United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Emergency Housing Act - Title I: Emergency Middle-Income Housing - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial assistance with regard to home mortgages for middle-income families: (1) by making, and contracting to make, periodic interest reduction payments; and (2) by purchasing, and committing to purchase, below-market-interest-rate mortgages, through the facilities of the Government National Mortgage Association. Provides that the aggregate amount of mortgages assisted under this title shall not exceed amounts approved in appropriation Acts, and in no event shall such amount exceed $7,500,000,000. Provides that in making financial assistance available under this part, the Secretary shall take appropriate steps to encourage the construction or sale of dwelling units which he determines will contribute to the conservation of land and energy resources because of their design or their location in clusters or projects or otherwise. Title II: Emergency Mortgage Relief Payments - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency mortgage relief payments on behalf of homeowners who are delinquent in their mortgage payments. Authorizes to be appropriated for purposes of this title up to $250,000,000. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning specified characteristics of the housing market.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Provides that no veteran may be denied care or treatment at non-Veteran's Administration Hospitals under the CHAMPUS program for any service-connected disability solely because care or treatment for such disability is available at Veterans' Administration medical facilities. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1086(f))
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Financial Support Fund Act - Authorizes the President to accept membership for the United States in the new international financial organization provided for by the Agreement Establishing a Financial Support Fund of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue guarantees, backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, for the purpose of carrying out the financial obligations of the United States under the terms of the Agreement, up to a specified amount.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Weatherization Assistance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to develop and implement weatherization programs to insulate the dwellings of low-income persons, particularly those who are elderly, in order to conserve needed energy and aid those persons least able to afford higher energy costs. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to provide grants to State Governors and the Mayor of the District of Columbia and to transfer funds to the Commission of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to assist in carrying out home weatherization programs. Directs the Administrator to develop and publish criteria by which application for funds may be evaluated. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $55,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1976,1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Protection. States that the Agency shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a comprehensive statement of the activities and accomplishments of the Agency during the preceding calendar year, including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and such recommendations for legislation necessary or desirable to protect the interests of consumers within the United States. Directs the Agency, in the performance of its functions, to advise the Congress and the President as to matters affecting the interests of consumers; and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services made available to them through the trade and commerce of the United States. States the functions of the Agency, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; and (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance for public inspection and copying of which the Agency has received, arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken by it. Directs the Agency to investigate and report to Congress on the desirability and feasibility of establishing a National Consumer Information Foundation which would administer a voluntary, self-supporting, information tag program. Prohibits sex discrimination in any program activity receiving Federal assistance under the Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act such sums as may be required for fiscal year 1976, for the transitional period July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, and for fiscal years 1977 and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 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 · 16 June 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Affairs Act - Title I: Arts and Humanities - Authorizes, under the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts to make grants to the American Film Institute. Authorizes, under the same Act, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish a grants-in- aid program for existing and developing humanities programs in States which meet the standards set forth in such Act. Sets forth the requirements for applications by States for such grants. Sets forth the policy by which funds will be allotted to States under this Act. Establishes the minimum amount which will be allotted at $100,000. Provides for 100 percent funding of State programs in specified cases, and for grants to multi-State groups. Directs the chairman to withhold further grants or require repayment of grants already made when noncompliance by the State agency receiving such grants is discovered. Authorizes, under the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, the appropriation of $113,500,000 for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 for programs of the National Endowment for the Arts. Authorizes, under such Act, identical appropriations for programs of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Authorizes, under such Act, the appropriation of up to $25,000,000 per year, each to the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities for each year through fiscal year 1980, for the purpose of matching donations made to each endowment. Title II: Museum Service and Exhibitions - Museum Services Act - Establishes an Institute for the Improvement of Museum Services within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that such Institute shall consist of the Director of the Institute and a National Museum Services Board. States that the Board shall consist of fifteen members appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate and eight ex officio members as set forth in this Act. Sets forth the terms of office of the members of the Board. Provides that the Board shall have the responsibility for the general policies with respect to the powers, duties, and authorities vested in the Institute under this Act. States that the Director shall make available to the Board such information and assistance as may be necessary to enable the Board to carry out its functions. Provides that the Director shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall serve at the pleasure of the President and perform such duties and exercise such powers as the Board may prescribe. States that there shall be a Deputy Director who shall be appointed by the President and serve at his pleasure. States that the Deputy Director shall serve as Director during the absence or disability of the Director, or in the event of a vacancy in the office of Director. Sets forth a list of activities for which the Director, subject to the approval of the Board, is authorized to make grants to museums to increase and improve museum services. Provides that grants under this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the cost of the program for which the grant is made. Gives the Institute the authority to accept in the name of the United States grants, gifts, or bequests of money for immediate disbursement in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $30,000,000 for each of the succeeding fiscal years ending prior to October 1978. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount equal to the amount contributed to the Institute under this Act during such time period. Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act - Authorizes the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities to indemnify works of art, printed matter, other artifacts and objects and motion pictures or recordings which have educational, cultural, historical or scientific value, and whose exhibition is certified by the Secretary of State as being in the national interest. Sets forth the procedures to be followed in applying to the Council for the indemnification of works as provided by this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to pay any amount for which the Council becomes liable under any indemnification agreement. Limits the coverage under this Act to loss or damage in excess of the first $25,000 out of a single incident. Directs the Council to issue regulations providing for prompt adjustment of all claims arising under valid agreements of indeminification, including the arbitration of the dollar value of damage not amounting to total loss. Directs the Council to certify the validity of all claims to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary: (1) to enable the Council to carry out its functions under this Act; and (2) to pay certified claims. Directs the Council to report annually to Congress: (1) all claims paid during the preceding fiscal year; (2) claims pending as of the close of such period; and (3) the total face value of outstanding contracts at the close of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Equal Opportunity and Full Employment Act - Directs the President, with the assistance of the Council of Economic Advisors, to transmit annually a full employment and production program to the Congress. Sets forth a summary of the content to be contained in such annual report. Provides for annual Labor Reports of the President. Requires the Labor Reports to provide detailed attention on a continuing and progressively analytical basis to the changing volume and composition of the American labor supply. Renames the United States Employment Service as the United States Full Employment Service. Creates a Job Guarantee Office in the United States Full Employment Office headed by a Job Guarantee Officer whose responsibility is to provide useful and rewarding employment for any American, able and willing to work but not yet working, unable otherwise to obtain work, and applying to such office for assistance. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to carry out responsibilities under this Act upon the recommendation and approval of the local planning councils. Requires that each Job Guarantee Office in carrying out its responsibilities shall insure that among projects planned that adequate consideration be given to such individuals and groups as may face special obstacles in finding and holding useful and rewarding employment and shall provide or have provided through the coordination of existing programs special assistance including but not limited to counseling, training, and, where necessary, transportation and migration assistance. Provides that such individuals and groups shall include (1) those suffering from past or present discrimination or bias on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin; (2) older workers and retirees; (3) the physically or mentally handicapped; (4) youths to age 21; (5) potentially employable recipients of public assistance; (6) the inhabitants of depressed areas, urban and rural; (7) veterans of the Armed Forces; (8) people unemployed because of the relocation, closing, or reduced operations in industrial or military facilities; and (9) such other groups as the President or the Congress may designate from time to time. Directs that each Job Guarantee Office may, subject to the limitations specified in this Act, enter into agreements with public agencies and private organizations operating on a profit, nonprofit, or limited-profit basis. Requires such agreements to contain assurances that the agency or organization will: (1) provide an annual independent audit to the Job Guarantee Office; and (2) not discriminate on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin in the administration of any program encompassed within the agreement. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to: (1) refer jobseekers to the private sector and general public sector employment placement facilities of the Full Employment Service (other than as supplemented by this Act); and (2) directly refer jobseekers for placement in positions on projects drawn from the reservoir of public service and private employment projects. Provides that anyone who presents himself or herself in person at the full Employment Office shall be considered prima facie "willing and able" to work. Provides that this stipulation specifically shall include persons with impairments of sight, hearing, movement, coordination, mental retardation, or other handicaps. Directs that this stipulation be implemented by the Job Guarantee Officer, prusuant to regulations issued by the Secretary. Establishes a Standby Job Corps which shall consist of jobseekers registered pursuant to this Act. Provides that such Corps shall be available for public service work upon projects and activities that are approved as a part of community public service work reservoirs established by community boards pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary, by regulation, to provide for: (1) a requirement that jobseekers registered in the Standby Job Corps maintain a status of good standing, which status shall include attendance and performance standards; and (2) a system of compensation for Corps members. Provides that no Standby Job Corps members shall be paid less than the minimum wage in effect in the area. Directs the Joint Economic Committee to: (1) annually review the activities of the executive branch under all sections of this Act; (2) regularly conduct on its own behalf, or in cooperation with or through the facilities of the appropriate legislative committees or subcommittees of the Senate and the House, public hearings in as many labor market areas as feasible; and (3) annually report upon, with its own conclusions and recommendations, the development and administration of the policies and programs mandated by this Act. Establishes a National Institute for Full Employment within the Department of Labor, under a director to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor, and to operate in continuing consultation with a National Commission for Full Employment Policy Studies. Authorizes and directs the Institute to make, or have made through grants to or contracts with individual researchers and private or public research organizations, universities, and other Government agencies, studies that shall include, but need not be limited to, such subjects as: (1) the policies and programs needed to reduce whatever inflationary pressures may result from full employment to manage any such inflationary pressures through appropriate fiscal policies and indirect and direct controls, and to protect the weaker groups in society from whatever inflationary trends cannot be avoided or controlled; (2) the identification of human potentialities that are hidden, undeveloped, or underdeveloped because of the lack of suitable job opportunities, encouragement, education, or training and of various ways of releasing such potentialities; (3) the forms of education and training needed to help provide people with the skills, knowledge, and values required by existing employment opportunities and technologies and needed to assist in developing such new types of goods, services, technologies, and employment opportunities as may better meet human needs; and (4) the policies and programs needed to substantially eliminate substandard employment, wages, and working conditions and the techniques for establishing standards for employment, wages, and working conditions in accordance with changing levels of national output and resources, and regional variations in output. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1976, and for each succeeding fiscal year of such sums as may be needed to carry out this Act.
