United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should accelerate its development of lighter than air systems. Provides that the budgets of specified Federal agencies concerned with research in such area should include adequate funds to prove the commercial viability of lighter than air systems.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Directs the House Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on International Relations to begin immediate studies of the relationship of the United States with the United Nations and to report, within three months, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives recommendations with respect to whether the manner and nature of such relationship should be changed.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Provides that the terms of office of the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall be ten years. Provides that no individual shall hold either such office more than once and that each is subject to removal by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1975
Requires that any rule or regulation proposed by any officer or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government to implement a law or a program pursuant to a law must be submitted to both Houses of Congress for review. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective 60 legislative days after submission if Congress neither disapproves it by resolution or passes a concurrent resolution specifically approving such rule or regulation. Incorporates the provisions of this Act into the rules of the two Houses of Congress. Establishes procedural rules with respect to the consideration of a resolution disapproving the proposed rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Directs the Postal Service to provide for the collection of mail at permanent residential addresses receiving door deliveries, in those cases in which persons residing at such addresses have made the appropriate indications that mail has been deposited for such purpose. Directs the Postal Service to prescribe regulations to cover criteria under which persons may indicate the deposit of mail for collection under this Act. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3663)
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Provides that all meetings and portions thereof of Government agencies at which official action is considered or discussed shall be open to public observation. Excludes from this requirement any portion of an agency meeting where the agency determines that the meeting: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel; (3) would tend to disclose information which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual; (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes; or (5) will disclose information relating to trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Requires each agency to make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting, and whether such meeting is open or closed to the public, at least one week before each meeting. Requires that a transcript or electronic recording of each such meeting be made available to the public for inspection. Permits an agency to delete from the transcripts or recordings made available to the public specified materials. Requires that written minutes shall be made of any agency meeting open to the public. Directs each agency to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States to enforce the requirements of this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to ex parte communications. Defines "ex parte communication" as meaning a communication not on the public record with respect to which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not given.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Federal Taxpayers' Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service during an audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal any adverse decision of the Service (including administrative and judicial appeals); (3) the procedures for prosecuting refund claims and filing of taxpayer complaints; and (4) the procedures which the Service may use in enforcing the internal revenue laws (including assessment, jeopardy assessment, levy and distraint, and enforcement of liens). Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an office to be known as the Office of Taxpayer Services to be under the supervision and direction of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue who shall assist taxpayers in obtaining easily understandable tax information and answering questions on tax liability, among other functions. States that, upon application filed by a taxpayer, the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services may issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Assistant Commissioner, the taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary or his delegate. Authorizes the President of the Legal Services Corporation to establish Taxpayer Representation Offices in four cities (selected by the President) for purposes of providing legal assistance to individuals in connection with: (1) any audit by the Service of any return made by or on behalf of the individual with respect to any tax imposed by chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or (2) an assessment or collection from any such individual of any tax imposed by such chapter. Provides for show cause hearings with respect to jeopardy assessments and termination of taxable years. Increases the monetary value of specified items to be exempt from levy. Provides criminal penalties (a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both) for investigation into or surveillance over the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization which are not directly related to such revenue laws. Prohibits a civil cause of action for damages or an injunction, or both, for such violations. Prohibits inspection of tax returns pursuant to a criminal investigation unless a search warrant has been issued upon probable cause to believe that no alternative source of necessary information is available. Provides rules for civil investigation related to: (1) payment of Social Security and Railroad Retirement Taxes; (2) pension administration; (3) census information; (4) enforcement of taxpayer's rights under this Act; (5) inspection by States; (6) inspection by a Committee of Congress; and (7) disclosure to persons having a substantial interest (agents of partnerships and corporations, and shareholders of corporations). Provides a civil action for damages for unauthorized disclosure of tax information.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Directs the House Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on International Relations to begin immediate studies of the relationship of the United States with the United Nations and to report, within three months, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives recommendations with respect to whether the manner and nature of such relationship should be changed.