United States · United States Congress · 12 March 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 · 12 March 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 · 12 March 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 · 10 March 1975
Emergency Middle-Income Housing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to reduce interest rates on home mortgages for middle- income families by making, and contracting to make, periodic interest reduction payments, interest rate differential payments and by purchasing below-market-interest-rate mortgages. Defines terms as used in this Act. Provides that the aggregate amount of mortgages assisted under this Act shall not exceed $12,000,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carryout the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the guidelines the Secretary shall follow in allocating such assistance. Specifies that the Secretary shall take steps to encourage the construction or sale of dwelling units which he determines will contribute to the conservation of land and energy resources. Directs that authority to enter into such financial assistance obligations as provided in this Act shall expire June 30, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Family Farm Inheritance Act - States that for purposes of the estate tax under the Internal Revenue Code the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting the lesser of: (1) $200,000; or (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation continuously owned by him or his spouse for five years prior to his death and which passes to a related individual. Disqualifies the individual to whom the estate passes from the tax benefit authorized by this Act if such individual, within five years after the decedent's death, sells or removes the family farming operation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Provides price support for milk, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at not less than 85 percent of the parity price therefor, beginning on the date of enactment and ending on March 31, 1977. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust the parity price at the beginning of each quarter to reflect the changes in the prices paid by farmers for production items, interest, taxes and wages in the preceeding quarter. States that it is the sense of the Congress that the President shall take appropriate action to limit the quantity of meat imports to an amount equal to the adjusted quantity estimate for the current calendar year. States that it is further the sense of Congress that the President issue a proclamation stating that import quotas on butter, butter oil, cheddar cheese, and nonfat dry milk not be increased above the levels prevailing as of June 1, 1971.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Permits the responsible Federal official to delegate the preparation of an environmental impact statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to the appropriate State agency or official. Provides that in no way is such delegation to be construed as relieving the Federal official from being responsible for the objectivity, completeness, and content of such statement in adopting and approving it.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Federal Employees Political Activities Act - Provides that Federal employees may not request political contributions from other Federal employees, provided, however, that Federal employees may make political contributions of their own volition. Prohibits the use of official authority or influence on the part of Federal employees to affect elections. Provides that such prohibition applies to employees of the United States Postal Service. Provides that such employees may, take an active part in political management or in political campaigns in their roles as private citizens. Defines the phrase "an active part in political management or in political campaigns". Provides as a penalty for violation of this Act not less than 30 days' suspension without pay or removal upon a unanimous vote of the Civil Service Commission, with prosecution in the discretion of the Attorney General.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Increases the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations by four members, to include elected school board officials and elected town and township officials.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Sets conditions for the awarding of the gold star lapel button under the approval of the Secretary of Defense in instances of members of the Armed Forces who fall in armed conflict while serving with friendly foreign forces. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1126)
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Removes the exclusion of service performed in the employ of the United States from the definition of the term "employment" for purposes of eligibility under the Social Security Act. Permits officers and employees of the Federal Government to elect coverage under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance of the Social Security Act. Requires a person electing such coverage to file a certificate indicating his election within two years of the enactment of this Act. States that such an election will be irrevocable. Provides an additional filing period of six months, to begin five years after the close of the initial filing period, for those who could have filed within the initial period but did not do so. Requires a person filing a certificate pursuant to this Act to give notice to his employer at or before the time of filing such certificate. States that a certificate filed pursuant to this Act will be effective for the entire calendar quarter and all subsequent calendar quarters. Specifies conditions under which the certificate may be effective up to four calendar quarters immediately preceding the calendar quarter in which it is filed. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations requiring the heads of the various Federal agencies to know which of their employees qualify for elective coverage under this Act, or, in the alternative, to provide for the collection of the tax from a Federal employee electing such coverage, where it is not feasible for the head of the Federal agency or instrumentality involved to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Removes specified period-of-service limitations in the crediting of National Guard technician service in connection with civil service retirement. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8332, 8334, 8339, 83340).
