United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stipulates that such park is not to exceed three thousand five hundred acres. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Requires the Director of the United States Information Agency to make available a master copy of four specified films ("Echoes," "Santa Fe," "The Numbers Start With the River," and "The Copland Portrait") prepared by such agency to the Administrator of the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. Directs the Administrator to provide for the distribution of copies of such films for public viewing in commemoration of the Bicentennial.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Railroad Right-Of-Way Improvement Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to provide, during times of high unemployment, assistance to create employment opportunities in building the Nation's railroad rights-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance during times of high unemployment for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed and underemployed persons in jobs maintaining or rebuilding railroad rights- of-way. Authorizes for such purposes, appropriations of $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $1,000,000,000 for the fiscal year 1976; and $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires such funds to be expended only for wages and employment benefits. Prohibits further obligation of such funds to be made subsequent to a determination by the Secretary that the rate of national unemployment (seasonally adjusted) has receded below 4.5 per cent for three consecutive months. Requires applications for financial assistance for a railroad right-of-way employment program to contain specified assurances. Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress at least annually a detailed report setting forth the activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Increases, under the Internal Revenue Code, the estate tax exemption to $200,000 (previously $60,000). States that the amendments made by this Act shall apply to the estates of decedents dying after December 31, 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Foreign Dairy Quality Act - Provides that no dairy product shall be imported into the United States unless it has been inspected and found to be wholesome and unless the foreign farms and plants in which such products were produced, manufactured, or processed comply with all the inspection, grading, and other standards prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Requires that such foreign standards shall be comparable to those standards prescribed by the Secretary for the same kind of dairy products in the United States. States that the labeling of imported dairy products shall comply with the requirements of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and shall be otherwise marked as the Secretary may require. Directs the Secretary to cause to be inspected all dairy products imported into the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act, and rules and regulations for the destruction of dairy products refused admission into the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the administration and supervision of the provisions of this Act. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Declares the finding of Congress that domestic supplies of natural gas and petroleum are not sufficient to meet present and anticipated national and regional needs. Declares that the purpose of this Act include: (1) to direct the Federal Power Commission to observe specified congressionally defined objectives in the administration of its authority under the Natural Gas Act respecting the curtailment of natural gas distributed in interstate commerce; and (2) to establish a means to compel transfers of supplies of naturl gas among natural-gas companies. Directs the Commission to review each curtailment plan which is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, and to modify such plan as to assure the attainment of the goals set forth in this Act. Provides that any curtailment plan shall, to the maximum extent practicable, provide for: (1) the protection of public health, safety, and welfare, and national defense; (2) maintenance of all public services; (3) maintenance of agricultural operations; and (4) minimization of economic distortion. Directs the Commission to direct the interchange, delivery, or transportation of natural gas among natural-gas companies as may be appropriate to the attainment of such objectives. Sets forth procedures for notice to the public and companies who may be affected by specified Commission action.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine if bounties, grants, or export subsidies are paid by foreign countries with respect to dairy products imported into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene immediately a meeting of the heads of all appropriate Federal departments and agencies for the purpose of taking such steps as may be necessary to prevent Arab discrimination against American business enterprises which have Jewish individuals serving in positions of major responsibility or which do business with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 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. Authorizes to be appropriated annually to the fund such amounts as are necessary to give the fund income of not less than $200,000,000. Requires to be credited to the fund any amounts necessary to maintain this level of income. 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 section. 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 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 such voids and seal abandoned tunnels, shafts, and entryways.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Youth Camp Safety Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to protect and safeguard the health and well-being of youth attending day camps, resident camps, and travel camps by providing for the establishment of Federal standards for the safe operation of youth camps. Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed eighty percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes to be appropriated $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, and for each succeeding fiscal year, to make the grants provided for in this Act. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Directs the Director to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a comprehensive and detailed report on his administration under this Act. Prescribes penalties for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Director to request directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics needed to carry out his functions under this Act; and such department or agency is authorized to furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the Director.