United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purposes of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job-creation impact of Federal govenment public service employment programs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to States and to local governments to coordinate budget-related actions by such governments with Federal government efforts to stimulate economic recovery. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making such grants $500,000,000, plus such additional sums as are warranted according to the formula set forth in this Act for the twelve calendar quarters following any calender quarter during which the seasonally adjusted national unemployment exceeds six percent. States that no appropriations are authorized for grants for any calender quarter if the national unemployment rate did not exceed six percent during the most recent calendar quarter which ended three months before the beginning of such calendar quarter. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of such funds to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. States that State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for allocations to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments: two parts unemployment and one part adjusted taxes raised. States that the Secretary shall allocate funds for the purpose of making emergency support grants to each identifiable local government. Specifies that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintian basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal, and accounting for Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of Treasury may require and that the Secretary of Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that the labor standards and wage requirements of this Act will be compiled with; (7) provide that requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds recived under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program of activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. Provides that in any case where the Secretary of the Treasury makes a finding of discrimination by a State or local government and is unable to to achieve compliance within 30 days, he is specifically authorized to defer payment to the discriminating jurisdiction unless compliance is achieved. Requires that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds autnorized under this Act. Allows payments to be made in installments in advance or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments and underpayments. Provides that no funds be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that juriddiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than six percent. Requires the Secretary of Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. States that funds will continue to be withheld until the Secretary of Treasury is satisfied that compliance has been achieved. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of State to furnish to the House of Representatives the following information: (1) specific diplomatic initiatives carried out by the United States in response to Cambodians seizure of the United States merchant ship Mayaguez and its crew; (2) what diplomatic initiatives are known to have been carried out by Cambodia and other parties in respect to such seizure; (3) what specific diplomatic options were considered and rejected by the National Security Council; (4) what United States covert actions and intelligence gathering activities were conducted in or over or from off the shore of Cambodia prior to the seizure of the Mayaguez; and (5) what communications have occurred to date between the United States and Thailand regarding the use of Thai territory in conjunction with the United States military action to secure the release of the Mayaguez and its crew?
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not regulate the potency or combinations of vitamins or minerals in food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act except under specified provisions of such Act or in the case of children or pregnant or lactating women. Requires prominent disclosure of ingredients which are not vitamins or minerals in foods for special dietary use. Provides that a libel for condemnation of misbranded foods may be instituted against the retailer of such food if he is generally responsible for its advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives to following information: (1) the sequence of events in the United States response to Cambodia's seizure of the United States merchant ship Mayaguez and its crew; (2) military and diplomatic action carried out by Cambodian and other parties with respect to seizure of the Mayaguez; (3) the specific military and diplomatic options considered by the National Security Council in seeking the release of the ship and its crew; (4) what consultations were carried out between the President and Congress; (5) what if any military action had been ordered by the United States Armed Forces with respect to the Mayaguez incident before the Secretary General of the United Nations was asked to give diplomatic assistance; (6) specifics concerning the intelligence information and military actions by the United States; (7) if known, the exact position and course of the Mayaguez when it was seized; (8) what covert and intelligence activities were conducted in or over or from off the shores of Cambodia subsequent to the Khmer Rouge take over in April 1975; (9) what warning, if any, was issued to the United States merchant marine prior to the seizure of the Mayaguez; (10) under what authority of law were the United States Armed Forces used to secure the release of the Mayaguez and its crew; and (11) what steps were taken to insure the accuracy of the various announced casualty figures relating to the Mayaguez rescue operation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Expresses the finding of Congress that in recessionary periods, a loan guarantee authority in the Federal Government is necessary to enable local governments to maintain a sound fiscal structure. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide authority for loan guarantees to units of government to meet temporary and urgent fiscal requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee loans made by any financial institution to units of local government to assist that unit of government to meet temporary and urgent financial needs. Requires the Secretary to determine before guaranteeing any loan that such loan: (1) is necessary; (2) is not otherwise available; and (3) carries reasonable assurance of repayment. Directs the Secretary to require governments receiving guarantees to develop a balanced budget and a long-range financial planning program. Limits the amount of loans to any unit of government which may be guaranteed in any one year to $500,000,000 unless the Secretary submits a proposal for a larger guarantee to Congress and neither house takes any negative action on such proposal within thirty calendar days. Limits the total amount of loan guarantees under this Act to $5,000,000,000. Establishes a loan guarantee fund within the Treasury. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund such amounts as may be necessary to provide requisite capital. Authorizes the Secretary to use the proceeds of the sale of securities issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act to cover guarantees in case there is an insufficient amount in the fund. Creates a Loan Guarantee Policy Board to establish policies governing the granting of guarantees. Authorizes all Federal Reserve Banks to act as fiscal agents of the government in making guarantees. Provides for the termination of all authority under this Act one year after the date of enactment or upon the establishment of an Emergency Loan Guarantee Corporation. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on all operations under this Act within one year of enactment. Requires the report to contain the Secretary's recommendations with respect to the establishment of an Emergency Loan Guarantee Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene the National Security Council in order to devise a viable strategy for combating the smuggling of opium and heroin from Turkey. Directs that a strategy report be submitted to Congress. Calls for the immediate suspension of all foreign assistance to Turkey until that government implements adequate controls to prevent smuggling into the U.S. of Turkish-grown or processed opium and heroin.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Federal Utility and Energy Low-Income Subsidy Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a program to provide financial assistance to low and moderate income families to pay the increased costs of utility services to eligible families. States that the Secretary shall establish uniform national standards of eligibility for the benefits to be provided under this Act, and establishes specified minimal classes of households and landlords as eligible for such benefits. Provides that the State agency designated by the Secretary to administer this program shall certify, under rules prescribed by the Secretary, the eligibility of households and landlords for benefits provided by this Act. Provides that a household or landlord may be certified for a period of not less than three nor more than twelve months. Provides that the Secretary shall pay to each such State agency 50 percent of its administration costs. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the percentage of utility expenses to eligible families that will be paid by the program according to the income of such family in relation to the maximum allowable income for eligibility for benefits under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to pay up to 90 percent of such expenses. Provides that any State requesting aid under this Act shall submit a plan to the Secretary for his approval indicating specified procedures and programs to be carried out under such a plan. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Provides that whoever robs any pharmacy of any narcotic drug shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than twenty years or both. Provides that whoever, in commiting or attempting to commit any offense described above, assaults any person, or puts in jeopardy the life of any person by the use of a dangerous weapon or device, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than twenty-five years or both. Provides that whoever, in committing or attempting to commit any such offense, kills any person shall be imprisoned for not less than ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Requires under the Social Security Act the continued application of the 8 1/2 percent nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Expresses the finding of Congress that in recessionary periods, a loan guarantee authority in the Federal Government is necessary to enable local governments to maintain a sound fiscal structure. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide authority for loan guarantees to units of government to meet temporary and urgent fiscal requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee loans made by any financial institution to units of local government to assist that unit of government to meet temporary and urgent financial needs. Requires the Secretary to determine before guaranteeing any loan that such loan: (1) is necessary; (2) is not otherwise available; and (3) carries reasonable assurance of repayment. Directs the Secretary to require governments receiving guarantees to develop a balanced budget and a long-range financial planning program. Limits the amount of loans to any unit of government which may be guaranteed in any one year to $500,000,000 unless the Secretary submits a proposal for a larger guarantee to Congress and neither house takes any negative action on such proposal within thirty calendar days. Limits the total amount of loan guarantees under this Act to $5,000,000,000. Establishes a loan guarantee fund within the Treasury. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund such amounts as may be necessary to provide requisite capital. Authorizes the Secretary to use the proceeds of the sale of securities issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act to cover guarantees in case there is an insufficient amount in the fund. Creates a Loan Guarantee Policy Board to establish policies governing the granting of guarantees. Authorizes all Federal Reserve Banks to act as fiscal agents of the government in making guarantees. Provides for the termination of all authority under this Act one year after the date of enactment or upon the establishment of an Emergency Loan Guarantee Corporation. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on all operations under this Act within one year of enactment. Requires the report to contain the Secretary's recommendations with respect to the establishment of an Emergency Loan Guarantee Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act - Prohibits the transfer of nuclear materials to any country which has not ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons unless the President determines, and the Congress by concurrent resolution approves, that such sale is essential to national security.