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides that supergrade employees in the Federal civil service and specified other Federal employees whose pay is subject to a special statutory limitation shall be credited, for civil service retirement purposes, with the full amount of the basic pay they would be entitled to receive in the absence of such limitation. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8331)
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Dairy Import Sanitation Act - Provides for the inspection of imported dairy products in order to protect the public health and welfare. Requires that such products comply with minimum standards for sanitation established by the Secretary of Agriculture and that the dairy farms on which milk is produced and the plants in which such products are produced meet minimum standards of sanitation. States that such standards shall be comparable to the standards of purity, wholesomeness, and sanitation recommended by the Secretary for domestic dairy products. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the administration and supervision of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Authorizes to be appropriated to the Postal Service each fiscal year 20 percent of its operating expenses for the preceding fiscal year if authorized biennially by legislation hereafter enacted by Congress. Provides for a separate annual report of the expenses of the Postal Rate Commission. Makes changes in the organizational structure, procedures, and duties and powers of the Postal Rate Commission. Reduces the number of members of the Board of Governors of the Postal Service from 11 to 9, and provides for less participation in their appointment by the President and more such participation by the Congress. States that the educational, cultural, scientific, and informational value of mailed materials to the recipient shall be a factor on which a change in rates or fees with respect to a class of mail may be based. Fixes the indemnity to be paid by the Postal Service to the holder of any contract for mail transportation upon the termination of such contract by the Postal Service at 25 percent of the annual rate of compensation under the contract. Authorizes any State to collect a fee from the Postal Service for real property acquired by the Postal Service but not used within one year of acquisition in an amount equal to the average amount of real property during the immediately preceding 2-year period. States that each officer or employee in the postal career service of the Postal Service shall be eligible for: (1) promotion or transfer to any other position in the Postal Service for which he is qualified; or (2) transfer to any other position in the executive branch of the Government of the United States for which he is qualified, upon completion of at least one year of continuous employment in the postal career service immediately before the transfer and subject to such regulations governing the transfer as the United States Civil Service Commission shall prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Increases to $80,000 the amount of outside earnings which (subject to further increases under the automatic adjustment provisions) is permitted an individual each year without any deductions from benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Establishes an arbitration board to settle disputes between supervisory organizations and the United States Postal Service, provided that only those disputes concerning policies that affect all or a substantial portion of supervisory personnel on a long-term or permanent basis can be referred to arbitration. Provides that the arbitration board shall consist of three members, one of whom shall be selected by the Postal Service, one by the recognized organization of supervisory personnel, and the third by the two thus selected. States that the costs of the arbitration board shall be shared equally by the Postal Service and the organization of supervisory personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Authorizes retention preference in reductions in force for Federal employees who are former members of the Armed Forces retired on disability incurred in line of duty in wartime but caused by other than an instrumentality of war or injury or disease resulting from armed conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Prohibits the imposition by the President of any tariff, fee or quota upon petroleum imports under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, unless the Congress first approves such imposition by concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1974
Economic Stabilization Act Amendments - Establishes an Economic Stablilzation Board, to be composed of three members, representing labor, business and the consuming public to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Freezes all prices, wages, rents, and interest rates at levels no higher than those prevailing on December 1, 1974. Allows the Board to make ajustments in such levels in order to correct gross inequities. Directs the Board, within 60 days of enactment of this Act, to roll back prices, rents and interest rates to levels lower than those necessary to eliminate windfall profits or to carry out the purposes of this Act. Allows the Board, on petition of interested parties, to eliminate inequities which may have developed in the wage-price relationship by allowing upward adjustments in wages. Specifies that such increases not exceed the difference between the rate of price increases as measured by the Consumer Price Index between August 15, 1971 and the date of enactment, and the average wage increases in the firm or industry during the same period. Exempts from the wage freeze all workers whose earnings are substandard or who are members of the working poor. Specifies that this Act shall not preclude any increase in wages required by the Fair Labor Standards Act or other preexisting wage determinations. Establishes in the legislative branch the Office of Consumer Counsel, to be headed by the Counsel, appointed for one year by the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Consumer Counsel: (1) to investigate any complaints concerning actions of the Board; (2) to issue subpenas for the testimony of witnesses and the production of records; (3) to intervene as a party in rulemaking and other decisions by the Board which the Counsel believes may be contrary to law or to the public interest; and (4) to apply to the appropriate court for relief if the Board makes a decision notwithstanding the objections of the Consumer Counsel. Directs the Office of the Consumer Counsel to advise consumers of information necessary to make intelligent decisions on the purchase of goods and services. Requires the Board to transmit quarterly reports to the Committee on Banking and Currency of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs of the Senate, describing the actions taken and assessing the progress attained in achieving the purpose of this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1974
