United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, that any member in committee may demand a rollcall vote on any matter, and that a rollcall vote shall be required on any motion to report a bill or resolution of a public character from committee.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Requires that all House-Senate conferences shall be open to the public and that no conference report shall be in order for consideration unless all conference sessions were open.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to take immediate action to implement a plan for the audio and video broadcasting of House floor proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Requires, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, that all committee meetings, including the mark-up of legislation, shall be open to the public, except when the committee determines in open session by roll call vote that the disclosure of the matter to be considered would endanger national security or violate any law or rule of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Prohibits, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, a party caucus or conference from issuing binding instructions on a Member's committee or floor votes. Permits any Member so bound to raise a point of order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1975
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dog fights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Prescribes penalties for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dog fights if at least one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1975
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which means specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional component of any food for special dietary uses if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1975
Provides that a general increase in social security benefits shall not be taken into account in determining the eligibility of individuals or families to receive benefits under any Federal plan or program or any State plan or program which is funded in whole or in part by Federal funds if the effect of such increase would be to reduce or eliminate the benefits available under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States delegation to the European Security Conference should not agree to the recognition by the European Security Conference of the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and it should remain the policy of the United States not to recognize in any way the annexation of the Baltic nations by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1975
Provides that each Member of the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, and the Delegates from the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands may hire not more than two additional employees who shall be known as John W. McCormack Senior Interns in honor of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. States that such interns may be hired for not more than two weeks during the period May 1 through May 31 of each year and shall serve within the District of Columbia. Stipulates that for this purpose each such Member, Resident Commissioner, or Delegate shall have available annually for payment of compensation to such interns a total allowance of $500, to be payable to such interns at a rate not to exceed $125 per week, out of the contingent fund of the House. Requires that no person shall be paid compensation as a John W. McCormack Senior Intern who does not have on file with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, at all times during the period of employment as such intern, an appropriate certificate that such intern is sixty years of age or older and a resident of the district which the employing Member, Commissioner, or Delegate represents.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act-Defines "lobbying" and other terms used in this Act. Requires each lobbyist, within 15 days of becoming a lobbyist, to file a notice of representation with the Federal Edection Commission. Sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities. Sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the commission containing such records. Requires GS-15 and above employees of the executive branch to maintain records of communucations received from outside parties expressing opinions or containing information with respect to the policy making process. Directs each executive agency to make such records available for public inspection. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the powers: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to question as the Commission may prescribe: and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including; (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act: (2) to develop forms for the filing of records of outside contacts by executive branch employees; and (3) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting, filing coding, and cross-indexing. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Child and Family Service Act - Title I: Child and Family Service Programs - Provides that the Secretary shall take all necessary action to coordinate child and family service programs under his jurisdiction and that, to this end, he shall establish and maintain within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Child and Family Services administered by a Director appointed by the President with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that such office shall assume the responsibility of the Office of Child Development and shall be the principal agency of the Department for the administration of this Act. Establishes a Child and Family Services Coordinating Council, consisting of the Director of the Office of Child and Family Services (who shall serve as chairperson), and representatives from the Federal agencies administering the Social Security Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and from the appropriate Federal agencies. Requires the Department of Labor, and other appropriate agencies, to meet on a regular basis, as they may deem necessary, in order to assure coordination of child and family service activities under their respective jurisdictions so as to assure maximum use of available resources through the prevention of duplication of activities; and to structure the activities related to the purposes of this Act. States that funds available for this title may be used (in accordance with approved applications and plans) for planning and developing child and family service programs; establishing, maintaining, and operating child and family service programs, which may include: (1) part-day or full-day child care programs, which