The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Hutchinson, Edward [R-MI-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h001011_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
104 records where Rep. Hutchinson, Edward [R-MI-4] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement a five-year demonstration program to increase the average annual diversion of water from Lake Michigan.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Georgi Vins should be released from imprisonment and that the Government of the Soviet Union should allow him and all other religious believers within its borders to worship God freely, as the Soviet Union is committed to do by the provisions of its constitution and by the provisions of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security or railroad retirement benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any pension which he or she (or any member of his or her family) is otherwise entitled to receive under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Stipulates that the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs should without delay consider and report legislation eliminating the possibility of any loss of or reduction in pensions payable under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration on account of increases in social security or railroad benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1976
Title I: Amendments to Title 28, United States Code - Establishes, within the Department of Justice, an Office of Special Prosecutor headed by a Special Prosecutor. Establishes within the Criminal Division of the Department a Section on Government Crimes headed by a Director. Establishes an Office of Professional Responsibility within the Department headed by a Counsel on Professional Responsibility. States that the Special Prosecutor and the Director shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that nominees for either office shall not be appointed if such nominee has at any time during the past five years held a high- level position on the personal campaign staff of or an organization or political party working on behalf of a candidate for any elective Federal office. Directs the Attorney General to appoint the Counsel on Professional Responsibility to conduct investigations to determine if any employee of the Department has violated any laws, regulations, or standards of conduct. Directs the Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute any President, Vice President, Attorney General, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Member of Congress or other specified Federal officials who are alleged to have violated a Federal criminal law. Directs the Director of the Section on Government Crimes to investigate and prosecute criminal violations of Federal law committed by any elected or appointed Federal Government officer, or employee (other than members of the military) related directly or indirectly to his government position, employment, or compensation and criminal violations of Federal laws relating to lobbying campaigns, and election to public office committed by any person. Title II: Congressional Legal Counsel - Establishes as an office of Congress the Office of Congressional Legal Counsel headed by a Congressional Legal Counsel over which the Joint Committee on Congressional Operations shall exercise oversight jurisdiction. States that upon written certification by the Attorney General declining to provide needed legal representation, the Congressional Legal Counsel, at the direction of Congress or the appropriate House of congress, shall defend Congress, a House of Congress, an office or agency of Congress, a committee or subcommittee, or any Member, officer, or employee of a House of Congress in any civil action pending in any court of the United States or of a State or political subdivision thereof in which Congress or such person is a party defendant and in which there is placed in issue the validity of any proceeding or action; or in any civil action pending in any court of the United States or of a State or political subdivision thereof with respect to any subpena or order directed to Congress, such House, committee, subcommittee, Member, officer, employee, office, or agency. States that representation of a Member, officer, or employee under this Act shall be undertaken by the Congressional Legal Counsel only upon the consent of such Member, officer, or employee. Permits the Congressional Legal Counsel to undertake his responsibility without express direction by Congress if Congress or the appropriate House of Congress is not in session. Enumerates constitutional powers of the Members and Houses of Congress which the Congressional Legal Counsel must vigorously defend. Specifies procedures to be followed with respect to conflict or inconsistancy of the duties set forth in this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Government Personnel; Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires specified Federal employees to file financial disclosure statements including the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, judges, Federal employees being paid at the rate for the grade GS-16 or above, military officers grade 0-6 and above, and candidates for President, Vice President or Congress for any year during which such individual has held such status for over 90 days. States that an individual shall include in such financial disclosure statement each item of income or reimbursement and each gift received, each item received in kind, each asset held, each transaction in commodities futures and in securities, each purchase or sale of real property or interest in any real property, and each patent right or interest in any real property, and each patent right or interest in any patent right held by him, his spouse, or any of his dependents, or by him and his spouse jointly, him and any of his dependents jointly, on his behalf which are valued over specified dollar amounts. Requires the Comptroller General to audit at specified intervals statements filed pursuant to this Act and to report any conflict of interests disclosed by such statements. Makes the statements filed under this Act, with some specified exceptions, available to the public Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year through fiscal year 1981 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Antitrust Premerger Notification Act - Provides, under the Clayton Act, that no corporation shall acquire, directly or indirectly, any stock or other share capital or assets of any other corporation, if: (1) the acquiring corporation or the corporation, any stock, other share capital, or assets of which are being acquired, or both, are engaged in commerce or in an actvity affecting commerce; and (2) specified dollar asset and sale limitations are exceeded; until 30 days after such corporation files a premerger notification with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department. Exempts specified classes of transactions from the notification requirements of this Act. Provides for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each day during which such person directly or indirectly holds stock or assets in violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1976
