United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Authorizes to be appropriated under the Peace Corps Act $80,826,000, and $25,729,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of the Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976 such sums as necessary for increases in salary, pay, retirement and other benefits. Requires the Director of Action to transfer $315,000 to an account at the Treasury Department to rectify the account imbalance prior to December 31, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Federal Mines and Minerals Health and Safety Amendments - Title I: Transfer of Mines and Minerals Health and Safety Functions - Creates, within the Department of Labor, the Mines and Mineral Health and Safety Administration, under the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. Provides that the head of this administration be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and specifies his duties and rate of compensation. Transfers specified health and safety functions from the Secretary of the Interior, the Director of the Bureau of Mines and the Director of the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration to the Secretary of Labor, to be administered by this Administration. Transfers associated personnel, property, records and funds to the Secretary of Labor. Declares that, in carrying out the transferred functions, the Secretary of Labor and the Administration shall give priority to the health and safety of mining and mineral industry personnel and their families, and specifies particular areas of concern. Abolishes the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration. Prohibits any Federal employee performing any function under any law administered by the Administration or under this Act from having any direct or indirect interest in the mining or minerals industry, with specified exceptions. Title II: Coal Mine Health and Safety - Sets forth procedures governing judicial review of mandatory health or safety standards promulgated under this Act. Requires that all meetings of any committee established under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act be open to the public. Directs the Secretary to take prompt action in assessing and collecting civil penalties for violations of mandatory health and safety standards and provides for personnel to insure such promptness. States that the Secretary shall conduct evaluations of potential losses or shifts of mandatory health and safety standards under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Permits a miner, who is laid off, threatened with discharge, or discriminated against because of the results of the standards, to request an investigation by the Secretary. Specifies the procedures for the Secretary to follow in conducting such an investigation. Empowers any person injured as a result of a violation of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act to bring suit in an appropriate United States district court, which shall have jurisdiction without regard to the amount in controversy or citizenship of the parties. Provides that any person may commence a civil action against the person allegedly in violation of the mandatory health and safety standards, or against the Secretary for failing to perform a nondiscretionary duty under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Title III: Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Health and Safety - Provides that all non-mandatory health and safety standards promulgated prior to this Act become mandatory standards within ninety days after enactment of this Act, with exceptions. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, to initiate research for upgrading of all mandatory standards and to publish such proposed and finalized standards. Permits any interested individual to apply for a review of any mandatory health or safety standard to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the circuit in which such person resides. Expands the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Safety Act to include any mine inspection which reveals: (1) an imminent danger; (2) a violation of mandatory standards which has not created an imminent danger; and (3) a violation of mandatory standards which could contribute substantially to a health or safety hazard. Prescribes the orders for withdrawal or abatement in each category. Provides procedures for review by the Secretary of any orders issued pursuant to the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Safety Act, and for judicial review of any order, with exceptions, issued by the Secretary under such Act. Requires that each mine maintain a conspicuous bulletin board, on which notices, orders and decisions given to a mine operator, pursuant to the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Safety Act, must be immediately posted. Empowers the Secretary to institute a civil action for relief, including an injunction, and specifies the civil and criminal penalties for which a mine operator will be liable if in violation of any provision of the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Safety Act. Provides that if a mine is closed under such Act, all miners working during the closing shift who are idled shall be entitled to full compensation, but not for more than the balance of such shift. Elaborates entitlements of miners to compensation under other specific circumstances of closings. Expands the purposes for which authorized representatives of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare may enter and investigate mines. Extends to miners' representatives the right to immediate inspection when such representative has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of a mandatory health or safety standard exists or that an imminent danger exists. Specifies circumstances under which actions for damages and citizen suits may be commenced. Provides that all accidents, including unintentional roof falls, shall be investigated by the operator or his agent to determine the cause and the means of preventing a recurrence. Requires that records of all accidents and ensuing investigations shall be kept, and specifies periods for mandatory reporting. Authorizes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research related to the development of safety and health standards, and to perform all functions with respect to mines that it performs with respect to employments under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in carrying out his functions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to include accurate statistics on work injuries and illnesses occurring in the mines.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Vietnam Humanitarian Assistance and Evacuation Act - Authorizes $150,000,000 to be appropriated to the President to be used, not withstanding any other provision of law, on such terms as the President may deem necessary and appropriate, for humanitarian assistance in, and evacuation programs from, South Vietnam. Defines evacuation as the removal to places of safety as expeditiously as possible, with the minimum use of necessary force, the following categories of persons: (1) American citizens; (2) dependents of American citizens and of permanent residents of the United States; (3) Vietnamese nationals eligible for immigration to the United States by reason of their relationships to American citizens; and (4) such other foreign nationals to whose lives a direct and imminent threat exists. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to abrogate any of the provisions of the War Powers Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Stipulates that no law shall be construed as limiting the availability of funds for humanitarian evacuation by the Armed Forces in Indochina, if ordered by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