provide educational, health, nutritional, and social services directed toward enabling participating children to attain their maximum potential; (2) other health, social, recreational, and educational programs designed to meet the special needs of children and families including before- and after- school and summer programs; (3) school services, and education, and consultation for parents, other family members functioning in the capacity of parents, youth, and prospective and expectant parents who request assistance in meeting the needs of their children; (4) social services to help families determine the appropriateness of child and family services and the possibility of alternative plans; (5) prenatal, post partum and other medical care, including services to expectant mothers who cannot afford such services, designed to help reduce handicapping conditions among the newborn; (6) programs designed to meet the special needs of ethnic groups and to meet the needs of all children to understand the history and cultural backgrounds of ethnic groups and the role of members of such groups in the histroy and cultural development of the Nation and the region in which they reside; (7) food and nutritional services; (8) diagnosis, identification, and treatment, and special activities designed to ameliorate physiological, mental, psychological, and emotional barriers to full participation in child and family service programs; (9) programs designed to extend child and family service gains (particularly parent participation) into the kindergarten and early primary grades, in cooperation with local educational agencies; (10) other such services and activities as the Secretary deems appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this Act; (11) rental, lease or lease-purchase, mortgage amortization payments, renovation, acquisition and maintenance of necessary equipment and supplies, and to the extent authorized by this Act, construction or acquisition of facilities, including mobile facilities; (12) preservice and inservice education and training for professional and paraprofessional personnel, including parents and volunteers, especially education and training for career development and advancement; (13) staff and other administrative expenses of child and family service councils and of project policy committees established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and (14) dissemination of information in the functional language of those to be served to assure that parents are well informed of child and family service programs available to them and may participate in such programs. Provides that a State, locality, or combination of localities may be designated by the Secretary as a prime sponsor for the purpose of entering into arrangements to carry out programs under this title. Enumerates the requirements which must be met by States and localities submitting prime sponsorship applications. States that each prime sponsor shall establish and maintain a Child and Family Service Council of specified composition. States that such Council shall be responsible for approving child and family service plans, basic goal, policies, procedures, overall budget policies and project funding, and the selection or establishment and annual renewal of an administering agency or agencies and will be responsible for annual and ongoing evaluation of child and family service programs according to criteria established by the Secretary. States that financial assistance under this title may be provided by the Secretary for fiscal year 1976 and any subsequent fiscal year to a prime sponsor only pursuant to a child and family service plan which is submitted by such prime sponsor and approved by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this title. Specifies the elements to be contained in such plans, and the procedure including opportunity for airing of views with respect to such plan, for approval or disapproval of the plan. States that funds may be provided by the prime sponsor for carrying out any program under such prime sponsor's comprehensive child and family service plan only to a qualified public or private agency or organization, including but not limited to an educational agency or institution, a community action agency, single-purpose Headstart agency, community development corporation, parent cooperative, organization of migrant agricultural workers, organization of Indians, organization interested in child care, employer or business organization, labor union, or employee or labor management organization, or by any other public or private agency whose project application is approved by the Child and Family Service Council of the prime sponsorship. Provides for special grants to States for necessary expenses incident to the operation of programs authorized by this Act in such States, and, in addition to the conditions which must be met for such grants, requires that grants for construction or acquisition of facilities may be made only if such construction or acquisition is essential to the provision of adequate child care services. Title II: Standards And Evaluations - Provides that, within six months after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate a common set of program standards which shall be applicable to all programs providing child care services under this or any other Federal Act, to be known as the Federal Standards for Child Care. Provides that the Secretary shall, within sixty days of the enactment of this Act, appoint a Special Committee on Federal Standards for Child Care to participate in the development of Federal Standards for child care and modifications thereof. Provides for the development of a minimum code for child and family service facilities to be addressed to the health, safety, and physical comfort of the children participating in such programs. Title III: Facilities and Research for Child and Family Services Programs - States that it is the purpose of this title to assist and encourage the provision of urgently needed facilities for child care and comprehensive child services programs. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is authorized to insure any mortgage (including advances on such mortgage during construction) in accordance with the provisions of this title upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe and make commitments for insurance of such mortgage prior to the date of its execution or disbursement thereon. Provides that the mortgage shall be executed by a mortgagor approved by the Secretary, and that such mortgages shall involve in principal obligation of up to $250,000 and not to exceed 90 percent of the estimated replacement costs of properties or projects when the proposed improvements are completed. Creates a Child and Family Services Facility Insurance Fund which shall be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund for carrying out all the insurance provisions of this title, including mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, or other arrangements to carry out a program of research and demonstration projects, which shall include but not be limited to: (1) research to develop techniques to measure and evaluate child and family services, and to develop standards to evaluate professional and paraprofessional child and family service personnel; (2) research to test preschool programs emphasizing reading and reading readiness; (3) preventive medicine, techniques, and technology to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases and learning disabilities of pre-school children; (4) research to test alternative methods of providing child and family service; (5) evaluation of research findings and the development of these findings and the effective application thereof; (6) dissemination and application of research and development efforts and demonstration projects to early childhood education programs; (7) production of informational systems and other resources necessary to support the activities authorized by this Act; (8) developing methods of determining the needs of individual children in particular areas such as education, nutrition, and medical services, so as to permit the modification of programs to fit the needs of individual children; and (9) a study of the need on a nationwide basis for child and family services programs and of the resources, including personnel, which are available to meet this need. Title IV: Training of Personnel for Child and Family Services - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to or enter into contracts with institutions of higher education, State and local agencies, State and local educational agencies, private organizations and agencies engaged in teacher training, teacher training institutions, national child care organizations, and producers of television programing, for the purpose of establishing, developing, or upgrading early childhood personnel training programs to respond to the demonstrated need for child services personnel in the 1970's; and by stimulating the development of sufficient training and educational programs in every State and region of the United States to assure an adequate supply of personnel to meet staffing requirements. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978 to carry out this title. Title V: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Provides for nutrition services to be provided to child and family service programs under the National School Lunch Act of 1946 and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Records Management Act - Requires the establishment of standards and procedures to assure efficient and effective Government records management. States that such standards and procedures shall seek to effectuate the following goals: (1) accurate and complete documentation of the policies and transactions for the Federal Government; (2) control of the quantity and quality of records produced by the Federal Government; (3) simplification of the processes through which records are created, stored, retrieved, and used; (4) the judicious preservation and disposal of records; (5) the establishment and maintenance of a system which focuses continuous attention upon records from their initial creation to their final disposition; (6) the establishment and maintenance of mechanisms of control with respect to records creation, in order to assure the prevention of unnessary records; and (7) the establishment and maintenance of such other systems or techniques as the Administrator considers necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that the Administrator shall provide guidance and assistance to Federal agencies with respect to records creation, records maintenance and use, and records disposition. Directs the Administrator of General Services to: (1) conduct inspections or paperwork studies, at regular intervals as determined to be necessary by the Administrator, of the records and records management practices and and programs of every Federal agency; (2) require the head of every Federal agency to transmit a report to the Administrator with respect to the records and records management practices and programs of each such Federal agency during each period of two calendar years; (3) prescribe rules with respect to records management; and (4) order, to the extent he considers necessary, the head of any Federal agency to take specific action with respect to the records or records management practices of his agency. Establishes in the executive branch a Records Review Board to review any order issued by the Administrator under the provisions of this Act upon appeal by any Federal agency. Directs the head of each Federal agency to make and preserve records containing adequate and proper documentation of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, and essential transactions of the Federal agency and designed to furnish the information necessary to protect the legal and financial rights of the Federal Government and of persons directly affected by the activities of the Federal agency. Requires each agency head to establish safeguards against the removal or loss of records he determines to be necessary and required by the rules of the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Freedom from Military Surveillance Act - Restricts, the actions of any civil officer of the United States or any member of the Armed Forces of the United States in using the Armed Forces of the United States to exercise surveillance of civilians or to execute the civil laws. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Freedom from Military Surveillance Act - Restricts, the actions of any civil officer of the United States or any member of the Armed Forces of the United States in using the Armed Forces of the United States to exercise surveillance of civilians or to execute the civil laws. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Energy Independence Act - Title I: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to fully explore and develop the Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves and to create with the petroleum and revenue produced therefrom a National Strategic Petroleum Reserve capacity. States that such reserves shall be held until needed for the emergency requirements of national security. Provides that such reserve shall consist of not more than 1,300,000,000 barrels of petroleum of which 300,000,000 if for military use and up to 1,000,000,000 barrels is for civilian consumption. Enumerates reserves that come within the Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves created by this title. Establishes a National Strategic Petroleum Reserve Special Fund and credits into such Fund specified proceeds. Sets forth the purposes for which the Fund shall be available to the President, including the exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, operation, and production of the Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves. Creates under the management of the Secretary of the Navy a National Strategic Petroleum Reserve (military) which shall include a stock of readily deliverable petroleum in the amount of 300,000,000 barrels to meet the emergency requirements of military use for national security. Authorizes the Secretary to request the Attorney General to institute proceedings to acquire by condemnation, if necessary, any property essential to carrying out the establishment of such Reserve. Provides that if the President determines that the national security is threatened by an emergency such as an embargo by a foreign country or armed conflicts, the resources of the National Strategic Petroleum Reserve (military) may be utilized as directed by the President to meet military requirements for the duration of such emergency. Title II: National Strategic Petroleum Reserve (Civilian) Act - Creates a National Strategic Energy Reserve (civilian) and authorizes the President to: (1) acquire by purchase, condemnation, or otherwise lands or interests therein for the location of storage and related facilities; and (2) establish an Industrial Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of the National Strategic Petroleum Reserve (civilian) by requiring any person engaged in the importation or refining of petroleum to acquire, store, and maintain petroleum reserves under such terms as the President deems necessary. Authorizes the President, upon a finding that the national security is threatened, to use, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the government owned portion of the National Strategic Petroleum Reserve (civilian) and order the disposition and allocation of all or any part of the Industrial Strategic Petroleum Reserve (civilian) portion of the National Strategic Petroleum Reserve (civilian). Requires the President, within one year after the date of enactment of this title, to prepare and submit to Congress a report setting forth those actions taken under this title and his plans for providing a strategic energy reserve system in accordance with this title. Title III: Amendments to the Natural Gas Act - States that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act, other than as specifically provided in such Act, shall not apply to sales or deliveries in interstate commerce by any person of natural gas: (1) which is dedicated to interstate commerce for the first time on or after January 1, 1975; (2) which is continued in interstate commerce after the expiration of a contract by its own terms for the sale or delivery of such natural gas existing as of such date; or (3) which is produced from wells commenced after such date. Defines "new natural gas" and declares that the Federal Power Commission shall have no power to disallow in the rates and charges made by any natural gas company the amounts paid for new natural gas, except as provided by this title. Title IV: Extension of and Amendments to the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act - Provides, under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act, that the Federal Energy Administrator shall, by order, prohibit any powerplant, and may, by order, prohibit any major fuel burning installation, other than a powerplant, from burning natural gas or petroleum products as its primary energy source if such plant or installation had on June 22, 1974, or thereafter acquires, the capability to burn coal. Title V: Clean Air Act Amendments - Provides that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall extend for a period ending not later than January 1, 1985, any stationary source fuel or emission limitation respecting emissions of sulfur oxides from a powerplant using coal as its primary energy source, if he finds that such powerplant can apply interim measures which provide a means for attaining and maintaining national primary ambient air quality standards for sulfur oxides. Requires the Administrator to give notice to the public and afford an opportunity for oral and written presentation of data, views, and arguments before issuing any compliance date extension. Provides, under the Clean Air Act, that regulations applicable to emmissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured during model years 1971 through 1981, inclusive, shall contain standards equivalent to the emission standards for those pollutants that apply to new vehicles and engines offered for sale in the State of California during the model year 1975. Declares that during or after model year 1982, such regulations shall be established at such levels as the Administrator determines is appropriate considering specified factors, including air quality and energy efficiency. States that the owner or operator of a "new source" of emissions may request the Administrator for authorization to attempt to meet applicable performance standards by means of a system or systems of emission reduction which have not been determined by the Administrator to be adequately demonstrated. Provides that upon application by the Governor of a State on or after June 1, 1976, the Administrator may extend for not more than five years the deadline for attainment of national primary ambient air quality standards where transportation control measures are necessary for the attainment of such standards and where their implementation would have serious adverse social or economic consequences. States that where the Administrator denies an extension application, he may, after consultation with the appropriate State and local elected officials, propose and promulgate an implementation plan meeting the specified requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to request the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate relief for violations of specified provisions of the Clean Air Act, including a temporary or permanent injunction, and a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 per day of violation, or both. Title VI: Amendment to the Clean Air Act - Provides, under the Clean Air Act, that nothing in such Act is intended to require or authorize the establishment by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of standards more stringent than primary and secondary ambient air quality standards. Title VII: Utilities Act - Declares that shortages and unreliable supplies of electricity caused