School Desegregation Standards and Assistance Act - Title I: Standards and Procedures in School Desegregation Suits - States that the purpose of this title is: (1) to prevent unlawful discrimination in public schools; and (2) to remedy the effects of past discrimination. States that, upon a finding that a local or State educational agency has engaged or is engaging in an act of unlawful discrimination, a court may: (1) enter an order enjoining the continuation or future commission of such act; and (2) provide other relief necessary to prevent the occurrence of discriminatory acts or to eliminate the effects of such acts except remedies directed at eliminating the effects of such acts on the present degree of concentration by race, color, or national origin. States that where a court finds that discriminatory acts have caused a greater concentration by race, color, or national origin in a student population than would have existed in a normal course, the court may order appropriate relief to adjust the composition to that which would have been in the normal course. Requires courts, before entering such an order, to make specific findings concerning the degree to which such concentration in schools affected by unlawful acts varies from which it would have been in the normal course. Places upon the educational agency involved the burden of going forward with evidence to show that such concentration is attributable to factors other than unlawful discrimination. States that the court's findings required under this Act shall be based on conclusion and reasonable inferences from all of the evidence and shall not be based on the presumption that the concentration by race, color or national origin in a student population is a result of discriminatory acts. Requires all school desegregation orders to rely, to the greatest extent practicable, on the voluntary action of school officials, teachers and students. Prohibits courts from removing the control of the schools from the educational agency involved except to the minimum extent necessary to prevent unlawful discrimination or eliminate its present effects. States that in all cases in which a court-imposed requirement for transportation of students has remained in effect for a period of three years, or in the case of final orders entered prior to the enactment of this Act three years after the effective date of this Act, the court shall terminate the requirement unless: (1) the court finds that the local or State education agency has failed to comply with the requirement and other provisions of the court's order substantially and in good faith throughout the three preceding years, in which case the court may extend the requirement until there have been three consecutive years of such compliance; or (2) the court finds, at the expiration of such period that the other provisions of its order and other remedies are not adequate to correct the effects of unlawful discrimination, and that the requirement remains necessary for the purpose, in which case the court may continue the requirement in effect until the local or State education agency has complied with the requirement substantially and in good faith for two consecutive additional years. Authorizes courts to extend such time period under extraordinary circumstances or when there are unusually severe residual effects of discriminatory acts. Authorizes courts to reimpose a requirement for transportation of students if there has been a failure to comply with other provisions of the court's order or if discriminatory acts have occurred since the termination of the order necessitating such action. States that such an order may be imposed if no other remedy is sufficient and shall require the transportation of students only to such extent and for such limited period as may be necessary to remedy the effects of discriminatory actions. Prohibits a court from modifying student assignment plans because of subsequent population shifts unless the court finds such changes resulted from discriminatory acts. Directs courts to notify the Attorney General of proceedings in which the relief sought is a recomposition of a student population or whenever it believes that an order or an extension of an order requiring the transportation of students may be necessary. Authorizes the Attorney General to intervene in such actions, including recommendations for: (1) the appointment of a mediator; and (2) the formation of a committee of community leaders to develop a five-year desegregation program. Title II: National Community and Education Committee - Declares that the purpose of this title is to create a nonpartisan national committee to provide assistance to communities which are engaged in or preparing to engage in the desegregation of their schools. Establishes within the executive branch a National Community and Education Committee for such purpose. Specifies the functions and limitations on the activities of the Committee. Authorizes the Chairman of the Committee to make grants to private nonprofit community organizations to assist them in carrying out activities designed to accomplish the purposes of this title. States that such a grant shall not exceed $30,000. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for salaries and expenses of the Committee and $2,000,000 for grants for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1979. Establishes a Federal Community Assistance Coordinating Council to consult with representatives of communities which are seeking Federal support for community relations projects and other community-based efforts to facilitate desegregation. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 through 1979 for the purpose of carrying out the functions and duties of the Council.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Amends the Speedy Trial Act of 1974 to exclude specified authorized periods of delay from computation of the time limits for commencement of criminal trials.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Provides for the relief of Nabil Yacoub Razzouk.