United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Tax and Loan Account Interest Act - Terminates the insurance of any bank under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which fails to pay the Federal funds rate of interest on all tax and loan accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for reductions in Social Security taxes relating to the rate of tax on self-employment income for purposes of old-age, survivors, and disability insurance. States that such reductions shall apply in the case of taxes imposed with respect to self-employment income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1975, and with respect to wages paid or received during calendar years after 1975. Provides for Federal participation in the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act. Increases the earnings counted for benefit and tax purposes under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Specifies that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stocks Piling Act regarding the acquisition and development of strategic raw materials shall not apply to regulations or prohibitions pertaining to economic relations and/or communications with foreign nations or foreign nationals which are established under the authority of the United Nations Participation Act in response to sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Prohibits the imposition by the President of any tariff, fee or quota upon petroleum imports under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, unless the Congress first approves such imposition by concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Declares that for 90 days following enactment of this Act the President shall have no authority to adjust imports of petroleum or petroleum products under the Trade Expansion Act or any other Federal law. Provides that in the event of a declaration of war, an attack upon the United States, or other involvement in hostilities by the Armed Forces within the 90 day period, this provision shall not thereafter apply. Provides that any action taken by the President between January 15, 1975, and the date of enactment of this Act which results in the imposition of a duty tax or fee on petroleum or petroleum products shall cease to have effect on the date of enactment. Allows a rebate of any amount paid as a tax or fee on petroleum products which was imposed by the President after January 15, 1975, and before enactment of this Act.
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 · 14 January 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Vocational Education Amendments - Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and each suceeding fiscal year for basic grants under the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for each fiscal year through fiscal year 1982 for special programs for the disadvantaged under such Act. Extends for seven years in the case of each such program the present authorizations under such Act for the exemplary programs and projects, for residential vocational education demonstration schools, for cooperative vocational education programs, for work-study programs, and for curriculum development in vocational and technical education.
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 · 20 November 1974
Harry S. Truman Memorial Scholarship Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that it is especially appropriate to honor former President Harry S. Truman through the creation of a perpetual education scholarship program to develop increased opportunities for young Americans to prepare and pursue careers in public service. Establishes, as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States Government, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, to be subject to the supervision and direction of a Board of Trustees. Authorizes the Foundation to award scholarships to persons who demonstrate outstanding potential for and who plan to pursue a career in public service. Directs the Foundation to provide for the conduct of a nationwide competition for the purpose of selecting Truman Scholars. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Harry S. Truman Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund. Prescribes the procedures for expenditures from the fund. Authorizes appropriations of $30,000,000 to the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1974
Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments - Extends the coverage of the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act to include farm labor contractors engaged in intrastate, as well as interstate commerce. Provides that the amount of insurance coverage required of a farm labor contractor who engages in the transportation of migrant workers shall be similar to that provided under the Interstate Commerce Act to persons or property damaged by an applicant's vehicle. Provides sanctions for failure or refusal of a farm labor contractor, when acting in that capacity, to present his certificate of registration. Requires one engaging the services of farm laborers under this Act to refrain from recruiting persons he knows or should know to be in violation of the immigration laws of the United States. Prohibits such recruitment for employment which is the subject of a strike or slowdown. Gives the Secretary of Agriculture the power to suspend the registration of farm labor contractors upon evidence of possible violations of this Act. Increases the criminal penalties for violations of this Act to not more than a $10,000 fine, imprisonment for three years, or both. Provides a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of this Act. Provides a course of legal action and penalties for violations against farm workers under this Act. Provides for civil actions by private parties under this Act. Provides that any person aggrieved by the violation of any provision of this Act may file suit in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction of the parties without respect to the amount in controversy or without regard to the citizenship of the parties. Provides for the awarding of damages up to and including the amount of actual damages, or $500, for each and every such violation. Authorizes the appropriation of the sums necessary for the effective enforcement of this Act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each fiscal year thereafter. States that any agreement by an employee purporting to waive his rights under the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act, as herein amended, shall be void as contrary to public policy.