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress and the director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments - Authorizes appropriations: (1) through fiscal year 1981 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) through fiscal year 1984 for the Appalachian development highway system; and (3) through fiscal year 1981 to carry out other specified provisions of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. Increases to 2,900 miles (presently 2,700) the construction authorized on the Appalachian development highway system. Extends the termination date of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 from June 30, 1975 to September 30, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides that the amount of the assets of a student and those of the students' family shall no longer be taken into account as one of the criteria for evaluating eligibility for basic educational opportunity grants under the Higher Education Act. Authorizes Federal interest subsidy payments on loans made pursuant to such Act if the students adjusted family income is less than $30,000 (presently $15,000), or, if the income is above $30,000, there is a verified determination of need. Authorizes appropriations of $1,260,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for work-study assistance grants to needy students.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides that in the determination of the annual income of recipients of veterans' pensions and dependency and indemnity compensation, the Administrator of veterans' Affairs shall not reduce the amount of such pension or compensation because of increases in monthly social security benefits under Public Law 92-336. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations for calendar years after 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 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. Authorizes to be appropriated annually to the fund such amounts as are necessary to give the fund income of not less than $200,000,000. Requires to be credited to the fund any amounts necessary to maintain this level of income. 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 section. 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 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 such voids and seal abandoned tunnels, shafts, and entryways.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Coal Mine Surface Area Protection Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to encourage a nationwide effort to regulate coal mining surface operations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) make investigations or inspections necessary to insure compliance with this Act and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto; (2) conduct hearings; (3) were public health or safety is involved, or the health or safety of the employee is involved, issue a cease-and-desist order for any operation; (4) order the revocation of any permit for failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Act or any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto; (5) appoint such advisory committees as may be of assistance to the Secretary in the development of programs and policies; (6) review and vacate or modify orders and decisions of the Secretary; and (7) designate certain areas as unsuitable for surface mining. Directs the Secretary to make an annual report to Congress concerning the activities conducted by him under this Act relating to the regulation of coal mine surface operations. Provides that an area may be designated as unsuitable for surface coal minig if the Secretary finds that it is not economically or physically possible to reclaim the land, or if surface mining is already being conducted in such area, the mining will cause irrevocable or lasting injury to the environment of the area or an area adversely affected by such area. Provides that, on and after the effective date of this Act, no person shall engage in coal mining surface operations without a permit issued by the Secretary under the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the information required to be submitted in an application for such a permit. Provides that an application for an original permit, and for any renewal of such permit, shall be accompanied by a certificate issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the United States certifying that the applicant has a public liability insurance policy in force for the coal mining operation for which such permit is sought. Provides that any bona fide resident of the area having a valid legal interest which will be affected by the proposed coal mining or the officer or head of any Federal, State, or local governmental agency or authority shall have the right to file written objections to a proposed mining operation. Provides that after such objections the Secretary shall hold public hearings at which the applicant for a permit shall have the burden of establishing that his application is in compliance with the applicable State and Federal laws. Provides that if the Secretary finds that the overburden of any part of the area of land described in the permit application is such that deposits of sediment in streambeds, landslides or acid in mineralized water pollution in violation of State and Federal water quality standards, whichever is higher, cannot feasibly be prevented, he shall delete such part of the land described in the application upon which such overburden exists. Provides that no application shall be approved if mining the area will adversely affect any publicly owned park unless screening and other measures approved by the Secretary are used. Provides that no permit application shall be approved under this Act if: (1) the applicant is presently ineligible to obtain a permit or license to conduct a coal mining surface operation under the law of the State in which the proposed mining is to be conducted; (2) the applicant has had a permit revoked by the Secretary under this Act; or (3) the applicant has violated, and continues to violate, any law, rule, or regulation of the United States, or of any department or agency of the United States, pertaining to coal mining operations or reclamation. Provides that no permit application shall be approved unless a plan of operation and reclamation is approved. Requires such reclamation plan to include a statement: (1) of the highest and best use to which the land was put prior to the commencement of surface mining; (2) of the use which is proposed to be made of the land following reclamation; (3) of the manner in which mining operations will be conducted and whatever actions will be taken to prevent adverse environmental effects; (4) that proper consideration has been given to insure that the plan is consistent with local environmental conditions and current mining and reclamation technologies; (5) that there will be provisions to maintain and improve where practicable the quality of water in