United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Hobbs Act Amendment - Prohibits the destruction, burning, or damaging of the property of an employer, or other person near any place where work or business of the employer is carried on. Subjects violators to a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for not more than twenty years, or both. Redefines the term "extortion" to include actual or threatened force or violence used to induce consent in the course of a legitimate labor dispute. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1951)
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse State and local governments for expenditures made at the request of the United States Secret Service for the protection of any person the Service is authorized to protect.
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 · 17 February 1976
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual over the age of 18 who is entitled to child's insurance benefits on the basis of disability shall not lose such entitlement by reason of marriage, regardless of the benefit status of the person such individual marries.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to implement a pilot program to make scholarship grants to individuals attending medical schools on the condition that such individuals will serve in a Veterans' Administration facility for a period of time upon completion of professional training. Limits the amount of any scholarship grant to an individual for an academic year to $5,000. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program of $2,500,000; $3,000,000; and $3,500,000 in fiscal years 1976-1978, respectively. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 1979 and succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 to establish as an independent establishment of the Executive Branch the Federal Election Commission, consisting of the Secretary of the Senate (ex officio), the Clerk of the House (ex officio), and six members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that more than three members appointed by the President may be affiliated with the same party. Sets members' terms at six years with one members' term expiring every year. States that members will be chosen from among individuals who are not currently elected or appointed as an officer or employee of any branch of the Government of the United States, except current members of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Directs the House Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on International Relations to begin a study of the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. Requires each committee to report, within three months of the date on which this resolution is approved, its recommendations to the Speaker of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to emphasize agricultural research as a distinct mission of the Department of Agriculture, to be certain such research is effectively coordinated, and to provide a mechanism for identifying the Nation's highest priority problems for agricultural research. Provides for an additional Assistant Secretary of Agriculture to be responsible for the agricultural research activities of the Department of Agriculture and to serve as co-chairman of the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Directs the Secretary to appoint a scientist to serve and report to such new Assistant Secretary and to act as Executive Secretary of such Committee. Establishes, within the Department of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Specifies the membership of such Committee. States that the Committee's responsibilities shall include: (1) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (2) providing a forum for research sponsoring agencies to exchange information on agricultural plans and programs; and (3) making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding applications for funding of mission-oriented basic agricultural research. Requires such Committee to annually submit a report of its activities to specified committees of the Congress. Defines "mission-oriented basic agricultural research" as research on fundamental science topics with regard to which there is a basic need in existence for new knowledge that would be genrated by such research, has a strong potential for benefitting mankind and deals with more than an unproven concept. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First and Second Morrill Acts and to State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research, without regard to matching State funds. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Declares it to be the sense of Congress that Federal funding for existing agricultural research programs be increased by $250,000,000 annually.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
National Center for Women Act - Establishes a National Center for Women as an independent agency of the Executive Branch: (1) to review and coordinate Federal programs to insure equal opportunity for women; (2) to serve as a clearinghouse for information on public programs and legislation of interest to women; and (3) to recommend to the President and Congress proposals to improve the status of women. Directs the establishment of a National Board of Advisors within such center, which members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board of Advisors to maintain effective liaison with public agencies and other organizations concerned with the status of women. Transfers to the Administrator of such Center the functions of: (1) the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year; (2) the Citizen's Advisory Council on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (3) the interdepartmental Committee on the Status of Women established under Executive Order 11126; (4) the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor; (5) the Women's Action Program of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare; and (6) the Women's Rights Program Unit of the Civil Rights Commission. Creates within the Center an Intergovernmental Task Force on the Status of Women, composed of representatives of specified executive departments and independent regulatory agencies. Directs such Task Force to assist in the evaluation and coordination of Federal programs for women and to develop procedures to insure equal rights to women within Federal agencies. Directs each Federal agency to review regulations, policies, and procedures of its participation and equal opportunity for women.