to have been a citizen of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been, (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activites. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
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 · 25 September 1975
Marine Fisheries Conservation Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress: (1) that stocks of fish which United States fishermen depend on have been the target of concentrated foreign fishing which has increased dramatically during the past decade; (2) that certain species are depleted to the point where survival of the fisheries is threatened; (3) that foreign fishing fleets in United States waters have interfered extensively with the efforts of United States fishermen; and (4) that international agreements have not been effective in halting the depletion of valuable coastal and anadromous species caused by overfishing. States that it is the purpose of this Act to conserve and manage the fisheries resources off the United States coasts and the anadromous fisheries resources of the United States in the high seas by establishing an exclusive fisheries conservation and management zone in the area extending 200 nautical miles seaward of the United States within which the United States will assume management responsibility and authority, and by declaring such responsibility and authority on the high seas beyond such zone with respect to anadromous species. Defines terms used in this Act. Applies the term "anadromous species" to those species of fish which spawn in fresh or estuarine waters of the United States and which migrate to ocean waters. Title I: Establishment of United States Fisheries Conservation and Management Zone Extending to the 200-Mile Limit - Establishes a fisheries conservation and management zone contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States having as a seaward boundary a line drawn so that each point on the line is 200 miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. States that the United States will exercise the same exclusive rights in respect to fisheries in the zone as it has in its territorial sea. Title II: International Fisheries Agreements - Prohibits foreign fishing vessels from fishing within the fishery zone, or from fishing seaward of the zone for anadromous species covered by a management plan developed pursuant to this Act, unless each such vessel has a permit issued by the Secretary of Commerce. Sets forth the procedures by which foreign vessels may apply for permits. States the conditions under which the Secretary will grant tentative approval of such an application and sets forth considerations which may require a statement of conditions and restrictions on such a tentative permit. States that the Secretary shall approve an application for fishing by foreign vessels for a species with respect to which a fishery management plan is being developed pursuant to this Act only if the Secretary determines that such species is not depleted. Provides for Congressional review of applications for permits. Declares that if neither house of Congress objects to such application, the Secretary of State shall transmit to the nation concerned a statement of the conditions and restrictions determined by the Secretary of Commerce to apply. Provides for the suspension or revocation of permits and for the issuance of warnings to permit-holders quilty of minor infractions of regulations. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to extend to foreign vessels the right or privilege to engage in fishing for any Continental Shelf Species. Declares that no international fisheries agreement pertaining to fishing in waters defined in this Act or pertaining to species of fish under the management or conservation authority of the United States pursuant to this Act shall be extended or renewed except pursuant to this Act. Requires that, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall commence negotiations with each foreign nation, off of whose coast United States vessels are engaged in fishing for specific stocks of fish, for the purpose of entering into an international fishery agreement under which such foreign nation will grant to United States vessels equitable access, consistent with reasonable management and conservation practices, to such fish stocks within 200 nautical miles off the coast of such nation. Directs the Secretary of State, upon determining that: (1) any foreign nation is refusing to commence negotiations, or fails to negotiate in good faith, with the United States in order to preserve United States foreign fishing rights; or (2) although an international fishery agreement is in force and effect, a foreign nation is not complying with its obligations under the agreement, to certify that determination to the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in such case, to take action to prohibit the importation into the customs territory of the United States of any seafood product of the foreign nation. Directs that the same action be taken against foreign nations which seize any United States fishing vessel. Directs the Secretary of State, upon the request of, and in cooperation with, the Secretary of Commerce, to initiate and conduct negotiations with any foreign nation participating in a fishery for any highly migratory species for the purpose of entering into international fisheries agreements that would establish an appropriate international fisheries organization having authority to manage and conserve such highly migratory species. Requires the approval of both houses of Congress of all proposed international fishery agreements, other than agreements which are treaties, before such agreements