United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for programs designed to reduce unemployment and to repair and improve essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, restoration, rehabilitation or improvement of roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate guidelines and procedures with respect to grant applications. Sets forth certain items which must be included in each application. Limits the use of grants made pursuant to this Act to the payment of wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act. Requires that jobs created pursuant to this Act be made available first to furloughed railroad maintenance employees, then to persons who have exhausted their unemployment benefits, to unemployed persons who are not eligible for such benefits, and to other unemployed or underemployed persons. States that roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act if: (1) they are designated for transfer to the Consolidated Rail Corporation in the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act; (2) they are utilized by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; or (3) they are owned by a railroad in reorganization under the Bankruptcy Act. Sets forth as the goals toward which each project receiving financial assistance under this Act must be structured: (1) the reduction of unemployment; (2) the acceleration and expansion of a national rail rehabilitation effort; (3) the coordination of repair and rehabilitation work with other rail transportation priorities; (4) the completion of each such project within 12 months; and (5) the maximization of chances for permanent employment of individuals employed under such projects. Requires that wages paid to workers in projects undertaken with financial assistance pursuant to the terms of this Act be not less than those prevailing for similar work in the same locality. Authorizes the appropriation of $240,000,000 for providing financial assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Burn Facilities Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an expanded program for the treatment of burn injuries, research on burns, and the rehabilitation of burn victims. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the establishment of new burn treatment centers and the upgrading of burn units in general hospitals; (2) provide training and support of specialists to staff new and existing burn treatment facilities; (3) provide special training in emergency care of burn victims; and (4) sponsor other research and training programs related to the treatment of burn victims. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to assist the Secretary by providing information on existing burn treatment programs, and other information. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Disapproves the proposed amendment by the President to remove existing price controls relating to crude oil as submitted by the Federal Energy Administrator to the Speaker of the House on July 16, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for programs designed to reduce unemployment and to repair and improve essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, restoration, rehabilitation or improvement of roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate guidelines and procedures with respect to grant applications. Sets forth certain items which must be included in each application. Limits the use of grants made pursuant to this Act to the payment of wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act. Requires that jobs created pursuant to this Act be made available first to furloughed railroad maintenance employees, then to persons who have exhausted their unemployment benefits, to unemployed persons who are not eligible for such benefits, and to other unemployed or underemployed persons. States that roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act if: (1) they are designated for transfer to the Consolidated Rail Corporation in the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act; (2) they are utilized by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; or (3) they are owned by a railroad in reorganization under the Bankruptcy Act. Sets forth as the goals toward which each project receiving financial assistance under this Act must be structured: (1) the reduction of unemployment; (2) the acceleration and expansion of a national rail rehabilitation effort; (3) the coordination of repair and rehabilitation work with other rail transportation priorities; (4) the completion of each such project within 12 months; and (5) the maximization of chances for permanent employment of individuals employed under such projects. Requires that wages paid to workers in projects undertaken with financial assistance pursuant to the terms of this Act be not less than those prevailing for similar work in the same locality. Authorizes the appropriation of $240,000,000 for providing financial assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Title I: Railroad Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation: (1) to conduct a study respecting the appropriate method for allocating the cost of the national railroad system among its various users; and (2) to prepare and publish, within 2 years after enactment of this title, national railroad system plan for the development of railroads in the United States, taking into consideration the relationship of each railroad to the rest of the transportation system in the particular area, forecasted technological developments in transportation, and environmental aspects. Establishes a Railroad Advisory Commission of specified membership to: (1) formulate recommendations concerning the long-range needs of railroad transportation; and (2) facilitate consideration of other modes of transportation. Provides that, in order to promote the effective location of railroad development projects and the development of an adequate national railroad system plan, the Secretary may make grants of funds to railroads and public agencies for railroad system planning and for railroad master planning. States that such grants: (1) may not exceed two-thirds of the cost incurred in accomplishment of the project; (2) may not be made for projects on a single railroad in excess of 5 percent of available funds; and (3) may not exceed $75,000,000 in total nor $15,000,000 in one year. Authorizes the Secretary to make approximately 10 billion dollars available for grants for railroad development from fiscal year 1976 through fiscal year 1981. Provides for the apportionment of two-thirds of such funds according to the number of track miles involved in the project, and one-third at the discretion of the Secretary. Provides that all railroad development projects shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary upon a determination that the project meets specified criteria, including compliance with applicable air and water quality standards. States the criteria for determining what costs of a project are eligible for Federal grants and specifies that public parking facilities for passenger cars and buildings (except those directly related to transportation operations of the railroad) are not eligible for such grants. Provides that labor employed by a sponsor of a project shall be subject to the existing terms of labor agreements then in effect or subject to the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans (not to exceed $1,000,000,000 in aggregate) to railroads from the Railroad Trust Fund for the rehabilitation, modernization, or acquisition of railroad rolling stock. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress annually concerning his actions pursuant to this title. Provides criminal penalties for false statements made in connection with securing project cost grants under this title. Requires standardized procedures for recordkeeping by and provides for audit and examination of grant and loan recipients. Title II: Railroad Revenue Act - Imposes a tax of 5 percent of the amount paid for rail transportation to be paid by the person making the payment subject to tax. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Railroad Trust Fund to consist of the tax dollars collected for transportation of property by rail, such amounts to be available for expenditures made pursuant to title I of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make available to the Congress by March 1, 1978 a study on which possible revisions of the taxes imposed by this title may be based.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Provides that if the Postal Service and a supervisory organization, recognized by the Postal Service under this Act, representing a majority of supervisors are unable to agree, within 60 days after the organization submits a written notice to the Postal Service, upon a program for consultation or a plan to participate directly in the planning and development of pay policies and schedules, fringe benefit programs, and other programs relating to supervisory employees, either party shall have the right to refer the matter to an arbitration board established under the provisions of this Act. Provides that if the Postal Service and a supervisory organization recognized by the Postal Service under this Act as representing the majority of supervisors are unable to agree with respect to pay policies and schedules, fringe benefit programs, and other programs related to supervisory employees, which affect all or a substantial portion of supervisory personnel on a long- term or permanent basis, after participating directly in the planning and development thereof, either party, upon a 30-day written notice, may refer the dispute to an arbitration board established under the provisions of this Act. Provides for the establishing of an arbitration board to consider specified disputes. Sets forth hearing requirements to be met by such board. Provides that the decisions of the arbitration board shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - States that the energy needs of United States industry are increasing consistently, although energy resources are limited, and that the conservation of energy is therefore necessary. Declares that rapid development and cost-effectiveness demonstrations, and widespread application by industry, of energy-efficient technologies can be facilitated by Federal financial assistance in the form of research, development, and demonstration projects and through incentives to companies that invest in such technologies. States that it is the purpose of this Act to stimulate the development of energy-efficient technologies in American industry. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish and maintain a program for research, development and demonstration of energy conserving industrial technologies, including: (1) basic and applied research under the control of the Administrator; (2) the development by the Administrator or private persons of prototypes or demonstration models of energy conserving technologies; and (3) the making of grants to private organizations to facilitate the incorporation of such technologies into commercial operating industrial plants, such projects to be used as demonstrations for other industrial facilities. Sets forth priorities to be observed by the Administrator in determining the recipients of grants under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Enumerates priorities to be observed in making or guaranteeing such loans, including: (1) the extent to which a loan recipient is located within a depressed industrial area, and will contribute to the economic recovery of such area; (2) the extent to which such loan or guarantee will foster the widespread adoption of energy conservant technology; (3) the extent to which modernization, rather than replacement, of existing equipment will contribute to the purposes of this Act; and (4) the extent to which small businesses will be able to participate in the benefits resulting from this Act. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of loans and guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Requires that at least 60 percent of the funds available for loans and guarantees be allocated to recipients in depressed industrial areas. Sets forth additional regulations pertaining only to loan guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Limits the outstanding indebtedness guaranteed under this Act to $500,000,000 at any one time. States that no guarantee shall be made under this Act after September 30, 1977. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Requires the Secretary of Transportation, under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, to promulgate minimum safety standards for schoolbus external warning devices.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Authorizes additional appropriations under the International Travel Act through fiscal year 1978. Authorizes additional appropriations for promoting travel within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 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 June 1975