Provides that nothing contained in the antitrust laws of the United States shall render unlawful the inclusion and enforcement of any trademark licensing contract or agreement, pursuant to which the licensee engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of a trademarked soft drink product, or the distribution or sale of a trademarked private label food product, of provisions granting the licensee the sole and exclusive right to manufacture, distribute and sell such product in a defined geographic area or limiting the licensee, directly or indirectly, to the manufacture, distribution, and sale of such product only for ultimate resale to consumers within a defined geographic area. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply only if: (1) such product is in substantial and effective competition with products of the same general class, (2) the licensee is in substantial and effective competition with other vendors of other products of the same general class, and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product as required by the Trademark Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Authorizes the appropriation of an amount, not to exceed $965,000, for expenses necessary for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to carry out investigations and studies pursuant to the Rules of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Authorizes appropriations of $65,640,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1977 for carrying out the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Extends the provisions of existing law relating to the care and treatment of animals to cover common carriers and retail pet stores, and to cover any bird when used in connection with a retail pet store. Provides that the standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture under such provisions of law for the humane treatment of animals shall apply with respect to the facilities of any person licensed under such provisions of law and also to terminal facilities used by any common carrier licensed thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Executive Agreements Review Act - Provides that each executive agreement entered into after the date of enactment of this Act concerning the establishment, renewal, continuance, or revision of a national commitment shall be transmitted by the President to the Congress, or, in cases requiring non-disclosure for the immediate time, to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs under an appropriate written injunction of secrecy. Provides that both Houses of Congress must agree to a concurrent resolution of disapproval of such agreement within 60 calendar days of continuous session (10 days in situations certified to be emergencies by the President) to negate the agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Repeals the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 which makes flood insurance coverage and community participation in the national flood insurance program prerequisites for approval of any financial assistance in a flood hazard area.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Executive Agreements Review Act - Provides that each executive agreement entered into after the date of enactment of this Act concerning the establishment, renewal, continuance, or revision of a national commitment shall be transmitted by the President to the Congress, or, in cases requiring non-disclosure for the immediate time, to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs under an appropriate written injunction of secrecy. Provides that both Houses of Congress must agree to a concurrent resolution of disapproval of such agreement within 60 calendar days of continuous session (10 days in situations certified to be emergencies by the President) to negate the agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Creates on the books of the Treasury of the United States the Abandoned Coal Mine Reclamation Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. Specifies that the fund shall be available for acquisition and reclamation of land and other specified similar purposes. Authorizes to be appropriated annually to the fund such amounts as are necessary to give the fund income of not less than $200,000,000. Requires to be credited to the fund any amounts necessary to maintain this level of income. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements of not more than 10 years duration to provide for land stabilization, erosion and sediment control, and reclamation through conservation treatment. Makes it the duty of land owners to furnish to the Secretary a plan, to be agreed to by both parties, setting forth the land uses and conservation treatment to be effected on the lands described in the agreement. Allows the Secretary to furnish assistance to such landowners to carry out the treatment necessary, up to a maximum of 80 percent of the cost, and on not more than 30 acres of land. Requires the Secretary to utilize the services of the Soil Conservation Service, and the State and local committees provided for in the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, and Authorizes the Secretary to utilize the facilities of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire land or any interest therein which has been affected by surface mining and has not been reclaimed to its approximate original condition. Requires the Secretary to specifically determine the cost and the benefits to the public of such acquisition and reclamation. Empowers the Secretary to take title to land in the name of the United States under the eminent domain power of the United States where no such agreement can be reached. Encourages the States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed lands within their boundaries and to transfer such lands to the Secretary to be reclaimed under appropriate Federal regulations. Empowers the Secretary to make grants and matching basis to States up to 90 percent of the cost of acquisition. Requires the Secretary to prepare specifications for the reclamation of lands acquired under this section. Stipulates that each reclamation contract be approved by the Secretary, and be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting lands to be acquired give priority to lands which meet the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to sell such lands under regulations that will ensure that such lands will be put to proper use. Permits the Secretary to use money in the fund to acquire, reclaim, develop, and transfer land to any State, or instrumentality of a State, if such is a necessary part of a project to provide State welfare services. Empowers the Secretary at the request of a Governor to fill such voids and seal abandoned tunnels, shafts, and entryways.