United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Veterans' Administration Medical Facilities Acquisition Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in carrying out his duties under this Act: (1) to provide for the construction and acquisition of medical facilities equitably throughout the United States with due regard for the comparative urgency of the need for each particular facility; and (2) to give due consideration to excellance of architecture and design. Authorizes the Administrator to construct and alter, and to acquire sites for, medical facilities. States that no appropriation shall be made to construct, alter, or otherwise acquire any medical facility which involves a total expenditure of more than $500,000 unless such construction, alteration, or acquisition is first approved by resolution adopted by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, respectively. Stipulates that no appropriation shall be made to lease any space at an average annual rental of more than $200,000 for use for a medical facility unless such lease is first approved by resolutions adopted by such committees. States that the Administrator may not enter into any construction, acquisition, or alteration involving a total expenditure of $500,000 or less before the expiration of 60 days after the date on which he submits a report of the facts concerning such proposed expenditure to such committees. Enumerates structural requirements for any medical facilities pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an annual report regarding the construction, alteration, and leasing of medical facilities. Authorizes the Administrator to make contributions to local authorities for the construction of traffic controls, and road improvements necessitated by medical facilities. Authorizes the Administrator to construct and operate, on reservations of medical facilities, garages and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to establish and operate not less than 125,000 hospital beds in medical facilities over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction for the care and treatment of eligible veterans who are tuberculous, neuropsychiatric, medical, and surgical cases. Requires the Administrator to maintain the bed and treatment capacities of all Veterans' Administration medical facilities so as to insure the accessibility and availability of such beds and treatment capacities to eligible veterans and to minimize delays in admissions and in the provision of such care and of services. Directs the Administrator to establish and operate not less than 8,000 beds in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, and in each fiscal year thereafter, for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans in facilities over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. Authorizes the Administrator and the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Air Force, and the Secretary of the Navy to enter into agreements and contracts for the mutual use or exchange of use of hospitals and domiciliary facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a $150 allowance to any State in reimbursement for expenses incurred in the burial of each veteran in any cemetery owned by such government, if the cemetery or section thereof is used solely or primarily for the interment of veterans. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 903 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary to modify the pipeline route through the States to provide greater environmental protection during the construction period. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to the rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements regarding (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not be subject to judicial review of the courts. Allows the claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional, (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights, and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States District Courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Synthetic Fuels Research and Demonstration Act - Title I: Motor Vehicle Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Project - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a synthetic fuels project for motor vehicles in accordance with a research and development plan. Prescribes criteria to be followed by the Administrator in: (1) the selection of a synthetic fuel; (2) the selection of a project agency; and (3) the establishment of a research and demonstration plan. Requires that the Administrator submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 through fiscal year 1979 for such project. Title II: Electrical Generation Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Projects - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program of Federal assistance to public utilities for the support of synthetic fuels projects for the generation of electricity. Establishes criteria for applicants to be considered for financial assistance. Establishes guidelines for the Administrator in selecting projects from eligible applicants. Stipulates that the amount of funds for any such project shall be based on the difference between the cost of the synthetic fuel and the cost of conventional fuel which would ordinarily be used. Limits payments under this Act to: (1) 5 cents per gallon of synthetic fuel; and (2) $1,000,000 for any single project. Requires the Administrator to submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $3,000,000 through fiscal year 1979 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a $150 allowance to any State in reimbursement for expenses incurred in the burial of each veteran in any cemetery owned by such government, if the cemetery or section thereof is used solely or primarily for the interment of veterans. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 903(b)).
