United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Provides that all meetings of Government agencies at which official action is considered or discussed shall be open to the public. Excludes from this requirement any portion of an agency meeting where the agency determines by vote of a majority of its entire membership that the meeting: (1) will probably disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and procedures or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual; (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes; (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person; or (6) will relate to the conduct or disposition of a case or adjudication governed by specified sections of the United States Code. Requires each agency to make a public announcement of the date, place, subject matter of each meeting, and whether open or closed to the public, at least one week before each meeting. Requires that a transcript or electronic recording of each such meeting, together with any official minutes of such meeting be made available to the public for inspection. Permits an agency by majority vote to delete from the transcripts or recordings made available to the public specified materials. Directs each agency to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States to enforce the requirements fo this Act. Prohibits ex parte communication between interested persons and members of the agency in question, or an administrative judge, or an employee who is or may be involved in the decisional process of the proceeding. Requires each agency subject to such prohibition to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this Act. Grants to the district courts of the United States the jurisdiction to enforce such prohibitions by declaratory judgement, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Defines "ex parte communication" as meaning a communication relevant to an on-the-record agency proceeding where such communication is not made openly or on the record.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. States that areas designated as part of the National Wildlife System as of January 1, 1975, shall continue to be a part of the System until otherwise specified by Act of Congress unless such lands are disposed of in accordance with provisions of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish national parks of at least 500 acres in those States which presently do not have a national park. Provides that each park established under this Act shall contain picnic and playground areas, an outdoor stage, sports facilities, bicycle paths and nature walks. Stipulates that such parks shall be administered by the Secretary through the National Park Service. Directs each park established by this Act to be opened in time for the bicentennial celebration, July 4, 1976. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Directs the President to provide the House of Representatives, not later than ten days after the adoption of this resolution, with any information which the executive branch has relating to any instance where any citizen of the United States, since December 31, 1970, has been subjected to incarceration or denial of any rights contrary to the laws or Constitution of the Republic of Mexico. Calls for any information concerning inhumane treatment of United States citizens while in custody of Mexico officials or of any agent of the Embassy of the United States to the Republic of Mexico who referred any Mexican attorney to relatives of any such citizen, and whether such agent received a fee from that attorney. Requests such information as concerns specified individuals and the text of communications between the executive branch and representatives of the Republic of Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
Executive Agreement Approval Act - Requires that any executive agreement made on or after the date of enactment of this Act shall be transmitted by the President to the Senate. Provides that agreements which could be prejudicial to the security of the United States if disclosed shall be forwarded to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate. Requires that no such agreement shall come into force unless the Senate approves the agreement between the date of transmittal and the end of the first sixty calendar days of continuous session of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 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 · 8 April 1975
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - States that the current depressed condition of the national economy has had an especially heavy impact upon local governments, making it no longer possible for them to finance needed public facilities, thereby threatening the health, safety, and general welfare of their citizens. Declares it to be needless and unwise public policy for a vast pool of idle manpower to coexist with a backlog of needed and long overdue local public facilities work. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce acting through the Economic Development Administration to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Provides that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Directs the Secretary to prescribe those rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. States factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. States that not more than 10 percent of all amounts authorized to carry out this Act shall be granted for local public works projects within any one State. Provides that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted by this Act shall be paid wages a rate not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $5,000,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Population Affairs to be directed by an Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs. Sets forth the duties of the Assistant Secretary. Establishes within the Department an Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Creates within the Administration a National Center for Family Planning Services, headed by a Director, which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Public information, program planning and evaluation, manpower development and training, supervision of field services, and grants management. Establishes within the Administration, a National Institute for Research on Human Reproduction and Population Change which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Reproduction physiology research, contraceptive development and evaluation, operational research, social science research, public information, manpower development and training, and grants management. Establishes a National Family Planning Services Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Center for Family Planning Services. Establishes a National Population Sciences Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Institute for Research on Human Reproduction and Population Change. Sets forth the functions of the Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year such amounts as may be necessary to meet the administrative expenses of the Administration. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit a report to Congress on each January 1 for the five years following the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976-1978 for the following: (1) special project grants for family planning services; (2) formula grants for family planning, public health services; (3) manpower development and program planning and evaluation; (4) research grants and contracts; (5) grants for support of population sciences research centers; and (6) planning and population growth information distribution and educational materials development.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to take an active role in working for modernization and reform of the United Nations. Requests the President to direct the Secretary of State to formulate proposals for such reforms. Requests the President to report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives before June 30, 1975, on the United States position and proposals to be submitted in this regard.