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Food Research and Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to public and nonprofit entities and to individuals for research into, and development and demonstration of, new methods of protein production, fertilizer production, irrigation, processing of non-animal proteins, and marketing of the products produced by new methods. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act through fiscal year 1978. Provides that the products developed under this Act shall be available for school lunch programs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop an educational program relating to the preparation and use of the food products produced pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Requests the President to express the concern of the United States Government for the safety and freedom of Valentyn Moroz, historian, writer, and spokesman for the cultural integrity of the Ukranian people.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1974
Emergency Jobs Act - Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to permit the Secretary of Labor to make financial assistance available for the purpose of providing transitional employment for unemployed persons in jobs providing needed public services, and training and manpower services. Makes $1,000,000,000 available for the purposes of this Act for obligation in any twelve-month period in which the national rate of unemployment exceeds 4 1/2 percent for three consecutive months, and an additional $1,000,000,000 for every increment of one-half percent over 4 1/2 percent not to exceed a 6 percent unemployment rate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1974
Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act - Establishes a body corporate with the name "Reconstruction Finance Corporation" with a principal office to be located in the District of Columbia. Provides that the Corporation shall have a capital stock of $2,000,000,000 to appropriated from the Treasury of the United States. Specifies the membership of the Board of Directors of such Corporation and grants the Corporation the powers necessary to function as such. Authorizes the Corporation, in order to aid in financing agriculture, commerce, and industry, to make loans to any business concern: (1) to enable such business concern to finance plant construction, conversion, or expansion, or the acquisition of equipment, facilities, machinery, supplies, or materials; (2) to supply such business concern with working capital; or (3) to aid such business concern in the payment of current debts or obligations, if such aid is considered by the Board of Directors to be in the public interest. Provides that no loan may be made to any business concern under this Act unless such business concern is unable to obtain a loan on reasonable terms from any other source. Provides that each loan made under this Act may be made for a period not exceeding 10 years, and the Corporation may extend the time of payment of any such loan up to 12 years from the date upon which such loan was made originally. States that each such loan shall bear interest at a rate equal to the current average yield (as certified by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Corporation) on all outstanding obligations of the United States as of the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which the loan is made. Requires all loans made under this Act to be fully and adequately secured, and specifies the requirements of any collateral to be accepted by the Corporation as security for such loans. Authorizes the Corporation to guarantee the payment of principal and interest on a loan made to such business concern by a non-Federal lender under the same circumstances in which the business would be eligible for a loan from the Corporation if it was not available on reasonable terms from any other source. Provides that the aggregate of the principal amounts of the loans outstanding at any time with respect to which guarantees have been made under this section shall not exceed $2,000,000,000. Authorizes the Corporation to have outstanding at any one time, obligations in an aggregate amount not exceeding three times its subscribed capital. Provides that such obligations shall be free from taxation. Provides criminal sanctions for: (1) false statements in the attempt to secure loans under this Act; (2) false statements or fraudulent acts in connection with any obligation incurred by the Corporation under this Act; or (3) willful misapplication of funds by any individual entrusted with such funds under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1974
Excludes former Presidents, whose service is terminated by resignation while impeachment proceedings are pending against them in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, from specified allowances and compensation provided by Federal law. (Amends 3U.S.C. 102nt.)
