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United States · Official source
622 records where Rep. Sarasin, Ronald A. [R-CT-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for donations of blood to charitable organizations in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. Limits the aggregate amount of donations which shall be deductible to $125 in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Authorizes the President to designate the second full calendar week in March of 1976 as "National Employ the Older Worker Week."
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Government in the Sunshine Act - States that this Act applies to the Federal Election Commission and to any agency where the collegial body comprising the agency consists of two or more individual members, at least a majority of whom are appointed to such position by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that all meetings of such collegial body, or of a subdivision thereof authorized to take action on behalf of the agency, shall be open to the public. Requires such agency to make public announcement, at least one week before the meeting, of the date, place, and subject matter of the meeting, whether open or closed to the public, and the name and phone number of the official designated by the agency to respond to requests for information about the meeting. Exempts meetings when publicity would result in disclosure of matters: (1) necessary to keep secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy; (2) not warranting an invasion of personal privacy; (3) constituting trade secrets; and (4) other matters the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest. States that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this Act by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or other relief as may be appropriate. Prohibits the making of an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding by an interested person outside the agency to anyone involved in the decisional process of the proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to give the President the power to appoint six members of the eight-member Federal Election Commission by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appoints the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Terminates the terms of the present members once the new members are appointed and confirmed pursuant to this Act. Declares the sense of the Congress that appointments authorized by this Act should be made as soon as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Provides for the disposal under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 of surplus real property at not less than 25 percent of fair market value to States and their political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities for economic development purposes where such areas meet special needs arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment arising from the closing of Federal facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the seven-day period commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week," to recognize the National Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and its social, cultural, and service programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Allows an eligible veteran who is pursuing a program of education at the close of the ten-year delimiting period to continue to receive educational assistance until he completes such program, or until he ceases to pursue such program, whichever first occurs. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662(a))
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Establishes an 11 member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment: (1) on farms; (2) in zoos; (3) in laboratory experimentation; and (4) in other situations. Excludes the study or treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the President within two years after its last member is appointed. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriaions of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide that members of the Federal Election Commission shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Sets forth the findings of Congress with respect to the United States contribution to the United Nations. Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to limit the contribution of the United States to the United Nations to one-sixth of the total assessment of the United Nations for that year. Excludes the International Atomic Energy Agency and the joint financing program from limitation under this Act. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President direct the Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations to assure that, in apportioning its assessment to member states, the United Nations will consider the financial resources of the oil-producing nations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Prohibits the settlement of any debt owed to the United States by any foreign country in an amount less than full value of such debt unless the Congress by concurrent resolution approves such settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Revises the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to provide that any developmentally disabled child receiving services under the foster grandparent program may continue to receive such services as an adult if the continuation of such aid mutually benefits such individual and the volunteer. Authorizes the expenditure of Federal funds for such services only if the child is being fully served in accordance with the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1976
Designates January 22 of each year (the anniversary of the proclamation which declared Ukraine to be a free and independent republic) as Urkrainian Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Establishes, under the Congressional Budget Act, a zero-base budgeting process. States that such process shall consist of requiring each Congressional committee responsible for reporting legislation authorizing appropriations for any Federal program to conduct a comprehensive review and study of such program at least once every six years as though it were being proposed to be enacted for the first time. Provides that such comprehensive reviews shall include consideration of (1) alternative funding levels, (2) probable costs and benefits, (3) whether the original program objectives are still relevant, (4) the impact of the program on the functions and freedom of the private sector of the economy, and (5) the feasibility of alternative programs. Authorizes the Committees on the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate to establish guidelines and standards for the conduct by the various committees of the House and Senate of their zero-based budgeting functions. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Congressional Budgeting Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
National Commission on Victimless Crimes Act - Establishes the National Commission on Victimless Crimes. Sets forth the duties of the Commission. States that the Commission shall make an inquiry into the effect of Federal, State, and local laws with respect to victimless crimes on law enforcement, court and correctional systems, and private citizens. Directs the Commission to conduct a survey of Federal, State, and local laws with respect to victimless crimes and the enforcement of such laws (including the financial cost of enforcement) and to consider the following: (1) whether such laws should be amended or repealed; (2) the manner in which such laws should be enforced; (3) whether some problems covered by such laws may better be dealt with outside of the criminal justice system; and (4) whether some problems covered by such laws may better be dealt with through an administrative regulatory apparatus. States that the Commission shall be composed of 15 members who shall be appointed by the President. States that the membership shall include at least one representative from each of the following categories: law enforcement officials, State judges, State prosecutors, defense attorneys (including public defenders), corrections officials, State legislators, Members of Congress, an official of the United States Department of Justice, and members of relevant citizen groups. Sets forth the powers of the Commission, including the power to conduct hearings and to obtain official data from any United States government department or agency. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the President and to Congress within 18 months after all members have been appointed. States that the Commission shall cease to exist 15 days after submission of the report.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the first Saturday after the first Tuesday in January as "National Ski Week".
