United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys, collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various specified education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Establishes an eleven-member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment: (1) on farms; (2) in zoos; (3) in laboratory experimentation; and (4) in other situations. Excludes the study of treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the President within two years after its last member is appointed. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes to be appropriated $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Federal Taxpayers' Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service during an audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal any adverse decision of the Service (including administrative and judicial appeals); (3) the procedures for prosecuting refund claims and filing of taxpayer complaints; and (4) the procedures which the Service may use in enforcing the internal revenue laws (including assessment, jeopardy assessment, levy and distraint, and enforcement of liens). Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an office to be known as the Office of Taxpayer Services to be under the supervision and direction of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue who shall assist taxpayers in obtaining easily understandable tax information and answering questions on tax liability, among other functions. States that, upon application filed by a taxpayer, the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services may issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Assistant Commissioner, the taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary or his delegate. Authorizes the President of the Legal Services Corporation to establish Taxpayer Representation Offices in four cities (selected by the President) for purposes of providing legal assistance to individuals in connection with: (1) any audit by the Service of any return made by or on behalf of the individual with respect to any tax imposed by chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or (2) an assessment or collection from any such individual of any tax imposed by such chapter. Provides for show cause hearings with respect to jeopardy assessments and termination of taxable years. Increases the monetary value of specified items to be exempt from levy. Provides criminal penalties (a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both) for investigation into or surveillance over the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization which are not directly related to such revenue laws. Prohibits a civil cause of action for damages or an injunction, or both, for such violations. Prohibits inspection of tax returns pursuant to a criminal investigation unless a search warrant has been issued upon probable cause to believe that no alternative source of necessary information is available. Provides rules for civil investigation related to: (1) payment of Social Security and Railroad Retirement Taxes; (2) pension administration; (3) census information; (4) enforcement of taxpayer's rights under this Act; (5) inspection by States; (6) inspection by a Committee of Congress; and (7) disclosure to persons having a substantial interest (agents of partnerships and corporations, and shareholders of corporations). Provides a civil action for damages for unauthorized disclosure of tax information.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Provides for the recognition of representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3402(a)(1))
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Authorizes a deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, to individuals with permanently handicapped children for amounts contributed to a trust fund which is to be used for the care and support of such child. Limits such deduction to the lesser of 10 percent of the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer, or $5000 in the case of a joint return. Specifies the type of trust which may meet the conditions of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Provides that in civil actions where the United States is a plaintiff, a prevailing defendant may recover a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs, whether or not other costs are awarded or awardable against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Food Stamp Reform Act - Eliminates the requirement, under the Food Stamp Act, that individuals receiving supplemental security income benefits under title XVI (grantss to States for the Aged, Blind or Disabled) of the Social Security Act shall not be considered eligible for food stamps if the supplemental income payments include the bonus value of food stamps. States that households in which a member is eligible to participate in the nutrition program for the elderly under the Older Americans Act, or is authorized to use coupons for meals on wheels, shall not be required to have cooking facilities. Modifies the eligibility standards for students. Lowers the work registration age limit for eligibility purposes from 65 to 60. States that the actual value of employer-provided housing (up to $25 per month) shall be taken into account for eligibility purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in computing eligibility, to allow a standard deduction of $125 plus $25 for each elderly person, after deductions for disaster or casualty losses, taxes, and other mandatory deductions. Eliminates the purchase price requirement and establishes an income formula for determining eligibility. Requires the Secretary to carry out a nutrition education program for recipients, including distribution of printed materials designed to teach recipients how to buy and prepare nutritious and economical meals. States that wrongfully denied food coupons shall be restored through a lump sum cash payment. Requires bilingual assistance to be made available in areas where numerous potentially eligible persons speak a language other than English. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey and report to Congress on the average and distribution of assets held by participants in the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out pilot experiments for purposes of increasing the program's efficiency and improving the delivery of benefits to eligible households.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Provides for the recognition of representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3402(a)(1))