Emergency Housing Act - Title I: Stimulation of Housing Construction - Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Amendments - States that mortgages purchased by the Government National Mortgage Association under the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act may not have an interest rate in excess of 7 1/2 percent. Increases the total amount of mortgage purchases and commitments which may be made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under such Act to $10,000,000,000. Requires that at least 80 percent of such funds be used to purchase mortgages having original principal obligations not exceeding $36,000. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase specified mortgages of multifamily residences not purchasable under present law. Title II: Emergency Mortgage Relief - Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act - States it to be the purpose of this Act to prevent widespread mortgage foreclosure and distress sale of homes resulting from temporary loss of employment and income through a program of emergency loans and advances and mortgage relief payments to homeowners. Sets forth as conditions for the extension of assistance under this Act: (1) that the holder of the mortgage has indicated his intention to foreclose to the mortgagor; (2) that mortgage payments have been delinquent for at last three months; (3) that adverse economic conditions have caused the mortgagor to become involuntarily unemployed or underemployed and to have incurred a substantial reduction in income as a result; (4) that there is a reasonable prospect that the mortgagor will be able to make the adjustments necessary for a full resumption of mortgage payments; and (5) that the mortgaged property is the principal residence of the mortgagor. States that assistance provided under this Act will be in the form of either: (1) emergency mortgage relief loans or advances of credit; or (2) emergency mortgage relief payments. Sets the limits of such payments at $250 per month for up to 12 months with one 12-month extension available. Provides that payments be repaid on such terms as the Secretary prescribes. Authorizes the Secretary to insure financial institutions against losses which they might sustain as a result of emergency loans or advances of credit made pursuant to this Act. States that the aggregate amount of loans and advances insured shall not exceed $1,500,000 at any one time. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency mortgage relief payments to certain mortgagees on behalf of distressed homeowners. Establishes the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Fund on the books of the United States Treasury for making mortgage relief loans and payments pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Federal supervisory agencies with respect to financial institutions to take steps to encourage forebearance in residential mortgage loan foreclosures, and to request all mortgagees to give such agencies at least 30 days notice prior to instituting foreclosure proceedings. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within 60 days after enactment and at 60-day intervals thereafter on the actions taken under this Act. Authorizes the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to make such advances to any insured bank as the Corporation determines to be necessary to facilitate participation in the program authorized by this title.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Provides that no license granted for the operation of a broadcasting station under the Communications Act of 1934 shall be for a longer term than five years, except that licenses or renewals thereof for broadcasting stations engaged in the transmitting of pictures shall not be for a longer term than three years. Provides for renewal of such license where the Federal Communications Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served. Provides that an applicant for renewal who is legally, financially and technically qualified shall be awarded the grant if such applicant shows that its broadcast service during the preceding license period has reflected a good-faith effort to serve the needs and interests of its area as represented in its immediately preceding and pending license renewal application and if it has not demonstrated a callous disregard for law or the Commission's regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Transportation Statistics Act - Establishes a National Center for Transportation Statistics within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation. Declares the purpose of the Center to be to assure the collection and dissemination of statistics and other data related to transportation in the United States and other nations. Sets forth as duties of the Center: (1) the collection and reporting of statistics on transportation in the United States and in the foreign commerce of the United States, including statistics on the movement of passengers and freight by commercial and private modes; (2) the coordination of all Federal transportation statistics programs; (3) the provision of assistance to other Federal agencies and State and local transportation agencies in improving their statical operations; (4) the development of standardized data collection methods; and (5) the review of foreign transportation activities. Directs the establishment of an Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics with members to be appointed by the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Director of the Center to require all persons engaged in commercial transportation to submit such reports and statistics as the Center may require.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1975
Requires under the Social Security Act the continued application of the 8 1/2 percent nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development under the Energy Reorganization Act to establish and maintain a comprehensive program for the conduct, sponsorship, and promotion of research, development, and demonstration of industrial energy-conserving technologies. Specifies criteria that the Administrator is required to apply in reaching decisions regarding the directions, priorities activities, and operations of the industrial energy conservation program. Requires the Administrator, in furthering the goals of this Act, to: (1) allocate 60 percent of the funds available for contracts, grants, and loans to depressed areas; and (2) promulgate rules and regulations. Requires the Administrator to compile a list of depressed industrial areas. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal year 1976, and for each fiscal year thereafter, such funds as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1975
Transportation Statistics Act - Establishes a National Center for Transportation Statistics within the office of the Secretary of Transportation. Declares the purpose of the Center to be to assure the collection and dissemination of statistics and other data related to transportation in the United States and other nations. Sets forth as duties of the Center: (1) the collection and reporting of statistics on transportation in the United States and in the foreign commerce of the United States, including statistics on the movement of passengers and freight by commercial and private models; (2) the coordination of all Federal transportation statistics programs; (3) the provision of assistance to other Federal agencies and State and local transportation agencies in improving their statistical operations; (4) the development of standardized data collection methods; and (5) the review of foreign transportation activities. Directs the establishment of an Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics, with members to be appointed by the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Director of the Center to require all persons engaged in commercial transportation to submit such reports and statistics as the Center may require. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Intergovernmental Countercyclical Assistance Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal Government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal Government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job creation impact of Federal Government public service employment programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to State and local governments to carry out the purposes of this legislation. Authorizes for each of 12 succeeding calendar quarters (beginning with the first calendar quarter after the date of enactment of this Act) $500,000,000 when the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reaches 6 percent plus an additional $250,000,000 for each whole percentage point over 6 percent of the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the preceding calendar quarter. Provides that no funds would be authorized for any calendar quarter during which the national unemployment rate was under 6 percent. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of the authorized funds for distribution to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. Specifies that State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of its unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals, with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for the allocation to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments-two parts unemployment and one part adjusted taxes raised. States that the Secretary shall allocate for the purpose of making emergency support grants to each identifiable local government. Specifies that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintain basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance under this Act. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of the Treasury may require and that the Secretary of the Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that labor standards and wage requirements of this Act be complied with; (7) provide that the Act's requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds received under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and to not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. Provides that in any case where the Secretary of the Treasury makes a finding of discrimination by a State or local government and is unable to achieve compliance within 30 days, he is specifically authorized to defer payment to the discriminating jurisdiction unless compliance is achieved. States that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds authorized under this Act. Allows payments to be made in installments, in advance or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments and underpayments. Provides that no funds be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that jurisdiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than 6 percent. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. States that funds will continue to be withheld until the Secretary of Treasury is satisfied that compliance has been achieved. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Promotion of Energy Industry Competition Act - Makes it unlawful for any of the 20 major petroleum companies (as identified by rule by the Federal Trade Commission) to own or control any interest in any energy refinery asset, energy transportation asset, or energy marketing asset on and after December 31, 1978. States that it shall also be unlawful for such companies to control mineral deposits in hydrocarbons and uranium and other fissionable minerals. Forbids any person at the same time to be a director, officer, or employee of two or more corporations or associations, which own or control deposits of, produce, refine, transport, or market at retail petroleum, products of petroleum refining, natural gas, coal, uranium, or other fissionable minerals. Gives the Federal Trade Commission exclusive authority to enforce compliance with these provisions. Requires companies holding ownership interests in facilities which are covered by this Act to submit, within one year from the date of enactment of this Act, plans for the divestment of such ownership interests, whether represented by securities or otherwise. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to institute suits in the district courts of the United States requesting the issuance of such relief as is appropriate to assure compliance with this Act. Prescribes penalties for any person who knowingly violates any provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that during the Nation's present economic crisis, and so long as the national unemployment rate remains at 6 percent or more, the emergency unemployment program established by the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 should be extended to continue benefits for involuntarily unemployed individuals when 25 percent or more workers entitled to compensation thereunder are unable to find jobs during the period for which they are eligible for benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Repeals the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 which makes flood insurance coverage and community participation in the national flood insurance program prerequisites for approval of any financial assistance in a flood hazard area.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development under the Energy Reorganization Act to establish and maintain a comprehensive program for the conduct, sponsorship, and promotion of research, development, and demonstration of industrial energy-conserving technologies. Specifies criteria that the Administrator is required to apply in reaching decisions regarding the directions, priorities activities, and operations of the industrial energy conservation program. Requires the Administrator, in furthering the goals of this Act, to: (1) allocate 60 percent of the funds available for contracts, grants, and loans to depressed areas; and (2) promulgate rules and regulations. Requires the Administrator to compile a list of depressed industrial areas. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal year 1976, and for each fiscal year thereafter, such funds as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Autistic Children Research Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) plan and develop a coordinated autism research program; (2) collect, analyze, and disseminate all data useful in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of autism; and (3) establish comprehensive, coordinated diagnostic and evaluation procedures for early detection guidance for autistic children. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out these provisions. Authorizes $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1977-1980 for loans and grants to any public or private nonprofit entity operating a center with education programs for autistic children. Defines, for the purpose of this Act, the term "autistic."