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the heads of other departments affected by this Act, to issue and revise regulations from time to time relating to the trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violations of this Act. Establishes an advisory commission of seven members to consult with the Secretary and make recommendations with respect to regulations concerning trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment of one year, for the sale, shipment, or transport of any unapproved trap or any animal skin or hide or bird feathers taken in violation of this Act. Outlines those trapping regulations specifically applicable to Federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with any affected State pursuant to which the Secretary shall assist such State to enable it to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendation as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Emergency Tenants' Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency rent payments on behalf of tenants who are, or will be, subject to eviction proceedings as a result of being unable to make their rental payments by reason of their unemployment or underemployment. States that such payments may not be approved unless: (1) the tenant will be unable to make his rental payments; (2) the tenant has incurred a substantial reduction in income due to adverse economic conditions; (3) there is a reasonable prospect that the tenant will be able to repay the loan made by the Secretary; and (4) the rental property is the tenant's principal place of residence. Allows rental assistance for part or all of the tenant's rent up to $250 per month for a maximum of two years. Provides for interest to be charged according to the tenant's ability to pay but not more than eight percent per annum. Requires that the payments be deferred until the tenant is able to repay the loan. Permits the Secretary to require security for the repayment of the loan, but provides that the Secretary may not refuse a loan for lack of security. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $500,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that no payments may be authorized after September 30, 1977. Provides for penalties for any person obtaining any benefits under this Act through the giving of false information. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every 60 days concerning delinquent repayments and actions taken to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States recognizes its duty to share its resources and technology with less developed nations. Establishes this duty as a prime consideration in the domestic and foreign policies of the United States and on all matters which relate to hunger.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Federal Taxpayers' Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service during an audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal any adverse decision of the Service (including administrative and judicial appeals); (3) the procedures for prosecuting refund claims and filing of taxpayer complaints; and (4) the procedures which the Service may use in enforcing the internal revenue laws (including assessment, jeopardy assessment, levy and distraint, and enforcement of liens). Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an office to be known as the Office of Taxpayer Services to be under the supervision and direction of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue who shall assist taxpayers in obtaining easily understandable tax information and answering questions on tax liability, among other functions. States that, upon application filed by a taxpayer, the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services may issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Assistant Commissioner, the taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary or his delegate. Authorizes the President of the Legal Services Corporation to establish Taxpayer Representation Offices in four cities (selected by the President) for purposes of providing legal assistance to individuals in connection with: (1) any audit by the Service of any return made by or on behalf of the individual with respect to any tax imposed by chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or (2) an assessment or collection from any such individual of any tax imposed by such chapter. Provides for show cause hearings with respect to jeopardy assessments and termination of taxable years. Increases the monetary value of specified items to be exempt from levy. Provides criminal penalties (a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both) for investigation into or surveillance over the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization which are not directly related to such revenue laws. Prohibits a civil cause of action for damages or an injunction, or both, for such violations. Prohibits inspection of tax returns pursuant to a criminal investigation unless a search warrant has been issued upon probable cause to believe that no alternative source of necessary information is available. Provides rules for civil investigation related to: (1) payment of Social Security and Railroad Retirement Taxes; (2) pension administration; (3) census information; (4) enforcement of taxpayer's rights under this Act; (5) inspection by States; (6) inspection by a Committee of Congress; and (7) disclosure to persons having a substantial interest (agents of partnerships and corporations, and shareholders of corporations). Provides a civil action for damages for unauthorized disclosure of tax information.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Increases the value of exemptions for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Establishes the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to monitor the acts of the signatories which reflect compliance with the articles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of 11 members to be appointed as specified in this Act. Gives the Commission the power to subpena witnesses and records as necessary to carry out the responsibilities imposed by this Act. Requires the Commission to make reports to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Reduces from 20 to 10 years the length of time a divorced woman's marriage to an insured individual must have lasted in order for her to qualify for wife's or widow's benefits on his wage record under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Extends the coverage for benefit purposes under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) to homemakers. States that for the purposes of this Act, an individual shall be considered as a homemaker during any month in which that individual conducts or supervises the affairs of a household, not for a wage or salary, and: (1) is not less than 18 years of age (at the beginning of such month) nor more than 65 years of age (at the beginning of such month) nor more than 65 years of age (at the close of such month); (2) is not entitled to a monthly insurance benefit under this title; and (3) does not perform employment or engage in self-employment (other than service as a homemaker under this Act), or both for a total of more than 135 hours. Provides a method for determining the amount of the net earnings from self-employment which an individual is deemed to have derived from homemaker service. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to jointly prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this Act, and to publish for each taxable year a schedule showing the amounts to be derived (for such year) under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the efforts in Portugal to secure democracy in that country should be supported by the United States. Directs the Administration to submit to Congress its recommendations for ways in which the United States might provide support to a democratic Portugal.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - States that the energy needs of United States industry are increasing consistently, although energy resources are limited, and that the conservation of energy is therefore necessary. Declares that rapid development and cost-effectiveness demonstrations, and widespread application by industry, of energy-efficient technologies can be facilitated by Federal financial assistance in the form of research, development, and demonstration projects and through incentives to companies that invest in such technologies. States that it is the purpose of this Act to stimulate the development of energy-efficient technologies in American industry. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish and maintain a program for research, development and demonstration of energy conserving industrial technologies, including: (1) basic and applied research under the control of the Administrator; (2) the development by the Administrator or private persons of prototypes or demonstration models of energy conserving technologies; and (3) the making of grants to private organizations to facilitate the incorporation of such technologies into commercial operating industrial plants, such projects to be used as demonstrations for other industrial facilities. Sets forth priorities to be observed by the Administrator in determining the recipients of grants under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Enumerates priorities to be observed in making or guaranteeing such loans, including: (1) the extent to which a loan recipient is located within a depressed industrial area, and will contribute to the economic recovery of such area; (2) the extent to which such loan or guarantee will foster the widespread adoption of energy conservant technology; (3) the extent to which modernization, rather than replacement, of existing equipment will contribute to the purposes of this Act; and (4) the extent to which small businesses will be able to participate in the benefits resulting from this Act. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of loans and guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Requires that at least 60 percent of the funds available for loans and guarantees be allocated to recipients in depressed industrial areas. Sets forth additional regulations pertaining only to loan guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Limits the outstanding indebtedness guaranteed under this Act to $500,000,000 at any one time. States that no guarantee shall be made under this Act after September 30, 1977. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Requires the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a national cemetery at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusets. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,150,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1975
Denies Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to apply to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Adjustment Act - Revises generally the schedules of payment of non-service-connected disability pensions payable to the veterans of the Mexican border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era, and to the widows and children of such veterans. Revises generally the aid and attendance allowance payable to the widows of veterans of all periods of war. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 102, 322, 415, 521, 541, 542, 544)
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to foster and promote, through appropriate means and on an economically sustainable basis, the development and expansion and both traditional and innovative approaches to direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. States that for purposes of this Act, the term "direct marketing from farmers to consumers" means the marketing of agricultural commodities at any marketplace (including, but not limited to, roadside stands, city markets, and vehicles used for house-to-house marketing of agricultural commodities) established and maintained for the purpose of enabling farmers to sell their agricultural commodities directly to individual consumers, or organizations representing consumers. Directs the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture to conduct and facilitate activities designed to foster methods of direct marketing from farmers to consumers. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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 · 21 October 1975
Aviation Act - Provides that an applicationn with respect to air transportation under the Federal Aviation Act shall be set for hearing within 60 days from the date the application is filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board, and provides for the expedition of the hearing procedure. Authorizes the Board to issue a certificate for interstate air transportation between any two cities not receiving nonstop scheduled air transportation by an air carrier holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity to an applicant if it finds the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform such transportation properly. States that any air carrier that engages in interstate air transportation solely with aircraft having a capacity of less than fifty-six passengers or sixteen thousand pounds of property shall not be required to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity if that carrier conforms to such financial responsibility requirements as the Board may by regulation impose. States that the Board shall not impose close-door, single plane service, mandatory stop, long-haul restrictions, or similar restrictions, on any new certificate or amendment to any existing certificate and that by January 1, 1981, the Board shall reissue all certificates for interstate air transportation in the form of an unduplicated list of city pairs that each certificated air carrier is authorized to serve. Requires, by January 1, 1978, the Board to prepare an unduplicated list of city pairs that each interstate certificated air carrier will be authorized to serve on January 1, 1981. Provides that on or after January 1, 1981, each air carrier engaged in interstate scheduled air transportation may engage in nonstop scheduled air transportation without regard to any certificate limitations or other restrictions between any points in the United States named in its certificate or certificates on January 1, 1975. Prohibits consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control with respect to air carriers if such action would result in (1) monopoly or be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize; or (2) the possibility of substantial lessening of competition or other restraint of trade. Provides that no air transportation rate above direct costs may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the basis that it is too low, and the Board may not require an air carrier to charge, demand, collect, or receive compensation in excess of that air carrier's direct costs for the service at issue. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a study of the local service air carrier subsidy program and make recommendations to Congress for any necessary changes in the subsidy system within one year of the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1975