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Authorizes suits against the United States Government by private parties where the basis of such a suit is misrepresentation, deceit, or the exercise or performance of failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function or duty on the part of the Consumer Product Safety Commission or of any employee of such Commission, if such exercise, performance or failure is determined, as a matter of law, to be unreasonable with respect to the discretionary function or duty involved. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 2680 (a))
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Calls for the recognition of the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Route, in honor of its decisive use by the combined French and American forces of General Washington to accomplish the decisive victory at Yorktown.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Authorizes the Legal Services Corporation to make available up to 10 percent of the funds appropriated to it for fiscal year 1976 for grants or contracts for the following activities related to the delivery of legal assistance: (1) research; (2) training and technical assistance and; (3) clearinghouse activities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Community-Based Day Treatment and In-Home Services for Children and Families Act - Provides, under title IV of the Social Security Act, for the establishment of day treatment and in-home arrangements for services to children and families in trouble. Makes funds appropriated under the Social Security Act for child welfare services available to cooperating State agencies in the provision of day treatment and in-home services to children and families. Authorizes the appropriation of an additional $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years following the enactment of this Act, for the purposes of this Act. Provides for the distribution of such funds to the appropriate State agencies. Defines the terms "day treatment services", and "in-home services". States that the term 'day treatment services' includes psychiatric, psychological, social casework, educational, vocational, recreational, health, and child care services, and any other services which are furnished a child or family in the home or through community-based services with the intent of preventing the child's institutionalization or other placement outside the family, except where such institutionalization or placement is in the child's best interest. States that the term 'in-home' specifically includes homemaking, housekeeping, and counseling services, and any other services which are furnished in the home and are aimed primarily at the family unit with the intent of keeping the family structure intact or reuniting a separated family. Requires States, as a condition to receiving Federal payments for child welfare services, to limit the placement of children outside or the home for treatment to those cases in which all feasible alternatives have been exhausted, or such placement has been ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. Requires State plans for aid and services to needy families with children to provide that the State agency supervising the administration of the plan will: (1) exhaust all feasible alternatives to placement of a child in a foster home, institution, or other residential facility before placing or approving the placement of such child in such a home, institution, or facility, and (2) submit to the Secretary periodic reports indicating the steps being taken to explore such alternatives (and the various types of alternative arrangements being considered) in connection with the placement of children in such homes, institutions, and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
States that it is the policy of the United States to rely upon private commercial sources for goods and services required to meet Government needs, unless: (1) such reliance would demonstrably disrupt or significantly delay an urgent agency program; or (2) in-house performance is mandatory for national security; or (3) the product or service is not and cannot be made available from the private sector and is available from a Federal source.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Declares that the Congress has not delegated to the Federal Trade Commission any authority to preempt the laws of the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1975
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been, (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activites. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Revises the Domestic Volunteer Service Act to provide that developmentally disabled children receiving services under the foster grandparent program may continue to receive such services regardless of the age of such individual, if the continuation of such aid mutually benefits such individual and the volunteer. Provides that Federal funds may be expended for such program only if the child is being fully served in accordance with the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Requires, under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, that committee reports on proposed legislation in either House of Congress must contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
National Educational Opportunities Act - Title I: Definition and Guarantee of a Unitary School System and Equal Educational Opportunity - Provides that each State and its local educational agencies shall establish and maintain desegregated, unitary school systems which offer equal educational opportunities to all students, regardless of race, color, or national origin. States that a desegregrated unitary school system shall be presumed to exist unless a State or local educational agency denies equal educational opportunities to an individual on account of race, color, or national origin by specified acts which have the natural, probable, foreseeable, or actual effect of segregating students on the basis of race, color or national origin. Prohibits local educational agencies from denying equal educational opportunity to an individual on account of race, color, or national origin by maintenance of practices or provision of resources in schools in which minority students are concentrated that are less favorable for educational success and advancement than in schools attended primarily by students of any other race, color, or national origin. Gives examples of such denials of equal educational opportunity. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in Federal court for equitable relief in any case where he has reasonable cause to believe that the provisions of this Act are being violated. Title II: State Equal Educational Opportunities Plans - Requires each State to prepare and submit to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for his approval a plan to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires that such plan shall provide for the establishment of State and local advisory bodies to advise State and local educational agencies on development and participation in such plans. Requires such plans to provide a viable mechanism for States and local educational systems to implement a policy of equal educational opportunities that delineates the fundamental prerequisites for a desegregated, unitary school system. Provides that such State plans shall include specific means for implementing some or all of the following components: (1) a majority transfer plan on both an intradistrict and interdistrict basis; (2) an open communities educational resources compensation program which shall provide for payments to any school district in which students from minority families comprised not more than 10 percent of total school enrollment during the school year 1976-1977, or in which students from low-income families comprised not more than 10 percent of total enrollment in such district during such year; (3) a school district reorganization plan; and (4) an approved, concentrated compensatory education program for basic instructional programs, supportive services, and vocational guidance and for programs having potential for improving the achievement performance of educationally deprived students. Authorizes to be appropriated for carrying out this title not in excess of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $500,000,000 for each fiscal year for the next three fiscal years. Provides a formula for allotment of such funds to the States and for allocation among various programs and agencies. States that whenever the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing: (1) disapproves such a plan; or (2) finds that no plan has been submitted by a State, that a State plan approved under this Act has been so changed that it no longer complies with the requirements of this Act, that plan administration fails to comply substantially with any such provisions, or that a grantee is in violation of title II of this Act, the Secretary shall notify the grantee that further payments will not be made to the grantee under this title or any other educational enrichment of desegregation assistance program until he is satisfied that there will no longer be any failure to comply. Provides that, until he is so satisfied, the Secretary shall make no further payments under such titles. Provides for review of the Secretary's action in such cases by the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the claimant State is located. Title III: General Provisions and Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Increases from $10,000 to $100,000 the maximum fine for conspiracy to commit any offense against the United States. Makes $1,000,000 the maximum fine for such offense by a corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 371)
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should, upon visiting the People's Republic of China, request that the Chinese officials use their good offices to obtain an accounting of members of the United States Armed Forces missing in action and confined as prisoners of war in Southeast Asia and of all American civilian personnel who are listed as missing in Southeast Asia. Requests that upon his return to the United States, the President should report back to the Congress on the results of his request.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1975
Empowers the Small Business Administration, under the provisions of the Small Business Act, to make loans to enable small business concerns to finance residential housing construction or rehabilitation for sale or rental. Requires the Administration to determine the reasonableness of repayment of its loans on a case-by-case basis. Stipulates that the Administration may engage in activities which involve borrowers who may, from time to time, take advantage of other Federal programs in carrying out their business, notwithstanding the restriction which prohibits the Administration from duplicating the work or activities of any other department or agency of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Local Tax Relief Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to pay overdue State and local real estate and personal property taxes by any railroad in reorganization. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that this Act shall expire on December 31, 1978, without prejudice to the rights of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Denies electric and gas public utilities a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred by such utilities to advertise or promote the sale or use of electricity or gas.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendation as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Increases the monetary penalties for persons convicted of conspiring to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States. Establishes a monetary penalty of $1,000,000 in the case of a corporation, and $100,000 in the case of an individual. Eliminates the penalty of imprisonment for conspiracy to commit any offense or to defraud the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Requires the heads of the respective executive agencies to provide the Congress with advance notice of planned organizational and other changes or actions which would affect Federal civilian employment, by requiring the transfer or termination of a significant number of civilian employees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Reserve Act authorizes the Federal Reserve System to purchase short term obligations to assist the city of New York in its financial problems.