United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Terminates the existence of the Federal Metal and Nonmettalic Mine Safety Board of Review established pursuant to the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act. Grants the Secretary of the Interior authority to review mine closing orders which were previously reviewed by the Board. Makes final orders issued by the Secretary subject to the same judicial appeal procedures which Board orders were subject to. (Amends 30 U.S.C. 729-731)
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Prohibits franked mailings by Members of the Congress and officers of the United States other than mailings related to the closing of their official business, after such Members or officers have left office. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3210 (b) (1))
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 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 · 23 April 1975
Authorizes the diversion and withdrawal of additional water from Lake Michigan into the Illinois Waterway. Requires the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, to at all times have direct control and supervision of the amounts of water directly diverted from Lake Michigan under this Act.
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 · 10 April 1975
Provides for the creation of a Joint Congressional Committee on Foreign Investment Control in the United States to study the manner in which the National Foreign Investment Control Commission fulfills its purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Foreign Investment Control Act - Declares that the Congress finds that recent international economic and monetary changes have stimulated investment by foreign persons in industries and real property in the United States. Establishes the National Foreign Investment Commission. Specifies the duties, powers, and composition of the Commission. States that, within one hundred and eighty days after the date of enactment of this Act, and at the end of each six-month period thereafter, the Commission shall determine and notify each issuer which is substantially involved in any area essential to the United States national security and/or economic security, and each issuer which is substantially involved in any area important to the United States national security and/or economic security, as defined and described in this Act. Requires the Commission to publish in the Federal Register the names of all issuers so determined under this Act. Requires each such issuer to submit to the Commission (within sixty days after receiving notification from the Commission) the names and nationalities of all individuals not citizens of the United States, and the names of all persons other than individuals, who own voting securities of such issuers. States that such list shall also be transmitted to the Securities Exchange Commission which shall, in turn, require each broker, dealer, and bank registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1) not to sell to any individual who is not a citizen of the United States any right, title, or interest in any security of an issuer on the list which is substantially involved in any area essential to our national security and/or economic security; (2) to contact the Commission for approval before it sells to any person who is not an individual (or to any individual acting as an agent for such a person) any right, title, or interest in any security of an issuer on the list which is substantially involved in any area essential to our national security and/or economic security; and (3) to inform the Commission immediately after it sells to any person any right, title, or interest in any security of an issuer on the list which is substantially involved in any area important to our national security and/or economic security. States that the Commission shall order (1) each individual whose name was submitted under this Act and (2) each person which the Commission determines is owned or controlled by a person not a citizen of the United States, who owns any right, title, or interest in any voting security of any issuer substantially involved in any area essential to our national security and/or economic security, to sell (within a period of sixty days after such order) all such securities to any citizen of the United States, or (with the Commission's prior approval) to any person not included in the prohibitions of this Act. Provides that, within a period of one hundred and eighty days after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall determine which minerals, fertile realty for agriculture, timber lands, and other resources are to be included in a list of resources which are strategic to the national security and/or economic security of the United States. States that after such list is so published, if any seller or lessor of real estate located in the United States, or his agent, knows or has reason to know that such real estate contains resources on such list in commercially exploitable amounts, he shall not sell or lease such real estate to any individual who is not a citizen of the United States, or to such individual's agent. States that whoever fails to comply with specified requirements of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 for each such failure.
