United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense, in administering Public Law 94-11 which appropriates foreign assistance for fiscal year 1975, include in the $300,000,000 foreign military credit sales appropriated to assist the State of Israel, F-15 fighter planes, electronic countermeasures, and other sophisticated weapons necessary to insure the continued viability of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Represenatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, and the attempted assassination of George Wallace. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigations, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 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 May 1975
Federal Employees Political Activities Act - Provides that Federal employees may not request political contributions from other Federal employees, provided, however, that Federal employees may make political contributions of their own volition. Prohibits the use of official authority or influence on the part of Federal employees to affect elections. Provides that such prohibition applies to employees of the United States Postal Service. Provides that such employees may, take an active part in political management or in political campaigns in their roles as private citizens. Defines the phrase "an active part in political management or in political campaigns". Provides as a penalty for violation of this Act not less than 30 days' suspension without pay or removal upon a unanimous vote of the Civil Service Commission, with prosecution in the discretion of the Attorney General.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Prisoner Rights Act - Prohibits the inhumane treatment, as defined by the Act, of Federal prisoners. Requires the immediate discharge of any Federal employee engaging in such prohibited conduct. Sets forth minimum standards to be followed before a Federal prisoner may be placed in solitary confinement and regulates the treatment of such prisoner while so confined. Directs the Attorney General to establish grievance procedures for Federal prisoners. Declares that any such prisoner shall be entitled to report any grievance. Provides for the investigation by independent investigators appointed by the Attorney General of alleged grievances. Sets forth visitation rights for the friends, relatives, and attorneys of Federal prisoners.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Prohibits, except as provided in this Act, the inspection of tax returns and the disclosure of information contained in such returns. Authorizes the inspection of returns by or disclosure to (1) the taxpayer or his representative; (2) employees of the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Justice solely for purposes of enforcement of the tax laws; (3) State agencies charged with administration of the tax laws only for that purpose; (4) the President of the United States in the performance of his official duties; and (5) the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation for statistical purposes only. Increases the criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure or receipt of information under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Provides that it shall be unlawful for any business enterprise or person acting on behalf or in the interest of a business enterprise to coerce, or attempt to coerce, by economic means another person, to fail to do business with, or to otherwise discriminate against any U.S. person, or any foreign person with respect to its activities in the United States, by reason of: (1) the religion, race, national origin, or sex of such U.S. or foreign person; or (2) direct or indirect support for any foreign government when such support is not in violation of U.S. laws. Prescribes a penalty of a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment for not more than three years, or for violation of such provision. Prescribes a fine not to exceed $1,000,000 if the violator is any person other than an individual. Allows any person aggrieved by a violation of the prohibition against economic coercion to bring a suit in an appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy. States that such person may recover threefold actual damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Permits the Attorney General to institute an action in an appropriate district court to collect a civil penalty against any person who practices prohibited economic coercion. States that the penalty shall not exceed $50,000 if imposed upon an individual, or not more than $500,000 if imposed upon any person other than an individual. Makes it unlawful for a person to violate this Act by exercising coercion through a foreign government or a business enterprise not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. States that whoever violates such provision shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $50,000 if an individual, or not to exceed $500,000 if any person other than an individual. Defines terms used in this Act, including "persons", and states that such term shall include a corporation, trust, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock company, fund, or any organized group of persons whether incorporated or not.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Authorizes payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for emergency inpatient hospital services furnished outside the United States to a qualified individual whose principal residence is within the United States, without regard to where the emergency occurred.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Public Broadcasting Financing Act - Establishes a Public Broadcasting Fund in the Treasury and authorizes to be appropriated to the Fund specified percentages of the non-Federal financial support received by public broadcasting stations for fiscal years 1976 through 1980, up to specified limits ranging from $88,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to $160,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Provides for specified portions of the Public Broadcasting Fund to be distributed among the licensees and permitees of noncommercial educational broadcast stations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Provides that the expenses of a special investigation and study of the exploration of the Outer Continental Shelf to be conducted by the House ad hoc Select Committee on the Outer Continental Shelf shall not exceed $353,000. Allocates an amount not to exceed $30,000 for the services of consultants. States that no part of such funds shall be available for expenditure in connection with the study of any subject which is being investigated for the same purpose by any other committee of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
