United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Establishes the Office of Inspector General in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the Inspector General Shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the Inspector General shall investigate each program administered by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in order to determine if such program is administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and to recommend corrections of deficiencies in such program. Requires the Inspector General to report annually to Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Inspector General may secure any information that he deems necessary from any agency of the Federal Government. Gives the Inspector the power to hold hearings and issue subpenas as necessary to gather information. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Taxpayer Audit Disclosure Act - Requires the establishment of formal procedures and criteria for the selection of individual income tax returns for audit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to provide any individual selected for auditing with a written notice which clearly specifies the reasons for and manner in which the return of such individual was selected for audit. Provides that the Secretary or his delegate shall furnish to such individual a written explanation which describes the audit procedure, the rights which a taxpayer may exercise during such procedure, the right of the taxpayer to make an administrative or judicial appeal from an adverse decision at the end of such procedure, and the right of the taxpayer to claim a refund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to submit to the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation before September 30 of each year a report setting forth: (1) the number of individuals whose returns were selected for audit during the previous 12-month period; (2) a classification of individuals whose returns were audited during the previous 12-month period by, among other factors, income levels, geographic distribution, and profession; (3) the number of individuals audited during the previous 12-month period who were found to have made underpayments or overpayments of tax, together with summary statistics reflecting the percentage of such number, by income category, who made underpayments or overpayments of certain ranges of amounts (to be determined by the Secretary or his delegate); and (4) such other information as may be requested by the joint committee in accordance with the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
National Vitiligo Control Act - Declares the findings of Congress that vitiligo is a disfiguring, inheritable disease which cripples the personality of individuals suffering from it and which afflicts about three percent of the U.S. population. Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to vitiligo and to distribute such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the general public. States that the Secretary may carry out such program through grants to or contracts with public and nonprofit public entities, and authorizes to be appropriated for such purpose $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, and enter into contracts with such entities and with individuals for projects for: (1) research and research training in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of vitiligo; and (2) the development or programs to educate the public concerning the nature and inheritance of the disease. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purposes $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. States that participation by any person in any program under this Act shall be wholly voluntary. Sets forth requirements for applicants of grants under this Act, including the requirement that all test results, medical records, and other information regarding treatment of any person treated in connection with a project assisted under this Act shall be kept confidential, unless such person consents to the release of such information. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to Congress, on or before April 1 of 1976, 1977, and 1978 a comprehensive report on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act-Defines "lobbying" and other terms used in this Act. Requires each lobbyist, within 15 days of becoming a lobbyist, to file a notice of representation with the Federal Edection Commission. Sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities. Sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the commission containing such records. Requires GS-15 and above employees of the executive branch to maintain records of communucations received from outside parties expressing opinions or containing information with respect to the policy making process. Directs each executive agency to make such records available for public inspection. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the powers: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to question as the Commission may prescribe: and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including; (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act: (2) to develop forms for the filing of records of outside contacts by executive branch employees; and (3) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting, filing coding, and cross-indexing. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Requires the Commissioner of Education to carry out a program of financial assistance to local educational agencies during fiscal years 1976 through 1978 for the construction of public elementary and secondary schools for the purpose of alleviating educational service deficiencies in low-income family areas. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $2,500,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Requires States to enter into agreements with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under which the State will agree to periodically inspect public and private extended care facilities, skilled nursing homes, and intermediate care facilities. Provides that eligibility for Federal payments under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act is contingent upon such an inspection program. Directs States to impose a fine of up to $300 for willful refusal to permit any inspection required by this Act. Requires States to enforce specified guarantees of rights of patients in public and private extended care facilities, skilled nursing homes, and intermediate care facilities, including a guarantee of the patients' right to receive adequate, high quality, and appropriate medical care.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Postsecondary Education Consumer Protection Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide protection for students, consumers, and legitimate postsecondary educational institutions against substandard or fraudulent practices. Defines the term "federally recognized approving entity" as an entity relied upon by any Federal officer or agency in connection with a program: (1) of Federal assistance to postsecondary educational institutions by way of grants or contracts, loans, or loan insurance or guarantee; (2) of Federal assistance to students at postsecondary educational institutions by way of grants; loans, loan insurance or guarantee, or work programs; or (3) under which continuation of Federal payment is conditioned on attendance at a postsecondary educational institution approved or accredited by an approving entity. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, through the Advisory Committee on Accreditation and Institutional Eligibility, to conduct a study of the operation and effectiveness of the various federally recognized approving entities. Requires the Secretary to make such interim reports of his activities, findings, and recommendations as he may deem appropriate and to make a final report to the President and the Congress not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act. States that, upon completion of the study conducted under this Act, the Secretary shall revise the criteria to be met by federally recognized approving entities. Stipulates that whenever an officer or agency of the United States receives notification from the Secretary that a federally recognized approving entity fails to meet the criteria set by the Secretary, he shall discontinue reliance on such entity's approval or accreditation of postsecondary educational institutions or programs. Directs the Secretary to publish biannually in the Federal Register a list showing the following: (1) the approving entities which currently meet the criteria established by the Secretary pursuant to this Act; (2) the postsecondary educational institutions which are approved or accredited by such approving entities including a particularization of the departments or courses of study which are approved or accredited at the institutions; and (3) the institutions which have lost approval or accreditation and those whose applications for approval or accreditation were not accepted.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Directs the House Commission on Information and Facilities to provide for radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber. Calls upon the Commission to provide for monitors to receive the television coverage to be located in such offices of the Capitol and the House and Senate office buildings as the Commission, after consultation with the Speaker of the House, considers desirable. States that the Commission shall initially provide for transmission of the audio portion of the coverage to offices of Members and officers of the House and Senate. Directs the Commission to provide a daily written summary of the proceedings of the House and other information pertaining to legislative activity. Requires that the Commission make available to the public and commercial broadcasting stations radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber, videotapes of such coverage, and recordings of the audio portion of such coverage subject to requirements specifies under this Act. Specifies that such requirements do not include limitations or restrictions on the selection of materials for broadcast use. Authorizes the Commission to employ such persons and enter into such contracts as shall be necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution. Provides that expenses of the Commission shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House. Directs the Commission, as soon as possible after the conclusion of the first session of the Ninety-fourth Congress, to report to the House on activities carried out under this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Clean Air Act Amendments - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate revised national primary and secondary standards for: (1) suspended particulate matter; (2) secondary air pollutants and their precursor pollutants; and (3) acid sulphate aerosols. Provides that if the Administrator finds promulgation of such standards impracticable with respect to any of the above pollutants, he may set emission charges on the pollutants. Requires that sources associated with more than minimal emissions of sulphur oxides, particulates, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, or hydrocarbons shall be monitored and that a person responsible for such monitoring shall be designated by the source. Enumerates procedural requirements for the construction of modification of sources to insure that emissions from such sources meet ambient air quality standards. Provides penalties for failure to pay applicable emission charges or penalties. Provides that the useful lives for light duty vehicle and engines shall be a 10-year use period or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Includes violations of this Act among the causes of action on which a citizen may bring suit under the Clean Air Act. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee because such employee has assisted or participated, or is about to do so, in an action to effectuate the purposes of the Clean Air Act. Authorizes the Administrator to evaluate and investigate the possibility of loss of employment resulting from any requirement under such Act. Authorizes $100,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out such investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Energy Industry Deconcentration Act - Prohibits any corporation or association from: (1) controlling deposits of more than one type of energy-producing mineral, after December 31, 1979 and (2) engaging engaging in more than one aspect of the petroleum and natural gas industry after December 31, 1979. Requires corporations or associations which would be in violation of this Act except for the effective date to submit plans for compliance to the Federal Trade Commission before January 1, 1978. Prohibits any individual from serving as a director of more than one company engaged in every resource production, refining, transportation, or marketing.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Price Reduction Act - Repeals, under the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act, exemptions in the antitrust law relating to fair trade laws (also known as resale price maintenance or quality stabilization laws) which permit agreements prescribing minimum or stipulated prices for the resale of brand-name commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Food and Drug Recall and Remedy Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that every processor of any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic develop and maintain recall systems adequate to enable effective removal from the market of any article which has left the control of such processor, and which article the processor knows, or has reason to know, is adulterated or misbranded or otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of that Act. Empowers the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations for the maintenance of records and reports necessary to enable the identification and removal from the market of adulterated or misbranded articles. Requires processors to notify the Secretary indicating the actions planned, if any, to assure effective removal of adulterated or misbranded articles from the market. Requires processors to immediately notify the Secretary of any recall, whether or not such notification is otherwise required under this Act. Provides that if the Secretary determines that any article is adulterated or misbranded he may: (1) notify the appropriate processor of such determination and the basis for it; and (2) issue orders to assure that adequate