United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Food Research and Development Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to fund new research for the purpose of assisting the development and utilization, in the United States and other countries, of (1) new low-cost foods of high nutritional value, and (2) improved, low-cost methods of food and animal feed production, fertilizer production, and irrigation which make maximum efficient use of energy, land, water, and protein resources and promote the preservation of environmental quality. Establishes a Food Research Advisory Committee within the Department of Agriculture. Sets forth the membership of the Committee. Directs the Committee, in accordance with this Act, to (1) determine specialized research areas; (2) accept evaluations for research grants from review boards appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (3) make recommendations to the Secretary. Establishes within the Committee a review board for each specialized research area with regard to which the Committee makes recommendations for the purpose of awarding grants under this Act. Requires each review board to recommend to the Committee applications on the basis of the scientific merit, feasibility, and significance of the research project proposed in the application and on the basis of the competency and facilities of the applicant to perform the project. Provides that grants shall be made to approved applicants for the purpose of financing research projects which are designed to develop new, low-cost foods of high nutritional value and to improve methods of food and fertilizer production through making maximum efficient use of energy, land, water, and protein resources while promoting environmental quality. Stipulates that not less than 10 percent of the sums available for grants shall be served for applicants from agriculturally underdeveloped nations. Establishes a Special Food Research and Development Fund, to make research grants under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of this Act, and such sums as may be necessary thereafter. Specifies that at least 85 percent of such appropriations must be appropriated to the Special Food Research and Development Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Contract Disputes Act - Declares that this Act applies to any contract entered into by an executive agency for the procurement of: (1) property (other than real property); (2) services; or (3) construction, repair, or maintenance of real property. Authorizes each executive agency to compromise any claim or dispute with a contractor. Provides that when no resolution of the dispute is achieved the contracting officer shall promptly issue a decision in writing, which shall be final unless the contractor seeks other remedies provided by this Act. Allows a contractor within 30 days to seek an informal conference to consider the possibility of disposing of the claim by agreement. Permits the contractor to appeal the contract officer's decision within 90 days to the Small Claims Board of Contract Appeals. Establishes a Small Claims Board of Contract Appeals to be appointed by the Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to the Board with the agency boards of contract appeals, the United States district courts and the United States Court of Claims, to decide any appeal for amounts under $25,000. Permits an agency head to establish within his agency a Board of Contract Appeals when the volume of procurement by the agency justifies a full-time Board. Requires such agency Board to adopt regulations which provide expeditious resolution of disputes. Provides that the decision of an agency Board of Contract Appeals shall be final unless the contractor or Government files an appeal. Allows a contractor to bring suit directly in a United States district court provided the jurisdictional dollar limits are met, or the United States Court of Claims. Grants to a member of an agency Board of Contract Appeals the power to administer oaths, authorizes depositions and require by subpoena the attendance of witness and the production of books and papers. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Grants to the district courts original jurisdiction, concurrent with the Court of Claims of any civil action not exceeding $100,000 in amount in contract cases. Authorizes the Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy to issue such rules and regulations with respect to the function of the Small Claims Board of Contract Appeals and the agency Boards of Contract Appeals. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 1346(a), 2401(a), 2517(a))
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Provides a salary increase plan for secretaries to circuit and district judges of the courts of the United States to conform to General Schedule salaries of grades GS-5 through GS-10, and that within-grade increases shall be received after specified periods of service in such grade. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 604(a))
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Removes the limitation on payments for consultant services in the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice authorized under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Authorizes a Federal court, in its discretion, to issue a certificate setting aside convictions: (1) upon the umconditional discharge of an offender placed on probation; or (2) after 2 years, where no sentence or period of probation is imposed. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3657)