National Electrical Energy Conservation Act - Title I: National Power Grid and Regional Bulk Power Distribution - Creates a National Power Grid Corporation to establish and operate a national power grid system consisting of electric power generating faciities and a system of very high voltage transmission lines which shall interconnect such generating facilities and the transmission systems of each regional corporation established by the Corporation pursuant to this Act. Provides that such regional corporations shall be the exclusive marketing agency for the National Grid in that region. Authorizes electric utilities, publicly or privately owned, to enter into agreements for services with the regional corporation. Places specified conditions on any such contract for services and the rates at which power marketed for the National Grid may be sold. Directs the National Grid to carry out a program of research and development in the area of electric power generation and transmission, giving preference to environmental protection and land use research priorities. Authorizes up to $250,000,000 per fiscal year to carry out such program. Transfers specified federally owned facilities to the National Grid. Title II: General Provisions Applicable to National Grid and to Regional Corporations - States that each corporation shall be subject to Federal, State, and local environmental standards. Specifies the interests to be represented on the Board of Directors of such corporations, and their composition, terms of members, procedures for selecting the officers and employees of the corporations. States that the corporations shall have those powers conferred on nonprofit corporations pursuant to the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act and specified additional powers. Directs such corporations to at all times maintain complete and accurate books of accounts. Authorizes each corporation to issue and sell bonds for financing its activities, providing that the aggregate total of outstanding bonds shall not exceed $32,000,000,000. Authorizes each corporation to cause to be instituted condemnation proceedings against any lands or interests in land necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires each corporation to report annually to the President and for transmittal of such report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Flexible Hours Act - Authorizes each Federal agency to establish a program of flexible scheduling for employees' work hours for such positions as it deems appropriate. Requires that each agency shall submit a report to the Civil Service Commission within 13 months following the commencement of the flexible scheduling program. Directs that such report contain information which the Commission deems necessary to evaluate the first twelve months of such program. Establishes a congressional review period during which either House of Congress may repeal such programs. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 6101(a)(1);554(2); adds 5 U.S.C. 6102)
United States · United States Congress · 23 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 · 22 April 1975
Extends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act for two years by authorizing appropriations for the purposes of such Act of $1,260,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $1,400,000 for fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments - Title I: Purposes, Definitions, and National Policy for Managing the Resources of the Outer Continental shelf - States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) establish policies and procedures for managing the oil and natural gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf in order to achieve national economic goals; (2) preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf; (3) eliminate or reduce risk of environmental damage; and (4) assure that coastal States which are directly impacted by oil and natural gas exploration and development are provided with an opportunity to take part in policy and planning decisions. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Revises bidding and lease administration under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Provides for the orderly development of oil and gas leases and requires that no geological and geophysical exploration shall take place in the Outer Continental Shelf without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designated to obtain sufficient data to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the oil and gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires the Secretary to transmit the results of his study within one year to Congress, together with his recommendations prepared in cooperation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Directs the Secretary to coordinate the oil and gas exploratory program with coastal management programs being developed by coastal States. Requires the Secretary to transmit a exploration, leasing, and development plan to Congress at least 90 calendar days prior to announcing the invitation to bid on each tract in which oil or gas is found in commercial quantities. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this title during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in consultation with the Secretary, to conduct a study of the area or region involved to establish baseline information concerning the status of marine and coastal environment of the Outer Continental Shelf and the coastal zone which may be affected by oil and gas development. Requires that such impact statements prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act include such information as: (1) the probable impact of the proposed exploration or development on the marine and coastal environments; and (2) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed exploration or development. Makes provisions for the development, promulgation, and enforcement of safety regulations for operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires that the Coast Guard make regular inspections and strictly enforce the safety regulations. States that any person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $100,000, or by imprisonment for more than one year, or both. Allows citizen suits by persons having an interest which is, or may be adversely affected. Permits civil actions against any person, including the United States, and against the Secretary of the interior where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this Act which is not discretionary. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that within 6 months after enactment the Secretary of the Interior shall submit a report to the Comptroller General and the Congress listing all shut-in oil and gas wells and wells flaring natural gas on leases issued under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Requires that the Secretary, in consultation with the Comptroller General, prepare and publish a report with recommendations for achieving an equitable system of lease sales while maximizing production and revenues from the leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Revises the shipping laws with respect to the certification and inspection requirements which apply to articulated tug-barge systems, stating that (1) the method of linkage between tug and barge in any such systems shall not be deemed to establish the weight of th tug; and (2) with respect to tonnage assignments any tug which is capable of independent operation shall be deemed to be a separate unit for inspection purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a national health care insurance program that will provide comprehensive benefits, including institutional, medical, dental, and other health care, protecting against ordinary and catastrophic expenses of illnesses for all individuals. Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Provides that when an employee elects to obtain such coverage, the employer shall contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of the employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium; the employee shall contribute the balance. Permits the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll costs due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the Secretary to make such payments. Provides that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Establishes a program of Federal participation, through a system of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax, in the premium for qualified health care insurance providing comprehensive hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and families. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides that if an individual or family incurs no income tax liability for a base year, such individual or family shall be eligible for a certificate of entitlement or a credit against income tax for 100 percent of the premium for qualified health care insurance. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under this part for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accomodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for castastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established in this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a national health care insurance program that will provide comprehensive benefits, including institutional, medical, dental, and other health care, protecting against ordinary and catastrophic expenses of illnesses for all individuals. Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Provides that when an employee elects to obtain such coverage, the employer shall contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of the employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium; the employee shall contribute the balance. Permits the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll costs due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the Secretary to make such payments. Provides that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Establishes a program of Federal participation, through a system of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax, in the premium for qualified health care insurance providing comprehensive hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and families. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides that if an individual or family incurs no income tax liability for a base year, such individual or family shall be eligible for a certificate of entitlement or a credit against income tax for 100 percent of the premium for qualified health care insurance. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under this part for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accomodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for castastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established in this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
Makes loans available, under the Small Business Act, for small businesses suffering economic injuries as the result of the disruption of operations and services of public utilities occurring on or after February 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Ground Propulsion Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to carry out a program of research, development, and demonstration directed toward improved ground propulsion systems. Defines the term "ground propulsion system" to mean the engine, transmission, or other drive mechanism, and associated controls, necessary to power automobiles, trucks, trains, buses, and light land and marine recreational vehicles. Makes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration responsible for providing effective management and coordination in connection with ground propulsion systems research, development, and demonstration, including programs for developing ground propulsion systems which are energy conserving, have clean emmission characteristics, and are capable of being mass produced at a reasonable per unit cost. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to assist the Administrator in ground propulsion system research and development. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the provisions of the Act for fiscal years 1976 through 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the embargo of Cuba not be lifted and that relations not be normalized as long as Cuba is dominated by Castro and communism.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Mexican-American Rural Community Anti-Poverty Act - Provides that rural poverty among the Nations' Mexican-American population should be eliminated through those means most suitable to encourage the development of Mexican-American community life and culture. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to the governing boards of community land grants to provide services for the communities and to eradicate poverty. Enumerates the criteria to be met by an application for such funding and authorizes appropriations for the grants. Establishes a temporary commission to be known as the Special Commission on Rural Poverty and Guadalupe- Hidalgo Land Rights. Directs the Commission to make a comprehensive study and analysis of the provisions of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo between the United States and Mexico and determine: (1) what property rights were vested by the treaty in private landholders and their heirs; (2) whether those rights have been properly protected by the United States since 1848; and (3) if the Commission finds that such rights have not been properly protected, the most equitable means of settling claims it deems meritorious. Sets forth the membership and administrative powers of the Commission. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress and to the President on the activities carried out pursuant to this Act not later than March 1, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Provides that time spent by American civilians in enemy prisoner-of-war camps and similar places on or after December 7, 1941, shall be creditable (as though it were military service) toward pensions, annuities, or similar benefits under the Social Security Act, the Railroad Act and other specified Federal retirement programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