notification of such determination is provided to all persons (including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, health professionals, and consumers) who should properly receive such notification.. Provides that if the Secretary determines that any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic is adulterated or misbranded, he may issue a removal order. States that such a removal order may include requirements that production or distribution of the article be ceased, processing procedures be corrected, articles be recalled to the wholesale, retail, or consumer level, and other measures be taken to protect consumers. Provides that a removal order may also include requirements that: (1) the processor reimburse the Secretary for any expenses incurred due to the processor's failure to diligently assure effective removal from the market of articles which are adulterated or misbranded; (2) articles be destroyed or, if possible, brought into compliance with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, under the supervision of an authorized representative of the Secretary, with expenses borne by the claimant or person seeking release of the article; or (3) any processor to whom it applies refund the purchase price of an article subject to a removal order to purchasers. Stipulates that such a removal order may be issued only after the Secretary has afforded the processor or processors to whom such order is directed an opportunity for an informal hearing. Defines "informal hearing". Provides that whenever any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic is found by a representative of the Secretary in interstate commerce, such article may be detained for a reasonable period, (not to exceed 20 days), if there is a reasonable basis to show that such article is adulterated or misbranded. Provides that any person who would be entitled to claim such article if it were seized may appeal a detention to a superior official. Requires that such official provide an opportunity for such person to present his views on the matter and confirm or revoke such detention within five days. Provides that in the case of actual controversy as to the validity of any final order of the Secretary under this Act, any person who is adversely affected may obtain review in the appropriate United States court of appeals. Stipulates that no such appeal shall operate as a stay of the Secretary's order. Increases the criminal penalty for violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act from a fine of $1,000 to a fine of $5,000. Repeals the present prohibition against multiple seizure of misbranded articles in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires that any regulations that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is required to promulgate under this Act be issued within six months of the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Cost Justification and Price Control Act - Requires that whenever a Federal regulatory requirement is applicable to any class of major corporations, and the Federal Trade Commission determines that such requirement may have a significant effect on the cost of production or of providing any goods or services provided by such class of major corporations, the Commission shall prescribe a rule (1) identifying such requirement, such class of corporations, and the goods and services the cost of which may be affected by such requirement, and (2) requiring such corporations to file specified reports. Requires that if a corporation is a member of class of corporations identified in such a rule and such corporation increases the price of any goods or services identified in such a rule, then before such price increase takes effect, such corporation shall file with the Commission a report specifying any change in unit costs, resulting from such Federal regulatory requirement, of the goods or services the price of which was increased. Provides that such report shall also contain an explanation of the reasons for the price increase. Provides that such report shall be available to the public and published in the Federal Register. Provides that any cost obligation incurred as a result of compliance with any Federal regulatory requirement may only be passed through by such corporation, or by any subsequent purchaser to any utlimate purchaser of such goods or services on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Provides that if a major corporation violates this Act (1) such corporation shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 and (2) the Commission may commence an action in a district court of the United States to obtain a mandatory injunction requiring compliance by such corporation with the reporting requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Prohibits any increase in the price of consumer commodities by any retailer once a price is placed on any such commodity by such retailer. Imposes civil penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Excludes any country which is located in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean from provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 which exclude nations belonging to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries from the benefits of the system of general tariff preferences.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Creates a select committee to be composed of 15 members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker, one of whom he shall designate as chairman. Directs the committee to conduct a full investigation and study of the nature and extent of natural gas and petroleum reserves within the territory and waters of the United States. Directs the committee to evaluate the potential for discovery of new reserves and the relationship of reserves to present patterns of distribution and supply as well as the impact of price regulation on such discovery and distribution of the products made from such reserves. Authorizes the committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas and conduct field investigations to carry out the studies required by this resolution. Requires the committee to file an interim and a final report on the results of its studies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
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 · 17 March 1975
