United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Provides that counseling offered by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to veterans eligible for educational assistance may include assisting any veteran: (1) to select the occupation or training objective suitable to him in terms of his personal circumstances, characteristics, financial resources, dependent responsibilities and other relevant factors; (2) to select the occupation or training objective which will provide him, after he has developed the required job skills, with reasonable opportunities for employment and with job satisfaction; (3) to select the educational institution that will effectively assist him in attaining his educational or vocational objective; and (4) to develop a program of education that will lead to a recognized and predetermined educational, vocational, technical or professional objective within the veteran's period of entitlement. Authorizes specified veterans pursuing full-time programs of institutional training to apply to have their monthly educational assistance allowance accelerated. Stipulates required information to be included in such application. Sets forth criteria to be met in the application for approval of nonaccredited courses for purposes of educational assistance. (Amends 38 U.S.C 1663, 1682, 1776)
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Establishes a forty-five month period maximum for educational assistance in programs administered by the Veterans' Administration for veterans who have served on active duty for eighteen months or more since January 31, 1955.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Energy Industry Deconcentration Act - Prohibits any corporation or association from: (1) controlling deposits of more than one type of energy-producing mineral, after December 31, 1979 and (2) engaging engaging in more than one aspect of the petroleum and natural gas industry after December 31, 1979. Requires corporations or associations which would be in violation of this Act except for the effective date to submit plans for compliance to the Federal Trade Commission before January 1, 1978. Prohibits any individual from serving as a director of more than one company engaged in every resource production, refining, transportation, or marketing.
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
Provides for the Federal payment of State unemployment compensation benefits which are attributable to services performed by employees of State or local governments. Provides that the Federal share of any unemployment compensation benefits paid by the State shall be 100 percent of any regular compensation which is not sharable and 50 percent of that which is sharable. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Provides for payment of a supplemental tuition allowance to each qualified veteran upon application to the Administrator of the Veterans Administration. Stipulates that no veteran may receive a supplemental tuition allowance in excess of $1,100 for any ordinary school year. Requires assurances from the institution that the tuition charged the veteran is equivalent to nonveteran students and that all fees are included in an itemization to be presented to the Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator to adjust the amount of supplemental tuition according to changes in the estimation of the national tuition average. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1682(d))
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
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 · 30 July 1975
Directs the Architect of the Capital to conduct a study of the feasibility of using solar energy in connection with the heating, cooling, hot water, and electrical systems of the Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn House Office Buildings. Requires that such study consider the conversion and operating costs of such a system. Authorizes the Architect to enter into contracts necessary to carry out the study. Limits expenditures of the Architect under this resolution to $50,000 to be paid from the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Requires the Attorney General of the United States to conduct an investigation to determine whether antitrust violations are occurring in the manufacture or marketing of replacement home canning lids. Directs the Attorney General to submit a report to the Congress no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this joint resolution detailing his findings, proposed action and recommendations concerning legislation. Calls for a final report no later than one year after enactment of this joint resolution detailing actions taken by the Attorney General against any person violating the antitrust acts in regard to the manufacture or marketing of such lids.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that energy conservation practices adopted for the design, construction, and utilization of these facilities will have a beneficial effect on the Nation's overall supply of energy, and the procurement of solar heating and cooling units for use in Federal buildings in connection with demonstrations of solar energy applications on such buildings under this Act should help to create a market for such units generally. States that it is the policy of this Act to insure that energy conservation and solar energy technology be employed in the design and construction of certain Federal facilities as set forth in this Act, and, to the maximum extent feasible, in the design and construction of all other Federal and federally-assisted facilities. Defines terms used in this Act, including the terms "energy use analysis," and "life cycle energy costs". Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of Defense to, in consultation with each other, develop, publish, and from time to time update guidelines designed to assure that the most effective and efficient measures for the conservation of energy and the use of solar energy systems are incorporated in: (1) the design, construction, and renovation of Federal and federally assisted buildings; and (2) the procurement of goods and services for such buildings and for other Federal purposes. States that the guidelines developed by the Secretary and the Administrator shall be consistent with each other. Requires the guidelines developed by the Secretary to be applied to all new and existing buildings under his control. Requires the guidelines developed by the Administrator to be applied to all other new and existing buildings, as defined in this Act. Directs all other Federal agencies to comply with the requirements of the applicable guidelines. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator: (1) to submit to Congress an energy use analysis with respect to the construction, acquisition, or leasing of any new building to which guidelines apply; and (2) with respect to existing buildings, to submit an inventory and energy use analysis of all such buildings, setting forth detailed plans for incorporating required improvements. Directs each Federal agency to submit to the Administrator or Secretary a detailed life cycle energy costs analysis of any building to be constructed, acquired, or leased by it for its use. Prohibits the purchase of any major energy using, generating, or conserving equipment by a Federal agency without prior submission of life cycle energy cost analysis. Provides for an increase in the allowable dollar amount of Federal assistance for building construction or major rehabilitation to cover the cost of solar energy equipment or other special energy equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