surface and ground water systems; and (6) of the steps to be taken to insure that the coal mining operation complies with all applicable air and water regulations and health and safety standards. Provides that after a permit application has been approved, but before a permit is issued, the applicant shall file with the Secretary a bond for performance, payable to the United States and conditioned that the operator shall faithfully perform all the requirements of this Act. Provides that the amount of the bond shall be sufficient to assure the completion of the reclamation plan. Creates on the books of the Treasury of the United States an Abandoned Coal Mine Reclamation Fund. Provides that the fund shall consist of amounts deposited which are derived from the sale, lease, or rental of land reclaimed pursuant to this Act, and any user charge imposed on land after expenditures for maintenance have been deducted. Authorizes annual appropriations to the fund of amounts necessary to make the income of the fund not less than $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for each fiscal year thereafter. States that the first three priorities in obligating funds should be: (1) the protection of health or safety of the public; (2) protection of the environment from continued degradation and the conservation of land and water resources; and (3) the protection, construction, or enhancement of public facilities. Allows the Secretary to renew a permit for mining if the operation is in compliance with existing law. Provides that the Secretary may revoke any permit if, after a hearing, he determines that the operator has violated any provision of this Act or any rules and regulations of the Secretary issued under this Act. Provides that every operator shall reclaim the land affected by his mining. Provides that such reclamation shall include the removal and replacement of topsoil and the burying of any toxic material. Provides that no operation shall throw, dump, pile, or otherwise place or permit the throwing, dumping, piling or otherwise placing of any material of any type outside the area of land which is under permit. Authorizes the appointment of inspectors to make any necessary survey and inspection of coal mining operations and to administer and enforce all Federal coal mining laws, rules and regulations, and to visit each surface coal mine operation subject to this Act a minimum of twice monthly on an irregular basis and without prior notice to the operator or any of his employees. Authorizes appeals by anyone aggrieved under this Act in accordance with the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to apply for relief by injunction to enforce compliance with, or restrain violations of any provisions of this Act or any rule, regulation, or order made pursuant thereto. Allows any resident of the United States, who is injured in any manner through the failure of any operator to comply with the provisions of this Act, to bring an action for damages, including attorney fees, regardless of the amount involved, in an appropriate United States district court. Provides that the operator of a coal mine in which a violation of any provisions of this Act occurs shall be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary under the provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. States that any order or decision issued by the Secretary under this Act shall be subject to judicial review in accordance with such Act. Provides that nothing in this Act whall preclude or deny the right of any State or political subdivision thereof to adopt and enforce standards relating to the conduct of coal mining surface operations and reclamation, except such State or political subdivision may not adopt or enforce any standard which is less stringent than the corresponding Federal standard or regulation then being enforced under this Act by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee to consult with and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters involving or relating to coal mining research. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Authorizes the production of petroleum (including crude oil and associated gas and other hydrocarbons) from Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 at a rate to help insure that the needs of national defense are met, but not to exceed the maximum efficient rate in accordance with sound engineering and economic principles. States that such production is to commence within 45 days after the effective date of this resolution, and to continue for a period of not more than five years after production commences. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the production herein authorized by means of sales, uses, or exchanges effected, determined, or agreed upon after the effective date of this resolution. Establishes on the books of the Treasury Department the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account. Provides that this account shall be administered by the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. Stipulates that into such account there shall be transferred or credited during the perior of increased production authorized by this Act or as may be hereafter authorized (1) unobligated balances of appropriations made available to the Department of the Navy for fiscal year 1974, for exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, (2) all proceeds realized from the sale of petroleum or refined products, oil and gas products, including royalty products, and the net proceeds realized from sales within the Department of Defense of refined petroleum products accruing to the benefit of the Department of Defense as the result of exchanges, and (3) such funds as may be appropriated for the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account, to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Provides that the charge imposed on any household for a coupon allotment under the Food Stamp Act after the date of this Act and prior to December 30, 1975, may not exceed the charge imposed on such household for coupon allotments under rules and regulations in effect on January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1975
