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United States · Official source
1,169 records where Rep. Helstoski, Henry [D-NJ-9] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Designates January 15, the birthday of Martin Luther King, Junior, as a legal public holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Forbids the Secretary of the Interior to grant any lease for the exploration and development of oil and gas deposits of submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf which are seaward of the seaward boundary of any Coastal State, before the Secretary approves the coastal zone management program of the State, or June 30, 1976, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Reduces the rate of tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 on the self-employed, employees, and employers for the payment of the cost of the old-age, survivors and disability insurance and the hospital insurance programs of the Social Security Act. Increases the contribution and benefit base for tax determination purposes under the old-age, suriviors and disability insurance program. Increases by 50 percent the annual Federal contribution to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Allows any nonimmigrant foreign student to be employed, with the approval of the school attended by such student: (1) during any regularly scheduled school vacation; or (2) during any school term during which such person is not enrolled, if the institution determines that he continues to qualify as a full-time student.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Declares that for 90 days following enactment of this Act the President shall have no authority to adjust imports of petroleum or petroleum products under the Trade Expansion Act or any other Federal law. Provides that in the event of a declaration of war, an attack upon the United States, or other involvement in hostilities by the Armed Forces within the 90 day period, this provision shall not thereafter apply. Provides that any action taken by the President between January 15, 1975, and the date of enactment of this Act which results in the imposition of a duty tax or fee on petroleum or petroleum products shall cease to have effect on the date of enactment. Allows a rebate of any amount paid as a tax or fee on petroleum products which was imposed by the President after January 15, 1975, and before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that the first $5,000 received as civil service retirement annuity from the United States or any agency thereof shall be excluded from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that the tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for charitable contributions of medical, surgical, or hospital supplies that is ordinary income property of the donor shall be reduced by only one-half of the amount of gain which would have been realized if the property contributed had been sold at its fair market value if the donee uses the property for a function related to its basis for tax exempt status.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 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 · 20 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should not impose any tariff or other import restriction on petroleum or petroleum products before April 1, 1975, so as to give the Congress a reasonable period of time in which to act legislatively on such matter if it determines such action is necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Provides for the relief of Jack George Makari.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Equal Opportunity and Full Employment Act - Directs the President, with the assistance of the Council of Economic Advisors, to transmit annually a full employment and production program to the Congress. Sets forth a summary of the content to be contained in such annual report. Provides for annual Labor Reports of the President. Requires the Labor Reports to provide detailed attention on a continuing and progressively analytical basis to the changing volume and composition of the American labor supply. Renames the United States Employment Service as the United States Full Employment Service. Creates a Job Guarantee Office in the United States Full Employment Office headed by a Job Guarantee Officer whose responsibility is to provide useful and rewarding employment for any American, able and willing to work but not yet working, unable otherwise to obtain work, and applying to such office for assistance. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to carry out responsibilities under this Act upon the recommendation and approval of the local planning councils. Requires that each Job Guarantee Office in carrying out its responsibilities shall insure that among projects planned that adequate consideration be given to such individuals and groups as may face special obstacles in finding and holding useful and rewarding employment and shall provide or have provided through the coordination of existing programs special assistance including but not limited to counseling, training, and, where necessary, transportation and migration assistance. Provides that such individuals and groups shall include (1) those suffering from past or present discrimination or bias on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin; (2) older workers and retirees; (3) the physically or mentally handicapped; (4) youths to age 21; (5) potentially employable recipients of public assistance; (6) the inhabitants of depressed areas, urban and rural; (7) veterans of the Armed Forces; (8) people unemployed because of the relocation, closing, or reduced operations in industrial or military facilities; and (9) such other groups as the President or the Congress may designate from time to time. Directs that each Job Guarantee Office may, subject to the limitations specified in this Act, enter into agreements with public agencies and private organizations operating on a profit, nonprofit, or limited-profit basis. Requires such agreements to contain assurances that the agency or organization will: (1) provide an annual independent audit to the Job Guarantee Office; and (2) not discriminate on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin in the administration of any program encompassed within the agreement. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to: (1) refer jobseekers to the private sector and general public sector employment placement facilities of the Full Employment Service (other than as supplemented by this Act); and (2) directly refer jobseekers for placement in positions on projects drawn from the reservoir of public service and private employment projects. Provides that anyone who presents himself or herself in person at the full Employment Office shall be considered prima facie "willing and able" to work. Provides that this stipulation specifically shall include persons with impairments of sight, hearing, movement, coordination, mental retardation, or other handicaps. Directs that this stipulation be implemented by the Job Guarantee Officer, prusuant to regulations issued by the Secretary. Establishes a Standby Job Corps which shall consist of jobseekers registered pursuant to this Act. Provides that such Corps shall be available for public service work upon projects and activities that are approved as a part of community public service work reservoirs established by community boards pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary, by regulation, to provide for: (1) a requirement that jobseekers registered in the Standby Job Corps maintain a status of good standing, which status shall include attendance and performance standards; and (2) a system of compensation for Corps members. Provides that no Standby Job Corps members shall be paid less than the minimum wage in effect in the area. Directs the Joint Economic Committee to: (1) annually review the activities of the executive branch under all sections of this Act; (2) regularly conduct on its own behalf, or in cooperation with or through the facilities of the appropriate legislative committees or subcommittees of the Senate and the House, public hearings in as many labor market areas as feasible; and (3) annually report upon, with its own conclusions and recommendations, the development and administration of the policies and programs mandated by this Act. Establishes a National Institute for Full Employment within the Department of Labor, under a director to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor, and to operate in continuing consultation with a National Commission for Full Employment Policy Studies. Authorizes and directs the Institute to make, or have made through grants to or contracts with individual researchers and private or public research organizations, universities, and other Government agencies, studies that shall include, but need not be limited to, such subjects as: (1) the policies and programs needed to reduce whatever inflationary pressures may result from full employment to manage any such inflationary pressures through appropriate fiscal policies and indirect and direct controls, and to protect the weaker groups in society from whatever inflationary trends cannot be avoided or controlled; (2) the identification of human potentialities that are hidden, undeveloped, or underdeveloped because of the lack of suitable job opportunities, encouragement, education, or training and of various ways of releasing such potentialities; (3) the forms of education and training needed to help provide people with the skills, knowledge, and values required by existing employment opportunities and technologies and needed to assist in developing such new types of goods, services, technologies, and employment opportunities as may better meet human needs; and (4) the policies and programs needed to substantially eliminate substandard employment, wages, and working conditions and the techniques for establishing standards for employment, wages, and working conditions in accordance with changing levels of national output and resources, and regional variations in output. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1976, and for each succeeding fiscal year of such sums as may be needed to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Black Lung Benefit Act - Defines "total disability" under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act as having the meaning given it by regulation of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, except that: (1) in the case of a living miner, such regulations shall provide that a miner shall be considered totally disabled when pneumoconiosis prevents him from engaging in gainful employment requiring the skills and abilities comparable to those of any employment in a mine or mines in which he previously engaged with some regularity and over a substantial period of time; (2) in the case of a deceased miner, such regulations shall provide that the fact that a miner was employed by a mine at the time of his death shall not be used as evidence that the miner was not totally disabled; and (3) such regulations shall not provide more restrictive criteria than those applicable under the Social Security Act. States that if a miner was employed for 15 years or more in one or more underground coal mines, there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that at the time of his dealth he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay benefits to all previous claimants who have become eligible for benefits as a result of the enactment of this Act. Requires that at least 5 members of the Advisory Committee on Coal Mine Health Research be miners or retired miners.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act - Prohibits any person from operating any motor vehicle upon a public street or road unless such vehicle is insured under a qualifying no-fault policy pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation or provides a security bond, proof of qualifications as a self insurer, or other securities affording security equivalent to that afforded under a qualifying no-fault policy. Prohibits any State from requiring any insurance inconsistent with a qualifying no-fault policy. Provides for a fine of not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment for not to exceed six months, or both, for knowingly violating the above requirements. Requires that to be a qualifying no-fault policy an insurance policy must provide benefits as follows except as to the occupants of a motor vehicle other than the insured vehicle or the operator or user of a motor vehicle engaging in criminal conduct, provides that the insurer shall pay, without regard to fault: (1) to any person injured an amount equal to the net economic loss, as defined by this Act, sustained by such person as a result of such injury; and (2) to the legal representative of any person killed for the benefit of the surviving spouse and any dependent, without regard to fault, an amount equal to the net economic loss sustained by such spouse and dependent as a result of the death of such person. Provides for the payments for net economic loss as such losses are incurred except that in the case of death payment may, at the option of the beneficiary, be made immediately as a lump sum payment. Requires, in the case of injury or death to any person, that the insurer pay compensation for damages other than economic loss. Requires the insurer to pay any person for damages to property arising from the use of the insured vehicle. Establishes the statute of limitations for bringing suit under provisions providing compensation for damages other than economic loss at four years from the date of the accident or one year after the last payment for economic loss, whichever is shorter. Allows additional coverages and benefits not inconsistent with the requirements of this Act. Subjects any insurer to a $5,000 civil penalty for each policy issued in violation of this Act and, if such violation is willful, the insurer may be imprisoned for not more than one year. States that an application for a qualifying no-fault policy covering a motor vehicle in a State may not be rejected by an insurer authorized to issue such a policy in such State unless: (1) the principal operator of such vehicle does not