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 · 24 June 1975
Authorizes additional appropriations under the International Travel Act through fiscal year 1978. Authorizes additional appropriations for promoting travel within the United States.
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 · 5 June 1975
Expands the size of Redwood National Park in the State of California. Requires management of the Park to emphasize protection of the resources downstream from the watershed.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Nuclear Energy Study Act - Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to undertake an independent comprehensive study and investigation of the entire nuclear fuel cycle as specified in this Act. Requires that all government agencies cooperate to the fullest extent with the Office. Requires that the Office provide annual reports to Congress and the public on the progress of the study. Directs the Office to submit a final report to the Congress and the public five years after the enactment of this Act concerning the safety and environmental hazards of nuclear fission power plants and the nuclear fuel cycle. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for each of the first five fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act to fund the investigation and study.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Provides that whoever robs any pharmacy of any narcotic drug shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than twenty years or both. Provides that whoever, in commiting or attempting to commit any offense described above, assaults any person, or puts in jeopardy the life of any person by the use of a dangerous weapon or device, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than twenty-five years or both. Provides that whoever, in committing or attempting to commit any such offense, kills any person shall be imprisoned for not less than ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the United Service Organizations, Incorporated. Provides that such corporation shall provide a voluntary civilian agency responsible to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense, through which the people of this Nation may, in peace or war, serve the religious, spiritual, social, welfare, educational, and entertainment needs of the men and women in the Armed Forces within or without the territorial limits of the United States. Requires that the corporation shall be nonpolitical and, as an organization, shall not furnish financial aid or assistance to, or otherwise promote the candidacy of, any person seeking elective public office. States that no substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall involve carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. Provides that the corporation, its regional, State, and local councils, organizations, chapters, and affiliates shall have the sole and exclusive right to use the names "United Service Organizations, Incorporated" and "USO" and such distinctive insignia, emblems, and badges as the corporation may lawfully adopt in carrying out its purposes. Authorizes the Department of Defense and any other agency of the United States Government, to provide such assistance as they determine is appropriate to enable the corporation to carry out its purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act - Prohibits the transfer of nuclear materials to any country which has not ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons unless the President determines, and the Congress by concurrent resolution approves, that such sale is essential to national security.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Provides for the payment of a special housing allowance under the supplementary security income program of the Social Security Act to each recipient of supplemental security income benefits whose housing expenses exceed an amount equal to 25 per cent of his or her income, so as to reduce such expenses to that amount.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should assess the situation in the drought-stricken areas where many people are suffering from malnutrition and are in grave danger of dying from malnutrition; (2) the President should report to Congress such recommendations as he determines to be appropriate to alleviate the malnutrition in such areas; and (3) the appropriate committees of Congress should give priority to any such recommendations of the President so as to expedite the response of the United States to the malnutrition problems in such areas.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should assess the situation in the drought-stricken areas where many people are suffering from malnutrition and are in grave danger of dying from malnutrition; (2) the President should report to Congress such recommendations as he determines to be appropriate to alleviate the malnutrition in such areas; and (3) the appropriate committees of Congress should give priority to any such recommendations of the President so as to expedite the response of the United States to the malnutrition problems in such areas.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to be composed of Cabinet members and Directors of government agencies. Specifies the duties of the Council, including the duty to assist communities, industries, and employees which may be substantially and seriously affected to make adjustment to closure and reduction of bases or cancellation or reduction of defense contracts. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Authorizes the Council to allocate economic development funds appropriated to Federal agencies to communities which would be substantially affected by reduction or elimination of Government military facilities or curtailment or conclusion of military contracts. Title III: Industrial Economic Adjustment - Requires defense contractors to undertake planning and preparation for the employment of the personnel and utilization of the facilities employed on a contract after its completion. Authorizes the Chairman of the Council to provide assistance to defense and nonprofit contractors on conversion to nondefense industry, and appropriates $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for such purpose. Specifies the criteria for assigning priorities among economic projects applying for support under this Act. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Fund - Requires payment to the Council of one-half of one percent of the amount of any defense contract for funding of the Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund to be established in the Treasury. Provides for the return of unexpended moneys of a contractor in the fund if all of his obligations under this Act have been discharged and he has not contracted with the Federal Government to furnish defense materials within 24 months. Title V: Economic Adjustment Assistance For Workers - Provides for the payment of economic adjustment benefits for workers or nonprofit contractors who have been displaced from private defense facilities for 2 years following such displacement. Provides that such assistance shall include up to 80 percent of weekly wages, maintenance of insurance coverages, vested pension credit, and retraining. Conditions the eligibility of workers for such benefits upon maintenance of registration with the Secretary of Labor and an agreement to accept employment determined by the Secretary of Labor to be suitable.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