Form Reform Act - Requires that all forms used by each executive agency shall be discontinued progressively over a five year period. States that no form may be placed in use by any executive agency after the effective date of this Act unless it has been approved by the Comptroller General. States that if the Comptroller General determines that the use of an existing form is necessary and that such form is as short, simple, and understandable as it can be, he shall approve the continued use of such form. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Allied Services Act - Title I: Human Services Planning - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for developing the allied delivery of human services (services to help families in need to achieve the highest level of personal independence and self-sufficiency) within a State. Provides for the designation of State and local agencies to administer the development program in service areas designated by the Governor of the State. Requires such local agencies to develop for the service area a local plan which is designed to serve as a demonstration or evaluation of means to substantially improve the allying and consolidation of human services planning and delivery. States that, to be approved by the State agency, such plan must also: (1) specify the agencies and organizations which have agreed to participate in the local program for the allied delivery of human services within the service area; (2) contain a survey of the needs for human services within the service area and an inventory of resources available to meet those needs; (3) enumerate the human services programs which will be allied within the service area; (4) provide reasonable assurance that the agencies and organizations participating in the local plan will make progress toward allying their provision of services; (5) describe the progress which the local agency has made in achieving the objectives specified in any preceding local plan developed by the local agency pursuant to this subsection; (6) specify procedures found adequate by the Secretary to assure that interested agencies, organizations, and individuals will have their views taken into consideration with respect to the carrying out of the local plan. Provides requirements for the approval of State plans for the allied delivery of services. Provides that if the Secretary finds, after notice to a State and adequate opportunity for the State to respond, it is failing to comply substantially with the provisions of its approved allied delivery of services plan for any fiscal year (or that any local agency designated thereunder is failing to comply substantially with the provisions of its local plan which was incorporated into such State plan), then thereafter (during such year and until there is no longer any such failure to comply) no Federal funds may be consolidated or transferred, no requirements may be waived, and no payments of grants under this Act may be made. Provides for notice to the public of allied delivery of services plans and for means to accept comments from the public thereon. Title II: Administrative Support Services - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States which have in effect State plans approved under this Act or through such States to local agencies which have local plans approved by such States, to assist in meeting the initial costs of allying or consolidating administrative support services and management functions necessary to facilitate the allied delivery of human services where funds to cover such costs cannot be obtained from other sources. Provides that no State, office, or agency may receive grants under this title for more than 3 years. Title III: Special Authorities - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make single grants for human services. Authorizes transfer of Federal assistance available for expenditure under a human services program for use in another human services program. Authorizes waiver of program requirements certified by State or local agencies to be impeding the implementation of its plan. Authorizes $20,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act for fiscal year 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to foster and promote, through appropriate means and on an economically sustainable basis, the development and expansion of both traditional and innovative approaches to direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. States that for purposes of this Act, the term "direct marketing from farmers to consumers" means the marketing of agricultural commodities at any marketplace (including, but not limited to, roadside stands, city markets, and vehicles used for house-to-house marketing of agricultural commodities) established and maintained for the purpose of enabling farmers to sell their agricultural commodities directly to individual consumers, or organizations representing consumers. Directs the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture to conduct and facilitate activities designed to foster traditional methods of direct marketing from farmers to consumers, including: (1) compiling regulations relevant to direct marketing within such State; (2) the sponsorship of conferences designed to facilitate the sharing of information on direct marketing programs; and (3) the providing of technical assistance to groups establishing direct marketing programs. Authorizes appropriations of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Requires Executive agencies to submit proposes ruless and an explanation thereof to Congress. Provides that such proposes rules shall become effective within 60 days after submission unless either House of Congress disapproves of such rules by resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Oil Price Reduction Act - Requires a reduction in the duty imposed on oil under the Trade Expansion Act equal to the increase in the price of such oil imposed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries during the remainder of 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Exempts, under the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the Federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels. Exempts such organization from the tax on communication services.