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Directs the House Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on International Relations to begin immediate studies of the relationship of the United States with the United Nations and to report, within three months, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives recommendations with respect to whether the manner and nature of such relationship should be changed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Equal Opportunity for Displaced Homemakers Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a multipurpose service program for displaced homemakers, including: (1) job counseling and training services; (2) health education and counseling services; (3) financial management services; (4) educational services; and (5) outreach and information services with respect to Federal employment, education, health, and unemployment assistance programs. Defines a "displaced homemaker" as an individual who: (1) has worked in the home, providing unpaid household services for family members; (2) is not gainfully employed; (3) has had, or would have, difficulty in securing employment; and (4) has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by such income, or has been dependent on Federal assistance but is no longer eligible for such assistance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of and appropriate procedures for allowing displaced homemakers to participate in specified Federal programs. Requires the Secretary to submit a final report to each House of the Congress not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the heads of other departments affected by this Act, to issue and revise regulations from time to time, relating to the trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violations of this Act. Establishes an advisory commission of 7 members to consult with the Secretary and make recommendations with respect to regulations concerning trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment or of one year, for the sale, shipment, or transport, of any unapproved trap or any animal skin or hide or bird feathers taken in violation of this Act. Outlines those trapping regulations specifically applicable to Federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with any affected State pursuant to which the Secretary shall assist such State to enable it to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Prohibits the exploration for and the mining of and the purchase of all valuable mineral deposits within any area of the National Park System. Repeals laws or provisions of laws which permit mining in: (1) Glacier Bay National Monument; (2) Death Valley National Monument; (3) Coronado International Memorial, Arizona; (4) Mount McKinley National Park; and (5) Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate such regulations as are necessary to govern existing valid mineral rights in the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Directs the House Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on International Relations to begin immediate studies of the relationship of the United States with the United Nations and to report, within three months, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives recommendations with respect to whether the manner and nature of such relationship should be changed.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility and desirability of enlarging the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California, to include additional specified lands. States that such study shall be coordinated with other planning activities and shall include consultation with other interested Federal agencies, local bodies and officials of California, California conservation organizations, and other private California entities. Requires a report, within two years, on the findings of the study, to be submitted to the President and the Congress. Authorizes the appropriation of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Neighborhood Preservation and Rehabilitation Amendments - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that neighborhoods in United States cities have deteriorated due to lack of public facilities and a lack of capital resources to rehabilitate and maintain such neighborhoods States that private financing is increasingly unavailable in such neighborhoods and declares it to be the purpose of this Act to establish a neighborhood preservation and rehabilitation program. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. States that such grants shall be for units of general local government to assist them in carrying out programs to improve basic community facilities and services in designated neighborhood preservation areas. States that an area proposed by a unit of general local government as a neighborhood preservation area must be found by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to have a reasonable prospect of being restored or maintained. Requires, as a second condition for receiving a grant under this Act, that an application by a unit of general local government include a three-year rehabilitation plan, and that the Secretary find this plan to be workable. Declares that, in fiscal year 1976, grants will be made to between ten and 20 cities, including at least two with populations of less than 100,000, and in fiscal years 1977 and 1978, grants will be made to between five and ten cities, of which at least one each year must be a city with a population of less than 100,000. Directs the Secretary to prepare guidelines and regulations setting forth the details of the program's administration. Authorizes the Secretary, under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970, to make mortgage insurance available to facilitate the refinancing of mortgages covering housing located in neighborhood preservation areas.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Exempts, under the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the Federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels. Exempts such organization from the tax on communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1975