Sets forth a formula under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for additional Federal payments to States to reflect the higher medicaid costs resulting from the enactment of the supplemental security income benefit program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Requests the President to express the concern of the United States Government for the safety and freedom of Valentyn Moroz, historian, writer, and spokesman for the cultural integrity of the Ukranian people.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dogfights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Specifies punishments for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dogfights if any one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48)
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the alternative plan for pay adjustments for Federal employees under statutory pay systems recommended and submitted by the President to Congress on August 31, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Expresses the findings of Congress, including that Federal information reporting requirements have placed an unprecedented paperwork burden upon private citizens, recipients of Federal assistance, businesses, governmental contractors, and State and local governments. Establishes a Commission on Federal Paperwork to study procedures and practices of the Federal Government relating to information gathering, dissemination, and the management and control of information activities. Enumerates the areas to be considered by the Commission in its studies. Directs the Commission to make a final report to the Congress and the President within two years of the date of its first meeting. Sets forth the membership composition of the Commission and their compensation. Details the administrative powers of the Commission. Calls for cooperation between Federal agencies and the Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Expresses the sense of Congress that regulations requiring a statement of ingredients on bottles of distilled spirits and wine not be promulgated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms until Congress has considered the matter fully.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) all military, economic, or other assistance, all sales of defense articles and services, all sales of agricultural commodities and services, and all licenses with respect to the transportation of arms, ammunitions, and implements of war (including technical data relating thereto) to the Government of Turkey should be suspended on the date of adoption of this resolution; and (2) the provisions of this resolution should cease to apply when the President reports to the Congress that the Government of Turkey has withdrawn all of its armed forces from Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1974
Anti-Inflation Act - Authorizes the President to establish, within the Executive Office of the President, a Cost of Living Task Force to: (1) review and analyze industrial capacity, demand, and supply in various sectors of the economy, working with the industrial groups concerned and appropriate governmental agencies to encourage price restraint; (2) work with labor and management in the various sectors of the economy having special economic problems, as well as with appropriate government agencies, to improve the structure of collective bargaining and the performance of those sectors in restraining prices; (3) improve wage and price data bases for the various sectors of the economy to improve collective bargaining and encourage price restraint; (4) conduct public hearings necessary to provide for public scrutiny of inflationary problems in various sectors of the economy; (5) focus attention on the need to increase productivity in both the public and private sectors of the economy; (6) monitor the economy as a whole by acquiring, as appropriate, reports on wages, costs, productivity, prices, sales, profits, imports, exports, and interest rates, and rents; (7) review the programs and activities of Federal departments and agencies and the private sector which may decrease supply and increase prices; and (8) evaluate the inflationary effects of international transactions. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1974
Provides that the President should take immediate action to control inflation and allocate credit pursuant to the Credit Control Act by authorizing the Federal Reserve Board to channel extensions of credit toward essential and productive capital investment, low-and middle-income housing, State and local governments, and small business, and away from loans for speculation in real estate and commodities, to finance anticompetitive acquisitions, and for other inflationary purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1974