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Provides for the payment of a special housing allowance under the supplementary security income program of the Social Security Act to each recipient of supplemental security income benefits whose housing expenses exceed an amount equal to 25 per cent of his or her income, so as to reduce such expenses to that amount.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should assess the situation in the drought-stricken areas where many people are suffering from malnutrition and are in grave danger of dying from malnutrition; (2) the President should report to Congress such recommendations as he determines to be appropriate to alleviate the malnutrition in such areas; and (3) the appropriate committees of Congress should give priority to any such recommendations of the President so as to expedite the response of the United States to the malnutrition problems in such areas.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975
Calls for the bipartisan congressional leadership to create a solution to the short-term financial plight of New York City. States that the leadership shall seek the cooperation of New York City and State, major New York banks, the Federal Reserve Board and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Older Americans Education and Employment Act - Title I: Reduced Education Costs for Older Americans - Permits any institution of higher education to submit to the Commissioner of Education a plan for the reduction of education costs for older persons. Limits such reduction to 50 percent of the normal cost of study at such institution. Requires the Commissioner to determine whether or not to approve such plan. Prohibits any plan from being approved unless the institution agrees to: (1) transmit reports to the Commissioner; (2) keep sufficient records; (3) make assurance of effective fiscal control; and (4) comply with rules set forth by the Commissioner. Makes any older person eligible to receive reduced tuition rates at any qualified institution. Allows any higher education institution whose plan is approved to receive reimbursement for the reduced tuition rates. Title II: Employment Opportunities for Older Americans - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a system for the collection of data for vacancies in jobs for older persons, and such other factors as the Secretary considers appropriate to identify employment opportunities for older persons. Requires the Secretary to establish a computerized job data bank for older persons.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Expresses the Sense of Congress that the President should: (1) issue a proclamation declaring a war on the increasing illegal drug traffic in this Nation; (2) convene the National Security Council to devise a strategy to combat the drug menace; (3) direct the Drug Enforcement Administration to report to the President and Congress on the status of the importation of drugs; (4) direct the Secretary of State to urge foreign nations to halt drug trafficking; and (5) if necessary, seek from Congress authority to terminate all foreign assistance to drug-producing nations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
African Development Fund Act - Authorizes the President to accept participation for the United States in the African Development Fund. Requires the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Governor, and an Alternate Governor, of the Fund. Requires the Governor to cast the votes of the United States for the Director to represent the United States in the Fund. Prohibits any person or agency unless Congress authorizes by law from : (1) agreeing to increase the subscription of the United States to the fund, (2) agreeing to any amendment which increases the subscription of the United States, or (3) making a loan or providing other financing for the Fund. Authorizes to be appropriate $150,000,000 as the United States subscription to the Fund. Stipulates that any reserve bank requested by the President to act as a despository for the Fund shall do so. Declares that the agreement establishing the Fund shall have full force and effect in the United States, upon acceptance of participation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Requires the Postal Service to consult with agencies of State and local governments with respect to the construction of specified Postal Service facilities. Provides for hearing procedures with respect to proposals for such construction.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Imposes, under the Small Business Act, a moratorium on the repayment of principal and interest on specified loans made by the Small Business Administration for a period of two years or until such time as the President determines that the United States is no longer in a period of economic recession.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Extends for an additional 12 month period ending July 1, 1976, the eligibility of recipients of Social Security supplemental security income benefits to receive food stamps.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall elect two Senators and the number of Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State. States that each Senator or Representative so elected shall be an inhabitant of the District and shall possess the same qualifications as to age and citizenship and have the same rights, privileges, and obligations as a Senator or Representative from a State.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Authorizes Members of the House of Representatives to hire one additional staff member to assist with duties related to committee activities. Directs that such employment shall be terminated if the staff member performs services not related to committee activity. Establishes the maximum salary to be paid such staff members. Provides that salaries shall be payable from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Makes a supplemental appropriation of $678,750,000 to the Department of Labor for fiscal year 1975 to provide additional funds for youth summer employment programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Authorizes the inclusion, for purposes of nonregular retirement pay, of service before World War II in specified State militia units which were restricted in their membership to individuals not of the Caucasian race and the unit was ordered to active duty during World War II. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1332(a) (1)).