Provides no part of any appropriation and no local currency owned by the United States shall be available for payment of any expenses, nor shall transportation be provided by the United States, in connection with travel outside the fifty States (including the District of Columbia) of the United States of: (1) any Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or member of either House of Congress after he has been defeated as a candidate for nomination, or election, to a seat in the House of Representatives or Senate of the United States in any primary or regular election until such time as he shall thereafter again become a Member of Congress, or (2) any Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Member of either House of Congress after the adjournment sine die of the last session of a Congress if he is not a candidate for reelection in the next Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that the charge to a household for its food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the level established as of January 1, 1975, or (2) 25 percent of the household's income. Provides that, effective July 1, 1975, households in which all members receive supplemental security income benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program of the Social Security Act, or households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or general assistance grant shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program under this Act. States that certification of all other households shall be based on the uniform national standards for eligibility required to be established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Energy Disaster Assistance Act - States that the Governor of a State may request a determination that an energy emergency or energy disaster exists in any area in his State based upon his finding that the shortage or price of energy materials is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capability of the State and local governments affected. Provides that, during any energy emergency determined in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the President or the appropriate agency head is authorized: (1) to direct the delivery of energy supplies to the affected area; (2) to allocate energy supplies among distributors thereof in the affected area to establish priorities for allocation of energy supplies to categories of end users; (3) to establish an energy conservation program in the affected area; (4) to make emergency energy loans to individuals, families, and public or nonprofit organizations performing essential public services; and (5) to furnish technical assistance and make loans to re-establish new sources of energy supplies in the affected area. Authorizes the President or the appropriate agency head with the approval of the President: (1) by order, to direct the head of any Federal agency to terminate any contract for the procurement of energy supplies or to suspend performance under any such contract where such action is necessary in order to provide additional energy supplies in the affected area; (2) to establish price ceilings at all levels for one or more types of energy supplies; and (3) to impose compulsory energy conservation programs. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that advances of money under any appropriation for the Forest Service may be made to the Forest Service by authority of the Secretary of Agriculture for the control of forest insects and diseases in accord with applicable provisions of the Forest Pest Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Black Lung Benefits Reform Act - Provides that employment in a coke oven area where the coal dust is substantially equivalent to that in underground coal mines at the time of employment shall be deemed to be employment of a miner in an underground coal mine for entitlement to black lung benefits. Provides that, for the purposes of eligibility for benefits under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, if a miner was employed for twenty-five years or more in one or more underground coal mines there shall be a rebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, that his death was due to pneumoconiosis, or that at the time of his death he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis, and such presumption may be rebutted only by the negative result of a blood-gas study. Provides that if a miner was employed for thirty-five years or more in one or more underground coal mines there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, that his death was due to pneumoconiosis, or that at the time of his death he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not apply all or any portion of any requirement that a miner work in an underground mine where he determines that conditions of a miner's employment in a coal mine other than an underground mine were substantially similar to conditions in an underground mine. Provides for an offset for benefits received under this Act against workmen's compensation benefits. States that for the purposes of assuring that all individuals who are eligible for benefits under this Act are afforded an opportunity to apply for and, if entitled thereto, to receive such benefits, the Secretary is directed to undertake a program in cooperation with mine operators and the Department of the Interior to locate individuals who likely are eligible for such benefits and have not filed a claim therefor. Establishes the Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund in the United States Treasury from which the Secretary of Labor shall pay benefits after December 31, 1973, in any case where a qualified disabled miner will not receive workmen's compensation benefits. Provides that coal mine operators shall pay premiums into the fund to insure the payment of benefits under this Act. Provides that an operator who fails or refuses to pay any premium required by this Act may be subject to a civil action or assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to immediately rescind the food stamp regulations proposed on December 6, 1974, and take all necessary steps to insure that the Nation's elderly and poor will continue to benefit from the food stamp program to the extent which they presently do.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1974
Coal Research Laboratory and Energy Research Fellowship Act - Title I: University Coal Research Laboratories - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, after consultation with the National Academy of Engineering, to designate five institutions of higher education at which university coal research laboratories will be established and operated. States that, in making designations under this Act, the Director shall consider the following criteria: (1) the institution of higher education shall be located in a State with abundant coal reserves; (2) the institution of higher education shall have experience in coal research, expertise in several areas of coal research, and currently active, outstanding programs in coal research; and (3) the institution of higher education has the capacity to establish and operate the coal laboratories to be assisted under this title. Provides that not more than one coal laboratory established pursuant to this title shall be located in a single State. Specifies information to be included in applications by institutions of higher education desiring to be designated under this title. Authorizes the Director to make grants to any designated institution of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of establishing and maintaining a coal laboratory. States that no institution of higher