African Development Fund Act - Authorizes the President to accept participation for the United States in the African Development Fund. Requires the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Governor, and an Alternate Governor, of the Fund. Requires the Governor to cast the votes of the United States for the Director to represent the United States in the Fund. Prohibits any person or agency unless Congress authorizes by law from : (1) agreeing to increase the subscription of the United States to the fund, (2) agreeing to any amendment which increases the subscription of the United States, or (3) making a loan or providing other financing for the Fund. Authorizes to be appropriate $150,000,000 as the United States subscription to the Fund. Stipulates that any reserve bank requested by the President to act as a despository for the Fund shall do so. Declares that the agreement establishing the Fund shall have full force and effect in the United States, upon acceptance of participation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Autistic Children Research Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) plan and develop a coordinated autism research program; (2) collect, analyze, and disseminate all data useful in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of autism; and (3) establish comprehensive, coordinated diagnostic and evaluation procedures for early detection guidance for autistic children. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out these provisions. Authorizes $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1977-1980 for loans and grants to any public or private nonprofit entity operating a center with education programs for autistic children. Defines, for the purpose of this Act, the term "autistic."
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Santa Moncia Mountains and Seashore Urban National Park in the State of California. Specifies which lands shall be included within the boundaries of the Park. Requires the Secretary to identify lands which should be acquired to achieve the purposes of this Act. States that with respect to improved properties, the Secretary shall not acquire fee title unless he determines that such property is being used, or is threatened with uses, which are detrimental to the purposes of this Act. Defines "improved property" as property on which a detatched single family dwelling is located or property developed for agricultural uses. Permits owners of improved properties to retain a right of use and occupancy for a definite term of up to 25 years. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs and to the Committees on Appropriations of the United States Congress a detailed program identifying the lands selected and the annual acquisition program which he recommends for the ensuing five fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with local government in establishing zoning laws or ordinances which will assist of achieving the purposes of this Act. Establishes the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashores Urban National Park Advisory Commission, to be composed of 15 members appointed by the Secretary for terms of three years each. Directs the Secretary to meet at least annually with the Commission to consult on general policies and specific matters related to planning, administration, and development affecting the park. Authorizes specific appropriations of up to $500,000 for the development of needed public facilities. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Authorizes the President to proclaim the last week in June of each year as "National Autistic Children's Week" to call the attention of the people of the United States to the plight of the autistic child, and the services which are available to help such children and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Requires, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, that no bill or report of a committee or conference be considered unless copies of such are available to Members at least four hours before consideration. Directs that it shall not be in order for the Speaker to entertain a request for the suspension of the provisions of this clause.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvements Act - Authorizes the appropriation of funds to the Consumer Product Safety Commission for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for the purpose of carrying out its functions, powers and duties under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Excludes tobacco and tobacco products from the coverage of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Expands the definition of "misbranded hazardous substance" to include ammunition only if it fails to bear such cautionary labeling relating to its storage in and around the household as the Commission may by regulation prescribe. States that the Commission may not classify ammunition as a banned hazardous substance unless it is found that the ammunition contains a defect in its structure, composition, or materials. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, to the extent such functions relate to the administration and enforcement of the Poison Prevention Packing Act of 1970. Provides that requests for appropriations on behalf of the Commission may not be submitted by the Chairman without the prior approval of the Commission. Authorizes the Chairman of the Commission, subject to the approval of the Commission, to establish noncareer positions in grades GS-16, GS-17 and GS-18. Sets forth procedures for the establishment of a consumer product safety standard. Makes unlawful specified acts forbidden by the Consumer Product Safety Act. Authorizes the Commission to provide to another Federal agency or a State or local authority engaged in activities relating to health, safety, or consumer protection, copies of any accident or investigation report made under this Act. Makes it a Federal offense to kill an officer or employee of the Commission while engaged in the line of duty. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1114)