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Army to permit the burial in Arlington National Cemetery of: (1) any veteran who is entitled to burial in any cemetery within the National Cemetery System; (2) any survivor of any such veteran if such survivor is entitled to burial in the National Cemetery System; and (3) any other individual or class of individuals as may be designated by the President. States that the interment of individuals eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery by reason of this Act shall be made in the order in which applications for such burial are received. Allows the Secretary to impose a daily maximum number of burials of not less than 30-per day.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than ten years for disclosure of (1) the association of any individual or entity with the foreign intelligence operation of the United States, or (2) the identity of such individual where such disclosure may prejudice the safety of such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Increases the estate tax exemption for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Departments of Labor and Health, Education, and Welfare Appropriation Act - Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriation Act - Appropriates to the Department of Labor specified funds for programs administered by: (1) the Manpower Administration; (2) the Labor-Management Services Administration; (3) the Employment Standards Administration; (4) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (5) the Bureau of Labor Statistics and; (6) for miscellaneous departmental management expenses. Provides that no funds approriated by this Act may be used to make unemployment compensation payments to any individual who performs services in an instructional, research or principal administrative capacity for an educational institution with respect to any week commencing during the period between two successive academic years. Title II: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare - Appropriates to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare specified funds for programs administered by: (1) the Health Services Administration; (2) the Center for Disease Control; (3) the National Institutes of Health; (4) the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration; (5) the Health Resources Administration; (6) the Social Security Administration; (7) the Assistant Secretary for Human Development; and (8) for miscellaneous departmental management expenses. Prescribes provisions concerning the expenditure of funds appropriated by this Act. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act for the purpose of busing students or teachers to overcome racial imbalance in any school or school system. Title III: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) Action; (2) the Community Services Administration; (3) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (4) the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (5) the National Labor Relations Board; (6) the National Mediation Board; (7) the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (8) the Railroad Retirement Board; and (9) the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets guidelines for spending sums appropriated by this Act including prohibitions against using such sums: (1) to finance any Civil Service Interagency Board of Examiners; (2) to provide loans or to pay the salary of any person working at an institution of higher education who has engaged in conduct involving the use of force or threat of force to require or prevent the availability of specified curriculum or to prevent the faculty, administrative officials, or students in an institution of higher learning from engaging in their duties or pursuing their studies at such institution; and (3) to pay for any research program involving human participants which present a danger to such participants without their informed, written consent.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the signing in Helsinki of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe did not change in any way the longstanding policy of the United States on nonrecognition of the Soviet Union's illegal seizure and annexation of the three Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Stipulates that whenever the United States Government, including any department or agency thereof, has legal title to any improved real property which is leased, loaned, or otherwise made available to and used by any private individual, association, or corporation in connection with a business conducted for profit, the Government shall pay to the appropriate local taxing authorities, on the date on which real property taxes become due, an amount equal to the amount of the real property tax which would be payable to each such State or local taxing authority if legal title to such real property were held by a private individual, association, or corporation. Provides that no such payment shall be made with respect to any real property of any of the following categories: (1) real property taxable by any State or local taxing authority under any provision of law, or with respect to which any payment in lieu of taxes is payable under any other provision of law; (2) real property owned by any private individual, association, or corporation would be exempt from real property tax under the constitution or laws of the State in which the property is situated; and (3) real property used or held primarily for the rendition of service to or on behalf of the local public, including (but not limited to) the following categories of real property, courthouses, post offices, and other property used for purposes incidental to postal operations, and federally owned airports maintained and operated by the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Adjustment Act - Revises generally the schedules of payment of non-service-connected disability pensions payable to the veterans of the Mexican border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era, and to the widows and children of such veterans. Revises generally the aid and attendance allowance payable to the widows of veterans of all periods of war. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 102, 322, 415, 521, 541, 542, 544)
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been, (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activites. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
States that approval of State highway safety programs by the Secretary of Transportation shall not be contingent upon any requirement that a State adopt a law or regulation requiring any motorcycle operator 18 years of age or older or passenger 18 years of age or older to wear a safety helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 402)
