United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless notification in writing is furnished to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than 90 days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons for such cancellation and the remedies available to the distributor or retailer. Stipulates that a petroleum refiner shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. Stipulates that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor in the United States District Court. Authorizes the Court to grant equitable relief as is necessary to remedy the effects of conduct prohibited by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to repeal the duty imposed on articles assembled abroad with components produced in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Establishes an 11 member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment: (1) on farms; (2) in zoos; (3) in laboratory experimentation; and (4) in other situations. Excludes the study or treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the President within two years after its last member is appointed. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriaions of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Private Individuals' Postal Rate Relief Act - States that the rate of postage for letters of private individuals within any class of mail for transmission of letters sealed against inspection shall not exceed 10 cents per ounce per letter. Excludes any letter mailed by a corporation, company, business association, proprietorship, professional entity, partnership institution, organization or governmental unit from such provision. Provides a civil fine of $2,500 for each use of the private individuals' reduced rate without authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Recognizes the right to a nutritionally adequate diet as a cornerstone of United States policy in areas such as trade, assistance, monetary reform and military spending. Seeks to improve food assistance programs in the United States. Calls for an increase in this nation's assistance for self-help development among the worlds' poorest people. Sets a target of one percent of our total national production to be spent for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 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 · 14 November 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the heads of other departments affected by this Act, to issue and revise regulations from time to time, relating to the trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violations of this Act. Establishes an advisory commission of 7 members to consult with the Secretary and make recommendations with respect to regulations concerning trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment or of one year, for the sale, shipment, or transport, of any unapproved trap or any animal skin or hide or bird feathers taken in violation of this Act. Outlines those trapping regulations specifically applicable to Federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with any affected State pursuant to which the Secretary shall assist such State to enable it to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Designates 1976 as "National Bicentennial Highway Safety Year." Provides that each month of 1976 shall focus on a specific area of activity which offers the prospect of achieving substantial reductions in accidents on the Nation's highways.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Includes New Jersey in the list of States which may establish a divided retirement system for purposes of providing social security coverage of State and local employees under Federal-State agreements pursuant to the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, of licensee of the discharging vessel. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of any person in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge accurs. Provides that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other Federal, State, or local official or agency, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which from which the discharge occurred (up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel). Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilitiies and licensees of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to generally act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of moneys from the Fund for payment of damages not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Provides that the Fund shall be provisioned through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility, (2) offshore or onshore facilities, or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. States that each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee shall establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to change regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Provides for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes appropriations for the administration of their Act for fiscal years 1976,1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 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 · 7 November 1975
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to States and local bodies and agencies for the purpose of reimbursing the Consolidated Rail Corporation for providing rail passenger service pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act during the 180-day period following the date of conveyance of rail passenger service incurred by such States and local bodies and agencies thereof for the payment of rail passenger service continuation subsidies. States that the Federal share of assistance through September 30, 1977 shall be 100 percent and shall be 50 percent through September 30, 1978. Stipulates that such assistance shall not apply to intercity rail passenger service provided pursuant to an agreement with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation which was effective immediately prior to the date of conveyance. Permits the Secretary to incur obligations on behalf of the United States to finance this Act in an aggregate amount of up to $125,000,000. Authorizes appropriations for liquidation of the obligations of up to $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $95,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1975
Empowers the Small Business Administration, under the provisions of the Small Business Act, to make loans to enable small business concerns to finance residential housing construction or rehabilitation for sale or rental. Requires the Administration to determine the reasonableness of repayment of its loans on a case-by-case basis. Stipulates that the Administration may engage in activities which involve borrowers who may, from time to time, take advantage of other Federal programs in carrying out their business, notwithstanding the restriction which prohibits the Administration from duplicating the work or activities of any other department or agency of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1975
Title I : Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to States and local bodies and agencies for the purpose of reimbursing the Consolidated Rail Corporation for providing rail passenger service during the 180-day period following the date of conveyance of rail properties pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, and for defraying the additional costs of rail passenger service incurred by such States and local bodies and agencies thereof for the payment of rail passenger continuation subsidies. Stipulates that the Federal share of assistance may not exceed one-half the total cost. States that in order to finance assistance under this Act, the Secretary may incur obligations on behalf of the United States in the form of grants, contract agreements, on otherwise, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $125,000,000. Authorizes appropriations of specified sums to liquidate the obligations so incurred. Title II : Requires the Corporation to provide rail passenger service for a period of 180 days following the date of conveyance on all rail properties on which such service was being provided by the railroads in reorganization immediately prior to the date of conveyance, regardless of whether such properties are designated for inclusion in or exclusion from the final system plan, except on rail properties on which such service is provided by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Denies electric and gas public utilities a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred by such utilities to advertise or promote the sale or use of electricity or gas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Requires the heads of the respective executive agencies to provide the Congress with advance notice of planned organizational and other changes or actions which would affect Federal civilian employment, by requiring the transfer or termination of a significant number of civilian employees.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Requires the heads of the respective executive agencies to provide the Congress with advance notice of planned organizational and other changes or actions which would affect Federal civilian employment, by requiring the transfer or termination of a significant number of civilian employees.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Prohibits civil service disciplinary actions in cases involving the failure of an employee to report as directed for the service of State or local process in connection with a claim against such employee for taxes owed to the State or unit of local government.