have a license which permits him to operate such vehicle; or (2) the application is not accompanied by a reasonable portion of the premium. Provides that a qualifying no-fault policy once issued may not be canceled or refused renewal by an insurer except for: (1) suspension or revocation of the license of the principal operator to operate a motor vehicle; or (2) failure to pay a premium for such policy after a reasonable demand therefor. States that whoever knowingly violates these provisions shall be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each separate violation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a uniform statistical plan for the allocation and compilation of claims and loss experience data, such plan to be followed by every insurer writing qualifying no-fault policies and by every rating or advisory organization or statistical agent. Requires the Secretary to organize an assigned claims bureau and assigned claims plan in each State, the cost for the maintaining of which shall be assessed against insurers in each State by the appropriate State insurance supervisory authority. Forbids any insurer to write any qualifying no-fault policy unless the insurer participates in the assigned claims bureau in each State in which it writes such policies. Establishes standards by which a claimant may obtain benefits under the assigned claims plan. Allows the awarding of reasonable attorney's fees to any person making a claim under a qualifying no-fault policy.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides that it shall not be unlawful for a person to electronically record or otherwise intercept a wire or oral communication where all parties to such communication have given prior consent unless the interception is for the purpose of criminal or tortious act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Abestosis and Mesothelioma Benefits Act - Title I: General Sets forth the findings of Congress and defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Claims for Benefits Filed on or before December 31, 1974 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to, in accordance with provisions of this Title, and the regulations promulgated by him under this title, make payments of benefits in respect of total disability of any asbestos worker due to asbestosis or mesothelioma, and in respect of the death of any asbestos worker whose death was due to asbestosis or mesothelioma. Establishes formulae for determining the payment of benefits. Provides that benefit payments under this Act to an asbestos worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister, shall be reduced, on a monthly or other appropriate basis, by an amount equal to any payment received by such worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister, under the workmen's compensation, unemployment compensation, or disability insurance laws of his State on account of the disability of such worker, and the amount by which such payment would be reduced on account of excess earnings of such worker under the Social Security Act if the amount paid were a benefit payable under such Act. States that benefits payable under this title shall be deemed not to be income for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Establishes procedures and requirements for the filing of claims under this title. Title III: Claims for Benefits After December 31, 1974 - Declares that on and after January 1, 1975, any claim for benefits for death or total disability due to asbetosis or mesothelioma shall be filed pursuant to the applicable State workmen's compensation law, except that during any period when asbestos workers or their surviving widows, children, parents, brothers, or sisters, as the case may be, are not covered by a State workmen's compensation law shich provides adequate coverage for asbetosis and mesothelioma they shall be entitled to claim benefits under this title. Directs the Secretary of Labor, no later than October 1, 1973, publish in the Federal Register a list of State workmen's compensation laws which provide adequate coverage for asbestosis and mesothelioma and to revise and republish in the Federal Register such list from time to time, as may be appropriate to reflect changes in such State laws due to legislation or judicial or administrative interpretation. States that the action of the Secretary in including or failing to include any State workmen's compensation law on such list shall be subject to judicial review exclusively in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the State is located or the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Requires that within one hundred and twenty days following the convening of each session of Congress the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall submit to the Congress an annual report upon the subject matter of title II of this Act, and, after January 1, 1975, the Secretary of Labor shall also submit such a report upon the subject matter of title III of this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall relieve any employer of the duty to comply with any State workmen's compensation law, except insofar as such State law is in conflict with the provisions of this Act and the Secretary by regulation, so prescribes. Provides that no employer shall discharge or in any other way discriminate against any asbestos worker employed by him by reason of the fact that such worker is suffering from asbestosis or mesothelioma.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Excludes from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code (1) up to $5 per occasion of service by a fireman in response to a call for firefighting or rescue services; and (2) up to $5 per meeting attended by members of a firefighting or rescue unit up to $10 per month. States that this tax exclusion shall apply to the taxable years following December 31, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides hospital and medical care to members of the armed forces of Poland or Czechoslovakia who participated in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States during World War I or World War II, and who have been citizens of the United States for not less than 10 years. Provides that such hospital and medical care shall be available to the same extent as if such service had been performed in the Armed Forces of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Youth Camp Safety Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to protect and safeguard the health and well-being of youth attending day camps, resident camps, and travel camps by providing for the establishment of Federal standards for the safe operation of youth camps. Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed eighty percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes to be appropriated $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, and for each succeeding fiscal year, to make the grants provided for in this Act. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Directs the Director to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a comprehensive and detailed report on his administration under this Act. Prescribes penalties for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Director to request directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics needed to carry out his functions under this Act; and such department or agency is authorized to furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the Director.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business concerns; (2) to prevent Federal support for unjustified dislocation; and (3) to provide assistance to employees, and affected communities threatened with dislocation. Defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Employment Relocation Administration, to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that, in order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to perform enumerated functions and duties, including: (1) conduct investigations on any proposed closing or transfer of operations of a business concern; (2) provide adjustment assistance to employees because of a closing or transfer of operations of an establishment of a business concern; and (3) conduct research into the problems of business closings, transfers of operations, and unemployment. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Specifies the composition and compensation rates of members of such Council to perform enumerated functions, including to advise the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the National Employment Relocation Administration and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act. Requires written notice be given to the Secretary whenever: (1) a business concern intends to close or transfer all or part of the operations of an establishment of that business concern; and (2) at least 15 percent of the employees who are members of any labor organization or 15 percent of all employees in that establishment will suffer an eligible employment loss as a result of any such closing or transfer. Specifies the items to be included in such notice. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of adjustment assistance for employees suffering an eligible employment loss. Provides that such adjustment assistance shall include: (1) income maintenance payment; (2) maintenance of pension and health benefits; (3) job placement and retraining benefits; (4) relocation allowances; (5) early retirement benefits; (6) emergency mortgage and rent payments; and (7) food stamps and surplus commodities. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to place employees for substantially equivalent full employment in accordance with their capacity and prospective employeent opportunities. Provides that a unit of local government is eligible for assistance under this Act upon determination by the Secretary that the closing or transfer of operations of business establishments has contributed substantially to an unemployment rate within such jurisdiction exceeding 8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Enumerates the types of assistance available under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a retraining program for employees who will be required to acquire new or additional skills as a result of the economic adjustemnt assistance proposal. Provides that whenever the Secretary determines, after an investigation conducted under this Act that: (1) the closing or transfer of operations of an establishment or a business concern was not justified; or (2) the transfer or closing could have been avoided if the business concern had accepted assistance under this Act; or (3) the eligible employment loss could have been avoided except for the failure to file a notice of intent to close or transfer, or because of some other unreasonable delay, bad faith or misrepresentation on the part of the business concern; or (4) the transfer of operations is to a new location outside the United States while other alternatives to such transfer of operations exist, then such business concern shall be ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, for a period not to exceed 10 years. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the deferral of budget authority relating to comprehensive planning grants under the Housing Act of 1954 (deferral numbered D 75-107) which is proposed by the President in his special message of November 26, 1974 transmitted pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the House that the United States Government should seek agreement with other members of the United Nations on the prohibition of weather modification activity as a weapon of war.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1974
Prohibits the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, from increasing the price of crude oil produced in the United States from the price of such oil in effect on December 1, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1974
Provides, under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, for the payment of emergency financial assistance grants and special allowances for incidental expenses to recipients of supplemental security income benefits. Authorizes cost-of-living increases in such benefits and in State supplementary payments. Prevents reductions in such benefits because of social security benefit increases. Provides reimbursement to States for home relief payments to disabled applicants prior to determination of their disability. Permits the payment of such benefits directly to drug addicts and alcoholics (without a third party payee) upon certification of the chief medical officer of the therapeutic institution that the funds would not be misused. Entitles recipients of such benefits to participate in the food stamp and surplus commodities programs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1974
Increases from twelve to thirty-six months the period for which benefits may be paid to an individual prior to the actual time of his or her application for such benefits under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1974
Truth in Lending Act Amendments - Title I: Fair Credit Billing - Fair Credit Billing Act - Requires a creditor to provide an obligor with a semiannual statement with respect to any account in which there was any activity during the preceding six months. Establishes requirements and procedures for the correction of billing errors. States that if an open end consumer credit plan provides a time period within which an obligor may repay any portion of the credit extended without incurring an additional finance charge, such additional finance charge may not be imposed with respect to such portion of the credit extended for the billing cycle of which such period is a part unless a statement which includes the amount upon which the finance charge for that period is based was mailed at least fourteen days prior to the date specified in the statement by which payment must be made in order to avoid imposition of that finance charge. Provides that payments received from an obligor under an open end consumer credit plan by the creditor shall be posted promptly to the obligor's account. Declares that with respect to a credit card which may be used for extensions of credit in sales