United States · United States Congress · 4 March 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 · 3 March 1975
Securities Reform Act -Title I: Regulation of Exchanges and Associations - Includes within the term "member," for purposes of the Act, any person who agrees to be regulated by an exchange and with respect to whom the exchange undertakes to enforce the Federal securities laws and the exchange rules. Makes registered national securities exchanges and associations subject to identical regulatory provisions. States that any registered broker or dealer meeting applicable capital or competency requirements must be allowed to join any registered national securities exchange. Requires the governing body of every such exchange to contain public representatives, and requires the exchange to provide adequate resources to permit the public representatives to employ staff or retain professional personnel independent of the exchange staff. Prohibits registered national securities exchanges from imposing any schedule of prices or fixing rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other charges subject to a statutory timetable for the elimination of the current fixed minimum commission rate system. Gives persons denied membership on an exchange the right to seek review of such denial by the SEC and the courts. Permits members disciplined by an exchange to appeal such action to the SEC and to the courts. Provides that any proposed change in exchange rules must be filed with the SEC, which must publish such proposed change and allow interested persons a reasonable opportunity for comment thereon. States that the proposed change shall take effect forty-five days after publication by the SEC unless the SEC disapproves it. Allows registered national securities exchanges, with the concurrence of the SEC, to share the cost, functions and responsibility of the conduct of examinations and inspections of members, and to furnish copies of any reports of inspections or examinations to each other. Establishes new procedures to be followed by the Commission in compelling exchanges and registered associations to change their rules, and in regulating off-floor trading by exchange members. Gives the SEC the authority to suspend or expel exchange members who have violated exchange rules. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing their members from executing transactions for customers in other markets whenever those markets offer a better price to such customers. Requires the SEC to adopt rules to assure that customers are getting the best price from their brokers. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing its members from participating in any registered clearing agency or securities depository. Gives the SEC authority to investigate and bring injunctive actions for violations of National Association of Securities Distributors rules and exchange rules, and to bring injunctive actions to compel a registered national securities exchange or association to enforce compliance with the rules of such exchange or association. Title II: Financial Responsibility; Regulation of Brokers Dealers; Reports and Examinations - Broadens existing prohibitions on improper hypothecation of securities by brokers, dealers and members to embrace improper lending of such securities. Requires all members of a registered national securities exchange to register with the SEC. Requires persons registering as broker-dealers to file certified financial statements with their application (rather than verified statements). Requires that, within six months of the granting of an application for registration, the Commission, or an exchange, or the NASD as designated by the Commission, shall examine the new broker-dealer to determine whether it is operating in conformity with the Federal securities laws. Adds armed robbery and grand larceny to the list of statutory offenses which bar a person from becoming a broker-dealer. Requires the Commission, in cooperation with the exchanges and the NASD, to devise and administer a uniform examination which, with respect to partners, officers, and supervisory employees shall include questions relating to enumerated matters. Directs the SEC, by no later than July 1, 1975, to establish minimum capital requirements, providing for ample, liquid and permanent capital for brokers, dealers and members. Authorizes the Commission to classify brokers, dealers and members for purposes of establishing such requirements. Requires registered national securities exchanges to furnish copies of documents to the SEC upon request. Requires registered brokers, dealers and members to supply their customers with certified comparative balance sheets and income statements. Authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regulating the reporting of transactions and to prescribe uniformity in accounting procedures and systems of brokers and dealers and members. Title III: Development of a National Clearance and Settlement System - Authorizes the Commission to make rules applicable to brokers or dealers regulating the time and method of making settlements, payments and deliveries and closing of accounts. Provides that, in the exercise of this rulemaking authority, the Commission shall not affect the authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to regulate securities credit. Requires clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents to register with the SEC, and establishes appropriate procedures. Sets forth procedures under which the Commission must grant or deny application for registration of clearing agencies and securities depositories. Authorizes the Commission to establish terms and conditions under which a clearing agency, securities depository or transfer agent may withdraw from registration. Gives the SEC direct rulemaking power over clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Empowers the SEC to review clearing agency or securities depository action in the areas of disciplinary action or denial of admission to a participant. Grants the Commission disciplinary powers with respect to clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Directs the SEC, on or before December 31, 1976, to take appropriate steps to eliminate the use of the stock certificate as a means of settlement of securities transactions between brokers and dealers. Authorizes the Commission to grant confidential treatment to material filed with it only under very limited conditions, including a finding that disclosure is not in the public interest. Empowers the Commission to prescribe rules with respect to the form or format of securities issued by companies, any class of whose securities is registered under the Act, or which would be required to be so registered except for the exemption from registration provided for securities of registered investment companies or insurance companies under certain conditions. Directs every issuer whose securities are registered on a national securities exchange to consolidate in a single person the functions of transfer agent and registrar. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct a study to consider the public policy implications of the growing practice of registering securities in "street name" and to determine whether steps can be taken to facilitate communications between corporations and their shareholders while, at the same time, retaining benefits of such registration. Prohibits the imposition of state or local taxes on securities, or on the transfer of securities, solely because the facilities of a registered clearing agency or securities depository are physically located in the taxing jurisdiction. Requires registered national securities exchanges, associations, brokers, dealers, clearing agencies and securities depositories to: (1) report information about missing, lost or stolen securities to the SEC or such person as the SEC designates; and (2) require the fingerprinting of partners, directors, officers, and employees and the submittal of such fingerprints to the Attorney General of the United States for identification and appropriate processing. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the SEC to include in its annual report to Congress certain designated information concerning the Commission's administration of the Freedom of Information Act. Raises the amount of the registration fee every national securities exchange must pay to the SEC from 1/500th of one percent to 1/100th of one percent of the dollar amount of sales of securities (other than certain governmental obligations) transacted on that exchange. Title V: Development of a National Securities Market System - Directs the Commission to establish a national market system for transactions in securities. Directs the Commission to make a study of the need for the establishment of a national regulatory body to administer the national market system, and to report its results to the Congress by December 31, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated $300,000 for each study.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Prohibits the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, from authorizing an increase in the ceiling price of old crude petroleum by more than one dollar per barrel per year. Prohibits any such increase before April 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Natural Gas and Oil Act - Makes technical and conforming changes to the Natural Gas and Oil Act, including the redefining of terms used in such Act. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1976, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use, that all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Federal Employees Political Activities Act - Provides that Federal employees may not request political contributions from other Federal employees, provided, however, that Federal employees may make political contributions of their own volition. Prohibits the use of official authority or influence on the part of Federal employees to affect elections. Provides that such prohibition applies to employees of the United States Postal Service. Provides that such employees may, take an active part in political management or in political campaigns in their roles as private citizens. Defines the phrase "an active part in political management or in political campaigns". Provides as a penalty for violation of this Act not less than 30 days' suspension without pay or removal upon a unanimous vote of the Civil Service Commission, with prosecution in the discretion of the Attorney General.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Independent Regulatory Agencies Reform Act - Provides that the term "independent regulatory agency" means the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other agency which the Congress by law provides is an independent regulatory agency for purposes of this Act. Provides that the President shall appoint the chairmen of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission from among the members of such bodies by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that each such member shall serve in such capacity until the expiration of his term on such body. Revokes the power of the President to remove for inefficiency a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the President to remove for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office a member of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Federal Power Commission to act in its own name and through its own attorneys in any civil action and to supervise and conduct litigation in any civil action to which the Commission is a party. Provides that any communication to Congress respecting legislation, by any independent regulatory agency, whether transmitted in its annual report or otherwise, shall not be submitted to or be subject to clearance by the Office of Management and Budget or any other authority. Provides that an independent regulatory agency submits any budget estimate or request to the President or the Office of Management and Budget, it shall concurrently transmit a copy of that estimate or request to the Congress. Declares that no officer or agency of the United States shall have any authority to prohibit, impose conditions on, or in any way impair the free communication by such independent regulatory agency with the Congress, its committees, or any of its Members with respect to any budget estimate or request of such independent regulatory agency. Provides for access to information held by such independent regulatory agencies by specified congressional committees. Provides that the appointment of any person to the staff of an independent regulatory agency shall not be subject to approval by the office of the President, or the Office of Management and Budget. Directs each independent regulatory agency to promulgate conflict of interest rules within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Authorizes appropriations 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.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Declares that for 90 days following enactment of this Act the President shall have no authority to adjust imports of petroleum or petroleum products under the Trade Expansion Act or any other Federal law. Provides that in the event of a declaration of war, an attack upon the United States, or other involvement in hostilities by the Armed Forces within the 90 day period, this provision shall not thereafter apply. Provides that any action taken by the President between January 15, 1975, and the date of enactment of this Act which results in the imposition of a duty tax or fee on petroleum or petroleum products shall cease to have effect on the date of enactment. Allows a rebate of any amount paid as a tax or fee on petroleum products which was imposed by the President after January 15, 1975, and before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Natural Gas and Oil Act - Makes technical and conforming changes to the Natural Gas and Oil Act, including the redefining of terms used in such Act. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1976, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use, that all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Provides for the printing of 60,000 copies of the Constitution of the United States in Spanish, for use by members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the House Judiciary Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Increases to $50,000,000 the maximum amount of aggregate payments which may be made in calendar years after 1974 to carry out conservation agreements under the Water Bank Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prohibits expenditures of appropriated funds with respect to private property used as residences by individuals whom the Secret Service is authorized to protect without congressional approval.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Repeals the provisions of title XI of the Social Security Act which limit to 10 percent the portion of the total grants for social services paid to a State which may be paid with respect to individuals not actually recipients of or applicants for aid or assistance. Revises the public assistance provisions of such Act to specify the minimum periods within which an individual (not receiving aid or assistance) must have been or be likely to become an applicant for or recipient of aid or assistance in order for expenditures for services provided to him to qualify for Federal matching funds.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides that any motor vehicle which is employed solely in transporting schoolchildren or teachers other than to the regular school program and activities offered on the premises of the school shall be deemed to be a common carrier and subject to specified regulations as a common carrier under the Interstate Commerce Act. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission to promulgate and enforce standards for motor vehicles employed solely in transporting children and teachers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 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 · 14 January 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 · 14 January 1975