National Electrical Energy Conservation Act - Title I: National Power Grid and Regional Bulk Power Distribution - Creates a National Power Grid Corporation to establish and operate a national power grid system consisting of electric power generating faciities and a system of very high voltage transmission lines which shall interconnect such generating facilities and the transmission systems of each regional corporation established by the Corporation pursuant to this Act. Provides that such regional corporations shall be the exclusive marketing agency for the National Grid in that region. Authorizes electric utilities, publicly or privately owned, to enter into agreements for services with the regional corporation. Places specified conditions on any such contract for services and the rates at which power marketed for the National Grid may be sold. Directs the National Grid to carry out a program of research and development in the area of electric power generation and transmission, giving preference to environmental protection and land use research priorities. Authorizes up to $250,000,000 per fiscal year to carry out such program. Transfers specified federally owned facilities to the National Grid. Title II: General Provisions Applicable to National Grid and to Regional Corporations - States that each corporation shall be subject to Federal, State, and local environmental standards. Specifies the interests to be represented on the Board of Directors of such corporations, and their composition, terms of members, procedures for selecting the officers and employees of the corporations. States that the corporations shall have those powers conferred on nonprofit corporations pursuant to the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act and specified additional powers. Directs such corporations to at all times maintain complete and accurate books of accounts. Authorizes each corporation to issue and sell bonds for financing its activities, providing that the aggregate total of outstanding bonds shall not exceed $32,000,000,000. Authorizes each corporation to cause to be instituted condemnation proceedings against any lands or interests in land necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires each corporation to report annually to the President and for transmittal of such report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Provides that time spent by American civilians in enemy prisoner-of-war camps and similar places on or after December 7, 1941, shall be creditable (as though it were military service) toward pensions, annuities, or similar benefits under the Social Security Act, the Railroad Act and other specified Federal retirement programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Provides hospital and medical care to members of the armed forces of Poland or Czechoslovakia who participated in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States during World War I or World War II, and who have been citizens of the United States for not less than 10 years. Provides that such hospital and medical care shall be available to the same extent as if such service had been performed in the Armed Forces of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Provides, under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, that no rescission of budget authority proposed by the President shall take effect unless and until the Congress has passed a bill incorporating such rescission.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Provides that no supplemental military appropriations be made in this fiscal year to South Vietnam or Cambodia. Directs that a schedule be set for ending financial assistance to those nations. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States adhere to all terms of the Agreement On Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam signed January 27, 1973, and make all efforts to resolve the current conflict, achieve an accounting of United States personnel, and create a lasting agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1975
Provides that any individual fully insured under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act may qualify for disability insurance benefits and the disability freeze if he has 40 quarters of coverage, regardless of when such quarters were earned.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1975
Plutonium Recovery Control Act - Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from licensing, permitting, or otherwise authorizing, except for military or research and development purposes, (1) the operation of any nuclear power reactor using recycled plutonium fuel, or (2) the construction or operation of any facility which reprocesses or recovers plutonium from spent nuclear power reactor fuel. Requires the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct and complete within three years a comprehensive study of the recycling of plutonium for the purpose of determining the extent of the dangers to the public health and safety and to the environment from such recycling. States that such study shall include: (1) investigation of the toxicity and carcinogenic characteristics of plutonium; (2) investigation of the risks of the unauthorized diversion or theft of plutonium; and (3) consideration of the development of systems for the use of plutonium which will assure the protection of the public health and safety and the environment. Provides that the prohibitions expressed in this Act shall continue until Congress legislates otherwise.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1975
Provides that no funds authorized or appropriated by any Act for fiscal year 1976 or any fiscal year thereafter for the Department of Defense may be used by any U. S. department, agency, or instrumentality to procure any delivery system which is designed to disseminate any binary-type chemical warfare agent, or to establish any facility for the production of any such system or part thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Makes loans available, under the Small Business Act, for small businesses suffering economic injuries as the result of the disruption of operations and services of public utilities occurring on or after February 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Makes it unlawful to operate a supersonic aircraft, manufactured in the United States or in a foreign nation, for a commercial flight at supersonic or subsonic speeds in the navigable airspace of the United States until: (1) the Congress, by law, approves findings by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that the operation of such supersonic aircraft in the navigable airspace of the United States will not have detrimental physiological or psychological effects on the environment; (2) the Secretary has made affirmative findings that the operation of supersonic aircraft in the navigable airspace of the United States meets all noise, environmental, and safety standards prescribed under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958; and (3) the Congress is satisfied that the Federal Aviation Administration has adopted noise standards for supersonic aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Provides that the beneficiary of an insured individual who dies shall, if otherwise qualified under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, be entitled to a prorated benefit for the month of death of the insured.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Requires, under the Gun Control Act of 1968, that whoever during the commission of any robbery, assault, rape, burglary, kidnaping, or homicide (other than involuntary manslaughter), use any firearm which has been transported in interstate and foreign commerce shall be imprisoned (1) in the case of his first offense, for not less than ten years; and (2) in the case of his second or subsequent offense, for not less than twenty-five years. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment imposed under this Act (1) may not be suspended; probation may not be granted; and (3) may not run concurrently with any term of imprisonment imposed for the commission of any such offense.