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 · 4 June 1975
Authorizes and directs the General Accounting Office to audit the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Advisory Council, the Federal Open Market Committee, and Federal Reserve banks and their branches. Requires the Comptroller General to annually file a report with Congress on the results of the audit. Directs the Comptroller General to include recommendations for attaining a more economical and efficient administration of the entities audited.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Prohibits carriers of Federal employee insurance from reducing or excluding health benefits without such proposed changes being published in the Federal Register and without hearings by the Civil Service Commission on such proposed changes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Intergovernmental Countercyclical Assistance Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal Government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal Government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job creation impact of Federal Government public service employment programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to State and local governments to carry out the purposes of this legislation. Authorizes for each of 12 succeeding calendar quarters (beginning with the first calendar quarter after the date of enactment of this Act) $500,000,000 when the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reaches 6 percent plus an additional $250,000,000 for each whole percentage point over 6 percent of the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the preceding calendar quarter. Provides that no funds would be authorized for any calendar quarter during which the national unemployment rate was under 6 percent. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of the authorized funds for distribution to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. Specifies that State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of its unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals, with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for the allocation to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments-two parts unemployment and one part adjusted taxes raised. States that the Secretary shall allocate for the purpose of making emergency support grants to each identifiable local government. Specifies that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintain basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance under this Act. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of the Treasury may require and that the Secretary of the Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that labor standards and wage requirements of this Act be complied with; (7) provide that the Act's requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds received under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and to not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. Provides that in any case where the Secretary of the Treasury makes a finding of discrimination by a State or local government and is unable to achieve compliance within 30 days, he is specifically authorized to defer payment to the discriminating jurisdiction unless compliance is achieved. States that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds authorized under this Act. Allows payments to be made in installments, in advance or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments and underpayments. Provides that no funds be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that jurisdiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than 6 percent. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. States that funds will continue to be withheld until the Secretary of Treasury is satisfied that compliance has been achieved. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Credit Union Financial Institutions Act Amendments - Title I: New Powers and Modernization - Empowers a Federal credit union to make loans and extend credit to members, other credit unions, or financial organizations. Permits credit unions to make loans to members in accordance with the following: (1) loans shall be made in conformity with criteria established by the board of directors and with standards enumerated in this Act; (2) lines of credit shall be established to a stated maximum amount on certain terms and conditions which may be different than those of another borrower; (3) loans to other credit unions shall be approved by the board of directors and not exceed 1 percent of the unimpaired capital and surplus; and (4) participation loans shall be in accordance with written policies of the board of directors. Empowers the credit union to invest funds: (1) in securities or obligations guaranteed by the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; (2) in obligations of any State, or the several territories and possessions or any political subdivision thereof; and (3) in the shares or obligations of any other organization which advances the development of credit unions. Empowers credit unions to place their funds: (1) in share accounts or deposits of savings which are insured by an agency of the Federal Government, or by any federally or State insured credit union; and (2) in demand or time deposits of banks whose accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Empowers such credit union to sell all or part of its assets to another credit union, or to purchase assets from another such credit union, and to permit members to transfer money to and from the member's account pursuant to regulations of the Board. Declares that Federal credit union membership shall consist of the incorporators, and such other persons and organizations as may be elected. Stipulates that a Federal credit union shall be managed by a board of directors, a supervisory committee, and a credit committee. Requires the board of directors to annually elect from their number an executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a treasurer, and a secretary. States that the board of directors shall meet at least once a month and shall have general control of the direction of the Federal credit union. Enumerates the general functions and duties of the board of directors. Permits the board of directors to elect a credit committee. Makes it the duty of the committee to hold such meetings as are necessary to consider applications for loans or lines of credit. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against its demand deposits in the Central Liquidity Facility and in currency and coin in such other form as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may provide. Authorizes the board to declare a dividend after provision for required reserves has been made. Authorizes issuance of shares in joint tenancy with persons designated by the credit union member. Authorizes shares to be issued in the name of a minor or in trust. Repeals provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act pertaining to: (1) District of Columbia credit unions; (2) approval of certificates; and (3) conditions upon conversion to Federal status. Title II: Restructuring the National Credit Union Administration - Establishes in the executive branch of the Government an independent agency to be known as the National Credit Union Administration. Places the Administration under the management of a National Credit Union Administration Board and provides for a National Credit Union Administration Advisory Board. States that the Board shall have three members having credit union experience appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Chairperson of the Board to be the spokesperson of the Board and to represent the Board and the National Credit Union Administration in its relations with other branches of the Government. Requires that an Advisory Board be elected to advise and make recommendations on policy matters to the Board. Permits any aggrieved party to seek to enjoin or obtain other appropriate remedy when a charter revocation or suspension or an involuntary liquidation is ordered by the Board. Limits the powers of the Administration to the exercise of all powers specifically granted by the provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act and such incidental powers as shall be necessary to carry out the power so granted. Title III: Share Insurance - Includes credit unions organized and operated according to the laws of the trust territories in the Federal credit unions whose member accounts are insured by the Administrator. Title IV: Central Liquidity Facility - Establishes the National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility to: (1) provide funds to meet the liquidity needs of credit unions; (2) provide for an orderly transfer of funds; and (3) assist credit unions to improve their general welfare and the financial and general welfare of their members and member's family. Vests management of the Facility in the National Credit Union Administration Board. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to advance $500,000 to be utilized by the Facility for initial organization and operating expenses. Declares the initial capitalization of the Facility shall be by stock subscription consisting of shares having a par value of $50 each. Enumerates the general powers of the Board in administering the Central Liquidity Facility. Entitles any member of the Facility to apply in a form prescribed by regulations for advances. Authorizes the Board to deny or grant any application upon such terms as it may prescribe by regulations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase any obligation issued by the Board in the event of insufficient funds in the Facility to meet the obligations arising under this Act. Directs the Board to prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress annually a full report on the activities of the Facility for the previous year. Exempts the Facility from all taxation imposed by the United States or by any State.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Intergovernmental Countercyclical Assistance Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal Government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal Government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job creation impact of Federal Government public service employment programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to State and local governments to carry out the purposes of this legislation. Authorizes for each of 12 succeeding calendar quarters (beginning with the first calendar quarter after the date of enactment of this Act) $500,000,000 when the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reaches 6 percent plus an additional $250,000,000 for each whole percentage point over 6 percent of the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the preceding calendar quarter. Provides that no funds would be authorized for any calendar quarter during which the national unemployment rate was under 6 percent. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of the authorized funds for distribution to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. Specifies that State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of its unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals, with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for the allocation to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments-two parts unemployment and one part adjusted taxes raised. States that the Secretary shall allocate for the purpose of making emergency support grants to each identifiable local government. Specifies that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintain basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance under this Act. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of the Treasury may require and that the Secretary of the Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that labor standards and wage requirements of this Act be complied with; (7) provide that the Act's requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds received under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and to not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. Provides that in any case where the Secretary of the Treasury makes a finding of discrimination by a State or local government and is unable to achieve compliance within 30 days, he is specifically authorized to defer payment to the discriminating jurisdiction unless compliance is achieved. States that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds authorized under this Act. Allows payments to be made in installments, in advance or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments and underpayments. Provides that no funds be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that jurisdiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than 6 percent. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. States that funds will continue to be withheld until the Secretary of Treasury is satisfied that compliance has been achieved. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain a program by which the Department of Agriculture collects, prepares, makes available, and distributes information regarding the establishment and operation of farmers' markets and the potential of such markets for increasing the income of small farmers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make available horticultural and marketing materials to small farmers; (2) obtain existing materials concerning farmers' markets, prepare new materials, and make available such materials to interested parties; and (3) conduct, or contract for, specified research. Defines "farmers' market" as any marketplace where at least 10 farmers congregate for the purpose of selling their agricultural commodities directly to consumers in a manner designed to lower the cost of food for the consumers while providing an increased income to the farmers. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1975
States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not regulate the potency or combinations of vitamins or minerals in food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act except under specified provisions of such Act or in the case of children or pregnant or lactating women. Requires prominent disclosure of ingredients which are not vitamins or minerals in foods for special dietary use. Provides that a libel for condemnation of misbranded foods may be instituted against the retailer of such food if he is generally responsible for its advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Provides for the disposal under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 of surplus real property at not less than 25 percent of fair market value to States and their political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities for economic development purposes where such areas meet special needs arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment arising from the closing of Federal facilities.