Revises the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act by providing for enforcement of motor carrier safety regulations by employees who believe their employer has violated such safety regulations. Allows employees to request an investigation by giving written and signed notice of the violation to the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a citation to the violator upon the finding of a violation. Sets forth the form of such citation, including the assessment of a civil penalty of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 for the first violation. Permits a violator to contest the citation within 15 days. Provides for a hearing before the National Transportation Safety Board on the citation, and review of any adverse order from the Board by the United States court of appeals. Specifies the procedures for pleadings, testimony and objections before the appellate court. Provides that the Secretary may enforce any final order of the Board or any uncontested citation by filing for relief in the United States Court of Appeals. Empowers the Secretary to order a carrier of explosives and other dangerous articles to cease operation of motor vehicles in interstate commerce for up to sixty days when he finds the operations create an unreasonable risk of accident, injury or death. States the procedure for the Secretary to follow in issuing such a cease and desist order. Provides that no person shall discharge or discriminate against any employee for: (1) filing a motor carrier safety violation complaint; (2) refusing to operate equipment because of his apprehension of death or serious injury to himself or the public due to the unsafe condition of such equipment; or (3) refusing to operate equipment in violation of regulations respecting hours of service. Entitles an employee so discharged or discriminated against: (1) to reinstatement in his employment; (2) to be made whole for his losses; (3) to exemplary damages; and (4) to costs of suit and reasonable attorney's fees. Authorizes the Secretary to issue, amend, and revoke such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out this Act, including rules and regulations relating to recordkeeping and reporting by motor carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides that after December 31, 1976, the Secretary of Transportation shall not apportion any funds under this Act to any State which has not fully implemented the requirements of those uniform safety standards promulgated by the Secretary on or before December 31, 1975, or with respect to standards revised or promulgated after December 31, 1975, has not fully implemented the requirements of such standards within two years after that Federal -aid highway funds apportioned on or after January 1, 1978, to any State which has not fully implemented the requirements of the uniform standards promulgated by the Secretary under this section on or before December 31, 1975, or, with respect to standards revised or promulgated after December 31, 1975, has not fully implemented the requirements of such standards within two years after their revision or promulgation, shall be reduced by amounts equal to 20 percent of the amounts which would otherwise be apportioned to such State until such time as such State is fully implementing such standards. Allows the Secretary to suspend, whenever he deems it to be in the public interest, the application of the two preceding sentences to a State State for a period not to exceed one additional year. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 420)
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Medical Devices Safety Act - Title I: The National Medical Devices Commission - Establishes the National Medical Devices Commission to determine the manner and extent to which there should be Federal regulation of manufacturing of medical devices. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress such interim and final reports as it deems appropriate. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit to the President and the Congress his views on the Commission's report. States that the Commission shall terminate not later than two years from the effective date of this Act or thirty days after it has submitted its final report, whichever occurs earlier. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. States that the Commission shall, to the extent practicable, utilize the services of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Title II: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - States that a device shall be deemed to be adulterated for the purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, if the methods used in, or the facilities or control used for, its manufacturing, processing, packing, holding, or installation do not conform to, or are not operated or administered in conformity with, current food manufacturing practice. States that every person engaged in manufacturing, processing, or distributing, or who uses in a professional manner, a device that is subject to this Act shall establish and maintain records, and make written reports to the Secretary, of data relating to clinical experience obtained by that person with respect to the device and bearing on the safety, reliability, or effectiveness of the device. Establishes standards under which the Secretary may, after due notice and opportunity for hearing to the manufacturer, issue an order to remove a device from being sold on the market. Authorizes the device manufacturer to appeal an order by the Secretary removing the device from sale on the market by filing in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the manufacturer resides or at his principal place of business. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations for exempting from this Act devices intended solely for investigational use by experts qualified by scientific training and experience to investigate the safety and effectiveness of devices. Title III: Miscellaneous - Establishes the National Medical Devices Information Center to establish workshops, clinics, and other educational programs to train and educate doctors, hospital personnel, technicians, and other possible operators of medical devices in the use and testing of such devices. States that this Act shall take effect on the first day of the thirteenth calendar month following the month in which this Act is enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Title I: Office of the General Counsel to the Congress - Establishes the Office of the General Counsel to the Congress. States that the purpose of the Office shall be to provide indiscriminately and impartially legal advice, legal representation, legal counseling, and other appropriate legal services to the Congress, and its respective committees, Members, officials, and employees in those matters relating to their institutional, official, and representative duties, unless directed otherwise by either House or Congress as a whole, or prohibited by the regulations of the Office. States that the Office shall maintain the attorney-client relationship with respect to all communications between it and any committee, Member of Congress, congressional officer, or employee entitled to its services. Specifies the structure and composition of the Office, and provides for the compensation of its employees. Prohibits persons serving in specified positions in the Office from currently holding any elected office or engaging in any other business, vocation, or employment. Prohibits a person from serving as Counsel or Deputy Counsel for more than 10 years. Specifies the functions of the Office to be carried out to accomplish its purposes and policies. Title II: Legal Proceedings - Confers jurisdiction over any civil action brought by either or both Houses of Congress, or by any recognized entity or Member thereof to enforce or to secure a declaration concerning compliance with Federal law or requests for information, on the district courts of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides, under the Interstate Commerce Act for the enforcement of motor carrier safety regulations by employees who believe their employer has violated such safety regulations. Allows employees to request an investigation by giving written and signed notice of the violation to the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a