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Imposes, under the Small Business Act, a moratorium on the repayment of principal and interest on specified loans made by the Small Business Administration for a period of two years or until such time as the President determines that the United States is no longer in a period of economic recession.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 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 · 7 May 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a deduction from gross income the value of volunteer services up to a maximum of $2,500 performed in a Veterans' Administration Hospital. Values such contribution on an hourly basis at $2 per hour or the minimum hourly wage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Offender Employment and Training Act - Title I: Federal Penal or Correctional Institutions - Authorizes the National Institute of Corrections from a fund to be established called the Federal Employment and Training Fund, to make grants and loans to, or contract with qualified applicants, establish within or without any Federal penal or correctional institution projects for the purpose of training or employing offenders. Stipulates that no loan or grant shall be made unless the National Institute of Corrections determines that: (1) offenders shall receive wages at a rate not less than similar workers in the locality; (2) any products or services may be sold just as if non-offenders provided them; (3) the offenders are likely by reason of their involvement in such projects to find employment following their release; (4) benefits, such as unemployment compensation, are available to offenders and non-offenders alike; and (5) deductions from gross wages shall not exceed 80 percent of gross wages. Authorizes annual appropriations to the fund to make its income not less than $10,000,000 in any fiscal year. Provides for the monitoring and evaluation of any project entered into pursuant to this Act by the Comptroller General of the National Institute of Corrections.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Prohibits, except as provided in this Act, the inspection of tax returns and the disclosure of information contained in such returns. Authorizes the inspection of returns by or disclosure to (1) the taxpayer or his representative; (2) employees of the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Justice solely for purposes of enforcement of the tax laws; (3) State agencies charged with administration of the tax laws only for that purpose; (4) the President of the United States in the performance of his official duties; and (5) the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation for statistical purposes only. Increases the criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure or receipt of information under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Low-Income Home Insulation Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the effective insulation of existing homes of low- income households through Federal grant programs. Authorizes the Director of the Community Services Administration to make grants to the States upon annual application. States that the Director shall develop and publish criteria to evaluate State applications. Provides for reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing before final disapproval of an application. Directs that no more than 15 percent per annum of the grant to any State may be used by the State for administration of the grant. Provides that no more than 12 1/2 percent per annum of the total amount appropriated for any fiscal year under this Act may be granted to any State. Authorizes the Director to require a State receiving a Federal assistance under this Act to file with the Director reports upon necessary to enable the Director to carry out his functions under this Act. Requires States receiving aid to keep such records as necessary to assure an effective audit of the disposition of the funds. Authorizes the Director to take specified actions to enforce the provisions of the applications. Provides for review of the Director's final action to the United States Court of Appeals. Provides sanctions against discrimination by any program funded by this Act. States that wages for employees paid with funds secured by this Act shall be at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality. Requires the Director to submit, by March 31, 1978, a report to the President and Congress presenting the results of insulation programs receiving Federal assistance under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the three succeeding fiscal years for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Food Research and Development Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to fund new research for the purpose of assisting the development and utilization, in the United States and other countries, of (1) new low-cost foods of high nutritional value, and (2) improved, low-cost methods of food and animal feed production, fertilizer production, and irrigation which make maximum efficient use of energy, land, water, and protein resources and promote the preservation of environmental quality. Establishes a Food Research Advisory Committee within the Department of Agriculture. Sets forth the membership of the Committee. Directs the Committee, in accordance with this Act, to (1) determine specialized research areas; (2) accept evaluations for research grants from review boards appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (3) make recommendations to the Secretary. Establishes within the Committee a review board for each specialized research area with regard to which the Committee makes recommendations for the purpose of awarding grants under this Act. Requires each review board to recommend to the Committee applications on the basis of the scientific merit, feasibility, and significance of the research project proposed in the application and on the basis of the competency and facilities of the applicant to perform the project. Provides that grants shall be made to approved applicants for the purpose of financing research projects which are designed to develop new, low-cost foods of high nutritional value and to improve methods of food and fertilizer production through making maximum efficient use of energy, land, water, and protein resources while promoting environmental quality. Stipulates that not less than 10 percent of the sums available for grants shall be served for applicants from agriculturally underdeveloped nations. Establishes a Special Food Research and Development Fund, to make research grants under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of this Act, and such sums as may be necessary thereafter. Specifies that at least 85 percent of such appropriations must be appropriated to the Special Food Research and Development Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Prisoner Rights Act - Prohibits the inhumane treatment, as defined by the Act, of Federal prisoners. Requires the immediate discharge of any Federal employee engaging in such prohibited conduct. Sets forth minimum standards to be followed before a Federal prisoner may be placed in solitary confinement and regulates the treatment of such prisoner while so confined. Directs the Attorney General to establish grievance procedures for Federal prisoners. Declares that any such prisoner shall be entitled to report any grievance. Provides for the investigation by independent investigators appointed by the Attorney General of alleged grievances. Sets forth visitation rights for the friends, relatives, and attorneys of Federal prisoners.