States that the purpose of this Act is to provide a source of financial assistance for homeowners and builders to enable them to purchase and install solar heating equipment or combined solar heating and cooling equipment, primarily through the small business segment of the economy, while substantially reducing energy use. Authorizes the Small Business Administration, under the Small Business Act, to make loans to individuals and families owning and occupying one-to-four family residential structures to assist them in purchasing and installing qualified solar heating and cooling equipment. States that such loans may be made in an amount covering up to 75 percent of the cost of purchasing and installing the necessary equipment, and not exceeding amounts specified in this Act. Sets forth the terms and conditions governing the loans. Defines "qualified solar heating equipment" as meaning equipment which utilizes solar energy to provide heating for a residential structure and which is certified by the Administrator as meeting minimum specified standards, including a requirement that the equipment must be designed to meet more than 40 percent of the total heating needs of the types of structure for which it is intended. Directs the Administrator to disseminate full, complete and current information concerning recommended standards and types of qualified solar heating or solar heating and cooling equipment appropriate for use in residential structures of varying sizes and types and in various regions of the country. Establishes, under the Small Business Act, a solar heating and cooling loan fund for financing loans made pursuant to this Act. Sets a $600,000,000 limit on the total amount of loans, guarantees and other obligations entered into by the Administration which are outstanding at any one time for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 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 · 23 July 1975
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Stipulates that it is the policy of the Congress that Federal employees should be encouraged to fully exercise, to the extent not expressly prohibited by laws, their rights of voluntary participation in the political processes of our Nation. Defines the terms used in this Act. States that an employee may not use his official authority or influence for the purpose of: (1) interfering with the result of any election; (2) intimidating or commanding any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as such individual may choose; or (3) influencing the giving or withholding a political contribution. Prohibits specified forms of solicitation by Federal employees. Provides for leave without pay for Federal employees engaging in activities relating to seeking elective offices. Establishes a Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees. Directs the Board to hear and decide cases brought under this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate specified reports and allegations of activities prohibited by this Act. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to conduct a program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees as to prohibited political activities.
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 · 22 July 1975
Expresses congressional disapproval of sales to Jordan of the Hawk missile and Vulcan antiaircraft systems as proposed by the President on July 10, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 21 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 · 15 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the lands, waters and interests to forty-eight-mile segment of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Provides that such area be set aside to establish the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary to allow owners of land, within the recreation area, used for noncommercial residential or agricultural purposes to retain such land for a definite term not to exceed twenty-five years. Directs the Secretary of administer, protest, and develop the recreation area in accordance with the Atlanta Regional Commission Chattahoochee Corridor Study. Allows the Secretary to enter into written agreements with agencies of the State of Georgia for their participation in the administration and development of the recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Antitrust Parens Patriae Act - Authorizes any State attorney general to bring a civil action, in the name of the State, in the district courts of the United States charging unlawful monopoly practices under the Clayton Act. Provides that in such actions the State may recover: (1) threefold the damages and the cost of suit, as parens patriae on behalf of natural persons residing in the State injured by the antitrust violation litigated; or (2) single damages and the cost of suit, as parens patriae with respect to any injury to the general economy of the State or to any political subdivision of the State. Requires notice to be given by publication of actions brought under this Act. Provides for persons on whose behalf actions under this Act are brought to elect to exclude their claims from adjudication by the State attorney general as parens patriae. Provides for the measurement of damages and the distribution procedure to be followed in actions under this Act. Directs the United States Attorney General to give written notice to States' attorney generals in those instances of Federal actions under the Clayton Act where he has reason to believe that the State attorney general would be entitled to bring an action under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Provides that, subject to the approval by the United States, the Mariana Islands District Legislature, and the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, this covenant shall establish the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. States that the Commonwealth shall be in political union with, and under the sovereignty of the United States of America. States that the people of the Northern Mariana Islands will formulate and approve a Constitution, subject to United States approval. Requires that the Constitution