education may receive more than $4,000,000 for the construction of its coal research laboratory, including initially installed fixed equipment, nor may it receive more than $1,500,000 for initially installed movable equipment, nor may it receive more than $500,000 for new program startup expenses. Provides that no institution of higher education may receive more than $1,500,000 per year from the Federal Government for operating expenses. Establishes an Advisory Council on Coal Research. Stipulates that the Advisory Council shall advise the Director with respect to the general administration of this title, and furnish such additional advice as he may request. Authorizes appropriations of not to exceed $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 (including the cost of construction, equipment, and startup expenses) and $7,500,000 beginning with the fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter through the fiscal year ending June 30, 1980, to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Energy Resource Graduate Fellowships - Authorizes the Director to award under the provisions of this title not to exceed one thousand five hundred fellowships for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and each of the five succeeding fiscal years. States that fellowships shall be awarded under the provisions of this title for graduate study and research in those areas of applied science and engineering that are related to the production, conservation, and utilization of fuels and energy. Provides that fellowships shall be awarded to students in programs leading to master's degrees. States that such fellowships may be awarded for graduate study and research at any institution of higher education, library, archive, or any other research center approved by the Director after consultation with the Commissoner of Education. Provides that recipients of fellowships under this title shall be: (1) persons who have been accepted by an institution of higher education for graduate study leading to an advanced degree or for a professional degree; and (2) persons who plan a career in the field of energy resources, production, or utilization. States that each person awarded a fellowship under this title shall receive a stipend of $4,000 for each academic year of study, and an additional amount of $500 for each such calendar year of study shall be paid to such person on account of each of his dependents. Authorizes appropriations of $11,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1974
Energy Disaster Assistance Act - States that the Governor of a State may request a determination that an energy emergency or energy disaster exists in any area in his State based upon his finding that the shortage or price of energy materials is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capability of the State and local governments affected. Provides that, during any energy emergency determined in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the President or the appropriate agency head is authorized: (1) to direct the delivery of energy supplies to the affected area; (2) to allocate energy supplies among distributors thereof in the affected area to establish priorities for allocation of energy supplies to categories of end users; (3) to establish an energy conservation program in the affected area; (4) to make emergency energy loans to individuals, families, and public or nonprofit organizations performing essential public services; and (5) to furnish technical assistance and make loans to reestablish disrupted sources of energy supplies or to establish new sources of energy supplies in the affected area. Authorizes the President or the appropriate agency head with the approval of the President: (1) by order, to direct the head of any Federal agency to terminate any contract for the procurement of energy supplies or to suspend performance under any such contract where such action is necessary in order to provide additional energy supplies in the affected area; (2) to establish price ceilings at all levels for one or more types of energy supplies; and (3) to impose compulsory energy conservation programs. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Provides that, within 40 days after enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to Congress recommendations or proposals for changes in existing law which are sufficient to limit budget outlays of the United States Government during fiscal year 1975 to $300,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Black Lung Benefits Reform Act - Provides that employment in a coke oven area where the coal dust is substantially equivalent to that in underground coal mines at the time of employment shall be deemed to be employment of a miner in an underground coal mine for entitlement to black lung benefits. Provides that, for the purposes of eligibility for benefits under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, if a miner was employed for twenty-five years or more in one or more underground coal mines there shall be a rebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, that his death was due to pneumoconiosis, or that at the time of his death he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis, and such presumption may be rebutted only by the negative result of a blood-gas study. Provides that if a miner was employed for thirty-five years or more in one or more underground coal mines there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, that his death was due to pneumoconiosis, or that at the time of his death he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not apply all or any portion of any requirement that a miner work in an underground mine where he determines that conditions of a miner's employment in a coal mine other than an underground mine were substantially similar to conditions in an underground mine. Provides for an offset for benefits received under this Act against workmen's compensation benefits. States that for the purposes of assuring that all individuals who are eligible for benefits under this Act are afforded an opportunity to apply for and, if entitled thereto, to receive such benefits, the Secretary is directed to undertake a program in cooperation with mine operators and the Department of the Interior to locate individuals who likely are eligible for such benefits and have not filed a claim therefor. Establishes the Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund in the United States Treasury from which the Secretary of Labor shall pay benefits after December 31, 1973, in any case where a qualified disabled miner will not receive workmen's compensation benefits. Provides that coal mine operators shall pay premiums into the fund to insure the payment of benefits under this Act. Provides that an operator who fails or refuses to pay any premium required by this Act may be subject to a civil action or assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1974