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 · 26 March 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 · 26 March 1975
Concentrated Industries Anti-Inflation Act - Establishes a Price Restraint Board to be composed of five members who shall issue standards and guidelines for noninflationary price adjustments. States that the basic guideline for price adjustments shall be the maintenance of the dollars and cents profit margin per unit of output of any firm for any product or product category which prevailed for such firm during such fiscal years as the Board may designate. Provides that subsidiary standards and guidelines for price adjustments shall provide for modifying the basic guideline, as the Board may find necessary, to avoid undue hardship, inequity, or impedance of economic growth. Provides for the classification of business firms into three categories based on amount of sales controlled by such firm. States that the Board shall publish monthly a weighted index of the prices of products of concentrated industries. Provides that, when necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Board shall issue orders and regulations in accordance with its standards and guidelines to require prenotification of price increases, to delay proposed price increases in whole or in part, to disapprove proposed price increases in whole or in part, and to rollback prices with respect to products of firms in concentrated industries. States that such regulations and orders shall not apply to firms controlling less than $250,000,000 worth of sales. Enumerates the duties of business firms with respect to notification of the Board of intent to adjust prices after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Urban Forestry Act - States that the growth of trees and shrubs helps to improve the quality of the urban environment by preventing erosion, providing shade, and reducting noise and air pollution levels. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to cities to pay up to 100 percent of the cost of trees and shrubs planted under the cities' and park districts' forestry programs, including programs of cities or park districts which provide for the planting of trees on privately owned land. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 for the fiscal year 1975 for grants under this section. States that the Secretary may make grants to cities with populations exceeding ten thousand and park districts to pay 75 percent of the annual salaries of urban foresters. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for the fiscal year 1975 for grants under this section. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to cities and park districts to assist such cities in planning, developing, and administering forestry programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Motor Vehicle Tax Repeal Act - Repeals the excise tax on trucks, buses, and tractors and parts accessories for such vehicles. Provides for the refund or credit of such taxes paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer on items sold after January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires candidates for Federal office, Members of the Congress, each officer and employee of the Federal Government who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year, Federal employees performing the duties of a GS-16 or higher, members of the Uniformed Services in the grade 0-6 or higher, the President, and the Vice President to file annually with the Comptroller General, a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from his spouse or any member of his immediate family) received by him, by and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received by him for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other compensation for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the identity of each asset held by him, by him and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed by him or by him and his spouse jointl, together with the amount of each liability which is owned with respect to any financial interest which is under his constructive control, which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) any transactions in securities of any business entity by him or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transactions in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 during such year; (4) all transactions in commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; and (5) any purchase or sale of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000. Defines the terms used in this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Allows school systems to assign pupils on the basis of neighborhood attendance areas. Directs that no provision of the Constitution shall be construed to require such systems to assign pupils in any other manner. Gives Congress the power to enforce this article.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Provides that States may not have less strict standards with respect to marking, labeling, packaging, and ingredient requirements than those made under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 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 · 4 March 1975
Emergency Unemployment Health Benefits Act - Includes a new title under the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Health Benefits Act establishing an emergency health benefits program for the unemployed. Declares all unemployed individuals who (1) are entitled to receive State or Federal unemployment benefits and (2) would if their employment had not been discontinued, be covered under an employer-sponsored health insurance plan to be eligible for health insurance benefits of the type provided by their previous employer. Extends such benefits to the dependent spouse and the dependent children of such eligible individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into arrangements with carriers and State agencies to carry out this Act. Stipulates that no health insurance benefits may be provided under this Act after June 30, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Authorizes the President to designate April 24, 1975, as "National Day of Remembrance of Man's Inhumanity to Man" for remembrance of all the victims of genocide, especially those of Armenian ancestry who succumbed to the genocide perpetrated in Turkey in 1915.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Prohibits the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, from authorizing an increase in the ceiling price of old crude petroleum by more than one dollar per barrel per year. Prohibits any such increase before April 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
