The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Rees, Thomas M. [D-CA-23]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000134_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
715 records where Rep. Rees, Thomas M. [D-CA-23] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Designates April 15 of each year as "Holocaust Remembrance Day". Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation each year calling for the observance of such day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Authorizes any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year, under the Internal Revenue Code, be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Export Policy. Directs the Committee to conduct a full and complete study of: (1) the threat of nuclear proliferation; (2) the present policies of the United States concerning nuclear proliferation; (3) the decisionmaking process within the executive branch on nuclear export policies; and (4) any related areas which the committee deems necessary to investigate and study to discharge its responsibilities. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit, in cases of alleged rape or assault with intent to commit rape, the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct or reputation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct with the alleged assailant.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Requires executive agencies to report to each person who is elected to the House of Representatives on the scope and nature of their activities within such Representative's district during the previous Congress. Provides for the content of such report. Requires that such report be submitted within sixty days of the election of such person to the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
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.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and other Federal officials to initiate negotiations within the framework of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Monetary Fund with the intent of developing an appropriate code of conduct and specific trading obligations among governments, together with suitable procedures for the settlement of disputes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Directs the President to express the request of the United States Government that the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University to join the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute for the 1976-77 academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
National Educational Opportunities Act - Title I: Definition and Guarantee of a Unitary School System and Equal Educational Opportunity - Provides that each State and its local educational agencies shall establish and maintain desegregated, unitary school systems which offer equal educational opportunities to all students, regardless of race, color, or national origin. States that a desegregrated unitary school system shall be presumed to exist unless a State or local educational agency denies equal educational opportunities to an individual on account of race, color, or national origin by specified acts which have the natural, probable, foreseeable, or actual effect of segregating students on the basis of race, color or national origin. Prohibits local educational agencies from denying equal educational opportunity to an individual on account of race, color, or national origin by maintenance of practices or provision of resources in schools in which minority students are concentrated that are less favorable for educational success and advancement than in schools attended primarily by students of any other race, color, or national origin. Gives examples of such denials of equal educational opportunity. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in Federal court for equitable relief in any case where he has reasonable cause to believe that the provisions of this Act are being violated. Title II: State Equal Educational Opportunities Plans - Requires each State to prepare and submit to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for his approval a plan to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires that such plan shall provide for the establishment of State and local advisory bodies to advise State and local educational agencies on development and participation in such plans. Requires such plans to provide a viable mechanism for States and local educational systems to implement a policy of equal educational opportunities that delineates the fundamental prerequisites for a desegregated, unitary school system. Provides that such State plans shall include specific means for implementing some or all of the following components: (1) a majority transfer plan on both an intradistrict and interdistrict basis; (2) a school district reorganization plan; and (3) an approved, concentrated compensatory education program for basic instructional programs, supportive services, and vocational guidance and for programs having potential for improving the achievement performance of educationally deprived students. Authorizes to be appropriated for carrying out this title not in excess of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $500,000,000 for each fiscal year for the next three fiscal years. Provides a formula for allotment of such funds to the States and for allocation among various programs and agencies. States that whenever the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing: (1) disapproves such a plan; or (2) finds that no plan has been submitted by a State, that a State plan approved under this Act has been so changed that it no longer complies with the requirements of this Act, that plan administration fails to comply substantially with any such provisions, or that a grantee is in violation of title II of this Act, the Secretary shall notify the grantee that further payments will not be made to the grantee under this title or any other educational assistance program until he is satisfied that there will no longer be any failure to comply. Provides that, until he is so satisfied, the Secretary shall make no further payments under such titles. Provides for review of the Secretary's action in such cases by the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the claimant State is located. Title III: General Provisions and Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Authorizes the President to designate the second full calendar week in March of 1976 as "National Employ the Older Worker Week."