United States · United States Congress · 7 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 · 26 March 1975
Establishes a Federal system for determining the ownership and amount of compensation to be paid for inventions made by employed persons. Requires an employee who has made a service invention to give written notice of the service invention to his employer without undue delay. Enumerates the required contents of such notice. Permits an employer to claim exclusive rights in and to an employees service invention by giving a written declaration of his claim to the employee as soon as practicable. Directs the employee upon receipt by the employee of such a declaration to assign all rights to the service invention to the employer. Invalidates any disposition of a service invention which impairs an employer's rights in the service invention. Permits an employer to retain a right of first refusal. Defines a free invention to be any invention made by an employee which is not a service invention or to which the employer has ceased to have any claim or interest. Vests an employee with a right to adequate compensation for a service invention as soon as his employer has claimed exclusive rights in the invention. Requires that an employer shall apply for a patent on the service invention within six months of declaring his exclusive rights unless (1) the invention has become free, (2) the employee has agreed that no application shall be made, or (3) the invention constitutes a trade secret. Directs an employer who applies for a patent to keep the employee informed on all aspects of the application and proceedings with respect to such application. Permits an employer who has as legitimate interest in not letting a service invention become known to not apply for a patent if he makes a written declaration to that effect to the employee. Requires an employee who has created a free invention during his employment to give written notice to his employer detailing that information which makes the invention free. Vests an employer with the right of first refusal where such free invention comes within the existing or proposed scope of the employer's operations. Establishes a Mediation Board in the Patent Office to bring about amicable agreement in any dispute relating to this Act. Directs the Commissioner of Patents, in establishing the Board, to appoint a chairman and two associates. Permits a suit to be brought in a United States district court only after a proceeding before the Mediation Board has taken place, except that a surit may be brought if six months has passed since the petition was filed with the board, or the suit is for attachment or injunction. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations providing specific rules for the determination of the compensation to be paid for exclusive rights in service inventions and trade secrets. (Adds 35 U.S.C. Part II) Extends the rights of civil action for the infringement of a patentee's rights to any person damaged by a violation of his rights. Limits recovery to a period of not more than six years after the violation of any rights secured by this Act. (Amends 35 U.S.C. 281, 283, 284, 286) Grants exclusive original jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States to any civil action arising under this Act. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 1338)
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 · 26 March 1975
Provides that the beneficiary of an insured individual who dies shall, if otherwise qualified under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, be entitled to a prorated benefit for the month of death of the insured.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Authorizes the establishment of the Tule Elk National Wildlife Refuge in California. Establishes a Federal-State management program for the conservation, protection, and enhancement of tule elk and other species. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 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 · 17 March 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 · 13 March 1975
Travel Expense Amendments Act - Expands the definition of "employee," for purposes of travel, subsistence and mileage allowances, to include experts and consultants who are intermittently employed by the Federal Government, and those who serve the Government without pay or for $1 a year. Sets the per diem travel allowance at $35 for travel within the continental United States, and authorizes the President to set the per diem allowance by locality for travel outside the continental United States. Raises the maximum reimbursement rate for travel to high rate geographical areas and for travel under unusual circumstances. Raises the mileage allowances for the use of privately owned motorcycles, automobiles and airplanes when such modes of transportation have been approved as most advantageous to the Government. Directs the Administrator of General Services to conduct periodic investigations of the cost of travel in privately owned vehicles, to report the results to Congress at least once a year, and to adjust the rates provided in this Act by regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that medical facilities may be reimbursed by the Federal Government for emergency medical treatment given aliens unlawfully in the United States if such aliens are unable to pay the cost of such treatment or can pay only a part of the cost and the aliens or medical facilities which provided such treatment are not eligible under any public assistance program for payment of or reimbursement of such cost. Requires that an application for reimbursement be submitted to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth criteria for determining whether such an application shall be approved.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to extend unemployment insurance coverage to employers who employ four or more agricultural workers on each of some 20 days, each day being in a different week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Provides, under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, that no rescission of budget authority proposed by the President shall take effect unless and until the Congress has passed a bill incorporating such rescission.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Directs the Comptroller General to audit annually the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Advisory Council, the Federal Open Market Committee, and all Federal Reserve banks and branches. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress within six months after the end of each fiscal year on the results of the audit. States that such report shall specifically indicate any program, financial transaction, or undertaking observed in the course of the audit which in the opinion of the Comptroller General has been carried out without legal authority.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Designates the Veterans' Administration hospital in Loma Linda, California, as the "Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to provide a memorial at such hospital in memory of the late Jerry L. Pettis.