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Provides that when an eligible veteran transfers between consecutive school terms from one approved institution to another, the veteran shall, for the purpose of entitlement to the payment of the educational assistance allowance, be considered to be enrolled at the first institution for a period of thirty days. Provides educational assistance allowance to each veteran who served from July 25, 1947, until June 27, 1950, for a period of more than 180 days and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Extends veterans the maximum educational benefits from 36 to 45 months.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Designates the Veterans' Administration hospital in Loma Linda, California, as the "Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to provide a memorial at such hospital in memory of the late Jerry L. Pettis.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Expresses congressional disapproval of sales to Jordan of the Hawk missile and Vulcan antiaircraft system as proposed by the President on July 10, 1975. States that Congress does not oppose all sales of weapons to Jordon but is concerned by the type and quantity of weapons involved in this particular transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1975
Disapproves the loan of three landing craft (LCM-8's) to Panama, as proposed by the letter from the Department of the Navy of May 5, 1975, to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Stipulates, under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income Benefits) of the Social Security Act, that payments made by a State to shelter care facilities whose residents are ambulatory and do not require nursing care or medical supervision by such facility shall not reduce the amount of a resident's Supplemental Security Income benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Requires under the Social Security Act the continued application of the 8 1/2 percent nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Veterans' Administration Physicians and Dentists Comparability Pay Act - Provides increases in pay for physicians and dentists employed full time by the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans' Administration. Establishes special pay for such physicians and dentists to maximum annual amounts of $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. Establishes a schedule of incentive pay in amounts up to $8,500 for physicians, and $4,250 for dentists, annually. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to report to Congress by August 31, 1976, on investigations and evaluations: (1) of the problems facing Federal departments and agencies, including the uniformed services, in recruiting and retaining qualified physicians and dentists; (2) of the extent to which a uniform system of pay, allowances, and benefits would alleviate or solve such problems; and (3) of other appropriate solutions. Directs the Comptroller General to develop alternative courses of action to solve such recruitment and retention problems. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4107; 4114 (a) (2))
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Jobs Creation Act - Title I: Individual Income Taxes - Allows a tax credit in the amount of 10 percent (up to $1,000) the amount of qualified individual deposits and investments made by an individual during the taxable year. Defines qualified investments as amounts used to purchase stock in or debt instruments of a domestic corporation. Provides that the first $1000 of capital gain shall be excluded from gross income during the taxable year. Provides, for purposes of the estate tax, that the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation continually owned by him for 5 years prior to his death and which passes to a related individual shall be excluded from the value of the taxable estate. Title II: Corporation Taxes - Reduces the normal tax rates imposed on corporations. Increases the investment credit to 15 percent (12 percent in the case of property constructed or acquired before an unspecified date in March, 1975). Increases the corporate surtax exemption from $25,000 to $100,000. Increases the class life variance for purposes of the depreciation deduction allowed for property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income. Title III: Employee Stock Ownership Plan Financing - Creates special deductions for dividends paid during the taxable year by employers on securities held by an employee stock ownership plan (as defined by this title). Provides for the distribution of dividends to employees and repurchase of qualifying employer securities from persons receiving distributions. Provides for the exclusion from gross income of that part of a distribution held or reinvested within 60 days in income-producing assets of equivalent value for the purpose of realizing current income from such assets.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Permits the Secretary of the Treasury under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act to withhold a percentage of the total entitlement payment for any period to insure sufficient funds for final allocation of funds among the state and local units of government. Appropriates to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Funds: (1) $1,625,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, (2) $6,687,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, (3) $6,837,500,000 for fiscal year 1978, (4) $6,987,500,000 for fiscal year 1979, (5) $7,137,500,000 for fiscal year 1980, and (6) $7,287,500,000 fiscal year 1981. Appropriates to the Fund as noncontiguous States adjustments: (1) $1,195,000 for fiscal year 1976, and (2) $4,780,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1981. Exempts amounts appropriated to the Fund from the provisions of the Congressional Budget Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report with appropriate recommendations to the Congress no later than September 30, 1980, concerning the extension of this title. Declares that if the entitlement of any Indian tribe or Alaskan native village is waived for any entitlement period, then the amount of such entitlement shall become part of the entitlement of the county government of the county in which such unit is located. Increases the maximum percentage points per entitlement period until it reaches 175 percent. Directs each State and local unit of government which receives funds under such Act to submit a report to the Secretary after the close of each entitlement period on the use of the funds received. Directs such unit of local government which expects to receive funds to submit a report to the Secretary on how it plans to use the funds it expects to receive. Empowers the Secretary whenever he determines that a unit of government has failed to comply with an applicable regulation to withhold all or a portion of the entitlement funds due such unit of government, to terminate the eligibility of such unit of government, and to require repayment of the entitlement funds expended. Requires units of government to provide an opportunity for citizens to give recommendations and views on the proposed expenditures of all funds within such units distributed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Emergency Employment Appropriation Act - Authorizes the appropriation of enumerated sums for emergency employment for fiscal year 1975. Title I: - Authorizes specified amounts for the Comprehensive Manpower Assistance, Community Service Employment for Older Americans, and Temporary Employment Assistance programs in the Department of Labor. Authorizes specified amounts for the Health Services, Higher Education, and Social and Rehabilitative Service Work Incentives programs in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Authorizes $5,000,000 for the administrative expenses of the