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 · 9 October 1975
Establishes in the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Energy. Authorizes the committee to conduct a study with respect to all aspects of the exploration, research and development, production, importation, distribution, and use of all energy-related natural resources, including national priorities and policies with regard to energy.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Changes the name of the Passport Office to the United States Passport Service. Transfers the functions of the Passport Office to the new agency which shall be under the Department of State. Establishes a fund for the Service to be capitalized by an initial appropriation of at least $20,000,000 to be appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Establishes a passport service to finance the operation of the United States Passport Service. Increases passport and renewal fees to bring them in line with increased service cost. Provides the new passport service with its own accounting and internal audit system, under periodic audits by the General Accounting Office.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - States that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System; to organize an Administration of the Department of Transportation to acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, modernize, and to restructure the rail lines included within such System; to transfer to the States responsibility for maintenance of rail lines not included within such System; to require minimum standards of maintenance for rail lines; to establish rights of access by rail carriers to rail lines they do not own; and to provide Federal funding to the Administration and to States for rehabilitation of rail lines. Defines terms used in the Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Secretary of Transportation with specified data describing the current condition of the railroad, and with a verified statement identifying all railroad lines of the carrier. Designates the Initial Interstate Railroad System, and rail lines which shall be excluded from such system. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold hearings and recommend additions to and deletions from such system. Requires the Secretary, after giving full consideration to such recommendations, to prepare and release a concise descriptive study of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad System, including future maintenance standards of each rail line in the system. States that after hearings and recommendations by the Office, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress a final Interstate Railroad System Plan designed to promote and enhance the ability of rail carriers to provide modern, efficient, and economical interstate rail freight and passenger service responsive to present and future needs and demands. Requires the Secretary to determine and publish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the resporation of all rail lines in the system to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that rail properties acquired by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation shall be part of the final system. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration to revise the future maintenance standards so long as such revision reflects changes in the anticipated use of the individual lines. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Federal Rail Property Administration. Grants the Administration power to acquire rail lines and property and to enter into leases with a railroad company which deeds rail lines to the Administration. Sets forth conditions governing such leases. Permits railroads to offer to transfer all facilities which are included in the System to the Administration, whereupon the Administration shall enter into a lease and accept title to the facilities so offered. Requires the Secretary to develop programs of rehabilitation and capital improvements for rail properties owned by the Administration. States that such programs shall be incorporated into and be made terms of the lease of such property. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and to Congress on the extent and condition of all properties owned by the Administration, and on the condition of all other rail properties in the Nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations for each year beginning with the year in which this Act is enacted and continuing for a period of ten years such sums as are necessary for (1) rehabilitation of lines as required under this Act, and (2) to provide the materials used in maintenance as required under this Act. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Authorizes additional sums of money for reports, expenses, and maintenance materials. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Permits abandonment of rail service on properties not designated part of the final system. Sets forth conditions governing discontinuation of service. Title VI: Labor Contracts - States that all contracts between rail carries and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full force, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Title VII: Northeast Corridor - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to operate high speed rail passenger service in the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations for improvement of the Northeast Corridor.