United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Provides that any municipality with a population in excess of one million inhabitants is eligible to file a petition for relief under this Act, if first authorized by the State, for the adjustment of the indebtedness of such municipality by a court of bankruptcy. States that a petition shall be insufficient to invoke jurisdiction of the court unless accompanied by a plan made in good faith for the composition or extension of debts and a statement of petitioner's current and projected revenues and expenditures adequate to establish that the budget of petitioner will be in balance within a reasonable time after adoption of the plan. Provides for notice of the provisions of such plan to the State, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and creditors or others who may be materially and adversely affected by the plan. Sets forth the priorities with respect to payment of debts in advance of any distribution to creditors in the settlement of obligations under this Act. Provides for a hearing for all interested parties on the confirmation of the plan. States that a plan of composition or extension may be confirmed only if, of the creditors voting in writing to accept or reject the plan, those holding two-thirds in amount of each class materially and adversely affected have voted to accept. Provides that no such acceptance shall be required from any class which, under the plan, is to be paid in cash the value of its claims or is to be afforded such method of protection as will, consistent with the circumstances of the particular case, equitably and fairly provide for the realization of the value of its claims. Prescribes the findings to be made by the judge in entering a decree confirming the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Provides that in civil actions where the United States is a plaintiff, a prevailing defendant may recover a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs, whether or not other costs are awarded or awardable against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines "household" under the Food Stamp Act as meaning a group of individuals who are sharing common living quarters, but who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, and who have access to cooking facilities and for whom food is customarily purchased in common. Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve any plan which permits any household to simultaneously participate in both the food stamp program and the distribution of federally donated foods. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget adjusted pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards of eligibility which shall include, but not be limited to, the amounts of liquid and nonliquid assets. Provides that household income for purposes of the food stamp program shall be the gross income of the household less: (1) a standard deduction of $100 a month applicable to all households; (2) an additional deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there at least one member who is age sixty-five or older. Limits eligibility to participate in the food stamp program to citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residency. States that no individual shall be considered eligible for the food stamp program as a member of a household if he is: (1) over 18; (2) is enrolled at an institution of higher education; and (3) is a dependent child for income tax purposes of a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Prohibits households which transfer liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program from becoming eligible for at least a ninety-day period. Requires the Secretary to issue photo identification cards to households certified eligible to participate in the program. States that households shall be charged thirty percent of their income for the coupon allotment issued to them. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further inssuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Provides for a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Exempts, under the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the Federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels. Exempts such organization from the tax on communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Establishes in the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Energy. Authorizes the committee to conduct a study with respect to all aspects of the exploration, research and development, production, importation, distribution, and use of all energy-related natural resources, including national priorities and policies with regard to energy.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a credit against the income tax amounts paid by an individual during the taxable year for the expenses of higher education for himself or any other individual. Limits such credit to 100 percent of the first $300 of such educational expenses, 50 percent of the next $300, and 10 percent of the next $400 of such expenses. Reduces such credit by 2 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $20,000. Reduces the amount of educational expenses otherwise recognized by this Act by the amounts received as scholarships, fellowships, and veterans benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Title I: Oil Pricing Act - Extends the authority of the President to promulgate regulations providing for the mandatory allocation of crude oil, residual fuel oil and refined petroleum products until January 31, 1979. Requires such regulations to provide for a primary ceiling price for controlled old crude oil not to exceed the ceiling price for controlled old crude oil pursuant to the regulation in effect on August 31, 1975, and for a secondary ceiling price for all crude oil other than controlled old crude oil. States that if the President finds at any time after November 1, 1975, that there is no shortage of a particular oil or product, and that exempting such product from regulation will not have an adverse effect on the supply of any other oil or refined petroleum products, he may exempt such item from regulations pertaining to either allocation of amounts or specifications of price. Title II: Oil Deregulation Tax Act - Imposes an excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code on the deregulation profits from taxable domestic crude oil removed from the premises during each taxable period, in an amount equal to 90 percent of the deregulation profit from each taxable barrel of crude oil removed. Allows a tax credit for persons subject to such tax in an amount equal to the lower of 50 percent of the amount of tax