Condemns violations of the Paris agreement by the Communists in Vietnam. Calls upon all governments to join in this condemnation. Demands the immediate withdrawal of Communists forces to the cease-fire line established by the Paris agreement, and the withdrawal from South Vietnam of all forces and equipment in excess of those present at the time of the agreement. Notifies the governments of the Soviet Union and the Peoples' Republic of China that their actions in Vietnam shall be considered a test of faith in efforts toward detente. Calls upon individual nations and the United Nations to take action to assure the right of asylum to Vietnamese refugees.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, for purposes of carrying out the Marine Protection Research, and Sanctuaries act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Title I: Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Checks - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish procedures for expedited payment of monthly benefits. Requires the Secretary, within one day after the date an individual files for late payment of benefits, to cause such monthly insurance benefits to be paid. Title II: Expediting of Hearings and Determination - States that in the administration of the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures designed to assure that: (1) any duly requested hearing to which an individual is entitled thereunder will be held within a reasonable period of time after such hearing is so requested, if such hearing is requested with respect to a determination of entitlement to benefits; and (2) not later than ninety days after such a hearing is requested, the Secretary shall render a final determination on the issues which were the subject of such hearing, or if no final determination of the Secretary has been made at that time, the Secretary shall make payments of benefits to such individual in like manner as if a final determination has been made fully in favor of such individual. Title III: Expedited Payment of Black Lung Benefits; and Expedited Hearings and determinations Respecting Such Benefits - Provides for expedited payments of black lung benefits under the Federal coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting hearings and hearings and determinations on claims for such benefits. Title IV: Limitation of Benefit Reduction to Compensate for Benefit Overpayment - Limits to 25 percent the reduction that may be made in an individual's Social Security benefit check for any month because of any previous overpayment of monthly benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Allows a deduction from gross income under the Internal Revenue code of up to $1250 ($625 in the case of a married individual filing separately) for social agency, legal, and related expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child by the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Parole Reorganization Act - Establishes, as an independent entity in the Department of Justice, a United States Parole Commission, to consist of a national office and five regional offices. States that the Commission shall have the power to establish general policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations for the Commission, including rules with respect to the factors to be taken into account in determining whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole. Provides that the Commission shall meet not less frequently than quarterly to establish its general policies and rules. States that, whenever confined and serving a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, a prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole after serving one-third of such term or terms or after serving ten years of a life sentence or of a sentence over thirty years. Stipulates that a prisoner shall be released on parole if his record shows that he has substantially observed the rules of the institution in which he is confined on the date of his eligibility for parole, unless it is determined by an examining panel that he should not be released on such date for one or more of the following reasons: (1) there is a reasonable probability that such prisoner will not live and remain at liberty without violating any ciminal law; (2) there is a reasonable probability that such release would be incompatible with the welfare of society; or (3) the prisoner's release on such date would so deprecate the seriousness of his crime as to undermine respect for the law. Requires the regional offices to hold a hearing in making a determination of whether to release a prisoner on parole. Sets forth the procedure to be followed in such hearings. Authorizes the regional Commissions to impose such conditions of parole as are deemed reasonably necessary to insure that the parolee will lead a law-abiding life or to assist him in doing so. Provides, with certain exceptions, that the jurisdiction of the Commission over the parolee shall terminate no later than the date of the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which he was sentenced. States that if the regional commissioner believes that any parolee has violated a condition of his parole, or that there is reason to terminate any parolee's assignment to a center or similar facility, he may order such parolee to appear before him or before a hearing examiner, or issue a warrant and retake the parolee as provided in this Act. Requires that a hearing be held on such a matter. Authorizes the courts to fix eligibility for parole at the time of sentencing of an individual. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide that any prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole if such prisoner is ineligible for such release under any other provision of law. Requires the Commission to report annually to each House of Congress on the activities of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Preschool Children Educational Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to States having an approved plan to provide preschool assistance for school-based educational programs for children aged four. Authorizes $150,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the provisions of the Act. Sets forth the criteria State plans must meet for eligibility under this Act, including establishing an advisory council to assist the State educational agency in the administration of this program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Prescribes penalties for the use of firearms in the commission, and carrying firearms during the commission, of any felony with respect to which United States courts have exclusive and original jurisdiction. Prescribes penalties for the use of carrying of any firearm transported in interstate or foreign commerce in the commission of any crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year upon conviction in a State court. Provides a sentence, in addition to the punishment set forth for the commission of such felony or crime, of a term of five to ten years imprisonment. States that in case of a second or subsequent conviction, such person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. (Amends 18 U.SC. 924(c))
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides for the administrative and judicial review of claims (involving the amount of benefits payable) which arise under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare).