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Securities Reform Act -Title I: Regulation of Exchanges and Associations - Includes within the term "member," for purposes of the Act, any person who agrees to be regulated by an exchange and with respect to whom the exchange undertakes to enforce the Federal securities laws and the exchange rules. Makes registered national securities exchanges and associations subject to identical regulatory provisions. States that any registered broker or dealer meeting applicable capital or competency requirements must be allowed to join any registered national securities exchange. Requires the governing body of every such exchange to contain public representatives, and requires the exchange to provide adequate resources to permit the public representatives to employ staff or retain professional personnel independent of the exchange staff. Prohibits registered national securities exchanges from imposing any schedule of prices or fixing rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other charges subject to a statutory timetable for the elimination of the current fixed minimum commission rate system. Gives persons denied membership on an exchange the right to seek review of such denial by the SEC and the courts. Permits members disciplined by an exchange to appeal such action to the SEC and to the courts. Provides that any proposed change in exchange rules must be filed with the SEC, which must publish such proposed change and allow interested persons a reasonable opportunity for comment thereon. States that the proposed change shall take effect forty-five days after publication by the SEC unless the SEC disapproves it. Allows registered national securities exchanges, with the concurrence of the SEC, to share the cost, functions and responsibility of the conduct of examinations and inspections of members, and to furnish copies of any reports of inspections or examinations to each other. Establishes new procedures to be followed by the Commission in compelling exchanges and registered associations to change their rules, and in regulating off-floor trading by exchange members. Gives the SEC the authority to suspend or expel exchange members who have violated exchange rules. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing their members from executing transactions for customers in other markets whenever those markets offer a better price to such customers. Requires the SEC to adopt rules to assure that customers are getting the best price from their brokers. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing its members from participating in any registered clearing agency or securities depository. Gives the SEC authority to investigate and bring injunctive actions for violations of National Association of Securities Distributors rules and exchange rules, and to bring injunctive actions to compel a registered national securities exchange or association to enforce compliance with the rules of such exchange or association. Title II: Financial Responsibility; Regulation of Brokers Dealers; Reports and Examinations - Broadens existing prohibitions on improper hypothecation of securities by brokers, dealers and members to embrace improper lending of such securities. Requires all members of a registered national securities exchange to register with the SEC. Requires persons registering as broker-dealers to file certified financial statements with their application (rather than verified statements). Requires that, within six months of the granting of an application for registration, the Commission, or an exchange, or the NASD as designated by the Commission, shall examine the new broker-dealer to determine whether it is operating in conformity with the Federal securities laws. Adds armed robbery and grand larceny to the list of statutory offenses which bar a person from becoming a broker-dealer. Requires the Commission, in cooperation with the exchanges and the NASD, to devise and administer a uniform examination which, with respect to partners, officers, and supervisory employees shall include questions relating to enumerated matters. Directs the SEC, by no later than July 1, 1975, to establish minimum capital requirements, providing for ample, liquid and permanent capital for brokers, dealers and members. Authorizes the Commission to classify brokers, dealers and members for purposes of establishing such requirements. Requires registered national securities exchanges to furnish copies of documents to the SEC upon request. Requires registered brokers, dealers and members to supply their customers with certified comparative balance sheets and income statements. Authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regulating the reporting of transactions and to prescribe uniformity in accounting procedures and systems of brokers and dealers and members. Title III: Development of a National Clearance and Settlement System - Authorizes the Commission to make rules applicable to brokers or dealers regulating the time and method of making settlements, payments and deliveries and closing of accounts. Provides that, in the exercise of this rulemaking authority, the Commission shall not affect the authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to regulate securities credit. Requires clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents to register with the SEC, and establishes appropriate procedures. Sets forth procedures under which the Commission must grant or deny application for registration of clearing agencies and securities depositories. Authorizes the Commission to establish terms and conditions under which a clearing agency, securities depository or transfer agent may withdraw from registration. Gives the SEC direct rulemaking power over clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Empowers the SEC to review clearing agency or securities depository action in the areas of disciplinary action or denial of admission to a participant. Grants the Commission disciplinary powers with respect to clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Directs the SEC, on or before December 31, 1976, to take appropriate steps to eliminate the use of the stock certificate as a means of settlement of securities transactions between brokers and dealers. Authorizes the Commission to grant confidential treatment to material filed with it only under very limited conditions, including a finding that disclosure is not in the public interest. Empowers the Commission to prescribe rules with respect to the form or format of securities issued by companies, any class of whose securities is registered under the Act, or which would be required to be so registered except for the exemption from registration provided for securities of registered investment companies or insurance companies under certain conditions. Directs every issuer whose securities are registered on a national securities exchange to consolidate in a single person the functions of transfer agent and registrar. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct a study to consider the public policy implications of the growing practice of registering securities in "street name" and to determine whether steps can be taken to facilitate communications between corporations and their shareholders while, at the same time, retaining benefits of such registration. Prohibits the imposition of state or local taxes on securities, or on the transfer of securities, solely because the facilities of a registered clearing agency or securities depository are physically located in the taxing jurisdiction. Requires registered national securities exchanges, associations, brokers, dealers, clearing agencies and securities depositories to: (1) report information about missing, lost or stolen securities to the SEC or such person as the SEC designates; and (2) require the fingerprinting of partners, directors, officers, and employees and the submittal of such fingerprints to the Attorney General of the United States for identification and appropriate processing. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the SEC to include in its annual report to Congress certain designated information concerning the Commission's administration of the Freedom of Information Act. Raises the amount of the registration fee every national securities exchange must pay to the SEC from 1/500th of one percent to 1/100th of one percent of the dollar amount of sales of securities (other than certain governmental obligations) transacted on that exchange. Title V: Development of a National Securities Market System - Directs the Commission to establish a national market system for transactions in securities. Directs the Commission to make a study of the need for the establishment of a national regulatory body to administer the national market system, and to report its results to the Congress by December 31, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated $300,000 for each study.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Natural Gas and Oil Act - Makes technical and conforming changes to the Natural Gas and Oil Act, including the redefining of terms used in such Act. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1976, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use, that all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Energy Conservation Act - Title I: Truth In Energy - Federal Trade Commission Act - Provides for the disclosure of the annual operating cost of major energy consuming products and systems, so that consumers can readily compare them and thereby avoid purchasing those which unnecessarily waste energy. Requires the National Bureau of Standards to identify those products which are major energy consuming household products and to devise a procedure for estimating the annual operating costs of such products. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to establish model calculation procedures for use by suppliers in determining the estimated annual operating costs of climate conditioning systems. Provides that the disclosure of the annual operating cost estimate must appear in the same place as the purchase price on the article. Title II: Automobile Fuel Economy Standards - Automobile Fuel Economy Act - Declares it to be the purpose of the Congress to encourage the development, manufacture, and sale of automobiles which are more economical to operate in terms of the amount of fuel consumed per mile traveled, and increase the industry-wide average fuel economy for new automobiles by at least 75 percent by 1984 in comparson to the industry-wide average fuel economy for new automobiles in 1974. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a minimum fuel economy standard for new automobiles introduced into commerce during and after the 1978 model year. States that such a standard shall represent the first step in a progression toward achievement of the national purpose stated in this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress no later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this title a plan for achieving the national purpose set forth in this Act. Provides for judicial review in a United States Court of Appeals of regulations promulgated in furtherance of such a plan by any person who may be adversely affected by such a regulation. States that, no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this title, each manufacturer shall cause to be affixed and each dealer shall cause to be maintained on each new automobile, in a prominent place, a sticker indicating the fuel economy and the estimated average annual fuel costs associated with the operation of such automobile. Requires the information regarding fuel economy and average annual fuel cost be a conspicuous part of any advertisement for new automobiles which mentions purchase price or acquisition cost of such automobiles. Defines prohibited conduct and unfair trade practices under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this title not more than $3,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978. Title III: Automotive Research and Development - Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for, and support through loan guarantees, research and development leading to production prototypes of an advanced automobile or automobiles within four years from the date of enactment of this title and to secure the certification after testing of those prototypes which are likely to meet the Nation's long-term goals with respect to fuel economy, environmental protection, motor vehicle safety, and other objectives; and to interpret and carry out this title to preserve, enhance, and facilitate competition in research, development, and production of existing and alternative automobiles and automobile components. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $50,000,000 to pay the interest on, and the principal balance of, any obligation guaranteed by the Secretary as to which the obligor has defaulted. Provides that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall test each production prototype of an automobile developed in whole or in part with Federal assistance under this Act. States that the Low-Emission Vehicle Certification Board shall, upon application by a developer or by the Secretary and the receipt of test data and test results, issue or deny certification as an advanced automobile. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this title not more than $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Directs the officers of the House of Representatives to conduct seminars for freshmen Members of Congress. Provides for the curriculum and expense reimbursement for such seminars. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes each freshman member to employ an interim staff between election and the next regular session of Congress. Authorizes expenditures for stationary during such period. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Independent Regulatory Agencies Reform Act - Provides that the term "independent regulatory agency" means the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other agency which the Congress by law provides is an independent regulatory agency for purposes of this Act. Provides that the President shall appoint the chairmen of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission from among the members of such bodies by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that each such member shall serve in such capacity until the expiration of his term on such body. Revokes the power of the President to remove for inefficiency a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the President to remove for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office a member of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Federal Power Commission to act in its own name and through its own attorneys in any civil action and to supervise and conduct litigation in any civil action to which the Commission is a party. Provides that any communication to Congress respecting legislation, by any independent regulatory agency, whether transmitted in its annual report or otherwise, shall not be submitted to or be subject to clearance by the Office of Management and Budget or any other authority. Provides that an independent regulatory agency submits any budget estimate or request to the President or the Office of Management and Budget, it shall concurrently transmit a copy of that estimate or request to the Congress. Declares that no officer or agency of the United States shall have any authority to prohibit, impose conditions on, or in any way impair the free communication by such independent regulatory agency with the Congress, its committees, or any of its Members with respect to any budget estimate or request of such independent regulatory agency. Provides for access to information held by such