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1974
States that the House of Representatives disapproves regulations submitted to the House by the Commissioner of Education in accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, relating to the family contribution schedule under the basic educational opportunity grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1974
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the President may grant a pardon to a person for an offense against the United States only after such person is convicted for such offense, unless a majority of each House of Congress approves of a pardon prior to such conviction. States that a two-thirds vote of each House of Congress may overrule any such reprieve or pardon granted by the President after such conviction of such person.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1974
Freedom from Military Surveillance Act - Restricts, under the first amendment and fourth amendment to the Constitution and the constitutional right of privacy, the actions of any civil officer of the United States or any member of the Armed Forces of the United States in using the Armed Forces of the United States to exercise surveillance of civilians or to execute the civil laws. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1974
Reduces from 21 to 18 the age at which a disabled child need no longer include his parents' income in determining his eligibility for supplemental security income benefits, or the amount of such benefits, under title XVI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Expresses the findings of Congress, including that Federal information reporting requirements have placed an unprecedented paperwork burden upon private citizens, recipients of Federal assistance, businesses, governmental contractors, and State and local governments. Establishes a Commission on Federal Paperwork to study procedures and practices of the Federal Government relating to information gathering, dissemination, and the management and control of information activities. Enumerates the areas to be considered by the Commission in its studies. Directs the Commission to make a final report to the Congress and the President within two years of the date of its first meeting. Sets forth the membership composition of the Commission and their compensation. Details the administrative powers of the Commission. Calls for cooperation between Federal agencies and the Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 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 · 21 August 1974
Internal Revenue Commission Act - Establishes an independent commission to be known as the Internal Revenue Commission, the principal office of which shall be in the District of Columbia. Provides that all the functions with respect to the administration and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 which, immediately prior to the date that this Act takes effect, were performed by the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, or any other officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury are transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission. Provides that the transfer of functions under this Act shall not affect any act done or any right accruing or accrued before such transfer. States that so much of the positions, personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Department of the Treasury which, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, were employed, held, used, or available or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred by this Act shall be transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 1974
Expresses the sense of the House that the prevention of widespread famine requires immediate and substantial public investments in agricultural research and technology for the express purpose of increasing food production which would: (1) insure a ready supply of food at reasonable consumer food costs; (2) aid in the maintenance of a favorable United States trade balance; and (3) reduce the risk of food shortages in years of adverse weather.
United States · United States Congress · 13 August 1974
States that all returns made with respect to taxes imposed under the Internal Revenue Code are confidential and private records; but they may be opened to inspection by the following persons at such times and in such manner as the Commissioner of Internal Revenue by regulation may prescribe: (1) the taxpayer for whom the return was made or his attorney in fact; (2) officers and employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice for tax administration and economic stabilization purposes; (3) shareholders of record owning 1 percent or more of the outstanding stock of any corporation; (4) tax officials of the States; (5) the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the Finance Committee of the Senate, and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue and Taxation; (6) the Attorney General, Assistant Attorneys General, and United States attorneys; and (7) officers and employees of executive departments and other establishments of the Federal Government upon written request of the head of such department or establishment naming the taxpayer whose return is to be inspected and provided that the inspection is necessary in the enforcement of Federal statutes. States that whenever a return is open to the inspection of any person, a certified copy thereof shall, upon request, be furnished to such person under regulations prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue who may prescribe a reasonable fee for furnishing such copy. Provides that all regulations issued by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue pursuant to this Act must have written approval of the Chief of Staff of the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. States that this Act shall be effective upon enactment. Allows the Commissioner of Internal Revenue a period of ninety days after enactment to issue the regulations required herein.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1974
New Homestead Act - Provides that in the case of any farm purchase loan to any person who is (1) a nonowner-operator of a farm or (2) an owner-operator of a farm who is not reliant on such farm for his principal source of income, the Secretary of Agriculture may make or insure any such loan up to $100,000 or 90 percent of the value of the farm being purchased, whichever is greater. States that the repayment of any farm purchase loan by any person who was at the time of such loan a nonowner-operator of a farm or an owner-operator of a farm, but not reliant on such farm for his principal source of income, shall, upon the request of such person at the time the loan is made or insured, be made as follows: (1) during the first twelve-month period beginning on the first day of the first month after the loan is made and during each of the next fourteen twelve-month periods, one-eightieth of the total amount to be financed including interest; and (2) (A) during each of the next twenty-five twelve-month periods, one twenty-fifth of an amount equal to the total amount to be financed including interest minus the amount paid pursuant to paragraph (1); or (B) at the close of the fifteenth twelve-month period, the balance of the principal plus an amount of interest which would have been due and payable during the first fifteen twelve-month periods had the forty-year loan been paid in four hundred and eighty equal installments; except that the balance of the loan shall become due and payable if such farm or any interest therin is transferred without the approval of the Secretary to any person ineligible for a loan. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1974