provide for a republican form of government with separate executive, legislative and judicial branches, and that it contain a bill of rights. Provides that all persons, citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands, shall become citizens of the United States entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States of the United States. Establishes within the Commonwealth the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. Defines the jurisdiction of the court. Specifies those laws and provisions of the United States Constitution which shall apply to the Commonwealth. Directs the President to appoint a seven-member Commission on Federal laws to make recommendations to the United States Congress as to which laws should be made applicable to the Commonwealth. Provides that with limited exceptions the Northern Mariana Islands will be deemed to be a part of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Makes the income tax laws in force in the United States applicable to the Northern Mariana Islands as a local territorial income tax. Provides that references in the Internal Revenue Code to Guam will be deemed also to refer to the Northern Mariana Islands. States that the Commonwealth shall not be included within the customs territory of the United States. Directs that the Trust Territory Social Security Retirement Fund attributable to the Northern Mariana Islands will be transferred to the Treasury of the United States, to be held in trust as a separate fund and to be known as the "Northern Mariana Islands Social Security Retirement Fund." Provides that the fund will be administered by the United States in accordance with the social security laws of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Exempts all bonds and other obligations issued by the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands from taxation by the United States. Establishes a program of direct grant assistance by the Government of the United States to the Commonwealth in its efforts to achieve a higher standard of living. States that such assistance shall continue for seven fiscal years. Provides $8,250,000 for budgetary support, $4,000,000 for capital improvement projects and $1,750,000 for an economic development loan fund. Makes available to the Commonwealth the full range of Federal programs and services available to the territories of the United States. Directs that the proceeds of all customs duties and Federal income taxes derived from the Northern Mariana Islands shall be paid into the Treasury of the Commonwealth, to be expended to the benefit of the people thereof. Transfers all right, title and interest of the Government of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in and to real property in the Northern Mariana Islands to the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands. Specifies property within the Commonwealth which shall be made available to the Government of the United States by lease for defense purposes. States that such lease shall be for a term of 50 years with an option to renew for an additional 50 years. Provides that the United States shall pay a total of $19,520,600 in full settlement of such lease. Provides that the Commonwealth may regulate the alienation of permanent and long-term interests in real property so as to restrict the acquisition of such interests to persons of Northern Mariana Islands descent. Provides that such regulation is allowed for a period of 25 years after the termination of the Trusteeship Agreement. Recognizes the importance and scarcity of land in the Northern Mariana Islands. States that the United States shall acquire additional land in the Commonwealth only to the extent necessary to accomplish a public purpose. Authorizes the creation of the position of President Representative to the United States. Establishes requirements for such post. Provides for consultations between the Governments of the United States and the Commonwealth. Directs that such consultations shall be held at the request of either Government but not less frequently than every 10 years. Establishes procedures for acceptance of this covenant. Authorizes the appropriation of such amounts as may be necessary to make full payments of awards under title II of the Micronesia Claims Act of 1971. Allows the President to extend all Federal programs providing grant, loan, and loan guarantees to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Mariana Islands District and the other Districts of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Requires that notice of such extension be given to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Provides that Members of the House of Representatives and employees of the House, except in specified cases, may not be reimbursed for the difference between the cost of first-class air travel accommodations and the cost of other air travel accommodations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - States that the energy needs of United States industry are increasing consistently, although energy resources are limited, and that the conservation of energy is therefore necessary. Declares that rapid development and cost-effectiveness demonstrations, and widespread application by industry, of energy-efficient technologies can be facilitated by Federal financial assistance in the form of research, development, and demonstration projects and through incentives to companies that invest in such technologies. States that it is the purpose of this Act to stimulate the development of energy-efficient technologies in American industry. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish and maintain a program for research, development and demonstration of energy conserving industrial technologies, including: (1) basic and applied research under the control of the Administrator; (2) the development by the Administrator or private persons of prototypes or demonstration models of energy conserving technologies; and (3) the making of grants to private organizations to facilitate the incorporation of such technologies into commercial operating industrial plants, such projects to be used as demonstrations for other industrial facilities. Sets forth priorities to be observed by the Administrator in determining the recipients of grants under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Enumerates priorities to be observed in making or guaranteeing such loans, including: (1) the extent to which a loan recipient is located within a depressed industrial area, and will contribute to the economic recovery of such area; (2) the extent to which such loan or guarantee will foster the widespread adoption of energy conservant technology; (3) the extent to which modernization, rather than replacement, of existing equipment will contribute to the purposes of this Act; and (4) the extent to which small businesses will be able to participate in the benefits resulting from this Act. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of loans and guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Requires that at least 60 percent of the funds available for loans and guarantees be allocated to recipients in depressed industrial areas. Sets forth additional regulations pertaining only to loan guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Limits the outstanding indebtedness guaranteed under this Act to $500,000,000 at any one time. States that no guarantee shall be made under this Act after September 30, 1977. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Mineral Leasing Act - States that it is the policy of Congress to foster the exploration for and the production of mineral deposits in leasable Federal lands, while at the same time minimizing the adverse environmental effects of the exploitation of such mineral deposits. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth general provisions governing all systems of mineral access regulated by this Act. Establishes specific regulations for the leasing of Federal lands for the exploration for and production of: (1) oil and gas; (2) oil shale, gilsonite, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, elemental sulfur, and other bedded materials; (3) construction materials; and (4) hardrock minerals. Includes provisions providing for the regulation of the issuance of prospecting permits, competitive bidding for leases, environmental protection measures, surfaces leases, the right to water on leased lands, and rights-of-way for pipelines. States that prospecting permits may be issued for two-year terms, that a separate permit is required for each State in which prospecting operations will be carried out, and that activities under prospecting permits may not involve significant disturbance of the environment. States that leases to explore for, develop, and produce specified minerals may be granted to different persons for operations in the same lands where such minerals may feasibly be mined separately. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to permit one lessee to extract minerals associated with or related to the mineral for which the lease was granted. Reserves for the United States the ownership of and right to extract helium from all gas produced under leases issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to evaluate the surface and subsurface values of Federal lands under their jurisdictions to determine the suitability or unsuitability of mineral activities on such lands, and the types of mineral activity for which such lands are suitable or unsuitable. Directs the head of the department or agency having jurisdiction over Federal land which may be unsuitable for specified mineral activity to determine prior to the issuance of a lease permitting such activity if such activity would present significant conflicts with other uses of the land. Provides standards to be followed by departments or agencies responsible for Federal land in determining the suitability of such lands for mineral activity. Sets forth criteria to guide responsible departments and agencies in determining the place of mineral activities on leasable Federal lands. Requires that leases be issued on the basis of competitive bidding. Sets forth environmental protection requirements with respect to mineral activities on Federal lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue environmental regulations to be observed by all lessees, including the requirement that the area covered by the operations on the lease be reclaimed, that an operation and reclamation plan be prepared and approved in advance of initiation of operations, and prior to any significant changes in operations, and that reclamation work be made an integral part of the operation and be completed in accordance with any applicable performance standards within reasonably prescribed time limits. Directs the Secretary to adopt performance standards for the reclamation of lands affected: (1) by surface mining operations; (2) by open pit mining operations; and (3) by underground mining operations. Requires surface mining operators to backfill, compact, and grade in order to restore the area of operations to the approximate original contour. Requires: (1) the replacement of the original topsoil on surface-mined areas; (2) the prevention of pollution of areas; and (3) a revegetation program for a period of five years or longer. Requires open pit mining operators to return mined areas to the original contour, to the extent feasible, to take measure to prevent landslides, erosion, and water pollution, and to restore the original type of vegetation. Requires underground mining operators to adopt measures to prevent subsidence, to seal all mine entry ways and shafts, to stabilize all waste piles, and to minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance prevailing at the site at the commencement of operations. Requires all lessees to submit annual reports to the Secretary describing their operations pursuant to their operation and reclamation plan. Sets forth regulations governing the use of surface lands by lessees. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to require a lessee to post a bond in order to enforce any of the requirements of this Act. Requires the posting of a bond by all lessees to assure compliance with regulations governing reclamation. Provides for the temporary suspension of leases pursuant either to the action of the Secretary or the request of a lessee. Provides for the surrender, cancellation, and termination of leases. Sets forth regulations providing for the sharing of a leased area by more than one operator, and regulations limiting the acreage which may be under the combined direct and indirect control of one person. Provides for the assignment of all or part of the acreage covered by one lease. Authorizes the Secretary to grant to a lessee the right to drill for, produce, and use such water as may be necessary for the lessee's operation. Declares that any lease which is made the subject of an unlawful trust shall be forfeited by the lessee. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant rights-of-way through Federal lands for pipelines for the transportation of oil, and other gases and liquids, to lessees under this Act. Provides for the granting of such rights-of-way when Federal lands under the jurisdiction of other departments or agencies than the Interior Department are involved. Sets forth regulations covering the construction, operation and maintenance of pipelines on such rights-of-way, including regulations with respect to protection of the environment. Establishes penalties for violations of this Act and provides for citizen suits against violators of the provisions of this Act. Title II: Oil and Gas - Promulgates regulations specifically covering the leasing of Federal lands for operations conducted in connection with the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas. Sets forth an acreage limitation, a time limitation, and a minimum rental charge for such leases. Authorizes use of Federal lands for the subsurface storage of oil or gas whether or not produced on Federal lands. Title III: Oil Shale, Gilsonite, Calcium, Magnesium Sodium, Potassium, Elemental Sulfur, and Bedded Minerals - Promulgates specific regulations regarding classification of land, lengths of leases, acreage limitations, and production requirements for leases of public lands for exploration for, and production of: (1) oil shale; (2) gilsonite; (3) chlorides, borates, carbonates, halides, nitrates, phosphates, silicates, and sulfates of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium; (4) elemental sulfur; and (5) other bedded minerals. Title IV: Construction Minerals - Authorizes the head of any Federal agency with surface jurisdiction of leasable Federal lands to issue leases, under such regulations as he may prescribe, for the exploration, development, and production, or contracts for the sale, at fair market value, of construction minerals in the leasable lands under his jurisdiction if such leasing or sale is not expressly prohibited by other laws of the United States, and is not detrimental to the public interest. Title V: Hardrock Minerals - Sets forth regulations regarding prospecting, exploration leases, development and production leases, and royalties and credits for hardrock minerals on public lands.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Official Accountability Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to assure that persons charged with making or implementing American foreign, military, and national security policy will do so according to law. Title I: National Security Crimes - Stipulates that no officer or employee of the United States, nor any other person who receives any compensation or remuneration from the United States for the commission of any act covered by this Act, shall order or engage in the planning of, preparation for, initiation or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of any international treaty or agreement to which the United States is a party. Prohibits such persons from participating in acts of murder, torture, use of hostages, use of slave labor, and the wanton destruction of cities or towns. Sets forth specified acts which shall be deemed to be in violation of the laws and customs of war for purposes of this Act. Includes in such listing the overthrow by force, violence, or bribery of the leadership of a nation with which the United States is not at war. Provides sanctions for violations of this Act. Places the prosecution of such violations under the exclusive authority of the National Security Solicitor. Title II: Administration and Enforcement - Establishes an independent office of the Legal Office of National Security Affairs. Places such Office under the direction of a National Security Solicitor. Sets forth the powers and duties of such official. Stipulates that such official shall have access to any book, document, paper, record, or other material of any United States agency, including the White House staff and Executive Office of the President.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Provides that, unless the President determines that the national security requires a license or authorization, and makes a report of such determination to the Congress (which report shall be available to every Member of the Congress) at least sixty days prior to the issuance of such license or authorization, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall not license or otherwise authorize any export, and the Energy Research and Development Administration shall not make or permit any export, of nuclear fuel or nuclear technology: (1) to any country which furnishes or agrees to furnish uranium enrichment or nuclear fuel reprocessing plants to a country not a party to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty; or (2) to any country which is not a party to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and which develops either an enrichment or reprocessing plant without concluding an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency or Euratom by which all present and future nuclear facilities are made subject to safeguards established by either such agency against diversion of nuclear material.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Handgun Control Act - Makes it unlawful with specified exceptions, for any person to import, manufacture, sell, buy, transfer, receive, transport own, or possess any handgun or handgun ammunition. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may, consistent with public safety and necessity, exempt from such prohibitions by licensed importers, manufacturers, or dealers, and by pistol clubs licensed under this Act as may in his judgment be required for the operation of such pistol club. Requires a pistol club desiring to be licensed under this Act to file an application for such license with the Secretary. Establishes a $25 annual fee for such license. Directs such clubs to meet various requirements in order to have their applications approved. Provides for administrative and judicial review in the case of a license denial or revocation by the Secretary. Provides that whoever violates any provision of this Act or knowingly makes any false statement or represenation with respect to the information required by the provisions of this Act to be kept in the records of a pistol club licensed under this Act, or in applying for any license under the provisions of this Act, shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, and shall become eligible for parole as the Board of Parole shall determine. Provides that any handgun involved or used in, or intended to be used in, any violation of the provisions of this Act or chapter 44 (firearms legislation) of title 18, United States Code, or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, or any violation of any other criminal law of the United States, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture. Exempts from the provisions of this Act the importation, manufacture, sale, purchase, transfer, receipt, or transportation of any handgun which the Secretary determines is: (1) being imported or manufactured for, sold, or transferred to, purchased, received, owned, possessed or transported by, or issued for the use of, the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof; (2) a professional security guard service licensed by the State; or (3) a handgun manufactured prior to 1890, which is unserviceable, and intended for use as a curio, museum piece, or collectors' item. Establishes procedures for the reimbursement of a person who voluntarily delivers a handgun to a law enforcement agency. Directs the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1091-1100).