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Makes provisions for the appointment of officers and employees of the Court of Claims, the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals, and the Customs Court. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 791 (a), 794, 831, 871, 872, 873)
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Sets forth provisions governing retirement benefits for the Director and the Deputy Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and the Director of the Federal Judicial Center. States that such officers may elect to receive an annuity equal to 80 percent of the salary of the office at the time of their retirement, provided such officers have served: (1) at least 15 years and attained the age of 65; (2) at least 14 years and attained the age of 66; (3) at least 13 years and attained the age of 67; (4) at least 12 years and attained the age of 68; (5) at least 11 years and attained the age of 67; or (6) at least 10 years and attained the age of 70 years.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Defines "publicly draw", under the Jury Selection and Service Act to mean a drawing conducted within judicial district, after reasonable public notice, which is open to the public and under the supervision of the clerk or jury commission, with special provisions regarding drawing by means of electronic data processing. Defines "juror summons" for purposes of such Act. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1869(j),(k))
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Provides for the appointment of transcribers of official court reporters' transcripts in the United States district courts in such number as the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall approve. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 753A)
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
States, under the Jury Selection and Service Act, that grand and petit jurors in United States district courts shall be paid an attendance fee of $30 per day. Authorizes an additional fee of up to $5 per day for each day in excess of thirty days that a petit juror is required to hear a case. Authorizes travel allowance, toll charge reimbursement, payment of parking fees, and allowance for travel to areas outside the contiguous United States for jurors incurring such expenses. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to periodically establish a subsistence allowance for jurors traveling to and from the required place of attendence in cases where an overnight stay is necessitated. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 1871)
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Provides for a civil penalty and injunctive relief in the event of a discharge or threatened discharge of an employee for the reason of such employee's Federal jury service. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1876)
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Authorizes the Attorney General to appoint officials for the investigation and prosecution of disciplinary proceedings against members of the bar of the courts of the United States and upon request by the chief justice or chief judge thereof. Authorizes to be appropriated to the judiciary and to the Department of Justice such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 533. 547)
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Provides that petit juries in United States district courts shall consist of six jurors in civil cases at law unless the parties shall stipulate to a lesser number. Requires the verdict of such jury to be unanimous, unless the parties stipulate otherwise. Provides that each party in such actions shall be entitled to peremptory challenges. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1875)
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Authorizes the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Provides for the appointment of legal assistants in the courts of appeals of the United States to assist in the preliminary processing of matters filed in such courts. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 714)
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Includes misdemeanors with fines of up to $5,000 within the definition of minor offenses subject to trial jurisdiction of United States magistrates. States that prior to trial, or prior to the acceptance of a plea of guilty, or plea of nolo contendere, the magistrate may, in any case within his jurisdiction, and with the consent of the United States and the defendant, place the defendant on probation for a period not exceeding eighteen months, subject to such terms and conditions as the magistrate may then, or from time to time, prescribe. Provides that upon successful completion of probation, the defendant shall be discharged and the proceedings against him shall be dismissed. Removes the commission of petty offenses from the definition of juvenile delinquency. Provides that full-time and part-time referees may, with approval of the United States Judicial Conference, serve as United States Magistrates.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Requires a chief judge serving in such capacity in a U.S. district court at the time that retirement for such judges was made mandatory at age 70 to retire at such age (previously such judges were exempt from such provision).