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that nothing in this Constitution shall bar any State or territory or the District of Columbia, with regard to any area over which it has jurisdiction, from regulating or prohibiting the practice of abortion.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1974
Committee Reform Amendments - Title I: Oversight Responsibilities, Legislative Review and Additional Committee Functions, Referral of Bills and Resolutions, Election and Membership of Committee, and Rules of Procedure for Committees - Provides that each standing committee of the House of Representatives (other than the Committee on Appropriations) shall review and study, on a continuing basis, the application, administration, execution, and effectiveness of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of that committee, and the organization and operation of the Federal agencies and entities having responsibilities in or for the administration and execution thereof, in order to determine whether such laws and the programs thereunder are being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of the Congress and whether such programs should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated. Sets forth special oversight functions of the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Education and Labor, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Interior, Energy, and Natural Resources, and the Committee on Science and Technology. States that each standing committee of the House shall adopt written rules governing its procedure. Requires each committee to adopt rules governing live television and radio broadcast to the public. States that whenever any hearing conducted by any committee of the House is open to the public, that committee may permit, by majority vote of the committee, that hearing to be covered, in whole or in part, by television broadcast, radio broadcast, and still photopraphy, or by any of such methods of coverage, but only under such written rules as the committee may adopt. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Provisions - Provides that the majority leader or minority leader of the House of Representatives after consultation with the Speaker may at any time during any even-numbered year call a caucus or conference, to begin on or after the first day of December and conclude on or before the twentieth day of December in such year and to be attended by all incumbent Members of his or her political party who have been reelected to the ensuing Congress and all other Members-elect of such party, for the purpose of taking all steps necessary to achieve the prompt organization of the Members and Members-elect of such party for the ensuing Congress. Establishes in the House of Representatives a Legislative Classification Office. States that the purpose of the Office shall be to develop, supervise, and maintain for the House and its committees and Members a system linking Federal programs and expenditures to the authorizing statutes, and showing the committee jurisdiction for each authorization. Requires the Office to maintain impartiality as to issues of legislative policy to be determined by the House. Sets forth the functions of the Office, including the following: (1) to create a cross-reference capability based on the authorization statutes, showing committee jurisdiction, appropriation Acts, budget authority, budget outlays, unexpended balances, other relevant systems which are or may be compatible, and the relationships between them, under the direction of the Speaker; (2) to work closely with the House standing committees in all phases of the development of the cross-referencing capability and to coordinate with the Congressional Research Service and General Accounting Office, in the development, implementation, and operation of the cross-referencing services; (3) to advise the Speaker of developments which could improve the operation of the classification service and to issue an annual report to the House on the progress in implementation and use of the service and plans for the coming year; and (4) to make available (as development permits) publications or information in an appropriate format for use of the House committee and Members and to provide the capability to answer specific queries on the available information. Establishes in the House of Representatives a Commission on Information and Facilities. States that it shall be the function of the Commission to conduct a thorough and complete study of: (1) the information problems of the House of Representatives against the background of the existing institutions and services available to the House, and to make such recommendations with respect thereto as may be appropriate; (2) with respect to the facilities and space requirements of the Members and committees of the House, including space utilization, parking, and the organization, responsibility, and supervision to provide adequate, efficient, and economical space utilization; and (3) the staff required to provide the House legislative counsel with the capability to fully meet the needs of the Members of the House. Establishes in the House of Representatives an Office of the Law Revision Counsel. States that the principal purpose of the Office shall be to develop and keep current an official and positive codification of the laws of the United States. Title III: Legislative Jurisdiction of the Standing Committees - States that these shall be the following standing committees in the House of Representatives and sets forth their jurisdiction and related functions: (1) Committee on Agriculture; (2) Committee on Appropriations; (3) Committee on Armed Services; (4) Committee on Banking, Currency, and Housing; (5) Committee on the Budget; (6) Committee on Commerce and Health; (7) Committee on the District of Columbia; (8) Committee on Foreign Affairs; (9) Committee on Government Operations; (10) Committee on House Administration; (11) Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs; (12) Committee on the Judiciary; (13) Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries; (14) Committee on Public Works and Transportation; (15) Committee on Rules; (16) Committee on Veteran's Affairs; and (17) Committee on Ways and Means. Title IV: Committee Staffs and Expenses - States that whenever any standing committee (except the Committee on Appropriations) is to be granted authorization for the payment, from the contingent fund of the House, of its expenses in any year other than those expenses to be paid from appropriations provided by statute, such authorization initially shall be procured by one primary expense resolution for that committee providing funds for the payment of the expenses of the committee for that year from the contingent fund of the House. Stipulates that each standing committee may appoint, by majority vote of the committee, not more than six professional staff members.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1974