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Asian American Affairs Act - Establishes the Cabinet committee for Asian American Affairs to advise, authorize, and direct the departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government and organizations receiving Federal funds regarding appropriate action to be taken to help assure that Federal and other programs are providing the assistance needed by Asian Americans as a whole or by the individual Asian American ethnic, cultural, or nationality groups. Provides that the committee shall advise and direct such departments, agencies, and instrumentalities on program focusing on the special problems and needs of Asian Americans. Establishes an Advisory Council composed of 12 members appointed by the President from among persons who are representative of the Japanese American, Chinese American, Korean American, Filipino American, Polynesian American, and other elements of the Asian American community in the United States. Provides that the committee shall direct and authorize the Advisory Council and staff to investigate such areas of possible discrimination as the committee may specify, and possible discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, housing, education, welfare and other public services, religion, recreation and other areas that may arise against the Asian Americans. Provides that the committee shall conduct public hearings at any place with power to subpena records to investigate discrimination against Asian Americans; examine for, resolve, and correct any injustices and discrimination against Asian Americans in their respective departments; and foster such surveys, studies, research, and demonstration and technical assistance projects, establish such relationship with State and local governments and the private sector, and promote such participation of State and local governments and the private sector as may be appropriate to identify and assist in solving the special problems of Asian Americans as a whole or as individual Asian American ethnic, cultural, or nationality groups. Gives the Advisory Council cease and desist powers to enforce its finding of discriminatory practices against Asian Americans. Requires the Advisory Council to submit to the committee an annual report on its activities. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal year 1976 the sum of $7,000,000 and for the fiscal year 1977 the sum of $12,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 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 · 25 March 1975
Nautical Rules of the Road Act - Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce the terms of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, this Act, and the regulations promulgated hereunder. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate the regulations authorized by the Convention. Requires the Secretary to make available to the public copies of the convention, this Act, and regulations promulgated hereunder. Provides for civil penalties for violation of such regulations to be enforced by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Authorizes appropriations of $445,000 for each of fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for the expenses of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Establishes the Hudson River Compact Commission composed of the Secretary of the Interior and representatives from the States of New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. States that the purpose of the Commission shall be to negotiate a compact to develop, preserve, and restore the Hudson River Basin and its shores. Authorizes that necessary steps be taken to protect the resources of the Hudson River Basin from adverse Federal actions until the States and Congress have the opportunity to act on the compact negotiated by the Commission. Requires that any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States taking actions which could unfavorably affect any resource of the Hudson riverway shall consult with the Secretary concerning any such actions. Directs the Secretary to transmit a report to the Congress and the President relating to the status of the negotiations by the Commission, including the Secretary's recommendations concerning the execution of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of not more than $75,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Provides that an individual or family whose income is increased by reason of a general increase in monthly social security benefits will not, because of such general increase, suffer a loss of or reduction in the benefits the individual or family has been receiving under Federal or federally assisted programs where the entitlement to such benefits was based on need.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Act Amendments - Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal years subsequent to that of 1975 to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program of assistance to the States to initiate, maintain, or expand nonprofit breakfast programs in schools. States that as a national nutrition and health policy, it is the purpose and intent of the Congress that the school breakfast program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 be made available in all schools where it is needed to provide adequate nutrition for children in attendance. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with State educational agencies, to carry out a program of information to the schools in furtherance of this policy. Requires that within ninety days after the enactment of this legislation, the Secretary shall report to the committee of jurisdiction in the Congress his plans, and those of the cooperating State agencies, to bring about the needed expansion in the school breakfast program. Sets forth the schedule of income limitations for reduced price lunches. Provides for the disbursement of funds under this Act to nonprofit private schools. Provides for the inclusion of specified commodities, such as cereal and shortening, in the food donations to the school lunch program covered by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program to assist States through grants-in-aid and other means to initiate, maintain, or expand nonprofit food service programs for needy children in institutions providing child care. Sets forth requirements for the apportionment of funds under this Act to the States. Authorizes the use of funds under the National School Lunch Act for nonfood assistance for the special food service program. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant, and Fetal Nutrition. Provides for the membership of such Council. Makes it the function of the Council to make a continuing study of the operation of the special supplemental food program and any related Act under which diet supplementation is provided to women, infants, and children, with a view to determining how such programs may be improved. Directs the Council to submit to the President and the Congress annually a written report of the results of its study together with such recommendations for administrative and legislative changes as it deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Provides, under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, that specific grants under such Act shall not be made to any State, unit of general local government, or public agency, unless there is in effect a law enforcement officer's bill of rights. States that such bill of rights must substantially provide as a minimum the rights enumerated in this Act, including: (1) the right of a law enforcement officer to engage in political activity during off-duty hours or to refrain from such activity; and (2) observance of specified standards with respect to the investigation of a law enforcement officer who is under investigation for alleged malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance of official duty, with a view to possible disciplinary action, demotion, dismissal, or criminal charges. States that such standards shall include: (1) informing the law enforcement officer of the nature of the investigation, the names of any complainants, and the identity and authority of the person conducting such investigation; (2) full recordation of the investigation; and (3) allowing the law enforcement officer to have his counsel present at any interrogation in connection with the investigation. Grants a law enforcement officer the right to recover pecuniary and other damages from persons violating any of the rights established under the bill of rights. Provides that no law enforcement officer shall be required to disclose, for the purposes of promotion or assignment, any item of his property, income, assets, debts, or expenditures. Establishes a Law Enforcement Officers' Grievance Commission composed of representatives of the general public, law enforcement agencies, and other public agencies. Gives the Commission the authority to receive, investigate, and determine grievances of any law enforcement officer, and to require testimony under oath and the production of documents. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Requires the Commissioner of Education to carry out a program of financial assistance to local educational agencies during fiscal years 1976 through 1978 for the construction of public elementary and secondary schools for the purpose of alleviating educational service deficiencies in low-income family areas. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $2,500,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1975
Establishes a grant program to enable any State, local government, or interstate agency or other public port authority to apply to the Secretary of Commerce for financial assistance to assist such agency in making such improvements as may be required to any port operated by it in order to bring such port into compliance with any requirements relating to environmental protection, the public health and safety, or port or cargo security which may be imposed by Federal law. Defines the term "improvements". States that the Secretary may grant to the applicant all or part of the money applied for, except that no grant or aggregate of grants made under this Act to any State, local, or interstate agency or public port authority may exceed $1,000,000. Authorizes appropriations of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and each fiscal year thereafter for grants under this Act. Directs the Secretary to undertake a comprehensive study to determine the immediate and long- range requirements of public ports in the United States: (1) for expansion and modernization in order to meet adequately the economic and defense needs of the United States; and (2) to meet such standards as may be imposed by law for purposes of environmental protection and port safety and security. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress the final results of such study not later than one year after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for purposes of conducting the study.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Panama Canal Modernization Act - Directs the Governor of the Canal Zone under the supervision of the Secretary of the Army to prosecute the work necessary to increase the capacity and improve the operations of the Panama Canal through the adaptation of the Third Locks project (H. Doc. 210, 76th Congress) at a total cost not to exceed $1,150,000,000. Establishes the Panama Canal Advisory and Inspection Board composed of 5 members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate to study and review plans and designs for the Third Locks project. Gives the Board powers to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Board to submit an annual report to the President and Congress on the progress of its work.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Permits the Secretary of Transportation to delegate the responsibility for the preparation of an environmental impact statement to the State affected by a proposed project on a Federal-aid highway system. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109)
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene immediately a meeting of the heads of all appropriate Federal departments and agencies for the purpose of taking such steps as may be necessary to prevent Arab discrimination against American business enterprises which have Jewish individuals serving in positions of major responsibility or which do business with Israel.
![Official portrait of Rep. Murphy, John M. [D-NY-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001098_200.jpg)