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to purchase from one or more life insurance companies a policy or policies of mortgage protection life insurance on a group basis for veterans unable to obtain commercial life insurance because of a service- connected disablility. Sets forth the maximum amount of insurance under a policy provided under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to deduct insurance premiums from any compensation or other cash benefits payable to veteran by the Veterans' Administration, and to pay such premiums to the insurers. States that any amount of insurance in force under this Act on the date of death of an insured veteran shall be paid only to the holder of the mortgage loan on the veteran's home as a credit toward loan indebtedness. Requires each policy purchased under this Act to provide for the following: (1) reinsurance with other insurers which meet the Administrator's criteria; (2) that the Administrator may discontinue a whole policy, or exclude from coverage loans made after a date fixed by him; (3) issuance to each insured veteran of a certificate setting forth the benefits to which he is entitled; (4) any other provisions necessary to carry out this Act; and (5) an annual accounting to the Administrator of the amount of premiums paid, the total of all mortality and other claim charges incurred, and the amount of the insurer's expenses and risk charges. States that insurance under this Act shall terminate upon whichover of the following events first occurs: (1) satisfaction of the veteran's indebtedness under the loan upon which the insurance is based; (2) the veteran's 70th birthday; (3) termination of the veteran's ownership of the property securing the loan; (4) discontinuance of payment of premiums by the veteran; or (5) discontinuance of the entire contract or agreement. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 791-95)
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Voter Registration Act - Provides that the Administration shall (1) establish and administer a voter registration program in accordance with this Act for all Federal elections; (2) collect, analyze, and arrange for the publication and sale by the Government Printing Office of information concerning elections in the United States (but this publication shall not disclose any information which permits the identification of individual voters); (3) provide assistance to State officials concerning voter registration-by-mail and election problems generally; and (4) provide the Congress with such information as the Congress may from time to time request, and prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a report on its activities, and on voter registration and elections generally in the United States, immediately following each biennial general Federal election. States that an individual who fulfills the requirements to be a qualified voter under State law and who is registered to vote under the provision of this Act shall be entitled to vote in Federal elections in that State, except that each State shall provide for the registration or other means of qualification of all residents of such States who apply, not later than thirty days immediately prior to any Federal election, for registration or qualification to vote in such election. Provides that, whenever a Federal election is held in any State, the Administration may, upon the request of any State official, furnish officers and employees and such other assistance as the Administration and the State official may agree upon to assist State officials in the registration of individuals applying to register in that State under the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administration to prepare voter registration forms in such a way as to provide a simple method of registering to vote by mail. States that registration forms shall include such matter as State law requires and as the Administration determines appropriate to ascertain the positive identification and voter qualifications of an individual applying to register under the provisions of this Act, to provide for the return delivery of the completed registration form to the appropriate State official, and to prevent fraudulent registration. Provides criminal penalties for fraudulent registration and for any person who attempts to deprive any other person of rights under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated up to $50,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Provides that even though the export of a commodity would reduce the domestic supply of such commodity below that needed to meet domestic requirements, adequate carryover, and anticipated exports for dollars as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture at the time of exportation of such commodity, the Secretary may still export such commodity to carry out the national interest or humanitarian objectives of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Black Lung Benefit Act - Defines "total disability" under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act as having the meaning given it by regulation of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, except that: (1) in the case of a living miner, such regulations shall provide that a miner shall be considered totally disabled when pneumoconiosis prevents him from engaging in gainful employment requiring the skills and abilities comparable to those of any employment in a mine or mines in which he previously engaged with some regularity and over a substantial period of time; (2) in the case of a deceased miner, such regulations shall provide that the fact that a miner was employed by a mine at the time of his death shall not be used as evidence that the miner was not totally disabled; and (3) such regulations shall not provide more restrictive criteria than those applicable under the Social Security Act. States that if a miner was employed for 15 years or more in one or more underground coal mines, there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that at the time of his dealth he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay benefits to all previous claimants who have become eligible for benefits as a result of the enactment of this Act. Requires that at least 5 members of the Advisory Committee on Coal Mine Health Research be miners or retired miners.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Title I: Increases the authorizations of specified appropriations, under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, for land and water conservation funds. Sets additional requirements on the State grant programs administered under such Act. Title II: Establishes the historic preservation fund in the Treasury. Provides that during the period commencing July 1, 1975, and ending June 30, 1989, there shall be covered into such fund $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and each fiscal year thereafter, from revenues due to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the rental and sale of public lands for lease under Federal law (30 U.S.C. 191).
