United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Permits a State, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, to terminate social security coverage for State or local policemen or firemen without affecting the coverage of other public employees who may be members of the same coverage group and permits the reinstatement of coverage for such other employees in cases where the group's coverage has previously been terminated. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 418(g)(1), (3))
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes, under the Privacy Act of 1974, the disclosure to individual Members of Congress or their designates of information regarding individuals. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552a)
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Local Freight and Passenger Services Amendments - Redefines "interim light density lines" for purposes of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act as meaning all rail properties used or useful in providing local rail service in the region, except rail properties (1) designated in the final system plan as profitable lines to be operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or profitable railroads pursuant to this Act; (2) approved for abandonment prior to the effective date of the final system plan; or (3) which are out of service as of the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Corporation to determine and publish criteria to assist States and local and regional transportation authorities in making determinations whether to provide rail service continuation subsidies to maintain in operation particular rail properties, and provide legal and technical assistance to such authorities. States that the Corporation must issue regulations containing standards for the computation of subsidies for rail passenger services. Permits discontinuance of freight service on any interim light density line if such line is not subject to an offer of or an agreement for purchase or subsidy, and notice of intent to discontinue freight service is sent to the Governor and local governments of the affected States. Authorizes discontinuance of rail passenger service after specified conditions have been met. Prohibits discontinuance or abandonment if a shipper, a State, the United States, a local or regional transportation authority, or any other responsible person offers (1) a rail service continuation subsidy which covers the difference between the revenue attributable to such rail properties and the avoidable costs of providing service on such rail properties plus a reasonable return on the value of such rail properties; or (2) to purchase such rail properties in order to operate rail service over such properties. Sets forth procedures governing the rehabilitation of out-of-service and interim light density lines. Directs the U.S. Railway Association to issue a supplement to the final system plan which shall (1) provide for the transfer of all interim light density lines to the Corporation; and (2) designate the value of all interim light density lines and the value of the securities and other benefits to be received for rail properties transferred to the Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to help such States meet the cost of establishing and implementing State rail plans. Stipulates that State plans are not suitable unless such plan provides for prompt determination and evaluation of (1) the amount of rail service continuation subsidies required for each interim light density line; (2) the total direct and indirect costs of abandonment of interim light density lines; and (3) the total direct and indirect costs of maintaining interim light density lines. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make supplementary grants to State, local, or regional transportation authorities for the purpose of assisting such entities in paying for additional costs of passenger service resulting from the implementation of the regulations promulgated by the Office pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept any property or structure which comprises Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester New York. Provides that such property shall be preserved as an historic American site.
United States · United States Congress · 6 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 · 2 October 1975
Declares that Congress would support the President in a declaration of policy against United States manufacture or possession of lethal chemical weapons. Urges an international treaty banning the manufacture and possession of lethal chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1975
Mortgage Disclosure Act - Requires each financial institution which makes federally related mortgage loans to compile and make available to the public for inspection and copying at each office of that institution specified information concerning real estate loans, and savings accounts. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the requirements imposed under this Act unless such enforcement is specifically charged to some other Government agengy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1975
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to revise the framework of collective bargaining in the construction industry. Creates, in the Department of Labor, the Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Committee comprised of ten management representatives, ten labor representatives, and up to three neutral members, appointed by the President. Provides that one of the neutral members shall be appointed Chairman. Requires that the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor shall be ex officio members. Provides that the management, labor, and neutral members shall be appointed after consultation with the national organizations. Requires local labor organizations affiliated with the standard labor organizations in the industry to give 60 days notice to their national unions before the expiration or reopening of agreements, and contractors or associations engaged in collective bargaining with them are similarly required to notify either the national organizations with which they are affiliated, or the Committee directly if there is no national affiliation. Directs standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations engaged in collective bargaining to forward such notices to the Committee. Authorizes the Committee to take jurisdiction of the matter, in which case any strike or lockout is deferred for up to 30 days past the expiration or reopening date. Allows the Committee to decide to refer a matter to a national craft board or to the national machinery established by a branch of the industry, on which national unions and national contractor associations are represented, in an effort to assist the parties to reach agreement. Authorizes the Committee to elect to meet with the parties itself. Provides that the Committee may request the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations whose members are directly involved to participate in the negotiations. Directs that in that