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Extends appropriations authorized under the Library Services and Construction Act until September 30, 1981. Authorizes, for the purpose of making grants to States for library services, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $130,000,000 for fiscal year ending 1979 and such sums as may be necessary for the fiscal years 1980, and 1981. Provides that for the purpose of making grants to States for public library construction there shall be authorized an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the period beginning July 1, ending September 30, 1976, and for fiscal years 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981. 30, 1981. States that for the purpose of making grants to States to enable them to carry out interlibrary cooperation programs there shall be authorized an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1980, and 1981. Authorizes, for the same time periods such appropriations as may be necessary to enable the States to carry out public library service programs for older persons. Provides that administrative costs in connection with any program or activity carried out by any State under this Act shall be matched by such State from funds other than Federal funds.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
States that it is the policy of the United States to rely upon private commercial sources for goods and services required to meet Government needs, unless: (1) such reliance would demonstrably disrupt or significantly delay an urgent agency program; or (2) in-house performance is mandatory for national security; or (3) the product or service is not and cannot be made available from the private sector and is available from a Federal source.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires that the United States Government prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
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 · 15 December 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Requires the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Directs the Attorney General of the United States to investigate the city of New York to determine whether any violation of any law of the United States has helped in bringing about the City's possible default. Requires the Attorney General to submit an interim and final report outlining his findings and his actions as a result of such investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Extends under the Rehabilitation Act, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) vocational rehabilitation services; (2) research and training; (3) grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities; (4) vocational training services for handicapped individuals; (5) special projects and demonstrations; (6) the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults; (7) program and project evaluation; (8) secretarial responsibilities; and (9) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Recognizes the right to a nutritionally adequate diet as a cornerstone of United States policy in areas such as trade, assistance, monetary reform and military spending. Seeks to improve food assistance programs in the United States. Calls for an increase in this nation's assistance for self-help development among the worlds' poorest people. Sets a target of one percent of our total national production to be spent for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Directs and authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to provide for a Veterans' Administration out-patient clinic in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary sums to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Provides for the recognition of representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3402(a)(1))
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Food Stamp Reform Act - Eliminates the requirement, under the Food Stamp Act, that individuals receiving supplemental security income benefits under title XVI (grantss to States for the Aged, Blind or Disabled) of the Social Security Act shall not be considered eligible for food stamps if the supplemental income payments include the bonus value of food stamps. States that households in which a member is eligible to participate in the nutrition program for the elderly under the Older Americans Act, or is authorized to use coupons for meals on wheels, shall not be required to have cooking facilities. Modifies the eligibility standards for students. Lowers the work registration age limit for eligibility purposes from 65 to 60. States that the actual value of employer-provided housing (up to $25 per month) shall be taken into account for eligibility purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in computing eligibility, to allow a standard deduction of $125 plus $25 for each elderly person, after deductions for disaster or casualty losses, taxes, and other mandatory deductions. Eliminates the purchase price requirement and establishes an income formula for determining eligibility. Requires the Secretary to carry out a nutrition education program for recipients, including distribution of printed materials designed to teach recipients how to buy and prepare nutritious and economical meals. States that wrongfully denied food coupons shall be restored through a lump sum cash payment. Requires bilingual assistance to be made available in areas where numerous potentially eligible persons speak a language other than English. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey and report to Congress on the average and distribution of assets held by participants in the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out pilot experiments for purposes of increasing the program's efficiency and improving the delivery of benefits to eligible households.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Provides for the recognition of representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3402(a)(1))