Directs the National Commission on the observance of International Women's Year to organize and convene a National Women's Conference. States that the Conference shall: (1) recognize the contributions of women in the development of our country; (2) assess the progress that has been made to date by both the private and public sectors in promoting equality between men and women in all aspects of life in the United States; (3) assess the role of women in economic, social, cultural, and political development; (4) assess the participation of women in efforts aimed at the development of friendly relations and cooperation among nations and to the strengthening of world peace; and (5) identify the barriers that prevent women from participating fully and equally in all aspects of national life, and develop recommendations for means by which such barriers can be removed. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. Requires regional meetings in preparation for the conference to be held in every State. Directs the Commission to prepare and submit to the President and to each House of Congress a report containing a detailed statement of its findings and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations of up to $10,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Marine Fisheries Conservation Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress: (1) that stocks of fish which United States fishermen depend on have been the target of concentrated foreign fishing which has increased dramatically during the past decade; (2) that certain species are depleted to the point where survival of the fisheries is threatened; (3) that foreign fishing fleets in United States waters have interfered extensively with the efforts of United States fishermen; and (4) that international agreements have not been effective in halting the depletion of valuable coastal and anadromous species caused by overfishing. States that it is the purpose of this Act to conserve and manage the fisheries resources off the United States coasts and the anadromous fisheries resources of the United States in the high seas by establishing an exclusive fisheries conservation and management zone in the area extending 200 nautical miles seaward of the United States within which the United States will assume management responsibility and authority, and by declaring such responsibility and authority on the high seas beyond such zone with respect to anadromous species. Defines terms used in this Act. Applies the term "anadromous species" to those species of fish which spawn in fresh or estuarine waters of the United States and which migrate to ocean waters. Title I: Establishment of United States Fisheries Conservation and Management Zone Extending to the 200-Mile Limit - Establishes a fisheries conservation and management zone contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States having as a seaward boundary a line drawn so that each point on the line is 200 miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. States that the United States will exercise the same exclusive rights in respect to fisheries in the zone as it has in its territorial sea. Title II: International Fisheries Agreements - Prohibits foreign fishing vessels from fishing within the fishery zone, or from fishing seaward of the zone for anadromous species covered by a management plan developed pursuant to this Act, unless each such vessel has a permit issued by the Secretary of Commerce. Sets forth the procedures by which foreign vessels may apply for permits. States the conditions under which the Secretary will grant tentative approval of such an application and sets forth considerations which may require a statement of conditions and restrictions on such a tentative permit. States that the Secretary shall approve an application for fishing by foreign vessels for a species with respect to which a fishery management plan is being developed pursuant to this Act only if the Secretary determines that such species is not depleted. Provides for Congressional review of applications for permits. Declares that if neither house of Congress objects to such application, the Secretary of State shall transmit to the nation concerned a statement of the conditions and restrictions determined by the Secretary of Commerce to apply. Provides for the suspension or revocation of permits and for the issuance of warnings to permit-holders quilty of minor infractions of regulations. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to extend to foreign vessels the right or privilege to engage in fishing for any Continental Shelf Species. Declares that no international fisheries agreement pertaining to fishing in waters defined in this Act or pertaining to species of fish under the management or conservation authority of the United States pursuant to this Act shall be extended or renewed except pursuant to this Act. Requires that, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall commence negotiations with each foreign nation, off of whose coast United States vessels are engaged in fishing for specific stocks of fish, for the purpose of entering into an international fishery agreement under which such foreign nation will grant to United States vessels equitable access, consistent with reasonable management and conservation practices, to such fish stocks within 200 nautical miles off the coast of such nation. Directs the Secretary of State, upon determining that: (1) any foreign nation is refusing to commence negotiations, or fails to negotiate in good faith, with the United States in order to preserve United States foreign fishing rights; or (2) although an international fishery agreement is in force and effect, a foreign nation is not complying with its obligations under the agreement, to certify that determination to the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in such case, to take action to prohibit the importation into the customs territory of the United States of any seafood product of the foreign nation. Directs that the same action be taken against foreign nations which seize any United States fishing vessel. Directs the Secretary of State, upon the request of, and in cooperation with, the Secretary of Commerce, to initiate and conduct negotiations with any foreign nation participating in a fishery for any highly migratory species for the purpose of entering into international fisheries agreements that would establish an appropriate international fisheries organization having authority to manage and conserve such highly migratory species. Requires the approval of both houses of Congress of all proposed international fishery agreements, other than agreements which are treaties, before such agreements may enter into force and effect. Sets forth the procedures for disapproving such proposed agreements. Title III: Management of the Fisheries - States that the fisheries management responsibility and authority of the United States extends to: (1) any coastal species within the fisheries zone; (2) any anadromous species wherever found throughtout the range of such species in the high seas; and (3) any Continental Shelf species. Declares that no one country exercises management responsibility and authority to any highly migratory species, and that such species shall be managed pursuant to international fishery agreements. Sets forth standards for the management of fisheries pursuant to this Act. States that management and conservation measures shall be designed to achieve the optimum sustainable