citation to the violator upon the finding of a violation. Sets forth the form of such citation, including the assessment of a civil penalty of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 for the first violation. Permits a violator to contest the citation within 15 days. Provides for a hearing before the National Transportation Safety Board on the citation, and review of any adverse order from the Board by the United States court of appeals. Specifies the procedures for pleadings, testimony and objections before the appellate court. Provides that the Secretary may enforce any final order of the Board or any uncontested citation by filing for relief in the United States Court of Appeals. Empowers the Secretary to order a carrier of explosives and other dangerous articles to cease operation of motor vehicles in interstate commerce for up to sixty days when he finds the operations create an unreasonable risk of accident, injury or death. States the procedure for the Secretary to follow in issuing such a cease and desist order. Provides that no person shall discharge or discriminate against any employee for: (1) filing a motor carrier safety violation complaint; (2) refusing to operate equipment because of his apprehension of death or serious injury to himself or the public due to the unsafe condition of such equipment; or (3) refusing to operate equipment in violation of regulations respecting hours of service. Entitles an employee so discharged or discriminated against: (1) to reinstatement in his employment; (2) to be made whole for his losses; (3) to exemplary damages; and (4) to costs of suit and reasonable attorney's fees.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Establishes a Federal Commission on Boxing which shall exercise continuing surveillance over the field of professional boxing. Provides that whenever the Commission determines that it is likely that a professional boxing event which is to be televised in interstate commerce, or an account of which is to be transmitted in interstate commerce by wire or radio, will be in any way affected by bribery, collusion to effect the result, intentional losing, racketeering, including terrorism, extortion, organized use of threats, coercion, intimidation, or use of violence, it may issue an order prohibiting such interstate transmission or televising. Provides that whoever violates any such order of the Commission shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Landlord-Tenant Act - Title I: National Landlord and Tenant Commission - Establishes the National Landlord and Tenant Commission. States that the Commission shall: (1) conduct and commission a study of landlord and tenant problems in the United States and review the implementation of the provisions of this Act; (2) submit to the President and to Congress such interim and final reports it deems appropriate; (3) publish the results of the investigations, studies, and research conducted under authority of this title; (4) make grants to the States for the establishment and maintenance of housing courts, and develop regulations concerning a review system for such grants; (5) develop model lease and rental agreement forms for use in transactions between the landlord and the tenant; and (6) establish rules and guidelines for the purpose of implementing and enforcing this Act. Requires the Commission to the extent practicable, to utilize the services of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and all other Government agencies dealing with housing problems. Title II: Housing Courts - Authorizes the National Landlord-Tenant Commission to make grants to the States for the purpose of establishing and operating housing courts. Directs the Commission, within one hundred eighty days after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate standards for landlord-tenant dispute settlement procedures. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1974, and June 30, 1975 in order to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title III: Landlord-Tenant Act - States that this Act applies to, regulates, and determines rights, obligations, and remedies under a rental agreement, applicable to all rental units in the United States. Provides that housing courts of the States and all other appropriate courts of general jurisdiction may exercise jurisdiction over any landlord or tenant within their jurisdiction with respect to any conduct governed by this Act or with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to this Act. Title IV: Provisions of the Rental Agreement - States that a landlord and a tenant may include in a rental agreement terms and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law, including rent, term of the agreement, and other provisions governing the rights, obligations, and remedies of the parties. Provides that in the absence of agreement or legislation fixing the amount of rent the tenant shall pay pursuant to this Act, the tenant shall pay as rent the fair rental value for the use and occupancy of the dwelling unit. Title V: Landlord Obligations - Requires every landlord to: (1) comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes; (2) make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition; (3) keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; (4) provide and maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, locks, and other existing facilities such as elevators, steps, and fire safety equipment supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord; (5) provide and maintain appropriate and convenient receptacles for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for its removal; and (6) supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat based on geographic location. Requires the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his behalf to disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy the name and address of: (1) the person authorized to manage the premises, and (2) the owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for the purpose of service of process and for the purpose of receiving and receipting complaints, notices, and demands. Title VI: Tenant Obligations - States that the tenant shall: (1) comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building and housing codes; (2) Keep that part of the premises that he occupies and uses as clean and safe as the condition of the premises permit; (3) keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or those used by the tenant as clean as their condition permits; (4) use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances including elevators on the premises; (5) not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises or knowingly permit any person to do so; (6) regularly dispose from his dwelling unit all ashes, rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and safe manner; and (7) conduct himself and require other persons on the premises with his consent to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb his neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of the premises. Title VII: Landlord Remedies - Sets forth landlord's remedies for: (1) tenant's nonpayment of rent; (2) tenant's refusal to allow lawful access; and (3) tenant's abandonment. Makes provisions for landlord's remedies after the termination of the rental agreement. Title VIII: Tenant Remedies - Establishes tenant remedies for the landlord's: (1) violation of housing codes or the rental agreement; (2) failure to deliver possession; and (3) abuse of access. Title IX: Procedures for Contesting Allegations of Breach - Establishes procedures for both the landlord and the tenant to contest any allegations of a breach of the provisions of this Act or the rental agreement. Title X: Miscellaneous - States that if any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or application of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides that the first 60,000 barrels of beer brewed by a brewery in the United States producing less than 2,000,000 barrels annually for consumption shall be taxable under the Internal Revenue Code at a rate of $7 per barrel (as opposed to the flat rate of $9 per barrel presently imposed).