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
Credit Uses Reporting Act - Establishes a program of reporting on uses of commercial bank credit and on the accommodation of national priority uses of credit. Enumerates national priority uses for purposes of this Act. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to administer such program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Intergovernmental Countercyclical Assistance Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal Government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal Government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job creation impact of Federal Government public service employment programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to State and local governments to carry out the purposes of this legislation. Authorizes for each of 12 succeeding calendar quarters (beginning with the first calendar quarter after the date of enactment of this Act) $500,000,000 when the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reaches 6 percent plus an additional $250,000,000 for each whole percentage point over 6 percent of the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the preceding calendar quarter. Provides that no funds would be authorized for any calendar quarter during which the national unemployment rate was under 6 percent. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of the authorized funds for distribution to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. Specifies that State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of its unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals, with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for the allocation to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments-two parts unemployment and one part adjusted taxes raised. States that the Secretary shall allocate for the purpose of making emergency support grants to each identifiable local government. Specifies that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintain basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance under this Act. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of the Treasury may require and that the Secretary of the Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that labor standards and wage requirements of this Act be complied with; (7) provide that the Act's requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds received under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and to not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. Provides that in any case where the Secretary of the Treasury makes a finding of discrimination by a State or local government and is unable to achieve compliance within 30 days, he is specifically authorized to defer payment to the discriminating jurisdiction unless compliance is achieved. States that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds authorized under this Act. Allows payments to be made in installments, in advance or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments and underpayments. Provides that no funds be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that jurisdiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than 6 percent. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. States that funds will continue to be withheld until the Secretary of Treasury is satisfied that compliance has been achieved. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of electric vehicles for urban individual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate for: (1) the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Authorizes $40,000,000 to be appropriated to the Administrator for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Increases to $450,000,000 the minimum amount of the annual contributions to public housing agencies to be made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Housing Act of 1937.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Declares that no provision of any law of the United States authorizes the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to permit lending institutions to offer loans secured by improved real estate with variable interest rates. Provides that the Board may not do so until Congress by law authorizes such variable interest rates.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that if the Postal Service and a supervisory organization, recognized by the Postal Service under this Act, representing a majority of supervisors are unable to agree, within 60 days after the organization submits a written notice to the Postal Service, upon a program for consultation or a plan to participate directly in the planning and development of pay policies and schedules, fringe benefit programs, and other programs relating to supervisory employees, either party shall have the right to refer the matter to an arbitration board established under the provisions of this Act. Provides that if the Postal Service and a supervisory organization recognized by the Postal Service under this Act as representing the majority of supervisors are unable to agree with respect to pay policies and schedules, fringe benefit programs, and other programs related to supervisory employees, which affect all or a substantial portion of supervisory personnel on a long- term or permanent basis, after participating directly in the planning and development thereof, either party, upon a 30-day written notice, may refer the dispute to an arbitration board established under the provisions of this Act. Provides for the establishing of an arbitration board to consider specified disputes. Sets forth hearing requirements to be met by such board. Provides that the decisions of the arbitration board shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
National Electrical Energy Conservation Act - Title I: National Power Grid and Regional Bulk Power Distribution - Creates a National Power Grid Corporation to establish and operate a national power grid system consisting of electric power generating faciities and a system of very high voltage transmission lines which shall interconnect such generating facilities and the transmission systems of each regional corporation established by the Corporation pursuant to this Act. Provides that such regional corporations shall be the exclusive marketing agency for the National Grid in that region. Authorizes electric utilities, publicly or privately owned, to enter into agreements for services with the regional corporation. Places specified conditions on any such contract for services and the rates at which power marketed for the National Grid may be sold. Directs the National Grid to carry out a program of research and development in the area of electric power generation and transmission, giving preference to environmental protection and land use research priorities. Authorizes up to $250,000,000 per fiscal year to carry out such program. Transfers