United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Authorizes the appropriation without fiscal year limitation for the Department of Commerce, for the fiscal year 1977, as follows: (1) $403,721,000 for obligations incurred for operating differential subsidy; (2) $19,500,000 for research and development activities; (3) $4,560,000 for reserve fleet expenses; (4) $13,260,000 for maritime training at the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York; and (5) $3,741,000 for financial assistance to State marine schools. Authorizes the appropriation for the fiscal year 1977 of such additional supplemental amounts for the activities for which appropriations are authorized under this Act as may be necessary for increases in salary, pay, retirement, or other employee benefits authorized by law, and/or increased costs for public utilities, food service, and other expenses of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Provides that all meetings and portions thereof of Government agencies at which official action is considered or discussed shall be open to public observation. Excludes from this requirement any portion of an agency meeting where the agency determines that the meeting: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel; (3) would tend to disclose information which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual; (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes; or (5) will disclose information relating to trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Requires each agency to make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting, and whether such meeting is open or closed to the public, at least one week before each meeting. Requires that a transcript or electronic recording of each such meeting be made available to the public for inspection. Permits an agency to delete from the transcripts or recordings made available to the public specified materials. Requires that written minutes shall be made of any agency meeting open to the public. Directs each agency to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States to enforce the requirements of this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to ex parte communications. Defines "ex parte communication" as meaning a communication not on the public record with respect to which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not given.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1975
Establishes, under the Congressional Budget Act, a zero-base budgeting process. States that such process shall consist of requiring each Congressional committee responsible for reporting legislation authorizing appropriations for any Federal program to conduct a comprehensive review and study of such program at least once every six years as though it were being proposed to be enacted for the first time. Provides that such comprehensive reviews shall include consideration of (1) alternative funding levels, (2) probable costs and benefits, (3) whether the original program objectives are still relevant, (4) the impact of the program on the functions and freedom of the private sector of the economy, and (5) the feasibility of alternative programs. Authorizes the Committees on the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate to establish guidelines and standards for the conduct by the various committees of the House and Senate of their zero-based budgeting functions. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Congressional Budgeting Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Defense to cooperate with the State of California in making the lands under their respective jurisdictions reasonably available for the preservation and grazing of Tule elk. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit, each year, a report to the Congress as to the estimated size and condition of the various Tule elk herds in California. States that such report shall include his determination as to whether or not the preservation of the Tule elk herd may be endangered by changes in land use or land management practices on lands owned by any Federal, State, or local agency. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with Federal officers having jurisdiction over lands on which Tule elk herds are located, shall develop a plan for Tule elk restoration and conservation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Provides, under the Intercoastal Shipping Act, that commencing in 1976 a carrier may file a general increase in rates without suspension of that portion of such changed rates bringing about an increase of seven percent or less in its gross annual revenues. Requires the United States Maritime Commission to promulgate numerical guidelines as to common carrier rate of return on rate base and common equity which the Commission deems to be prima facie reasonable, as a means of assisting in insuring that the noncontiguous States, territories and possessions of the U.S. have efficient ocean transportation to and from the mainland.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 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 · 6 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should, upon visiting the People's Republic of China, request that the Chinese officials use their good offices to obtain an accounting of members of the United States Armed Forces missing in action and confined as prisoners of war in Southeast Asia and of all American civilian personnel who are listed as missing in Southeast Asia. Requests that upon his return to the United States, the President should report back to the Congress on the results of his request.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1975
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Title I: Emergency Natural Gas Authority - Exempts specified entities which deal in the transportation, sale and delivery of new natural gas from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act which require a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Federal Power Commission. Authorizes the President to issue such regulations as he deems appropriate to provide for the establishment of priorities of use and for equitable allocation and distribution of propane when natural gas shortages exist or are imminent. Establishes penalties for violation of such regulations. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have exclusive original jurisdiction of cases arising under this title with appellate jurisdiction resting with the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals. Directs that this title shall expire on midnight April 4, 1976. Title II: Natural Gas Act Amendments - States that after the effective date of this Act the authority of the Commission to regulate the sale of natural gas to a company for resale in interstate commerce shall cease to exist with respect to new natural gas. States that the charge demanded by the natural gas companies for the sale of new natural gas provided from offshore Federal lands shall be deemed just and reasonable if it does not exceed the applicable national ceiling, established by the Commission. Directs that the Commission shall have no authority to regulate the price of such gas except when it exceeds such ceiling. Requires the Commission to establish ceiling prices for the sale or transfer in interstate commerce of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Directs the Commission to prohibit any interruption or curtailment of natural gas deliveries necessary for agricultural and food processing purposes. Provides for natural gas conservation by prohibiting boiler fuel use of natural gas. Authorizes the Commission to require that natural gas be produced from any fields designated by the Commission during a natural gas supply emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Title I: Emergency Natural Gas Authority - Natural Gas Emergency Standby Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that the Nation will suffer severe shortages of natural gas during the heating season from November 1975 through March 1976. Grants the Federal Power Commission authority to allow natural gas companies which transport natural gas in interstate commerce with inadequate quantities of natural gas to meet the requirements of their high priority consumers of natural gas, to purchase natural gas from sources not in interstate commerce and from other such companies on an emergency basis free from specified requirements of the Natural Gas Act. Grants the Federal Energy Administration the authority to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel. Grants the President the standby authority to allocate propane gas during periods of actual or threatened severe shortages of natural gas. Authorizes civil penalties of not more than $2,500 for each violation or violations of orders or regulations issued by the President under such standby authority. Provides that this title shall expire on midnight April 4, 1976. Title II: Natural Gas Act Amendments - Provides for the termination of the regulation by the Federal Power Commission of the sale of new natural gas to natural gas companies for resale in interstate commerce pursuant to the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Commission to conduct studies of the production, gathering, shortage, distribution, and sale of natural, artificial, or synthetic gas throughout the United States and its possessions. Requires the Commission to secure and keep information regarding the ownership, management, and control of all facilities for production and distribution of such gas. Requires a report by the Commission to the President and the Congress. Directs the Commission to establish a national ceiling for rates and charges for the sale or transfer in interstate commerce by any person of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands on or after January 1, 1975, through December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Maritime Education and Training Act - Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the Secretary of Commerce shall meet prior to the beginning of each fiscal year with representatives of maritime training institutions for the purpose of estimating the projected enrollment at all such institutions during such fiscal year, and the next three fiscal years. Requires the submission of a report to the Congress on the estimation of such enrollments. Requires the apportionment of funds among colleges and academies training individuals for licensing in the maritime service. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommendations on the providing of the students of such institutions with access to the resources and programs of the National Maritime Research Center. Directs the compilation of a national roster of all individuals who have not yet reached the age of sixty-five years and who are or were licensed as officers in the United States Merchant Marine.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating November 10, 1975, in commemoration of the two hundredth anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.
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 · 8 October 1975
World Peace Tax Fund Act - Establishes within the Treasury of the United States a special trust fund to be known as the World Peace Tax Fund. Provides that any taxpayer who has qualified as a conscientious objector, or who declares that he or she is conscientiously opposed to participation in war, within the meaning of the Military Selective Service Act, shall qualify to designate the payment of his or her income taxes to the fund. Makes provisions for the designation of income, estate, or gift tax payments for transfer to the World Peace Tax Fund. Provides for the computation and publication of the percentage of annual expenditures for military purposes. Provides that this portion of moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund to accrue interest, and that the remaining portion shall be transferred to the general fund of the Treasury of the United States, not to be appropriated for any military purposes. Establishes a Board of Trustees of eleven members to authorize expenditures out of the Fund for research into peaceful solutions to international conflict, and for improvement of international conflict, and for improvement of international health, education, and welfare. Requires the Board to submit its budget to the Congress, report to the President and Congress annually, and provide a complete accounting of all funds received and disbursed according to this Act. Defines "military purposes and activities" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Directs the National Commission on the observance of International Women's Year to organize and convene a National Women's Conference. States that the Conference shall: (1) recognize the contributions of women in the development of our country; (2) assess the progress that has been made to date by both the private and public sectors in promoting equality between men and women in all aspects of life in the United States; (3) assess the role of women in economic, social, cultural, and political development; (4) assess the participation of women in efforts aimed at the development of friendly relations and cooperation among nations and to the strengthening of world peace; and (5) identify the barriers that prevent women from participating fully and equally in all aspects of national life, and develop recommendations for means by which such barriers can be removed. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. Requires regional meetings in preparation for the conference to be held in every State. Directs the Commission to prepare and submit to the President and to each House of Congress a report containing a detailed statement of its findings and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations of up to $10,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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 · 17 September 1975