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 the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Returnable Beverage Container Act - Provides that no person shall manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce any beverage container other than a returnable beverage container. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish such regulations as are necessary for the purpose of this Act. Sets forth penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months imprisonment for violation of provisions of this Act. Directs that the provisions of this Act shall be applicable, one year after passage, to metal cans with attached opening devices and to all other non-returnable containers three years after passage.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the heads of other departments affected by this Act, to issue and revise regulations from time to time, relating to the trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violations of this Act. Establishes an advisory commission of 7 members to consult with the Secretary and make recommendations with respect to regulations concerning trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment or of one year, for the sale, shipment, or transport, of any unapproved trap or any animal skin or hide or bird feathers taken in violation of this Act. Outlines those trapping regulations specifically applicable to Federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with any affected State pursuant to which the Secretary shall assist such State to enable it to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1975
Requires the United State Postal Service to provide rent-free postal lock boxes for persons who reside in rural areas who do not receive postal delivery service.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Prohibits the exploration for and the mining of and the purchase of all valuable mineral deposits within any area of the National Park System. Repeals laws or provisions of laws which permit mining in: (1) Glacier Bay National Monument; (2) Death Valley National Monument; (3) Coronado International Memorial, Arizona; (4) Mount McKinley National Park; and (5) Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate such regulations as are necessary to govern existing valid mineral rights in the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the signing in Helsinki of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe did not change in any way the longstanding policy of the United States on nonrecognition of the Soviet Union's illegal seizure and annexation of the three Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should bring the issue of the incorporation of the Baltic States into the Soviet Union before the United Nations. Calls upon the Secretary of State to bring the matter of the Baltic States to the attention of all nations through such channels as the United States Information Agency. States that the United States shall not agree to the recognition of the Soviet annexation of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia by any international conference. Provides that the President should require that all government map publishers show Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia as independent states. Calls for the return of self-determination to such nations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Construction Industry Stabilization Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that the legal framework for collective bargaining in the construction industry is in need of revision. Makes it the purpose of this Act to establish a viable and practical structure for collective bargaining in the construction industry by establishing procedures for negotiations with a minimum of governmental interference in the free collective bargaining process. Establishes in the Department of Labor a Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Committee. Sets forth the membership of the Committee. Provides, under the National Labor Relations Act, that where there is in effect a collective bargaining agreement covering employees in the construction industry between a local construction labor organization or other subordinate body affiliated with a standard national construction labor organization, or between a standard national construction labor organization directly, and an employer or association of employers, neither party shall terminate or modify such agreement or the terms or conditions thereof without serving a written notice of the proposed termination or modification in the form and manner prescribed by the Committee at least sixty days prior to the expiration date thereof. Provides for the method of service of the notice required under this Act. Requires standard national construction labor organizations and national construction contractor associations to furnish to the Committee copies of all notices served upon them as provided by this Act. Provides that upon receipt of such notices the Committee may take jurisdiction of the matter by transmitting written notice to the signatory labor organization or organizations and the association or associations of employers directly party to the collective bargaining agreement within ninety days following the giving of such notice. Stipulates that upon specified conditions following the Committee's taking of jurisdiction, no new collective bargaining agreement or revision of any existing collective bargaining agreement between a local construction labor organization or other subordinate body affiliated with the standard national construction labor organization, and an employer or employer association shall be of any force or effect unless such new agreement or revision is approved in writing by the standard national construction labor organization with which the local labor organization or other subordinate body is affiliated. Sets standards for Committee action under this Act. Stipulates that the Committee shall take action under this Act only if it believes that such action would: (1) facilitate collective bargaining in the construction industry improvements in the structure of such bargaining, agreements covering more appropriate geographical areas, or agreements more accurately reflecting the condition of various branches of the industry; (2) promote stability of employment; (3) encourage collective bargaining agreements enbodying appropriate expiration dates; (4) promote practices consistent with appropriate apprenticeship, training and skill level differentials among the various crafts or branches; or (5) promote voluntary procedures for dispute settlement. Authorizes the Committee to promote and assist in the formation of voluntary national craft or branch boards or other appropriate organizations composed of representatives of one or more standard national construction labor organizations and one or more national construction contractor associations for the purpose of attempting to seek resolution of local labor disputes and review collective bargaining policies and developments in the particular craft or branch of the construction industry involved. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Stipulates that this Act shall take effect on the date of its enactment. Stipulates that this Act shall expire on February 28, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Airport and Airway Development Act Amendments - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prepare and publish a revised national airport system plan for the development of public airports in the United States. States that such plan should include: (1) an identification of the levels of public service and the uses made of each public airport in the plan, and the projected airport development which the Secretary deems necessary to fulfill the levels of service and use of such airports during the next 10-year period; and (2) a listing of the amount of funds expended in each of the fiscal years 1971 through 1975 for terminal area development at each air carrier, commuter, and reliever airport, showing separately the amounts expended for nonrevenue producing public use areas and for other areas. Authorizes appropriations of up to $2,000,000 to carry out such purpose. Authorizes specific appropriations under the Airport and Airway Development Act to develop air carrier airport programs and general aviation airports in the territories of the United States. Specifies the apportionment and distribution of funds under the Airport and Airway Development Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants of up to $25,000 to any State for up to 75 percent of the cost of developing standards for airport development at general aviation airports in each State, other than standards for safety of approaches. Authorizes appropriations of $1,275,000 to carry out such purposes. Stipulates that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no part of any funds authorized to be obligated for fiscal years 1978, 1979 and 1980 shall be obligated or otherwise expended except in accordance with a statute enacted after the date of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of airports in areas where land requirements, local taxes or a low revenue return per acre may require the closing of such airports, together with recommendations concerning the preservation of such airports. Directs the Secretary to establish a civil aviation information distribution program within each region of the Federal Aviation Administration. Prohibits the closure of any existing flight service station operated by the Federal Aviation Administration, except under specified conditions. Authorizes appropriations of $72,000,000 to the Secretary to undertake a demonstration project related to ground transportation services to the Oakland International Airport, California, which will be consistent with the objectives of the Urban Mass Transportation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments - Extends through fiscal year 1977 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) water treatment works pilot training programs; (2) the development of a system of forecasting the supply of and demand for water pollution control specialists; (3) grants for State pollution control programs; (4) scholarships, training grants and contracts in the field of water pollution control; (5) grants to designated agencies to assist in the development and operation of continuing areawide waste treatment management planning processes; (6) grants to the States for lake water improvement programs; and (7) the purposes of this Act other than those specified in (1) through (6) above. Authorizes the use of ad valorem taxes to satisfy the user charge system requirement for applicants for treatment works grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Extends the provisions for Federal reimbursement of construction costs of publicly owned water treatment works to include reimbursement for works on which construction was started not later than July 1, 1973. Increases the amount of the appropriation authorized to cover such reimbursement to $2,950,000,000. Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend from July 1, 1977, until July 1, 1982, the deadline for the achievement of effluent limitations of public treatment works required by the Federal Water Pollution Act. Directs the Administrator, when considering such extension, to consider the cost involved in achieving secondary and alternative treatment and the effects such secondary and alternative treatment will have on public health and water quality. Extends until April 1, 1975, the deadline for submission of State water quality inventory reports. Requires such reports to be revised and kept current biennially. Directs the Administrator to submit such reports to Congress on or before October 1, 1975; October 1, 1976, and biennially thereafter. Eliminates the requirement that public hearings on proposed effluent standards be held within thirty days following publication of the standard. Permits the Administrator to defer the effective date of proposed effluent standards for up to three years following promulgation of such standards if he determines that compliance within one year is technologically unfeasible for a particular category of sources. Establishes a civil penalty of not to exceed $50,000 for the owner or operator of any vessel, onshore or offshore facility from which any hazardous substance is discharged. Provides for the designation by the Administrator, as a hazardous substance, any element or compound which presents an imminent and substantical danger to public health or welfare, including fish, shellfish, wildlife, shorelines, and beaches. Provides for a civil penalty of unspecified limit when the United States can show that the discharge of a hazardous substance was the result of willful negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the responsible owner or operator.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 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 · 19 September 1975
Allows individuals who have attained age 65 or who are disabled a refundable tax credit of up to $500, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, for property taxes paid by them on their principal residences or for a portion of the rent attributable to property taxes they pay for their principal residences during the taxable year. Reduces the credit available under this Act by 10 percent of the individual's adjusted gross income in excess of $9,000. Disallows the tax deduction for such taxes when a tax credit is taken.