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Food Industry Antitrust Reports Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to submit to the appropriate House and Senate committees a report on actions with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws in the various sectors of the food industry. Requires that such report be made not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and yearly thereafter. Provides that no later than five years after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the market structure and state of competition in the food industries. Requires the Commission and the Department of Justice to provide to the Congress an analysis of the adequacy of available data on which any study is based. Authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of $1,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Establishes the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to monitor the acts of the signatories which reflect compliance with the articles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of 11 members to be appointed as specified in this Act. Gives the Commission the power to subpena witnesses and records as necessary to carry out the responsibilities imposed by this Act. Requires the Commission to make reports to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Drug Pushers Elimination Act - Title I : Increased Penalties - Increases, under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, the penalties for the manufacture or distribution of a controlled narcotic drug to : (1) not less than 5 years, nor more than 25 years, imprisonment, and a fine of up to $50,000; (2) not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $100,000 if a person had a previous felony conviction relating to controlled substances; (3) not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 if the crime was committed while such person was on release from a charge of violating this Act. Excepts addicted persons from the minimum term of imprisonment in all three categories of this Act. Provides that a conspiracy to commit any offense of this Act shall be punished as prescribed for the commission of the offense. Title II: Conditions of Release - Adds, for the judicial officer's consideration in setting conditions of release, the element of whether the person poses a danger to the safety of other persons, himself, the community, and the property of others. Sets forth procedures to govern the pretrial and posttrial release of persons charged with offenses involving specified narcotic drugs. Title III: Miscellaneous - Adds to the list of property which is subject to forfeiture all moneys used, or intended for use, in manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or acquiring any controlled substances.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should, upon visiting the People's Republic of China, request that the Chinese officials use their good offices to obtain an accounting of members of the United States Armed Forces missing in action and confined as prisoners of war in Southeast Asia and of all American civilian personnel who are listed as missing in Southeast Asia. Requests that upon his return to the United States, the President should report back to the Congress on the results of his request.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 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 · 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
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided thereunder to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, to enter into agreements for purposes of repairing the Poughkeepsie Bridge, New York, to a satisfactory condition for use by rail traffic.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - States that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System; to organize an Administration of the Department of Transportation to acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, modernize, and to restructure the rail lines included within such System; to transfer to the States responsibility for maintenance of rail lines not included within such System; to require minimum standards of maintenance for rail lines; to establish rights of access by rail carriers to rail lines they do not own; and to provide Federal funding to the Administration and to States for rehabilitation of rail lines. Defines terms used in the Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Secretary of Transportation with specified data describing the current condition of the railroad, and with a verified statement identifying all railroad lines of the carrier. Designates the Initial Interstate Railroad System, and rail lines which shall be excluded from such system. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold hearings and recommend additions to and deletions from such system. Requires the Secretary, after giving full consideration to such recommendations, to prepare and release a concise descriptive study of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad System, including future maintenance standards of each rail line in the system. States that after hearings and recommendations by the Office, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress a final Interstate Railroad System Plan designed to promote and enhance the ability of rail carriers to provide modern, efficient, and economical interstate rail freight and passenger service responsive to present and future needs and demands. Requires the Secretary to determine and publish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the resporation of all rail lines in the system to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that rail properties acquired by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation shall be part of the final system. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration to revise the future maintenance standards so long as such revision reflects changes in the anticipated use of the individual lines. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Federal Rail Property Administration. Grants the Administration power to acquire rail lines and property and to enter into leases with a railroad company which deeds rail lines to the Administration. Sets forth conditions governing such leases. Permits railroads to offer to transfer all facilities which are included in the System to the Administration, whereupon the Administration shall enter into a lease and accept title to the facilities so offered. Requires the Secretary to develop programs of rehabilitation and capital improvements for rail properties owned by the Administration. States that such programs shall be incorporated into and be made terms of the lease of such property. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and to Congress on the extent and condition of all properties owned by the Administration, and on the condition of all other rail properties in the Nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations for each year beginning with the year in which this Act is enacted and continuing for a period of ten years such sums as are necessary for (1) rehabilitation of lines as required under this Act, and (2) to provide the materials used in maintenance as required under this Act. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Authorizes additional sums of money for reports, expenses, and maintenance materials. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Permits abandonment of rail service on properties not designated part of the final system. Sets forth conditions governing discontinuation of service. Title VI: Labor Contracts - States that all contracts between rail carries and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full force, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Title VII: Northeast Corridor - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to operate high speed rail passenger service in the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations for improvement of the Northeast Corridor.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1975