by the financial problems of the utilities now exist or are imminent and jeopardize the normal flow of interstate and foreign commerce by creating severe economic dislocation, including loss of jobs, and curtailments of vital public services. States that the purpose of this title is to set minimum standards for specified regulatory practices and procedures governing electric utilities and for making rates more reflective of costs. States that no regulatory authority (which is defined to include a State or local regulatory authority) may suspend or otherwise defer the operation of a utility's rate schedule properly filed with it and defer the use of the rate, charge, classification, or service established by such schedule for a period longer than five months from the date such schedule accompanied by all required supporting documentation is filed, or five months beyond the time when it would otherwise go into effect, whichever is later. Provides that no regulatory authority may prohibit or otherwise make unlawful the inclusion in a utility's rate base of reasonable and prudent expenditures associated with construction work in progress, provided that such authority may limit the annual amount to be included to the lesser of (1) 15 percent of the total rate base, or (2) the value which such construction work would have if otherwise includable in the rate base. States that no regulatory authority may prohibit the inclusion in a utility's rate base of capital costs associated with environmental control facilities and equipment required by Federal, State, or local law. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Title VIII: Energy Facilities Planning and Development Act - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration, within one year after the enactment of this title, to prepare and submit to the President and to Congress a National Energy Site and Facility Report, which shall analyze short and long term energy needs and demand and indicate the number, type, and general location of energy facilities required to meet national energy objectives. Declares that such Report shall be developed in consultation with the States, industry, and other appropriate Federal agencies. Sets forth types of information the Report shall include. Provides for public hearings prior to the completion of the Report. Provides that, within one year from the issuance of the Administrator's Report, each State shall submit to the Administrator for approval an energy facility management program for long term energy facility planning and the achievement of energy production needs by the expeditious consideration and processing of applications to site, construct, and operate energy facilities. States that the Administrator shall hold at least one public hearing on the State's program within the State and shall approve or disapprove such plan in whole or in part within 120 days after the date of its submission. Allows any aggrieved party to bring suit to enforce an approved management program or promulgated State management program being administered by the State, in a appropriate Federal district court, or in any appropriate State court. Empowers the Administrator to make grants to the States for the purposes of assisting in the development of management programs. States that such authority shall expire on September 30, 1980. Directs the Administrator to encourage cooperative activities among the States regarding the siting and approval of energy facilities. Grants the consent of Congress for two or more States to enter into agreements or compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in selecting energy facility sites and approving energy facilities. Provides that the actual authority to approve or disapprove applications for energy facilities shall continue to reside in these Federal agencies possessing specific statutory authority over proposed energy facilities or their appendages. Sets forth the Administrator's duties and authorities in such approval process. Requires that a complete application for approval of a proposed energy facility other than a facility owned or to be owned by the Federal government shall be filed with the Administrator at least 18 months prior to the planned date of commencement of construction. States that the applicant for a facility may, under specified circumstances, commence construction prior to being notified by the appropriate lead Federal agency (designated on a case-by-case basis by the Administrator) that all Federal approvals have been obtained. Provides a judicial review process for persons aggrieved by a final order of a Federal agency granting or denying an application for energy facility approval. Title IX: Energy Development Security Act - Declares that the purpose of this title is to authorize and direct the President to adopt appropriate measures to prevent the prices of imported petroleum from falling to such levels that continued importation at such price levels would significantly deter the development and exploitation of domestic petroleum resources. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration, at the order of the President or upon his own motion, to determine: (1) whether the average price of petroleum imported into the United States has fallen significantly from average price levels for such imports during a recent representative period determined by the Administrator; and (2) whether such reduction in price is of such degree that it threatens the economic viability of the United States' petroleum production and development, or that it threatens to cause a substantial increase in petroleum consumption. Directs the President to impose restrictions for such time as he deems necessary to correct the conditions created by such circumstances, such restrictions to include, but not be limited to, the imposition of tariffs, quotas, and variable fees, unless he determines that such restrictions are contrary to the national interest. Title X: Building Energy Conservation Standards - States that the purposes of this title include redirecting Federal policies and practices so that Federal financial assistance for construction purposes is provided only under conditions which assure that reasonable energy conservation features will be incorporated into new buildings receiving such assistance. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, within six months after the enactment of this title, and after consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration and the Secretary of Commerce, to develop and publish for public comment proposed prescriptive energy conservation standards for new residential buildings. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish proposed performance energy conservation standards for new commercial buildings. Provides that no Federal officer or agency shall approve any financial assistance for the construction of any building in any area of a State unless the State has certified that the unit of general local government having jurisdiction over such area has adopted and is implementing a building code or similar requirement which provides for the enforcement of any effective energy conservation standards or standards promulgated pursuant to this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the States to assist them in meeting the costs of developing State building codes or State certification procedures to carry out the provisions of this title. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for such grants. Title XI: Winterization Assistance Act - Declares that the purpose of this title is to encourage the States to develop and implement winterization programs to insulate the dwellings of low-income persons, particularly the low-income elderly, in order to conserve energy and aid these persons least able to afford higher energy costs. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to provide grants to the Governors of the various States and the Mayor of the District of Columbia to assist them in carrying out programs designed to provide for winterization of dwellings of low-income persons. Directs the Administrator to develop and publish criteria to evaluate State applications, such criteria to include: (1) the amount of fuel to be conserved by the State's winterization program and (2) the number of dwellings to be winterized by the State. Provides that the Administrator may not finally disapprove any State winterization program application without first affording the State reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Provides that no additional Federal funds may be granted if a State fails to comply with provisions of its approved application. Allows a State to appeal final action of the Administrator in the appropriate U.S. court of appeals. States that no person shall on the ground of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available under this title. Requires the Administrator to submit to the President and Congress the results of winterization programs receiving Federal assistance under this title. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums not to exceed $9,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and not to exceed $55,000,000 per year for each of fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, to remain available until expended. Title XII: National Appliance and Motor Vehicle Energy Labeling Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this title to provide information to the public on the energy consumption characteristics of major appliances and motor vehicles so that consumers by comparing such characteristics when purchasing such major appliances and motor vehicles may select those that can effect savings in energy consumption. Authorizes the President to develop and promulgate energy conservation specifications for motor vehicles, room and central air-conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, clothes dryers, kitchen ranges and oven, water heaters, and comfort heating equipment. Gives interested persons 30 days after publication in the Federal Register of the notice of intent to promulgate or amend a specification to submit written comments on such specification, or such other time as the President finds is in the public interest. Requires each manufacturer of a product for which a specification and effective date has been promulgated to provide a label that meets and is displayed in accordance with the requirements of such specification. Provides that a specification may require the manufacturer or his agent to permit a representative designated by the President to observe and inspect tests performed on products under the terms of this title. Requires that advertisements for products covered under this title include all information about the product required by the specification applicable to such product. Declares it to be the intent of Congress that this title supersede any and all laws of the States or political subdivisions thereof insofar as they may now or hereafter provide for the disclosure of energy use or assumption, energy efficiency, efficiency ratio, or annual operating cost of any product if there is in effect and applicable any Federal specification with respect to such product. Grants the President the power to sign and issue subpenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant books, records, papers, and documents. Requires that the President prepare and submit an annual report to Congress on April 1 of each year concerning the administration of this title. States that this title shall not apply to exports but shall apply to imports under regulations issued by the President. Makes it unlawful for any person to offer for sale in commerce any new product made after the effective date of an applicable specification unless there is provided with such product a label meeting the requirements of the specification. States that whoever violates any provision of this title shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation. Gives U.S. district courts the power to grant injunctions to restrain violations. Title XIII: Standby Energy Authorities Act - States that the purposes of this title are to grant specific standby authority to impose end-use rationing and to reduce demand by regulating public and private energy consumption, and to authorize other specific temporary emergency actions to assure that the essential energy needs of the United States will be met in a manner which, to the fullest extent practicable: (1) is consistent with existing national commitments to protect and improve the environment; and (2) minimizes any adverse impact on employment. Allows the President to require by regulation, rule, or order, as a condition to any person engaging in commerce, and in the business of importing, producing, refining, marketing, or distributing petroleum, that such person maintain inventories of petroleum in excess of his normal business or operating requirements. Empowers the President to order the use, sale, disposal, and allocation of all or any part of inventories held pursuant to this Act in order to alleviate domestic shortages, and for other purposes consistent with this title. Authorizes the President to require measures to supplement domestic energy supplies, including: (1) production of specified designated existing domestic oil and gas fields at maximum practicable rates of production if necessary to meet the objectives of this title; and (2) the utilization of production on any oil and gas producing propoerties on