transactions in which the seller is a person other than the card issuer, the card issuer may not, by contract or otherwise, prohibit any such seller from offering a discount to a cardholder to induce the cardholder to pay by cash, check, or similar means rather than a credit card. Prohibits the use of tie-in services and offsets. Lists specified rights of credits card customers. Title II: Amendments to the Truth in Lending Act - Provides that any advertisement to aid, promote, or assist directly or indirectly the extension of consumer credit repayable in more than four installments shall, unless a finance charge is stated in the advertisement, clearly and conspicuously state: "The cost of credit is included in the price quoted for the goods and services". Exempts from the provisions of this Act consumer consumer credit cost disclosure credit transactions primarily for agricultural purposes in which the total amount to be financed exceeds $25,000. Provides that an obligor's right of rescission of a transaction shall expire three years after the date of consummation of the transaction or upon the sale of the property, which ever occurs earlier. States that the failure to disclose to any person any information required under the Truth in Lending Act to be disclosed in connection with a single account under an open end consumer credit plan, other single consumer credit sale, consumer loan, or other extension of consumer credit, shall entitle the person to a single recovery under such Act but continued failure to disclose after a recovery has been granted shall give rise to rights to additional recoveries. Revises the civil liabilities for violations of the Truth in Lending Act. Title III: Equal Credit Opportunity - Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Makes it unlawful for any creditor or card issuer to discriminate on account of sex or marital status against any individual with respect to the approval or denial of any extension of consumer credit or with respect to the terms thereof or with respect to the approval, denial, renewal, continuation, or revocation of any open end credit plan.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1974
Provides for a credit under the Internal Revenue Code for 20 percent of the amounts deposited by the taxpayer in an educational savings plan for himself or a dependent. Sets limitations on the amount of such credit, dependent upon the nature of the account. Defines "educational savings plan" and other terms used in this Act. Provides for the recapture of any such credit allocable to nonqualified noneducational uses or for failure to use the account. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 42)
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1974
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to be composed of nine members of the House. Authorizes the committee to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of food prices in the United States. Sets forth the powers and duties of the committee. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1974
Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, a tax on every new automobile, except commercial and farm vehicles, manufactured, produced, or imported between July 1, 1975 and June 30, 1980, based on their fuel consumption rates. Provides that such tax shall be paid by the manufacturer, producer or importer. Requires the public disclosure of the fuel consumption rate of every new automobile. Directs the Secretary of the Department of Transportation to submit to Congress, not later than July 1, 1979, a report recommending legislation which would provide for taxation of all new automobiles after June 30, 1981, based upon a universally applicable standard of fuel consumption to be developed by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to conduct a program to develop more efficient automobile engines, using funds received from the tax imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1974
Provides, under the Coastal Zone Management Act, that the Secretary of Interior may not grant any lease for the exploration and development of oil and gas deposits of submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf which are seaward of the seaward boundary of any coastal State before the approval of the State coastal zone management program or June 30, 1976, whichever occurs first. (Adds 16 U.S.C. 1455(i))
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1974
Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, after consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, to: (1) establish standards for a grading system by which retail purchases may determine the relative nutritional value of food distributed in interstate commerce; and (2) prescribe the manner in which packaged foods will be labeled in accordance with such system. Provides criminal penalties for any person who distributes or sells food not displayed in the manner prescribed by such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1974
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Commodity Credit Corporation, during calendar year 1975, to expend an additional $1,000,000,000 to $2,000,000,000 for (1) the purchase of cows, calves, hogs, sheep, or other food animals and products, processing and packaging, or (2) the purchase of animal products already processed for contribution to domestic and foreign food programs for the relief of starvation and malnutrition. Directs that the containers of such products bear labels indicating the contents are donated by the people of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1974
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under the Public Health Service Act for research in fertility and sterility in humans and the human reproductive process, and for training and fellowship grants to allow persons to undertake such research. Empowers the Secretary to establish in the National Institutes of Health and in the various geographical regions of the United States not more than five specialized treatment centers to (1) provide assistance to individuals seeking medical services to enable them to bear children, and (2) undertake clinical research and training in, and demonstration of, advanced diagnostic and treatment methods relating to problems of human reproduction. Provides that the Secretary may enter into cooperative arrangements with public and private nonprofit agencies and institutions to pay all or part of the cost of planning, establishing, and providing basic operating support for such specialized treatment centers. Allows Federal spending for (1) construction, (2) staffing and other basic operating costs, (3) training, and (4) demonstration projects. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and for each of the next four fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to make payments as provided in this Act. Provides that family planning projects and services assisted under the Public Health Service Act shall include counseling for individuals who have been unable to bear children and who seek medical assistance in bearing children, and referral of such individuals to specialized regional treatment centers established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1974
