United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Federal Employees Gift Disclosure Act - Directs Federal employees to file statements with the Office of the Federal Register annually regarding the making of gifts exceeding $500 to another Federal employee or to a State or local officer or employee, and the reception of gifts of such amount from any individual source. Requires the annual publication of the statements filed under this Act. Provides for a penality for violation of this Act in the amount of not more than a $5,000 fine, or imprisonment for not less than one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Forbids, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the employment or referral for employment of aliens who have not been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. States that a person who employs or refers for employment such an individual shall not be deemed to have violated this Act if he has: (1) obtained a form signed by the individual stating that he is a citizen or lawfully admitted alien; and (2) himself signed a form stating that he has read the individual's birth certificate or any other document which validates the individual's statement. Provides that any person who violates this Act shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both, for the first illegal employment or referral, and shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, for each subsequent employment or referral. Directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service to increase the personnel of the United States Border Patrol and Investigations Branch by 2,500 by the end of fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this provision. Provides that this Act shall take effect 90 days after enactment and shall only apply to aliens who become employed or are referred for employment on or after that date.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Provides that a general increase in social security benefits shall not be taken into account in determining the eligibility of individuals or families to receive benefits under any Federal plan or program or any State plan or program which is funded in whole or in part by Federal funds if the effect of such increase would be to reduce or eliminate the benefits available under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the provisions of the National School Lunch Act which require that the national average value of donated foods (or cash payments in lieu thereof), the special assistance factor for payments for free and reduced price lunches, and the national average rate for lunches and breakfasts served under the school lunch program and the school breakfast program shall reflect changes in the series of food away from home of the Consumer Price Index are necessary provisions of such Act which maintain the stability of the national school lunch and school breakfast programs in the current period of inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Tax and Loan Account Interest Act - Terminates the insurance of any bank under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which fails to pay the Federal funds rate of interest on all tax and loan accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides, under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, for the extension of specified provisions for an additional 20 years. Makes permanent the ban against requiring compliance with tests and devices as a prerequisite to voting.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of a national park, recreation area, or wilderness area in the Ridgelands east of the San Francisco Bay in the State of California. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress within one year a report of his findings and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Freedom from Military Surveillance Act - Restricts, the actions of any civil officer of the United States or any member of the Armed Forces of the United States in using the Armed Forces of the United States to exercise surveillance of civilians or to execute the civil laws. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress and the director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides for a reduced (by 25 percent) retirement annuity for a Member of Congress (other than the Vice-President) who remains in office after becoming 70 years of age. States that the annuity of a surviving spouse or child is to be computed without regard to such reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Comprehensive Right to Privacy Act - Requires that any organization of State or local government maintaining an information system that includes personal information shall: (1) collect, maintain, use, and disseminate only personal information necessary to accomplish a proper purpose of the organization; (2) collect information to the greatest extent possible from the data subject directly; (3) maintain information in the system with accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and pertinence as necessary to assure fairness in determinations relating to a data subject; (4) make no dissemination to another system or any individual other than the data subject without specifying requirements for security and the use of information exclusively for the purpose set forth in the notice required under this Act; (5) maintain a complete and accurate record, including identity purpose, and date, of every access to any personal information in a system by persons or organizations not having regular access authority; and (6) collect no personal information concerning the political or religious beliefs, affiliations, and activities of data subjects maintained by any government agency unless expressly authorized by statute. Prohibits any State or local government from requiring individuals to disclose for statistical purposes any personal information unless such disclosure is required by a constitutional provision or Act of Congress, and the individual is so informed. Requires any organization maintaining or proposing to establish an information system for personal information to: (1) give notice of the existence and character of each existing system once a year to the Federal Privacy Board; (2) give public notice of the existence and character of each existing system each year; and (3) assure that such public notice specifies the categories of data maintained, and the categories of all information sources, a description of types of use made of information, and the procedures whereby an individual can gain access