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Narcotic Sentencing and Seizure Act - Title I: Mandatory Minimum Sentences - Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to impose specified minimum penalties on individuals convicted of enumerated offenses related to the distribution, transportation, and manufacture of opiates. Permits the court to sentence the defendant to a shorter term of parole ineligibility or imprisonment if, at the time of the offense, the offender was: (1) less than 18 years old; (2) mentally impaired; (3) under unusual and substantial duress; or (4) an accomplice whose participation in the offense was minor. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a hearing to determine whether a term of imprisonment and parole ineligibility is mandatory in the case of an individual convicted of an opiate-related offense under this Act. Title II: Conditions of Release - Requires judicial officers setting conditions of release for any person charged with an opiate-related offense under this Act to consider which conditions will assure the safety of the community and of witnesses to the offense and which conditions will reasonably assure the avoidance of future similar offenses by the person charged. Permits judicial officers to deny the release of any such person if that person: (1) has previously been convicted of an offense related to an opiate; (2) at the time of the offense was on parole, probation, or other conditional release; (3) is a nonresident alien; (4) was arrested while in possession of a passport or other documentation necessary for international travel incorrectly identifying such person or belonging to someone else; or (5) has been convicted of having been a fugitive from justice, an escapee, or for willfully failing to appear before a court or judicial officer under Federal or State law. Stipulates that no individual shall be denied release unless the judicial officer holds a hearing and finds that there are no satisfactory conditions of release and that there is a substantial probability that the person committed the charged offense. Title III: Forfeiture of Proceeds of Illegal Drug Transactions - Makes all proceeds of an offense described in this Act subject to forfeiture to the United States. Title IV: Illegal Export of Cash - Requires that anyone who intends to transport, or have transported, monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 from any place within the U.S. to or through any place outside the U.S., or from any place outside the U.S. to or through any place within the U.S. file a report containing specified information. Requires that such reports also be filed by anyone who receives monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 at the termination of their transportation by common carrier to the United States from or through any place outside the U.S. Permits any Customs officer to search individuals and objects without a warrant where probable cause exists to believe that the report requirement for transport and receipt of monetary instruments has been violated and where exigent circumstances prevent obtaining a warrant. Title V: Prompt Reporting of Vessels - Requires the master of any vessel from a foreign port or of a foreign vessel from a domestic port, or of a vessel of the U.S. carrying bonded merchandise, or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made, arriving at any place within the U.S., to immediately report the arrival of the vessel at the nearest custom-house.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Georgi Vins from imprisonment and allow freedom of religion in that nation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act - Requires the Chief Justice of the United States to designate seven district court judges, each of whom shall have jurisdiction to hear applications for and grant orders approving electronic surveillance anywhere within the United States. Requires the Chief Justice to designate three Federal judges to comprise a special court of appeals which shall have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by the United States from the denial of any application. Grants the United States a further right to appeal an affirmance of denial to the Supreme Court. Requires each application for any order approving electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes to be approved by the Attorney General and to include: (1) the identity of the officer making the application; (2) the authority conferred on the applicant by the President and the approval of the Attorney General to make the application; (3) the identity of the subject of the surveillance; (4) the fact and circumstances justifying belief that the target of surveillance is a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power; (5) a description of the type of information sought and a certification by one of specified Federal officers that such information is foreign intelligence information that cannot feasibly be obtained by normal investigative techniques; and (6) a statement of the period of time for which the surveillance is required. Directs the judge to enter an ex parte order as requested or as modified approving the electronic surveillance if he finds that the criteria specified have been met. Allows issuance of orders to approve surveillance for 90 days or the period necessary to achieve its purposes, whichever is less. Permits extensions of orders upon application for an extension made in the same manner as required for an original application. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon a reasonable determination that an emergency situation exists, to authorize the emergency employment of electronic surveillance if an appropriate judge is informed by the Attorney General of such authorization at the time it is made and if an application is made as soon as practicable but not more than 24 hours after authorization. Requires, in the absence of a judicial order, that surveillance terminate when the information sought is obtained, when the application for an order is denied, or 24 hours after authorization, whichever is earliest. Allows information acquired from electronic surveillance conducted pursuant to this Act to be used and disclosed only for designated purposes or for the enforcement of the criminal law. Requires when an order to approve the emergency employment of electronic surveillance is not obtained, that the judge serve notice on the individual subject to surveillance of the fact of the application, the period of surveillance, and the fact that information was or was not obtained. Permits the judge to delay or forego this action on a showing of good cause. Requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to Congress including: (1) the number of applications made for orders and extensions of orders approving electronic surveillance and the number of such orders and extensions granted, modified, and denied; (2) the periods of time for which orders authorized surveillances and their actual duration; (3) the number of surveillances in place at any time during the preceding year; and (4) the number of surveillances terminated during the preceding year. Declares that nothing contained in this Act shall limit the Constitutional power of the President to order electronic surveillances for specified national security reasons if the facts and circumstances giving rise to such order are beyond the scope of this Act. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2521-2528)