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
National Oil Recycling Act - Exempts from the excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code lubricating oils sold for use in producing rerefined oil. Directs all Federal officials to encourage the use of recycled oil, through procurement policies, contracts and education. Requires the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense, and all other Federal agencies to revise their procurement specifications to encourage the use of recycled oil. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make a grant to any State which submits a waste oil management plan which includes specified provisions required by this Act. Limits the authorization to one grant for each State in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for fiscal years 1976 through 1980. Specifies the standards to be used by the Administrator in determining the amounts of such grants. Limits to $500,000 the grants to any State during fiscal years 1976 through 1980 for the implementation and operation of the waste oil management plan of such State. Permits States to provide for stricter control of recycled oil, used oil, or new oil than that provided for by Federal law. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations: (1) with respect to the labeling of recycled oil in order to carry out the purpose of this Act; and (2) requiring any container of automotive and industrial oil, to have affixed a label stating the proper disposal of such oil. Requires automotive oil packaged for sale to be sold in resealable containers. Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to conduct a program of research to improve the performance and marketability of recycled oil. Requires the Administrator to conduct research into the environmental and public health impacts of various used oil disposal practices. Imposes a penalty of $50,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year for entering into any contract with the intent to discourage the recycling of used oil. Requires specified oil users, users of oil recycler, or used oil collectors to maintain complete records of the use or collection and the disposition of such oil. Specifies the reports which the Administrator of Energy Research and Development shall submit regarding the research conducted pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Administrator, through the Attorney General and a district court of the United States, to order the licensing of a patent whenever necessary to effectuate this Act or to prevent a lessening of competition. Imposes a general penalty for violating any provision of this Act of $25,000 or six months in prison. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976 through 1980 specified amounts to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Authorizes payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for emergency inpatient hospital services furnished outside the United States to a qualified individual whose principal residence is within the United States, without regard to where the emergency occurred.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides for inclusion of the services of licensed (registered) nurses under the medicare and medicaid, titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. States that areas designated as part of the National Wildlife System as of January 1, 1975, shall continue to be a part of the System until otherwise specified by Act of Congress unless such lands are disposed of in accordance with provisions of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Provides that time spent by American civilians in enemy prisoner-of-war camps and similar places on or after December 7, 1941, shall be creditable (as though it were military service) toward pensions, annuities, or similar benefits under the Social Security Act, the Railroad Act and other specified Federal retirement programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Parole Reorganization Act - Establishes, as an independent entity in the Department of Justice, a United States Parole Commission, to consist of a national office and five regional offices. States that the Commission shall have the power to establish general policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations for the Commission, including rules with respect to the factors to be taken into account in determining whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole. Provides that the Commission shall meet not less frequently than quarterly to establish its general policies and rules. States that, whenever confined and serving a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, a prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole after serving one-third of such term or terms or after serving ten years of a life sentence or of a sentence over thirty years. Stipulates that a prisoner shall be released on parole if his record shows that he has substantially observed the rules of the institution in which he is confined on the date of his eligibility for parole, unless it is determined by an examining panel that he should not be released on such date for one or more of the following reasons: (1) there is a reasonable probability that such prisoner will not live and remain at liberty without violating any ciminal law; (2) there is a reasonable probability that such release would be incompatible with the welfare of society; or (3) the prisoner's release on such date would so deprecate the seriousness of his crime as to undermine respect for the law. Requires the regional offices to hold a hearing in making a determination of whether to release a prisoner on parole. Sets forth the procedure to be followed in such hearings. Authorizes the regional Commissions to impose such conditions of parole as are deemed reasonably necessary to insure that the parolee will lead a law-abiding life or to assist him in doing so. Provides, with certain exceptions, that the jurisdiction of the Commission over the parolee shall terminate no later than the date of the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which he was sentenced. States that if the regional commissioner believes that any parolee has violated a condition of his parole, or that there is reason to terminate any parolee's assignment to a center or similar facility, he may order such parolee to appear before him or before a hearing examiner, or issue a warrant and retake the parolee as provided in this Act. Requires that a hearing be held on such a matter. Authorizes the courts to fix eligibility for parole at the time of sentencing of an individual. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide that any prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole if such prisoner is ineligible for such release under any other provision of law. Requires the Commission to report annually to each House of Congress on the activities of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Title I: Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Checks - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish procedures for expedited payment of monthly benefits. Requires the Secretary, within one day after the date an individual files for late payment of benefits, to cause such monthly insurance benefits to be paid. Title II: Expediting of Hearings and Determination - States that in the administration of the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures designed to assure that: (1) any duly requested hearing to which an individual is entitled thereunder will be held within a reasonable period of time after such hearing is so requested, if such hearing is requested with respect to a determination of entitlement to benefits; and (2) not later than ninety days after such a hearing is requested, the Secretary shall render a final determination on the issues which were the subject of such hearing, or if no final determination of the Secretary has been made at that time, the Secretary shall make payments of benefits to such individual in like manner as if a final determination has been made fully in favor of such individual. Title III: Expedited Payment of Black Lung Benefits; and Expedited Hearings and determinations Respecting Such Benefits - Provides for expedited payments of black lung benefits under the Federal coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting hearings and hearings and determinations on claims for such benefits. Title IV: Limitation of Benefit Reduction to Compensate for Benefit Overpayment - Limits to 25 percent the reduction that may be made in an individual's Social Security benefit check for any month because of any previous overpayment of monthly benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Provides that no funds authorized or appropriated by any Act for fiscal year 1976 or any fiscal year thereafter for the Department of Defense may be used by any U. S. department, agency, or instrumentality to procure any delivery system which is designed to disseminate any binary-type chemical warfare agent, or to establish any facility for the production of any such system or part thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to take an active role in working for modernization and reform of the United Nations. Requests the President to direct the Secretary of State to formulate proposals for such reforms. Requests the President to report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives before June 30, 1975, on the United States position and proposals to be submitted in this regard.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - States that the current depressed condition of the national economy has had an especially heavy impact upon local governments, making it no longer possible for them to finance needed public facilities, thereby threatening the health, safety, and general welfare of their citizens. Declares it to be needless and unwise public policy for a vast pool of idle manpower to coexist with a backlog of needed and long overdue local public facilities work. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce acting through the Economic Development Administration to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Provides that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Directs the Secretary to prescribe those rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. States factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. States that not more than 10 percent of all amounts authorized to carry out this Act shall be granted for local public works projects within any one State. Provides that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted by this Act shall be paid wages a rate not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $5,000,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to reimburse the States, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, for real property tax relief programs aimed at elderly households with incomes of $15,000 or less. Provides that the amount of such reimbursement shall be a percentage (determined on the basis of the household income) of the tax relief provided multiplied by the aggregate number of households receiving such relief. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1976 through 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Concentrated Industries Anti-Inflation Act - Establishes a Price Restraint Board to be composed of five members who shall issue standards and guidelines for noninflationary price adjustments. States that the basic guideline for price adjustments shall be the maintenance of the dollars and cents profit margin per unit of output of any firm for any product or product category which prevailed for such firm during such fiscal years as the Board may designate. Provides that subsidiary standards and guidelines for price adjustments shall provide for modifying the basic guideline, as the Board may find necessary, to avoid undue hardship, inequity, or impedance of economic growth. Provides for the classification of business firms into three categories based on amount of sales controlled by such firm. States that the Board shall publish monthly a weighted index of the prices of products of concentrated industries. Provides that, when necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Board shall issue orders and regulations in accordance with its standards and guidelines to require prenotification of price increases, to delay proposed price increases in whole or in part, to disapprove proposed price increases in whole or in part, and to rollback prices with respect to products of firms in concentrated industries. States that such regulations and orders shall not apply to firms controlling less than $250,000,000 worth of sales. Enumerates the duties of business firms with respect to notification of the Board of intent to adjust prices after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Requires federally related health care facilities to test infants born in the facility or brought to it for health care for specified diseases. Defines a "federally related health care facility" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States delegation to the European Security Conference should not agree to the recognition by the European Security Conference of the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and it should remain the policy of the United States not to recognize in any way the annexation of the Baltic nations by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Establishes the Hudson River Compact Commission composed of the Secretary of the Interior and representatives from the States of New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. States that the purpose of the Commission shall be to negotiate a compact to develop, preserve, and restore the Hudson