event, any new or revised collective bargaining agreement shall be approved by the standard national construction labor organization with which the local labor organization, or other subordinate body, is affiliated in order for the agreement to be of any force or effect. Prescribes that in the event the standard national labor organization or national contractor association participates in such negotiation, it shall not suffer any criminal or civil liability arising out of such participation; nor shall the standard national labor organization be subject to any civil or criminal liability arising out of its approval, or failure to approve, a collective bargaining agreement. Specifies the standards which the Committee shall take into account in taking jurisdiction of a matter and requesting the participation of the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations. Authorizes the Committee to make studies of collective bargaining in the industry and to make general recommendations with regard to negotiating structures, improvement of productivity, stability of employment, differentials among branches of the industry, dispute settlement procedures, and other related matters. Provides that this Act shall run for a term of five years. Directs the Committee to submit annual reports to the Congress and, six months in advance of the five-year limit, the Committee shall make recommendations with regard to the extension of the legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Mother Teresa of Calcutta be recommended for nomination for the 1975 Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless contributions in the service of humanity.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute, upon request and without cost, seeds for use in home gardens to produce food for the personal consumption of the household. Limits the duration of the program to three years. Authorizes $6,000,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1975
Local Freight and Passenger Services Amendments - Redefines "interim light density lines" for purposes of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act as meaning all rail properties used or useful in providing local rail service in the region, except rail properties (1) designated in the final system plan as profitable lines to be operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or profitable railroads pursuant to this Act; (2) approved for abandonment prior to the effective date of the final system plan; or (3) which are out of service as of the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Corporation to determine and publish criteria to assist States and local and regional transportation authorities in making determinations whether to provide rail service continuation subsidies to maintain in operation particular rail properties, and provide legal and technical assistance to such authorities. States that the Corporation must issue regulations containing standards for the computation of subsidies for rail passenger services. Permits discontinuance of freight service on any interim light density line if such line is not subject to an offer of or an agreement for purchase or subsidy, and notice of intent to discontinue freight service is sent to the Governor and local governments of the affected States. Authorizes discontinuance of rail passenger service after specified conditions have been met. Prohibits discontinuance or abandonment if a shipper, a State, the United States, a local or regional transportation authority, or any other responsible person offers (1) a rail service continuation subsidy which covers the difference between the revenue attributable to such rail properties and the avoidable costs of providing service on such rail properties plus a reasonable return on the value of such rail properties; or (2) to purchase such rail properties in order to operate rail service over such properties. Sets forth procedures governing the rehabilitation of out-of-service and interim light density lines. Directs the U.S. Railway Association to issue a supplement to the final system plan which shall (1) provide for the transfer of all interim light density lines to the Corporation; and (2) designate the value of all interim light density lines and the value of the securities and other benefits to be received for rail properties transferred to the Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to help such States meet the cost of establishing and implementing State rail plans. Stipulates that State plans are not suitable unless such plan provides for prompt determination and evaluation of (1) the amount of rail service continuation subsidies required for each interim light density line; (2) the total direct and indirect costs of abandonment of interim light density lines; and (3) the total direct and indirect costs of maintaining interim light density lines. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make supplementary grants to State, local, or regional transportation authorities for the purpose of assisting such entities in paying for additional costs of passenger service resulting from the implementation of the regulations promulgated by the Office pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 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 · 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 · 25 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all medical assistance legislation provide for optometric services. Urges the States to continue such services whether or not they are included in any primary group of health care offerings.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Reduces, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, from 20 to 5 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.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to impose staffing standards for day care centers shall require staff-to-child ratios of one adult for each child under six weeks old and (subject to State action in specified cases) one adult for each eight children between six weeks and three years old.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Increases to $3,600 the amount of outside earnings which (subject to further increases under the automatic adjustment provisions) is permitted an individual each year without any deductions from benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Benefits) of the Social Security act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Uniform Federal Welfare and Medicaid Assistance Act - Increases to 75 percent the Federal matching rate for purposes of reimbursement to States under the programs of aid to needy families with children and medical assistance provided by the Social Security Act. Makes such change effective January 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Communications Privacy Act - Prohibits, under the Communications Act of 1934, all disclosures of telephone records except through service of a court subpena meeting specified criteria. Requires in all cases, except where the telephone subscriber is a foreign power, that the party subpenaing the records notify the subscriber simultaneously that records of his telephone conversations are being subpenaed. Allows such notification to be postponed if the Government satisfies the court that notification would impede an ongoing criminal investigation or would hamper the Government's ability to protect national security interests. Prohibits the telephone company from responding to such a subpena for at least ten days.