Places a limitation of $299,000,000,000 on expenditures and net lending under the Budget of the United States for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975. Provides that a pro rata reduction shall be applied to all appropriations other than for interest on the public debt, social security, and veteran benefits as necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1974
Revises the Higher Education Act to provide that employment under a federally sponsored work/study program shall be furnished only to a student who is in need, as determined by an individual or board appointed for such purpose by the president of the educational institution, of the earnings from such employment in order to pursue a course of study at such institution.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1974
Repeals the allowance of a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code to corporations for taxes paid to foreign countries or to possessions of the United States. Repeals the allowance of a tax credit to members of partnerships or beneficiaries of trusts or estates for taxes paid or accrued to foreign countries or possessions of the United States. Disallows the treatment of taxes paid by foreign corporations as a dividend received by a domestic corporation from the foreign corporation. Prohibits the use by a corporation of income, war profits, and excess profits taxes as deductions in determining taxable income. Removes the tax credit for taxes imposed by foreign countries or possessions of the United States on domestic insurance companies. Removes the tax credit presently available to corporate stockholders in foreign corporations for income, war profits, or excess profits taxes paid to any foreign country or possession of the United States. Disallows the tax credit presently granted to foreign corporations engaged in a trade or business within the United States for taxes paid to any foreign country or possession of the United States. Removes the tax credit presently granted to domestic corporations for taxes paid by foreign corporations of which at least 10 percent of the voting stock is owned by such domestic corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1974
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any interception of communication, other than electronic surveillance, surreptitious entry, mail opening, or the inspection of and procuring of the records of telephone, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions, of any individual without a court order issued upon probable cause that a crime has been or is about to be committed, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Provides that whoever, being an officer, agent, or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof willfully: (1) searches any private dwelling used and occupied as a dwelling without a warrant directing such search or maliciously and without reasonable cause searches any other building or property without a search warrant; (2) procures or inspects the records of telephone calls, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions of any individual without a search warrant or the consent of the individual; (3) opens any foreign or domestic mail not directed to him without a search warrant directing such opening or without the consent of the sender or addressee of such mail; or (4) intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept any wire or oral communication except as authorized by law; shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Requires that within 30 days after the date of an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication (or each extension thereof) entered under authority of law, or the denial of an order approving an interception, the person seeking such order shall report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representatives: (1) the fact that an order or extension was applied for; (2) the kind of order or extension applied for; (3) the fact that the order or extension was granted as applied for, was modified, or was denied; (4) the period of interceptions authorized by the order, and the number and duration of any extensions of the order; (5) the names of all parties to the intercepted communications; (6) the offense specified in the order or application; (7) the identity of the investigative or law enforcement officer and agency making the application and the person authorizing the application to be made; (8) a copy of the court order authorizing, approving, or denying such interception; and (9) the nature of the facilities from which or the place where communications were intercepted. Specifies that reports be made within 90 days after the date of an order approving the interception of a wire or oral communication on the disposition of all records of any such interception and the identity of and action taken by all individuals who had access to any such interception. Sets forth reporting requirements in the case of warrants issued authorizing the opening of mail.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1974
Provides that up to 25 percent of the total amount allocated to a State in any one year from the Land and Water Conservation Fund may be approved by the Secretary of the Interior for the development of indoor recreation facilities within areas where the unavailability of land or climatic conditions provide no other feasible or prudent alternative to serve identified unmet demands for recreation resources.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1974
Increases, under the Internal Revenue Code, the exemption for purposes of the Federal estate tax from $60,000 to $120,000. Provides that where there is a gross estate of less than $120,000, a return with respect to such estate need not be filed by the executor.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1974
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1974