United States Railway Association in the Department of Transportation. Title II: Limits the application of sums under this Act. Prohibits the expenditure of sums authorized by this Act for the acquisition of motor vehicles other than motor vehicles manufactured and assembled in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Removes the limitation on the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Defense Officer Personnel Management Act - States that the total strength of an armed force (other than the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy) in members on active duty is as authorized annually by law. States that the Secretary of Defense may, for any armed force except the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, prescribe the total strength in officers on active duty; and that the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe the numbers of any other category of members of an armed force under his jurisdiction authorized to be on active duty. Sets forth the number of commissioned officers who may serve in each grade. Provides that in time of war, or of national emergency declared by Congress or the President after January 1, 1975, the President may suspend the operation of such provisions related to officer strength. States that the Secretary of the military department concerned shall, whenever the needs of the service require, prescribe the number of commissioned officers, that shall be maintained in each of the grades of major through colonel or lieutenant commander through captain (Navy). Provides that original appointments in commissioned grades in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Establishes basic qualifications for commissioned officers. Prescribes procedures to determine service credit for officers. Requires that at least once a year and at such other times as the needs of the service require, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall convene selection boards to recommend for promotion to the next higher grade officers on the active-duty list in each grade from first lieutenant through lieutenant colonel in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps, and from lieutenant (junior grade) through commander in the Navy. Sets forth the required composition and procedures of such boards. States that such a board may recommend as best qualified for promotion in each competitive category 15 percent of the total in each such category that the board is authorized to recommend for promotion to the grade concerned. Establishes time-in-rank requirements for promotion. Sets forth requirements and procedures for placing officers' names on the active-duty list in various competitive categories. Allows the President or the Senate to remove names from lists of selectees for promotion. Allows the Secretary of the military department concerned, under regulations prescribed by him to discharge any regular officer on the active-duty list who has less than 5 years of active commissioned service; and requires him to discharge a regular officer serving on the active-duty list in the grade of second lieutenant or ensign who is found not qualified for promotion to the next higher grade. States that officers who have failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade for the second time, and whose name is not on a recommended list for promotion shall be honorable discharged or retired. Provides that the Secretary of the military department concerned may defer retirement or separation it, because of unavoidable circumstances, evaluation of his physical condition and determination of his entitlement to retirement or separation for physical disability require hospitalization or medical observation that cannot be completed before the date he would otherwise be required to retire or be separated. States that the selection and promotion of medical and dental officers to grades below brigadier general or rear admiral shall be based on the needs of the service as determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned. Provides that in time of war, or of national emergency declared by Congress or the President after January 1, 1975, the President may suspend such provisions relating to promotion, separation, and retirement. Entitles officers discharged under this Act to readjustment or retired pay. Requires boards of review, each composed of three or more officers, to 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 officers recommended for removal from active duty by boards of inquiry. Allows the Secretary of the military department concerned to remove an officer of a regular component of an armed force from active duty if his removal is recommended by a board of review under this Act. Allows each officer under consideration for removal to be: (1) notified in writing of the reasons, at least 30 days before the hearing of the case by a board of inquiry; (2) allowed reasonable time, as determined by the board of inquiry, to prepare his defense; and (3) allowed to appear in person and be represented by counsel. Sets forth how rank shall be determined for commissioned officers. States that a regular commissioned officer is not eligible for voluntary retirement until he completes at least six months in the grade in which he is to be retired. Requires that each board convened to consider officers in the Navy Medical Corps, the Judge Advocate General's Corps, the Supply Corps, the Chaplain Corps, the Civil Engineer Corps, the Dental Corps, the Nurse Corps, or the Medical Service Corps shall consist of officers in the corps concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Comprehensive Right to Privacy Act - Requires that any organization of State or local government maintaining an information system that includes personal information shall: (1) collect, maintain, use, and disseminate only personal information necessary to accomplish a proper purpose of the organization; (2) collect information to the greatest extent possible from the data subject directly; (3) maintain information in the system with accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and pertinence as necessary to assure fairness in determinations relating to a data subject; (4) make no dissemination to another system or any individual other than the data subject without specifying requirements for security and the use of information exclusively for the purpose set forth in the notice required under this Act; (5) maintain a complete and accurate record, including identity purpose, and date, of every access to any personal information in a system by persons or organizations not having regular access authority; and (6) collect no personal information concerning the political or religious beliefs, affiliations, and activities of data subjects maintained by any government agency unless expressly authorized by statute. Prohibits any State or local government from requiring individuals to disclose for statistical purposes any personal information unless such disclosure is required by a constitutional provision or Act of Congress, and the individual is so informed. Requires any organization maintaining or proposing to establish an information system for personal information to: (1) give notice of the existence and character of each existing system once a year to the Federal Privacy Board; (2) give public notice of the existence and