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Juvenile Delinquency in the Schools Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to curb juvenile delinquency, violence, and vandalism in the public schools. Authorizes appropriations under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Reserves 5 percent of the amounts appropriated for discretionary use by the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for grants to States and the District of Columbia to carry out programs complementary to the purposes of this Act. Reserves up to 3 percent of the amounts appropriated for grants to territories and Indian schools. Requires the remainder of funds to be allocated to local educational agencies within the States according to the following criteria: (1) the financial need of local educational agencies; (2) the extent and impact of delinquency and crime in the schools of the district to be served; and (3) the degree to which the district to receive funds under the Act has established effective procedures for the protection of the constitutional rights of students and employees of the school district affected. Requires recipients to expend not less than fifty percent of funds granted under this Act for educational programs, including renovation of facilities, but not including programs utilizing security technology and personnel. Directs that the remainder of funds appropriated under this Act be expended on specified activities designed to achieve the purposes of this Act, including utilization of security technology and personnel. Stipulates that no funds may be used to support the introduction, presence, or use of firearms, other weapons, or chemical agents in any school. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey specified lands at the Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey, to the Airship Association as a site for an airship museum.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 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 · 17 September 1975
Emergency Medical Services Systems Act Amendments - Extends through fiscal year 1979, under the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act, the prohibition of grants or contracts made by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, for the modernization of emergency facilities to States, units of local government, or other public service entities which did not receive a grant or contract for the same purpose the preceeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to make a second grant to or enter into a second contract with an eligible entity for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services. Includes planning costs in the coverage of grants and contracts for expansion and improvement of emergency medical services. States that emphasis in awarding grants or contracts for research relating to the delivery of emergency medical services in rural areas should be placed on identifying and using techniques and methods to apply the results of such research. Authorizes recipients of grants or contracts for the: (1) establishment and operation; or (2) expansion and improvement of an emergency medical services system to use funds under such grant or contract for a training program related to such a system. Authorizes through fiscal year 1977 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for feasibility studies and planning in connection with the establishment and operation of an emergency medical services system. Authorizes through fiscal year 1980 appropriations for grants and contracts for the establishment and operation, and planning and improvement of such emergency systems. Directs that at least 20 percent of the funds appropriated be made available for feasibility studies and planning from 15 percent to 10 percent of the funds appropriated. Authorizes through fiscal year 1978 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for the support of research in emergency medical techniques, methods, devices, and delivery. Defines the duties of the unit established within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for the administration of grants made and contracts entered into under the Emergency Medical Services Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, and nursing and similar institutions to assist programs of training in the field of emergency medical service. Authorizes through fiscal year 1980 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for such training programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct two studies in areas related to the improvement of emergency medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey specified lands at the Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey, to the Airship Association as a site for an airship museum.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Provides for the striking of, and furnishing to the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, not more than 25,000 medals commemorating the contributions of persons of various ethnic backgrounds to the founding of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Truth in Budgeting Act - Provides for full congressional review of all Federal programs every 2 years by the appropriate standing committees of the House and Senate. Provides that each comprehensive review conducted by a committee with respect to a Federal program under this Act shall include a detailed consideration of the past experience under the program and a projection of the expected future experience of the program, a consideration of alternate ways of carrying out the activities involved and alternative funding levels for such activities, an evaluation of each such alternative in terms of its probable costs and benefits, a comparison of each such alternative with other programs and activities in the same or related fields, and an evaluation of the overall success or failure of the program. Details the method to be used to review such programs by the standing committee. Provides that no funds in excess of the appropriations for the previous year may be authorized for a program that has not been subject to review during the calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Provides that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for the provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided under the Social Security Act to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older. Limits to 6 months the frequency of recertifications of eligibility for services under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Provides under the Social Security Act that where benefits are claimed under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (title XIV), the Medicaid program (title XIX) other Social Services programs, and Federal-State public assistance programs, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make a determination as to the eligibility of the claimant within 90 days of submission of the claim (120 days where the Secretary requires more information from the appropriate State and such information is not furnished within the first 60 days after submission of the claim). Provides that payments made to States for medical assistance to aged, blind, or disablied individuals later determined by the Secretary to be ineligible for such payments shall not be deemed an overpayment to such state.