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this Act. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operators. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police, the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, the United States Park Police, the Executive Protective Service, and the United States Secret Service, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other moneys, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the Funds sufficient to meet current annuity and disability benefits outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to periodically determine: (1) the amount required to be deposited in each Fund annually in perpetuity in order to meet the cost of annuities and other retirement and disability benefits payable in perpetuity from the fund less the amount of employee contributions to the Fund, and (2) the amount required to meet the obligations of each Fund for the next fiscal year less employee contributions for such period. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal amortization payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia for Federal and District of Columbia contributions to each Fund, respectively. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefits. Direct the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement or instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary from responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, any Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil actions grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes In Retirement Benefits - Sets the salary base period for computation of annuities with respect to participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund hired at least 90 days subsequent to the enactment of this Act at the highest annual rate resulting from averaging such participant's rates of basic salary for any 36 months rather than for any 12 months of consecutive service. Prohibits any such new participant from voluntarily retiring after 20 years of service until such individual attains age 55. Restricts payment of specified annuities to participants who retire due to disability to those participants injured in the performance of duty. Designates age 55 rather than 50 as the age before which recovery from a disability injury results in the discontinuance of disability annuities. Redefines an optional basis for survivors annuities by allowing for cost-of-living adjustments in a retired participants average pay. Entitles any participant who completes ten years of service and who is thereafter separated from service other than through disability retirement or voluntary optional retirement to elect to either (1) receive at the time of separation, the amount of deductions from such individuals salary deposited in the Fund, or (2) receive an annuity beginning on the first day of the month during which such participant attains age 55 or on the first day of the month after such participant's separation from service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund. Eliminates the one percent increase added on to cost-of-living increases in the annuities of District of Columbia public school teachers and judges.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint to the Federal service specified State, territory, and local meat and poultry inspection personnel to enforce and perform Federal inspection requirements with respect to slaughterhouses and processing establishments whose products are distributed solely intrastate where such regulation is required because the State or territory in which such slaughterhouses or processing establishments are located has failed to develop or enforce sufficient inspection standards. Details provisons relating to: (1) compensation of; (2) credit for prior State, territory, or local service by; (3) retention of accumulated leave by; and (4) eligibility for civil service retirement annuities of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Declares that the purpose of this Act is to encourage colleges and universities to develop programs that give their students an opportunity to gain an appreciation of international problems and ideas by providing financial assistance for students participating in such programs. Directs the Secretary of State to provide funds to institutions of higher education for stipends to students participating in international internships for travel expenses and additional stipends for such students for living expenses if such student demonstrates financial need. Directs that an institution may grant any such stipend to a student who: (1) is pursuing a course of full-time study at the junior or senior level of undergraduate school, or is a graduate student; (2) possesses academic excellence and knowledge of a foreign language; (3) has been placed in an international internship relevant to the student's course of study; (4) has agreed to participate in such internship for not less than three months and not more than one year; and (5) has been fully insured by the institution against expenses incurred by illness or accident during such internship. Sets forth the basis on which sums appropriated for such grants shall be allotted to the States. Authorizes security investigations of students receiving stipends under this Act where such investigation is a precondition to service with the international organization supervising such student. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress of the activities carried out and expenditures made in furtherance of the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers of any age to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of property if during the eight year period preceding the sale or exchange, such property has been owned and used as the taxpayer's principal residence for periods aggregating five years or more. Allows a surviving spouse to tack on the holding and use periods of the decedent spouse without regard to whether such decedent spouse had made an election to exclude gain from a prior sale or exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