imposed for such taxable period or such person's plowback investment for such taxable period. Requires the purchaser of domestic crude oil to furnish to the person liable for such tax a monthly statement showing specified information, including: (1) the amount of domestic crude oil purchased from such person during such month, and (2) the amount of taxable domestic crude oil purchased from such person during such month. Establishes criminal penalties for willful failure to furnish required information regarding the deregulation profits tax on domestic crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Natural Gas Supply Act - Title I: States that it is the purpose of this Act to authorize the President or his delegate, the Federal Power Commission, and the Federal Energy Administration to deal with existing and imminent shortages and dislocations of natural gas in the national distribution system which jeopardize the public health, safety, and welfare; to provide protection of natural gas service to customers who use natural gas for high priority end uses during periods of curtailed deliveries by natural gas companies; and to assure increased supplies of natural gas at reasonable prices. Title II: - Interstate Pipeline Emergency Natural Gas Purchases Act - Grants the Federal Power Commission authority to allow interstate pipeline companies with insufficient natural gas for their high priority consumers of natural gas to acquire natural gas from intrastate sources and other interstate pipeline companies on an emergency basis free from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act. Title III: - Curtailed Consumers Emergency Natural Gas Purchasers Act - Allows curtailed high priority consumers of natural gas to purchase natural gas from the intrastate market by enabling them to arrange for the transportation of such gas by regulated interstate pipeline companies. Title IV: Emergency Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act Amendments - Provides authority to the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit the use of natural gas when petroleum products or coal can be substituted by powerplants and major fuel burning installations. Title V: - Propane Standby Allocation Act - Provides standby authority for the President to allocate propane during periods of actual or threatened severe shortages of natural gas. Title VI: - States that termination of the authorities granted under this Act shall not affect any action or pending proceedings, civil or criminal, not finally determined on such date, nor any action or proceeding based upon any act committed prior to such date. Title VII: - States that the Commission shall have no power to disallow, in whole or in part, in the rates and charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas company the amounts paid for new natural gas, except that in any case where a natural gas company purchases natural gas from an affiliate or produces natural gas from its own properties, the Commission may disallow any portion of the cost thereof in the rate or charge made by such company which is in excess of current prices paid to nonaffiliates for comparable sales of new natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Juvenile Delinquency in the Schools Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to curb juvenile delinquency, violence, and vandalism in the public schools. Authorizes appropriations under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Reserves 5 percent of the amounts appropriated for discretionary use by the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for grants to States and the District of Columbia to carry out programs complementary to the purposes of this Act. Reserves up to 3 percent of the amounts appropriated for grants to territories and Indian schools. Requires the remainder of funds to be allocated to local educational agencies within the States according to the following criteria: (1) the financial need of local educational agencies; (2) the extent and impact of delinquency and crime in the schools of the district to be served; and (3) the degree to which the district to receive funds under the Act has established effective procedures for the protection of the constitutional rights of students and employees of the school district affected. Requires recipients to expend not less than fifty percent of funds granted under this Act for educational programs, including renovation of facilities, but not including programs utilizing security technology and personnel. Directs that the remainder of funds appropriated under this Act be expended on specified activities designed to achieve the purposes of this Act, including utilization of security technology and personnel. Stipulates that no funds may be used to support the introduction, presence, or use of firearms, other weapons, or chemical agents in any school. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the officers and administrators of the various governmental institutions supported by public moneys should take steps to remove from facilities under their control all architectual barriers to the handicapped. Directs that funds for such efforts be taken from their discretionary funds.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Revises the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to allocate to the coastal States 37 1/2 percent of all rentals and royalties paid in connection with any lease on the Outer Continental Shelf. Exempts from such requirement funds credited to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. States that the proportion of the total amount set aside which shall be distributed to any coastal State shall bear the same ratio to such total amount as the amount of production sold from deposits adjacent to such coastal State.