River Basin and its shores. Authorizes that necessary steps be taken to protect the resources of the Hudson River Basin from adverse Federal actions until the States and Congress have the opportunity to act on the compact negotiated by the Commission. Requires that any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States taking actions which could unfavorably affect any resource of the Hudson riverway shall consult with the Secretary concerning any such actions. Directs the Secretary to transmit a report to the Congress and the President relating to the status of the negotiations by the Commission, including the Secretary's recommendations concerning the execution of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of not more than $75,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Provides for the coverage of a clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance benefits program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Requires the Secretary of Defense to take such action as is necessary to insure that any member of the Armed Forces who is discharged shall receive a discharge certificate which shall indicate that such member was so discharged and which shall not bear any indication of the conditions under which such separation occured. States that the reason why such member was so separated (other than by reason of discharged dismissal pursuant to a sentence of a general or special court-martial) and all other records or documents pertaining to such reason or reasons shall be treated as confidential and shall not be made known to or otherwise released to any private person or any public agency (whether Federal, State, or local) without the prior written consent of the member concerned. Sets forth the conditions under which an enlisted member of the Armed Forces may be discharged under other than honorable conditions. Establishes procedures for military review panels in considering the dishonorable discharge of enlisted personnel. Requires military review panels to conduct hearings which afford the enlisted member concerned an opportunity to: (1) appear before the panel and present evidence in his own behalf; (2) be represented by counsel; (3) confront the witnesses against him; and (4) examine documentary and real evidence against him. States that the recommendation of a review panel appointed under the provisions of this Act for separation under other than honorable conditions may be appealed to an appeal board established by the Judge Advocate General concerned, or the General Counsel of the Department of Transportation, as appropriate. Authorizes the Secretaries concerned to prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretaries concerned, after consultation with the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, to establish a number (but not less than ten) of regional boards of review throughout the United States. States that the function of the regional boards shall be to review the discharge or dismissal (other than a discharge or dismissal by a general or special court-martial) of any former member of an Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the military department concerned. Provides that if a request for the review of a discharge or dismissal of any person who was discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces within the fifteen-year period immediately preceding the effective date of this Act was filed before such effective date and such review resulted in no change to the discharge or dismissal, or no new discharge was issued, another request for review of that discharge or dismissal pursuant to this Act may be filed and such review shall be acted upon without prejudice, if such request for review is filed with the appropriate regional board of review within the one-year period immediately following such effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
National Vitiligo Control Act - Declares the findings of Congress that vitiligo is a disfiguring, inheritable disease which cripples the personality of individuals suffering from it and which afflicts about three percent of the U.S. population. Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to vitiligo and to distribute such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the general public. States that the Secretary may carry out such program through grants to or contracts with public and nonprofit public entities, and authorizes to be appropriated for such purpose $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, and enter into contracts with such entities and with individuals for projects for: (1) research and research training in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of vitiligo; and (2) the development or programs to educate the public concerning the nature and inheritance of the disease. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purposes $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. States that participation by any person in any program under this Act shall be wholly voluntary. Sets forth requirements for applicants of grants under this Act, including the requirement that all test results, medical records, and other information regarding treatment of any person treated in connection with a project assisted under this Act shall be kept confidential, unless such person consents to the release of such information. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to Congress, on or before April 1 of 1976, 1977, and 1978 a comprehensive report on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Provides, under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, for the extension of specified provisions for an additional 20 years. Makes permanent the ban against requiring compliance with tests and devices as a prerequisite to voting.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Provides that it shall be unlawful for any business enterprise or person acting on behalf or in the interest of a business enterprise to coerce, or attempt to coerce, by economic means another person, to fail to do business with, or to otherwise discriminate against any U.S. person, or any foreign person with respect to its activities in the United States, by reason of: (1) the religion, race, national origin, or sex of such U.S. or foreign person; or (2) direct or indirect support for any foreign government when such support is not in violation of U.S. laws. Prescribes a penalty of a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment for not more than three years, or for violation of such provision. Prescribes a fine not to exceed $1,000,000 if the violator is any person other than an individual. Allows any person aggrieved by a violation of the prohibition against economic coercion to bring a suit in an appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy. States that such person may recover threefold actual damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Permits the Attorney General to institute an action in an appropriate district court to collect a civil penalty against any person who practices prohibited economic coercion. States that the penalty shall not exceed $50,000 if imposed upon an individual, or not more than $500,000 if imposed upon any person other than an individual. Makes it unlawful for a person to violate this Act by exercising coercion through a foreign government or a business enterprise not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. States that whoever violates such provision shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $50,000 if an individual, or not to exceed $500,000 if any person other than an individual. Defines terms used in this Act, including "persons", and states that such term shall include a corporation, trust, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock company, fund, or any organized group of persons whether incorporated or not.