Meetinghouse Preservation Act - States that the purpose of this Act is: (1) to celebrate the Bicentennial of this country through the preservation within each of the several States of a historic site that might otherwise be lost; (2) to provide a meetingplace in each of the several States for those citizens interested in retaining their tangible, indigenous heritage, whether historic, cultural, or natural, in planning for future changes and developments, and (3) to give existing State programs involved with preserving of historic and architecturally important structures an illustration of the best possible techniques used in the preservation of such historic sites and structures, and the multiple, significant ways in which such sites and structures can be used. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to each of the several States for the purpose of enabling each State to acquire and restore an historic site within each State for use as a meetinghouse in accordance with the provisions of this Act, except that no grant to any one State shall exceed $1,000,000. Provides that any application for a grant under this Act shall contain an estimated budget of various acquisition, restoration, and maintenance expenses. Sets forth provisions governing the approval of any application. Establishes a Meetinghouse Coordination Board to review each application made in accordance with the provisions of this Act for the purpose of making recommendations to the Secretary as to which of the historic site or sites contained in such application should be approved by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1974
Makes it unlawful, except with prior approval given as provided in this Act, for any action to be taken after July 10, 1974, that causes a bank holding company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to issue, distribute, or sell directly or indirectly to the general public any notes, debentures, bonds, or other debt obligations or securities which would mature, or which could be fully redeemed or repaid at par, in ten years or less; or otherwise arrange to borrow funds from the general public for periods of ten years or less. Provides that a determination that such issuance, distribution, and sale or such arrangements should be approved may be made only if the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System finds (by order or regulation) that such action by the applicant is necessary to maintain its effective operation and financial soundness; and the issuance, distribution, and sale of such obligations or securities, or the arrangements for such borrowings, can reasonably be expected to produce benefits to the public. Provides for final approval of Board decisions under this Act by a committee consisting of the Board, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, and the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President direct the Representative of the United States to the United Nations to call upon that body to request the Government of the United Kingdom: (1) to restore to the Irish minority in Northern Ireland the basic rights and civil liberties guaranteed by the Magna Carta; (2) in keeping with the Magna Carta, to: (a) restore to the minority in Northern Ireland the right of habeas corpus; (b) restore to the minority in Northern Ireland the right to be confronted only by accusers; (c) restore to Irish political prisoners the right of trial by jury; and (d) end the practice of confining Irish political prisoners in institutions far removed from their homes; (3) to inquire into the conditions in prisons, particularly prisons for women, in England and Northern Ireland; and (4) to inquire into the best means of securing a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1974
Arthritis Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to establish: (1) a long-range plan to expand and coordinate the national research, treatment, and control effort against arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases; (2) centers for arthritis prevention, research, screening, early detection, training, treatment, and rehabilitation programs; and (3) programs to develop new and improved methods of arthritis screening and early detection and to establish a central arthritis screening and early detection data bank. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health to establish a National Commission on Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases. Specifies the composition, duties, and powers of the Commission. States that the Commission shall formulate a long-range plan to combat arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases with specific recommendations for the utilization and organization of national resources for that purpose. States that the plan shall include a plan for a coordinated research program encompassing existing and proposed Federal, non-Federal and local programs. Enumerates investigations, studies, and programs to be carried out under such plan. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 to carry out the above purposes. Establishes within the National Institute on Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases the position of Associate Director for Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases. States that the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall establish an Inter-Institute Arthritis and Related Diseases Coordinating Committee to better coordinate research activities relating to arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases. Provides for the development, establishment, construction, and operation of arthritis research and training centers. Specifies the purposes to be achieved by such research and training programs. Provides for the geographical distribution, operational support, and evaluation of such research and training centers. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for the establishment of such centers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish and support arthritis screening, early detection, prevention, and control demonstration programs. Specifies the purpose of such programs. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for the establishment and support of such programs. Requires the Secretary to establish the Arthritis Screening and Detection Data Bank as soon as practicable after the enactment of this Act. Provides that not less than $500,000 of the sums appropriated to the National Institutes of Health to carry out the purposes of this Act shall be obligated for basic and clinical orthopedic research conducted or supported by the National Institute on Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Metabolic Diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President direct the representative of the United States to the United Nations to call upon that body to request the Government of the United Kingdom; (1) to restore to the Irish minority in Northern Ireland the basic rights and civil liberties guaranteed by the Magna Carta; (2) in keeping with the Magna Carta, to; (A) restore to the minority in Norther Ireland the right of habeas corpus, (B) restore to the minority in Northern Ireland the right to be confronted openly by accusers, (C) restore to Irish political prisoners the right of trial by jury, and (D) end the practice of confining Irish political prisoners in institutions far removed from their homes; and (3) to inquire into the conditions in prisons, particularly prisons for women, in England and Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1974