International Banking Act - Title I: International Banking - Allows a foreign bank to establish and operate a Federal branch in any State in which: (1) it is not operating a branch and (2) it is not prohibited for a foreign bank to establish a branch, upon receipt of certification of authority from the Comptroller of the Currency. Allows the Comptroller to permit one- third of the directors of a national bank to be non-citizens of the United States. Directs the Comptroller to consider the views of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the bank supervisory authorities of the State in deciding whether to issue certificates of authority to foreign banks to operate under this Act. Prohibits the Comptroller from issuing such certificate if the establishment of the branch would adversely affect the domestic or foreign commerce, or otherwise would not be in the interests of the United States. Allows a foreign bank to convert any branch operated pursuant to State law into a federally- certified branch to be operated under this Act. Terminates the authority to operate a Federal branch when (1) the parent bank voluntarily relinquishes it; (2) the parent bank is dissolved; or (3) the Comptroller has reasonable cause to believe that a foreign bank has not complied with the provisions of this Act and revokes the authority to operate a Federal branch. Sets forth the assets which foreign banks are required to keep on deposit before the Federal branch may accept deposits of United States residents or businesses. Prohibits foreign banks from retaining interests in non-banking companies or from participating in non-banking activities with specified exceptions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (1) to issue guidelines with respect to the entry of foreign banking organizations into banking in the United States; and (2) to assist Federal and State banking agencies in acting on applications for the establishment of branches by foreign banks. Requires each foreign bank that maintains an office other than a branch in any State to register with the Secretary of the Treasury. Title II: Transfers of Control of Insured Banks - Prohibits changes in ownership of voting stock of any insured bank which would transfer control of the bank to one or more individuals without prior approval of the Comptroller of the Currency in the case of a national bank, or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in the case of a State bank. Title III: Consortiums - Extends the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to cover consortiums.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Replaces Federal criminal statutory provisions penalizing "rape" and "carnal knowledge of females under 16" with provisions penalizing "sexual assault." Designates guilty of sexual assault any person who knowingly engages in sexual contact or penetration of another person without such person's consent. Imposes penalties for sexual contact or penetration of any person who has not attained the age of 18, notwithstanding such person's consent. Sets forth penalties for such assault according to specified criteria, including the consideration of aggravating factors. Specifies procedures for medical examination of alleged victims of offenses under this Act. Prohibits the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual activity unless the court determines after an in camera hearing that the evidence is relevant and material and does not constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031-35)
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint to the Federal service specified State, territory, and local meat and poultry inspection personnel to enforce and perform Federal inspection requirements with respect to slaughterhouses and processing establishments whose products are distributed solely intrastate where such regulation is required because the State or territory in which such slaughterhouses or processing establishments are located has failed to develop or enforce sufficient inspection standards. Details provisons relating to: (1) compensation of; (2) credit for prior State, territory, or local service by; (3) retention of accumulated leave by; and (4) eligibility for civil service retirement annuities of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that executive agencies have promulgated rules containing criminal sanctions which have often exceeded the intent of Congress. States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review specified rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Requires public notice of proposed rulemaking, allowance of public participation in such rulemaking, and a public statement of the basis and purpose of any adopted rule. Provides that an administrative rule, the violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such resolution by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide that members of the Federal Election Commission shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government should accelerate its development of commercial sailing ships. States that the budget of the Maritime Administration, the Department of the Navy, the Energy Research and Development Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Federal Energy Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Commerce should include adequate funds to prove the commercial viability of sailing ships.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should accelerate its development of lighter than air systems. Provides that the budgets of specified Federal agencies concerned with research in such area should include adequate funds to prove the commercial viability of lighter than air systems.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Provides for the relief of Donald Shih Ta Chen.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation: (1) designating the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week"; (2) urging an intensification in efforts to disseminate health information; and (3) urging all persons concerned with the rural population to consider ways in which they can promote improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Provides that, with the exception of section 3, the Defense Production Act Amendments of 1975 shall take effect upon the date of enactment of this resolution. States that section 3, concerning immunity from civil or criminal liability, and creation of defenses to actions under the antitrust laws, shall become effective 120 days after enactment of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides, under the Arms Control and Disarmament Act, that no agreement for cooperation which provides for the sale or transfer of any nuclear material or technology to any other nation, group of nations, or regional defense organization, may be entered into under the Atomic Energy Act. Provides that no license may be issued for the sale or other transfer to any nation or any person outside the United States: (1) of any nuclear reactor, (2) of one kilogram or more plutonium or highly enriched uranium, (3) of any nuclear reactor fuel unless such fuel is to be sold or transferred to a nation which is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or (4) of such other nuclear material or technology as the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency may designate, until 20 legislative days after the Director has submitted a report analyzing the impact of such sale or other transfer on arms control and disarmament policies and negotiations to the President, specified Federal officers and organizations, and specified Congressional Committees.