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall elect two Senators and the number of Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State. States that each Senator or Representative so elected shall be an inhabitant of the District and shall possess the same qualifications as to age and citizenship and have the same rights, privileges, and obligations as a Senator or Representative from a State.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements used in the distribution or sale of a trademarked soft drink product or a trademarked private label food product shall not be deemed unlawful per se and may be judged on any basis other than a per se basis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Emergency Low-Income Housing Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance for the purpose of producing 3,000,000 new dwelling units for low-income individuals. Authorizes additional appropriations under the National Housing Act and the Housing Act to finance the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Plutonium Recovery Control Act - Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from licensing, permitting, or otherwise authorizing, except for military or research and development purposes, (1) the operation of any nuclear power reactor using recycled plutonium fuel, or (2) the construction or operation of any facility which reprocesses or recovers plutonium from spent nuclear power reactor fuel. Requires the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct and complete within three years a comprehensive study of the recycling of plutonium for the purpose of determining the extent of the dangers to the public health and safety and to the environment from such recycling. States that such study shall include: (1) investigation of the toxicity and carcinogenic characteristics of plutonium; (2) investigation of the risks of the unauthorized diversion or theft of plutonium; and (3) consideration of the development of systems for the use of plutonium which will assure the protection of the public health and safety and the environment. Provides that the prohibitions expressed in this Act shall continue until Congress legislates otherwise.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements used in the distribution or sale of a trademarked soft drink product or a trademarked private label food product shall not be deemed unlawful per se and may be judged on any basis other than a per se basis.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Authorizes the diversion and withdrawal of additional water from Lake Michigan into the Illinois Waterway. Requires the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, to at all times have direct control and supervision of the amounts of water directly diverted from Lake Michigan under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Makes the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to adulterated cosmetics applicable to hair dyes by removing the exemption for hair dyes from the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Requires, under the Public Buildings Act, that the Administrator of General Services consult with local governments with respect to the potential effects of construction of buildings for the use of Federal agencies. Requires the Postmaster General to engage in such consultation with respect to the construction of postal facilities. States that such consultation shall seek to determine the impact of such construction on the environment, economic growth, zoning requirements and objectives, traffic flow, and other similar considerations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Provides that all meetings of Government agencies at which official action is considered or discussed shall be open to the public. Excludes from this requirement any portion of an agency meeting where the agency determines by vote of a majority of its entire membership that the meeting: (1) will probably disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and procedures or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual; (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes; (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person; or (6) will relate to the conduct or disposition of a case or adjudication governed by specified sections of the United States Code. Requires each agency to make a public announcement of the date, place, subject matter of each meeting, and whether open or closed to the public, at least one week before each meeting. Requires that a transcript or electronic recording of each such meeting, together with any official minutes of such meeting be made available to the public for inspection. Permits an agency by majority vote to delete from the transcripts or recordings made available to the public specified materials. Directs each agency to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States to enforce the requirements fo this Act. Prohibits ex parte communication between interested persons and members of the agency in question, or an administrative judge, or an employee who is or may be involved in the decisional process of the proceeding. Requires each agency subject to such prohibition to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this Act. Grants to the district courts of the United States the jurisdiction to enforce such prohibitions by declaratory judgement, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Defines "ex parte communication" as meaning a communication relevant to an on-the-record agency proceeding where such communication is not made openly or on the record.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Makes it a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any retailer to increase the price of consumer commodities once he marks the price on any such consumer commodity, and permits the Federal Trade Commission to order any such retailer to refund any amounts of money obtained by increasing the price of such consumer commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Mexican-American Rural Community Anti-Poverty Act - Provides that rural poverty among the Nations' Mexican-American population should be eliminated through those means most suitable to encourage the development of Mexican-American community life and culture. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to the governing boards of community land grants to provide services for the communities and to eradicate poverty. Enumerates the criteria to be met by an application for such funding and authorizes appropriations for the grants. Establishes a temporary commission to be known as the Special Commission on Rural Poverty and Guadalupe- Hidalgo Land Rights. Directs the Commission to make a comprehensive study and analysis of the provisions of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo between the United States and Mexico and determine: (1) what property rights were vested by the treaty in private landholders and their heirs; (2) whether those rights have been properly protected by the United States since 1848; and (3) if the Commission finds that such rights have not been properly protected, the most equitable means of settling claims it deems meritorious. Sets forth the membership and administrative powers of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress and to the President on the activities carried out pursuant to this Act not later than March 1, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Title I: Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Checks - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish procedures for expedited payment of monthly benefits. Requires the Secretary, within one day after the date an individual files for late payment of benefits, to cause such monthly insurance benefits to be paid. Title II: Expediting of Hearings and Determination - States that in the administration of the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures designed to assure that: (1) any duly requested hearing to which an individual is entitled thereunder will be held within a reasonable period of time after such hearing is so requested, if such hearing is requested with respect to a determination of entitlement to benefits; and (2) not later than ninety days after such a hearing is requested, the Secretary shall render a final determination on the issues which were the subject of such hearing, or if no final determination of the Secretary has been made at that time, the Secretary shall make payments of benefits to such individual in like manner as if a final determination has been made fully in favor of such individual. Title III: Expedited Payment of Black Lung Benefits; and Expedited Hearings and determinations Respecting Such Benefits - Provides for expedited payments of black lung benefits under the Federal coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting hearings and hearings and determinations on claims for such benefits. Title IV: Limitation of Benefit Reduction to Compensate for Benefit Overpayment - Limits to 25 percent the reduction that may be made in an individual's Social Security benefit check for any month because of any previous overpayment of monthly benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Allows a deduction from gross income under the Internal Revenue code of up to $1250 ($625 in the case of a married individual filing separately) for social agency, legal, and related expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child by the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Parole Reorganization Act - Establishes, as an independent entity in the Department of Justice, a United States Parole Commission, to consist of a national office and five regional offices. States that the Commission shall have the power to establish general policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations for the Commission, including rules with respect to the factors to be taken into account in determining whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole. Provides that the Commission shall meet not less frequently than quarterly to establish its general policies and rules. States that, whenever confined and serving a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, a prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole after serving one-third of such term or terms or after serving ten years of a life sentence or of a sentence over thirty years. Stipulates that a prisoner shall be released on parole if his record shows that he has substantially observed the rules of the institution in which he is confined on the date of his eligibility for parole, unless it is determined by an examining panel that he should not be released on such date for one or more of the following reasons: (1) there is a reasonable probability that such prisoner will not live and remain at liberty without violating any ciminal law; (2) there is a reasonable probability that such release would be incompatible with the welfare of society; or (3) the prisoner's release on such date would so deprecate the seriousness of his crime as to undermine respect for the law. Requires the regional offices to hold a hearing in making a determination of whether to release a prisoner on parole. Sets forth the procedure to be followed in such hearings. Authorizes the regional Commissions to impose such conditions of parole as are deemed reasonably necessary to insure that the parolee will lead a law-abiding life or to assist him in doing so. Provides, with certain exceptions, that the jurisdiction of the Commission over the parolee shall terminate no later than the date of the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which he was sentenced. States that if the regional commissioner believes that any parolee has violated a condition of his parole, or that there is reason to terminate any parolee's assignment to a center or similar facility, he may order such parolee to appear before him or before a hearing examiner, or issue a warrant and retake the parolee as provided in this Act. Requires that a hearing be held on such a matter. Authorizes the courts to fix eligibility for parole at the time of sentencing of an individual. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide that any prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole if such prisoner is ineligible for such release under any other provision of law. Requires the Commission to report annually to each House of Congress on the activities of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Preschool Children Educational Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to States having an approved plan to provide preschool assistance for school-based educational programs for children aged four. Authorizes $150,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the provisions of the Act. Sets forth the criteria State plans must meet for eligibility under this Act, including establishing an advisory council to assist the State educational agency in the administration of this program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, that the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shall be responsible to the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. States that the Director shall not delegate any of his functions to any other officer who is not directly responsible to him.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of title XII of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, creating a National Commission on individual Rights, be immediately implemented.
United States · United States Congress · 26 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Metcalfe, Ralph H. [D-IL-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000675_200.jpg)