Grants the Federal Power Commission emergency authority to exempt temporarily any activities or operations relating to the sale, transportation, transfer, or exchange in interstate commerce of natural gas or of commingled natural gas and synthetic natural gas, from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act, in order to alleviate the hardships caused by the natural gas shortage. Stipulates that no such exemption shall exceed 180 days. Directs that the Commission shall not deny the purchase price paid by an interstate natural gas pipeline company for gas exempted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Form Reform Act - Requires that all forms used by each executive agency shall be discontinued progressively over a five year period. States that no form may be placed in use by any executive agency after the effective date of this Act unless it has been approved by the Comptroller General. States that if the Comptroller General determines that the use of an existing form is necessary and that such form is as short, simple, and understandable as it can be, he shall approve the continued use of such form. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1975
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been, (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activites. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1975
Permits the Secretary of the Treasury under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act to withhold a percentage of the total entitlement payment for any period to insure sufficient funds for final allocation of funds among the state and local units of government. Appropriates to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Funds: (1) $1,625,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, (2) $6,687,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, (3) $6,837,500,000 for fiscal year 1978, (4) $6,987,500,000 for fiscal year 1979, (5) $7,137,500,000 for fiscal year 1980, and (6) $7,287,500,000 fiscal year 1981. Appropriates to the Fund as noncontiguous States adjustments: (1) $1,195,000 for fiscal year 1976, and (2) $4,780,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1981. Exempts amounts appropriated to the Fund from the provisions of the Congressional Budget Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report with appropriate recommendations to the Congress no later than September 30, 1980, concerning the extension of this title. Declares that if the entitlement of any Indian tribe or Alaskan native village is waived for any entitlement period, then the amount of such entitlement shall become part of the entitlement of the county government of the county in which such unit is located. Increases the maximum percentage points per entitlement period until it reaches 175 percent. Directs each State and local unit of government which receives funds under such Act to submit a report to the Secretary after the close of each entitlement period on the use of the funds received. Directs such unit of local government which expects to receive funds to submit a report to the Secretary on how it plans to use the funds it expects to receive. Empowers the Secretary whenever he determines that a unit of government has failed to comply with an applicable regulation to withhold all or a portion of the entitlement funds due such unit of government, to terminate the eligibility of such unit of government, and to require repayment of the entitlement funds expended. Requires units of government to provide an opportunity for citizens to give recommendations and views on the proposed expenditures of all funds within such units distributed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Freedom of Information Act Amendments - Prescribes guidelines and limitations for the classification of information which the President or head of an agency determines require limited dissemination in the interest of national defense. Prohibits the classification of information in order to conceal incompetence, inefficiency, wrongdoing, or administrative error, to avoid embarrassment to any individual or agency, to restrain competition or independent initiative, or to prevent or delay for any reason the release of information the dissemination of which will not damage the national defense. Provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, no designation other than "Defense Data" may be used to classify information in the interest of national defense. Enumerates the circumstances which justify the classification of information as "Defense Data". States that official information may be classified as Defense Data by the heads of the following agencies or designated personnel: the Department of State; the Department of Defense and the military departments; the Department of Transportation; the Energy Research and Development Administration; the Central Intelligence Agency; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and such offices within the Executive Office of the President as he may designate by Executive Order. Subjects to the regulations concerning authority to classify, and material which may be classified, that information originated or acquired by an agency and classified as "Confidential," "Secret," or "Top Secret. Sets forth regulations with respect to the declassification of material classified "Defense Data". States that such material including that originally classified as "Confidential," "Secret," or "Top Secret" shall be declassified automatically three years after its classification. Provides for the deferral of such automatic declassification when the sensitivity of the information involved is determined to require continued protection. Directs the heads of agencies who have the authority to classify or declassify official information to promulgate regulations with respect to the classification and declassification of information within their agencies. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to monitor the actions taken by the agencies to implement this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to report semiannually to the Committees on Government Operations of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the results of agency actions. Prohibits the withholding of information or material from Congress, any committee or Member thereof, or any United States court on the basis that such information or material is "Defense Data". States that this Act shall not affect any requirement made under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 regarding "Restricted Data" as defined in that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Extends the provisions of the Clayton Act to prohibit the acquisition by one corporation of the stock of another corporation when either corporation is engaged in or affects commerce and the effect of such acquisition may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly (presently limited to corporations "engaged in" commerce).