specified federally owned facilities to the National Grid. Title II: General Provisions Applicable to National Grid and to Regional Corporations - States that each corporation shall be subject to Federal, State, and local environmental standards. Specifies the interests to be represented on the Board of Directors of such corporations, and their composition, terms of members, procedures for selecting the officers and employees of the corporations. States that the corporations shall have those powers conferred on nonprofit corporations pursuant to the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act and specified additional powers. Directs such corporations to at all times maintain complete and accurate books of accounts. Authorizes each corporation to issue and sell bonds for financing its activities, providing that the aggregate total of outstanding bonds shall not exceed $32,000,000,000. Authorizes each corporation to cause to be instituted condemnation proceedings against any lands or interests in land necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires each corporation to report annually to the President and for transmittal of such report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stipulates that such park is not to exceed three thousand five hundred acres. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Concentrated Industries Anti-Inflation Act - Establishes a Price Restraint Board to be composed of five members who shall issue standards and guidelines for noninflationary price adjustments. States that the basic guideline for price adjustments shall be the maintenance of the dollars and cents profit margin per unit of output of any firm for any product or product category which prevailed for such firm during such fiscal years as the Board may designate. Provides that subsidiary standards and guidelines for price adjustments shall provide for modifying the basic guideline, as the Board may find necessary, to avoid undue hardship, inequity, or impedance of economic growth. Provides for the classification of business firms into three categories based on amount of sales controlled by such firm. States that the Board shall publish monthly a weighted index of the prices of products of concentrated industries. Provides that, when necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Board shall issue orders and regulations in accordance with its standards and guidelines to require prenotification of price increases, to delay proposed price increases in whole or in part, to disapprove proposed price increases in whole or in part, and to rollback prices with respect to products of firms in concentrated industries. States that such regulations and orders shall not apply to firms controlling less than $250,000,000 worth of sales. Enumerates the duties of business firms with respect to notification of the Board of intent to adjust prices after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Provides that no funds authorized or appropriated by any Act for fiscal year 1976 or any fiscal year thereafter for the Department of Defense may be used by any U. S. department, agency, or instrumentality to procure any delivery system which is designed to disseminate any binary-type chemical warfare agent, or to establish any facility for the production of any such system or part thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, under specified conditions, to make repayable emergency mortgage relief payments on behalf of homeowners who are delinquent in their mortgage payments. Provides that such payments shall include the principal, interest, taxes, ground rents, hazard insurance, and mortgage insurance premiums not to exceed $250 per month. Directs that such payments may continue for a period of up to twelve months. Requires that the Secretary make periodic reports to Congress of action under this program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Railroad Right-Of-Way Improvement Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to provide, during times of high unemployment, assistance to create employment opportunities in building the Nation's railroad rights-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance during times of high unemployment for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed and underemployed persons in jobs maintaining or rebuilding railroad rights- of-way. Authorizes for such purposes, appropriations of $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $1,000,000,000 for the fiscal year 1976; and $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires such funds to be expended only for wages and employment benefits. Prohibits further obligation of such funds to be made subsequent to a determination by the Secretary that the rate of national unemployment (seasonally adjusted) has receded below 4.5 per cent for three consecutive months. Requires applications for financial assistance for a railroad right-of-way employment program to contain specified assurances. Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress at least annually a detailed report setting forth the activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Directs the House Commission on Information and Facilities to provide for radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber. Calls upon the Commission to provide for monitors to receive the television coverage to be located in such offices of the Capitol and the House and Senate office buildings as the Commission, after consultation with the Speaker of the House, considers desirable. States that the Commission shall initially provide for transmission of the audio portion of the coverage to offices of Members and officers of the House and Senate. Directs the Commission to provide a daily written summary of the proceedings of the House and other information pertaining to legislative activity. Requires that the Commission make available to the public and commercial broadcasting stations radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber, videotapes of such coverage, and recordings of the audio portion of such coverage subject to requirements specifies under this Act. Specifies that such requirements do not include limitations or restrictions on the selection of materials for broadcast use. Authorizes the Commission to employ such persons and enter into such contracts as shall be necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution. Provides that expenses of the Commission shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House. Directs the Commission, as soon as possible after the conclusion of the first session of the Ninety-fourth Congress, to report to the House on activities carried out under this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Food and Drug Recall and Remedy Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that every processor of any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic develop and maintain recall systems adequate to