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Authorizes to be appropriated, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, to the President $222,000,000 for additional military assistance for Cambodia for fiscal year 1975. Repeals the overall ceiling of $377,000,000 on economic and military assistance to Cambodia (no more than $200,000,000 of which may have been for military assistance). Establishes a limitation of $75,000,000 on the exercise of the President's "draw-down" authority for military assistance in Cambodia for fiscal year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Comprehensive School Health Education Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to encourage the provision of comprehensive programs in elementary and secondary schools with respect to health education and health problems by establishing a system of grants for teacher training, pilot and demonstration projects, and the development of comprehensive health education programs. Empowers the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State educational agencies and institutions of higher education for teacher training with respect to the provision of comprehensive health education programs in schools. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; $12,500,000 for fiscal year 1977; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, to carry out such grants. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other public or private nonprofit education or research organizations to support pilot demonstration projects in elementary and secondary schools with respect to health education and health problems. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. States that the Commissioner may make grants to State educational agencies for the development of comprehensive programs in elementary and secondary schools with respect to health education and health problems. Provides for the apportionment of funds appropriated for such purposes. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Sets forth the requirements for receiving grants under this Act, including the application procedures. Directs the Commissioner, when requested, to render technical assistance to local educational agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education in the development and implementation of education programs with respect to health and health problems.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Provides that the charge imposed on any household for a coupon allotment under the Food Stamp Act after the date of this Act and prior to December 30, 1975, may not exceed the charge imposed on such household for coupon allotments under rules and regulations in effect on January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program, under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 for making grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that the charge to a household for its food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the level established as of January 1, 1975, or (2) 25 percent of the household's income. Provides that, effective July 1, 1975, households in which all members receive supplemental security income benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program of the Social Security Act, or households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or general assistance grant shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program under this Act. States that certification of all other households shall be based on the uniform national standards for eligibility required to be established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that an individual may qualify for disability insurance benefits under the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program of the Social Security Act and the disability freeze if he has 40 quarters of coverage, regardless of when such quarters were earned.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should not impose any tariff or other import restriction on petroleum or petroleum products before April 1, 1975, so as to give the Congress a reasonable period of time in which to act legislatively on such matter if it determines such action is necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
States that the Airlines Mutual Aid Agreement approved by the Civil Aeronautics Board is adverse to the public interest and is hereby terminated. States that the effective date of this Act is February 1, 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
World War I Pension Act - Authorizes the payment of a pension at a monthly rate of $150 to veterans of World War I. Defines the period of service for which such veterans must have served for eligibility under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Black Lung Benefit Act - Defines "total disability" under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act as having the meaning given it by regulation of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, except that: (1) in the case of a living miner, such regulations shall provide that a miner shall be considered totally disabled when pneumoconiosis prevents him from engaging in gainful employment requiring the skills and abilities comparable to those of any employment in a mine or mines in which he previously engaged with some regularity and over a substantial period of time; (2) in the case of a deceased miner, such regulations shall provide that the fact that a miner was employed by a mine at the time of his death shall not be used as evidence that the miner was not totally disabled; and (3) such regulations shall not provide more restrictive criteria than those applicable under the Social Security Act. States that if a miner was employed for 15 years or more in one or more underground coal mines, there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that at the time of his dealth he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay benefits to all previous claimants who have become eligible for benefits as a result of the enactment of this Act. Requires that at least 5 members of the Advisory Committee on Coal Mine Health Research be miners or retired miners.