Drug Safety, Consumer Information, and Medical Records Act - Title I: National Center for Clinical Pharmacology - Establishes, under the Public Health Service Act and within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Center for Clinical Pharmacology to provide support in the nature of grants for the study of clinical pharmacology. Enumerates the nature and general provisions of such grants. Provides for the collection of data regarding drug experiences and adverse drug reactions. Calls for a study to be conducted on the inappropriate prescribing of drugs and on whether controls are needed for such inappropriate prescribing. Requires all organizations receiving assistance under this Act to review the prescribing and administering of all drugs in the course of delivery of health care. Calls for the establishment of procedures to insure the confidentiality of medical records pertaining to the experiences of a specific individual in taking drugs. Provides for Congressional inspection of medical data. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes and projects of this title. Title II: Promotional Practices - Prohibits, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the giving by any person engaged in the manufacture, propagation, processing, or distribution of any drug of any gift or other free promotional item having a retail value of more than $5.00 to any practitioner, pharmacist, student, or any other person engaged in the delivery of health care. Prohibits the transfer of samples and free drugs to practitioners unless each such practitioner has filed a written request for such drug. Places additional restrictions on the transfer of any sample or other free drug. Places a prohibition on prescription surveys. Provides for: (1) price information in drug advertising; (2) restrictions on remainder labeling and advertising and false and misleading advertising; and (3) certification of training programs for manufacturers' representatives. Title III: Drug Quality - Provides, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, for the establishment of regulations governing the requirements for proof of therapeutic equivalences of drugs. Defines the terms used in this Act. Provides procedures for certification of batches of specified kinds of drugs (other than insulin and antibiotics). Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements for drugs by persons subject to registration under this Act, specifying the procedures under which any such reports shall be made available to the committees of Congress. Title IV: National Drug Compendium: - Calls for the preparation of a drug compendium listing by established name drugs lawfully available in the United States, to provide adequate and reliable prescribing information. Sets forth the method for compilation and publication of such compendium, including: (1) the appointment of a committee to advise the Secretary on compendium matters; and (2) the requirements governing advertising of information contained in the compendium. Title V: Consumer Drug Information - Requires that specified prescription drug information be included on all drug labels in such terms so that it is likely to be understood by the ordinary individual. Directs the establishment of a uniform system of coding of drugs consisting of symbols representing: (1) the identity of the manufacturer of the drug, and the final packager; (2) the dosage form and strength of the drug; and (3) the number of drug units in the immediate container. Requires that pharmacies post prescription drug prices. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to identify methods for informing consumers of the costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of retail drugs. Empowers the Secretary to make grants to consumer groups for informing the public with price comparison data of drugs. Authorizes $1,000,000 to be appropriated for such grants for fiscal year 1975. Title VI: Recall Authority; Increased Criminal Penalty - Vests the Secretary with authority to recall an article of food, drug device or cosmetic which is liable to be proceeded against on libel of information and condemnation. Increases from $1,000 to $5,000 the criminal penalty for violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1974
Allows individuals who have attained age 62 a tax credit against their Federal income tax equal to the amount of excise tax on gasoline paid during the taxable year, when such tax is not deductible as a business expense. Provides that such tax credit shall be reduced by an amount equal to 50 percent of the excess of the adjusted gross income over $5,000, or $2,500 in the case of a separate return by a married person. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Provides that the amendments made by this Act shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1974
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that in case of removal, death, resignation, or inability, both of the President and Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives or, in the case of a vacancy in the office of Speaker, such other officer as the Congress may declare, shall act as President until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. States that in case of removal, death, resignation, or inability of the President, if the Vice President was chosen as provided by section 2 of the twenty-fifth article of amendments, then he shall act as President until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. Sets forth procedures for choosing electors and providing for the election of a President or Vice President of the United States. Stipulates that a person elected President or Vice President as provided by this article shall hold his office until the expiration of the then current Presidential term.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1974
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any interception of communication, other than electronic surveillance, surreptitious entry, mail opening, or the inspection of and procuring of the records of telephone, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions, of any individual without a court order issued upon probable cause that a crime has been or is about to be committed, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Provides that whoever, being an officer, agent, or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof willfully: (1) searches any private dwelling used and occupied as a dwelling without a warrant directing such search or maliciously and without reasonable cause searches any other building or property without a search warrant; (2) procures or inspects the records of telephone calls, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions of any individual without a search warrant or the consent of the individual; (3) opens any foreign or domestic mail not directed to him without a search warrant directing such opening or without the consent of the sender or addressee of such mail; or (4) intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept any wire or oral