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Provides for the establishment of a Federal administration to acquire, rehabilitate, and maintain the track, roadbed, and associated fixed facilities of Northeast and Midwest railroads.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Declares that a greater unity of the Atlantic Community would strengthen the common defense, assure more adequate energy resources and improve commerce. Establishes an eighteen-member delegation authorized to organize and participate in a convention attended by delegations from North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies. States that the convention shall explore the possibility of agreement on the means to transform the relationship of such nations into a more effective unity based on federal principles. Provides for appointment of delegates to the convention. Allows the delegation to maintain a staff. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Defines the term "agricultural" under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the exemption from the tax on corporations. States that such term includes the art or science of cultivating land, harvesting crops or marine resources, or raising of livestock.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Truth in Government Act - Expressly makes Federal employees and elected officials criminally liable for knowingly and willfully making false statements in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
States that Congress endorses the objectives of the Organization of African Unity regarding southern Africa as expressed in the Dar Es Salaam Declaration of April 10, 1975. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should comply with the United Nations sanctions against the government of Rhodesia. Calls for support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 366, which demands that the Republic of South Africa withdraw from Namibia. States that the United States should cease all support for the Republic of South Africa until it ends its policy of apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Adds rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives. Provides that the Congressional Record shall contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks delivered on the floor of the House together with supportive data. Directs that revisions of the Record shall be limited to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors. Allows insertions in the Record of remarks not actually delivered on the floor by unanimous consent. Requires that such insertions be printed in a type face distinctively different from that used for verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Creates on the books of the Treasury of the United States the Abandoned Coal Mine Reclamation Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. Specifies that the fund shall be available for acquisition and reclamation of land and other specified similar purposes. States that the fund shall consist of funds derived from: (1) the sale, lease, or rental of land reclaimed pursuant to this Act; (2) any user charge imposed on or for land reclaimed pursuant to this Act, after expenditures for maintenance have been deducted; and (3) specified reclamation fees levied upon all operators of coal mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements of not more than 10 years duration to provide for land stabilization, erosion and sediment control, and reclamation through conservation treatment. Makes it the duty of land owners to furnish to the Secretary a plan, to be agreed to by both parties, setting forth the land uses and conservation treatment to be effected on the lands described in the agreement. Allows the Secretary to furnish assistance to such landowners to carry out the treatment necessary, up to a maximum of 80 percent of the cost, and on not more than 30 acres of land. Requires the Secretary to utilize the services of the Soil Conservation Service, and the State and local committees provided for in the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, and authorizes the Secretary to utilize the facilities of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire land or any interest therein which has been affected by surface mining and has not been reclaimed to its approximate original condition. Requires the Secretary to specifically determine the cost and the benefits to the public of such acquisition and reclamation. Empowers the Secretary to take title to land in the name of the United States under the eminent domain power of the United States where no such agreement can be reached. Encourages the States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed lands within their boundaries and to transfer such lands to the Secretary to be reclaimed under appropriate Federal regulations. Empowers the Secretary to make grants and matching basis to States up to 90 percent of the cost of acquisition. Requires the Secretary to prepare specifications for the reclamation of lands acquired under this Act. Stipulates that each reclamation contract be approved by the Secretary, and be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting lands to be acquired, to give priority to lands which meet the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to sell such lands under regulations that will ensure that such lands will be put to proper use. Permits the Secretary to use money in the fund to acquire, reclaim, develop, and transfer land to any State, or instrumentality of a State, if such is a necessary part of a project to provide State welfare services. Empowers the Secretary at the request of a Governor to fill voids and seal abandoned tunnels, shafts, and entryways.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1975