character of each existing system each year; and (3) assure that such public notice specifies the categories of data maintained, and the categories of all information sources, a description of types of use made of information, and the procedures whereby an individual can gain access to such information and contest its accuracy and the necessity for its retention. Requires any organization maintaining personal information to inform an individual asked to supply personal information whether he is legally required, or may refuse, to supply the information requested, and also of any specific consequences, which are known to the organization, of providing or not providing such information. Permits data subjects who dispute information about themselves to have such disputed information noted as being disputed when such information about him is disseminated. Requires, upon request, corrections in information to be sent to past recipients of information. Directs organizations maintaining information to inform, within two years and each year thereafter, individuals on whom data is stored of its content and where a copy of such data may be obtained. Sets forth exemptions to the provisions of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any organization to require an individual to disclose or furnish his social security account number, for any purpose in connection with any business transaction unless the disclosure or furnishing of such number is specifically required by Federal law. Establishes the Federal Privacy Board whose five members shall be appointed by the President. Directs the Board to: (1) publish an annual Data Base Directory of the United States containing the name and characteristics of each personal information system covered by this Act; (2) make rules to assure compliance with this Act; (3) upon the determination of a violation of a provision of this Act or regulation promulgated under the Act, and after opportunity for a hearing, order the organization violating such provision to cease and desist such violation; and (4) conduct open, public hearings on all petitions for exceptions or exemptions from provisions, application, or jurisdiction of this Act. States that any individual or organization or responsible officer of an organization who willfully: (1) keeps an information system without having notified the Federal Privacy Board; or (2) issues personal information in violation of this Act; or (3) solicits, uses, or otherwise acquires information in violation of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 in each instance or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Provides that any person, system, or agency which violates the provisions of the Act, or any rule, regulation, or order issued thereunder, shall be liable to any person aggrieved thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 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 · 19 May 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make a loan of $100,000,000 to the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad Company. Establishes conditions which shall be required by the Secretary before granting such loan. Empowers the Secretary to approve any modifications of any provision of the loan made under this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue such rules and regulations as are appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act. Grants the Secretary powers necessary to enforce the provisions and conditions of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the President and to the Congress with respect to his activities pursuant to this Act and to make recommendations for additional legislative action. Declares that the Comptroller General of the United States shall have access to such information, books, records, and documents as he determines necessary to audit operations carried out in the administration of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act in addition to the amount to be loaned.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, to establish and maintain national ambient air quality standards, standards of performance for new stationary sources, and National emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. States that such standards may not be more stringent than primary and secondary ambient air quality standards. Requires the Administrator to approve State implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards if: (1) they include emission limitations, or operational techniques, schedules and time-tables for compliance with such measures as promulgated by the Administrator as such may be necessary to insure attainment of standards within the areas affected by various sources; and (2) they provide for the granting of a variance for an emission source beyond the dates provided an application is made therefor and specified criteria are met. States that a variance granted under an applicable implementation plan shall be deemed approved by the Administrator unless within 30 days after the grant of the variance by the State, the Administration finds that the requirements of this Act have not been met.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Constitutional Amendment - States that with respect to the right to life, the word 'person' as used in this article and in the fifth and fourteenth amendments to the Constitution of the United States, applies to all human beings, irrespective dependency including their unborn offspring at every stage of their biological development. Provides that no person shall be deprived of life by any person. Provides that this article shall not prohibit a law permitting only those medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Repeals the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 which makes flood insurance coverage and community participation in the national flood insurance program prerequisites for approval of any financial assistance in a flood hazard area.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides for inclusion of the services of licensed (registered) nurses under the medicare and medicaid, titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 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 · 26 March 1975
Small Business Emergency Relief Act - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to provide relief to small business concerns which have fixed-price Government contracts where such concerns encounter performance difficulties because of the energy crisis or rapid and unexpected escalations of contract costs. Provides that pursuant to an application by a small business concern the head of any executive agency may terminate for the convenience of the Government any fixed-price contract between that agency and such small business concern upon a finding that specified cost difficulties are shown. Permits delays in contract performance resulting from the energy shortage to be deemed excusable delay under the default terms in the contract. Requires enumerated pieces of documentation to support any such request for relief by a small business concern, including a history of performance under the contract, statements of costs and profits, and balance sheets.
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
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.
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.