communication except as authorized by law; shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Requires that within 30 days after the date of an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication (or each extension thereof) entered under authority of law, or the denial of an order approving an interception, the person seeking such order shall report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representatives: (1) the fact that an order or extension was applied for; (2) the kind of order or extension applied for; (3) the fact that the order or extension was granted as applied for, was modified, or was denied; (4) the period of interceptions authorized by the order, and the number and duration of any extensions of the order; (5) the names of all parties to the intercepted communications; (6) the offense specified in the order or application; (7) the identity of the investigative or law enforcement officer and agency making the application and the person authorizing the application to be made; (8) a copy of the court order authorizing, approving, or denying such interception; and (9) the nature of the facilities from which or the place where communications were intercepted. Specifies that reports be made within 90 days after the date of an order approving the interception of a wire or oral communication on the disposition of all records of any such interception and the identity of and action taken by all individuals who had access to any such interception. Sets forth reporting requirements in the case of warrants issued authorizing the opening of mail.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1974
Makes it a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any retailer to increase the price of consumer commodities once he marks the price on any such consumer commodity, and permits the Federal Trade Commission to order any such retailer to refund any amounts of money obtained by increasing the price of such consumer commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Handgun Control Act - Provides that it shall be unlawful after thirty days after the enactment of this Act for any person to import into the United States any handgun or handgun part or to transfer, receive, or transport, in interstate commerce, any handgun or handgun part unless the Secretary of the Treasury issues a permit under this Act with respect to the importation or transfer of a handgun or handgun part. Prescribes the conditions under which the Secretary shall issue a permit to allow the importation or interstate transfer of a handgun. States that the Armed Forces and public law enforcement agencies shall be exempt from the provisions of this Act. Provides for a fine of up to $5,000, or up to five years imprisonment, or both for anyone who transfers or receives a handgun or handgun part in violation of any provision of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Increases the excise tax on small cigarettes, weighing 3 pounds or less per thousand, to $4 per thousand plus an additional $1 per thousand, and that on large cigarettes, weighing over 3 pound per thousand, to $8.40 per thousand plus an additional $2.10 per thousand, effective June 30, 1975. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 5701 (b)) Establishes the National Cancer Research Fund to be used to fund the research programs of the National Cancer Institute. Provides that, beginning with fiscal year 1976, there shall be appropriated to the trust fund amounts equivalent to the additional tax on cigarettes imposed by this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the trust fund from the general fund of the Treasury through September 30, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Food Research and Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to public and nonprofit entities and to individuals for research into, and development and demonstration of, new methods of protein production, fertilizer production, irrigation, processing of non-animal proteins, and marketing of the products produced by new methods. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act through fiscal year 1978. Provides that the products developed under this Act shall be available for school lunch programs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop an educational program relating to the preparation and use of the food products produced pursuant to this Act.
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
Makes it a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any retailer to increase the price of consumer commodities once he marks the price on any such consumer commodity, and permits the Federal Trade Commission to order any such retailer to refund any amounts of money obtained by increasing the price of such consumer commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1974
Black Lung Benefits Act - Directs that in the implementation of the provisions of the Federal Coal Mines Health and Safety Act of 1969 the Advisory Committee on Coal Mine Health Research established under such Act shall include in its membership a minimum of five members who are miners or retired miners. Requires that the standards prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for determining the total disability of a miner due to pneumoconiosis, in the case of claims filed after July 1, 1973, shall not be more restrictive than such standards prescribed by the Secretary for evaluating claims filed prior to July 1, 1973. Requires that if a miner claiming black lung benefits under the Act after December 31, 1972, was employed for fifteen years or more in one or more underground coal mines there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that the miner is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that at the time of his death he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to utilize procedures including affidavits similar to those utilized by him in determining entitlement to disability insurance benefit payments under the Social Security Act in cases under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 where there is no medical evidence in the case of a deceased miner, in order to establish that the miner claiming benefits thereunder was totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that his death was due to such disease. Provides that the Secretary shall include a State workmen's compensation law on the list of State laws found by the Secretary to provide adequate coverage for pneumoconiosis for purposes of such Act if he finds that any claim for benefits on account of total disability or death of a miner due to pneumocomiosis is deemed by such State law to be timely filed if such claim is filed within three years of the date of last coal mine employment of such miner, and if it meets other criteria under the Act. Directs the Secretary to review all claims which were filed with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Act and which were denied or were pending at the time of the enactment of the Black Lung Benefits Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1974