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
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 · 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 · 11 September 1975
Provides that no veteran may be denied care or treatment at non-Veteran's Administration Hospitals under the CHAMPUS program for any service-connected disability solely because care or treatment for such disability is available at Veterans' Administration medical facilities. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1086(f))
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 · 31 July 1975
Provides, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, that subject to specified conditions, rail service on any main line of railroad which is operated by a railroad in reorganization and which is not designated for conveyance to the Consolidated Rail Corporation or to other railroads pursuant to the final system plan may be discontinued and, if traffic from the discontinued line has been accommodated for a period of 180 days, abandoned. Requires the Consolidated Rail Corporation to provide rail service over light density lines which are not designated for conveyance to the Corporation and have operated profitably in calendar years 1973 and 1974. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an audit and examination of the accounting procedures used whereby costs incurred beyond a particular light density line are assigned to such line in calculation of net operating gain and net operating loss of such line. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act up to $38,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Provides for payment of a supplemental tuition allowance to each qualified veteran upon application to the Administrator of the Veterans Administration. Stipulates that no veteran may receive a supplemental tuition allowance in excess of $1,100 for any ordinary school year. Requires assurances from the institution that the tuition charged the veteran is equivalent to nonveteran students and that all fees are included in an itemization to be presented to the Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator to adjust the amount of supplemental tuition according to changes in the estimation of the national tuition average. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1682(d))
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Establishes a Foreign Service grievance procedure. States that it is the purpose of such procedure to provide officers and employees of the Service and their survivors with a means to insure the fullest measure of due process and to provide for the just consideration and resolution of grievances of such officers employees and survivors. Provides that the Secretary shall implement this Act by promulgating regulations to provide for the consideration and resolution of grievances by a board. Sets forth provisions which such regulations shall include. Provides for judicial review of regulations promulgated by the Secretary and of the actions of the Secretary or the board pursuant to such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Provides that counseling offered by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to veterans eligible for educational assistance may include assisting any veteran: (1) to select the occupation or training objective suitable to him in terms of his personal circumstances, characteristics, financial resources, dependent responsibilities and other relevant factors; (2) to select the occupation or training objective which will provide him, after he has developed the required job skills, with reasonable opportunities for employment and with job satisfaction; (3) to select the educational institution that will effectively assist him in attaining his educational or vocational objective; and (4) to develop a program of education that will lead to a recognized and predetermined educational, vocational, technical or professional objective within the veteran's period of entitlement. Authorizes specified veterans pursuing full-time programs of institutional training to apply to have their monthly educational assistance allowance accelerated. Stipulates required information to be included in such application. Sets forth criteria to be met in the application for approval of nonaccredited courses for purposes of educational assistance. (Amends 38 U.S.C 1663, 1682, 1776)
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Establishes a forty-five month period maximum for educational assistance in programs administered by the Veterans' Administration for veterans who have served on active duty for eighteen months or more since January 31, 1955.
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 · 28 July 1975
Requires the heads of the respective executive agencies to provide the Congress with advance notice of planned organizational and other changes or actions which would affect Federal civilian employment, by requiring the transfer or termination of a significant number of civilian employees.
![Official portrait of Rep. Howard, James J. [D-NJ-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000840_200.jpg)