independent regulatory agencies by specified congressional committees. Provides that the appointment of any person to the staff of an independent regulatory agency shall not be subject to approval by the office of the President, or the Office of Management and Budget. Directs each independent regulatory agency to promulgate conflict of interest rules within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Tax and Loan Account Interest Act - Terminates the insurance of any bank under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which fails to pay the Federal funds rate of interest on all tax and loan accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Establishes in the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Intelligence to conduct an inquiry into the organization, operations, and oversight of the intelligence community of the United States Government. Directs the Select Committee to conduct an inquiry into specified matters, including the following: (1) the collection, analysis, use, and cost of intelligence information and allegations of improper activities of intelligence agencies in the United States and abroad; (2) the procedures and effectiveness of coordination among and between the various intelligence components of the United States Government; (3) the nature and extent of executive branch oversight and control of United States intelligence activities; (4) the need for improved or reorganized oversight by the Congress of United States intelligence activities; and (5) the necessity, nature, and extent of overt and covert intelligence activities by United States intelligence instrumentalities in the United States and abroad. Requires the select committee to report to the House with respect to the matters covered by this resolution as soon as practicable but not later than January 31, 1976.
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 · 28 January 1975
States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for the immediate and future protection and administration of public lands in the California desert within the framework of a program of multiple use, sustained yield, and maintenance of environmental quality. Establishes the California Desert Advisory Commission which shall consist of Federal and State representatives, representatives of the academic community, representatives of residents of the desert, and representatives of groups which make use of the desert and its resources for recreational, study, or business purposes. States that it shall be the function of the Commission to advise the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the program for the desert under this Act. Establishes the National Conservation Area of the California Desert to carry out the purposes of the Act. Gives the Secretary of the Interior responsibility for the preparation of a long-range program for the management, development, and use of the California Desert. Provides that such program shall include a plan, to be completed and reported to Congress within seven years from the date of enactment of this Act. Requires consultation with the Advisory Commission and with State organizations concerning such plan. Provides for an interim program to manage and protect the desert resources now in danger of destruction, and to provide for the public use of the desert. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire such lands or interests therein as he deems necessary to provide access to the facilities of the desert, and to facilitate efficient and beneficial management of the desert. Empowers the Secretary to issue such regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that all mining carried out within the conservation area shall be subject to such reasonable regulations as the Secretary may prescribe to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that such regulations shall provide for such measures as may be reasonable to protect the scenic, scientific, and environmental values of the California Desert against undue impairment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Consumer Controversies Resolution Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to assure all consumers convenient access to a consumer controversey resolution mechanism which is effective, fair, inexpensive, and expeditious, and to facilitate better representation of consumer interests. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish a Bureau of Consumer Redress. Directs the Commission to perform enumerated duties, including: (1) allocate and pay to the States funds appropriated for financial assistance to States under cooperative agreements; (2) review the operation of each State plan for the resolution of controversey involving consumers which has been approved under this Act; and (3) articulate and evaluate the goals for a model State system of consumer controversey resolution. Provides for the allocation to States of monies appropriated for financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used including public education and publicity relating to the availability and proper use of consumer controversey resolution mechanisms and settlement procedures. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $500,000 for fiscal year 1976, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Regulatory Commissions' Independence Act - Provides that an independent regulatory commission shall submit its budget estimates and requests directly to the Congress. States that concurrently, the commission shall transmit a copy of each such estimate or request to the President or the Office of Management and Budget. Requires that each such estimate or request shall reflect the independent judgement of the commission concerned and shall not be changed at the direction of the President, the Office of Management and Budget, or any other agency of the Government. Stipulates that whenever any independent regulatory commission submits any legislative recommendations, or testimony, or comments on legislation to the President or the Office of Management and Budget, it shall concurrently transmit a copy thereof to the Congress. Provides that no officer, employer, or agency of the United States shall have any authority to require any independent regulatory commission to submit its legislative recommendation, or testimony, or comments on legislation, to any officer, employee, or agency of the United States for approval, comments, or review, prior to the submission of such recommendations, testimony, or comments to the Congress. Authorizes the various independent regulatory commissions: (1) to act, in any civil action, in their own respective name and through their own attorneys, and (2) to supervise and conduct litigation in any civil action to which the Commission is a party. Defines "independent regulatory commission" as including the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Specifies that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stocks Piling Act regarding the acquisition and development of strategic raw materials shall not apply to regulations or prohibitions pertaining to economic relations and/or communications with foreign nations or foreign nationals which are established under the authority of the United Nations Participation Act in response to sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Establishes weight restrictions for vehicles on the Interstate System. Provides that no funds authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year under the Federal-Aid Highway Act shall be apportioned to any State within the boundaries of which the Interstate System may lawfully be used by vehicles in excess of the established weight limitation.
