United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Automobile Fuel Consumption Tax Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to encourage the development and manufacture of passenger automobiles which are efficient in fuel consumption. Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code, a tax on all passenger automobiles sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer, at a graduated rate determined by the fuel consumption rate, in miles per gallon, of each such automobile. States that the taxable fuel consumption rate shall be the rate set forth in the Atuomobile Fuel Consumption Schedule specified in this Act. Imposes a floor stocks tax on new automobiles held by a dealer for sale. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to periodically study the fuel consumption rates of passenger automobiles and revise the Automobile Fuel Consumption Schedule. Requires that a label describing the fuel consumption rate and the amount of the fuel consumption tax must be affixed to all new cars sold.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act-Defines "lobbying" and other terms used in this Act. Requires each lobbyist, within 15 days of becoming a lobbyist, to file a notice of representation with the Federal Edection Commission. Sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities. Sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the commission containing such records. Requires GS-15 and above employees of the executive branch to maintain records of communucations received from outside parties expressing opinions or containing information with respect to the policy making process. Directs each executive agency to make such records available for public inspection. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the powers: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to question as the Commission may prescribe: and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including; (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act: (2) to develop forms for the filing of records of outside contacts by executive branch employees; and (3) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting, filing coding, and cross-indexing. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Grand Jury Reform Act - Gives a U.S. district court, upon application for a contempt order from a grand jury, the authority to confine a recalcitrant witness should he be found in contempt. Prohibits a recalcitrant witness from being confined for a subsequent refusal to testify concerning the same transaction or event. Provides that the court may order a witness to testify or produce other evidence even though the witness claims that such testimony or evidence may tend to incriminate him. States that such witness shall not be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he is compelled, after having claimed his privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence. Declares that no witness shall be exempt from prosecution for perjury or contempt committed while giving testimony or producing evidence under compulsion as provided in this Act. Requires a district court to give adequate and reasonable notice upon the impanelment of the grand jury concerning the following: the grand jury's duty to inquire into offenses against the laws of the U.S. which have been committed within that district; its authority to make independent inquiry; its right to question witnesses; its right to request production of documents; and such other duties as the court deems advisable. Permits an impaneled grand jury to inquire of its own initiative about offenses against the U.S. Outlines the term of service of the grand jury. Authorizes the court appointment of a special attorney to assist the grand jury if so requested. Specifies that such attorney shall have the exclusive authority to assist the grand jury, and shall sign any indicment returned by such jury. States that any subpena summoning a witness to appear before a grand jury shall advise the witness of : (1) his right to counsel; (2) his right against self-incrimination; (3) whether his own conduct is under investigation by the grand jury; (4) the subject matter of the grand jury investigation; (5) the substantive criminal statute or statutes, violation of which is under consideration by the grand jury; and (6) any other rights and privileges which the court deems necessary and appropriate. States the circumstances under which the district court before which a grand jury is impaneled shall dismiss any indictment of the grand jury. Provides that a witness may not refuse to testify before a Federal agency or Congress on the ground that such testimony may tend to incriminate him. States that no information compelled under order, after such privilege is claimed, may be used against the witness in any criminal case except a prosecution for perjury. Requires the Attorney General or an Assistant Attorney General to report to Congress and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts each year concerning grand jury investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Provides that the certificate of discharge issued to members of the armed forces may be characterized only as: (1) an Honorable Discharge, when separated from service, except where a lesser form of discharge certificate is expressly authorized under this Act; (2) a Discharge from Service; or (3) a Bad-Conduct Discharge or a Dishonorable Discharge, when issued according to an approved finding of a court-martial pursuant to this Act. Provides that a member of an armed force may be separated with a Discharge from Service as a result of: (1) an approved recommendation of a board of officers upon a finding based on preponderance of the evidence of record of misconduct, that the member's retention would not be clearly consistent with the interests of national security, or that the member's retention is not warranted for specified reasons; (2) resignation or request for discharge in lieu of board action or trial by court-martial, submitted after opportunity to consult counsel having the professional qualifications; and (3) absence without authority for one year. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to at any time convene a board of officers to review the record of any commissioned or warrant officer of the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps, as the case may be, to determine whether he shall be required, because his performance of duty has fallen below standards prescribed by the Secretary, to show cause for his retention on active duty or whether action should be taken to remove him from active duty because of misconduct, moral or professional dereliction, or because his retention is not clearly consistent with the interests of national security. Provides that Boards of Inquiry, each composed of three or more officers, shall be convened, at such places as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe, to receive evidence and make findings and recommendations whether an officer who is required to show cause for retention under this Act should be retained on active duty. Provides that Boards of Review, each composed of three or more officers shall be convened by the Secretary of the military department concerned, at such times as he may prescribe, to review the records of cases of regular commissioned or warrant officers recommended for removal by a Board of Inquiry.