Small Business Amendments - Makes technical changes to the Small Business Act in terms of program funding, repayments to revolving funds, and program ceilings, transferring to the Small Business Act authority previously embodied in title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Removes loans under title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act as permissible loans from the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Limits the amount of loans, guarantees, and other obligations of the Small Business Administration that may be outstanding at one time. Empowers the Small Business Administration to make or guarantee loans, with particular emphasis on the preservation or establishment of small business concerns located in urban or rural areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals or owned by low-income individuals. Provides that in the case of loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the Small Business Act, for purpose of which the participating institution has made a valid demand under the terms of the guarantee, a rate of interest not to exceed that charged by the institution may continue to be charged by the SBA for the remaining term of the outstanding indebtedness. Empowers the Administrator of the Administration to make such investigations as he deems necessary to determine whether a recipient of or participant of any assistance under this Act or any other person has engaged or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitue or will constitue a violation of any provision of this Act, or of any rule or regulation under this Act. Creates within the Treasury, under the Small Business Investment Act, separate funds for guarantees which shall be available to the Administrator without fiscal year limitation as revolving funds for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the funds from time time in such amounts not to exceed $10,000,000 for the lease fund and $35,000,000 for the surety bond fund to provide capital for the fund. Authorizes Administration loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis) to assist, or refinance the existing indebtedness of, any small business concern seriously and adversely affected by a shortage of fuel, electrical energy, or energy-producing resources, or by a shortage of raw or processed materials resulting from such shortages. Directs the Administrator to designate an individual within the Administration to be known as the Chief Counsel for Advocacy and to perform the following duties: (1) serve as a focal point for the receipt of complaints, criticisms and suggestions concerning the policies and activities of the Administration and any other Federal agency which affects small businesses; (2) counsel small businesses on how to resolve questions and problems concerning the relationship of the small business to the Federal Government; and (3) represent the views and interests of small businesses before other Federal agencies whose policies and activities may affect small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1974
Directs the Postal Rate Commission to annually prepare and submit to the President a separate budget of the Commission's expenses, including, but not limited to, expenses for facilities, supplies, compensation, and employee benefits. Specifies that the President shall include the budget of the Commission, with his recommendations but without revision, as a separate item in the budget submitted to Congress. Stipulates that the Commission shall determine the date or dates on which new rates, fees, mail classification schedules, and changes in the schedule shall become effective, and such decisions shall not be subject to approval, allowance under protest, modification, or rejection by the Board of Governors of the Postal Service. Provides for changes in the organizational structure of the Postal Rate Commission. Establishes the Postal Rate Commission as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. Sets forth criteria for the promotion or transfer for postal service officers and employees. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Postal Service for reimbursement for public service costs an amount not more than 20 percent of the total operating expenses of the Service for the immediate preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate and study the feasibility of a Federal insurance program covering livestock and other agricultural entities not covered under the Federal Crop Insurance Act, and to report to the Congress the results of such investigation and study.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Requires, under the Mutual Security Act of 1954, specific accounting requirements for foreign currency expenditures in connection with congressional travel outside the United States. Requires the publication of such travel costs in the Congressional Record. (Amends 22 U.S.C. 1754(b))