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Authorizes $30,000,000 in additional funds for the Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Requires anyone who solicits charitable contributions by audio or visual means, or by mail, to include with such solicitation the following information: (1) the name and principal business address of the solicitor; (2) the purpose of the solicitation and intended use of contributions; (3) the estimated portion of contributions which will be directly applied to the charitable purpose during the 12-month period following the date of solicitation; and (4) the portion of all contributions received during the preceding 12-month period which were directly applied to such charitable purpose. Directs that all of the above information be transmitted conspicuously in a non-technical, readily understandable manner. States that such solicitors shall furnish, upon request, such audit reports, accounts, or other information as the Postal Service may require to establish or verify the information included in solicitations. Excludes from the provisions of this Act solicitations for contributions by any bona fide membership organization made exclusively to its members. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3012)
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, of licensee of the discharging vessel. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of any person in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge accurs. Provides that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other Federal, State, or local official or agency, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which from which the discharge occurred (up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel). Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilitiies and licensees of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to generally act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of moneys from the Fund for payment of damages not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Provides that the Fund shall be provisioned through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility, (2) offshore or onshore facilities, or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. States that each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee shall establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to change regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Provides for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes appropriations for the administration of their Act for fiscal years 1976,1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Provides for the relief of Shirley Sutherland.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets for the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperative eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) minimum broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization ; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicants' initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
National Educational Opportunities Act - Title I: Definition and Guarantee of a Unitary School System and Equal Educational Opportunity - Provides that each State and its local educational agencies shall establish and maintain desegregated, unitary school systems which offer equal educational opportunities to all students, regardless of race, color, or national origin. States that a desegregrated unitary school system shall be presumed to exist unless a State or local educational agency denies equal educational opportunities to an individual on account of race, color, or national origin by specified acts which have the natural, probable, foreseeable, or actual effect of segregating students on the basis of race, color or national origin. Prohibits local educational agencies from denying equal educational opportunity to an individual on account of race, color, or national origin by maintenance of practices or provision of resources in schools in which minority students are concentrated that are less favorable for educational success and advancement than in schools attended primarily by students of any other race, color, or national origin. Gives examples of such denials of equal educational opportunity. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in Federal court for equitable relief in any case where he has reasonable cause to believe that the provisions of this Act are being violated. Title II: State Equal Educational Opportunities Plans - Requires each State to prepare and submit to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for his approval a plan to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires that such plan shall provide for the establishment of State and local advisory bodies to advise State and local educational agencies on development and participation in such plans. Requires such plans to provide a viable mechanism for States and local educational systems to implement a policy of equal educational opportunities that delineates the fundamental prerequisites for a desegregated, unitary school system. Provides that such State plans shall include specific means for implementing some or all of the following components: (1) a majority transfer plan on both an intradistrict and interdistrict basis; (2) an open communities educational resources compensation program which shall provide for payments to any school district in which students from minority families comprised not more than 10 percent of total school enrollment during the school year 1976-1977, or in which students from low-income families comprised not more than 10 percent of total enrollment in such district during such year; (3) a school district reorganization plan; and (4) an approved, concentrated compensatory education program for basic instructional programs, supportive services, and vocational guidance and for programs having potential for improving the achievement performance of educationally deprived students. Authorizes to be appropriated for carrying out this title not in excess of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $500,000,000 for each fiscal year for the next three fiscal years. Provides a formula for allotment of such funds to the States and for allocation among various programs and agencies. States that whenever the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing: (1) disapproves such a plan; or (2) finds that no plan has been submitted by a State, that a State plan approved under this Act has been so changed that it no longer complies with the requirements of this Act, that plan administration fails to comply substantially with any such provisions, or that a grantee is in violation of title II of this Act, the Secretary shall notify the grantee that further payments will not be made to the grantee under this title or any other educational enrichment of desegregation assistance program until he is satisfied that there will no longer be any failure to comply. Provides that, until he is so satisfied, the Secretary shall make no further payments under such titles. Provides for review of the Secretary's action in such cases by the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the claimant State is located. Title III: General Provisions and Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Increases from $10,000 to $100,000 the maximum fine for conspiracy to commit any offense against the United States. Makes $1,000,000 the maximum fine for such offense by a corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 371)