enable effective removal from the market of any article which has left the control of such processor, and which article the processor knows, or has reason to know, is adulterated or misbranded or otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of that Act. Empowers the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations for the maintenance of records and reports necessary to enable the identification and removal from the market of adulterated or misbranded articles. Requires processors to notify the Secretary indicating the actions planned, if any, to assure effective removal of adulterated or misbranded articles from the market. Requires processors to immediately notify the Secretary of any recall, whether or not such notification is otherwise required under this Act. Provides that if the Secretary determines that any article is adulterated or misbranded he may: (1) notify the appropriate processor of such determination and the basis for it; and (2) issue orders to assure that adequate notification of such determination is provided to all persons (including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, health professionals, and consumers) who should properly receive such notification.. Provides that if the Secretary determines that any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic is adulterated or misbranded, he may issue a removal order. States that such a removal order may include requirements that production or distribution of the article be ceased, processing procedures be corrected, articles be recalled to the wholesale, retail, or consumer level, and other measures be taken to protect consumers. Provides that a removal order may also include requirements that: (1) the processor reimburse the Secretary for any expenses incurred due to the processor's failure to diligently assure effective removal from the market of articles which are adulterated or misbranded; (2) articles be destroyed or, if possible, brought into compliance with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, under the supervision of an authorized representative of the Secretary, with expenses borne by the claimant or person seeking release of the article; or (3) any processor to whom it applies refund the purchase price of an article subject to a removal order to purchasers. Stipulates that such a removal order may be issued only after the Secretary has afforded the processor or processors to whom such order is directed an opportunity for an informal hearing. Defines "informal hearing". Provides that whenever any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic is found by a representative of the Secretary in interstate commerce, such article may be detained for a reasonable period, (not to exceed 20 days), if there is a reasonable basis to show that such article is adulterated or misbranded. Provides that any person who would be entitled to claim such article if it were seized may appeal a detention to a superior official. Requires that such official provide an opportunity for such person to present his views on the matter and confirm or revoke such detention within five days. Provides that in the case of actual controversy as to the validity of any final order of the Secretary under this Act, any person who is adversely affected may obtain review in the appropriate United States court of appeals. Stipulates that no such appeal shall operate as a stay of the Secretary's order. Increases the criminal penalty for violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act from a fine of $1,000 to a fine of $5,000. Repeals the present prohibition against multiple seizure of misbranded articles in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires that any regulations that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is required to promulgate under this Act be issued within six months of the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Cost Justification and Price Control Act - Requires that whenever a Federal regulatory requirement is applicable to any class of major corporations, and the Federal Trade Commission determines that such requirement may have a significant effect on the cost of production or of providing any goods or services provided by such class of major corporations, the Commission shall prescribe a rule (1) identifying such requirement, such class of corporations, and the goods and services the cost of which may be affected by such requirement, and (2) requiring such corporations to file specified reports. Requires that if a corporation is a member of class of corporations identified in such a rule and such corporation increases the price of any goods or services identified in such a rule, then before such price increase takes effect, such corporation shall file with the Commission a report specifying any change in unit costs, resulting from such Federal regulatory requirement, of the goods or services the price of which was increased. Provides that such report shall also contain an explanation of the reasons for the price increase. Provides that such report shall be available to the public and published in the Federal Register. Provides that any cost obligation incurred as a result of compliance with any Federal regulatory requirement may only be passed through by such corporation, or by any subsequent purchaser to any utlimate purchaser of such goods or services on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Provides that if a major corporation violates this Act (1) such corporation shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 and (2) the Commission may commence an action in a district court of the United States to obtain a mandatory injunction requiring compliance by such corporation with the reporting requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress and the director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 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 · 10 March 1975
Emergency Middle-Income Housing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to reduce interest rates on home mortgages for middle- income families by making, and contracting to make, periodic interest reduction payments, interest rate differential payments and by purchasing below-market-interest-rate mortgages. Defines terms as used in this Act. Provides that the aggregate amount of mortgages assisted under this Act shall not exceed $12,000,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carryout the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the guidelines the Secretary shall follow in allocating such assistance. Specifies that the Secretary shall take steps to encourage the construction or sale of dwelling units which he determines will contribute to the conservation of land and energy resources. Directs that authority to enter into such financial assistance obligations as provided in this Act shall expire June 30, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