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Limousine Limitation Act - Prohibits government agencies from purchasing, hiring, leasing, operating or maintaining limousines in Federal Government motor pools, or employing the services of chauffeurs. States that government agencies may not maintain motor vehicles for transporting elected or appointed government officers and employees between their home and place of employment, with specified necessary exceptions. Exempts the President, the Vice President, the head of each executive department, the Chief Justice of the United States, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority whips of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the United States Representative to the United Nations from the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Clean Air Act Amendments - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate revised national primary and secondary standards for: (1) suspended particulate matter; (2) secondary air pollutants and their precursor pollutants; and (3) acid sulphate aerosols. Provides that if the Administrator finds promulgation of such standards impracticable with respect to any of the above pollutants, he may set emission charges on the pollutants. Requires that sources associated with more than minimal emissions of sulphur oxides, particulates, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, or hydrocarbons shall be monitored and that a person responsible for such monitoring shall be designated by the source. Enumerates procedural requirements for the construction of modification of sources to insure that emissions from such sources meet ambient air quality standards. Provides penalties for failure to pay applicable emission charges or penalties. Provides that the useful lives for light duty vehicle and engines shall be a 10-year use period or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Includes violations of this Act among the causes of action on which a citizen may bring suit under the Clean Air Act. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee because such employee has assisted or participated, or is about to do so, in an action to effectuate the purposes of the Clean Air Act. Authorizes the Administrator to evaluate and investigate the possibility of loss of employment resulting from any requirement under such Act. Authorizes $100,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out such investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under the supplementary medical insurance (Medicare) program of of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the indiviudal could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's medicaid program under the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a home health patient ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled, (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services, (3) identify abuses against home health patients, (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients, (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable, and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Makes the children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under the medicaid program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Provides that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed by this section shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under the Internal Revenue Code ot 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Automobile Fuel Consumption Tax Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to encourage the development and manufacture of passenger automobiles which are efficient in fuel consumption. Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code, a tax on all passenger automobiles sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer, at a graduated rate determined by the fuel consumption rate, in miles per gallon, of each such automobile. States that the taxable fuel consumption rate shall be the rate set forth in the Atuomobile Fuel Consumption Schedule specified in this Act. Imposes a floor stocks tax on new automobiles held by a dealer for sale. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to periodically study the fuel consumption rates of passenger automobiles and revise the Automobile Fuel Consumption Schedule. Requires that a label describing the fuel consumption rate and the amount of the fuel consumption tax must be affixed to all new cars sold.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Provides that a license for the export of arms, ammunition, or implements of war may not be issued until a report on such exports is submitted to Congress. Directs that the report shall include information as to the name and address of the cosignee, user and manufacturer and the dollar amount of items contained in the application. Specifies that Congress has twenty days to object to the application. (Amends 22 U.S.C. 1934)
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for one-half of the expenses incurred (up to $250) by the taxpayer in commutation to and from his place of employment on mass transportation facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Makes it an unlawful employment practice under the Civil Rights Act to discriminate against individuals because of the presence of a physical disability.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review certain rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Provides that an administrative rule, the violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such rules by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Provides that any individual fully insured under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act may qualify for disability insurance benefits and the disability freeze if he has 40 quarters of coverage, regardless of when such quarters were earned.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Provides that the Congress, under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, may by concurrent resolution disapprove in whole or in part any proposed rescission or reservation of budget authority set forth in a special message at any time prior to the expiration of the prescribed 45-day period. Stipulates, that in the event of such disapproval, the rescission or reservation shall cease immediately to the extend disapproved. Declares that the effect of such disapproval shall be to make available for immediate obligation the budget authority involved, and shall preclude the President or any other Federal officer or employee from causing such budget authority to be unobligated pending congressional action with respect to any subsequent proposed rescission or reservation set forth in a special message.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of title XII of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, creating a National Commission on individual Rights, be immediately implemented.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene immediately a meeting of the heads of all appropriate Federal departments and agencies for the purpose of taking such steps as may be necessary to prevent Arab discrimination against American business enterprises which have Jewish individuals serving in positions of major responsibility or which do business with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