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides hospital and medical care to members of the armed forces of Poland or Czechoslovakia who participated in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States during World War I or World War II, and who have been citizens of the United States for not less than 10 years. Provides that such hospital and medical care shall be available to the same extent as if such service had been performed in the Armed Forces of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 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 · 20 November 1974
Coal Research Laboratory and Energy Research Fellowship Act - Title I: University Coal Research Laboratories - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, after consultation with the National Academy of Engineering, to designate five institutions of higher education at which university coal research laboratories will be established and operated. States that, in making designations under this Act, the Director shall consider the following criteria: (1) the institution of higher education shall be located in a State with abundant coal reserves; (2) the institution of higher education shall have experience in coal research, expertise in several areas of coal research, and currently active, outstanding programs in coal research; and (3) the institution of higher education has the capacity to establish and operate the coal laboratories to be assisted under this title. Provides that not more than one coal laboratory established pursuant to this title shall be located in a single State. Specifies information to be included in applications by institutions of higher education desiring to be designated under this title. Authorizes the Director to make grants to any designated institution of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of establishing and maintaining a coal laboratory. States that no institution of higher education may receive more than $4,000,000 for the construction of its coal research laboratory, including initially installed fixed equipment, nor may it receive more than $1,500,000 for initially installed movable equipment, nor may it receive more than $500,000 for new program startup expenses. Provides that no institution of higher education may receive more than $1,500,000 per year from the Federal Government for operating expenses. Establishes an Advisory Council on Coal Research. Stipulates that the Advisory Council shall advise the Director with respect to the general administration of this title, and furnish such additional advice as he may request. Authorizes appropriations of not to exceed $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 (including the cost of construction, equipment, and startup expenses) and $7,500,000 beginning with the fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter through the fiscal year ending June 30, 1980, to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Energy Resource Graduate Fellowships - Authorizes the Director to award under the provisions of this title not to exceed one thousand five hundred fellowships for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and each of the five succeeding fiscal years. States that fellowships shall be awarded under the provisions of this title for graduate study and research in those areas of applied science and engineering that are related to the production, conservation, and utilization of fuels and energy. Provides that fellowships shall be awarded to students in programs leading to master's degrees. States that such fellowships may be awarded for graduate study and research at any institution of higher education, library, archive, or any other research center approved by the Director after consultation with the Commissoner of Education. Provides that recipients of fellowships under this title shall be: (1) persons who have been accepted by an institution of higher education for graduate study leading to an advanced degree or for a professional degree; and (2) persons who plan a career in the field of energy resources, production, or utilization. States that each person awarded a fellowship under this title shall receive a stipend of $4,000 for each academic year of study, and an additional amount of $500 for each such calendar year of study shall be paid to such person on account of each of his dependents. Authorizes appropriations of $11,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Title I: Increases the authorizations of specified appropriations, under the Land and Water Conservation Funds Act, for land and water conservation funds. Sets additional requirements on the State grant programs administered under such Act. Title II: Establishes the historic preservation fund in the Treasury. Provides that during the period concering July 1, 1975, and ending June 30, 1989, there shall be covered into such fund $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and 100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and each fiscal year thereafter, from revenues due to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the rental and sale of public lands for lease under Federal law (30 U.S.C. 191).