may enter into force and effect. Sets forth the procedures for disapproving such proposed agreements. Title III: Management of the Fisheries - States that the fisheries management responsibility and authority of the United States extends to: (1) any coastal species within the fisheries zone; (2) any anadromous species wherever found throughtout the range of such species in the high seas; and (3) any Continental Shelf species. Declares that no one country exercises management responsibility and authority to any highly migratory species, and that such species shall be managed pursuant to international fishery agreements. Sets forth standards for the management of fisheries pursuant to this Act. States that management and conservation measures shall be designed to achieve the optimum sustainable yield of a stock of fish on a continuing basis. Declares that such measures shall not discriminate between residents of different States. Establishes seven regional marine fisheries councils to be known as the New England Marine Fisheries Council, the Mid-Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council, the Southern Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council, the Gulf Marine Fisheries Council, the Pacific Marine Fisheries Council, the Alaska Marine Fisheries Council, and the Western Pacific Marine Fisheries Council. Sets forth the composition of each Council. Describes the term of membership of each member, and provides for the reimbursement of members for travel expenses and in return for their services. States that the functions of the Councils are: (1) to solicit, by means of public hearings to the extent practicable, and evaluate on a continuing basis comments and recommendations from all interested persons in the geographical area concerned with respect to the administration and implementation of the provisions of this Act; (2) to develop fishery management plans for adoption by the Secretary, and take such other actions with respect to fishery management plans as may be required; and (3) to submit to the Secretary, within 30 days after the close of each calendar quarter, a report setting forth the results of the Council's activities under this Act during such quarter. Sets forth the procedure for the development by the Councils' of fishery management plans for coastal, anadromous, and Continental Shelf species. States that such plans shall contain the necessary conservation measures for the species or fishery concerned, and shall specify and conditions or limitations on fishing which the Council believes should be implemented. Permits each such plan: (1) to designate zones where and periods when fishing shall be limited; (2) to recognize present and historical use of the fishery in establishing limitations on the access to the fishery; (3) to establish limitations on the catch; (4) to prohibit, limit, or specify types of fishing gear which may be used; (5) to specify licensing requirements; and (6) to report pertinent statistics to the Secretary with respect to type of fishing gear used, size of catch, and other factors. Directs the Secretary to review each such plan submitted to him and to recommend such changes as he believes to be necessary. Provides for the review of proposed fishery management plans by the public. Requires that public hearings be held on objections to any plan before final revision of a plan. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate emergency fishery management plans within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. States that such plans may be issued with respect to species which are depleted, in imminent danger of becoming depleted, or under intensive and unregulated use. Stipulates that such plans may remain in effect for 180 days. Provides for the assertion of Federal jurisdiction over species of fish which move in waters under State jurisdiction when such action is necessary to insure the effectiveness of a management plan. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per day for specified violations of provisions of this Act. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) refusing to permit the inspection of a fishing vessel by authorized Federal representatives; or (2) forcibly interfering with any authorized representative in the inspection of a vessel. Provides for a fine of up to $50,000 except that such fine may be doubled and a prison term of up to ten years may be imposed for the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon in refusing or interfering with an inspection. Provides for the forfeiture of the catch, vessel, or fishing gear of any vessel which violates specified provisions of this Act. States that this Act shall be enforced by the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is Operating. Title IV: Amendments to Other Laws Relating to the Fisheries and Miscellaneous Provisions - Revises the Fishermen's Protective Act to direct the Secretary of State to assist any United States vessels seized by a foreign country while engaged in fishing on the high seas for a specific stock of fish, when United States vessels have previously fished for such stock in the same area, and when the United States recognizes the rights or claims to fisheries conservation and management jurisdiction in such area by the seizing country. Revises specified other acts pertaining to fisheries as necessary to accomodate the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Provides loans to local governments required to comply with occupational safety and health standards under State plans approved by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. States that such loans may be made only for that part of the cost of compliance in excess of $5,000.