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Postsecondary Education Consumer Protection Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide protection for students, consumers, and legitimate postsecondary educational institutions against substandard or fraudulent practices. Defines the term "federally recognized approving entity" as an entity relied upon by any Federal officer or agency in connection with a program: (1) of Federal assistance to postsecondary educational institutions by way of grants or contracts, loans, or loan insurance or guarantee; (2) of Federal assistance to students at postsecondary educational institutions by way of grants; loans, loan insurance or guarantee, or work programs; or (3) under which continuation of Federal payment is conditioned on attendance at a postsecondary educational institution approved or accredited by an approving entity. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, through the Advisory Committee on Accreditation and Institutional Eligibility, to conduct a study of the operation and effectiveness of the various federally recognized approving entities. Requires the Secretary to make such interim reports of his activities, findings, and recommendations as he may deem appropriate and to make a final report to the President and the Congress not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act. States that, upon completion of the study conducted under this Act, the Secretary shall revise the criteria to be met by federally recognized approving entities. Stipulates that whenever an officer or agency of the United States receives notification from the Secretary that a federally recognized approving entity fails to meet the criteria set by the Secretary, he shall discontinue reliance on such entity's approval or accreditation of postsecondary educational institutions or programs. Directs the Secretary to publish biannually in the Federal Register a list showing the following: (1) the approving entities which currently meet the criteria established by the Secretary pursuant to this Act; (2) the postsecondary educational institutions which are approved or accredited by such approving entities including a particularization of the departments or courses of study which are approved or accredited at the institutions; and (3) the institutions which have lost approval or accreditation and those whose applications for approval or accreditation were not accepted.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Food and Drug Recall and Remedy Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that every processor of any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic develop and maintain recall systems adequate to enable effective removal from the market of any article which has left the control of such processor, and which article the processor knows, or has reason to know, is adulterated or misbranded or otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of that Act. Empowers the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations for the maintenance of records and reports necessary to enable the identification and removal from the market of adulterated or misbranded articles. Requires processors to notify the Secretary indicating the actions planned, if any, to assure effective removal of adulterated or misbranded articles from the market. Requires processors to immediately notify the Secretary of any recall, whether or not such notification is otherwise required under this Act. Provides that if the Secretary determines that any article is adulterated or misbranded he may: (1) notify the appropriate processor of such determination and the basis for it; and (2) issue orders to assure that adequate notification of such determination is provided to all persons (including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, health professionals, and consumers) who should properly receive such notification.. Provides that if the Secretary determines that any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic is adulterated or misbranded, he may issue a removal order. States that such a removal order may include requirements that production or distribution of the article be ceased, processing procedures be corrected, articles be recalled to the wholesale, retail, or consumer level, and other measures be taken to protect consumers. Provides that a removal order may also include requirements that: (1) the processor reimburse the Secretary for any expenses incurred due to the processor's failure to diligently assure effective removal from the market of articles which are adulterated or misbranded; (2) articles be destroyed or, if possible, brought into compliance with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, under the supervision of an authorized representative of the Secretary, with expenses borne by the claimant or person seeking release of the article; or (3) any processor to whom it applies refund the purchase price of an article subject to a removal order to purchasers. Stipulates that such a removal order may be issued only after the Secretary has afforded the processor or processors to whom such order is directed an opportunity for an informal hearing. Defines "informal hearing". Provides that whenever any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic is found by a representative of the Secretary in interstate commerce, such article may be detained for a reasonable period, (not to exceed 20 days), if there is a reasonable basis to show that such article is adulterated or misbranded. Provides that any person who would be entitled to claim such article if it were seized may appeal a detention to a superior official. Requires that such official provide an opportunity for such person to present his views on the matter and confirm or revoke such detention within five days. Provides that in the case of actual controversy as to the validity of any final order of the Secretary under this Act, any