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Increases the monetary penalties for persons convicted of conspiring to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States. Establishes a monetary penalty of $1,000,000 in the case of a corporation, and $100,000 in the case of an individual. Eliminates the penalty of imprisonment for conspiracy to commit any offense or to defraud the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Intergovernmental Emergency Assistance Act - Title I: Intergovernmental Emergency Assistance - Establishes an Intergovernmental Emergency Assistance Board. Permits the Board to guarantee the payment, in whole or in part, of interest, principal, or both, of obligations of States on which the interest is subject to Federal taxation. States that the Board may make such guarantees only for the purpose of enabling a political subdivision of a State to continue to provide essential public services and facilities; or to prevent or mitigate the effects of default. Sets forth conditions governing eligibility for guarantees. States that a State or political subdivision must be effectively unable to obtain credit in the private market or elsewhere, and the assisted municipality must submit a plan for bringing its operating expenses into balance with its recurring revenues within two years. Provides that whenever any obligation is guaranteed under this title, the Board shall assess and collect from the obligor a guarantee fee which shall not exceed three-quarters of one percent per year. Limits the amount of outside guarantees to $5,000,000,000 through September 30, 1989, and $3,000,000,000 for the ten-year period thereafter. Directs the Board to impose reasonable requirements with respect to the renegotiation or exchange of outstanding obligations. Prohibits any guarantee under this Act unless the General Accounting Office is authorized to make such audits as may be deemed appropriate. Establishes in the Treasury an emergency municipal debt guarantee fund, to be administered by the Board. States that the fund shall be used for payment of the expenses of the Board and for the purpose of fulfilling the Board's obligations under this Act. States that any Federal Reserve bank which is requested to do so shall act as fiscal agent for the Board. Requires the Attorney General to take appropriate actions to enforce any rights accruing to the United States under this Act. Requires the Board to submit a quarterly report to the Congress on its operations. Terminates the authority of the Board to make guarantees under this Act on September 30, 1979. Title II: Amendment to the Internal Revenue Code - Makes taxable under the Internal Revenue Code, interest on governmental obligations which are secured by a guarantee under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Neighborhood Preservation and Rehabilitation Amendments - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that neighborhoods in United States cities have deteriorated due to lack of public facilities and a lack of capital resources to rehabilitate and maintain such neighborhoods States that private financing is increasingly unavailable in such neighborhoods and declares it to be the purpose of this Act to establish a neighborhood preservation and rehabilitation program. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. States that such grants shall be for units of general local government to assist them in carrying out programs to improve basic community facilities and services in designated neighborhood preservation areas. States that an area proposed by a unit of general local government as a neighborhood preservation area must be found by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to have a reasonable prospect of being restored or maintained. Requires, as a second condition for receiving a grant under this Act, that an application by a unit of general local government include a three-year rehabilitation plan, and that the Secretary find this plan to be workable. Declares that, in fiscal year 1976, grants will be made to between ten and 20 cities, including at least two with populations of less than 100,000, and in fiscal years 1977 and 1978, grants will be made to between five and ten cities, of which at least one each year must be a city with a population of less than 100,000. Directs the Secretary to prepare guidelines and regulations setting forth the details of the program's administration. Authorizes the Secretary, under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970, to make mortgage insurance available to facilitate the refinancing of mortgages covering housing located in neighborhood preservation areas.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Amendments. Repeals, under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the requirements for advance disclosure of specific settlement costs and the disclusure of the house's previous selling price. Alters, under such Act, the definition of "federally related mortgage loan" to exclude construction loans and second trusts. Excludes any agency or instrumentality of a State from the definition of "creditor. Provides the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development with authority to modify the uniform settlement statement required under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act to adopt such statment to area differences in local laws and customs. Modifies the information booklet designed by HUD to include general estimates of the settlement costs likely to be borne by the borrower. Requires lenders to give out the booklet and estimates only upon a written application for a mortgage loan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Repeals, under the Trading with the Enemy Act, the embargo on United States trade with North and South Vietnam (except with respect to war materials).