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Prohibits discrimination based on sex or marital status with respect to the sale or rental of housing under the Civil Rights Act and the National Housing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Allows as deductions under the Internal Revenue Code amounts paid in cash by or on behalf of an individual: (1) to an employee's trust; or (2) for the purpose of an annuity contract as defined in the Code. Establishes the limitations on such deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1975
Permits a State, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, to terminate social security coverage for State or local policemen or firemen without affecting the coverage of other public employees who may be members of the same coverage group and permits the reinstatement of coverage for such other employees in cases where the group's coverage has previously been terminated. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 418(g)(1), (3))
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1975
Requires that States having agreements entered into under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program of the Social Security Act continue to make social security payments and reports on a calendar-quarter basis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Provides that the Commodity Credit Corporation shall be the seller or marketing agent for all export sales of specified raw agricultural commodities. Authorizes the Corporation to acquire commodities on the domestic market to meet the objectives of this Act. Allows the Corporation to act upon the request of a producer or any other person as an exclusive marketing agent. States that the owner of the commodity may stipulate the minimum price below which the commodity can not be sold. Requires that a record of all terms and conditions of each export scale be made available for public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
States that it is the policy of the United States to renounce the strategy of a nuclear first strike, and to take all steps to negotiate an end to efforts by the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve a counterforce capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Provides that Members of the House of Representatives and employees of the House, except in specified cases, may not be reimbursed for the difference between the cost of first-class air travel accommodations and the cost of other air travel accommodations.
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 · 1 August 1975
States that it is the sense of the Congress that the President appoint a Special Prosecutor and have empaneled a grand jury to investigate possible criminal violations of the Sherman and Clayton Antitrust Acts: (1) arising from the Federal Trade Commission complaint (docket numbered 8934; July 18, 1973) involving Exxon, Texaco, Gulf, Mobil, Standard Oil of California, Standard Oil of Indiana, Shell, and Atlantic Richfield; (2) arising from any concerted maintenance of an inaccurate natural gas reserve reported program which influences the price at which producers sell natural gas to interstate pipeline companies by the American Gas Association, Exxon, Gulf, Mobil, Pennzoil, Shell, Standard Oil of California, Standard Oil of Indiana, Tenneco, Texaco, Union Oil of California, and Continental Oil Corporation; or (3) arising from collusive conduct in the curtailment of gas supplies by deliberately maintaining nonproducing gas reserves on Federal offshore leases in the Gulf of Mexico in order to intensify pressure for deregulation of natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires candidates for Federal office, Members of the Congress, each officer and employee of the Federal Government who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year, Federal employees performing the duties of a GS-16 or higher, members of the Uniformed Services in the grade 0-6 or higher, the President, and the Vice President to file annually with the Comptroller General, a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from his spouse or any member of his immediate family) received by him, by and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received by him for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other compensation for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the identity of each asset held by him, by him and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed by him or by him and his spouse jointl, together with the amount of each liability which is owned with respect to any financial interest which is under his constructive control, which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) any transactions in securities of any business entity by him or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transactions in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 during such year; (4) all transactions in commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; and (5) any purchase or sale of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000. Defines the terms used in this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Declares that a greater unity of the Atlantic Community would strengthen the common defense, assure more adequate energy resources and improve commerce. Establishes an eighteen-member delegation authorized to organize and participate in a convention attended by delegations from North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies. States that the convention shall explore the possibility of agreement on the means to transform the relationship of such nations into a more effective unity based on federal principles. Provides for appointment of delegates to the convention. Allows the delegation to maintain a staff. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Provides under the Social Security Act that where benefits are claimed under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (title XIV), the Medicaid program (title XIX) other Social Services programs, and Federal-State public assistance programs, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make a determination as to the eligibility of the claimant within 90 days of submission of the claim (120 days where the Secretary requires more information from the appropriate State and such information is not furnished within the first 60 days after submission of the claim). Provides that payments made to States for medical assistance to aged, blind, or disablied individuals later determined by the Secretary to be ineligible for such payments shall not be deemed an overpayment to such state.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not regulate the potency or combinations of vitamins or minerals in food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act except under specified provisions of such Act or in the case of children or pregnant or lactating women. Requires prominent disclosure of ingredients which are not vitamins or minerals in foods for special dietary use. Provides that a libel for condemnation of misbranded foods may be instituted against the retailer of such food if he is generally responsible for its advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 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 · 28 July 1975