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Child and Family Service Act - Title I: Child and Family Service Programs - Provides that the Secretary shall take all necessary action to coordinate child and family service programs under his jurisdiction and that, to this end, he shall establish and maintain within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Child and Family Services administered by a Director appointed by the President with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that such office shall assume the responsibility of the Office of Child Development and shall be the principal agency of the Department for the administration of this Act. Establishes a Child and Family Services Coordinating Council, consisting of the Director of the Office of Child and Family Services (who shall serve as chairperson), and representatives from the Federal agencies administering the Social Security Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and from the appropriate Federal agencies. Requires the Department of Labor, and other appropriate agencies, to meet on a regular basis, as they may deem necessary, in order to assure coordination of child and family service activities under their respective jurisdictions so as to assure maximum use of available resources through the prevention of duplication of activities; and to structure the activities related to the purposes of this Act. States that funds available for this title may be used (in accordance with approved applications and plans) for planning and developing child and family service programs; establishing, maintaining, and operating child and family service programs, which may include: (1) part-day or full-day child care programs, which provide educational, health, nutritional, and social services directed toward enabling participating children to attain their maximum potential; (2) other health, social, recreational, and educational programs designed to meet the special needs of children and families including before- and after- school and summer programs; (3) school services, and education, and consultation for parents, other family members functioning in the capacity of parents, youth, and prospective and expectant parents who request assistance in meeting the needs of their children; (4) social services to help families determine the appropriateness of child and family services and the possibility of alternative plans; (5) prenatal, post partum and other medical care, including services to expectant mothers who cannot afford such services, designed to help reduce handicapping conditions among the newborn; (6) programs designed to meet the special needs of ethnic groups and to meet the needs of all children to understand the history and cultural backgrounds of ethnic groups and the role of members of such groups in the histroy and cultural development of the Nation and the region in which they reside; (7) food and nutritional services; (8) diagnosis, identification, and treatment, and special activities designed to ameliorate physiological, mental, psychological, and emotional barriers to full participation in child and family service programs; (9) programs designed to extend child and family service gains (particularly parent participation) into the kindergarten and early primary grades, in cooperation with local educational agencies; (10) other such services and activities as the Secretary deems appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this Act; (11) rental, lease or lease-purchase, mortgage amortization payments, renovation, acquisition and maintenance of necessary equipment and supplies, and to the extent authorized by this Act, construction or acquisition of facilities, including mobile facilities; (12) preservice and inservice education and training for professional and paraprofessional personnel, including parents and volunteers, especially education and training for career development and advancement; (13) staff and other administrative expenses of child and family service councils and of project policy committees established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and (14) dissemination of information in the functional language of those to be served to assure that parents are well informed of child and family service programs available to them and may participate in such programs. Provides that a State, locality, or combination of localities may be designated by the Secretary as a prime sponsor for the purpose of entering into arrangements to carry out programs under this title. Enumerates the requirements which must be met by States and localities submitting prime sponsorship applications. States that each prime sponsor shall establish and maintain a Child and Family Service Council of specified composition. States that such Council shall be responsible for approving child and family service plans, basic goal, policies, procedures, overall budget policies and project funding, and the selection or establishment and annual renewal of an administering agency or agencies and will be responsible for annual and ongoing evaluation of child and family service programs according to criteria established by the Secretary. States that financial assistance under this title may be provided by the Secretary for fiscal year 1976 and any subsequent fiscal year to a prime sponsor only pursuant to a child and family service plan which is submitted by such prime sponsor and approved by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this title. Specifies the elements to be contained in such plans, and the procedure including opportunity for airing of views with respect to such plan, for approval or disapproval of the plan. States that funds may be provided by the prime sponsor for carrying out any program under such prime sponsor's comprehensive child and family service plan only to a qualified public or private agency or organization, including but not limited to an educational agency or institution, a community action agency, single-purpose Headstart agency, community development corporation, parent cooperative, organization of migrant agricultural workers, organization of Indians, organization interested in child care, employer or business organization, labor union, or employee or labor management organization, or by any other public or private agency whose project application is approved by the Child and Family Service Council of the prime sponsorship. Provides for special grants to States for necessary expenses incident to the operation of programs authorized by this Act in such States, and, in addition to the conditions which must be met for such grants, requires that grants for construction or acquisition of facilities may be made only if such construction or acquisition is essential to the provision of adequate child care services. Title II: Standards And Evaluations - Provides that, within six months after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate a common set of program standards which shall be applicable to all programs providing child care services under this or any other Federal Act, to be known as the Federal Standards for Child Care. Provides that the Secretary shall, within sixty days of the enactment of this Act, appoint a Special Committee on Federal Standards for Child Care to participate in the development of Federal Standards for child care and modifications thereof. Provides for the development of a minimum code for child and family service facilities to be addressed to the health, safety, and physical comfort of the children participating in such programs. Title III: Facilities and Research for Child and Family Services Programs - States that it is the purpose of this title to assist and encourage the provision of urgently needed facilities for child care and comprehensive child services programs. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is authorized to insure any mortgage (including advances on such mortgage during construction) in accordance with the provisions of this title upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe and make commitments for insurance of such mortgage prior to the date of its execution or disbursement thereon. Provides that the mortgage shall be executed by a mortgagor approved by the Secretary, and that such mortgages shall involve in principal obligation of up to $250,000 and not to exceed 90 percent of the estimated replacement costs of properties or projects when the proposed improvements are completed. Creates a Child and Family Services Facility Insurance Fund which shall be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund for carrying out all the insurance provisions of this title, including mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, or other arrangements to carry out a program of research and demonstration projects, which shall include but not be limited to: (1) research to develop techniques to measure and evaluate child and family services, and to develop standards to evaluate professional and paraprofessional child and family service personnel; (2) research to test preschool programs emphasizing reading and reading readiness; (3) preventive medicine, techniques, and technology to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases and learning disabilities of pre-school children; (4) research to test alternative methods of providing child and family service; (5) evaluation of research findings and the development of these findings and the effective application thereof; (6) dissemination and application of research and development efforts and demonstration projects to early childhood education programs; (7) production of informational systems and other resources necessary to support the activities authorized by this Act; (8) developing methods of determining the needs of individual children in particular areas such as education, nutrition, and medical services, so as to permit the modification of programs to fit the needs of individual children; and (9) a study of the need on a nationwide basis for child and family services programs and of the resources, including personnel, which are available to meet this need. Title IV: Training of Personnel for Child and Family Services - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to or enter into contracts with institutions of higher education, State and local agencies, State and local educational agencies, private organizations and agencies engaged in teacher training, teacher training institutions, national child care organizations, and producers of television programing, for the purpose of establishing, developing, or upgrading early childhood personnel training programs to respond to the demonstrated need for child services personnel in the 1970's; and by stimulating the development of sufficient training and educational programs in every State and region of the United States to assure an adequate supply of personnel to meet staffing requirements. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978 to carry out this title. Title V: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Provides for nutrition services to be provided to child and family service programs under the National School Lunch Act of 1946 and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides for a reduced (by 25 percent) retirement annuity for a Member of Congress (other than the Vice-President) who remains in office after becoming 70 years of age. States that the annuity of a surviving spouse or child is to be computed without regard to such reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Dairy Import Sanitation Act - Provides for the inspection of imported dairy products in order to protect the public health and welfare. Requires that such products comply with minimum standards for sanitation established by the Secretary of Agriculture and that the dairy farms on which milk is produced and the plants in which such products are produced meet minimum standards of sanitation. States that such standards shall be comparable to the standards of purity, wholesomeness, and sanitation recommended by the Secretary for domestic dairy products. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the administration and supervision of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
National Aquaculture Development Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for a national program for aquaculture development in order to increase sources of marine protein for the consumer; to increase the availability and quality level of consumer fishery products; to develop new resources; to improve or maintain recreational fisheries; and to initiate new business, industry, and employment. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with interested Federal agencies and other public and private organizations and with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Interior, to establish national objectives for aquaculture development. Requires the Secretary to act as the interagency coordinator for all Federal programs and activities in aquaculture. Sets forth activities regarding aquaculture development which the Secretary may, as he deems appropriate, carry out pursuant to this Act, including: (1) construction, operation, and maintenance of hatcheries or similar facilities and undertaking of natural habitat improvement activities; (2) assistance to public and private organizations and individuals interested or engaged in aquaculture through advisory and other services; (3) consultation and cooperation with Federal, State, and local governments, regional commissions, institutions of higher learning, and private industry; and (4) performance of basic and applied research to establish a sound information base for the development of aquaculture. Provides that the Secretary, in consultation with affected States, shall locate, construct, operate, and maintain such pilot aquaculture facilities as he deems appropriate in order to develop aquaculture technology relative to particular species of fish and shellfish. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out such functions and duties authorized by this Act as he deems appropriate through grants to or contracts with the States, regional commissions, local governments, institutions of higher learning, private industry, and other public and private organizations. Authorizes an appropriation for each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 1975, equal to 30 percent of the gross receipts from duties collected under the customs laws on fishery products during the period January 1 to December 31, both inclusive, preceding the beginning of each such fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out such other research as he deems appropriate in order to perform his functions and duties under this Act. Provides that the authority contained in this Act shall expire at the end of the fiscal year during which occurs the fifth anniversary of the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of a national park, recreation area, or wilderness area in the Ridgelands east of the San Francisco Bay in the State of California. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress within one year a report of his findings and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program, under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 for making grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1975