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Housing and Urban Development Act - Title I: Community Development Block Grants - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States and Units of general local government to help finance Community Development Programs. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations for such grants of up to $8,050,000,000 until July 1, 1977. Authorizes $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for grants to general local government units for urgent community development needs. Requires grant applicants to: (1) formulate community development programs and housing assistance plans; (2) operate such programs in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Public Law 90-284 (relating to fair housing); and (3) inform affected citizens of the various aspects of the program. Requires an annual review and audit to determine if grantees are carrying out their programs as required by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to release funds for projects to applicants who assume all of the responsibilities of environmental review, decision making, and action pursuant to the Environmental Policy Act that would otherwise apply to the Secretary. States that community development programs approved under this title may include: (1) acquisition of real property that is deteriorating or useful for public purposes; (2) installation of public works facilities; (3) rehabilitation of buildings; and (4) provisions for health, social, counseling and training services under activities within this title. Prescribes the allocation of grant funds under this title, including a ratio to determine amounts for individual cities which relates to poverty and housing overcrowding in the city. Requires that 80 percent of the non-urgent grant funds go to metropolitan areas. Prescribes the full "hold-harmless" amount of a metropolitan city or urban county under this title. Preserves a discretionary grant fund for special projects, including new communities, United States territories, and diaster-caused development needs. Authorizes the guarantee of notes or other obligations of general local government units for acquisition of real property for community development programs. Prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, or sex under programs funded by this title. Sets wage standards for labor performed under contracts funded by this title. Requires the termination or reduction of funds to grantees failing to comply with this title. Allows judicial review of such actions. Allows 20 percent of the urgent-need grants to be applied toward the payment of principal and interest on temporary loans made to a local government unit under the Housing Act of 1949. Permits continuance of local building codes (where assistance is sought under this Act) whose standards are as high or higher than those required by this Act. Provides for the employment of low-income persons under programs approved by this title. Title II: Assisted Housing - Authorizes assistance, under the United States Housing Act of 1937, to low-income families. Allows public housing agencies to make assistance payments for the use of existing dwelling units. Allows assistance payments for contracts with owners or prospective owners who construct or rehabilitate housing which will be used at least in part for low-income families. Allows the Secretary to enter into contracts with public housing agencies by which they may assist owners or prospective owners of units over which such agencies assume management. Requires such assistance contracts to set a maximum monthly rent, according to prescribed guidelines. Disallows material differences in rents for assisted housing and comparable unassisted housing. Sets forth a time limit on such contracts for assistance payments. Reserves all ownership, management, and maintenance responsibilities in the owners. Requires 30 percent of families assisted under this title to be "very low-income" families. Requires the Secretary to insure that special projects for the handicapped authorized under the United States Housing Act of 1937 provide quality services and management consistent with the needs of the occupant. Prohibits the approval of a housing assistance plan under the United States Housing Act of 1937, the National Housing Act, or the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 unless the general local government unit certifies that such assistance is consistent with a housing assistance plan approved under title I of this Act. Requires the allocation of assistance under provisions of the above-mentioned laws according to rates of poverty, overcrowding, and substandard housing. Makes public housing agencies eligible as mortgagors under the National Housing Act's provisions relating to housing for moderate income and displaced families. Specifies minimum rentals for low-rent housing under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires the establishment of sound management practices by public housing agencies. Increases the annual contribution to public housing to maintain low rents to $400,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $965,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. Extends the home ownership, cooperative and rental mortgage provisions of the National Housing Act until June 30, 1975. Makes special provision for housing assistance to American Indians, the elderly and handicapped, and to areas where assistance is otherwise unavailable. Title III: Mortgage Credit Programs - Extends the regular FHA insurance programs and the interest rate authority for veterans' home loans. Increases the maximum mortgage amount under the FHA one-to four-family and multifamily mortgage insurance programs. Makes changes in downpayment requirements for regular FHA one-to four-family mortgages. Provides for FHA insured financing on resale of cooperative dwellings. Increases the amounts and time limits on home improvement loans. Permits the co-insurance of any mortgage, advance, or loan in addition to co-insurance otherwise provided by this Act. Prohibits the issuance of such insurance until it is determined that such co-insurance demonstration program will not disrupt the mortgage market or reduce the availability of mortgage credit to borrowers who depend upon mortgage insurance under this Act. Prohibits the purchase of mortgages by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation if the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage at the time of purchase exceeds 80 percent of the value of the property. Eliminates the provisions of Federal law concerning the retirement of common and preferred stock in FNMA. Prohbits sex discrimination in Federal mortgage assistance payments under this title. Adds osteopathic and podiatric facilities to the provisions of the National Housing Act regarding mortgage insurance for group practice facilities. Title IV: Rural Housing - Allows loans for the repair and improvement of rural dwellings to make them safe and sanitary (where the borrower does not otherwise qualify) of up to $5,000. Extends veterans preference to rural housing programs under the Housing Act of 1949. Authorizes funds for loan programs for rural housing programs. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide condominium housing for low-and moderate-income families in ruarl areas. Permits the Secretary to make loans to public or private nonprofit organizations for the acquisition and development of land as building sites to be subdivided and sold to families, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and cooperatives. Allows borrowers, under provisions of the Housing Act of 1949, to prepay taxes and insurance to the Secretary, who will hold such payments in escrow and pay them out at the appropriate time. Provides for contracts with public or private nonprofit organizations to provide information and technical assistance, provided such private nonprofit organizations are sponsored by a State or local government entity. States that such information and assistance shall relate to construction, rehabilitation, and operation of low-and moderate-income housing, as well as counseling on household management and budgeting. Authorizes loans and insurance for rental or cooperative housing for persons and families of low income in multifamily housing projects, as well as assistance payments to owners of such rental housing to make available to such persons such housing at rates not exceeding 25 percent of their incomes. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that it is the purpose of this part to encourage the formation of State development agencies which have authority to carry out development activities designed to: (1) provide housing and related facilities for persons and families of low and moderate income; (2) promote the sound growth and development of neighborhoods through the revitalization of slum and blighted areas; and (3) increase and improve employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed through the development and redevelopment of industrial, manufacturing, and commercial facilities. Permits the guarantee of bonds, debentures, notes and other obligations issued by State development agencies to finance development activities described in the purposes of this title. Establishes a revolving fund to provide for timely payment of liabilities incurred as a result of such guarantees. Allows supplementary grants for projects assisted by the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities. Includes waste disposal facilities among eligible land improvements. Authorizes appropriations for comprehensive urban planning. Title VI: Consumer Home Mortgage Assistance - Consumer Home Mortgage Assistance Act - States that savings and loan associations are authorized to invest an amount, not exceeding the greater of the sum of its surplus, undivided profits, and reserves or 5 percent of its assets, in loans or in interests therein the principal purpose of which is to provide financing with respect to what is or is expected to become primarily residential real estate within one hundred miles of their home office or within the State in which such office is located. Increase the amount that may be loaned by such associations on single family dwellings from $45,000 to $55,000. Permits any national banking association to make real estate loans secured by liens upon unimproved real estate, upon improved real estate, including improved farmland and improved business and residential properties, and upon real estate to be improved by a building or buildings to be constructed or in the process of construction, in an amount which when added to the amount unpaid upon prior mortgages, liens, encumbrances, if any, upon such real estate does not exceed the respective proportions of appraised value as provided in this title. States that the amount of any such loan hereafter made shall not exceed 66 2/3 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is unimproved, 75 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is improved by offsite improvements such as as streets, water, sewers, or other utilities, 75 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is in the process of being improved by a building or building to be constructed or in the process of construction, or 90 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is improved by a building or buildings. Allows national banking associations to make real estate loans secured by liens upon forest tracts with are properly managed in all respects. Limits the amount that Federal Credit Unions may loan to it directors and members of it supervisory credit committee to $2,500 without approval of the board of directors. Allows such credit unions to establish two-member investment committees. Prescribes meeting frequencies and procedures for credit committees of such credit unions. Provides termination procedures for insured credit unions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1974
Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to provide for a study of the alternatives to the Tocks Island Dam and Reservoir project affecting the Delaware River and surrounding areas.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for reductions in Social Security taxes relating to the rate of tax on self-employment income for purposes of old-age, survivors, and disability insurance. States that such reductions shall apply in the case of taxes imposed with respect to self-employment income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974, and with respect to wages paid or received during calendar years after 1974. Provides for Federal participation in the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act. Increases the earnings counted for benefit and tax purposes under the Social Security Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hanley, James M. [D-NY-32]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000158_200.jpg)