federal lands. Gives the President the authority to provide for the allocation of petroleum for such purposes and to control the prices of petroleum allocated and to ration among classes of end-users of such product. States that the President shall provide for the making of such adjustments pursuant to the authority of this title as are practicable to prevent special hardship, inequity, or unfair distribution of burdens. Allows the President to promulgate by regulation one or more energy reservation plans which shall be designed to result in a reduction of energy consumption. Provides that the President shall transmit any energy conservation plan to each House of Congress on the date on which it is promulgated. States that actions taken under authority of this title shall not be arbitrary or capricious. Authorizes the President to encourage, support, and promote the planning and conduct of appropriate joint projects and cooperative programs in the United States and in foreign countries. Authorizes the President to restrict the export of coal, natural gas, petroleum products, and petrochemical feedstocks subject to the Export Administration Act. Makes it unlawful for any person to violate any provisions of this title or to violate any rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant to any provision and makes such violator subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation. States that whoever willfully violates any provision of this title or rules issued pursuant thereto shall be fined not more than $10,000 for each violation. Makes it unlawful for any person to offer for sale or distribute in commerce any product or commodity in violation of an applicable order or regulation issued pursuant to this title. States that any person who knowingly and willfully violates this title after having been subjected to a civil penalty for a prior violation of the same provision shall be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. Authorizes the President to provide financial assistance in accordance with this title for the purpose of assisting eligible State or local energy conservation programs. Sets forth criteria for determining the amounts of financial assistance to be provided to each State. Provides that the authority under this title to prescribe any rule, regulation, or order shall expire at midnight June 30, 1985, but such expiration shall not affect any action or pending civil or criminal proceedings not finally determined on such date, nor any action or proceeding based upon any act committed prior to such time. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary for the implementation of the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any interception of communication, other 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 · 3 February 1975
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program, under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 for making grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Authorizes the President to provide financial assistance to land- grant-type universities to enable such universities to assist and cooperate in developing and improving land-grant-type universitites in agriculturally developing nations. Lists programs designed to effectuate this assistance including: (1) cooperation in developing capacity in the university in the cooperating nation for classroom teaching, and (2) cooperation in agricultural research to promote efficiency in the production of food. Establishes an International Land-Grant University Advisory Board to assist in the administration of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that such sums shall not exceed $150,000,000 in a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 30 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 · 30 January 1975
Establishes in the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Energy. Authorizes the committee to conduct a study with respect to all aspects of the exploration, research and development, production, importation, distribution, and use of all energy-related natural resources, including national priorities and policies with regard to energy.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires candidates for Federal office, Members of the Congress, and officers and employees of the Federal Government who are compensated at a rate in excess of $32,000 per year to file annually with the Comptroller General a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount of each tax paid by the individual, by the individual and the individual's spouse filing jointly, or by the individual's spouse filing separately for the preceding calendar year; (2) 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 him 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 composition for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (3) 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 jointly, together with the amount of each liability which is owed 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; (4) 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; (5) 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 (6) 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. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the designation of 1975 as International Women's Year is welcomed and full support is expressed for the goals for the year as proclaimed by the Secretary General of the United Nations and the President of the United States; (2) cooperation in observance of the year is urged on the part of all concerned people, official and private, men and women, to insure that constructive measures are taken to advance the rights and responsibilities of women during 1975; and (3) a concerted effort should be made to insure that 1975 is a year for the launching of new programs and the forming of new attitudes toward the role of women.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Travel Expenses Amendments Act - Expands the definition of "employee," for purposes of travel, subsistence and mileage allowances, to include experts and consultants who are intermittently employed by the Federal Government, and those who serve the Government without pay or for $1 a year. Sets the per diem travel allowance at $35 for travel within the continental United States, and directs the President to set the per diem allowance by locality for travel outside the continental United States. Raises the maximum reimbursement rate for travel to high rate geographical areas and for travel under unusual circumstances. Raises the mileage allowances for the use of privately owned motorcycles, automobiles and airplanes when such modes of transportation have been approved as most advantageous to the Government. Directs the Administrator of General Services to conduct periodic investigations of the cost of travel in privately owned vehicles, to report the results to Congress at least once a year, and to adjust the rates provided in this Act by regulation. Limits to actual transportation expenses the reimbursement of a Senator's employee for travel to the home state occurring during the 120-day period preceding or primary or general election in which the Senator is a candidate.