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Federal Court Attorneys' Fees Act - Provides that if in a civil action a Federal court determines the interests of justice so require, such court shall award reasonable attorneys' fees to the prevailing party. Makes the United States liable for payment of any such fees under this Act the same as a private party. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1930)
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Energy Information Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes and defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: National Energy Information Administration - Creates as an independent agency of the Federal Government the National Energy Information Administration, to be headed by an Administrator. Provides that the function of the Administration shall be the collection, tabulation, comparison, analysis, standardization, and dissemination of energy information pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to coordinate existing energy information collection activities of all Federal agencies. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress and the President a plan for the consolidation of the energy information activities of the Federal Government. Provides for the imposition of criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of, or theft of, non-public energy information. Title II: National Energy Information System - Directs the Administrator to establish a National Energy Information System which shall be operated and maintained by the Administration. Provides that such System shall contain such information as is required (1) to provide a description of and facilitate analysis of energy supply and consumption within and affecting the United States on the basis of such geographic areas and economic sectors as may be appropriate and (2) to meet adequately the needs of the Congress and of those Federal agencies which are responsible for energy policy analysis and formulation and for energy regulation. Requires major energy producing companies to file annual financial reports with the Administrator. Requires major energy consuming companies to file annual energy consumption reports, including the amounts and types of energy used, with the Administrator. Provides that the information collected pursuant to this Act shall be made public, except where such information: (1) constitutes a trade secret; (2) would substantially harm the company that supplied it if disclosed; (3) was obtained from a Federal, State, or local agency on a confidential basis; and (4) was classified for national security or foreign policy reasons. Authorizes the Administrator to delay the disclosure of geological information. Provides that only Federal employees having official use for such information shall have access to the information in the non-public categories listed above. Title III: Energy Resources Surveys and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis a survey of all mineral fuel resources and nonmineral energy resources in the public lands of the United States. Stipulates that such survey program shall be designed to provide information about the location, extent, value and characteristics of all such resources. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Directs the Comptroller General to continuously monitor and evaluate the activities and operations of the Administration. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Energy Information Administration and the Department of the Interior such amounts as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such agencies by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Authorizes the awarding of attorneys' fees to prevailing plaintiffs in actions brought under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. States that the United States shall be liable for such fees the same as a private party.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Revises the Mineral Leasing Act to provide that in any case arising under the provisions of such Act in any court of the United States, the court may award reasonable attorney's fees to a prevailing plaintiff. States that the United States shall be liable for such fees the same as a private party.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
African Development Fund Act - Authorizes the President to accept participation for the United States in the African Development Fund. Requires the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Governor and an Alternate Governor of the Fund. Requires the Governor to cast the votes of the United States for the Director to represent the United States in the Fund. Prohibits any person or agency, unless Congress authorizes by law, from: (1) agreeing to increase the subscription of the United States to the Fund; (2) agreeing to any amendment which increases the subscription of the United States; or (3) making a loan or providing other financing for the Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 as the United States subscription to the Fund. Stipulates that any Federal Reserve Bank requested by the President to act as a depository for the Fund shall do so. Declares that the agreement establishing the Fund shall have full force and effect in the United States upon acceptance of participation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1975
Provides that it shall be unlawful for any business enterprise or person acting on behalf or in the interest of a business enterprise to coerce, or attempt to coerce, by economic means another person, to fail to do business with, or to otherwise discriminate against any U.S. person, or any foreign person with respect to its activities in the United States, by reason of: (1) the religion, race, national origin, or sex of such U.S. or foreign person; or (2) direct or indirect support for any foreign government when such support is not in violation of U.S. laws. Prescribes a penalty of a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment for not more than three years, or for violation of such provision. Prescribes a fine not to exceed $1,000,000 if the violator is any person other than an individual. Allows any person aggrieved by a violation of the prohibition against economic coercion to bring a suit in an appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy. States that such person may recover threefold actual damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Permits the Attorney General to institute an action in an appropriate district court to collect a civil penalty against any person who practices prohibited economic coercion. States that the penalty shall not exceed $50,000 if imposed upon an individual, or not more than $500,000 if imposed upon any person other than an individual. Makes it unlawful for a person to violate this Act by exercising coercion through a foreign government or a business enterprise not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. States that whoever violates such provision shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $50,000 if an individual, or not to exceed $500,000 if any person other than an individual. Defines terms used in this Act, including "persons", and states that such term shall include a corporation, trust, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock company, fund, or any organized group of persons whether incorporated or not.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1975
Emergency Housing Act - Title I: Stimulation of Housing Construction - Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Amendments - States that mortgages purchased by the Government National Mortgage Association under the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act may not have an interest rate in excess of 7 1/2 percent. Increases the total amount of mortgage purchases and commitments which may be made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under such Act to $10,000,000,000. Requires that at least 80 percent of such funds be used to purchase mortgages having original principal obligations not exceeding $36,000. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase specified mortgages of multifamily residences not purchasable under present law. Title II: Emergency Mortgage Relief - Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act - States it to be the purpose of this Act to prevent widespread mortgage foreclosure and distress sale of homes resulting from temporary loss of employment and income through a program of emergency loans and advances and mortgage relief payments to homeowners. Sets forth as conditions for the extension of assistance under this Act: (1) that the holder of the mortgage has indicated his intention to foreclose to the mortgagor; (2) that mortgage payments have been delinquent for at last three months; (3) that adverse economic conditions have caused the mortgagor to become involuntarily unemployed or underemployed and to have incurred a substantial reduction in income as a result; (4) that there is a reasonable prospect that the mortgagor will be able to make the adjustments necessary for a full resumption of mortgage payments; and (5) that the mortgaged property is the principal residence of the mortgagor. States that assistance provided under this Act will be in the form of either: (1) emergency mortgage relief loans or advances of credit; or (2) emergency mortgage relief payments. Sets the limits of such payments at $250 per month for up to 12 months with one 12-month extension available. Provides that payments be repaid on such terms as the Secretary prescribes. Authorizes the Secretary to insure financial institutions against losses which they might sustain as a result of emergency loans or advances of credit made pursuant to this Act. States that the aggregate amount of loans and advances insured shall not exceed $1,500,000 at any one time. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency mortgage relief payments to certain mortgagees on behalf of distressed homeowners. Establishes the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Fund on the books of the United States Treasury for making mortgage relief loans and payments pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Federal supervisory agencies with respect to financial institutions to take steps to encourage forebearance in residential mortgage loan foreclosures, and to request all mortgagees to give such agencies at least 30 days notice prior to instituting foreclosure proceedings. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within 60 days after enactment and at 60-day intervals thereafter on the actions taken under this Act. Authorizes the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to make such advances to any insured bank as the Corporation determines to be necessary to facilitate participation in the program authorized by this title.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Vietnam Era Reconciliation Act - Provides immunity from prosecution and punishment to those persons who because of disapproval of the military involvement of the United States in Indochina during the period covering January 1, 1961, and ending May 1, 1975, resisted the draft, were absent from the Armed Forces without leave, or disobeyed an order, which order if obeyed could reasonably have led to the death of another human being. Directs that persons convicted of such offenses and who are serving, or have served, a prison sentence or other punishment shall be released from prison and from other punishment, and any remaining portion or terms of punishment shall be deemed to have been served. Provides that a person who is serving a sentence as a result of the above offenses and is also serving a sentence for an offense not covered by this Act shall be released only from that portion of his sentence specifically applied to offenses covered by this Act. Provides that persons serving a term of reconciliation service, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 8313, of September 16, 1974, may be released from such service and the remaining portion may be waived. Directs that legal proceedings instituted as a result of offenses covered by this Act be dismissed. Requires all records and information relating thereto to be expunged from all Government department and agency files, records and correspondence. Provides that any person who is eligible for relief under this Act shall be granted a certificate of resignation without condition from the Armed Forces. States that no person shall be denied any statutory or constitutional right because of any crime for which relief is granted by this Act. Exempts from that provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act which denies admission to the U.S. to any person who left the country to avoid military service, any former citizen of the U.S. who makes a sworn statement to an appropriate official of the Immigration and Nationalization Service to the effect that he renounced citizenship because of disapproval of military involvement of the United States in Indochina. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Provides for the designation of specified lands in the Point Reyes National Seashore, California, which constitute approximately 38,700 acres, as wilderness. Provides that the wilderness designated by this Act shall be known as the Reyes Miwok Point Wilderness, Reyes Esteros Wilderness, and Point Reyes Clem Miller Wilderness. Designates Point Reyes National Seashore as a natural area of the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stipulates that such park is not to exceed three thousand five hundred acres. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Authorizes the awarding of attorneys' fees to prevailing plaintiffs in actions brought under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. States that the United States shall be liable for such fees the same as a private party.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Revises the Mineral Leasing Act to provide that in any case arising under the provisions of such Act in any court of the United States, the court may award reasonable attorney's fees to a prevailing plaintiff. States that the United States shall be liable for such fees the same as a private party.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Federal Court Attorneys' Fees Act - Provides that if in a civil action a Federal court determines the interests of justice so require, such court shall award reasonable attorneys' fees to the prevailing party. Makes the United States liable for payment of any such fees under this Act the same as a private party. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1930)
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not regulate the potency or combinations of vitamins or minerals in food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act except under specified provisions of such Act or in the case of children or pregnant or lactating women. Requires prominent disclosure of ingredients which are not vitamins or minerals in foods for special dietary use. Provides that a libel for condemnation of misbranded foods may be instituted against the retailer of such food if he is generally responsible for its advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1975
Provides that recipients of aid or assistance under the aid to families with dependent children, child welfare services, and Medicaid programs, and participants in the Headstart, Follow-Through, and Foster Grandparent programs, will not have the amount of such aid or assistance reduced, or entitlement to such aid, assistance, or participation discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1975
Declares under the Social Security Act that for purposes of determining the income of any individual who is entitled to supplemental security income benefits, under title II of the (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) any cost-of-living increases occurring after 1974 shall be excluded.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1975
Declares under the Food Stamp Act that in determining the eligibility of any household that the part of any monthly insurance benefit provided by title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act received by an individual shall be disregarded to the extent that it equals a cost-of-living increase in benefits under such program occurring after 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Electric Utilities Rate Reform Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes, and defines the terms used in the Act. Directs State and local electric utility regulatory authorities to implement and maintain rate schedules which distribute costs to customer classes in accordance with the costs these classes impose on utilities by their consumption patterns. Provides that no regulatory authority, for ratemaking purposes, may allow recoupment of promotional and advertising expenses, unless such expenses finance efforts encouraging the conservation of electricity or the shifting of the consumption of electricity from peak load periods to off-peakload periods. Provides that no regulatory authority may allow or otherwise make lawful, as part of any rate schedule, a fuel adjustment clause permitting monthly changes in the utility's lawful rate equal to the changes in the cost to the utility of generating fuels, including all applicable taxes, tariffs, or similar charges without: (1) requiring prior notice of the changed cost of fuel and the adjusted rate before any rate change can be implemented; (2) public proceedings to establish that the utility continually manages fuel purchases, uses, and generating facilities prudently and efficiently; (3) such rate adjustments distributing fuel costs and charges consistently with the standards established in this Act; and (4) reserving the power to subsequently determine that the adjusted rates or parts thereof are unlawful and subject to refund. Authorizes the Federal Power Commission to make grants to non-Federal regulatory authorities, in accordance with regulations established by the Commission, in such amounts as are necessary to compensate such authorities for additional costs incurred in complying with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such amounts as are necessary to make such grants.
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