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Uniform Motor Carrier Standards Act - Provides that, under the Interstate Commerce Act, any amendments to the uniform standards for evidencing the lawfulness of interstate operations of motor carriers shall become effective on the initial effective date of the standards, if made prior to that date, or if made after that date, amendments may become effective immediately upon promulgation. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 302(b) (2))
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Requires that compressed gas cylinders shipped in interstate commerce be inspected in the United States. Defines such cylinders for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
States that no person may make, or instruct any other person to make, any telephone call solely to threaten or harass any person at the called number in order to collect any money alleged to be due and owing. Specifies the types of acts prohibited by this Act. Provides that a person who makes a telephone call in violation of this Act shall be liable in a civil action to the person called for a penalty in an amount of $500 for each such telephone call, in addition to attorney's fees. Directs all telephone companies to notify each telephone subscriber of his right to privacy and to be free from telephone calls from persons calling to harass, abuse, threaten, or coerce. Prohibits any person from contracting any person's employer by telephone to inform the employer of any alleged debt of an employee unless the debt has been held in a valid court judgment to be due and owing.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Interim Fisheries Zone Extension and Management Act - Extends the jurisdiction of the United States over specified ocean areas and fish for purposes of protecting the domestic fishing industry. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research in order to promote the conservation of fish originating in the United States territorial sea and contiguous fisheries zone. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Securities Reform Act - Title I: Selection and Administration of the Commission - Provides that any commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission may be removed by the President for neglect of duty or misfeasance in office, but for no other cause. Sets forth procedures for the appointment of a Commission chairman. Authorizes the Commission to conduct its own civil litigation. Requires the Commission to submit any budget request to the Congress concurrently with transmittal to the Office of Management and Budget. Provides that when the Commission transmits any legislative recommendations, testimony, or comment on legislation to the Executive, it shall concurrently transmit a copy to the Congress. Title II: Regulation of Exchanges and Associations - Includes within the term "member," for purposes of the Act, any person who agrees to be regulated by an exchange and with respect to whom the exchange undertakes to enforce the federal securities laws and the exchange rules. Makes registered national securities exchanges and associations subject to identical regulatory provisions. States that any registered broker or dealer meeting applicable capital or competency requirements must be allowed to join any registered national securities exchange. Requires at least half of the governing body of every such exchange to be composed of "public representatives," and requires the exchange to provide adequate resources to permit the public representatives to employ staff or retain professional personnel independent of the exchange staff. Prohibits registered national securities exchanges from imposing any schedule of prices or fixing rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other charges subject to a statutory timetalbe for the elimination of the current fixed minimum commission rate system. Gives persons denied membership on an exchange the right to seek review of such denial by the SEC and the courts. Permits members disciplined by an exchange to appeal such action to the SEC and to the courts. Provides that any proposed change in exchange rules must be filed with the SEC, which must publish such proposed change and allow interested persons a reasonable opportunity for comment thereon. States that the proposed change shall take effect sixty days after publication by the SEC unless the SEC disapproves it. Allows registered national securities exchanges, with the concurrence of the SEC, to share the cost, functions and responsibility of the conduct of examinations and inspections of members, and to furnish copies of any reports of inspections or examinations to each other. Establishes new procedures to be followed by the Commission in compelling exchanges and registered associations to change their rules, and in regulating off-floor trading by exchange members. Gives the SEC the authority to suspend or expel exchange members who have violated exchange rules. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing their members from executions transactions for customers in other markets whenever those markets offer a better price to such customers. Requires the SEC to adopt rules to assure that customers are getting best price from their brokers. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing its members from participating in any registered clearing agency or securities depository. Gives the SEC authority to investigate and bring injunctive actions for violations of National Association of Securities Distributors rules and exchange rules, and to bring injunctive actions to compel a registered national securities exchange or association to enforce compliance with the rules of such exchange or association. Title III: Financial Responsibility; Regulation of Brokers Dealers; Reports and Examinations - Broadens existing prohibitions on improper hypothecation of securities by brokers, dealers and members to embrace improper lending of such securities. Requires all members of a registered national securities exchange to register with the SEC. Requires persons registering as broker-dealers to file certified financial statements with their application (rather than verified statements). Requirs that, within six months of the granting of an application for registration, the Commission, or an exchange or the NASD as designated by the Commission, examine the new broker-dealer to determine whether it is operating in conformity with the federal securities laws. Adds armed robbery and grand larceny to the list of statutory offenses which bar a person from becoming a broker-dealer. Requires the Commission, in cooperation with the exchanges and the NASD, to devise and administer a uniform examination which, with respect to partners, officers, and supervisory employees shall include questions relating to enumerated matters. Directs the SEC, by no later than July 1, 1975, to establish minimum capital requirements, providing for ample, liquid and permanent capital for brokers, dealers and members. Authorizes the Commission to classify brokers, dealers and members for purposes of establishing such requirements. Requires registered national securities exchanges to furnish copies of documents to the SEC upon request. Requires registered brokers, dealers and members to supply their customers with certified comparative balance sheets and income statements. Authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regulating