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Authorizes the President to proclaim the last week in June of each year as "National Autistic Children's Week" to call the attention of the people of the United States to the plight of the autistic child, and the services which are available to help such children and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Provides for the disposal under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 of surplus real property at not less than 25 percent of fair market value to States and their political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities for economic development purposes where such areas meet special needs arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment arising from the closing of Federal facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Imposes, under the Small Business Act, a moratorium on the repayment of principal and interest on specified loans made by the Small Business Administration for a period of two years or until such time as the President determines that the United States is no longer in a period of economic recession.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 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 May 1975
Prohibits, except as provided in this Act, the inspection of tax returns and the disclosure of information contained in such returns. Authorizes the inspection of returns by or disclosure to (1) the taxpayer or his representative; (2) employees of the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Justice solely for purposes of enforcement of the tax laws; (3) State agencies charged with administration of the tax laws only for that purpose; (4) the President of the United States in the performance of his official duties; and (5) the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation for statistical purposes only. Increases the criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure or receipt of information under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Provides that any imitation antique glassware product which is not plainly and permanently marked with the calendar year in which such product was manufactured is unlawful and any violation shall be an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice in commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Vests in the Federal Trade Commission the responsibility of enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Directs the Secretary of Commerce, during intervals between decennial censuses of population, to produce and publish for each State, county, and local unit of government with a population of 50,000 or more current data on total population. Authorizes the Secretary to make surveys on subjects (other than population) covered by the censuses provided for in this title. Requires that data most recently produced and published shall be used in the administration of any law of the United States in which population is used to determine the amount of benefit received by State and local units of general purpose government (other than laws relating to the apportionment of U.S. Representatives). Directs the Secretary and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to jointly initiate the development of uniform methods and procedures in producing statistical information used in effecting the delivery of Federal benefits to State and local governments and report progress toward the development of such procedures not later than one year after enactment of this Act. Specifies that this Act does not limit the present authority of the Office of Management and Budget to develop statistical standards. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 181; Adds 13 U.S.C. 182, 183, 184)
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Ground Propulsion Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to carry out a program of research, development, and demonstration directed toward improved ground propulsion systems. Defines the term "ground propulsion system" to mean the engine, transmission, or other drive mechanism, and associated controls, necessary to power automobiles, trucks, trains, buses, and light land and marine recreational vehicles. Makes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration responsible for providing effective management and coordination in connection with ground propulsion systems research, development, and demonstration, including programs for developing ground propulsion systems which are energy conserving, have clean emmission characteristics, and are capable of being mass produced at a reasonable per unit cost. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to assist the Administrator in ground propulsion system research and development. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the provisions of the Act for fiscal years 1976 through 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United Nations should make all possible efforts to aid refugees in Indochina. Urges the United Nations Secretary General to call upon the government of North Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government not to interfere with such efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Provides that all meetings of Government agencies at which official action is considered or discussed shall be open to the public. Excludes from this requirement any portion of an agency meeting where the agency determines by vote of a majority of its entire membership that the meeting: (1) will probably disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and procedures or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual; (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes; (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person; or (6) will relate to the conduct or disposition of a case or adjudication governed by specified sections of the United States Code. Requires each agency to make a public announcement of the date, place, subject matter of each meeting, and whether open or closed to the public, at least one week before each meeting. Requires that a transcript or electronic recording of each such meeting, together with any official minutes of such meeting be made available to the public for inspection. Permits an agency by majority vote to delete from the transcripts or recordings made available to the public specified materials. Directs each agency to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States to enforce the requirements fo this Act. Prohibits ex parte communication between interested persons and members of the agency in question, or an administrative judge, or an employee who is or may be involved in the decisional process of the proceeding. Requires each agency subject to such prohibition to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this Act. Grants to the district courts of the United States the jurisdiction to enforce such prohibitions by declaratory judgement, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Defines "ex parte communication" as meaning a communication relevant to an on-the-record agency proceeding where such communication is not made openly or on the record.