yield of a stock of fish on a continuing basis. Declares that such measures shall not discriminate between residents of different States. Establishes seven regional marine fisheries councils to be known as the New England Marine Fisheries Council, the Mid-Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council, the Southern Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council, the Gulf Marine Fisheries Council, the Pacific Marine Fisheries Council, the Alaska Marine Fisheries Council, and the Western Pacific Marine Fisheries Council. Sets forth the composition of each Council. Describes the term of membership of each member, and provides for the reimbursement of members for travel expenses and in return for their services. States that the functions of the Councils are: (1) to solicit, by means of public hearings to the extent practicable, and evaluate on a continuing basis comments and recommendations from all interested persons in the geographical area concerned with respect to the administration and implementation of the provisions of this Act; (2) to develop fishery management plans for adoption by the Secretary, and take such other actions with respect to fishery management plans as may be required; and (3) to submit to the Secretary, within 30 days after the close of each calendar quarter, a report setting forth the results of the Council's activities under this Act during such quarter. Sets forth the procedure for the development by the Councils' of fishery management plans for coastal, anadromous, and Continental Shelf species. States that such plans shall contain the necessary conservation measures for the species or fishery concerned, and shall specify and conditions or limitations on fishing which the Council believes should be implemented. Permits each such plan: (1) to designate zones where and periods when fishing shall be limited; (2) to recognize present and historical use of the fishery in establishing limitations on the access to the fishery; (3) to establish limitations on the catch; (4) to prohibit, limit, or specify types of fishing gear which may be used; (5) to specify licensing requirements; and (6) to report pertinent statistics to the Secretary with respect to type of fishing gear used, size of catch, and other factors. Directs the Secretary to review each such plan submitted to him and to recommend such changes as he believes to be necessary. Provides for the review of proposed fishery management plans by the public. Requires that public hearings be held on objections to any plan before final revision of a plan. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate emergency fishery management plans within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. States that such plans may be issued with respect to species which are depleted, in imminent danger of becoming depleted, or under intensive and unregulated use. Stipulates that such plans may remain in effect for 180 days. Provides for the assertion of Federal jurisdiction over species of fish which move in waters under State jurisdiction when such action is necessary to insure the effectiveness of a management plan. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per day for specified violations of provisions of this Act. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) refusing to permit the inspection of a fishing vessel by authorized Federal representatives; or (2) forcibly interfering with any authorized representative in the inspection of a vessel. Provides for a fine of up to $50,000 except that such fine may be doubled and a prison term of up to ten years may be imposed for the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon in refusing or interfering with an inspection. Provides for the forfeiture of the catch, vessel, or fishing gear of any vessel which violates specified provisions of this Act. States that this Act shall be enforced by the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is Operating. Title IV: Amendments to Other Laws Relating to the Fisheries and Miscellaneous Provisions - Revises the Fishermen's Protective Act to direct the Secretary of State to assist any United States vessels seized by a foreign country while engaged in fishing on the high seas for a specific stock of fish, when United States vessels have previously fished for such stock in the same area, and when the United States recognizes the rights or claims to fisheries conservation and management jurisdiction in such area by the seizing country. Revises specified other acts pertaining to fisheries as necessary to accomodate the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Japan-United States Friendship Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide for the use of money paid to the United States in compensation for post-World War II assistance to Japan and of part of the sums to be paid by Japan to the United States in connection with the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese administration in order to enhance the understanding and support of the close friendship and mutuality of interest between our two nations. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Japan-United States Friendship Trust Fund. Requires amounts in the fund to be used for the promotion of scholarly, cultural, and artistic activities between Japan and the United States. Provides that amounts in the fund may also be used to pay administrative expenses of the Japan-United States Friendship Commission. Establishes such Commission and authorizes it to develop and carry out programs for the promotion of scholarly, cultural and artistic activities by Japan and the United States, and to make grants to carry out such programs. Makes administrative provisions to enable the Commission to carry out its functions under this Act. States that the Japan-U.S. Friendship Trust Fund shall consist of: (1) 5 percent of the funds paid to the United States pursuant to the agreement between Japan and the United States concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands; (2) any other amounts received by the fund by way of gifts and donations; and (3) interest and proceeds credited to it from portions of the fund invested by the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides that such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefits checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Prohibits discrimination based on sex or marital status with respect to the sale or rental of housing under the Civil Rights Act and the National Housing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Requires that States having agreements entered into under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program of the Social Security Act continue to make social security payments and reports on a calendar-quarter basis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Tax Credits and Allowances Act - Title I: Personal Credits Allowances for Basic Living Expenses, and other Tax Provisions - Repeals the personal exemption and provides, in lieu thereof, a credit against tax equal to the personal credits granted by this title. Provides a $225 credit for the taxpayer, and additional credits of $225 each for the taxpayer's spouse and each dependent. Authorizes prepayment of estimated personal credits to recipients of allowances for basic living expenses. Repeals the low income allowance. Provides for a standard employment expense deduction of: (1) 10 percent (but not to exceed $500) of the earned income received by the lesser compensated spouse; and (2) 10 percent (but not to exceed $1,000) of the earned income of the head of a household. Provides an allowance for basic living expenses. Specifies the requirements to be met for eligibility for receipt of such allowance, and sets forth the maximum amounts of such allowance. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations for the administration of this Act. Defines the terms used in the Act. Provides special rules with respect to the filing status of individuals under this Act. Provides for the coordination of allowances and credits authorized by this Act with those authorized under the educational opportunity grant program of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. States that gross income does not include, for the purposes of this title, amounts received by recipients as allowances for basic living expenses. Title II: Public Assistance and Welfare Reform - Requires State supplementation of income to families receiving aid for dependent children in the amount that the income of such families is reduced by the provisions of this Act. Provides that supplementary payments made by States under this title shall be made for a maximum period of 24 months. Changes the eligibility requirements for benefits under the supplemental security income programs of aid to aged, blind, or disabled individuals to prevent reduction of benefits recieved by such individuals by virtue of the provisions of this Act. States that until such time as a comprehensive program of services for families and children is developed and placed into effect, the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare shall provide a transitional program of specified services to such families. States that the Secretary shall develop a comprehensive program of such services within one year of the effective date of this title. Authorizes optional state supplementation of social security income benefits to ameliorate the effects of the provisions of this Act on families with disabled children. Title III: Miscellaneous and General Provisions - Provides that the total amount of State supplementation payments made under this Act may be used as an allowance offset for purposes of income taxation where the application of the provisions of this Act results in a net reduction of its basic living expense allowance or its supplemental security income benefit. Prohibits Federal assistance to child-care facilities imposing income-related fees. Makes technical and conforming amendments in other specified laws. Repeals the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Provides that obligations of the United States shall be subject to garnishment and similar proceedings to meet court-ordered alimony, child-support, and rent obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Declares that a greater unity of the Atlantic Community would strengthen the common defense, assure more adequate energy resources and improve commerce. Establishes an eighteen-member delegation authorized to organize and participate in a convention attended by delegations from North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies. States that the convention shall explore the possibility of agreement on the means to transform the relationship of such nations into a more effective unity based on federal principles. Provides for appointment of delegates to the convention. Allows the delegation to maintain a staff. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Animal Welfare Act Amendments - Provides, under the Federal Laboratory Animal Welfare Act, that no animals shall be delivered to any intermediate handler or common carrier for transportation in commerce unless the animals are accompanied by a veterinarian's certificate certifying that the animals are sound and healthy. States that specified animals shall not be delivered for transportation if they are less than eight weeks of age. Provides that no intermediate handler or common carrier shall participate in any practice under which the cost of such animal or its transportation is to be paid and collected upon delivery of the animal to the consignee. Imposes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Makes it unlawful to transport in interstate or foreign commerce any live dog or animal trained to participate in dog or animal fighting ventures.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Indochina Refugee Children Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State educational agencies for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for educational programs, services, and activities for Indochinese refugee children in the schools of the local educational agencies of that State. States the form of and required information to be contained in an application by a State educational agency for assistance under this Act. Provides that the amount of the grant for each fiscal year to which a State educational agency is entitled under this Act shall be $300 for each Indochinese refugee child in that State. Authorizes to be appropriated to make the grants authorized by this Act $57,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $14,500,000 for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, and $29,000,000 for fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Provides that the Commodity Credit Corporation shall be the seller or marketing agent for all export sales of specified raw agricultural commodities. Authorizes the Corporation to acquire commodities on the domestic market to meet the objectives of this Act. Allows the Corporation to act upon the request of a producer or any other person as an exclusive marketing agent. States that the owner of the commodity may stipulate the minimum price below which the commodity can not be sold. Requires that a record of all terms and conditions of each export scale be made available for public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should withdraw from the International Labor Organization at the end of two years from the passage of this resolution unless such organization corrects its actions of a primarily political character and focuses its activities on the purposes outlined in its charter.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Stipulates that Members of Congress may not, for purposes of State income tax laws, be treated as residents of any State other than the State from which they were elected. (Amends 4 U.S.C 113)