State Lottery Exemption Act - Exempts State-conducted lotteries, sweepstakes, and wagering pools, as well as vending machines maintained by State agencies for such purposes, from the wagering tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1974
Eastern Wilderness Areas Act - Designates specified lands in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Provides for a study of specified additional lands in eighteen states and Puerto Rico for such inclusion. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1974
Comprehensive Right to Privacy Act - Requires that any organization of Federal, 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 Federal agency 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. Allows the head of a Federal agency maintaining such information to exempt his agency from requirements of this Act in the interest of national defense. 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 · 14 June 1974
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Transporation to jointly conduct studies to determine the feasibility and desirability of establishing national scenic bicycle trails along United States Highways number 1, 30 and 101. Directs that these studies be submitted to the President and Congress including recommendations as to such actions which should be taken with respect to the establishment of such trails.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1974
States that funds appropriated for title IX of the Higher Education Act for fiscal year 1974 shall remain available through September 15, 1974, for assistance to disadvantaged persons in preparing for and acquiring an education for the legal profession.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
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 · 22 May 1974
Extends for three years the expiration dates of specified provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Extends for three years the Emergency Insured Student Loan Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) it most strongly condemns all acts of terrorism in the Middle East; (2) the President and the Secretary of State should and are hereby urged and requested to (a) call upon all governments to condemn this inhuman act of violence against innocent victims; and (b) strongly urge the governments who harbor these groups and individuals to take appropriate action to rid their countries of those who subvert the peace through terrorism and senseless violence; and (3) the President should request the American Ambassador to the United Nations to take appropriate action before that body in order to have introduced a Security Council resolution condemning this brutal act of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1974
Designates for study specified rivers in California, Michigan, Alabama, Wyoming, Colorado, Minnesota, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Wisconsin as potential additions to the national wild and scenic rivers system.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1974
Automobile Free Trade Act - Imposes temporary quotas on motor vehicles imported into the United States from foreign countries which do not allow substantially equivalent market access to motor vehicles manufactured in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1974
Authorizes the additional appropriation of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for research on the cause and treatment of diabetes under the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1974
Disallows, under the Internal Revenue Code, percentage depletion deductions on foreign oil and gas wells, tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs for foreign oil or gas wells, and tax credits for income, war profits, or excess profits tax paid or accrued which is attributable to income from foreign oil or gas wells. Allows a tax deduction for excess profits taxes imposed by foreign countries to the extent a credit is denied for such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1974
Title I: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Provides for increases in appropriation ceilings for the acquisition of specified units of the National Park System. Title II: Development Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for development of specified units of the National Park System. Title III: Boundary Changes - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise the boundaries of specified units of the National Park System. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by donation, purchase, or exchange and to develop specified National Park lands. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary up to $100,000 to conduct studies to determine the cause and extent of the damage to the foundation of the historic structures of the San Juan National Historic Site. Authorizes to be appropriated up to $8,400,000 in addition to available funds, for moving costs, relocation benefits, and other expenses incurred pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Provides that whenever an owner of property, to be acquisitioned to the National Park System, elects to retain a right of use and occupancy, such owner shall be deemed to have waived the relocation benefits and displaced person status accorded by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1974
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the prupose 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 becuase 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 establsih 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 each 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) if 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 · 10 April 1974
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the heads of other departments affected by this Act, to issue and revise regulations from time to time, relating to the trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violations of this Act. Establishes an advisory commission of 7 members to consult with the Secretary and make recommendations with respect to regulations concerning trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment or of one year, for the sale, shipment, or transport, of any unapproved trap or any animal skin or hide or bird feathers taken in violation of this Act. Outlines those trapping regulations specifically applicable to Federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with any affected State pursuant to which the Secretary shall assist such State to enable it to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.