Authorizes the President to provide financial assistance to land- grant-type universities to enable such universities to assist and cooperate in developing and improving land-grant-type universitites in agriculturally developing nations. Lists programs designed to effectuate this assistance including: (1) cooperation in developing capacity in the university in the cooperating nation for classroom teaching, and (2) cooperation in agricultural research to promote efficiency in the production of food. Establishes an International Land-Grant University Advisory Board to assist in the administration of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that such sums shall not exceed $150,000,000 in a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1975
Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to prevent widespread mortgage defaults and the distress-sale of homes as a result of adverse economic conditions. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency mortgage relief payments on behalf of distressed homeowners when he determines that such action is necessary and that there is a reasonable prospect that the homeowner will be able to make necessary adjustments for the full resumption of mortgage payments. Defines "distressed homeower" as one or more persons who own and occupy a dwelling as a principal residence and whose income has declined by more than 20 percent as the result of unemployment or other adverse economic conditions. Limits relief payments to a period not exceeding two years. Provides that payments be repaid on such terms as the Secretary prescribes. Empowers the Secretary to delegate any of his functions under this Act to other Federal agencies or private entities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a revolving fund for mortgage relief payments and other specified purposes, including payment of obligations issued to the Secretary of the Treasury to enable the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out his functions under this Act. Provides for a payment expiration date of July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the ordinary and necessary expenses paid during the taxable year by a taxpayer for the improvement of the thermal design of the principal residence of the taxpayer, including that amount of the purchase price of a principal residence allocable to any storm door, storm window, or solar heating and cooling equipment (up to $1000 for the period during which such credit is available under the Internal Revenue Code, no more than $250 of which may be allowed as a credit for the purchase of conventional materials). Authorizes the taxpayer to elect a deduction of up to $4000 for the period during which the provisions of this Act are effective (no more than $1,000 of which may be allowed as a deduction for the purchase of conventional materials) in lieu of the credit provided by this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Federal Energy Administration an analysis of the energy savings achieved through the operation of this Act no later than September 15, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Establishes in the House of Representatives the permanent Select Committee on Energy which shall not have legislative jurisdiction but which shall have jurisdiction to conduct investigations and studies of the development, application, use, and control of all forms of energy and power in order to establish a coordinated program for the development and control of all forms of such energy and power. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of each investigation together with recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Provides that any provision of a contract restricting the right of a professional athlete to enter into a contract with another person or team for the same purpose as that for which the original contract was made shall be unenforceable. Provides a fine of up to $50,000, imprisonment for one year, or both, for a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
National Condominium and Tenants Rights Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of the Act, including to establish minimum national standards governing the sale, ownership, conversion to, and extension of credit for condominiums. States that no condominium housing loan shall be made: (1) to any developer unless the creditor received a written property statement containing specified names, address, legal descriptions, costs and assurances; or (2) to any prospective purchaser unless the same written property statement has been submitted to such purchaser 21 days prior to to any legally obligating document's execution. Provides similar protection for tenants in cases of condominium conversions. Prohibits discrimination against condominium-unit purchasers in the extension of credit on the basis of age, sex, marital status, religion, race, or national origin. Provides for the designation of an Assistant Secretary for Condominiums in the Department of Housing and Urban Development and enumerates the duties to be performed. Requires each creditor subject to the provisions of this Act to file an annual report with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development showing the extent of compliance with the provisions of this Act. Creates a civil remedy against creditors by persons discriminated against in violation of this Act. States that any developer or creditor who violates the provisions of this Act shall be fined not more than $15,000 for each violation. Empowers the Secretary to encourage and make grants to State and local governments to help establish offices to administer and enforce State and local requirements with respect to condominiums. Enumerates the requirements to be met by any plan for the protection of purchasers of condominium units and those displaced by conversion to such units prior to the making of any grant. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out such grants. Defines the terms used in this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for the immediate and future protection and administration of public lands in the California desert within the framework of a program of multiple use, sustained yield, and maintenance of environmental quality. Establishes the California Desert Advisory Commission which shall consist of Federal and State representatives, representatives of the academic community, representatives of residents of the desert, and representatives of groups which make use of the desert and its resources for recreational, study, or business purposes. States that it shall be the function of the Commission to advise the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the program for the desert under this Act. Establishes the National Conservation Area of the California Desert to carry out the purposes of the Act. Gives the Secretary of the Interior responsibility for the preparation of a long-range program for the management, development, and use of the California Desert. Provides that such program shall include a plan, to be completed and reported to Congress within seven years from the date of enactment of this Act. Requires consultation with the Advisory Commission and with State organizations concerning such plan. Provides for an interim program to manage and protect the desert resources now in danger of destruction, and to provide for the public use of the desert. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire such lands or interests therein as he deems necessary to provide access to the facilities of the desert, and to facilitate efficient and beneficial management of the desert. Empowers the Secretary to issue such regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that all mining carried out within the conservation area shall be subject to such reasonable regulations as the Secretary may prescribe to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that such regulations shall provide for such measures as may be reasonable to protect the scenic, scientific, and environmental values of the California Desert against undue impairment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Authorizes all unmarried individuals to use the same tax tables when computing their tax as are presently applicable to married individuals filing joint returns and to surviving spouses. Authorizes married individuals filing separately to use such table so long as such individual reports all income earned by him or her on the return.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Consumer Class Action Act - Defines "unfair consumer practice" for the purposes of this Act. Includes therein fraudulent, deceitful and misleading representations made in connection with the sale, lease, rental or loan (or offers therefor) of goods, services or credit to consumers or the collection of debts from consumers. Enumerates specific types of conduct embraced by the term "unfair consumer practice", including those so defined under the decisions interpreting the Federal Trade Commission Act. Excludes from the definition of "goods", securities or interests in securities of aircraft. Includes in the definition of "services", insurance services. Provides that the term "consumer" shall be limited to natural persons. Makes unlawful any unfair consumer practice committed by anyone whose business affects commerce, or whose violation of this Act affects commerce. Grants United States district courts original jurisdiction (concurrent with that of the courts of the several states) over civil class actions brought by a consumer on behalf of himself and others similarly situated. Makes Rule 23, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, applicable to such class action. Provides that the amount in controversy shall exceed $25,000, but permits aggregation of individual claims (none of which shall be less than $10) in computing such amount. Includes among the types of relief the court may grant to a prevailing class; (a) injunctions; (b) declaratory judgments; (c) actual damages; and (d) costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Provides that, when the class seeks relief under State law, and brings the action in a Federal court, the law of the State shall be the law of the forum. Prohibits removal of a class action from a State to a Federal court when relief is sought under State law. Provides that the court shall not award monetary relief if: (a) the plaintiff informs the defendant of the nature of the unfair consumer practice complained of (which the plaintiff must do at least 35 days prior to instituting suit); (b) appropriate corrective action is initiated by the defendant with respect to all identifiable members of the class within 30 days after the plaintiff mailed the notice; and (c) the defendant ceases the unfair consumer practice. Authorizes the court to supervise settlement prior to judgment. Permits the court to allow persons in the class the opportunity to exercise individual choice with respect to acceptance or rejection of a settlement offer. Fixes the statute of limitations at 3 years from the time the cause of action arose. Tolls such statute in any case brought in, and dismissed without prejudice by, a Federal court for the interval between the time the action was filed and one month after dismissal. Provides venue for a consumer class action in any district; (a) in which the claim arose; or (b) in which the defendant is found, has an agent, is licensed to do business, or is doing business. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed in derogation of the law of any State or of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Specifies that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stocks Piling Act regarding the acquisition and development of strategic raw materials shall not apply to regulations or prohibitions pertaining to economic relations and/or communications with foreign nations or foreign nationals which are established under the authority of the United Nations Participation Act in response to sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Allows any nonimmigrant foreign student to be employed, with the approval of the school attended by such student: (1) during any regularly scheduled school vacation; or (2) during any school term during which such person is not enrolled, if the institution determines that he continues to qualify as a full-time student.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides, under the Coastal Zone Management Act, for the establishment of a national policy with respect to the Nation's beach resources. Defines the terms used in this Act and states that it is the declared intention of Congress to exercise its constitutional power to protect the public's right to use the beaches. Provides that no person shall construct or maintain any barrier which interferes with the public's right to use the public beaches. Authorizes the Attorney General or U.S. district attorneys (1) to establish and protect the public's right to the beaches; (2) to determine the existing status of title, ownership, and control; and (3) to condemn easements to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that actions brought under this Act may be for injunctive, declaratory, or other suitable relief. States that nothing in this Act shall be held to impair specified State interests in the beaches. Delcares that it is desirable that the States and Federal Government act together to protect the rights and interests of the public in the beaches. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to any State or political subdivision for the development and maintenance of transportation facilities necessary in connection with the use of public beaches. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums, not to exceed $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants to States to plan and develop projects designed to secure the right of the public to the beaches.