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Truth in Government Act - Expressly makes Federal employees and elected officials criminally liable for knowingly and willfully making false statements in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Exempts from the estate tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation operated continually by the decedent for at least five years prior to his death and which passes to a relative on his death. Provides for revocation of such exemption in the event that the successor transfers his interest or stops residing on the farm within five years of the death of his transferor. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that farmland, woodland, or open land which comprises part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, as such rather than at its fair market value. Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower evaluation and recapture of unpaid taxes with interest upon the conversion, rezoning, or removal of such land from the National Register of Historic Places.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses unless such articles is injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
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 · 9 July 1975
Equal Opportunity for Displaced Homemakers Act - Requires the Director of the Community Services Administration to establish a multipurpose service program for displaced homemakers, including: (1) job counseling and training services; (2) health education and counseling services; (3) financial management services; (4) educational services; and (5) outreach and information services with respect to Federal employment, education, health, and unemployment assistance programs. Defines a "displaced homemaker" as an individual who: (1) has worked in the home, providing unpaid household services for family members; (2) is not gainfully employed; (3) has had, or would have, difficulty in securing employment; and (4) has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by such income, or has been dependent on Federal assistance but is no longer eligible for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Fisheries Management Act - Extends the contiguous fishery zone of the United States to include an area within a boundary line drawn so that every point on the line is two hundred miles from the nearest point on the United States coast. Prohibits vessels, other than United States vessels, from fishing within the coastal waters of the United States. Defines the term "coastal waters" as waters contiguous to the United States coast having a seaward boundary line of which every point is fifteen nautical miles from the nearest point on the United States coast. Authorizes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to authorize foreign fishing within the two hundred mile fishery zone upon his determination that such fishing will not have an adverse effect on the United States fishing industry. Provides for licensing of foreign fishing vessels by the Administrator when such determination has been made. Enumerates certain actions prohibited by this Act, including: (1) the transportation and sale of fish taken in violation of this Act; and (2) the refusal to permit the inspection of a catch, fishing equipment, and other materials and records by a representative of the United States. Sets forth penalties for the violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
United States Grain Standards Act Amendments - Requires, under the United States Grain Standards Act, that inspections made under such Act be made by Federal employees. Increases the criminal penalties for violations of such Act from a fine of $3,000 and six months imprisonment to $5,000 and one year for a misdemeanor and from $6,000 and two years imprisonment to $10,000 and four years for a felony.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Farm Tax Equity Act - Limits, under the Internal Revenue Code, deductions with respect to a taxpayer engaged in the business of farming to: (1) the gross income of the business for the taxable year; and (2) in the case of an individual or a bona fide family farm corporation, the higher of $10,000 or the amount of special deductions allowed by this Act, or for any other taxpayer, the amount of special deductions. Prohibits the application of such deductions when the taxpayer uses specified accounting methods. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Removes the numerical limitation on Allen J. Ellender Fellowships to disadvantaged secondary school students. Authorizes $750,000 each for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and $1,000,000 each for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Prohibits any instrumentality of the Government of the United States from requiring any declaration of the present or former marital status of any person, or the prefixing to the name of any person of any title which has the effect of indicating such status. Declares that the provisions of this Act do not apply to the extent that such determination is essential to the execution of the law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to local educational agencies or to the States to assist in the cost of providing education and occupational training and retraining to Cambodian and Vietnamese children and adults who are refugees as defined in the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978 for such grants.
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 · 19 June 1975
Requires, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, a permit from the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, for the discharge of dredged or fill material into channels of navigable waters at sewage disposal sites.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of the Interior should not grant new offshore oil leases affecting the United States coastal zones until Congress has completed action on legislation amending the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and each State affected by such leases has developed a management program for the land and water resources of its coastal zone.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 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 · 11 June 1975
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review specified lands comprising approximately 28,000 acres in the Sierra National Forest, California, for possible inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Prohibits contractors having contracts with any branch of the Armed Forces, under the Service Contract Act of 1965, from replacing employees participating in a strike.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ryan, Leo J. [D-CA-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000558_200.jpg)