the reporting of transactions and to prescribe uniformity in accounting procedures and systems of brokers and dealers and members. Title IV: Development of a National Clearance and Settlement System - Authorizes the Commission to make rules applicable to brokers or dealers regulating the time and method of making settlements, payments and deliveries and closing of accounts. Provides that, in the exercise of this rulemaking authority, the Commission shall not affect the authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to regulate securities credit. Requires clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents to register with the SEC, and establishes appropriate procedures. Sets forth procedures under which the Commission must grant or deny application for registration of clearing agencies and securities depositories. Authorizes the Commission to establish terms and conditions under which a clearing agency, securities depository or transfer agent may withdraw from registration. Gives the SEC direct rulemaking power over clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Empowers the SEC to review clearing agency or securities depository action in the areas of disciplinary action or denial of admission to a participant. Grants the Commission disciplinary powers with respect to clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Directs the SEC to, on or before December 31, 1976, to take appropriate steps to eliminate the use of the stock certificate as a means of settlement of securities transactions between brokers and dealers. Authorizes the Commission to grant confidential treatment to material filed with it only under very limited conditions, including a finding that disclosure is not in the public interest. Empowers the Commission to prescribe rules with respect to the form or format of securities issued by companies, any class of whose securities is registered under the Act, or which would be required to be so registered except for the exemption from registration provided for securities of registered investment companies or insurance companies under certain conditions. Directs every issuer whose securities are registered on a national securities exchange to consolidate in a single person the functions of transfer agent and registrar. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct a study to consider the public policy implications of the growing practice of registering securities in "street name" and to determine whether steps can be taken to facilitate communications between corporations and their shareholders while, at the same time, retaining benefits of such registration. Prohibits the imposition of state or local taxes on securities, or on the transfer of securities, solely because the facilities of a registered clearing agency or securities depository are physically located in the taxing jurisdiction. Requires registered national securities exchanges, associations, brokers, dealers, clearing agencies and securities depositories to: (1) report information about missing, lost or stolen securities to the SEC or such person as the SEC designates; and (2) require the fingerprinting of partners, directors, officers, and employees and the submittal of such fingerprints to the Attorney General of the United States for identification and appropriate processing. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires the SEC to include in its annual report to Congress certain designated information concerning the Commission's administration of the Freedom of Information Act. Raises the amount of the registration fee every national securities exchange must pay to the SEC from 1/500th of one percent to 1/100th of one percent of the dollar amount of sales of securities (other than certain Governmental obligations) transacted on that exchange. Requires the SEC to order the registration of an investment adviser effective (rather than, as presently, allowing such registration to take effect by the passage of time). Title VI: Development of a National Securities Market System - Directs the Commission to establish a national market system for transactions in securities. Directs the Commission to make a study of the need for the establishment of a national regulatory body to administer the national market system, and to report its results to the Congress by December 31, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated $300,000 for such study.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Requires the House Committee on Education and Labor to initiate an investigation designed to evaluate the impact of those motor vehicles produced in part or in whole in a manufacturing facility outside of the United States upon unemployment in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry in the United States, and upon unemployment generally in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides that each committee of the House (except the Committee on Rules) shall make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of any hearing to be conducted by the committee on any measure or matter at least two weeks before the commencement of that hearing, unless the committee determines, by a majority vote of all the membership of the committee, that there is good cause to begin such hearing at an earlier date.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1974
Requires the House Committee on Education and Labor to initiate an investigation designed to evaluate the impact of those motor vehicles produced in part or in whole in a manufacturing facility outside of the United States upon unemployment in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry in the United States, and upon unemployment generally in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1974
Coal Research Laboratory and Energy Research Fellowship Act - Title I: University Coal Research Laboratories - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, after consultation with the National Academy of Engineering, to designate five institutions of higher education at which university coal research laboratories will be established and operated. States that, in making designations under this Act, the Director shall consider the following criteria: (1) the institution of higher education shall be located in a State with abundant coal reserves; (2) the institution of higher education shall have experience in coal research, expertise in several areas of coal research, and currently active, outstanding programs in coal research; and (3) the institution of higher education has the capacity to establish and operate the coal laboratories to be assisted under this title. Provides that not more than one coal laboratory established pursuant to this title shall be located in a single State. Specifies information to be included in applications by institutions of higher education desiring to be designated under this title. Authorizes the Director to make grants to any designated institution of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of establishing and maintaining a coal laboratory. States that no institution of higher education may receive more than $4,000,000 for the construction of its coal research laboratory, including initially installed fixed equipment, nor may it receive more than $1,500,000 for initially installed movable equipment, nor may it receive more than $500,000 for new program startup expenses. Provides that no institution of