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Empowers States to carry out specified functions of the Secretary of the Army, and the Chief of Engineers with respect to intrastate navigable waterways including the regulation of: (1) building of bridges, dams and dikes; (2) deposit of refuse; (3) removal of sunken vessels; and (4) landfill. Requires a State which desires to carry out such functions to submit to the Secretary the program it proposes to establish and administer under State law. Directs the Secretary to approve such a State plan unless he determines that adequate authority does not exist: (1) to insure compliance with the applicable requirements of such functions, including but not limited to the establishment of necessary civil and criminal penalties and other means of enforcement; or (2) in the case of permits which may be issued by the State in carrying out such functions, to provide for their issuance, modification, and termination, including public notice of each such permit application and opportunities for public hearings. Authorizes the Secretary to withdraw approval of a State program if he determines that it fails to conform to Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Open Lobbying Act - Requires each Member of Congress and his or her staff to maintain a register of all contacts with lobbyists. States that such record shall be available for the public. Makes lobbyists responsible for recording all lobbying contacts made with the Member or staff.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Grants the Federal Power Commission emergency authority to exempt temporarily any activities or operations relating to the sale, transportation, transfer, or exchange in interstate commerce of natural gas or of commingled natural gas and synthetic natural gas, from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act, in order to alleviate the hardships caused by the natural gas shortage. Stipulates that no such exemption shall exceed 180 days. Directs that the Commission shall not deny the purchase price paid by an interstate natural gas pipeline company for gas exempted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that energy conservation practices adopted for the design, construction, and utilization of these facilities will have a beneficial effect on the Nation's overall supply of energy, and the procurement of solar heating and cooling units for use in Federal buildings in connection with demonstrations of solar energy applications on such buildings under this Act should help to create a market for such units generally. States that it is the policy of this Act to insure that energy conservation and solar energy technology be employed in the design and construction of certain Federal facilities as set forth in this Act, and, to the maximum extent feasible, in the design and construction of all other Federal and federally-assisted facilities. Defines terms used in this Act, including the terms "energy use analysis," and "life cycle energy costs". Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of Defense to, in consultation with each other, develop, publish, and from time to time update guidelines designed to assure that the most effective and efficient measures for the conservation of energy and the use of solar energy systems are incorporated in: (1) the design, construction, and renovation of Federal and federally assisted buildings; and (2) the procurement of goods and services for such buildings and for other Federal purposes. States that the guidelines developed by the Secretary and the Administrator shall be consistent with each other. Requires the guidelines developed by the Secretary to be applied to all new and existing buildings under his control. Requires the guidelines developed by the Administrator to be applied to all other new and existing buildings, as defined in this Act. Directs all other Federal agencies to comply with the requirements of the applicable guidelines. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator: (1) to submit to Congress an energy use analysis with respect to the construction, acquisition, or leasing of any new building to which guidelines apply; and (2) with respect to existing buildings, to submit an inventory and energy use analysis of all such buildings, setting forth detailed plans for incorporating required improvements. Directs each Federal agency to submit to the Administrator or Secretary a detailed life cycle energy costs analysis of any building to be constructed, acquired, or leased by it for its use. Prohibits the purchase of any major energy using, generating, or conserving equipment by a Federal agency without prior submission of life cycle energy cost analysis. Provides for an increase in the allowable dollar amount of Federal assistance for building construction or major rehabilitation to cover the cost of solar energy equipment or other special energy equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Removes chaplains from the cognizance of the Chief of Naval Personnel. Provides that the Chaplian Corps is a staff corps of the Navy and shall be organized in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 5142)
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Requires that any rule or regulation proposed by any officer or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government to implement a law or a program pursuant to a law must be submitted to both Houses of Congress for review. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective 60 legislative days after submission if Congress neither disapproves it by resolution or passes a concurrent resolution specifically approving such rule or regulation. Incorporates the provisions of this Act into the rules of the two Houses of Congress. Establishes procedural rules with respect to the consideration of a resolution disapproving the proposed rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1975