Price Disclosure Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, or the distribution of which affects commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from these requirements any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 per annum, unless such an outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceeds $500,000 per annum; or any retail outlet in any State which has enacted mandatory unit pricing law and whose law, in the judgment of the Federal-Trade Commission, is in full force and effect and is comparable in scope and comprehensiveness to the requirements of this Act, except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such State shall be subject to the provisions of this Act if they also operate outlets in one or more other States. Redefines the term "consumer commodity" and defines the term "retail unit price" for purposes of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. Abolishes the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to promulgate regulations under such Act, and transfers that authority to the Commission. Directs the Commission to request, and the Secretary of Commerce to initiate, a voluntary product standard for consumer commodities under the procedures for the development of voluntary products standards established by the Secretary pursuant to specified provisions of law whenever the Commission determines that there is undue proliferation of the weights, measures, or quantities in which any consumer commodity or reasonably comparable consumer commodities are being distributed in packages for sale at retail and such undue proliferation impairs the reasonable ability of consumers to make value comparisons with respect to such consumer commodity or commodities. Requires that regulations with respect to fair packaging and labeling standards be promulgated by the Commission in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Directs the Commission to give interested persons an opportunity for oral presentations of views, data, and agreements. Authorizes travel and per diem reimbursement for persons being trained by the Commission to carry out the provisions of the Act. Declares that any violation of any of the provisions of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act or the regulations issued pursuant to such Act, with respect to any consumer commodity delivered into introduction in commerce, or sold at retail, offered for sale at retail, or displayed for sale at retail, shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting commerce and shall be subject to penalties under specified provisions of law.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
Establishes weight restrictions for vehicles on the Interstate System. Provides that no funds authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year under the Federal-Aid Highway Act shall be apportioned to any State within the boundaries of which the Interstate System may lawfully be used by vehicles in excess of the established weight limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
States that the purpose of this Act is to provide a source of financial assistance for homeowners and builders to enable them to purchase and install solar heating equipment or combined solar heating and cooling equipment while substantially reducing energy use. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans to individuals and families owning and occupying one-to-four family residential structures to assist them in purchasing and installing qualified solar heating and cooling equipment. States that such loans may be made in an amount covering up to 75 percent of the cost of purchasing and installing the necessary equipment, and not exceeding amounts specified in this Act. Sets forth the terms and conditions governing the loans. Defines "qualified solar heating equipment" as meaning equipment which utilizes solar energy to provide heating for a residential sturcture and which is certified by the Secretary as meeting minimum specified standards, including a requirement that the eqipment must be designed to meet more than 40 percent of the total heating needs of the types of structure for which it is intended. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish procedures for periodic inspection and review of solar heating and cooling equipment models and certifications. Directs the Secretary to disseminate full, complete, and current information concerning recommended standards and types of qualified solar heating or solar heating and cooling equipment appropriate for use in residential structures of varying sizes and types and in various regions of the country. Authorizes appropriations to a revolving fund of $100,000,000 to provide an initial amount for the program under this Act, and such additional sums as may thereafter be necessary to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Food Allowance for Older Americans Act - Establishes, under the Social Security Act, a food allowance program under which qualified elderly persons shall be provided with an opportunity to obtain an adequate level of nutrition through the issuance to them, without charge or fee or condition of any kind, a food allowance of $50 for each month after December 1973 in the form of coupons that can be used only to purchase food from retail stores. States that an individual is eligible for a food allowance under this Act only if such individual is (1) sixty-five years of age or older, (2) the head of his or her own household, and (3) has an annual income which does not exceed $5,000. Provides for the issuance of coupons reduced in value to individuals whose annual income exceeds $5,000 by not more than $480 and who otherwise meet the conditions of eligibility. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Lowers the population requirements from 100,000 to 50,000 for a unit of local government to be eligible to be a prime sponsor under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Oil Import Purchase Authority Act - Provides that the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration after October 1, 1975, to be responsible for the importation of petroleum into the United States. Prohibits the importation of petroleum into the United States after such date unless pursuant to a sale. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the allocation by sale of all petroleum so imported. Requires the Administrator to make adjustments in the prices paid by purchasers so that the average price paid is equal for all purchasers of a similar quality of petroleum. Stipulates that funds for the purchase of petroleum be appropriated from the general revenues, and that moneys realized on the sale of such petroleum be returned to the general revenues. Requires the Administrator to establish disciplinary rules for bidders who fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their bids. Prohibits any officer or employee of the Energy Administration from disclosing any information relating to the bids. Specifies a fine not to exceed $100,000 for 10 years imprisonment, or both, for such disclosure. Requires the Administrator to limit knowledge of the identity of bidders to six persons within the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Urges the telephone and hearing-aid industries to utilize fully all available technology to provide full access to telephone communications for hearing aid users.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ottinger, Richard L. [D-NY-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000134_200.jpg)