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Tax Equity Act - Title I: Capital Gains and Losses - Repeals the alternative tax presently allowed to corporations (and to individuals under specified circumstances) on long-term capital gain arising from: (1) dispositions pursuant to binding contracts and (2) distribution pursuant to liquidation. Provides, in lieu of the present 50 percent deduction for net long-term capital gain, an exclusion of one-third of 1 percent times the number of months long-term capital asset property used in the taxpayer's trade or business was held over 12 months. States that capital losses shall be allowed only to the entent of capital gains for the taxable year (up to $1000 in the case of an individual taxpayer). Provides for the carryover or carryback (to a maximum of 3 taxable years) of net capital losses (allowing carrybacks only if the net capital loss exceeds $10,000). Provides that the basis of specified property personal or household effects, life insurance proceeds, and income rights acquired from a decedent dying after June 30, 1975 shall be the same as the basis in the hands of the decedent plus its proportionate share of the Federal and State estate taxes attributable to the net appreciation in value of all such properties, even if such property is also community property. Requires the executor of an estate to supply specified information, in accordance with regulations to be propounded by the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to the decedent and the basis of his property. Provides that income from the sale or exchange of patent rights shall be treated as royalties (ordinary income) rather than as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. Title II: Income Derived From Extraction Of Minerals Repeals the percentage depletion allowance for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974. Provides for the deduction of expenditures (including intangible drilling costs) incurred in the exploration and development of mineral property. Repeals the maximum tax (33 percent on sales of oil and gas properties. Provides an exclusion from gross income of amounts derived from foreign mineral properties, provided that such income is not derived from: (1) a nonoperating mineral interest; (2) distributions received with respect to the stock of a corporation, and (3) amounts includible in gross income as undistributed profits of controlled foreign corporations. Limits the losses allowable from the disposition of mineral property to the extent of the gains from the sale or exchange of such property during the taxable year. Title III: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Individuals - Provides that the maximum rate of income tax for individuals shall be 50 percent of taxable income. Allows a credit of 24 percent of the amount of deductions which would be allowable, but for this Act, for the following: (1) personal exemptions; (2) interest on non-business obligations; (3) non-business State and local taxes; (4) non-business losses of property; (5) charitable contributions; (6) medical care; and (7) taxes and interest paid by a cooperative housing association. Authorizes the President to increase or decrease the 24 percent credit rate authorized by this Act subject to the disapproval by either House of Congress. States that such increase or decrease may not exceed 2 percentage points. Provides for a reduction in the tax rates applicable to those earning less than $10,000 per year. States that the income received by a child from a trust created by his parent, and dividends, interest, and royalties from property given the child by his parents shall be includible in the gross income of the parent if the claims a credit for the exemption allowable for such child as a dependent. Provides that share holder-employees of closely held corporations must include in gross income that part of of contributions paid by an employer-corporation (and deductible by it) to trusts, annuities, or bond purchase plans for the benefit of the sharehaolder-employee in excess of: (1) 15 percent of his compensation; or (2) $7500, and the amount of any forfeitures allocated to the employee's account under a stock bonus or profit-sharing plan. Repeals the $100 exclusion from gross income for dividends and trust income. Limits the deduction of interest on investment indibtedness to $5000 plus the amount of the net investment income. Restricts the business and income-producing expense deduction for business or trade-related conventions held outside of the United States to the cases where it is more reasonable for the meeting to be held outside of the United States than within the United States. Disallows business expense deductions for the use of a dwelling unit which is used by the taxpayer during the taxable year as a residence. Limits deductions attributable to farming to the gross income derived from farming for the taxable year, and, in the case of an individual, the higher of $10,000 on the amount of special deductions allowable. Provides for the computation of earings and profits on a consolidated basis with respect to distributions by the common parent corporation of a controlled group of corporations. Terminates the preferential tax treatment presently accorded to qualified stock options and restricted stock option plans under the Internal Revenue Code. Taxes trust income payable to the children of the grantor to the grantor if the child is under 21 years of age or a student. Provides that the deductible losses of a limited partner in a partnership cannot exceed his or her investment. Repeals the exemption for earned income from foreign sources. Provides that a partnership shall be treated as a corporation for purposes of income taxation upon filing of a registration statement for the offering of units of interest in a partnership with the Securities Exchange Commission. Title IV: Reform Measures Affedting Primarily Corporations - Repeals the investment credit for business property placed in service after Jan. 1, 1976. Repeals the Asset Depreciation Range System. States that, in the case of a corporation, the depreciation allowance shall not exceed the depreciation recorded on the corporation's books. Provides also that the deduction for repair expenses shall be limited to the amount recorded on the corporation's books. Limits the deduction on the aggregate amount of dividends received to 85 percent of taxable income computed without regard to specified deductions. Repeals the provision allowing nonrecognition of gain on the sale of inventory in specified cases. Denies, in the case of corporate reorganization, tax-free exchange treatment to investment companies. Disqualifies transactions which result in the shareholders of a merging corporation owning less than 20 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the surving corporation as reorganizations. Repeals the special treatment of bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Repeals the special deductions for Western Hemisphere trade corporations. Taxes the undistributed profits of foreign corporations to such corporations' United States shareholders based on each shareholder's pro rata share of such undistributed profits. Repeals the tax exemption presently permitted to Domestic International Sales Corporations. Title V: Reforms Affecting Individuals And Corporations - Reduces the exemption from the 10 percent minimum tax on items of tax preference from $30,000 to $12,000. Subjects interest on governmental obligations, mineral exploration and development expenditures, and foreign tax credits to the minimum (10 percent) tax on preferences. Provides that the difference between the cost to a shareholder of the use of corporate property and the fair market value of such use shall be includible in the gross income of the shareholder. Limits the allowable depreciation deduction for rental real estate to an amount which will not reduce the adjustment basis to an amount