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Ozone Protection Act - Declares that the release of chlorofluromethane may pose a danger to public health and safety. Provides for a study by the National Academy of Sciences of the nature and likelihood of potential effects on public health and the environment of the discharge of such gas. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to report to the Congress on such potential effects. Provides for a program of standards to limit the emissions of such gas from major sources. Provides for the enforcement of prohibitions upon the manufacture and sale of aerosol spray containers which discharge such gas, including penalties of up to $10,000 in civil fines per day of violation under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stipulates that such park is not to exceed three thousand five hundred acres. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene immediately a meeting of the heads of all appropriate Federal departments and agencies for the purpose of taking such steps as may be necessary to prevent Arab discrimination against American business enterprises which have Jewish individuals serving in positions of major responsibility or which do business with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Authorizes appropriations of $2,200,000 for fiscal year 1976, $550,000 for the transition period of July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, and $2,420,000 for fiscal year 1977 to obtain and test low-noise-emission products under the Noise Control Act. Authorizes appropriations of $13,200,000 for fiscal year 1976, $3,300,000 for the transition period July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, and $14,520,000 for fiscal year 1977 for carrying out the other programs authorized under the Noise Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1975
Amtrak Improvement Act - Permits officers of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to be compensated at a rate in excess of that prescribed for level I of the Executive Schedule if the board of directors of the Corporation determines that a higher level of compensation is necessary and is not higher than the general level of compensation paid officers of railroads in positions of comparable responsibility. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General to establish, in cooperation with the Corporation, convenient en route customs inspection and immigration procedures aboard trains operated in international intercity rail passenger service. Directs the board of directors of the Corporation to develop and submit to the Secretary of Transportion, to the Interstate Commerce Commission, and to the Congress an initial proposal for procedures under which the Corporation would be authorized to add or discontinue routes and services. Provides for the review and implementation of such procedures. Abolishes the financial investment advisory panel of the Corporation . Authorizes appropriations for the Corporation for the payment of operating expenses of the basic system and the operating and capital expenses of rail passenger service through fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1975
Establishes a grant program to enable any State, local government, or interstate agency or other public port authority to apply to the Secretary of Commerce for financial assistance to assist such agency in making such improvements as may be required to any port operated by it in order to bring such port into compliance with any requirements relating to environmental protection, the public health and safety, or port or cargo security which may be imposed by Federal law. Defines the term "improvements". States that the Secretary may grant to the applicant all or part of the money applied for, except that no grant or aggregate of grants made under this Act to any State, local, or interstate agency or public port authority may exceed $1,000,000. Authorizes appropriations of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and each fiscal year thereafter for grants under this Act. Directs the Secretary to undertake a comprehensive study to determine the immediate and long- range requirements of public ports in the United States: (1) for expansion and modernization in order to meet adequately the economic and defense needs of the United States; and (2) to meet such standards as may be imposed by law for purposes of environmental protection and port safety and security. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress the final results of such study not later than one year after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for purposes of conducting the study.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Provides that each Member of the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, and the Delegates from the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands may hire not more than two additional employees who shall be known as John W. McCormack Senior Interns in honor of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. States that such interns may be hired for not more than two weeks during the period May 1 through May 31 of each year and shall serve within the District of Columbia. Stipulates that for this purpose each such Member, Resident Commissioner, or Delegate shall have available annually for payment of compensation to such interns a total allowance of $500, to be payable to such interns at a rate not to exceed $125 per week, out of the contingent fund of the House. Requires that no person shall be paid compensation as a John W. McCormack Senior Intern who does not have on file with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, at all times during the period of employment as such intern, an appropriate certificate that such intern is sixty years of age or older and a resident of the district which the employing Member, Commissioner, or Delegate represents.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
Public Debt Reduction Act - Permits taxpayers to designate that $10 or less of their income tax be used to reduce the public debt. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the "Public Debt Reduction Fund". Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund for each fiscal year, out of amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, an amount equal to amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns. Stipulates that amounts in the Fund shall be available solely for reduction of the public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Authorizes appropriations, under the Act to amend the International Travel Act of 1961, of up to $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years to the Secretary of Commerce for the promotion of tourist travel in the United States. Authorizes, under the International Travel Act of 1961, appropriations of up to $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979, for printing of travel promotion material.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rooney, Fred B. [D-PA-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000423_200.jpg)