National Energy and Conservation Corporation (AMPOWER) Act - Declares the finding of Congress that Government-sponsored exploration, development, investment in and production of petroleum reserves will increase petroleum production on public lands and tidelands. Establishes a National Energy and Conservation Corporation (AMPOWER) to achieve specified goals, including: (1) the exploration, development, and production of public lands and tideland oil, natural gas, oil shale, and coal either independently or in partnership with private industry; and (2) the acceleration of the creation and demonstration of specified technologies. Declares it to be the policy of Congress that costs of production of offshore oil and natural gas and the manufacture of liquid and gaseous fuels from oil shale and coal will be funded through appropriations should such costs exceed market prices. States that fuels produced by the Corporation shall be sold on the open market by competive bid, provided that 50 percent of the production shall be reserved for bids from publicly owned utilities and from State, county, municipal, and other government bodies. Provides a Board of Directors for the Corporation to consist of five members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets compensation for Board members and the procedure for removal. Authorizes the Board to appoint such personnel as are necessary for the transaction of the Corporation's business and to fix their compensation. Enumerates the Corporation's powers and duties, including: (1) the power to sue; (2) to make contracts to carry out its functions under this Act; and (3) holding power in the name of the United States to exercise the right of eminent domain. States that, in carrying out its duties under this Act, the Corporation may conduct research and development with a view toward improving the technology related to the use of oil shale, gasification of coal methods, geothermal steam, and solar energy as sources of energy for domestic and industrial used in the United States. Requires the Corporation at all times to maintain and complete accurate account books. States that all purchases and contracts for supplies or services, except for personal service, made by the Corporation, shall be made after advertising . Requires the Board to file with the President and the Congress, in December of each year, a financial statement and a complete report as to the business of the Corporation covering the preceding governmental fiscal year. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the transactions of the Corporation at such times as he shall determine, but not less often than once each governmental fiscal year. Authorizes the Corporation to issue bonds, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, not to exceed $30,000,000,000 outstanding at any one time, which bonds may be sold by the Corporation to obtain funds to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that the payment of interest and principal on such bonds shall be guaranteed by the United States. Authorizes the Corporation to institute proceedings for the acquisition by condemnation of any lands, easements, or rights-of-way which, in the opinion of the Corporation, are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that such actions shall be instituted in the U.S. district court for the district in which the land, easement, or right-of-way is located. Gives the Corporation access to the Patent Office for the purpose of studying, ascertaining, and copying all methods, formulas, and scientific information necessary to enable the Corporation to use and employ the most efficacious and economical process for the exploration and development of energy resources. States that all general penal statutes relating to the larceny, embezzlement, conversion, or to the improper handling, retention, use, or disposal of public money's or property of the United States, shall apply to the moneys and property of the Corporation. Provides that any person who, with intent to defraud the Corporation, or to deceive any director, officer, or employee of the Corporation or any officer or employee of the United States, shall be find not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, if he: (1) makes any false entry in any book or the Corporation; (2) makes any false report or statement for the Corporation. Provides a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, for any person who receives any compensation, rebate, or reward, or enters into any conspiracy, collusion, or agreement, express or implied, with intent to defraud the Corporation. States that the proceeds derived by the Board from the sale of energy minerals or any other products manufactured by the Corporation shall be paid into the U.S. Treasury, except such proceeds as are determined necessary for the operation of the Corporation's energy minerals resources exploration and development program. Exempts also a continuing fund of $2,000,000 to defray emergency expenses and to insure continuous operation. Provides that the Corporation shall give all possible weight to the protection of the environment in the siting and design of facilities constructed pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000,000 for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act. Allows the expenditure of such sums as needed without fiscal year limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 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 · 24 February 1975
Law Enforcement Officers' Legal Assistance Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to law enforcement officers in reimbursement for costs incurred by such officers in civil actions arising out of the performance of official duties where the law enforcement officer prevails.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Interim Fisheries Zone Extension and Management Act - Extends the jurisdiction of the United States over specified ocean areas and fish for purposes of protecting the domestic fishing industry. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research in order to promote the conservation of fish originating in the United States territorial sea and contiguous fisheries zone. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Treats the amounts paid for custodial care by institutions of dependents afflicted by Down's syndrome as amounts paid for medical care for purposes of deductibility from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Provides that the certificate of discharge issued to members of the armed forces may be characterized only as: (1) an Honorable Discharge, when separated from service, except where a lesser form of discharge certificate is expressly authorized under this Act; (2) a Discharge from Service; or (3) a Bad-Conduct Discharge or a Dishonorable Discharge, when issued according to an approved finding of a court-martial pursuant to this Act. Provides that a member of an armed force may be separated with a Discharge from Service as a result of: (1) an approved recommendation of a board of officers upon a finding based on preponderance of the evidence of record of misconduct, that the member's retention would not be clearly consistent with the interests of national security, or that the member's retention is not warranted for specified reasons; (2) resignation or request for discharge in lieu of board action or trial by court-martial, submitted after opportunity to consult counsel having the professional qualifications; and (3) absence without authority for one year. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to at any time convene a board of officers to review the record of any commissioned or warrant officer of the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps, as the case may be, to determine whether he shall be required, because his performance of duty has fallen below standards prescribed by the Secretary, to show cause for his retention on active duty or whether action should be taken to remove him from active duty because of misconduct, moral or professional dereliction, or because his retention is not clearly consistent with the interests of national security. Provides that Boards of Inquiry, each composed of three or more officers, shall be convened, at such places as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe, to receive evidence and make findings and recommendations whether an officer who is required to show cause for retention under this Act should be retained on active duty. Provides that Boards of Review, each composed of three or more officers shall be convened by the Secretary of the military department concerned, at such times as he may prescribe, to review the records of cases of regular commissioned or warrant officers recommended for removal by a Board of Inquiry.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides that a conservation publication published by a State agency which is responsible for management and conservation of fish or wildlife resources shall be considered a publication of a qualified nonprofit organization which qualifies for second-class mail rates. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3626 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
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 · 31 January 1975
Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to prevent widespread mortgage defaults and the distress-sale of homes as a result of adverse economic conditions. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency mortgage relief payments on behalf of distressed homeowners when he determines that such action is necessary and that there is a reasonable prospect that the homeowner will be able to make necessary adjustments for the full resumption of mortgage payments. Defines "distressed homeower" as one or more persons who own and occupy a dwelling as a principal residence and whose income has declined by more than 20 percent as the result of unemployment or other adverse economic conditions. Limits relief payments to a period not exceeding two years. Provides that payments be repaid on such terms as the Secretary prescribes. Empowers the Secretary to delegate any of his functions under this Act to other Federal agencies or private entities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a revolving fund for mortgage relief payments and other specified purposes, including payment of obligations issued to the Secretary of the Treasury to enable the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out his functions under this Act. Provides for a payment expiration date of July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 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 · 31 January 1975
Provides no part of any appropriation and no local currency owned by the United States shall be available for payment of any expenses, nor shall transportation be provided by the United States, in connection with travel outside the fifty States (including the District of Columbia) of the United States of: (1) any Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or member of either House of Congress after he has been defeated as a candidate for nomination, or election, to a seat in the House of Representatives or Senate of the United States in any primary or regular election until such time as he shall thereafter again become a Member of Congress, or (2) any Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Member of either House of Congress after the adjournment sine die of the last session of a Congress if he is not a candidate for reelection in the next Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 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 · 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
Cost-of-living Adjustment Act- Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for automatic cost-of-living adjustments, based on the Consumer Price Index, in: (1) the income tax rates; (2) the amount of standard deductions; (3) the amount of personal exemptions; (4) the amount of depreciation deductions; and (5) the adjusted basis for property. Makes cost-of- living adjustments in specified United States savings bonds and certificates and on other obligations of the United States.
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 · 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 · 14 January 1975
Provides hospital and medical care to members of the armed forces of Poland or Czechoslovakia who participated in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States during World War I or World War II, and who have been citizens of the United States for not less than 10 years. Provides that such hospital and medical care shall be available to the same extent as if such service had been performed in the Armed Forces of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business concerns; (2) to prevent Federal support for unjustified dislocation; and (3) to provide assistance to employees, and affected communities threatened with dislocation. Defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Employment Relocation Administration, to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that, in order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to perform enumerated functions and duties, including: (1) conduct investigations on any proposed closing or transfer of operations of a business concern; (2) provide adjustment assistance to employees because of a closing or transfer of operations of an establishment of a business concern; and (3) conduct research into the problems of business closings, transfers of operations, and unemployment. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Specifies the composition and compensation rates of members of such Council to perform enumerated functions, including to advise the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the National Employment Relocation Administration and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act. Requires written notice be given to the Secretary whenever: (1) a business concern intends to close or transfer all or part of the operations of an establishment of that business concern; and (2) at least 15 percent of the employees who are members of any labor organization or 15 percent of all employees in that establishment will suffer an eligible employment loss as a result of any such closing or transfer. Specifies the items to be included in such notice. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of adjustment assistance for employees suffering an eligible employment loss. Provides that such adjustment assistance shall include: (1) income maintenance payment; (2) maintenance of pension and health benefits; (3) job placement and retraining benefits; (4) relocation allowances; (5) early retirement benefits; (6) emergency mortgage and rent payments; and (7) food stamps and surplus commodities. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to place employees for substantially equivalent full employment in accordance with their capacity and prospective employeent opportunities. Provides that a unit of local government is eligible for assistance under this Act upon determination by the Secretary that the closing or transfer of operations of business establishments has contributed substantially to an unemployment rate within such jurisdiction exceeding 8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Enumerates the types of assistance available under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a retraining program for employees who will be required to acquire new or additional skills as a result of the economic adjustemnt assistance proposal. Provides that whenever the Secretary determines, after an investigation conducted under this Act that: (1) the closing or transfer of operations of an establishment or a business concern was not justified; or (2) the transfer or closing could have been avoided if the business concern had accepted assistance under this Act; or (3) the eligible employment loss could have been avoided except for the failure to file a notice of intent to close or transfer, or because of some other unreasonable delay, bad faith or misrepresentation on the part of the business concern; or (4) the transfer of operations is to a new location outside the United States while other alternatives to such transfer of operations exist, then such business concern shall be ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, for a period not to exceed 10 years. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress and the director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1974
Foreign Investment Regulatory Commission Act - Sets forth the purposes of this Act. Establishes the Foreign Investment Regulatory Commission. Provides that except as the Commission shall by rule determine: (1) no foreign investor may acquire any interest in any American business if after such acquisition one or more foreign investors have a controlling interest in such business; (2) if on the date of enactment of this Act, one or more foreign investors have a controlling interest in an American business, the Commission may order one or more of such foreign investors to sell, to persons who are not foreign investors, a portion of their interest in such business sufficient to assure that foreign investors do not have controlling interest in such business; (3) no person who is a foreign investor may invest in any calendar year in one or more American businesses an amount which exceeds $100,000,000 in the aggregate; (4) the Commission may, by rule or order, prohibit any foreign investor from acquiring any interest in an American business or class of American business which it determines affects national security or the economic interest stability of the United States. Authorizes the Commission to issue exemptions from the provisions specified above with respect to: (1) any foreign investors or class of American businesses, except that in no case may the Commission issue an exemption under this subsection with respect to any American business which it finds affects national security or the economic interest or stability of the United States and which has annual gross revenues in excess of $50,000,000. Requires that not later than April 1 of each year, the Commission shall transmit to the President and to each House of Congress an annual report. States that such report shall contain a detailed statement of the activities of the Commission in the preceeding year, together with its recommendations for such legislation as it deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1974
Provides that in any action brought by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency requesting equitable relief for the purpose of protecting public health, if a party shows that a defendant in such action is discharging or emitting any substance in violation of Federal law (or any State law which is enforceable under Federal law) and that such discharge or emission presents or contributes to a public health risk, the court shall grant such equitable relief as may be necessary promptly to assure that such discharge or emission does not present or contribute to such risks, unless the person who is discharging or emitting such substance demonstrates that: (1) the public health risk does not exist; or (2) it would be arbitrary or capricious to grant such relief (taking into account technological and economic considerations, and magnitude or risk).
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1974
Provides that a conservation publication published by a State agency which is responsible for management and conservation of fish or wildlife resources shall be considered a publication of a qualified nonprofit organization which qualifies for second-class mail rates. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3626 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1974
Authorizes the erection of a statue of President Thomas Jefferson in company with Lieutenant Colonel William Ward Burrows, to commemorate the founding of the Marine Barracks, Washington, District of Columbia, the oldest post of the United States Marine Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1974
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1974
Provides that tax returns are confidential, and, therefore, are not open to inspection, and that information contained in them shall not be disclosed. Permits, under regulations established by the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, the inspection of tax returns by the taxpayer, the Internal Revenue Service, the Justice Department, State tax authorities, the President, and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. Requires a report to the Joint Committee of returns inspected and by whom inspected. Establishes criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure or receipt of tax return information.
![Official portrait of Rep. Nedzi, Lucien N. [D-MI-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/n000019_200.jpg)