Provides that individuals attending or teaching at vocational schools shall be eligible to serve as congressional interns in the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Natural Gas Supply Act - Title I: States that it is the purpose of this Act to authorize the President or his delegate, the Federal Power Commission, and the Federal Energy Administration to deal with existing and imminent shortages and dislocations of natural gas in the national distribution system which jeopardize the public health, safety, and welfare; to provide protection of natural gas service to customers who use natural gas for high priority end uses during periods of curtailed deliveries by natural gas companies; and to assure increased supplies of natural gas at reasonable prices. Title II: - Interstate Pipeline Emergency Natural Gas Purchases Act - Grants the Federal Power Commission authority to allow interstate pipeline companies with insufficient natural gas for their high priority consumers of natural gas to acquire natural gas from intrastate sources and other interstate pipeline companies on an emergency basis free from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act. Title III: - Curtailed Consumers Emergency Natural Gas Purchasers Act - Allows curtailed high priority consumers of natural gas to purchase natural gas from the intrastate market by enabling them to arrange for the transportation of such gas by regulated interstate pipeline companies. Title IV: Emergency Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act Amendments - Provides authority to the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit the use of natural gas when petroleum products or coal can be substituted by powerplants and major fuel burning installations. Title V: - Propane Standby Allocation Act - Provides standby authority for the President to allocate propane during periods of actual or threatened severe shortages of natural gas. Title VI: - States that termination of the authorities granted under this Act shall not affect any action or pending proceedings, civil or criminal, not finally determined on such date, nor any action or proceeding based upon any act committed prior to such date. Title VII: - States that the Commission shall have no power to disallow, in whole or in part, in the rates and charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas company the amounts paid for new natural gas, except that in any case where a natural gas company purchases natural gas from an affiliate or produces natural gas from its own properties, the Commission may disallow any portion of the cost thereof in the rate or charge made by such company which is in excess of current prices paid to nonaffiliates for comparable sales of new natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Title I: Oil Pricing Act - Extends the authority of the President to promulgate regulations providing for the mandatory allocation of crude oil, residual fuel oil and refined petroleum products until January 31, 1979. Requires such regulations to provide for a primary ceiling price for controlled old crude oil not to exceed the ceiling price for controlled old crude oil pursuant to the regulation in effect on August 31, 1975, and for a secondary ceiling price for all crude oil other than controlled old crude oil. States that if the President finds at any time after November 1, 1975, that there is no shortage of a particular oil or product, and that exempting such product from regulation will not have an adverse effect on the supply of any other oil or refined petroleum products, he may exempt such item from regulations pertaining to either allocation of amounts or specifications of price. Title II: Oil Deregulation Tax Act - Imposes an excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code on the deregulation profits from taxable domestic crude oil removed from the premises during each taxable period, in an amount equal to 90 percent of the deregulation profit from each taxable barrel of crude oil removed. Allows a tax credit for persons subject to such tax in an amount equal to the lower of 50 percent of the amount of tax imposed for such taxable period or such person's plowback investment for such taxable period. Requires the purchaser of domestic crude oil to furnish to the person liable for such tax a monthly statement showing specified information, including: (1) the amount of domestic crude oil purchased from such person during such month, and (2) the amount of taxable domestic crude oil purchased from such person during such month. Establishes criminal penalties for willful failure to furnish required information regarding the deregulation profits tax on domestic crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Provides under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individual's earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute, upon request and without cost, seeds for use in home gardens to produce food for the personal consumption of the household. Limits the duration of the program to three years. Authorizes $6,000,000 per year 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 · 25 September 1975
Provides for a sentence of not less than five nor more than fifteen years for the commission of a felony with a firearm in addition to the sentence imposed for the commission of the felony. Provides for an additional sentence of from ten to thirty years for the commission of any subsequent felony with a firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1975
Extends until July 1, 1976, the authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, and the Comptroller of the Currency for the regulation of interest rates on deposits and share accounts in depository institutions and accounts in depository institutions and provides for the maintenance of the existing interest rate differential between depository institutions with respect to individual retirement accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should bring the issue of the incorporation of the Baltic States into the Soviet Union before the United Nations. Calls upon the Secretary of State to bring the matter of the Baltic States to the attention of all nations through such channels as the United States Information Agency. States that the United States shall not agree to the recognition of the Soviet annexation of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia by any international conference. Provides that the President should require that all government map publishers show Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia as independent states. Calls for the return of self-determination to such nations.