person who is adversely affected may obtain review in the appropriate United States court of appeals. Stipulates that no such appeal shall operate as a stay of the Secretary's order. Increases the criminal penalty for violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act from a fine of $1,000 to a fine of $5,000. Repeals the present prohibition against multiple seizure of misbranded articles in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires that any regulations that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is required to promulgate under this Act be issued within six months of the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Cost Justification and Price Control Act - Requires that whenever a Federal regulatory requirement is applicable to any class of major corporations, and the Federal Trade Commission determines that such requirement may have a significant effect on the cost of production or of providing any goods or services provided by such class of major corporations, the Commission shall prescribe a rule (1) identifying such requirement, such class of corporations, and the goods and services the cost of which may be affected by such requirement, and (2) requiring such corporations to file specified reports. Requires that if a corporation is a member of class of corporations identified in such a rule and such corporation increases the price of any goods or services identified in such a rule, then before such price increase takes effect, such corporation shall file with the Commission a report specifying any change in unit costs, resulting from such Federal regulatory requirement, of the goods or services the price of which was increased. Provides that such report shall also contain an explanation of the reasons for the price increase. Provides that such report shall be available to the public and published in the Federal Register. Provides that any cost obligation incurred as a result of compliance with any Federal regulatory requirement may only be passed through by such corporation, or by any subsequent purchaser to any utlimate purchaser of such goods or services on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Provides that if a major corporation violates this Act (1) such corporation shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 and (2) the Commission may commence an action in a district court of the United States to obtain a mandatory injunction requiring compliance by such corporation with the reporting requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Prohibits any increase in the price of consumer commodities by any retailer once a price is placed on any such commodity by such retailer. Imposes civil penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Creates a select committee to be composed of 15 members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker, one of whom he shall designate as chairman. Directs the committee to conduct a full investigation and study of the nature and extent of natural gas and petroleum reserves within the territory and waters of the United States. Directs the committee to evaluate the potential for discovery of new reserves and the relationship of reserves to present patterns of distribution and supply as well as the impact of price regulation on such discovery and distribution of the products made from such reserves. Authorizes the committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas and conduct field investigations to carry out the studies required by this resolution. Requires the committee to file an interim and a final report on the results of its studies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the House that the prevention of widespread famine requires immediate and substantial public investments in agricultural research and technology for the express purpose of increasing food production which would: (1) insure a ready supply of food at reasonable consumer food costs; (2) aid in the maintenance of a favorable United States trade balance; and (3) reduce the risk of food shortages in years of adverse weather.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Provides that the beneficiary of an insured individual who dies shall, if otherwise qualified under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, be entitled to a prorated benefit for the month of death of the insured.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Energy Materials Conservation Education Act - Establishes within the Office of Education the Council on the Conservation and Nonuse of Energy-Materials, the members of which shall broadly represent the public and private sectors. Directs the Council to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on programs established under this Act. States that funds appropriated for grants and contracts under this Act shall be available for (but not limited to) such activities as: (1) community education programs concerning the conservation and nonuse of energy and materials, including special programs for adults; (2) dissemination of information to public and private nonprofit preschool, elementary, secondary, higher, adult, and community education programs; (3) research, development, and dissemination of curriculums, texts and materials, tests, and programs for adequate vocational and technical education and career counseling for persons in the field of energy-materials conservation and nonuse; and (4) programs and projects to recruit, train, organize, and employ professional and other persons, and to organize and participate in energy-materials conservation and nonuse educational programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or private nonprofit agencies, organizations, and other institutions for planning and carrying out community-oriented education programs or projects on the conservation and nonuse of energy materials in American society for the benefit of interested and concerned adults, young persons, ethnic and cultural groups, community, labor and business leaders, and other individuals and groups within a community. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Allows a tax deduction up to $750 for ordinary and necessary expenses incurred by a taxpayer under the Internal Revenue Code in making repairs and improvements to his residence during the taxable year. Allows the owner of rental housing to amortize at an accelerated rate (over a 60-month period) the cost of rehabilitating or restoring such housing. Authorizes the taxpayer to switch from such accelerated amortization to the regular depreciation deduction allowable under the Internal Revenue Code for property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a deduction: (1) the home improvement expenses (up to a maximum of $500) paid by a taxpayer; and (2) the residential addition amortization (the aggregate of which may not exceed $5,000).
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