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to deny Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary to modify the pipeline route through the States to provide greater environmental protection during the construction period. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to the rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements regarding (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not be subject to judicial review of the courts. Allows the claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional, (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights, and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States District Courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Economic Coercion Act - Prohibits economic coercion by any business enterprise or representative of such enterprise based upon race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. Authorizes any person aggrieved under this Act, or the Attorney General, to bring a civil action against the violator, in a United States District Court.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires that the United States Government prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Occupational Safety and Health Reform Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to improve the administration of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and to provide for regulatory procedures related to such administration. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not propose any rule promulgating a new occupational health or safety standard before he: (1) has, as part of each such proposal, reviewed and published in the Federal Register the financial impact of such proposed standard; and (2) has determined with due regard for that impact that the benefit to be derived from such standard justifies such proposal. Provides that no standard adopted or promulgated shall require any employer to phase out, change, or replace existing equipment or facilities before the normal useful life of that equipment or facility has expired unless failure to so phase out, change, or replace that equipment or facility prematurely would result in a serious violation. Directs the Secretary to prescribe, as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, as part of each existing standard adopted under the Occupational Safety and Health Act: (1) the estimated average and maximum cost per unit to the average employer who is subject to that standard for compliance with the conditions, practices, means, methods, operation, or process used or proposed to be used by that employer under that standard; and (2) the period within which it is, in fact, possible for such employers to meet such standard including, but not limited to, availability of required devices, and possibility of performance of required procedures. Sets forth requirements with respect to notifying an employer of violations of the requirements prescribed pursuant to this Act. States that any employer who has been found to be not in compliance with any rule or standard adopted or promulgated under this Act shall not receive a notice for such violation if he is able to show: (1) that implementing such rule or standard would not materially affect the safety or health of his employees in the facility inspected; (2) that he has employed alternative procedures to protect his employees from the hazards contemplated by the rule or standard which are as effective in protecting the safety and health of his employees; or (3) that he has furnished adequate notice and exerted all reasonable efforts, pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, to obtain the compliance of his employee, that such violation was attributable to such employees, and that he could not otherwise have reasonably prevented such violation. Sets forth procedures for enforcement of these regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into compliance agreements with an employer believed to be in violation of an occupational safety and health standard promulgated pursuant to such Act under which enforcement and penalty provisions are waived or deferred upon condition that the employer will voluntarily comply with the applicable standard upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate under the circumstances. States that failure of an employer to abide by such an agreement may be taken into account in resulting enforcement and penalty procedures. Directs the Secretary to provide technical advice, assistance, and consultation to employers with less than 100 employees whenever it is necessary to assist them in complying with applicable standards.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Provides that no debt owned to the United States by any foreign country may be settled in an amount less than full value of such debt unless the Congress by concurrent resolution approves of such settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Provides that any municipality with a population in excess of one million inhabitants is eligible to file a petition for relief under this Act, if first authorized by the State, for the adjustment of the indebtedness of such municipality by a court of bankruptcy. States that a petition shall be insufficient to invoke jurisdiction of the court unless accompanied by a plan made in good faith for the composition or extension of debts and a statement of petitioner's current and projected revenues and expenditures adequate to establish that the budget of petitioner will be in balance within a reasonable time after adoption of the plan. Provides for notice of the provisions of such plan to the State, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and creditors or others who may be materially and adversely affected by the plan. Sets forth the priorities with respect to payment of debts in advance of any distribution to creditors in the settlement of obligations under this Act. Provides for a hearing for all interested parties on the confirmation of the plan. States that a plan of composition or extension may be confirmed only if, of the creditors voting in writing to accept or reject the plan, those holding two-thirds in amount of each class materially and adversely affected have voted to accept. Provides that no such acceptance shall be required from any class which, under the plan, is to be paid in cash the value of its claims or is to be afforded such method of protection as will, consistent with the circumstances of the particular case, equitably and fairly provide for the realization of the value of its claims. Prescribes the findings to be made by the judge in entering a decree confirming the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines "household" under the Food Stamp Act as meaning a group of individuals who are sharing common living quarters, but who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, and who have access to cooking facilities and for whom food is customarily purchased in common. Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve any plan which permits any household to simultaneously participate in both the food stamp program and the distribution of federally donated foods. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget adjusted pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards of eligibility which shall include, but not be limited to, the amounts of liquid and nonliquid assets. Provides that household income for purposes of the food stamp program shall be the gross income of the household less: (1) a standard deduction of $100 a month applicable to all households; (2) an additional deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there at least one member who is age sixty-five or older. Limits eligibility to participate in the food stamp program to citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residency. States that no individual shall be considered eligible for the food stamp program as a member of a household if he is: (1) over 18; (2) is enrolled at an institution of higher education; and (3) is a dependent child for income tax purposes of a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Prohibits households which transfer liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program from becoming eligible for at least a ninety-day period. Requires the Secretary to issue photo identification cards to households certified eligible to participate in the program. States that households shall be charged thirty percent of their income for the coupon allotment issued to them. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further inssuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Provides for a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments - Defines the term "special immigrant" for purposes of the application of the general provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act as including an immigrant who is the spouse or child of a citizen of the United States or is the parent of a citizen of the United States at least twenty-one years of age. Authorizes the admission into the United States under such Act of the special immigrants as defined in this Act who are otherwise qualified without regard to the numerical limitations imposed upon such immigration by the Immigration and Nationality Act. Removes specified limitations upon the immigration of immediate relatives of United States citizens. Sets a numerical limitation upon immigrations chargeable to foreign states or dependent areas of the Eastern Hemisphere. Sets forth a revised schedule for making available to immigrants those visa numbers changed as a result of the provisions of this Act. Grants to the Attorney General the discretionary authority to allow the admission of specified immigrants not otherwise admissable solely due to non-entitlement to visa classification under the Immigration and Nationality Act on visa issuance. Grants to the Attorney General the discretionary power to adjust the status for immigration of specified aliens admitted to the Virgin Islands for purposes of employment under certification by the Secretary of Labor.
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 · 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 · 7 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 · 29 September 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 · 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 · 23 July 1975
Provides that a State legislator shall be eligible for the tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for living expenses (up to $300) presently allowed to members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Requires that any rule or regulation proposed by any officer or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government to implement a law or a program pursuant to a law must be submitted to both Houses of Congress for review. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective 60 legislative days after submission if Congress neither disapproves it by resolution or passes a concurrent resolution specifically approving such rule or regulation. Incorporates the provisions of this Act into the rules of the two Houses of Congress. Establishes procedural rules with respect to the consideration of a resolution disapproving the proposed rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines the term "income" as used in the Food Stamp Act as the monthly gross income of all members of a household, including any in-kind payment, and the total value of any publicly funded assistance payments which supplement food and housing needs. Excludes specified individuals from the definition of "household. Provides for the distribution of federally donated foods to households upon the request by a political subdivision that such distribution be made to all eligible households in lieu of food stamps. Excludes households from eligibility for food stamps: (1) if the monthly household income exceeds the poverty index level of income established by the Office of Management and Budget; or (2) if the market value of liquid and nonliquid resources of a household consisting of one individual exceeds $1,500 or the resources of a multiple member household exceed $2,250 exclusive of specified resources. Excludes from eligibility households which include an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who is enrolled in an institution of postsecondary education and such enrollment is a substitute for fulltime employment. Declares that a refusal to work at a plant or site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed a refusal to work which makes the household of the nonworking individual ineligible for food stamps. Rejects as an excuse for refusal to accept work a condition of employment which requires an individual to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any labor organization. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to require each household receiving benefits under this Act to report its income at least once each month. Requires food coupons to be designed with a space for the recipient to sign upon receipt and again at redemption. Requires one member of each eligible household to be issued a photo-identification card with a color photograph of the recipient. States that such card must be presented at redemption at a food store. Sets forth specific instructions to provide control and accountability over the distribution of food coupons to State agencies. Ties the value of the coupon allotment to the overall retail cost-of-living index. States that the "nutritionally adequate diet" as used to determine the amount of the coupon allotment shall mean the low-cost food plan developed by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. States that the United States Postal Service shall serve as a food stamp issuing agency upon the request of a State food stamp administration agency. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the States 100 percent of the costs of providing food stamps to eligible aliens, and 75 percent of the costs of State investigations, prosecutions, collections of claims and other State activities related to retrieving food stamp losses. Provides for payment by the Federal Government to the States of a share of the difference between the face value of the coupon allotment and the amount charged eligible households for the allotment. Sets forth the method of determining and paying the Federal share. Directs the transfer of all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Jobs Creation Act - Title I: Individual Income Taxes - Allows a tax credit in the amount of 10 percent (up to $1,000) the amount of qualified individual deposits and investments made by an individual during the taxable year. Defines qualified investments as amounts used to purchase stock in or debt instruments of a domestic corporation. Provides that the first $1000 of capital gain shall be excluded from gross income during the taxable year. Provides, for purposes of the estate tax, that the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation continually owned by him for 5 years prior to his death and which passes to a related individual shall be excluded from the value of the taxable estate. Title II: Corporation Taxes - Reduces the normal tax rates imposed on corporations. Increases the investment credit to 15 percent (12 percent in the case of property constructed or acquired before an unspecified date in March, 1975). Increases the corporate surtax exemption from $25,000 to $100,000. Increases the class life variance for purposes of the depreciation deduction allowed for property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income. Title III: Employee Stock Ownership Plan Financing - Creates special deductions for dividends paid during the taxable year by employers on securities held by an employee stock ownership plan (as defined by this title). Provides for the distribution of dividends to employees and repurchase of qualifying employer securities from persons receiving distributions. Provides for the exclusion from gross income of that part of a distribution held or reinvested within 60 days in income-producing assets of equivalent value for the purpose of realizing current income from such assets.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Stipulates that Indians committing specified crimes within Indian country shall be subject to the same laws and penalties as all other persons committing such crimes within the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States, except that any such offenses not defined and punishable by Federal law shall be defined and punished by the laws of the State in which such offense was committed. Provides that any person committing assault resulting in serious bodily injury within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisonment not more than ten years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Migration and Refugee Assistance Act - Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to assist aliens who: (1) because of persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion, fled from Cambodia or Vietnam; (2) cannot return there because of fear of persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion; and (3) are in urgent need of assistance for the essentials of life. Stipulates that none of such funds shall be available for obligation for any purpose after September 30, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademark licensing contract or agreement for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of a trademarked soft drink product shall not be unlawful, provided that: (1) such product is in free and open competition with products of the same class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act of 1946.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Authorizes the diversion and withdrawal of additional water from Lake Michigan into the Illinois Waterway. Requires the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, to at all times have direct control and supervision of the amounts of water directly diverted from Lake Michigan under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Increases the surtax exemption for qualified corporations from the present level of $25,000 to $50,000 for taxable year 1976 and an additional $10,000 per year up to $100,000 in 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
Increases the value of exemptions for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to exclude specified social security payments in determining annual income for purposes of paying non-service-connected disability pensions to veterans. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 521)
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