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Broadens the definitions of the terms "surviving spouse" and "head of household" for purposes of the income tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Provides that taxpayers may qualify for a refund on the basis of such broadened definitions for taxable years after 1967 by making application within one year of the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Indochina Refugee Children Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State educational agencies for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for educational programs, services, and activities for Indochinese refugee children in the schools of the local educational agencies of that State. States the form of and required information to be contained in an application by a State educational agency for assistance under this Act. Provides that the amount of the grant for each fiscal year to which a State educational agency is entitled under this Act shall be $300 for each Indochinese refugee child in that State. Authorizes to be appropriated to make the grants authorized by this Act $57,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $14,500,000 for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, and $29,000,000 for fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Declares the solidarity of the United States Congress in support of the democratic aspirations of the Portuguese people. Denounces the conspirational maneuvers of the Communists. Calls for congressional hearings on the Portuguese crisis. Urges NATO to warn Moscow against supporting communist subversion in Portugal. Calls upon Moscow to terminate such actions. Requests that the Department of State ask the Helsinki Conference to adopt a resolution proclaiming the right of the Portuguese people to determine their form of government through free election, and to appoint a committee to supervise such an election.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue gold commemorative coins bearing the seal or symbol of the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1975
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Permits the Federal Communications Commission to extend three-year broadcast licenses for an additional two years upon a finding of public interest. Requires in making such determination, considerations of whether different term lengths for radio and television stations and for different categories of licensees are in the public interest. Limits other class licenses to a five-year maximum, prescribing the renewal procedures for such licenses and the criteria to be considered in renewal, including responsiveness and lack of serious deficiencies. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Requires that any rule or regulation proposed by any officer or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government to implement a law or a program pursuant to a law must be submitted to both Houses of Congress for review. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective 60 legislative days after submission if Congress neither disapproves it by resolution or passes a concurrent resolution specifically approving such rule or regulation. Incorporates the provisions of this Act into the rules of the two Houses of Congress. Establishes procedural rules with respect to the consideration of a resolution disapproving the proposed rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines the term "income" as used in the Food Stamp Act as the monthly gross income of all members of a household, including any in-kind payment, and the total value of any publicly funded assistance payments which supplement food and housing needs. Excludes specified individuals from the definition of "household. Provides for the distribution of federally donated foods to households upon the request by a political subdivision that such distribution be made to all eligible households in lieu of food stamps. Excludes households from eligibility for food stamps: (1) if the monthly household income exceeds the poverty index level of income established by the Office of Management and Budget; or (2) if the market value of liquid and nonliquid resources of a household consisting of one individual exceeds $1,500 or the resources of a multiple member household exceed $2,250 exclusive of specified resources. Excludes from eligibility households which include an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who is enrolled in an institution of postsecondary education and such enrollment is a substitute for fulltime employment. Declares that a refusal to work at a plant or site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed a refusal to work which makes the household of the nonworking individual ineligible for food stamps. Rejects as an excuse for refusal to accept work a condition of employment which requires an individual to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any labor organization. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to require each household receiving benefits under this Act to report its income at least once each month. Requires food coupons to be designed with a space for the recipient to sign upon receipt and again at redemption. Requires one member of each eligible household to be issued a photo-identification card with a color photograph of the recipient. States that such card must be presented at redemption at a food store. Sets forth specific instructions to provide control and accountability over the distribution of food coupons to State agencies. Ties the value of the coupon allotment to the overall retail cost-of-living index. States that the "nutritionally adequate diet" as used to determine the amount of the coupon allotment shall mean the low-cost food plan developed by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. States that the United States Postal Service shall serve as a food stamp issuing agency upon the request of a State food stamp administration agency. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the States 100 percent of the costs of providing food stamps to eligible aliens, and 75 percent of the costs of State investigations, prosecutions, collections of claims and other State activities related to retrieving food stamp losses. Provides for payment by the Federal Government to the States of a share of the difference between the face value of the coupon allotment and the amount charged eligible households for the allotment. Sets forth the method of determining and paying the Federal share. Directs the transfer of all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Transfers all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Declares that a household shall not participate in the food stamp program while any of its members is on strike due to a labor dispute. Exempts any such household that qualified for food stamps prior to the start of such strike. Stipulates that any individual who is receiving at least one-half of his income from any member of another household shall not be considered as a member of a household for purposes of the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules for the purpose of determining the eligibility of such person.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Provides that a cooperative housing association shall be taxable in the same manner as a corporation under the Internal Revenue Code, except that income received from the following sources shall be tax-exempt: (1) tenant-shareholder in the case of a cooperative housing association; (2) owners of condominium housing units in the case of a condominium management association; or (3) owners of real property in the case of a residential real estate management association