National Condominium and Tenants Rights Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of the Act, including to establish minimum national standards governing the sale, ownership, conversion to, and extension of credit for condominiums. States that no condominium housing loan shall be made: (1) to any developer unless the creditor received a written property statement containing specified names, address, legal descriptions, costs and assurances; or (2) to any prospective purchaser unless the same written property statement has been submitted to such purchaser 21 days prior to to any legally obligating document's execution. Provides similar protection for tenants in cases of condominium conversions. Prohibits discrimination against condominium-unit purchasers in the extension of credit on the basis of age, sex, marital status, religion, race, or national origin. Provides for the designation of an Assistant Secretary for Condominiums in the Department of Housing and Urban Development and enumerates the duties to be performed. Requires each creditor subject to the provisions of this Act to file an annual report with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development showing the extent of compliance with the provisions of this Act. Creates a civil remedy against creditors by persons discriminated against in violation of this Act. States that any developer or creditor who violates the provisions of this Act shall be fined not more than $15,000 for each violation. Empowers the Secretary to encourage and make grants to State and local governments to help establish offices to administer and enforce State and local requirements with respect to condominiums. Enumerates the requirements to be met by any plan for the protection of purchasers of condominium units and those displaced by conversion to such units prior to the making of any grant. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out such grants. Defines the terms used in this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1974
National Public Employment Relations Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to encourage collective bargaining. Provides that "employee" includes employees of State and local subdivisions as well as public and other authorities and public agencies. Provides that "employer" includes any employee of an employer and excludes only officials appointed or elected pursuant to a statute to a policy-making position. Provides that "exclusive representative" includes only those unions which are recognized prior to the enactment of this Act or which later become certified by the National Public Employee Relations Commission. Provides that "supervisor" includes only those individuals who can make or effectively recommend personnel changes or who may responsibly direct other employees. Establishes a commission of five members appointed by the President, to be known as the National Public Employment Relations Commission. Provides for a General Counsel of the Commission to investigate alleged violations of this Act. Authorizes employees to form, join or assist a labor organization and to bargain collectively, free from interference by the employer. Requires an employer to deduct from an employees pay, dues to any organization designated by written authorization by such employee. Provides that where there is an exclusive representative, dues must be checked off to that organization only. Provides that the authorization may be revoked annually. Provides that the employee organization selected for the purpose of collective bargaining by the majority of the employees shall be the exclusive representative of all the employees, and an employer shall not bargain in regard to matters covered by this Act with any employee, group of employees, or other employee organization. States that any employee organization may file a request for recognition as the exclusive representive. Sets forth the procedure for the filing of such petition with the Commission and employer. Provides that a petition may be filed with the Commission asking it to investigate the question of whether employees have selected or designated an exclusive representative. Directs the Commission, upon receipt of such petition to conduct inquires and investigations or hold such hearings as it shall deem necessary in order to decide the question raised by the petition. Sets forth the procedure for the Commission to follow in certifying an employee organization as the exclusive representative in a collective-bargaining unit. States that either an employer or an exclusive representative may declare that an impasse has been reached between them in collective bargaining, and may request the service to appoint a mediator to assist in reconciling their differences. Outlines the procedures to be followed by the mediator in effecting settlement of the controversy. Provides for a factfinder to make advisory recommendations if the mediator is unable to settle the controversy. Provides that an employer and an exclusive representative who enter into an agreement may include in such agreement procedures for binding arbitration of disputes involving the interpretation of such agreement. Stipulates, with specified exceptions, that nothing in this Act or in any other law of the United States shall be construed to interfere with the right of an exclusive representative to engage or of an employee to participate in a strike arising out of or in connection with a labor dispute. Makes it unlawful for an employer to (1) impose reprisals on any employee because of his exercise of rights under this Act; (2) assist in the formation or administration of any employee organization; (3) encourage or discourage membership in any employee organization through specified discriminations; or (4) refuse to bargain in good faith with an exclusive representative. Empowers the Commission to prevent any person from engaging in the unlawful actions specified under this Act. Provides procedures for the Commission to follow in exercising such preventive measures. Provides that if a State or local law is substantially equivalent to this Act, the Commission may delegate its responsibility to the State or local agency.
United States · United States Congress · 8 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 · 7 October 1974
Office of the Public Tax Counsel Act - Establishes in the executive branch the Office of the Public Tax Counsel, to be headed by a Director appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the function of the Office, upon the request of any person, to provide legal advice, legal representation, and other appropriate legal services to such person with respect to: (1) the filing of a petition with the United States Tax Court for the redetermination of a deficiency; and (2) the filing of a claim for the credit or refund of any overpayment. Provides that the Director shall establish district offices in each internal revenue district.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1974
Prohibits any increase in the price of consumer commodities by any retailer once a price is placed on any such commodity by such retailer. Imposes civil penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act for violations of this Act.