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any medical assistance legislation include optometric services. Urges the States to supply such services.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Food Industry Antitrust Reports Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to submit to the appropriate House and Senate committees a report on actions with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws in the various sectors of the food industry. Requires that such report be made not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and yearly thereafter. Provides that no later than five years after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the market structure and state of competition in the food industries. Requires the Commission and the Department of Justice to provide to the Congress an analysis of the adequacy of available data on which any study is based. Authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of $1,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Defense Production Act Amendments - Provides that, upon finding that conditions exist which may pose a direct threat to the national defense or its preparedness programs, the President may consult with representatives of industry, business, financing, agriculture, labor, and other interests in order to provide for the making by such persons, with the approval of the President, of voluntary agreements to help provide for the defense of the United States through the development of preparedness programs and the expansion of productive capacity and supply beyond levels needed to meet essential civilian demand in the United States. Provides for the notice of and the right of interested persons to petition for repeal with respect to the promulgation of rules to implement such voluntary agreement. States that a voluntary agreement may not become effective unless and until: (1) the individual who is to administer the agreement approves it and certifies, in writing, that the agreement is necessary to carry out the purposes for which it was authorized and (2) the Attorney General (after consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission) finds, in writing, that such purpose may not reasonably be achieved through a voluntary agreement having less anticompetitive effects or without any voluntary agreement. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to each make surveys for the purpose of determining any factors which may tend to eliminate competition, create or strengthen monopolies, injure small business, or otherwise promote undue concentration of economic power in the course of the administration of this Act. Requires specific rules for incorporating standards and procedures by which international voluntary agreements may be developed. Extends and makes appropriations for specified provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Repeals provisions of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act establishing the National Capital Service Area. Strikes sections of such Act which give jurisdiction and control of specified streets to the Commissioner of the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1975
Ozone Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Congress on the effects on Public health and the environment of the discharge of chlorofluoromethane into the ambient air. Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to report to the Congress the control and target levels which should be prescribed. Permits the Administrator to waive the requirements and prohibitions of this Act if he determines that there is no significant risk to the public health. Permits the Administrator to establish target and control levels. Establishes a target level of 1 percent and a control level of fifty thousand tons per year in the absence of any set by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to arrange for the issuance of licenses to regulate chlorofluoromethane. Prohibits the violation of the terms of any license, the manufacture, importation, the introduction into commerce of chlorofluoromethane, or the unreasonable stockpiling of chlorofluoromethane. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1975-1977 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Provides, under the Emergency Loan Guarantee Act, for the Emergency Loan Guarantee Board to guarantee loans where the borrower is a State or political subdivision and where the State certifies that it could not lend the political subdivision sufficient funds or guarantee debt instruments in order for the subdivision to meet its needs without jeopardizing the financial stability of the State. Exempts State and political subdivision borrowers from the requirement that a loan be payable in not more than five years, renewable for not more than an additional three years. Provides that the State or political subdivision loan shall be payable in whatever period of time the Board by rule, determines is appropriate. Exempts State and political subdivision loans from the negotiating requirement that the Board make every effort to arrange that principal and interest payments be secured by sufficient property to collateralize fully the amount of the loan guarantee. Directs that the Board, in granting a loan guarantee to a debt issue of a State or its political subdivision: (1) shall