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 · 1 August 1975
World War I Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of the Veterans Administration to pay to each veteran of World War I, who meets the service requirements of this Act, or his widow, a pension at the monthly rate of $150. Defines the terms "veteran" and "World War I". States that the pension under this Act shall be paid to a veteran or his widow without regard to his or her annual income, if solely derived from the payments of social security benefits, railroad retirement benefits, or pensions. Sets forth specified minimum service requirements for a veteran to be eligible for a pension under this Act. Stipulates that a widow must have been married to the veteran for not less than ten years at the time of his death.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Declares that a greater unity of the Atlantic Community would strengthen the common defense, assure more adequate energy resources and improve commerce. Establishes an eighteen-member delegation authorized to organize and participate in a convention attended by delegations from North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies. States that the convention shall explore the possibility of agreement on the means to transform the relationship of such nations into a more effective unity based on federal principles. Provides for appointment of delegates to the convention. Allows the delegation to maintain a staff. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Increases the Federal share of a rail service continuation subsidy under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to 100 percent during each of the two fiscal years following the effective date of the final system plan, 90 percent during the succeeding fiscal year, and 70 percent for each fiscal year thereafter. Requires the United States Railway Association to analyze specific railroad branch lines for inclusion in the final system plan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Provides for the disposal under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 of surplus real property at not less than 25 percent of fair market value to States and their political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities for economic development purposes where such areas meet special needs arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment arising from the closing of Federal facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1975
Emergency Housing Act - Title I: Stimulation of Housing Construction - Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Amendments - States that mortgages purchased by the Government National Mortgage Association under the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act may not have an interest rate in excess of 7 1/2 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 specified mortgages of multifamily residences not purchasable under present law. Title II: Emergency Mortgage Relief - Emergency Homeowners' 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 last 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 on the books of 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 mortgagees to give such agencies at least 30 days notice prior to instituting foreclosure proceedings. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within 60 days after enactment and at 60-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 · 10 June 1975
Performance Rights Amendment - Provides, under the Copyright Act, for the establishment of a performance royalty. Gives exclusive rights to copyright holders to perform publicly for profit and to reproduce and distribute to the public, by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending, any reproduction of a copyrighted work which is a sound recording. Limits the exclusive rights of the owner of a copyright to duplicate the sound recording in a tangible form that recaptures the actual sounds fixed in the recording, and to perform those actual sounds. Provides that these rights do not extend to the making or duplication of another sound recording that is an independent fixation of other sounds, or to the performance of other sounds, even though such sounds imitate or simulate those in the copyrighted sound recording; or to reproductions made by broadcasting organizations exclusively for their own use. Provides that where the copyrighted sound recording has been distributed to the public under the authority of the copyright owner, the public performance of the sound recording shall be subject to compulsory licensing. Establishes a compulsory licensing system whereby those who use sound recordings for profit would be required to pay a fee (performance royalty) to the copyright owner. Provides that such fees shall be placed in a fund out of which copyright owners are compensated. Specifies that the annual royalty fees, at the user's option, may be computed on either a blanket or a prorated basis. Allows the substitution of a negotiated license for the compulsory license at a rate not less than specified in this Act. Sets forth detailed payment requirements for royalties under the compulsory licensing provisions of this amendment. (Amends 17 U.S.C. 1; Adds 17 U.S.C. 33)
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Increases the Federal share of a rail service continuation subsidy under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to 100 percent during each of the two fiscal years following the effective date of the final system plan, 90 percent during the succeeding fiscal year, and 70 percent for each fiscal year thereafter. Requires the United States Railway Association to analyze specific railroad branch lines for inclusion in the final system plan.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protection against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide a Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons and judicial subpenas. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may not require an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are required to be maintained by the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 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 · 21 May 1975
Provides that no procedures established pursuant to the collective bargaining agreements between postal workers and the Postal Service shall preclude employees from being represented in grievance by representatives of their own choosing. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 1206(b))
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, at any time prior to January 1, 1980, from issuing or carrying out any order banning the uses of lead shot for the hunting of waterfowl.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Increases the Federal share of rail service continuation subsidies, as provided for in the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, from 70 to 90 percent.
![Official portrait of Rep. Giaimo, Robert N. [D-CT-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000151_200.jpg)