Price Disclosure Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, or the distribution of which affects commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from these requirements any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 per annum, unless such an outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceeds $500,000 per annum; or any retail outlet in any State which has enacted mandatory unit pricing law and whose law, in the judgment of the Federal-Trade Commission, is in full force and effect and is comparable in scope and comprehensiveness to the requirements of this Act, except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such State shall be subject to the provisions of this Act if they also operate outlets in one or more other States. Redefines the term "consumer commodity" and defines the term "retail unit price" for purposes of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. Abolishes the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to promulgate regulations under such Act, and transfers that authority to the Commission. Directs the Commission to request, and the Secretary of Commerce to initiate, a voluntary product standard for consumer commodities under the procedures for the development of voluntary products standards established by the Secretary pursuant to specified provisions of law whenever the Commission determines that there is undue proliferation of the weights, measures, or quantities in which any consumer commodity or reasonably comparable consumer commodities are being distributed in packages for sale at retail and such undue proliferation impairs the reasonable ability of consumers to make value comparisons with respect to such consumer commodity or commodities. Requires that regulations with respect to fair packaging and labeling standards be promulgated by the Commission in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Directs the Commission to give interested persons an opportunity for oral presentations of views, data, and agreements. Authorizes travel and per diem reimbursement for persons being trained by the Commission to carry out the provisions of the Act. Declares that any violation of any of the provisions of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act or the regulations issued pursuant to such Act, with respect to any consumer commodity delivered into introduction in commerce, or sold at retail, offered for sale at retail, or displayed for sale at retail, shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting commerce and shall be subject to penalties under specified provisions of law.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in monthly social security benefits which result from the enactment of Public Law 92-336 or any subsequent cost-of-living increase under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Ozone Protection Act - Declares that the release of chlorofluromethane may pose a danger to public health and safety. Provides for a study by the National Academy of Sciences of the nature and likelihood of potential effects on public health and the environment of the discharge of such gas. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to report to the Congress on such potential effects. Provides for a program of standards to limit the emissions of such gas from major sources. Provides for the enforcement of prohibitions upon the manufacture and sale of aerosol spray containers which discharge such gas, including penalties of up to $10,000 in civil fines per day of violation under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Prohibits the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, from authorizing an increase in the ceiling price of old crude petroleum by more than one dollar per barrel per year. Prohibits any such increase before April 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, for coverage under medicare for routine Papanicolaou tests for the diagnosis of uterine cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
National Condominium Act - Provides for the designation of an Assistant Secretary for Condominiums under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to assist in the planning, development, construction, or operation of condominiums or the purchase of condominium units. Establishes minimum national standards for all condominium units the sale of which is financed with Federal assistance in any form, and encourages the States through a new program of Federal grants to establish such standards to protect both the residents of previously leased units to be converted and the potential purchasers of such units from undue hardships and unexpected economic expenses. States that any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this Act shall be fined not less than $15,000 and be imprisoned for not less than two years.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act-Defines "lobbying" and other terms used in this Act. Requires each lobbyist, within 15 days of becoming a lobbyist, to file a notice of representation with the Federal Edection Commission. Sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities. Sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the commission containing such records. Requires GS-15 and above employees of the executive branch to maintain records of communucations received from outside parties expressing opinions or containing information with respect to the policy making process. Directs each executive agency to make such records available for public inspection. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the powers: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to question as the Commission may prescribe: and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including; (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act: (2) to develop forms for the filing of records of outside contacts by executive branch employees; and (3) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting, filing coding, and cross-indexing. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides, under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, for the extension of specified provisions for an additional 20 years. Makes permanent the ban against requiring compliance with tests and devices as a prerequisite to voting.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Returnable Beverage Container Act - Provides that no person shall manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce any beverage container other than a returnable beverage container. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish such regulations as are necessary for the purpose of this Act. Sets forth penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months imprisonment for violation of provisions of this Act. Directs that the provisions of this Act shall be applicable, one year after passage, to metal cans with attached opening devices and to all other non-returnable containers three years after passage.