to such information and contest its accuracy and the necessity for its retention. Requires any organization maintaining personal information to inform an individual asked to supply personal information whether he is legally required, or may refuse, to supply the information requested, and also of any specific consequences, which are known to the organization, of providing or not providing such information. Permits data subjects who dispute information about themselves to have such disputed information noted as being disputed when such information about him is disseminated. Requires, upon request, corrections in information to be sent to past recipients of information. Directs organizations maintaining information to inform, within two years and each year thereafter, individuals on whom data is stored of its content and where a copy of such data may be obtained. Sets forth exemptions to the provisions of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any organization to require an individual to disclose or furnish his social security account number, for any purpose in connection with any business transaction unless the disclosure or furnishing of such number is specifically required by Federal law. Establishes the Federal Privacy Board whose five members shall be appointed by the President. Directs the Board to: (1) publish an annual Data Base Directory of the United States containing the name and characteristics of each personal information system covered by this Act; (2) make rules to assure compliance with this Act; (3) upon the determination of a violation of a provision of this Act or regulation promulgated under the Act, and after opportunity for a hearing, order the organization violating such provision to cease and desist such violation; and (4) conduct open, public hearings on all petitions for exceptions or exemptions from provisions, application, or jurisdiction of this Act. States that any individual or organization or responsible officer of an organization who willfully: (1) keeps an information system without having notified the Federal Privacy Board; or (2) issues personal information in violation of this Act; or (3) solicits, uses, or otherwise acquires information in violation of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 in each instance or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Provides that any person, system, or agency which violates the provisions of the Act, or any rule, regulation, or order issued thereunder, shall be liable to any person aggrieved thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires candidates for Federal office, Members of the Congress, each officer and employee of the Federal Government who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year, Federal employees performing the duties of a GS-16 or higher, members of the Uniformed Services in the grade 0-6 or higher, the President, and the Vice President to file annually with the Comptroller General, a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from his spouse or any member of his immediate family) received by him, by and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received by him for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other compensation for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the identity of each asset held by him, by him and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed by him or by him and his spouse jointl, together with the amount of each liability which is owned with respect to any financial interest which is under his constructive control, which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) any transactions in securities of any business entity by him or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transactions in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 during such year; (4) all transactions in commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; and (5) any purchase or sale of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000. Defines the terms used in this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Directs the Commission on Civil Rights to study specified aspects of the local, State, and Federal criminal justice systems as they affect women, including: (1) any indications of discrimination against women in criminal sentencing or parole standards, or both (including evaluations of the various community release programs); (2) whether segregated custodial systems require the same or different rules for men and women prisoners; and (3) whether existing programs and facilities are adequate for women (and any consequent violations of equal protection).
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for reductions in Social Security taxes relating to the rate of tax on self-employment income for purposes of old-age, survivors, and disability insurance. States that such reductions shall apply in the case of taxes imposed with respect to self-employment income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1975, and with respect to wages paid or received during calendar years after 1975. Provides for Federal participation in the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act. Increases the earnings counted for benefit and tax purposes under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1975
Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to encourage the design, production, manufacture, and sale of passenger automobiles which are more efficient in the consumption of petroleum and other natural resources through the imposition of an excise tax or the allowance of a tax credit upon the sale of an automobile, depending on the rate at which it consumes fuel. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for an excise tax with respect to the price for which such automobile is sold by the manufacturer, dealer, or importer thereof, such tax ranging from zero on an automobile that averages between 18.5 and 19.5 gallons per mile to $1,000 on an automobile that averages less than 14.5 miles per gallon. Sets forth the procedure for computing such tax for the period from July 1, 1977, to June 30, 1980. Allows a tax credit on every new automobile based on the rate at which it consumes fuel according to guidelines set forth in this Act. Provides that the credit for the period beginning January 1, 1975, and ending June 30, 1977, shall range from zero on an automobile averaging between 18.5 and 19.5 miles per gallon and $1,000 for an automobile averaging over 26.5 miles per gallon. Sets forth the procedure for establishing such credits for the period from July 1, 1977, to June 30, 1980. Provides that no taxpayer shall be entitled to any tax credit more than once in each 24 month period, and such credit shall be claimed only during the tax year in which such purchase is made. Provides that the tax imposed under this Act shall be paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the automobile in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe. States that the rates of fuel consumption to be utilized in computing the tax under this Act shall be determined by the Environmental Protection Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the ordinary and necessary expenses paid during the taxable year by a taxpayer for the improvement of the thermal design of the principal residence of the taxpayer, including that amount of the purchase price of a principal residence allocable to any storm door, storm window, or solar heating and cooling equipment (up to $1000 for the period during which such credit is available under the Internal Revenue Code, no more than $250 of which may be allowed as a credit for the purchase of conventional materials). Authorizes the taxpayer to elect a deduction of up to $4000 for the period during which the provisions of this Act are effective (no more than $1,000 of which may be allowed as a deduction for the purchase of conventional materials) in lieu of the credit provided by this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Federal Energy Administration an analysis of the energy savings achieved through the operation of this Act no later than September 15, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 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 · 6 February 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 · 6 February 1975
Provides that the certificate of discharge issued to members of the armed forces may be characterized only as: (1) an Honorable Discharge, when separated from service, except where a lesser form of discharge certificate is expressly authorized under this Act; (2) a Discharge from Service; or (3) a Bad-Conduct Discharge or a Dishonorable Discharge, when issued according to an approved finding of a court-martial pursuant to this Act. Provides that a member of an armed force may be separated with a Discharge from Service as a result of: (1) an approved recommendation of a board of officers upon a finding based on preponderance of the evidence of record of misconduct, that the member's retention would not be clearly consistent with the interests of national security, or that the member's retention is not warranted for specified reasons; (2) resignation or request for discharge in lieu of board action or trial by court-martial, submitted after opportunity to consult counsel having the professional qualifications; and (3) absence without authority for one year. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to at any time convene a board of officers to review the record of any commissioned or warrant officer of the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps, as the case may be, to determine whether he shall be required, because his performance of duty has fallen below standards prescribed by the Secretary, to show cause for his retention on active duty or whether action should be taken to remove him from active duty because of misconduct, moral or professional dereliction, or because his retention is not clearly consistent with the interests of national security. Provides that Boards of Inquiry, each composed of three or more officers, shall be convened, at such places as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe, to receive evidence and make findings and recommendations whether an officer who is required to show cause for retention under this Act should be retained on active duty. Provides that Boards of Review, each composed of three or more officers shall be convened by the Secretary of the military department concerned, at such times as he may prescribe, to review the records of cases of regular commissioned or warrant officers recommended for removal by a Board of Inquiry.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Provides that any parent who kidnaps his minor child shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000, or imprisoned for not longer than one year, or both. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1201)
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Sets forth standards, relating to the rights of patients under the General Provisions of the Social Security Act, to be met by intermediate care facilities participating in programs under title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act. Provides that the statement of rights required to be adopted by such facilities shall include guarantees: (1) that the patient's civil and religious liberties will not be infringed; (2) that the patient has the right to private communications with his physician, attorney, or any other person; and (3) that the patient has the right to have privacy in treatment and in caring for personal needs and confidentiality in the treatment of personal and medical records.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the deferral of budget authority relating to comprehensive planning grants under the Housing Act of 1954 (deferral numbered D 75-107) which is proposed by the President in his special message of November 26, 1974 transmitted pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Coal Slurry Pipeline Act - Declares the findings of Congress that the increased use of domestic coal would promote the national interest by conserving oil and natural gas resources and that the development of coal pipelines may be substantially impeded by difficulties in obaining necessary rights-of-way across private lands unless such pipelines are granted the right of eminent domain. Provides that a carrier may acquire the power of eminent domain in U.S. district courts for the construction of any proposed coal pipelines when such carrier cannot acquire by negotation the right-of-way requires for such construction. States that the power of eminent domain shall not be exercised to acquire: (1) lands owned by the United States or by any State; (2) lands held in trust by the United States for an Indian or Indian tribe; or (3) any right to use or develop water. Provides that the power of eminent domain granted pursuant to this Act may be exercised only by a carrier holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue such a certificate if he finds that the project is in the national interest. Sets forth the factors that the Secretary shall consider in making such a decision. Provides that no carrier granted eminent domain power under this Act shall transport any coal mined by it or under its authority or which it may own in whole or in part, or in which it may direct or indirect interest. States the procedure for the application and issuance of a public convenience and necessity certificate. Requires public notice and public hearings prior to the authorization of a certificate. Declares that the Department of the Interior shall not issue any certificate unless it has received the advice of the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission that such action would not adversely affect competition, restrain trade, further monpolization, or otherwise create or maintain a situation in contravention of the antitrust laws. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, to institute a civil action in U.S. district court for a restraining order or injunction to enforce any provision of this Act or any regulation issued under the authority of this Act, shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more that $5,000 for each day of the continuance of such failure. States that any person who violates any provision of this Act shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Provides that petitions for judicial review shall be filed in the court of appeals of the United States for the circuit in which the proposed project originates. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that all coal coal piplines subject to this Act shall be buried underground if practicable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides, under the Coastal Zone Management Act, for the establishment of a national policy with respect to the Nation's beach resources. Defines the terms used in this Act and states that it is the declared intention of Congress to exercise its constitutional power to protect the public's right to use the beaches. Provides that no person shall construct or maintain any barrier which interferes with the public's right to use the public beaches. Authorizes the Attorney General or U.S. district attorneys (1) to establish and protect the public's right to the beaches; (2) to determine the existing status of title, ownership, and control; and (3) to condemn easements to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that actions brought under this Act may be for injunctive, declaratory, or other suitable relief. States that nothing in this Act shall be held to impair specified State interests in the beaches. Delcares that it is desirable that the States and Federal Government act together to protect the rights and interests of the public in the beaches. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to any State or political subdivision for the development and maintenance of transportation facilities necessary in connection with the use of public beaches. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums, not to exceed $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants to States to plan and develop projects designed to secure the right of the public to the beaches.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Dairy Import Sanitation Act - Provides for the inspection of imported dairy products in order to protect the public health and welfare. Requires that such products comply with minimum standards for sanitation established by the Secretary of Agriculture and that the dairy farms on which milk is produced and the plants in which such products are produced meet minimum standards of sanitation. States that such standards shall be comparable to the standards of purity, wholesomeness, and sanitation recommended by the Secretary for domestic dairy products. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the administration and supervision of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides that after January 14, 1975, the President may not impose any tariff on imported petroleum unless the Congress by concurrent resolution first approves such tariff.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
National Aquaculture Development Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for a national program for aquaculture development in order to increase sources of marine protein for the consumer; to increase the availability and quality level of consumer fishery products; to develop new resources; to improve or maintain recreational fisheries; and to initiate new business, industry, and employment. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with interested Federal agencies and other public and private organizations and with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Interior, to establish national objectives for aquaculture development. Requires the Secretary to act as the interagency coordinator for all Federal programs and activities in aquaculture. Sets forth activities regarding aquaculture development which the Secretary may, as he deems appropriate, carry out pursuant to this Act, including: (1) construction, operation, and maintenance of hatcheries or similar facilities and undertaking of natural habitat improvement activities; (2) assistance to public and private organizations and individuals interested or engaged in aquaculture through advisory and other services; (3) consultation and cooperation with Federal, State, and local governments, regional commissions, institutions of higher learning, and private industry; and (4) performance of basic and applied research to establish a sound information base for the development of aquaculture. Provides that the Secretary, in consultation with affected States, shall locate, construct, operate, and maintain such pilot aquaculture facilities as he deems appropriate in order to develop aquaculture technology relative to particular species of fish and shellfish. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out such functions and duties authorized by this Act as he deems appropriate through grants to or contracts with the States, regional commissions, local governments, institutions of higher learning, private industry, and other public and private organizations. Authorizes an appropriation for each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 1975, equal to 30 percent of the gross receipts from duties collected under the customs laws on fishery products during the period January 1 to December 31, both inclusive, preceding the beginning of each such fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out such other research as he deems appropriate in order to perform his functions and duties under this Act. Provides that the authority contained in this Act shall expire at the end of the fiscal year during which occurs the fifth anniversary of the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs the President to provide to the House Committee on the Judiciary all the information in the possession of the White House and the Central Intelligence Agency relating to any of the following activities since January 1, 1960, engaged in by any person in the United States for the Central Intelligence Agency: (1) each instance of surreptitious entry, breaking and entering or burglary; (2) each instance of intercepting and opening of mail; (3) each instance of wiretapping or electronic surveillance, not pursuant to court order; (4) each instance of collecting information and maintaining files on a citizen of, or person residing in, the United States or on an association or group within the United States; and (5) each instance of a plan or attempt to do any of the acts enumerated above whether or not such plan or attempt was successfully carried out. Specifies the information required for each activity referred to.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Provides, under title XVI of the Social Security Act (relating to Aid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled), for emergency assistance grants to recipients of supplemental security income benefits. Authorizes cost-of-living increases in such benefits and in State supplementary payments. Prevents reductions in such benefits because of social security benefit increases. Provides reimbursements to States for home relief payments to disabled applicants prior to determination of their disability. Permits payment of such benefits directly to drug addicts and alcoholics (without a third-party payee). Continues on a permanent basis the provision making supplemental security income recipients eligible for food stamps.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Provides that the charge to a household for its food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall not exceed the lesser of: (1) the level established as of January 1, 1975; or (2) 25 percent of the household's income. Provides that, effective July 1, 1975, households in which all members receive supplemental security income benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program of the Social Security Act, or households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or general assistance grant shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program under this Act. States that certification of all other households shall be based on the uniform national standards for eligibility required to be established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Youth Camp Safety Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to protect and safeguard the health and well-being of youth attending day camps, resident camps, and travel camps by providing for the establishment of Federal standards for the safe operation of youth camps. Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed eighty percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes to be appropriated $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, and for each succeeding fiscal year, to make the grants provided for in this Act. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Directs the Director to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a comprehensive and detailed report on his administration under this Act. Prescribes penalties for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Director to request directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics needed to carry out his functions under this Act; and such department or agency is authorized to furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the Director.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Declares that for 90 days following enactment of this Act the President shall have no authority to adjust imports of petroleum or petroleum products under the Trade Expansion Act or any other Federal law. Provides that in the event of a declaration of war, an attack upon the United States, or other involvement in hostilities by the Armed Forces within the 90 day period, this provision shall not thereafter apply. Provides that any action taken by the President between January 15, 1975, and the date of enactment of this Act which results in the imposition of a duty tax or fee on petroleum or petroleum products shall cease to have effect on the date of enactment. Allows a rebate of any amount paid as a tax or fee on petroleum products which was imposed by the President after January 15, 1975, and before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Provides under the Social Security Act for a minimum annual income (subject to subsequent increases based on Bureau of Labor Statistics to reflect the cost of living) of $3,850 in the case of elderly (over 62) individuals and $5,200 in the case of elderly couples. Sets forth provisions governing the determination of annual income and payment of benefits. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Specifies that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stocks Piling Act regarding the acquisition and development of strategic raw materials shall not apply to regulations or prohibitions pertaining to economic relations and/or communications with foreign nations or foreign nationals which are established under the authority of the United Nations Participation Act in response to sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish on specified public lands of the United States national petroleum reserves the development of which needs to be regulated in a manner consistent with the total energy needs of the Nation, including but not limited to, national defense. Requires the Secretary to review the potential for oil and gas production, in the State of Alaska, and to submit to Congress within one year a plan of development.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should not impose any tariff or other import restriction on petroleum or petroleum products before April 1, 1975, so as to give the Congress a reasonable period of time in which to act legislatively on such matter if it determines such action is necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1975
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pattison, Edward W. [D-NY-29]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000134_200.jpg)