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Psychotropic Substances Act - Requires the Secretary of State, upon notification from the Secretary General of the United Nations that the World Health Organization has been given information pursuant to the Convention on Psychotropic Substances that may justify adding a substance to the schedules of the Convention, transferring a substance to another schedule, or deleting it from schedules, to notify the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, who shall prepare for submission to the World Health Organization evaluations regarding proposed actions. Directs the Secretary, upon such notification, to confer with the Attorney General and determine if existing legal controls meet the requirements of the schedule specified in such notification. Allows the Secretary to propose more stringent controls, even if requirements are being met, to propose scheduling of substances to meet requirements of the Convention, or to follow procedures to remain in at least temporary noncompliance with such requirements. Requires the Attorney General to assure that minimal United States obligations to the Convention are met if procedures of noncompliance will take more than a time specified by the Convention. Requires the Attorney General to comply with the scheduling requirements if a review of such requirements, requested under the noncompliance procedures, by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations results in support of such requirements. Requires manufacturers of psychotropic substances subject to the Convention to report to the Attorney General periodically. States that no international agreements on psychotropic substances shall be construed to: (1) require specific punishments for psychotropic substances offenses or to limit education and rehabilitation as alternatives to conviction or punishment; (2) limit protection of confidentiality of patient records of research subjects; (3) modify the authority of practitioners and registered establishments to use and dispense narcotic controlled substances; or (4) prevent drug price communications to consumers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Requires that any proposal by the Committee on House Administration to fix or adjust any allowance for Members of the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, or the Delegate from the District of Columbia must be approved by resolution adopted by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the ordinary and necessary expenses paid during the taxable year by a taxpayer for the improvement of the thermal design of the principal residence of the taxpayer, including that amount of the purchase price of a principal residence allocable to any storm door, storm window, or solar heating and cooling equipment (up to $1000 for the period during which such credit is available under the Internal Revenue Code, no more than $250 of which may be allowed as a credit for the purchase of conventional materials). Authorizes the taxpayer to elect a deduction of up to $4000 for the period during which the provisions of this Act are effective (no more than $1,000 of which may be allowed as a deduction for the purchase of conventional materials) in lieu of the credit provided by this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Federal Energy Administration an analysis of the energy savings achieved through the operation of this Act no later than September 15, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Specifies that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stocks Piling Act regarding the acquisition and development of strategic raw materials shall not apply to regulations or prohibitions pertaining to economic relations and/or communications with foreign nations or foreign nationals which are established under the authority of the United Nations Participation Act in response to sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
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 · 15 January 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Holy Crown of Saint Stephen should remain in the safekeeping of the United States Government until Hungary once again functions as a constitutional government established by the Hungarian people through free choice.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Authorizes the voluntary withholding of Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia income taxes, pursuant to agreements subject to review by the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, in the case of employees and members of the House of Representatives, and those employees under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol or the United States Botanical Garden.
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
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
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 · 11 December 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 · 21 November 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 · 16 October 1974
National Commission of Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes as an independent instrumentality in the executive branch a National Commission on Regulatory Reform to be comprised of specified membership. States that the Commission shall identify regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies for detailed review, and conduct such review which shall include, but shall not be limited to: (1) an analysis of the purposes and objectives of the regulatory activities; (2) an assessment of actual performance in achieving the purposes and objectives; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of each activity; and (4) an examination of State and local governmental regulatory activities which interact with the Federal independent regulatory system. Directs Federal departments and agencies to assist the Commission in the performance of its functions. Requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress not later than one full year after its appointment. Provides that the Commission shall be terminated ninety days after the submission of such report. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Horton, Frank J. [R-NY-29]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000797_200.jpg)