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, under the Coastal Zone Management Act, for the establishment of a national policy with respect to the Nation's beach resources. Defines the terms used in this Act and states that it is the declared intention of Congress to exercise its constitutional power to protect the public's right to use the beaches. Provides that no person shall construct or maintain any barrier which interferes with the public's right to use the public beaches. Authorizes the Attorney General or U.S. district attorneys (1) to establish and protect the public's right to the beaches; (2) to determine the existing status of title, ownership, and control; and (3) to condemn easements to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that actions brought under this Act may be for injunctive, declaratory, or other suitable relief. States that nothing in this Act shall be held to impair specified State interests in the beaches. Delcares that it is desirable that the States and Federal Government act together to protect the rights and interests of the public in the beaches. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to any State or political subdivision for the development and maintenance of transportation facilities necessary in connection with the use of public beaches. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums, not to exceed $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants to States to plan and develop projects designed to secure the right of the public to the beaches.
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
Energy Conservation Act - Title I: Truth In Energy - Federal Trade Commission Act - Provides for the disclosure of the annual operating cost of major energy consuming products and systems, so that consumers can readily compare them and thereby avoid purchasing those which unnecessarily waste energy. Requires the National Bureau of Standards to identify those products which are major energy consuming household products and to devise a procedure for estimating the annual operating costs of such products. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to establish model calculation procedures for use by suppliers in determining the estimated annual operating costs of climate conditioning systems. Provides that the disclosure of the annual operating cost estimate must appear in the same place as the purchase price on the article. Title II: Automobile Fuel Economy Standards - Automobile Fuel Economy Act - Declares it to be the purpose of the Congress to encourage the development, manufacture, and sale of automobiles which are more economical to operate in terms of the amount of fuel consumed per mile traveled, and increase the industry-wide average fuel economy for new automobiles by at least 75 percent by 1984 in comparson to the industry-wide average fuel economy for new automobiles in 1974. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a minimum fuel economy standard for new automobiles introduced into commerce during and after the 1978 model year. States that such a standard shall represent the first step in a progression toward achievement of the national purpose stated in this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress no later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this title a plan for achieving the national purpose set forth in this Act. Provides for judicial review in a United States Court of Appeals of regulations promulgated in furtherance of such a plan by any person who may be adversely affected by such a regulation. States that, no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this title, each manufacturer shall cause to be affixed and each dealer shall cause to be maintained on each new automobile, in a prominent place, a sticker indicating the fuel economy and the estimated average annual fuel costs associated with the operation of such automobile. Requires the information regarding fuel economy and average annual fuel cost be a conspicuous part of any advertisement for new automobiles which mentions purchase price or acquisition cost of such automobiles. Defines prohibited conduct and unfair trade practices under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this title not more than $3,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978. Title III: Automotive Research and Development - Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for, and support through loan guarantees, research and development leading to production prototypes of an advanced automobile or automobiles within four years from the date of enactment of this title and to secure the certification after testing of those prototypes which are likely to meet the Nation's long-term goals with respect to fuel economy, environmental protection, motor vehicle safety, and other objectives; and to interpret and carry out this title to preserve, enhance, and facilitate competition in research, development, and production of existing and alternative automobiles and automobile components. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $50,000,000 to pay the interest on, and the principal balance of, any obligation guaranteed by the Secretary as to which the obligor has defaulted. Provides that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall test each production prototype of an automobile developed in whole or in part with Federal assistance under this Act. States that the Low-Emission Vehicle Certification Board shall, upon application by a developer or by the Secretary and the receipt of test data and test results, issue or deny certification as an advanced automobile. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this title not more than $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Natural Gas and Oil Act - Makes technical and conforming changes to the Natural Gas and Oil Act, including the redefining of terms used in such Act. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1976, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use, that all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Provides for the printing of 60,000 copies of the Constitution of the United States in Spanish, for use by members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the House Judiciary Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Provides that no person shall take any migratory game birds other than migratory waterfowl unless he has on his person a valid Federal permit. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to sell such permits at $1 each and provides that net receipts shall be utilized by the Secretary for conserving migratory game birds other than migratory waterfowl by: (1) conducting research, studies and other activities in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Act; (2) acquiring land or interests therein in accordance with the Migratory Bird Conservation Act; and (3) conducting law enforcement activities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Increases to $50,000,000 the maximum amount of aggregate payments which may be made in calendar years after 1974 to carry out conservation agreements under the Water Bank Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Independent Regulatory Agencies Act - Provides that the term "independent regulatory agency" means the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or any other agency which the Congress by law provides is an independent regulatory agency for purposes of this Act. Provides that the President shall appoint the chairmen of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission from among the members of such bodies by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that each such member shall serve in such capacity until the expiration of his term of such body. Revokes the power of the President to remove for inefficiency a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the President to remove for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office a member of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to act in its own name and through its own attorneys in any civil action and to supervise and conduct litigation in any civil action to which the Commission is a party. Provides that any communication to Congress respecting legislation, by any independent regulatory agency, whether transmitted in its annual report or otherwise, shall not be submitted to or be subject to clearance by the Office of Management and Budget or any other authority. Provides, under the Budget and Accounting Act, that the President's budget as submitted to Congress shall set forth the text of the original submission to the Office of Management and Budget by each independent regulatory agency of the estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations necessary in the judgment of the agency for its support, and any agency comments which accompanied such submission. Provides for access to information held by such independent regulatory agencies by specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Tax Equity Act - Title I: Capital Gains and Losses - Repeals the alternative tax presently allowed to corporations (and to individuals under specified circumstances) on long-term capital gain arising from: (1) dispositions pursuant to binding contracts and (2) distribution pursuant to liquidation. Provides, in lieu of the present 50 percent deduction for net long-term capital gain, an exclusion of one-third of 1 percent times the number of months long-term capital asset property used in the taxpayer's trade or business was held over 12 months. States that capital losses shall be allowed only to the entent of capital gains for the taxable year (up to $1000 in the case of an individual taxpayer). Provides for the carryover or carryback (to a maximum of 3 taxable years) of net capital losses (allowing carrybacks only if the net capital loss exceeds $10,000). Provides that the basis of specified property personal or household effects, life insurance proceeds, and income rights acquired from a decedent dying after June 30, 1975 shall be the same as the basis in the hands of the decedent plus its proportionate share of the Federal and State estate taxes attributable to the net appreciation in value of all such properties, even if such property is also community property. Requires the executor of an estate to supply specified information, in accordance with regulations to be propounded by the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to the decedent and the basis of his property. Provides that income from the sale or exchange of patent rights shall be treated as royalties (ordinary income) rather than as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. Title II: Income Derived From Extraction Of Minerals Repeals the percentage depletion allowance for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974. Provides for the deduction of expenditures (including intangible drilling costs) incurred in the exploration and development of mineral property. Repeals the maximum tax (33 percent on sales of oil and gas properties. Provides an exclusion from gross income of amounts derived from foreign mineral properties, provided that such income is not derived from: (1) a nonoperating mineral interest; (2) distributions received with respect to the stock of a corporation, and (3) amounts includible in gross income as undistributed profits of controlled foreign corporations. Limits the losses allowable from the disposition of mineral property to the extent of the gains from the sale or exchange of such property during the taxable year. Title III: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Individuals - Provides that the maximum rate of income tax for individuals shall be 50 percent of taxable income. Allows a credit of 24 percent of the amount of deductions which would be allowable, but for this Act, for the following: (1) personal exemptions; (2) interest on non-business obligations; (3) non-business State and local taxes; (4) non-business losses of property; (5) charitable contributions; (6) medical care; and (7) taxes and interest paid by a cooperative housing association. Authorizes the President to increase or decrease the 24 percent credit rate authorized by this Act subject to the disapproval by either House of Congress. States that such increase or decrease may not exceed 2 percentage points. Provides for a reduction in the tax rates applicable to those earning less than $10,000 per year. States that the income received by a child from a trust created by his parent, and dividends, interest, and royalties from property given the child by his parents shall be includible in the gross income of the parent if the claims a credit for the exemption allowable for such child as a dependent. Provides