Provides for the establishment of a Federal administration to acquire, rehabilitate, and maintain the track, roadbed, and associated fixed facilities of Northeast and Midwest railroads.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Provides for the designation of specified lands in the Point Reyes National Seashore, California, which constitute approximately 38,700 acres, as wilderness. Provides that the wilderness designated by this Act shall be known as the Reyes Miwok Point Wilderness, Reyes Esteros Wilderness, and Point Reyes Clem Miller Wilderness. Designates Point Reyes National Seashore as a natural area of the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Removes the numerical limitation on Allen J. Ellender Fellowships to disadvantaged secondary school students. Authorizes $750,000 each for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and $1,000,000 each for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Railroad Right-of-Way Protection Act - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Makes Congressional findings, sets forth the purposes of this Act, and defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires, within thirty days after the date of enactment of this Act, all rail carriers to provide the Secretary of Transportation and the Rail Services Planning Office with one copy each of the latest edition of all employees operating timetables, with related special instructions; all temporary and semipermament "slow orders" currently in effect; all other current restrictions on train operation not included in the preceding items; and a verified statement indicating the maximum speeds authorized on each and every rail line for freight and passenger trains at all times since January 1, 1935, including the dates between which such speeds were authorized. Requires additions, deletions, and changes in such information to be promptly forwarded to the Secretary and the Office within seven days after any such addition, deletion, or change is made. Provides that the initial Interstate Railroad System shall consist of all rail lines operated within the United States by domestic railroad companies which as of the date of enactment of this Act are subject to traffic usage of at least 10,000,000 gross ton-miles per year per mile of rail line. Sets forth a procedure for additions to, and deletions from, such System. Requires the System to promote and enhance the ability of rail carriers to provide modern, efficient, and economical interstate rail freight and passenger service. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Army to study the long term capital improvement needs of System rights-of-ways. Title III: Interstate Railroad Administration - Establishes, in the Department of Transportation, the Interstate Railroad Administration whose functions shall be to acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, and modernize the rail lines of the System so as to fully develop the potential of modern rail service in meeting the transportation requirements of the Nation. Requires the Administration to make quarterly and annual reports on its activities and finances. Title IV: Acquisition of Rail Lines by Administration and States - Permits any railroad company to convey to the Administration its right, title and interest in all its rail lines included within the System. Directs the Administration to convey rail lines deleted from the System to the State in which such rail line is located. Directs the Administration and the States to assume responsibility for the maintenance and rehabilitation of rail lines so acquired. Establishes, within the Treasury of the United States, a Rail Rehabilitation Trust Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Trust fund $500,000,000 for each fiscal year beginning June 30, 1975, and terminating September 30, 1981. Stipulates that amounts in the Trust Fund shall be available for rehabilitating rail lines in the System in accordance with maintenance standards prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation, and for making grants to the States to rehabilitate State rail lines. Requires rail carriers operating over rail lines of the Administration to pay a user charge. Establishes a Rail Maintenance Fund in the treasury to provide funds for the maintenance of rail lines operated by the Administration. Directs that amounts received from the user charge be deposited in the Fund. Title V: Maintenance of and Access to Rail Lines of Railroad Companies - Requires rail lines in the System which are not conveyed to the Administration to be maintained in accordance with specified standards. Prohibits the abandonment of rail lines by railroad carriers without permission from the Interstate Commerce Commission. Title VI: Protection of Employees - Provides that no owner or operator of rail lines shall contract out any project for rehabilitation or maintenance work required by this Act of a value of over $450 per month in labor and materials which is normally performed by employees in any bargaining unit covered by a labor agreement between such owner or operator and any labor organization. Provides that owners and operators of rail lines shall take such action as may be necessary to insure that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors in the performance of construction work financed with the assistance of funds received under this Act shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Requires that protective arrangements be made for railroad employees in any transaction for access to rail lines, transfer of freight traffic, reduction of rail line capacity, or abandonment of rail lines. Title VII: Oversight and Enforcement - Establishes an Advisory Committee to: (1) monitor the activities of the Secretary, Commission, Administration, and States pursuant to this Act; and (2) submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the effectiveness of this Act in achieving the objectives thereof declared by the Congress. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any State or any rail carrier to disobey, disregard, or fail to adhere to the provisions of this Act or to any rule, regulation, order, or standard prescribed by the Secretary under this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this Act and to perform any other related duties which may be imposed upon him by law. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Exempts persons contracting for the joint use of railroad tracks and facilities from all prohibitions of existing law, including the antitrust laws of the United States insofar as may be necessary to enable them to enter into such contracts and to perform their obligations thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Prohibits nonnational flag carriers engaged in an given trade in the foreign commerce of the United States from charging rates which are lower than the lowest corresponding rate charged by any national flag carrier in that trade unless such rate is determined by the Federal Maritime Commission to be compensatory on a commercial cost basis. Sets forth procedures to be followed by the Commission in determining whether rates charged by nonnational carriers meet the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review specified lands comprising approximately 28,000 acres in the Sierra National Forest, California, for possible inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the designation of 1975 as International Women's Year has its full support. Calls for 1975 to be a time for launching new programs and forming new attitudes to overcome obstacles encountered by women in exercising their full human rights. States that Congress should take appropriate legislative actions to correct inequities. Calls for equal job and educational opportunities and greater representation at official conferences. Recognizes the unique problems faced by older women. Acknowledges the contributions of homemakers to their families and communities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Prohibits carriers of Federal employee insurance from reducing or excluding health benefits without such proposed changes being published in the Federal Register and without hearings by the Civil Service Commission on such proposed changes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Emergency Employment Appropriation Act - Authorizes the appropriation of enumerated sums for emergency employment for fiscal year 1975. Title I: - Authorizes specified amounts for the Comprehensive Manpower Assistance, Community Service Employment for Older Americans, and Temporary Employment Assistance programs in the Department of Labor. Authorizes specified amounts for the Health Services, Higher Education, and Social and Rehabilitative Service Work Incentives programs in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Authorizes $5,000,000 for the administrative expenses of the United States Railway Association in the Department of Transportation. Title II: Limits the application of sums under this Act. Prohibits the expenditure of sums authorized by this Act for the acquisition of motor vehicles other than motor vehicles manufactured and assembled in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Revises the Fisherman's Protective Act by directing the Secretary of Commerce, before the close of the ninety-day period after the date of the enactment of this Act, to identify any foreign enterprise engaging in commercial whaling. States that the names of such enterprises shall be published in the Federal Register. States that it shall be unlawful for any article produced or distributed by such enterprise to be imported into the United States. Provides that such sanctions shall continue until the foreign enterprise concerned has ceased to engage in commercial whaling. Provides that any action by such an enterprise to dismantle or convert any vessel used in commercial whaling shall be deemed to be prima facie evidence that such enterprise has ceased to engage in commercial whaling. Specifies that the sanctions shall continue to apply to any such enterprise which transfers whaling equipment to another enterprise which is engaged in whaling.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Authorizes the President to proclaim the 28th day of September 1975 as "Teacher's Day". Calls upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
New Americans Education and Employment Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants each fiscal year to each State, and to each gateway city, on such terms and conditions as he shall establish, for programs in education, job training, counseling (including health counseling), orientation, and other similar activities for the benefit of immigrants. Defines "gateway city" as meaning any city or unit of local government having a population of fifty thousand or more, 5 percent of such population being immigrants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants of up to $250 to each immigrant arriving in the United States not more than one year prior to the making of the grant, to enable such immigrant to travel for the purpose of changing residence from any gateway city to any State other than that in which such gateway city is located, if an employer in the place to which such immigrant is to travel under the grant certifies that such employer will employ that immigrant. Permits the Secretary to make additional discretionary grants to gateway cities to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for new immigrant grants and such sums as are necessary for the purposes of grants to States and gateway cities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendation as it deems advisable.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCloskey, Paul N., Jr. [R-CA-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000343_200.jpg)