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Requires retail and wholesale food concerns authorized to accept food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to offer informational materials and application forms to customers. Requires States: (1) to provide an opportunity to receive and file an application for participation in the food stamp program to any person on the same day of such person's first reasonable attemp to make an oral or written request for food stamp aid; and (2) to complete the certification of all eligible households and provide an authorization-to-purchase card not later than thirty days after such an initial attempt to request assistance. Provides that all eligible households in areas of substantial or persistant unemployment shall be immediately certified for food stamps upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Foreign Discriminatory Practices Act - Title I : Prohibits discriminatory actions by United States exporters which have the purpose or effect of supporting restrictive trade practices or boycotts imposed against countries friendly to the United States by other foreign countries under the Export Administration Act of 1969. Requires United States exporters to report requests that it engage in activities prohibited under this Act. Title II : States that whenever an exporter violates the provisions of Title I, the Secretary of Commerce shall suspend or revoke the export license or privileges of the exporter.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
National Oil Recycling Act - Exempts from the excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code lubricating oils sold for use in producing rerefined oil. Directs all Federal officials to encourage the use of recycled oil, through procurement policies, contracts and education. Requires the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense, and all other Federal agencies to revise their procurement specifications to encourage the use of recycled oil. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make a grant to any State which submits a waste oil management plan which includes specified provisions required by this Act. Limits the authorization to one grant for each State in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for fiscal years 1976 through 1980. Specifies the standards to be used by the Administrator in determining the amounts of such grants. Limits to $500,000 the grants to any State during fiscal years 1976 through 1980 for the implementation and operation of the waste oil management plan of such State. Permits States to provide for stricter control of recycled oil, used oil, or new oil than that provided for by Federal law. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations: (1) with respect to the labeling of recycled oil in order to carry out the purpose of this Act; and (2) requiring any container of automotive and industrial oil, to have affixed a label stating the proper disposal of such oil. Requires automotive oil packaged for sale to be sold in resealable containers. Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to conduct a program of research to improve the performance and marketability of recycled oil. Requires the Administrator to conduct research into the environmental and public health impacts of various used oil disposal practices. Imposes a penalty of $50,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year for entering into any contract with the intent to discourage the recycling of used oil. Requires specified oil users, users of oil recycler, or used oil collectors to maintain complete records of the use or collection and the disposition of such oil. Specifies the reports which the Administrator of Energy Research and Development shall submit regarding the research conducted pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Administrator, through the Attorney General and a district court of the United States, to order the licensing of a patent whenever necessary to effectuate this Act or to prevent a lessening of competition. Imposes a general penalty for violating any provision of this Act of $25,000 or six months in prison. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976 through 1980 specified amounts to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Provides for an immediate 15 percent cost-of-living increase in monthly benefits and lump-sum death payments payable under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Emergency Low-Income Housing Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance for the purpose of producing 3,000,000 new dwelling units for low-income individuals. Authorizes additional appropriations under the National Housing Act and the Housing Act to finance the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Denies a tax deduction for any expenditure of any oil company for advertising not directly related to the sale of products or services under the Internal Revenue Code States that this prohibition shall not be construed to apply to the allowance of a deduction for expenses incurred in appearances before the committees, or individual Members of Congress or of any body of a State.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Provides that no United States person having a major investment in an enterprise in South Africa or affiliated with an entity doing business in South Africa shall be eligible to enter into any contract with any agency of the United States Government unless such person is doing business in South Africa in accordance with fair employment practices. Directs the President to delegate to the head of the department or agency of the Government that administers contracts and subcontracts, the responsibility of enforcing the restrictions against unfair employment practices in South Africa by United States persons. Provides that the President shall appoint an Advisory Board for the purpose of recommending policy to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator of the Board to review the employment practices of each person covered by the provisions of this joint resolution and to maintain a roster of those complying with its requirements. Calls upon the Administrator to review the eligibility of such persons not less than once every two years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