that share holder-employees of closely held corporations must include in gross income that part of of contributions paid by an employer-corporation (and deductible by it) to trusts, annuities, or bond purchase plans for the benefit of the sharehaolder-employee in excess of: (1) 15 percent of his compensation; or (2) $7500, and the amount of any forfeitures allocated to the employee's account under a stock bonus or profit-sharing plan. Repeals the $100 exclusion from gross income for dividends and trust income. Limits the deduction of interest on investment indibtedness to $5000 plus the amount of the net investment income. Restricts the business and income-producing expense deduction for business or trade-related conventions held outside of the United States to the cases where it is more reasonable for the meeting to be held outside of the United States than within the United States. Disallows business expense deductions for the use of a dwelling unit which is used by the taxpayer during the taxable year as a residence. Limits deductions attributable to farming to the gross income derived from farming for the taxable year, and, in the case of an individual, the higher of $10,000 on the amount of special deductions allowable. Provides for the computation of earings and profits on a consolidated basis with respect to distributions by the common parent corporation of a controlled group of corporations. Terminates the preferential tax treatment presently accorded to qualified stock options and restricted stock option plans under the Internal Revenue Code. Taxes trust income payable to the children of the grantor to the grantor if the child is under 21 years of age or a student. Provides that the deductible losses of a limited partner in a partnership cannot exceed his or her investment. Repeals the exemption for earned income from foreign sources. Provides that a partnership shall be treated as a corporation for purposes of income taxation upon filing of a registration statement for the offering of units of interest in a partnership with the Securities Exchange Commission. Title IV: Reform Measures Affedting Primarily Corporations - Repeals the investment credit for business property placed in service after Jan. 1, 1976. Repeals the Asset Depreciation Range System. States that, in the case of a corporation, the depreciation allowance shall not exceed the depreciation recorded on the corporation's books. Provides also that the deduction for repair expenses shall be limited to the amount recorded on the corporation's books. Limits the deduction on the aggregate amount of dividends received to 85 percent of taxable income computed without regard to specified deductions. Repeals the provision allowing nonrecognition of gain on the sale of inventory in specified cases. Denies, in the case of corporate reorganization, tax-free exchange treatment to investment companies. Disqualifies transactions which result in the shareholders of a merging corporation owning less than 20 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the surving corporation as reorganizations. Repeals the special treatment of bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Repeals the special deductions for Western Hemisphere trade corporations. Taxes the undistributed profits of foreign corporations to such corporations' United States shareholders based on each shareholder's pro rata share of such undistributed profits. Repeals the tax exemption presently permitted to Domestic International Sales Corporations. Title V: Reforms Affecting Individuals And Corporations - Reduces the exemption from the 10 percent minimum tax on items of tax preference from $30,000 to $12,000. Subjects interest on governmental obligations, mineral exploration and development expenditures, and foreign tax credits to the minimum (10 percent) tax on preferences. Provides that the difference between the cost to a shareholder of the use of corporate property and the fair market value of such use shall be includible in the gross income of the shareholder. Limits the allowable depreciation deduction for rental real estate to an amount which will not reduce the adjustment basis to an amount below any mortgage indebtedness on such property. Reduces the deduction of charitable gifts of appreciated property tothe amount of the property's basis at the time of the gift. Provides that the foreign tax credit shall not include foreign taxes paid or accrued on any item excluded from gross income or gain not recognized under the Internal Revenue Code. Limits the foreign tax credit to that proportion of the tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code which the taxpayer's taxable income from sources outside the United States bears to his entire taxable income. Title VI: Estate and Gift Tax Amendments - Provides for the integration of the estate tax rate with the rate schedule applied to the amount of adjusted inter vivos gifts ( the amount of such gifts to be computed according to a formula set forth in this Act). Limits the aggregate amount of charitable deductions allowed under the estate tax provision to $50 percent of the amount by which the value of the gross estate exceeds the aggregate amount of deductions for expenses, indebtedness, taxes, and casualty losses incurred during the settlement of the estate. Title VII: State and Local Obligations - Repeals the exemption for interest on state and local obligations issued after December 31, 1975. Directs the United States to pay 40 percent of the interest yield on state and local obligations. Title VIII: Withholding Of Income Tax On Dividends And Interest - Directs every person who pays interest or dividends to deduct and withhold on such interest or dividends a tax equal to 10 percent of the amount thereof: Defines the terms "interest" and "dividend" for this purpose. Directs every person required to deduct and withhold any tax to make quarterly returns of such tax to the appropriate officer.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides that it shall not be unlawful for a person to electronically record or otherwise intercept a wire or oral communication where all parties to such communication have given prior consent unless the interception is for the purpose of criminal or tortious act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Moss, John E. [D-CA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001035_200.jpg)