higher education may receive more than $1,500,000 per year from the Federal Government for operating expenses. Establishes an Advisory Council on Coal Research. Stipulates that the Advisory Council shall advise the Director with respect to the general administration of this title, and furnish such additional advice as he may request. Authorizes appropriations of not to exceed $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 (including the cost of construction, equipment, and startup expenses) and $7,500,000 beginning with the fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter through the fiscal year ending June 30, 1980, to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Energy Resource Graduate Fellowships - Authorizes the Director to award under the provisions of this title not to exceed one thousand five hundred fellowships for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and each of the five succeeding fiscal years. States that fellowships shall be awarded under the provisions of this title for graduate study and research in those areas of applied science and engineering that are related to the production, conservation, and utilization of fuels and energy. Provides that fellowships shall be awarded to students in programs leading to master's degrees. States that such fellowships may be awarded for graduate study and research at any institution of higher education, library, archive, or any other research center approved by the Director after consultation with the Commissoner of Education. Provides that recipients of fellowships under this title shall be: (1) persons who have been accepted by an institution of higher education for graduate study leading to an advanced degree or for a professional degree; and (2) persons who plan a career in the field of energy resources, production, or utilization. States that each person awarded a fellowship under this title shall receive a stipend of $4,000 for each academic year of study, and an additional amount of $500 for each such calendar year of study shall be paid to such person on account of each of his dependents. Authorizes appropriations of $11,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1974
Excludes from gross income, under the Internal Revenue Code, the interest on deposits in qualified savings institutions and credit unions. Limits such tax exclusion to $400 for an individual during a calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the alternative plan for pay adjustments for Federal employees under statutory pay systems recommended and submitted by the President to Congress on August 31, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Expresses the findings of Congress, including that Federal information reporting requirements have placed an unprecedented paperwork burden upon private citizens, recipients of Federal assistance, businesses, governmental contractors, and State and local governments. Establishes a Commission on Federal Paperwork to study procedures and practices of the Federal Government relating to information gathering, dissemination, and the management and control of information activities. Enumerates the areas to be considered by the Commission in its studies. Directs the Commission to make a final report to the Congress and the President within two years of the date of its first meeting. Sets forth the membership composition of the Commission and their compensation. Details the administrative powers of the Commission. Calls for cooperation between Federal agencies and the Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Expresses the sense of Congress that regulations requiring a statement of ingredients on bottles of distilled spirits and wine not be promulgated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms until Congress has considered the matter fully.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 1974
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) all military, economic, or other assistance, all sales of defense articles and services, all sales of agricultural commodities and services, and all licenses with respect to the transportation of arms, ammunitions, and implements of war (including technical data relating thereto) to the Government of Turkey should be suspended on the date of adoption of this resolution; and (2) the provisions of this resolution should cease to apply when the President reports to the Congress that the Government of Turkey has withdrawn all of its armed forces from Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1974
Provides for the printing of 60,000 copies of the Constitution of the United States in Spanish, for use by members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the House Judiciary Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1974
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that under specified circumstances exclusive territorial arrangements relating to the manufacture, distribution, or sale of food and beverage products shall be deemed lawful provided that substantial and effective competition between products and between vendors of those products is maintained, and the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product pursuant to the Trademark Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1974
Coal Research Laboratory and Energy Research Fellowship Act - Title I: University Coal Research Laboratories - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, after consultation with the National Academy of Engineering, to designate five institutions of higher education at which university coal research laboratories will be established and operated. States that, in making designations under this Act, the Director shall consider the following criteria: (1) the institution of higher education shall be located in a State with abundant coal reserves; (2) the institution of higher education shall have experience in coal research, expertise in several areas of coal research, and currently active, outstanding programs in coal research; and (3) the institution of higher education has the capacity to establish and operate the coal laboratories to be assisted under this title. Provides that not more than one coal laboratory established pursuant to this title shall be located in a single State. Specifies information to be included in applications by institutions of higher education desiring to be designated under this title. Authorizes the Director to make grants to any designated institution of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of establishing and maintaining a coal laboratory. States that no institution of higher education may receive more than $4,000,000 for the construction of its coal research laboratory, including initially installed fixed equipment, nor may it receive more than $1,500,000 for initially installed movable equipment, nor may it receive more than $500,000 for new program startup expenses. Provides that no institution of higher education may receive more than $1,500,000 per year from the Federal Government for operating expenses. Establishes an Advisory Council on Coal Research. Stipulates that the Advisory Council shall advise the Director with respect to the general administration of this title, and furnish such additional advice as he may request. Authorizes appropriations of not to exceed $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 (including the cost of construction, equipment, and startup expenses) and $7,500,000 beginning with the fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter through the fiscal year ending June 30, 1980, to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Energy Resource Graduate Fellowships - Authorizes the Director to award under the provisions of this title not to exceed one thousand five hundred fellowships for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and each of the five succeeding fiscal years. States that fellowships shall be awarded under the provisions of this title for graduate study and research in those areas of applied science and engineering that are related to the production, conservation, and utilization of fuels and energy. Provides that fellowships shall be awarded to students in programs leading to master's degrees. States that such fellowships may be awarded for graduate study and research at any institution of higher education, library, archive, or any other research center approved by the Director after consultation with the Commissoner of Education. Provides that recipients of fellowships under this title shall be: (1) persons who have been accepted by an institution of higher education for graduate study leading to an advanced degree or for a professional degree; and (2) persons who plan a career in the field of energy resources, production, or utilization. States that each person awarded a fellowship under this title shall receive a stipend of $4,000 for each academic year of study, and an additional amount of $500 for each such calendar year of study shall be paid to such person on account of each of his dependents. Authorizes appropriations of $11,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1974
Small Investors Act - Provides that, in the case of a taxpayer other than a corporation, gross income under the Internal Revenue Code does not include an amount representing the excess of the net long-term capital gain for the year over the net short-term capital loss from the sale or exchange of a security or securities, to the extent that such amount does not exceed $1,000. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 124)
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Authorizes the Governor of the Canal Zone to nominate the daughters and sons of residents of the Canal Zone and of the personnel of the United States Government and Panama Canal Company residing in the Republic of Panama as candidates to fill two vacancies each year at the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York (presently limited to sons of such individuals). (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1126(b))
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1974
Provides for the termination of the Airlines Mutual Aid Agreement as being adverse to the public interest. Provides that such termination shall be effective as of February 1, 1973. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1382).
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1974
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the prupose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business concerns; (2) to prevent Federal support for unjustified dislocation; and (3) to provide assistance to employees, and affected communities threatened with dislocation. Defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Employment Relocation Administration, to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that, in order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to perform enumerated functions and duties, including: (1) conduct investigations on any proposed closing or transfer of operations of a business concern; (2) provide adjustment assistance to employees becuase of a closing or transfer of operations of an establishment of a business concern; and (3) conduct research into the problems of business closings, transfers of operations, and unemployment. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Specifies the composition and compensation rates of members of such Council to perform enumerated functions, including to advise the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the National Employment Relocation Administration and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act. Requires written notice be given to the Secretary whenever (1) a business concern intends to close or transfer all or part of the operations of an establishment of that business concern; and (2) at least 15 percent of the employees who are members of any labor organization or 15 percent of all employees in that establishment will suffer an eligible employment loss as a result of any such closing or transfer. Specifies the items to be included in such notice. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establsih a program of adjustment assistance for employees suffering an eligible employment loss. Provides that such adjustment assistance shall include: (1) income maintenance payment; (2) Maintenance of pension and health benefits; (3) job placement and retraining benefits; (4) relocation allowances; (5) early retirement benefits; (6) emergency mortgage and rent payments; and (7) food stamps and surplus commodities. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to place each employees for substantially equivalent full employment in accordance with their capacity and prospective employeent opportunities. Provides that a unit of local government is eligible for assistance under this Act upon determination by the Secretary that the closing or transfer of operations of business establishments has contributed substantially to an unemployment rate within such jurisdiction exceeding 8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Enumerates the types of assistance available under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a retraining program for employees who will be required to acquire new or additional skills as a result of the economic adjustemnt assistance proposal. Provides that whenever the Secretary determines, after an investigation conducted under this Act that: (1) the closing or transfer of operations of an establishment or a business concern was not justified; or (2) if the transfer or closing could have been avoided if the business concern had accepted assistance under this Act; or (3) the eligible employment loss could have been avoided except for the failure to file a notice of intent to close or transfer, or because of some other unreasonable delay, bad faith or misrepresentation on the part of the business concern; or (4) the transfer of operations is to a new location outside the United States while other alternatives to such transfer of operations exist, then such business concern shall be ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, for a period not to exceed 10 years. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Newsmen's Right to Privacy Act - Provides that it shall be unlawful for any telephone company or telegraph company to disclose information with respect to any member of the news media without a court order issued upon the finding that the disclosure of such information (1) will not reveal or threaten to reveal the identity of any source of information with respect to the member of the news media involved in such action; or (2) will serve a compelling and overriding national interest. Sets forth penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rooney, Fred B. [D-PA-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000423_200.jpg)