Franchise Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress and the definitions of terms used in this Act. States that the Securities and Exchange Commission may, by its rules and regulations, exempt from the disclosure requirements of this Act any franchise where the Commission finds such exemption is necessary and appropriate. Enumerates what actions shall constitute unfair practices. States that any contract or agreement for the purpose of a franchise covered by this Act shall be voidable at the option of the franchisee, providing specified conditions are met. Provides that, with specified exceptions, the effective date of a disclosure statement shall be the twentieth day after the filing or such earlier date as the Commission may determine having due regard to the public interest and the protection of prospective franchisees. Requires that a disclosure statement contain such information as the Commission may require for the public interest or for the protection of prospective franchisees, including: (1) the name of the franchisor, the trade name(s) or trademark(s) under which he intends or is doing business, and the name of any parent or affiliated company that will engage in transactions with franchisees; (2) the name of the State under which the franchisor is organized and the location of the principal place of business; (3) the names and addresses, educational and business background, and biographical data, stated individually, of the directors, the chief executive, the financial accounting, principal executive officer, all partners, and of the franchisor; and (4) other enumerated statements relating to the franchise and attendant interests. Specifies the procedures for applications for registration, registration renewal statements and amendments thereto. Authorizes the Commission to promulgate such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to implement and interpret this Act. Sets forth civil liabilities for violations of this Act and other remedies available for violations of specified provisions. Provides for the jurisdiction of offenses and suits under this Act. Provides that the fact that a disclosure statement has been filed or is in effect shall not be deemed a finding by the Commission that such statement is in any way true and accurate in substance or on its face, or be held to mean that the Commission has in any way passed upon the merits or given approval to such franchise. States that any condition, stipulation, or provision binding any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with any provision of this Act or the rules and regulations prescribed thereunder shall be without effect and void.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Provides for the establishment on the basis of decennial censuses, of congressional districts composed of contiguous and compact territory for the election of Representatives to the Congress. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the United States district courts to hear and determine controversies under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Provides that every person or body politic including the District of Columbia who subjects any person under the jurisdiction of the United States to the deprivation of any Constitutional right, privilege, or immunity, shall be liable to the party injured.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Calls upon the President to take all steps necessary to bring the Baltic States question before the United Nations. Provides that until the liberation of the Baltic States, the United States Information Agency shall do its utmost to bring the matter of the Baltic States to the attention of world opinion. Expresses the sense of the Congress that no United States delegation to any international conference shall agree to recognition of the Soviet Union's annexation of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Calls upon the President to request of all map publishers that all maps of Europe published in the United States shall show those Baltic nations as independent states. Calls for free elections conducted under the auspices of the United Nations, in all nations subjugated by Soviet communism.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Stipulates that it is the policy of the Congress that Federal employees should be encouraged to fully exercise, to the extent not expressly prohibited by laws, their rights of voluntary participation in the political processes of our Nation. Defines the terms used in this Act. States that an employee may not use his official authority or influence for the purpose of: (1) interfering with the result of any election; (2) intimidating or commanding any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as such individual may choose; or (3) influencing the giving or withholding a political contribution. Prohibits specified forms of solicitation by Federal employees. Provides for leave without pay for Federal employees engaging in activities relating to seeking elective offices. Establishes a Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees. Directs the Board to hear and decide cases brought under this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate specified reports and allegations of activities prohibited by this Act. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to conduct a program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees as to prohibited political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Provides under the Social Security Act that an Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance claimant shall be entitled to an informal conference reconsidering an initial adverse decision concerning such claimant's eligibility for benefits. Prescribes the procedures for such reconsideration hearings. Requires that such a hearing be presided over by an administrative law judge and conducted on the record.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Truth in Government Act - Expressly makes Federal employees and elected officials criminally liable for knowingly and willfully making false statements in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States.
![Official portrait of Rep. Helstoski, Henry [D-NJ-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000465_200.jpg)