Federal Grand Jury Reform Act - Provides for a hearing and the right to counsel at such for witnesses who refuse to testify before a grand jury. Sets a limit of time for confinement in a Federal correctional institution for failure to testify. Permits an attorney or defendent to challenge the members of a grand jury if not representative of a fair cross section of the community. States that no person summoned shall be required to testify before any grand jury it, upon hearing, the court finds that: (1) the appearance would impose a hardship on the person or his family because of the venue of the grand jury; (2) a primary purpose is to secure information about a person already under indictment; or (3) compliance would be unreasonable, oppressive, or punitive. Permits a motion for relief form a court order to testify before a grand jury to be made at any time. Requires the court hearing an appeal from a grand jury subpena to take into account the burdens imposed on the witness, the significance of the overt acts alleged, the existence of related investigations and proceedings, and changed circumstances since the summons. Authorizes a motion to dismiss the indictment to be based on objections to the array or on the lack of legal qualifications of an individual juror. Permits attorneys for the witness under examination to be present at grand jury proceedings, and to advise such person but not participate in the proceedings. Prohibits disclosure by such attorney of grand jury deliberations. Requires grand jury proceedings to be recorded, and entitles a witness and his attorney to a transcript of the witness' testimony. States that a grand jury subpena shall contain information sufficient to notify such witness of his right to counsel. Extends protective safeguards to individuals granted immunity from prosecution for grand jury testimony. Provides that in the case of any individual who has been called to testify, the U.S. district court may issue an order granting immunity and requiring such individual to give testimony which he refuses to give on the basis of his privilege against self-incrimination, except that no such order shall be issued unless: (1) the investigation is authorized by law; (2) the investigation relates to an offense for which an immunity order may be sought; (3) the information sought is relevant to the investigation and the subject matter of the immunity order; and (4) a summary of the evidence relating to the witness has been certified and submitted to the court. Requires an annual report by the Attorney General to the Congress and to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts of: (1) the number of grand jury proceedings with a description of the investigation undertaken during the preceding year; (2) the number of requests for orders compelling testimony and the number of applications for immunity; (3) the number of instances in which witnesses were held in contempt and confined; (4) the number of arrests and convictions resulting from testimony obtained under orders granting immunity; (5) a description of data banks and other procedures by which grand jury information is stored and used by the Department of Justice; and (6) other appropriate information concerning grand jury activity during such year. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 1826; 81 U.S.C. 3323, 3325, 3326, 6002; adds 18 U.S.C. 3329-3330a, 6006-6007)
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Provides that the marriage or remarriage of a beneficiary under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act shall not terminate his or her entitlement to benefits or reduce the amount thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Marihuana Control Act - Provides that the possession of not more than one ounce of marijuana for private use, or the transfer of not more than one ounce of marijuana without profit for private use, shall not constitute a crime against the United States. Provides for a civil penalty of not more than $100 for such possession or transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Requires, under the Public Buildings Act, that the Administrator of General Services consult with local governments with respect to the potential effects of construction of buildings for the use of Federal agencies. Requires the Postmaster General to engage in such consultation with respect to the construction of postal facilities. States that such consultation shall seek to determine the impact of such construction on the environment, economic growth, zoning requirements and objectives, traffic flow, and other similar considerations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Makes it a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any retailer to increase the price of consumer commodities once he marks the price on any such consumer commodity, and permits the Federal Trade Commission to order any such retailer to refund any amounts of money obtained by increasing the price of such consumer commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Entitles veterans to 2 1/2 months of educational benefits for each month of service on active duty. Extends the maximum period of eligibility for veterans' educational benefits from 36 to 45 months. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661 (a) and (c))
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