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Foreign Assistance Act - Title I: Middle East Peace - States that the Congress recognizes that a peaceful settlement in the Middle East is essential to the security of the United States and world peace and that assistance programs in the Middle East can contribute to such a peaceful settlement. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and to furnish credits and guarantees under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Sets forth the levels of military assistance and security supporting assistance appropriations intended for Middle East programs. Authorizes the appropriation to the President of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to meet special requirements arising from time to time in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Repeals the prohibition of assistance to the United Arab Republic absent findings by the President that such assistance is in the national interest. Provides for funds to settle the deficit of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees upon a determination that a reasonable number of other nations will contribute their fair share to such fund. Provides that the funds authorized by this Act may not be used to finance the construction, operation, and maintenance of nuclear powerplants. Title II: Indochina Aid - Authorizes appropriations for relief and reconstruction of South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Authorizes assistance to Vietnamese orphans for fiscal year 1975. Provides that not more than $85,000,000 may be made available for the procurement of agricultural fertilizers for South Vietnam. Title III: Other Foreign Assistance Act Amendments - Increases the authorization of appropriations for the alleviation of starvation, hunger, and malnutrition. Authorizes $165,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for population planning and health services. Extends the termination date of the housing guaranty authority from June 30, 1975 to June 30, 1976. Increases the appropriations authorized for International Organizations and Programs by $4,400,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the appropriation of $745,000,000 for military assistance for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes funds to enable Latin American countries to carry out agricultural credit and self-help community development projects for which such countries are unable to obtain loans on reasonable terms. Provides that, except in extraordinary circumstances, the President shall substantially reduce or terminate security assistance to any government which consistently engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for security supporting assistance of $585,000,000. Suspends military assistance to Turkey until that country makes a good faith attempt to negotiate a settlement with respect to Cyprus. Suspends military assistance to Chile for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the President to provide famine or disaster relief assistance to any foreign country on such terms and conditions as he may determine up to an aggregate limit of $15,000,000. Authorizes to be appropriated to the President up to $5,000,000 to provide emergency assistance authorized by this Act. States that no funds appropriated under this Act shall be used by the Central Intelligence Agency for other than necessary operations in foreign countries. Provides limitations on assistance to India and Korea for fiscal year 1975. Title IV: Foreign Military Sales Act Amendments - Revises the provisions of the Foreign Military Sales Act which relate to the ineligibility for further sales, credits, and guaranties of countries that violate foreign military sales agreements by specifying the conditions under which such countries may again receive assistance under the Act. Authorizes foreign military sales guarantees to be issued to the Federal Financing Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $405,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of the Foreign Military Sales Act and establishes a ceiling of $772,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 on the aggregate of credits and the principal amount of loans guaranteed, of which not less than $200,000,000 shall be made available for Israel. Repeals, under the Foreign Act, the ceiling in military assistance, foreign military sales credits and guarantees and vessel transfers to Latin America. Authorizes the President to waive the ceiling on assistance and sales to African countries. Title V: Amendments To Other Laws and Miscellaneous - Directs the President to study the feasibility of raising foreign assistance, foreign credits, or investment guarantees to develop open access for all nations to necessary or strategic raw materials throughout the world at a reasonable cost. Authorizes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to conclude an agreement of accession with the Caribbean Development Bank and to assume rights and obligations pursuant to each agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1974
Black Lung Benefits Act - Directs that in the implementation of the provisions of the Federal Coal Mines Health and Safety Act of 1969 the Advisory Committee on Coal Mine Health Research established under such Act shall include in its membership a minimum of five members who are miners or retired miners. Requires that the standards prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for determining the total disability of a miner due to pneumoconiosis, in the case of claims filed after July 1, 1973, shall not be more restrictive than such standards prescribed by the Secretary for evaluating claims filed prior to July 1, 1973. Requires that if a miner claiming black lung benefits under the Act after December 31, 1972, was employed for fifteen years or more in one or more underground coal mines there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that the miner is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that at the time of his death he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to utilize procedures including affidavits similar to those utilized by him in determining entitlement to disability insurance benefit payments under the Social Security Act in cases under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 where there is no medical evidence in the case of a deceased miner, in order to establish that the miner claiming benefits thereunder was totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that his death was due to such disease. Provides that the Secretary shall include a State workmen's compensation law on the list of State laws found by the Secretary to provide adequate coverage for pneumoconiosis for purposes of such Act if he finds that any claim for benefits on account of total disability or death of a miner due to pneumocomiosis is deemed by such State law to be timely filed if such claim is filed within three years of the date of last coal mine employment of such miner, and if it meets other criteria under the Act. Directs the Secretary to review all claims which were filed with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Act and which were denied or were pending at the time of the enactment of the Black Lung Benefits Act of 1974.