below any mortgage indebtedness on such property. Reduces the deduction of charitable gifts of appreciated property tothe amount of the property's basis at the time of the gift. Provides that the foreign tax credit shall not include foreign taxes paid or accrued on any item excluded from gross income or gain not recognized under the Internal Revenue Code. Limits the foreign tax credit to that proportion of the tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code which the taxpayer's taxable income from sources outside the United States bears to his entire taxable income. Title VI: Estate and Gift Tax Amendments - Provides for the integration of the estate tax rate with the rate schedule applied to the amount of adjusted inter vivos gifts ( the amount of such gifts to be computed according to a formula set forth in this Act). Limits the aggregate amount of charitable deductions allowed under the estate tax provision to $50 percent of the amount by which the value of the gross estate exceeds the aggregate amount of deductions for expenses, indebtedness, taxes, and casualty losses incurred during the settlement of the estate. Title VII: State and Local Obligations - Repeals the exemption for interest on state and local obligations issued after December 31, 1975. Directs the United States to pay 40 percent of the interest yield on state and local obligations. Title VIII: Withholding Of Income Tax On Dividends And Interest - Directs every person who pays interest or dividends to deduct and withhold on such interest or dividends a tax equal to 10 percent of the amount thereof: Defines the terms "interest" and "dividend" for this purpose. Directs every person required to deduct and withhold any tax to make quarterly returns of such tax to the appropriate officer.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Consumer Food Labeling Act - Title I: Truth in Food Labeling Act - Truth in Food Labeling Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods disclose each of their ingredients in order of predominance and the amounts of the ingredients in the food. Title II: Nutritional Labeling Act - Nutritional Labeling Act - Requires any packaged consumer food product to be labeled by the processor in conformity with specified information, including: with respect to processed food products, an analysis of nutritional contents including fat content, vitamin and protein value, fats and fatty acids, calories, and any other nutritional information deemed appropriate. Requires such lable to contain a statement of the nutritional value of the food commodity, and to appear in conspicuous and easily legible type on the package. Provides that the label of any packaged consumer product which has been packaged in a container of any given net content (by weight or volume) and which afterwards is packaged in a container of a different net content, shall conspicuously set forth the amount of difference. States that the appropriate Federal agencies shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides for injunctions in Federal courts to assure compliance with this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for any willful violation of this Act; such sum to be assessed by the appropriate agency and enforced in a Federal court in the name of the United States. Title III: Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Provides, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that no person who manufactures or packages a perishable or semiperishable food in the form in which it is sold by retail distributors to consumers may distribute for purposes of sale a perishable or semiperishable food packaged by him in such form unless he has labeled such packaged to show the pull date for such food and the optimum temperature and humidity conditions for its storage by the ultimate consumer. Provides, with certain exceptions, that no retail distributor may sell, offer to sell, or display for sale any food whose pull date has expired. States that no person may place packages on foods in shipping containers or wrappings unless such containers or wrappings are labeled by him to show the pull date. Provides that no person may change, alter, deface or remove before sale to the ultimate consumer any pull date. States that any person who violates any provision of this Act shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined not more than $5,000, or both. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning activities and enforcement of this Act. Title IV: Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Requires that labels on packaged foods contain the names and places of business of the manufacturer, packer and distributor, rather than just one of the three. Title V: Consumer Food Grading Act - Consumer Food Grading Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, after consultation with representatives of consumers, producers, and processors, to develop and promulgate a system of retail qualify grade designations for consumer food products expressed in a uniform nomenclature. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the manner in which the system of consumer food grade designations shall be displayed and disseminated to the public. Provides that in developing and updating quality grade standards, consideration shall be given to the nutritional quality and wholesomeness of food products, as well as the acceptability of the products. Requires that any food products sold more than nine months after the promulgation of applicable quality standards in accordance with this Act shall either be conspicuously labeled in accordance with such standards or shall be conspicuously labeled "not quality graded by the United States Department of Agriculture". Title VI: Unit Pricing Act - Unit Pricing Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, or the distribution of which affect commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package or by a label or sign at the point of display of such package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by: (a) stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or (b) a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from the requirement of marking the unit price of commodities: (1) any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 per annum, unless such an outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceed $500,000 perannum; (2) any retail outlet in any State or any political subdivision thereof which has enacted mandatory unit pricing laws and whose laws, in the judgment of the Federal promulgating authority, are in scope and comprehensiveness superior to the requirements of this Act; except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such geographical area shall be subject to the unit pricing requirement of this Act if they also operate outlets in one or more other States or political subdivisions. Title VII: New Ingredient Notification Act - New Ingredient Notification Act - Requires a food to carry a label setting forth in a conspicuous manner any change in its ingredients for six months after such change. Title VIII: Misleading Brand Names Act - Misleading Brand Names Act - Expands the meaning of "unfair or deceptive act or practice" under the Federal Trade Commission Act to inlcude advertising a brand name of a product which inherently misleads the public as to the product's value, quantity, quality of contents, or performance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Youth Camp Safety Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to protect and safeguard the health and well-being of youth attending day camps, resident camps, and travel camps by providing for the establishment of Federal standards for the safe operation of youth camps. Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed eighty percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes to be appropriated $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, and for each succeeding fiscal year, to make the grants provided for in this Act. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Directs the Director to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a comprehensive and detailed report on his administration under this Act. Prescribes penalties for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Director to request directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics needed to carry out his functions under this Act; and such department or agency is authorized to furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the Director.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the deferral of budget authority relating to comprehensive planning grants under the Housing Act of 1954 (deferral numbered D 75-107) which is proposed by the President in his special message of November 26, 1974 transmitted pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1974
Delays until April 21, 1975, the effective date of Public Law 93-373, which permits United States citizens to purchase, hold, sell, or otherwise deal with gold in the United States or abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1974
Provides that, beginning fifteen months after the date of the enactment of this Act, it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture or import chlorofluoromethane, except under a license issued pursuant to this Act. States that any person who manufactures or imports chlorofluoromethane in violation of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both, for each day of violation. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to apply to any United States District Court to obtain a temporary restraining order, an injunction, and other appropriate equitable relief from any such violation. States that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall have the power, after public hearing and consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and scientific entities, and after considering the report made by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration pursuant to this Act, to make rules prescribing the maximum steady-state ozone reduction due to chlorofluoromethane which is consistent with the protection of the public health, and to issue licenses to manufacture or import a quantity of chlorofluoromethane equivalent to the control level thereby established.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1974
Economic Stabilization Act Amendments - Establishes an Economic Stablilzation Board, to be composed of three members, representing labor, business and the consuming public to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Freezes all prices, wages, rents, and interest rates at levels no higher than those prevailing on December 1, 1974. Allows the Board to make ajustments in such levels in order to correct gross inequities. Directs the Board, within 60 days of enactment of this Act, to roll back prices, rents and interest rates to levels lower than those necessary to eliminate windfall profits or to carry out the purposes of this Act. Allows the Board, on petition of interested parties, to eliminate inequities which may have developed in the wage-price relationship by allowing upward adjustments in wages. Specifies that such increases not exceed the difference between the rate of price increases as measured by the Consumer Price Index between August 15, 1971 and the date of enactment, and the average wage increases in the firm or industry during the same period. Exempts from the wage freeze all workers whose earnings are substandard or who are members of the working poor. Specifies that this Act shall not preclude any increase in wages required by the Fair Labor Standards Act or other preexisting wage determinations. Establishes in the legislative branch the Office of Consumer Counsel, to be headed by the Counsel, appointed for one year by the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Consumer Counsel: (1) to investigate any complaints concerning actions of the Board; (2) to issue subpenas for the testimony of witnesses and the production of records; (3) to intervene as a party in rulemaking and other decisions by the Board which the Counsel believes may be contrary to law or to the public interest; and (4) to apply to the appropriate court for relief if the Board makes a decision notwithstanding the objections of the Consumer Counsel. Directs the Office of the Consumer Counsel to advise consumers of information necessary to make intelligent decisions on the purchase of goods and services. Requires the Board to transmit quarterly reports to the Committee on Banking and Currency of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs of the Senate, describing the actions taken and assessing the progress attained in achieving the purpose of this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1974
Provides that while a State is devising a coastal zone management program under the Coastal Zone Management Act, no Federal agency may conduct or support activities pertaining to the exploration and development of new oil and gas resources on the Outer Continental Shelf which may directly affect that State's coastal zone, unless the Governor certifies that such activities are consistent with the State's policies relating to the coastal zone.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1974
Provides an income tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, for individuals for the purchase of contemporary American art. Limits such tax deduction to $10,000, or $5,000 in the case of a spouse filing a separate return. Allows a carryover and carryback of such tax deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1974
Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, after consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, to: (1) establish standards for a grading system by which retail purchases may determine the relative nutritional value of food distributed in interstate commerce; and (2) prescribe the manner in which packaged foods will be labeled in accordance with such system. Provides criminal penalties for any person who distributes or sells food not displayed in the manner prescribed by such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to purchase lands for the establishment of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in the State of Georgia.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Establishes an Office for Economic Policy Coordination within the Department of the Treasury and an Office of Energy Policy Coordination within the Federal Energy Administration. States that it shall be the function of each of these Offices to solicit State and local involvement in and to advise States and localities with respect to Federal policy decisions in economic or energy matters.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rees, Thomas M. [D-CA-23]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000134_200.jpg)