Taxpayer Audit Disclosure Act - Requires the establishment of formal procedures and criteria for the selection of individual income tax returns for audit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to provide any individual selected for auditing with a written notice which clearly specifies the reasons for and manner in which the return of such individual was selected for audit. Provides that the Secretary or his delegate shall furnish to such individual a written explanation which describes the audit procedure, the rights which a taxpayer may exercise during such procedure, the right of the taxpayer to make an administrative or judicial appeal from an adverse decision at the end of such procedure, and the right of the taxpayer to claim a refund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to submit to the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation before September 30 of each year a report setting forth: (1) the number of individuals whose returns were selected for audit during the previous 12-month period; (2) a classification of individuals whose returns were audited during the previous 12-month period by, among other factors, income levels, geographic distribution, and profession; (3) the number of individuals audited during the previous 12-month period who were found to have made underpayments or overpayments of tax, together with summary statistics reflecting the percentage of such number, by income category, who made underpayments or overpayments of certain ranges of amounts (to be determined by the Secretary or his delegate); and (4) such other information as may be requested by the joint committee in accordance with the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Title I: Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Checks - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish procedures for expedited payment of monthly benefits. Requires the Secretary, within one day after the date an individual files for late payment of benefits, to cause such monthly insurance benefits to be paid. Title II: Expediting of Hearings and Determination - States that in the administration of the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures designed to assure that: (1) any duly requested hearing to which an individual is entitled thereunder will be held within a reasonable period of time after such hearing is so requested, if such hearing is requested with respect to a determination of entitlement to benefits; and (2) not later than ninety days after such a hearing is requested, the Secretary shall render a final determination on the issues which were the subject of such hearing, or if no final determination of the Secretary has been made at that time, the Secretary shall make payments of benefits to such individual in like manner as if a final determination has been made fully in favor of such individual. Title III: Expedited Payment of Black Lung Benefits; and Expedited Hearings and determinations Respecting Such Benefits - Provides for expedited payments of black lung benefits under the Federal coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting hearings and hearings and determinations on claims for such benefits. Title IV: Limitation of Benefit Reduction to Compensate for Benefit Overpayment - Limits to 25 percent the reduction that may be made in an individual's Social Security benefit check for any month because of any previous overpayment of monthly benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Parole Reorganization Act - Establishes, as an independent entity in the Department of Justice, a United States Parole Commission, to consist of a national office and five regional offices. States that the Commission shall have the power to establish general policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations for the Commission, including rules with respect to the factors to be taken into account in determining whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole. Provides that the Commission shall meet not less frequently than quarterly to establish its general policies and rules. States that, whenever confined and serving a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, a prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole after serving one-third of such term or terms or after serving ten years of a life sentence or of a sentence over thirty years. Stipulates that a prisoner shall be released on parole if his record shows that he has substantially observed the rules of the institution in which he is confined on the date of his eligibility for parole, unless it is determined by an examining panel that he should not be released on such date for one or more of the following reasons: (1) there is a reasonable probability that such prisoner will not live and remain at liberty without violating any ciminal law; (2) there is a reasonable probability that such release would be incompatible with the welfare of society; or (3) the prisoner's release on such date would so deprecate the seriousness of his crime as to undermine respect for the law. Requires the regional offices to hold a hearing in making a determination of whether to release a prisoner on parole. Sets forth the procedure to be followed in such hearings. Authorizes the regional Commissions to impose such conditions of parole as are deemed reasonably necessary to insure that the parolee will lead a law-abiding life or to assist him in doing so. Provides, with certain exceptions, that the jurisdiction of the Commission over the parolee shall terminate no later than the date of the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which he was sentenced. States that if the regional commissioner believes that any parolee has violated a condition of his parole, or that there is reason to terminate any parolee's assignment to a center or similar facility, he may order such parolee to appear before him or before a hearing examiner, or issue a warrant and retake the parolee as provided in this Act. Requires that a hearing be held on such a matter. Authorizes the courts to fix eligibility for parole at the time of sentencing of an individual. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide that any prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole if such prisoner is ineligible for such release under any other provision of law. Requires the Commission to report annually to each House of Congress on the activities of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Preschool Children Educational Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to States having an approved plan to provide preschool assistance for school-based educational programs for children aged four. Authorizes $150,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the provisions of the Act. Sets forth the criteria State plans must meet for eligibility under this Act, including establishing an advisory council to assist the State educational agency in the administration of this program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Land Use and Resource Covservation Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, Definitions - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a national interest in effective land use decision making in order to promote the general welfare, to secure a wise and balanced allocation of resources, to provide for the protection and enhancement of the environment, and to conserve energy. States that it is the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with the States, to encourage and support the establishment of effective land use planning and management programs which will assure that the lands in the Nation are used in ways that create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony. Defines the terms used in this Act. Defines "areas of critical State concern" as meaning areas on non-Federal lands which the State determines to be of more than local concern in view of the significant damage to life, property, the quality of the environment, or the long-term public interest which could occur from uncontrolled or incompatible development. Title II: Federal Grants for State and Indian Land Use Programs - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make annual grants to assist the States in the development and administration of a land use program. States that initial grants may be made as soon as the State has established a State land use planning agency and an advisory council which participates in the development of the State land use program and consults, reviews, and and comments on the State land use program. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants to the States for developing procedures to simplify the processing of permits, licenses and other governmental decisions which are prerequisites to proposed development activities. Provides appeal procedures for States which the Secretary has determined are ineligible for grants. States that in implementing its land use program, a State may utilize (1) direct State land use planning and regulation, (2) action by local governments under criteria and standards established and supervised by the State, or (3) a combination of the two techniques. Directs the Secretary to appoint a task force group to investigate and report to him concerning the need for and the form of grant program providing for land use planning by Indian tribes for Indian reservations and other tribal lands. Encourages the States to coordinate land use planning activities on an interstate basis. Title III: State Land Use Programs - Stipulates that the State land use program shall include a statement of policies defining the State's role in land use decisions which are of more than local concern, including decisions affecting key facilities, large scale subdivision or development projects, developments of regional impact, and areas of critical State concern. Requires that State programs include (1) a process to inventory the land and water resources within the State, and (2) a process for designating which of the areas inventoried are determined to be of critical State concern, and policies and methods for the regulation of development within areas of critical state concern. States that programs must include policies and procedures designed to (1) identify prime food and fiber producing lands, (2) consider the location of large scale subdivision or development projects, (3) guide the use of land in areas which may be impacted by key facilities and major improvement, (4) consider the environmental, social, and economic impact of developments of regional impact, and (5) encourage development and land use patterns designed to conserve energy. Title IV: Federal Actions and Federal Lands - States that Federal Activities significantly affecting land use on non-Federal land must be consistent with land use programs which conform to the provisions of this Act, except in cases of overriding national interest as determined by the President. Requires applicants for Federal licenses or permits to certify that any proposed activities affecting land use are in compliance with the States' land program. Provides that each public land management agency head shall develop, maintain, and revise where appropriate land use plans for public lands under his jurisdiction. Requires that provision be made for substantial and meaningful public involvement and participation of appropriate State and local government representatives in the development, revision, and implementation of land use plans, guidelines, rules, and regulations for public lands. Title V: Administration - Establishes in the Department of the Interior an Office of Land Use Administration. States that the Secretary shall, through the Office, administer the land use grant program and undertake specified programs and responsibilites to achieve the objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to coordinate his activities pursuant to this Act with all other interested Federal agencies. Directs the Executive Office of the President to issue guidelines to the Federal departments and agencies to assist them in carrying out the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to study and report to the Congress within 3 years the need for, and form of, national land use policies. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Limits the amount of grants to States to 75 percent of the costs of developing and administering the land use program within the State.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Asian American Affairs Act - Establishes the Cabinet committee for Asian American Affairs to advise, authorize, and direct the departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government and organizations receiving Federal funds regarding appropriate action to be taken to help assure that Federal and other programs are providing the assistance needed by Asian Americans as a whole or by the individual Asian American ethnic, cultural, or nationality groups. Provides that the committee shall advise and direct such departments, agencies, and instrumentalities on program focusing on the special problems and needs of Asian Americans. Establishes an Advisory Council composed of 12 members appointed by the President from among persons who are representative of the Japanese American, Chinese American, Korean American, Filipino American, Polynesian American, and other elements of the Asian American community in the United States. Provides that the committee shall direct and authorize the Advisory Council and staff to investigate such areas of possible discrimination as the committee may specify, and possible discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, housing, education, welfare and other public services, religion, recreation and other areas that may arise against the Asian Americans. Provides that the committee shall conduct public hearings at any place with power to subpena records to investigate discrimination against Asian Americans; examine for, resolve, and correct any injustices and discrimination against Asian Americans in their respective departments; and foster such surveys, studies, research, and demonstration and technical assistance projects, establish such relationship with State and local governments and the private sector, and promote such participation of State and local governments and the private sector as may be appropriate to identify and assist in solving the special problems of Asian Americans as a whole or as individual Asian American ethnic, cultural, or nationality groups. Gives the Advisory Council cease and desist powers to enforce its finding of discriminatory practices against Asian Americans. Requires the Advisory Council to submit to the committee an annual report on its activities. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal year 1976 the sum of $7,000,000 and for the fiscal year 1977 the sum of $12,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, that the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shall be responsible to the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. States that the Director shall not delegate any of his functions to any other officer who is not directly responsible to him.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Establishes the Hudson River Compact Commission composed of the Secretary of the Interior and representatives from the States of New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. States that the purpose of the Commission shall be to negotiate a compact to develop, preserve, and restore the Hudson River Basin and its shores. Authorizes that necessary steps be taken to protect the resources of the Hudson River Basin from adverse Federal actions until the States and Congress have the opportunity to act on the compact negotiated by the Commission. Requires that any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States taking actions which could unfavorably affect any resource of the Hudson riverway shall consult with the Secretary concerning any such actions. Directs the Secretary to transmit a report to the Congress and the President relating to the status of the negotiations by the Commission, including the Secretary's recommendations concerning the execution of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of not more than $75,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under the supplementary medical insurance (Medicare) program of of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the indiviudal could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's medicaid program under the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a home health patient ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled, (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services, (3) identify abuses against home health patients, (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients, (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable, and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Makes the children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under the medicaid program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Provides that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed by this section shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under the Internal Revenue Code ot 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Provides that no funds authorized or appropriated by any Act for fiscal year 1976 or any fiscal year thereafter for the Department of Defense may be used by any U. S. department, agency, or instrumentality to procure any delivery system which is designed to disseminate any binary-type chemical warfare agent, or to establish any facility for the production of any such system or part thereof.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000053_200.jpg)