Form Reform Act - Requires that all forms used by each executive agency shall be discontinued progressively over a five year period. States that no form may be placed in use by any executive agency after the effective date of this Act unless it has been approved by the Comptroller General. States that if the Comptroller General determines that the use of an existing form is necessary and that such form is as short, simple, and understandable as it can be, he shall approve the continued use of such form. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Allied Services Act - Title I: Human Services Planning - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for developing the allied delivery of human services (services to help families in need to achieve the highest level of personal independence and self-sufficiency) within a State. Provides for the designation of State and local agencies to administer the development program in service areas designated by the Governor of the State. Requires such local agencies to develop for the service area a local plan which is designed to serve as a demonstration or evaluation of means to substantially improve the allying and consolidation of human services planning and delivery. States that, to be approved by the State agency, such plan must also: (1) specify the agencies and organizations which have agreed to participate in the local program for the allied delivery of human services within the service area; (2) contain a survey of the needs for human services within the service area and an inventory of resources available to meet those needs; (3) enumerate the human services programs which will be allied within the service area; (4) provide reasonable assurance that the agencies and organizations participating in the local plan will make progress toward allying their provision of services; (5) describe the progress which the local agency has made in achieving the objectives specified in any preceding local plan developed by the local agency pursuant to this subsection; (6) specify procedures found adequate by the Secretary to assure that interested agencies, organizations, and individuals will have their views taken into consideration with respect to the carrying out of the local plan. Provides requirements for the approval of State plans for the allied delivery of services. Provides that if the Secretary finds, after notice to a State and adequate opportunity for the State to respond, it is failing to comply substantially with the provisions of its approved allied delivery of services plan for any fiscal year (or that any local agency designated thereunder is failing to comply substantially with the provisions of its local plan which was incorporated into such State plan), then thereafter (during such year and until there is no longer any such failure to comply) no Federal funds may be consolidated or transferred, no requirements may be waived, and no payments of grants under this Act may be made. Provides for notice to the public of allied delivery of services plans and for means to accept comments from the public thereon. Title II: Administrative Support Services - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States which have in effect State plans approved under this Act or through such States to local agencies which have local plans approved by such States, to assist in meeting the initial costs of allying or consolidating administrative support services and management functions necessary to facilitate the allied delivery of human services where funds to cover such costs cannot be obtained from other sources. Provides that no State, office, or agency may receive grants under this title for more than 3 years. Title III: Special Authorities - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make single grants for human services. Authorizes transfer of Federal assistance available for expenditure under a human services program for use in another human services program. Authorizes waiver of program requirements certified by State or local agencies to be impeding the implementation of its plan. Authorizes $20,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act for fiscal year 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Establishes, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare), a voluntary program to provide long-term care benefits for aged and disabled individuals who elect to enroll under such program, financed from premium payments by enrollees together with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by the States. Lists criteria for eligibility for long-term care service benefits. Provides that the benefits provided to an individual by this Act shall consist of (1) home health services, (2) homemaker services, (3) nutrition services, (4) long-term institutional care services, (5) day care and foster home services, and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Enumerates the requirements for a State long-term care agency. Provides for the payment of premiums for benefits received under this Act. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund. Creates a body to be known as the Board of Trustees, composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, all ex officio. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall be the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees and that the Commissioner of Social Security shall serve as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees. Provides that the Board of Trustees shall meet not less frequently than once each calendar year. Enumerates the duties of the Board of Trustees. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (i) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (ii) who resides in the area served by such center and (iii) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) performs such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides a formula for payments to States for the reimbursement of community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with organizations representing the chief executives of the various States, and other interested parties, to develop and make available to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act on a prospective basis. States that once a community long-term care center elects a particular prospective method, it may not alter its election without the prior approval of the Secretary. Provides that whenever the Secretary finds that the number of community long-term care centers electing a particular prospective payment method promulgated in accordance with this Act is not sufficient to provide an adequate basis for either the operation or evaluation of that method, the Secretary shall withdraw that method and allow the community long-term care centers which have elected such method to select another method withn 30 days of notice of such withdrawal. Permits a Governor of a State to certify to the Secretary a method of prospective payment other than those promulgated under this Act. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Provides for increases in supplemental security income benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Establishes the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to monitor the acts of the signatories which reflect compliance with the articles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of 11 members to be appointed as specified in this Act. Gives the Commission the power to subpena witnesses and records as necessary to carry out the responsibilities imposed by this Act. Requires the Commission to make reports to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes, under the Privacy Act of 1974, the disclosure to individual Members of Congress or their designates of information regarding individuals. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552a)