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Energy Conservation and Oil Policy Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to this Act and defines the terms used in the Act. Title II: Standby Energy Authorities and National Civilian Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Authorizes the President to promulgate energy conservation plans, except that such plans may not impose gasoline rationing or any tax, tariff user fee, provide for a minimum price, or provide for a credit or deduction in computing any tax. Provides that such plans shall be subject to congressional approval. Authorizes the President to establish rationing programs pursuant to the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act, and to prevent increases in consumption of motor gasoline above the base volume during the 3-year period beginning on the date of implementation of a mandatory gasoline rationing program under this title. Allows the President to require reductions in consumption under specified circumstances. Authorizes the President to make provision for voluntary agreements among retail operators to reduce inconvenience to motorists in purchasing gasoline during periods when mandatory allocation programs are in effect. Provides for the international allocation of petroleum products to other countries pursuant to the international energy program. Authorizes the making of international voluntary agreements and provides for procedures to achieve the purposes of such program with respect to international allocation. Provides that the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission shall monitor the development and carrying out of such voluntary agreements which shall not be subject to the Federal antitrust laws. Provides administrative safeguards for the exchange of information necessary to carry out the international energy program. Creates, subject to congressional review, a National Civilian Strategic Petroleum Reserve of not more than one billion barrels of petroleum products, such Reserve to be established for the purpose of reducing the impact of disruptions in imports of petroleum products. Creates as part of such Reserve an Early Storage Reserve of not more than 150,000,000 barrels of petroleum products, such Early Storage Reserve to be established for the purpose of providing limited protection from the impact of near term disruptions of imports of petroleum products. Directs the President, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, to prepare and submit to the Congress a National Civilian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan which details his proposals for designing, constructing, and filling the storage and related facilities of the Reserve. Grants to the President the specific authority required to implement the Plan, including authority to purchase and dispose of petroleum products for the Reserve. Authorizes specific appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act relative to the National Civilian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan. Title III: Measures to Increase Energy Supplies - Provides a formula for computing a ceiling price for a first sale of domestic crude oil to take effect upon imposition of a windfall profits tax on producers. Authorizes the President to require production of oil and gas from designated fields at the maximum efficient rate. Provides for: (1) allocation of and restrictions on the export of materials and equipment found to be scarce, critical, and essential for development and transportation of energy supplies; and (2) construction and maintenance of energy facilities. Title IV: Energy Conservation Measures - Authorizes the President to change regulations issued pursuant to the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act upon a determination that such change will serve the purposes of the Act. Appropriates $2,000,000 for grants to State and local agencies to inform the public with respect to energy conservation grant programs, tax benefits, and inspections of homes and businesses. Provides for the establishment of guidelines for industrial energy conservation by the Federal Energy Administrator. Title V: Improving Energy Efficiency of Consumer Products - Specifies minimum fuel economy performance standards for passenger automobiles for model years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine and establish maximum feasible average fuel economy levels for light-duty trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles in each model year after model year 1977. Provides for labeling of new automobiles with respect to expected fuel economy. Provides civil penalties for manufacturers failing to meet required fuel economy levels established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to prescribe test procedures for determining energy use characteristics or energy efficiency (or both) of any class of product using more than 100 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. Authorizes the Administrator to require labeling with respect to energy consumption characteristics (1) major appliances, and (2) under specified circumstances, any product for which determination of consumption characteristics is required. Requires full disclosure of the energy characteristics are a subject of advertisement of such product. Provides for the assessment of civil penalties and issuance of injunctions for violations of the foregoing provisions. Title VI: Conversion from Oil or Gas to Other Fuels - Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit: (1) any major fuel burning installation, other than a powerplant, from burning natural gas or other petroleum products as its primary energy source; and (2) use of natural gas as boiler fuel, such authority to be conditioned on the existence of specified circumstances. Requires new major fuel burning installations to be constructed with a coal-burning capability. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to guarantee loans made to small coal producers for the purpose of opening new underground coal mines which produce low-sulphur coal. Title VII: General Provisions - Provides for the administrative procedure with respect to, and judicial review and enforcement of, this Act, including the assessment of civil penalties for violations of any provision of titles II, III, or IV, or a violation of any rule or order issued pursuant to any such provision. Provides that the authority to issue or enforce any rule or order under this Act shall terminate on June 30, 1985. Specifies the procedure for congressional review of energy action (as defined by this title) taken pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Removes from the class of aliens whose status may be adjusted by the Attorney General in his discretion to that of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence those aliens who continue in or accept unauthorized employment prior to the filing of an application for adjustment to such status. Makes it unlawful for any employer, or any agent or any person who for a fee, refers an alien for employment by such an employer, knowingly to employ, continue to employ, or refer for employment any alien in the United States who has not been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, unless the employment of such alien is authorized by the Attorney General. Provides that an employer, referrer, or agent shall not be deemed to have violated this Act if he has made a bona fide inquiry whether a person hereafter employed or referred by him is a citizen or an alien, and if an alien, whether he is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or is authorized by the Attorney General to accept employment. Requires that if, in a proceeding initiated within two years after the service of a citation by the Attorney General informing an employer of a violation under this Act, the Attorney General finds that any employer, agent, or referrer upon whom such citation has been served has thereafter violated the provisions of this Act, the Attorney General shall assess a penalty of not more than $500 for each alien in respect to whom any such violation is found to have occurred. Provides that further violation of this Act following the assessment of the above civil penalty shall make the employer guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof such employer shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, for each alien in respect to whom any violation of this occurs. Requires disclosure by employees and officers of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of information on illegal aliens who are receiving assistance under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Hobbs Act Amendment - Provides that anyone who interferes with commerce by damaging to the extent of $2,000 or more any property of a person where business is conducted or property is maintained shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than twenty years or both. Defines the term "extortion" to mean the obtaining of property from another, with his consent, induced by use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear, or under color of official right notwithstanding that the same acts or conduct may also be a violation of State or local law and notwithstanding that the actual or threatened force, violence, or fear was used in the course of a legitimate labor dispute or in the pursuit of legitimate union or labor ends or objectives. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1951)
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a credit against the income tax amounts paid by an individual during the taxable year for the expenses of higher education for himself or any other individual. Limits such credit to 100 percent of the first $200 of such educational expenses, 25 percent of the next $300, and 5 percent of the next $1000 of such expenses. Reduces such credit by 1 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $22,500. Reduces the amount of educational expenses otherwise recognized by this Act by the amounts received as scholarships, fellowships, and veterans benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides that blood donations shall be considered as charitable contributions deductible from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated, not to exceed $125 per year.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Fiscal Integrity Act - Revises the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act to define the term "Federal revenue and budget outlay limit" to be the amount derived through a specified series of mathematical formulas. Prohibits the concurrent resolution on the budget from including any provision which exceeds the Federal revenue and budget outlay limit. Requires that each House include in its report to its House a comparison of estimated budget authority as set forth by the President and by the concurrent resolution. Prohibits amendment of the concurrent resolution during consideration by the Senate or the House of Representatives which exceeds the Federal revenue and budget outlay limit. Requires that the impact of new budget authority and budget outlays, and a projection for the next five fiscal years of the impact of new tax expenditures on the Federal revenue and outlay limit be included in a statement accompanying a bill or resolution reported by a committee of either House. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to include in his five-year projection report, the concomitant predicted Federal revenue and budget outlay limits for each fiscal year. Prohibits a concurrent resolution from being reported at any time which increases total revenues or the budget outlay limit unless such limit has been suspended pursuant to this Act. Prohibits Congress from making any appropriation for any fiscal year in excess of the Federal revenue and budget outlay limit. Provides for the reduction of the public debt by any revenue which exceeds such limit during any fiscal year. Permits the suspension of the revenue and budget outlay limit by the declaration of a fiscal emergency through the passage of a concurrent resolution approved by two-thirds of the members present in each House. Requires that all bills of a public or private character introduced in either House of Congress have printed at the bottom of the first page a fiscal note which States the amounts likely to be the costs and savings achieved in the implementation of a bill.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish national petroleum reserves on any reserved or unreserved public lands of the United States except lands in the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, areas now under review for inclusion in the Wilderness System in accordance with provisions of the Wilderness Act of 1964, and lands in Alaska other than those in Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 4. States that no national petroleum reserve that includes all or part of an existing naval petroleum reserve shall be established without prior consultation with the Secretary of Defense. Authorizes the development of the oil and gas in the national petroleum reserves in the contiguous 48 States established pursuant to this Act. Requires competitive bidding procedures with prior public notice for any contract, lease, or operating agreement for development and production of oil and gas from a national petroleum reserve. States that the terms and conditions for such development, which shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior, shall be subject to disapproval by Congress. Provides that any oil or gas produced from such petroleum reserves shall, with exceptions, be subject to all the limitations and licensing requirements of the Export Administration Act. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to explore for oil and gas on Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 4 and to report annually to Congress on his plan for exploration of such reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