require that the debt instruments be subject to Federal taxation; (2) shall require that the State or agency granted a loan guarantee give evidence that its budget will be balanced by real revenues within three years after the guarantee is granted and for the period of time covered by the guarantee; (3) shall require that only full faith and credit obligations shall be eligible for the guarantee; (4) may require that a member of the Board or its designee serve on the State or local governmental agency or agencies which have the responsibility for revenue collection and expenditures; and (5) may require that the State or local agency adopt fiscal guidelines and rules and regulations deemed necessary to assure payment of interest and principal on the debt instrument guaranteed by the Board. Increases from $250,000,000 to $5,000,000,000 the maximum amount of Board obligations under all outstanding loans. Extends until June 30, 1977 (presently expired on June 30, 1973) the requirements that the Board submit to Congress a report on its operations. Extends until December 31, 1977 (presently terminated on December 31, 1973) the authority of the Board to enter into any guarantee under this Act. Adds new definitions of "State" and "political subdivision" to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to revise the framework of collective bargaining in the construction industry. Creates, in the Department of Labor, the Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Committee comprised of ten management representatives, ten labor representatives, and up to three neutral members, appointed by the President. Provides that one of the neutral members shall be appointed Chairman. Requires that the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor shall be ex officio members. Provides that the management, labor, and neutral members shall be appointed after consultation with the national organizations. Requires local labor organizations affiliated with the standard labor organizations in the industry to give 60 days notice to their national unions before the expiration or reopening of agreements, and contractors or associations engaged in collective bargaining with them are similarly required to notify either the national organizations with which they are affiliated, or the Committee directly if there is no national affiliation. Directs standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations engaged in collective bargaining to forward such notices to the Committee. Authorizes the Committee to take jurisdiction of the matter, in which case any strike or lockout is deferred for up to 30 days past the expiration or reopening date. Allows the Committee to decide to refer a matter to a national craft board or to the national machinery established by a branch of the industry, on which national unions and national contractor associations are represented, in an effort to assist the parties to reach agreement. Authorizes the Committee to elect to meet with the parties itself. Provides that the Committee may request the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations whose members are directly involved to participate in the negotiations. Directs that in that event, any new or revised collective bargaining agreement shall be approved by the standard national construction labor organization with which the local labor organization, or other subordinate body, is affiliated in order for the agreement to be of any force or effect. Prescribes that in the event the standard national labor organization or national contractor association participates in such negotiation, it shall not suffer any criminal or civil liability arising out of such participation; nor shall the standard national labor organization be subject to any civil or criminal liability arising out of its approval, or failure to approve, a collective bargaining agreement. Specifies the standards which the Committee shall take into account in taking jurisdiction of a matter and requesting the participation of the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations. Authorizes the Committee to make studies of collective bargaining in the industry and to make general recommendations with regard to negotiating structures, improvement of productivity, stability of employment, differentials among branches of the industry, dispute settlement procedures, and other related matters. Provides that this Act shall run for a term of five years. Directs the Committee to submit annual reports to the Congress and, six months in advance of the five-year limit, the Committee shall make recommendations with regard to the extension of the legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Increases the maximum loan amounts for the purchase of mobile homes from $12,500 to $20,000 under the National Housing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Authorizes the President, pursuant to the provisions of the Defense Production Act, to make provision for purchases of or commitments to purchase products produced from coal gasification and liquefaction which may be used as fuels for Government use or resale, and for the encouragement of development and production of such fuels. Limits to $1,500,000,000 the maximum obligation of any guaranteeing agency under any loan, discount, advance, or commitment entered into under this Act.