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Scientific and Technological Research Act - Establishes the National Technology and Research Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to make investments and make and guarantee loans to carry out high-financial risk energy and environmental research. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the request of the Board of Directors of such Corporation, to purchase stock in such Corporation of up to $1,000,000,000. Authorizes $1,000,000,000 to be appropriated for such purchase. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to pay the difference, if any, between the interest paid by the Corporation on its obligations and the interest received by the Corporation on its loans, and to reimburse the capital of the Corporation to the extent of any defaults, and such additional sums as may be necessary to establish and operate the Corporation and otherwise carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Corporation to require, as a condition for making any loans or loan gurarantees or investments, that the Corporation be given a share in the equity or royalties of projects developed by the recipient which the Corporation helped finance. Directs the Board of Directors of the Corporation to establish a Scientific Advisory Panel. Stipulates that no loan or loan guarantee may be made without the approval of the Advisory Panel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Requires, under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, that committee reports on proposed legislation in either House of Congress must contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Freedom of Information Act Amendments - Prescribes guidelines and limitations for the classification of information which the President or head of an agency determines require limited dissemination in the interest of national defense. Prohibits the classification of information in order to conceal incompetence, inefficiency, wrongdoing, or administrative error, to avoid embarrassment to any individual or agency, to restrain competition or independent initiative, or to prevent or delay for any reason the release of information the dissemination of which will not damage the national defense. Provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, no designation other than "Defense Data" may be used to classify information in the interest of national defense. Enumerates the circumstances which justify the classification of information as "Defense Data". States that official information may be classified as Defense Data by the heads of the following agencies or designated personnel: the Department of State; the Department of Defense and the military departments; the Department of Transportation; the Energy Research and Development Administration; the Central Intelligence Agency; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and such offices within the Executive Office of the President as he may designate by Executive Order. Subjects to the regulations concerning authority to classify, and material which may be classified, that information originated or acquired by an agency and classified as "Confidential," "Secret," or "Top Secret. Sets forth regulations with respect to the declassification of material classified "Defense Data". States that such material including that originally classified as "Confidential," "Secret," or "Top Secret" shall be declassified automatically three years after its classification. Provides for the deferral of such automatic declassification when the sensitivity of the information involved is determined to require continued protection. Directs the heads of agencies who have the authority to classify or declassify official information to promulgate regulations with respect to the classification and declassification of information within their agencies. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to monitor the actions taken by the agencies to implement this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to report semiannually to the Committees on Government Operations of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the results of agency actions. Prohibits the withholding of information or material from Congress, any committee or Member thereof, or any United States court on the basis that such information or material is "Defense Data". States that this Act shall not affect any requirement made under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 regarding "Restricted Data" as defined in that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Requires the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Small Business Investment Company Tax Act - Exempts small business investment companies from the passive investment income test as a condition of eligibility to elect not to be taxed as a corporation under the Internal Revenue Code. Provides a tax deduction for investments made by small business investment companies in small business concerns. Allows small business investment companies to be shareholders in subchapter "S" corporations (corporations electing to be taxed as partnerships). Authorizes small business investment companies to add to their bad debt reserves at the close of a taxable year an amount sufficient to increase the reserve to 10 percent of the loans outstanding. Provides a deduction for dividends paid on preferred stock to small business investment companies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Provides that every person or body politic including the District of Columbia who subjects any person under the jurisdiction of the United States to the deprivation of any Constitutional right, privilege, or immunity, shall be liable to the party injured.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pattison, Edward W. [D-NY-29]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000134_200.jpg)