Solar Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that it is the policy of the United States to pursue a vigorous and adequately funded program with the objective of utilizing solar energy as a major source for our national energy needs. Defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes the Solar Energy Coordination and Management Project to have responsibility for management and coordination of a national solar energy research, development and demonstration program. Directs the Project to carry out its duties in cooperation with specified Federal agencies, including the Atomic Energy Commission and the Federal Power Commission. Makes conforming amendments to the National Science Foundation Act and the National Aeronautics and Space Act. Instructs the Project to initiate a solar energy resource determination and assessment program, emphasizing identification of promising areas for commercial exploitation and development. Enumerates the specific goals of the determination and assessment program. Directs the Project: (1) to initiate a research and development program for resolving the major technical problems inhibiting commercial utilization of solar energy in the United States; (2) to implement a research and development program to demonstrate the technical means for securing and utilizing the resource base; and (3) to initiate a program to design and construct facilities to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing the various forms of solar energy. Details the goals of each such program. Authorizes the National Science Foundation to support, coordinate, and encourage the development of policies set forth in this Act. Establishes a Solar Energy Research Institute to perform research functions in connection with the Project's activities under this Act. Calls for the creation of a Solar Energy Information Data Bank, specifying the content of data to be collected and compiled. Transfers specified functions, documents, and personnel to the Energy Research and Development Administration. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1975, $2,000,000 for use in the preparation of the comprehensive program. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act, for fiscal years beginning after 1975, such sums as the Congress may hereafter authorize.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1974
Provides that each Member of the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, and the Delegates from the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands may hire not more than two additional employees who shall be known as John W. McCormack Senior Interns in honor of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. States that such interns may be hired for not more than two weeks during the period May 1 through May 31 of each year and shall serve within the District of Columbia. Stipulates that for this purpose each such Member, Resident Commissioner, or Delegate shall have available annually for payment of compensation to such interns a total allowance of $500, to be payable to such interns at a rate not to exceed $125 per week, out of the contingent fund of the House. Requires that no person shall be paid compensation as a John W. McCormack Senior Intern who does not have on file with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, at all times during the period of employment as such intern, an appropriate certificate that such intern is sixty years of age or older and a resident of the district which the employing Member, Commissioner, or Delegate represents.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1974
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a pension to each veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service at any time during World War I and who is not eligible for other pension benefits. Defines World War I as meaning the period beginning on April 5, 1917, and ending on July 2, 1921. Provides for a schedule of pension payments under this Act. Provides that if the veteran is married and living with or reasonably contributing to the support of his spouse, or has a child or children, the monthly rate of pension under this Act shall be $150. Provides that if the veteran is unmarried (or married but not living with or reasonably contributing to the support of his spouse) and has no child, the monthly rate of pension shall be $135. Provides that if the veteran has a disability by reason of which he is permanently housebound, the monthly rate hereunder shall be increased by $50. Provides that veterans in need of regular aid and attendance shall have their monthly rates increased by $125. Directs the Administrator to pay to widows of veterans, receiving benefits under this Act at time of death, pension benefits at a schedule provided in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1974
Provides for the termination of the Airlines Mutual Aid Agreement as being adverse to the public interest. Provides that such termination shall be effective as of February 1, 1973. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1382).
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1974
Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to provide for a study of the alternatives to the Tocks Island Dam and Reservoir project affecting the Delaware River and surrounding areas.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to provide for a study of the alternatives to the Tocks Island Dam and Reservoir project affecting the Delaware River and surrounding areas.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1974
Provides that when a statute or ordinance of a State or any political subdivision thereof: (1) provides for the collection of a tax by imposing on employers generally the duty of withholding sums from the pay of employees and making returns of the sums to the State or political subdivision; and (2) imposes the duty to withhold generally with respect to the pay of employees who are residents of the State or political subdivision; the Secretary of the Treasury, under regulations prescribed by the President, shall enter into an agreement with the State or political subdivision within one hundred and twenty days of a request for agreement from the proper official of the State or political subdivision. Requires that the agreement shall provide that the head of each agency of the United States shall comply with the requirements of the withholding statute in the case of employees of the agency who are subject to the tax and whose regular place of Federal employment is within the State or political subdivision with which the agreement is made. Requires that the agreement may not apply to pay for service as a member of the Armed Forces. States that this Act does not give the consent of the United States to the application of a statute which imposes more burdensome requirements on the United States than on other employers, or which subjects the United Sates or its employees to a penalty or liability because of this Act. Prohibits an agency of the United States from accepting pay from a State or political subdivision for services performed in withholding income taxes from the pay of the employees of the agency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1974
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Provides that postal officers and employees are exempted from the requirement that Federal employees sign an affidavit affirming that they do not advocate the overthrow of any constitutional form of government or assert the right to strike against the Government. Repeals the mandatory arbitration provisions previously applicable to postal employees. Makes employee-management relations in the Postal Service subject to the National Labor Relations Act. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 410)
![Official portrait of Rep. McDade, Joseph M. [R-PA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000399_200.jpg)