National Welfare Reform Act - Stipulates that no family shall be eligible for the aid to families with dependent children program (AFDC) under the Social Security Act if its total income, without regard to exclusions, exceeds 150 percent of the family's needs. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall provide the full cost of AFDC services to needy families who are not U.S. citizens and are lawfully present in the United States. States that unemployed individuals shall be ineligible for AFDC services for specified periods of time if such individual is determined to have, without good cause, refused an offering of bona fide employment or refused to participate under a work incentive program. Provides procedures for the determination of good cause. States that no sanctions will be applied for a ten day period after failure without good cause has been established, if the individual participates in counseling services. Sets forth procedures governing adjustment of AFDC grant overpayments. Prohibits AFDC grant payments where the caretaker relative is unemployed due to participation in a strike or because he has voluntarily terminated his employment. Defines "income" for purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to pay directly to any State up to 75 percent of the costs of investigating and prosecuting complaints of fraud under AFDC program. Requires that recipients of aid be issued a detailed identification card specifying the programs for which the recipient is eligible. Provides that any person who resides in the same household of an eligible family, but is not himself eligible for aid, shall be required to make a contribution to the State in an amount equal to the amount of the standard payment for single person household under the State's plan.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Provides that the House of Representatives of the 95th Congress and each succeeding Congress shall consider and adopt the rules of its proceedings. Limits general debate on the resolution incorporating the proposed rules to 10 hours, to be equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Correctional Services Improvement Act - Title I: Correctional Centers and Services - Authorizes the Attorney General to construct and operate correctional centers for specified criminal offenders, providing such services and correctional programs as educational, vocational, and recreational programs, medical, psychiatric, and dental care, and counseling. Specifies such centers as: (1) demonstration community treatment centers for the commitment or treatment of certain persons confined and awaiting trial, of persons sentenced to terms of more than one year, and of persons on probation or parole; (2) regional youth correctional centers for the commitment and treatment of youths and young adults sentenced pursuant to the Federal Youth Corrections Act; and (3) demonstration correctional centers for special offender groups of persons sentenced to terms in excess of one year or committed for an undetermined period, including such offender groups as the mentally ill or defective, the violent and dangerous, and women. Authorizes the Attorney General to contract with State and local authorities of the region in which a center is constructed for the use of the center's facilities, and to transfer title of such center to a State, without payment to the United States, after construction of the center and a determination that the center is operating efficiently and that the facilities will be available on a contractual basis for Federal offenders or other transferring States. Requires the center to be operated as such for at least twenty years after the transfer, and gives the United States the right of reverter in the event of breach of conditions of transfer. Creates a Federal Prison Review Board to: (1) prescribe minimum standards concerning the construction, operation, personnel training, and programs of jails and of correctional services owned or operated by a State or political subdivision in which persons accused or convicted under laws of the United States are confined or treated; (2) conduct subsequent periodic public hearings to review the extent of compliance with existing standards and the need for new standards; and (3) periodically inspect correctional facilities for the purpose of determining compliance with existing standards and the need for new standards. Authorizes the Attorney General to contract with appropriate State or local officials to pay the annual costs of implementing the prescribed standards, including capital expenditures for improvements and innovations in facilities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the construction and improvement of centers as prescribed by this title. Title II: Coordination of Federal Correctional Activities - Creates a Federal Corrections Coordinating Council, and specifies as its functions: (1) to issue guidelines for the operation of the Bureau of Prisons, the Board of Parole, the Youth Division of the Board of Parole, and the Division of Probation of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to improve the administration of criminal justice and assure coordination of policies respecting the disposition, treatment, and correction of all persons convicted of crime; (2) to consider measures and suggest studies to promote the prevention of crime, delinquency and criminal recidivism; and (3) to establish a program of continuous research and experimentation to develop more effective methods for the treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders. Provides that a court may require a person as conditions of probation, and that the Board of Parole may require a parolee, to reside in and participate in the program of a residential community treatment center, and to pay such costs incident to residence as deemed