National Welfare Reform Act - Stipulates that no family shall be eligible for the aid to families with dependent children program (AFDC) under the Social Security Act if its total income, without regard to exclusions, exceeds 150 percent of the family's needs. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall provide the full cost of AFDC services to needy families who are not U.S. citizens and are lawfully present in the United States. States that unemployed individuals shall be ineligible for AFDC services for specified periods of time if such individual is determined to have, without good cause, refused an offering of bona fide employment or refused to participate under a work incentive program. Provides procedures for the determination of good cause. States that no sanctions will be applied for a ten day period after failure without good cause has been established, if the individual participates in counseling services. Sets forth procedures governing adjustment of AFDC grant overpayments. Prohibits AFDC grant payments where the caretaker relative is unemployed due to participation in a strike or because he has voluntarily terminated his employment. Defines "income" for purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to pay directly to any State up to 75 percent of the costs of investigating and prosecuting complaints of fraud under AFDC program. Requires that recipients of aid be issued a detailed identification card specifying the programs for which the recipient is eligible. Provides that any person who resides in the same household of an eligible family, but is not himself eligible for aid, shall be required to make a contribution to the State in an amount equal to the amount of the standard payment for single person household under the State's plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Provides for the appointment of additional United States district judges by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Authorizes the appointment by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate, of 13 additional judgeships for the United States courts of appeals.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Provides that States may not have less strict standards with respect to marking, labeling, packaging, and ingredient requirements than those made under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Motor Vehicle Tax Repeal Act - Repeals the excise tax on trucks, buses, and tractors and parts accessories for such vehicles. Provides for the refund or credit of such taxes paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer on items sold after January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Provides for the designation of the 11th day of November of each year as "Veteran's Day", and makes such day a legal public holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Removes from the class of aliens whose status may be adjusted by the Attorney General in his discretion to that of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence those aliens who continue in or accept unauthorized employment prior to the filing of an application for adjustment to such status. Makes it unlawful for any employer, or any agent or any person who for a fee, refers an alien for employment by such an employer, knowingly to employ, continue to employ, or refer for employment any alien in the United States who has not been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, unless the employment of such alien is authorized by the Attorney General. Provides that an employer, referrer, or agent shall not be deemed to have violated this Act if he has made a bona fide inquiry whether a person hereafter employed or referred by him is a citizen or an alien, and if an alien, whether he is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or is authorized by the Attorney General to accept employment. Requires that if, in a proceeding initiated within two years after the service of a citation by the Attorney General informing an employer of a violation under this Act, the Attorney General finds that any employer, agent, or referrer upon whom such citation has been served has thereafter violated the provisions of this Act, the Attorney General shall assess a penalty of not more than $500 for each alien in respect to whom any such violation is found to have occurred. Provides that further violation of this Act following the assessment of the above civil penalty shall make the employer guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof such employer shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, for each alien in respect to whom any violation of this occurs. Requires disclosure by employees and officers of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of information on illegal aliens who are receiving assistance under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Provides that a conservation publication published by a State agency which is responsible for management and conservation of fish or wildlife resources shall be considered a publication of a qualified nonprofit organization which qualifies for second-class mail rates. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3626 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1975
Declares it to be the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the canal and zone, and should in no way cede, dilute, forfeit, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, power, authority, jurisdiction, territory, or property that are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere; (2) that there be no relinquishment or surrender of any presently vested United States sovereign right, power, or authority or property, tangible or intangible, except by treaty authorized by the Congress and duly ratified by the United States; and (3) that there be no recession to Panama, or other divestiture of any United States-owned property, tangible or intangible, without prior authorization by the Congress (House and Senate), as provided in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
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 · 27 January 1975
Increases to 15 years (now 10 years), under the Voting Rights Act, the provision that no citizen shall be denied the right to vote in any Federal, State, or local election because of his failure to comply with any test or device in any State or political subdivision unless the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in an action for a declaratory judgement brought by such State or political subdivision has determined that no such test or device has been used during a specified period preceding the filing of the action for the purpose of denying or abridging the right to vote on account of race or color.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Defines, for purposes of the Antitrust Civil Process Act, the term "antitrust investigation." Expands the definition of "person" under such Act to include any natural person. States that whenever the Attorney General or Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, has reason to believe that any person may be in possession, custody, or control of documentary material, or have knowledge of facts relevant to a civil antitrust investigation, he may, prior to institution of a criminal or civil proceeding, issue and serve a civil investigative demand requiring production of or answers on such materials. Specifies the form and content of such civil investigative demands and the procedures for production of such materials. Prescribes additional modifications to the procedures for discovery in civil antitrust investigations.