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Directs the National Commission on the observance of International Women's Year to organize and convene a National Women's Conference. States that the Conference shall: (1) recognize the contributions of women in the development of our country; (2) assess the progress that has been made to date by both the private and public sectors in promoting equality between men and women in all aspects of life in the United States; (3) assess the role of women in economic, social, cultural, and political development; (4) assess the participation of women in efforts aimed at the development of friendly relations and cooperation among nations and to the strengthening of world peace; and (5) identify the barriers that prevent women from participating fully and equally in all aspects of national life, and develop recommendations for means by which such barriers can be removed. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. Requires regional meetings in preparation for the conference to be held in every State. Directs the Commission to prepare and submit to the President and to each House of Congress a report containing a detailed statement of its findings and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations of up to $10,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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 · 18 September 1975
Allows an income tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the amount of expenses paid for higher education in the taxable year for education above the twelfth grade paid for by the taxpayer for himself or any other individual. Provides that such credit shall be an amount equal to the sum of: (1) 100 percent of so much of such expenses as does not exceed $200; (2) 75 percent of so much of such expenses as exceeds $200 but does not exceed $500; and (3) 25 percent of so much of such expenses as exceed $500 but does not exceed $1,500. Provides for a reduction of such credit by 1 percent of the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $22,500. Defines expenses of higher education as: (1) tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of a student at a level above the twelfth grade at an institution of higher education; and (2) fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction above the twelfth grade at an institution of higher education. Provides that the amount of higher education expenses taken into consideration shall be reduced by any amounts received as a scholarship or fellowship grant or as veterans' benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefits checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Provides that when an eligible veteran transfers between consecutive school terms from one approved institution to another, the veteran shall, for the purpose of entitlement to the payment of the educational assistance allowance, be considered to be enrolled at the first institution for a period of thirty days. Provides educational assistance allowance to each veteran who served from July 25, 1947, until June 27, 1950, for a period of more than 180 days and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Extends veterans the maximum educational benefits from 36 to 45 months.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Designates the Veterans' Administration hospital in Loma Linda, California, as the "Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to provide a memorial at such hospital in memory of the late Jerry L. Pettis.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the taxable year of $10 for each ton of post-consumer waste paper processed in the United States by the taxpayer during the taxable year into new commercially marketable pulp, paper, paperboard or other similar products.
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 · 3 September 1975
Requires the Attorney General of the United States to conduct an investigation to determine whether antitrust violations are occurring in the manufacture or marketing of replacement home canning lids. Directs the Attorney General to submit a report to the Congress no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this joint resolution detailing his findings, proposed action and recommendations concerning legislation. Calls for a final report no later than one year after enactment of this joint resolution detailing actions taken by the Attorney General against any person violating the antitrust acts in regard to the manufacture or marketing of such lids.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Declares the solidarity of the United States Congress in support of the democratic aspirations of the Portuguese people. Denounces the consprirational maneuvers of the Communists. Calls for congressional hearings on the Portuguese crisis. Urges NATO to warn Moscow against supporting communist subversion in Portugal. Calls upon the Soviet Union to terminate such actions. Calls upon the Department of State to insist upon equal democratic opportunities for all political parties in a preelection period. Serves notice upon the Soviet Union and all East European Communist governments that further intervention in the internal affairs of Portugal is a blatant violation of the principles of the Helsinki Conference.
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 · 30 July 1975
Allows specified percentage tax deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, for the cost of acquiring recycled solid waste materials during the taxable year. Provides, in lieu of any allowable depreciation deduction, for the amortization of the cost basis of solid waste recycling facilities over a period of 60 months.
![Official portrait of Rep. Heckler, Margaret M. [R-MA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/cbb617b482e186b253684e67ee44091e_200.jpg)