appropriate. Title III: Federal Corrections Institute - Establishes a Federal Corrections Institute to provide a coordinating center for the collection and dissemination of useful data regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders and to provide training for representatives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers, judges and judicial personnel, probation and parole personnel, correctional personnel, welfare workers, and other persons, including lay personnel, connected with the treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders. Authorizes the Institute: (a) to serve as an information bank by collecting systematically the data obtained from studies and research by public and private agencies on criminal behavior and recidivism, including, but not limited to, programs for prevention of crime and recidivism, training of corrections personnel, and rehabilitation and treatment of criminal offenders; (b) to publish data in forms useful to individuals, agencies, and organizations concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders; (c) to disseminate pertinent data and studies to individuals, agencies, and organizations concerned with prisoners, parolees, probationers, and other criminal offenders; (d) to devise and conduct in various geographical locations, seminars and workshops providing continuing studies for persons engaged in working directly with prisoners, parolees, probationers, and other criminal offenders; (e) to devise and conduct a training program of short-term instruction in the latest methods of treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders and prevention of recidivism for law envorcement officers, judges and judicial personnel, probation and parole personnel, correctional personnel, welfare workers, and other persons, including lay personnel, connected with the treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders; and (f) to develop technical training teams to aid in the development of training programs within the several States and with the State and local agencies which work directly with prisoners, parolees, probationers, and other offenders. Places the overall supervision with regard to the policy and operations of the Institute in an Advisory Commission. Title IV: Commitment of Dangerous Persons Found Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity - Provides that, whenever any person is found not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of the commission of the offense, the United States attorney, if he has reasonable cause to believe that such person if released unconditionally would constitute a danger to himself or others because of his mental condition, shall move for a judicial determination of the dangerousness of such person in the court in which the criminal proceedings were conducted. Makes provisions for this judicial determination, and for the commitment or release under custody of the Surgeon General of such person. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 4021-4025; 5041-5048; 4249; Amends 18 U.S.C. 5002, 3651, 4203)
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Requires, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, that all committee meetings, including the mark-up of legislation, shall be open to the public, except when the committee determines in open session by roll call vote that the disclosure of the matter to be considered would endanger national security or violate any law or rule of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Prohibits, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, a party caucus or conference from issuing binding instructions on a Member's committee or floor votes. Permits any Member so bound to raise a point of order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Requires, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, that records of committee actions be made available for public inspection, except for information relating to the national security or which violates any law or rule of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to take immediate action to implement a plan for the audio and video broadcasting of House floor proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Requires that all House-Senate conferences shall be open to the public and that no conference report shall be in order for consideration unless all conference sessions were open.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Provides, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, that any member in committee may demand a rollcall vote on any matter, and that a rollcall vote shall be required on any motion to report a bill or resolution of a public character from committee.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1975
Repeals the provisions of the postal law relating to the private carriage of letters. Eliminates criminal penalties for conveying letters and packets on a private express basis. (Repeals 39 U.S.C. 601, 602: 18 U.S.C. 1694 - 1697; Amends 18 U.S.C. 1698 - 1699)
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Limousine Limitation Act - Prohibits government agencies from purchasing, hiring, leasing, operating or maintaining limousines in Federal Government motor pools, or employing the services of chauffeurs. States that government agencies may not maintain motor vehicles for transporting elected or appointed government officers and employees between their home and place of employment, with specified necessary exceptions. Exempts the President, the Vice President, the head of each executive department, the Chief Justice of the United States, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority whips of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the United States Representative to the United Nations from the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Permits employers contracting with the Federal Government, under the provisions of the Work Hours Act of 1962, to compute wages on the basis of a four-day workweek consisting of ten-hour workdays. (Amends 40 U.S.C. 328 (a))
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Provides for a sentence of not less than five nor more than fifteen years for the commission of a felony with a firearm in addition to the sentence imposed for the commission of the felony. Provides for an additional sentence of from ten to thirty years for the commission of any subsequent felony with a firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, substance, or ingredient of any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage; and (2) shall not require a warning label on any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage.