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 · 26 January 1976
Lifeline Rate Act - Stipulates that no rate schedule of an electric utility shall result in a greater per kilowatt-hour charge to residential electric consumers for a subsistence quantity of electric energy than the lowest charge to any other electric consumer. Sets forth procedures for civil suits and judicial review where violations by utilities or regulatory authorities are alleged under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to stipulate that for specified bond issues, the proceeds of which are used for providing facilities with hydroelectric energy, the provisions concerning taxation of interest on industrial revenue bonds shall be inapplicable and any interest received from such governmental obligations shall be excluded from gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Amends the Federal Power Act to require that rate increases for the interstate sale of electricity may not be granted until public hearings on such increases have been completed by the Federal Power Commission. Requires 30 days' notice of all rate changes by a public utility to the Federal Power Commission and to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 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 · 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
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to States or political subdivisions thereof or to private owners of a cemetery or burial plot to assist in the restoration of cemeteries and burial plots. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets for the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperative eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) minimum broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization ; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicants' initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Electric Utility Regulatory Reform Act - Title I: General Provisions - States that the purpose of this Act is to reform specified aspects of electric utility regulation. Defines terms as used in this Act. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Requires all electric utilities to implement peak-load pricing. Prohibits unjustified differences in rates to different classes of consumers. Specifies that costs such as advertising and fines shall not be treated as operating costs by the utilities. Title III: Utility Planning and Siting Reform - Requires electric utilities to prepare long-range plans for power supply facilities which include site selection. Provides that the plan shall be submitted to the appropriate regulatory authorities and shall be made available to the public. Directs the Federal Energy Commission to establish annual target rates for electric energy growth. Calls for sharing of facilities by utilities. Titles IV: Reliability and Financial Aid to Utilities - Requires the Commission to establish reliability standards for the utilities. Provides for loan guarantees to utilities of no more than $200,000,000 with an overall limit of $2,000,000,000 in outstanding guarantees. Title V: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the appropriation of $48,000,000 a year for grants to State regulatory authorities for specified purposes. Title VI: Federal Energy Commission - Establishes the Federal Electric Power Regulatory Commission to carry out the Federal functions under this Act and all functions of the Federal Power Commission. Terminates the Federal Power Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Directs the Federal Energy Administration not to forgive or defer collection of any accrued fees arising under the oil import fee program. Provides that if the Supreme Court denies the petition of certiorari or otherwise affirms the decision of the United States Court of Appeals that such fees are unlawful; all such fees shall be refunded to consumers, not to the oil importers.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Renegotiation Act Amendments - Revises the procedures under the Renegotiation Act for the determination of excessive profits by national defense contractors. Sets terms of office for members of the Renegotiation Board at five years except for those members appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of a term. Sets the method and form of commencing renegotiation proceedings under this Act. Eliminates specified exemptions for products and equipment of oil and gas wells which the Board may presently make to some or all of the provisions of the Renegotiation Act. Provides for the payment of interest on amounts of excessive profits at a rate to be specified by the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Provides for loans for the establishment and/or construction of municipal, low- cost, nonprofit clinics for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats, to be dispersed by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Authorizes $1,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendation as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Intergovernmental Emergency Assistance Act - Title I: Intergovernmental Emergency Assistance - Establishes an Intergovernmental Emergency Assistance Board. Permits the Board to guarantee the payment, in whole or in part, of interest, principal, or both, of obligations of States on which the interest is subject to Federal taxation. States that the Board may make such guarantees only for the purpose of enabling a political subdivision of a State to continue to provide essential public services and facilities; or to prevent or mitigate the effects of default. Sets forth conditions governing eligibility for guarantees. States that a State or political subdivision must be effectively unable to obtain credit in the private market or elsewhere, and the assisted municipality must submit a plan for bringing its operating expenses into balance with its recurring revenues within two years. Provides that whenever any obligation is guaranteed under this title, the Board shall assess and collect from the obligor a guarantee fee which shall not exceed three-quarters of one percent per year. Limits the amount of outside guarantees to $5,000,000,000 through September 30, 1989, and $3,000,000,000 for the ten-year period thereafter. Directs the Board to impose reasonable requirements with respect to the renegotiation or exchange of outstanding obligations. Prohibits any guarantee under this Act unless the General Accounting Office is authorized to make such audits as may be deemed appropriate. Establishes in the Treasury an emergency municipal debt guarantee fund, to be administered by the Board. States that the fund shall be used for payment of the expenses of the Board and for the purpose of fulfilling the Board's obligations under this Act. States that any Federal Reserve bank which is requested to do so shall act as fiscal agent for the Board. Requires the Attorney General to take appropriate actions to enforce any rights accruing to the United States under this Act. Requires the Board to submit a quarterly report to the Congress on its operations. Terminates the authority of the Board to make guarantees under this Act on September 30, 1979. Title II: Amendment to the Internal Revenue Code - Makes taxable under the Internal Revenue Code, interest on governmental obligations which are secured by a guarantee under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 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 · 22 October 1975
Stipulates that no reduction be made in plot or interment allowances paid by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to reimburse costs assumed by State or local governments in the case of veterans buried in cemeteries which are owned by State or local governments or State agencies, and used solely or primarily for the interment of veterans. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 903(b))
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
Title I: Supervision of Financial Institutions - Provides statutory authority for the Federal banking agencies to deal with unsafe or unsound banking practices. Revises the provisions of law relating to the regulatory agencies removal of officers or directors of banks where management has shown a willful disregard for the condition of the safety and soundness of the bank. Prohibits insider transactions to directors as well as officers of banks and their ownership interests. Imposes civil penalties for violations of the Federal Reserve Act, cease-and-desist orders and the Bank Holding Company Act. Authorizes the Federal Reserve to require divestiture where a bank holding company or its nonbank subsidiaries pose a serious risk to the banking subsidiaries of the holding company. Title II: National Bank Directors - Revises the section of the Bank Holding Company Act which requires that a director own stock in the association with which he serves. Allows persons to serve as director if they own stock in any association which owns all of the stock of the association with which he serves. Title III: Acquisition of Failing Banks and Bank Holding Companies - Provides for prompt action on any application for acquisition or merger when such action is necessary to prevent failure of a bank. Title IV: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act - Sets forth procedures dealing with the acquisition of foreign branches. Authorizes a State non-member insured bank, under specified restrictions, to acquire and hold stock in banks organized under the law of a foreign country. Reduces from three to two the number of directors required to attest to the validity of a report of condition. Provides that appropriate Federal banking agencies may serve a notice of charges or cease and desist against any bank or official engaging or about to engage in acts detrimental to the business of the bank. (Formerly, such service could be directed only at the bank involved). Specifies events which shall be assumed to relieve an insured bank of liability for deposits.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
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 · 3 October 1975
Title I: Regulation of Interest Rates - Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to maintain an interest rate differential of at least one-fourth of 1 percent, and to take no action to eliminate or lessen any such differential, which is in existence on the date of enactment of this Act with respect to any category of accounts between: (1) any bank (other than a savings bank) the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and (2) any savings and loan, building and loan, or homestead association (including cooperative banks) the deposits or accounts of which are insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Cooperation or any savings bank the deposits or accounts of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, except that such financial regulatory agencies may, upon a finding of competitive disadvantage, lessen or climinate the differential for selected geographic areas and by category accounts. Prohibits the reduction of an interest rate differential by any bank whose deposits are Federally insured unless written notice is given by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to the appropriate Committees of Congress, which may disapprove the reduction during the 45-day period after which the proposal is submitted to such committees. Directs the Federal agencies regulating banking to study the housing portfolios of State-chartered thrift institutions with special emphasis upon possible disentermediation effects. Title II: Electronic Fund Transfers - Directs the National Commission on Electronic Fund Transfers to study and make proposals for monitoring and evaluation of experimentation in electronic fund transfer systems presently being authorized by Federal regulatory agencies. Title III: Home Mortgage Disclosure - Home Mortgage Disclosure Act - States that each depository institution which has a home office or branch office located within a standard metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, shall compile and make available, in accordance with regulations of the Board, to the public for inspection and copying at each office of that institution the number and total dollar amount of mortgage loans which were (A) originated, or (B) purchased by that institution during each fiscal year (beginning with the last full fiscal year of that institution which immediately preceded the effective date of this title). Requires the Secretary to receive statistical summaries of information required by this title under procedures prescribed by the Board, and to furnish a written summary of the findings to appropriate public officals and to the Committee on Banking, Currency and Housing of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs of the Senate in furtherance of the objectives of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Provides that the authority granted by this title shall expire two years after its effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Title I: Regulation of Interest Rates - Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to maintain an interest rate differential of at least one-fourth of 1 percent, and to take no action to eliminate or lessen any such differential, which is in existence on the date of enactment of this Act with respect to any category of accounts between: (1) any bank (other than a savings bank) the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and (2) any savings and loan, building and loan, or homestead association (including cooperative banks) the deposits or accounts of which are insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Cooperation or any savings bank the deposits or accounts of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, except that such financial regulatory agencies may, upon a finding of competitive disadvantage, lessen or climinate the differential for selected geographic areas and by category accounts. Prohibits the reduction of an interest rate differential by any bank whose deposits are Federally insured unless written notice is given by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to the appropriate Committees of Congress, which may disapprove the reduction during the 45-day period after which the proposal is submitted to such committees. Directs the Federal agencies regulating banking to study the housing portfolios of State-chartered thrift institutions with special emphasis upon possible disentermediation effects. Title II: Electronic Fund Transfers - Directs the National Commission on Electronic Fund Transfers to study and make proposals for monitoring and evaluation of experimentation in electronic fund transfer systems presently being authorized by Federal regulatory agencies. Title III: Home Mortgage Disclosure - Home Mortgage Disclosure Act - States that each depository institution which has a home office or branch office located within a standard metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, shall compile and make available, in accordance with regulations of the Board, to the public for inspection and copying at each office of that institution the number and total dollar amount of mortgage loans which were (A) originated, or (B) purchased by that institution during each fiscal year (beginning with the last full fiscal year of that institution which immediately preceded the effective date of this title). Requires the Secretary to receive statistical summaries of information required by this title under procedures prescribed by the Board, and to furnish a written summary of the findings to appropriate public officals and to the Committee on Banking, Currency and Housing of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs of the Senate in furtherance of the objectives of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Provides that the authority granted by this title shall expire two years after its effective date.
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 · 24 September 1975
Removes the numerical limitation on Allen J. Ellender Fellowships to disadvantaged secondary school students. Authorizes $750,000 each for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and $1,000,000 each for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Revises the definitions, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, of "deposit", "branch", and "affiliate." Requires that the prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation be obtained before any State nonmember insured bank shall establish or operate any foreign branch. Revises the regulations governing reports of condition, termination of insured status, assumption of liabilities, and insurance of real estate of an insured bank. Imposes Federal regulations, under the Bank Service Corporation Act, on bank services contracted to another entity by an insured bank. Extends the class of persons liable for criminal misconduct under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Establishes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for each day during which specified violations of the Federal Reserve Act occur. Prohibits member banks of the Federal Reserve System from making loans or extensions of credit to any of their officers, directors, or to specified other persons who have an interest in such bank where such loan or extension of credit exceeds the statutory limits on loans to one borrower. Extends such prohibition, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, to non-member insured banks. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board, under the Bank Holdings Company Act, to order a bank holding company to terminate activity or ownership or control of any subsidiary when the Board has reason to believe that the continuation of such activity, ownership, or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety of the subsidiary. Revises the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to make directors, officers, employees, and agents as well as insured banks subject to cease-and-desist proceedings, and to temporary cease-and-desist orders. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for any bank insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or for any officer, director, employee, or agent of such bank who violates the terms of any cease-and-desist proceeding or cease-and-desist order issued pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Renegotiation Act Amendments - Revises the procedures under the Renegotiation Act of 1951 for the determination of excessive profits by national defense contractors. Sets terms of office for members of the Renegotiation Board at five years except for those members appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of a term. Sets the method and form of commencing renegotiation proceedings under this Act. Eliminates specified exemptions for products and equipment of oil and gas wells which the Board may presently make to some or all of the provisions of the Renegotiation Act of 1951. Provides for the payment of interest on amounts of excessive profits at a rate to be specified by the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1975
Repeals the requirement that State and local governments adopt a system to recover from users the costs of operation and maintenance of publicly owned waste treatment works as a condition for the approval by the Administrator of the Enevironmental Protection Agency of grants to State and local governments for the construction of such works pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 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 · 31 July 1975
Revises the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to allocate to the coastal States 37 1/2 percent of all rentals and royalties paid in connection with any lease on the Outer Continental Shelf. Exempts from such requirement funds credited to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. States that the proportion of the total amount set aside which shall be distributed to any coastal State shall bear the same ratio to such total amount as the amount of production sold from deposits adjacent to such coastal State.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Family Financial Centers Act - Title I: Home Owners Loan Act of 1933 Amendments - Provides, under the Home Owners Loan Act of 1933, that in addition to providing financing for homes it shall also be the purpose of Federal savings and loan associations to provide financing for other goods and services to accomodate the needs of individuals and families. Authorizes the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to provide by special permit for Federal savings and loan associations, when not in contravention of State or local law, to act as trustee, executor, administrator, and guardian of estates and to act in other fiduciary capacities. Empowers Federal savings and loan associations to raise capital in the form of demand deposits as a means of offering checking account services to individuals and to any corporation or other organization operated primarily for purposes of building, equipping, acquiring, selling, financing, or insuring residential real estate. Sets forth regulations controlling the actions of Federal savings and loan associations exercising the powers granted by this Act to act as fiduciaries and to raise capital through demand deposits. Title II: Federal Home Loan Bank Act Amendments - Requires each Federal Home Loan Bank to use its best efforts to make as large an amount of dividend distributions as is consistent with carrying out its other functions under the Federal Home Loan Bank Act. Authorizes any Federal Home Loan Bank or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to pledge the full faith and credit of the United States Government for payment of any obligation issued by a member for which more than one mortgage loan is pledged as collateral. Reorganizes the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Title III: National Housing Act Amendments - Insures fully savings accounts in Federal savings and loan associations. (Presently accounts are insured to a maximum of $40,000). Title IV: Miscellaneous - Prohibits the issuance of obligations of the United States in denominations less than $10,000, with the exception of savings bonds.
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 · 24 July 1975
Provides under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act that supplementary medical insurance covers durable medical equipment used in the patient's home which is furnished on a lease-purchase basis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to encourage suppliers of durable medical equipment to make such equipment available on a lease- purchase basis.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Provides under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act that supplementary medical insurance covers durable medical equipment used in the patient's home which is furnished on a lease-purchase basis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to encourage suppliers of durable medical equipment to make such equipment available on a lease- purchase basis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Provides under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act that supplementary medical insurance covers durable medical equipment used in the patient's home which is furnished on a lease-purchase basis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to encourage suppliers of durable medical equipment to make such equipment available on a lease- purchase basis.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Building Energy Conservation Standards Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act: (1) to assist in the development and implementation as soon as feasible of energy conservation standards for new residential and commercial buildings to achieve the maximum practicable economics in fuels and energy consumption within reasonable cost levels; and (2) to encourage States and local governments to adopt and enforce such standards through their existing building codes and other construction control mechanisms. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to develop and promulgate proposed performance standards for new commercial buildings, and to promulgate standards within six months of the publication of the proposed standards. Requires the Secretary to promulgate such proposed standards for new residential buildings within three years of the enactment of this Act. Requires standards to be published within six months of the publication of the proposed standards. Directs the Secretary, assisted by the National Institute of Building Sciences: (1) to monitor the progress of the States in adopting and enforcing such standards; (2) to identify obstacles inhibiting implementation of such standards; (3) to evaluate the effectiveness of existing standards; and (4) to report to Congress on the progress of the States and to recommend additional measures to encourage the application of such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the States to assist them in implementing the standards approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 to make such grants. Directs the Secretary to consult with builders, public officials, and representatives of consumer groups in developing and promulgating performance standards under this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct such research and demonstration activities as are necessary to assist in the development of performance standards under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 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 · 26 June 1975
Provides under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act that supplementary medical insurance covers durable medical equipment used in the patient's home which is furnished on a lease-purchase basis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to encourage suppliers of durable medical equipment to make such equipment available on a lease- purchase basis.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Title I: Regulation of Interest Rates - Extends the authority for the flexible regulation of interest rates on deposits and share accounts in depository institutions from December 31, 1975 to December 31, 1976. Title II: Electronic Fund Transfers - Prohibits Federal regulatory agencies from authorizing financial institutions to establish or expand any electronic funds transfer systems for 90 days after enactment of this Act. Directs the National Commission on Electronic Fund Transfers to review existing electronic fund transfer systems and applications for such and to make recommendations for monitoring such systems. Title III: Mortgage Disclosure - Mortgage Disclosure Act - Requires depository institutions to make available to the public the number and dollar amount of mortgage and real estate loans, and savings accounts: (1) that were outstanding at the end of the previous fiscal year; and (2) which were made or held during the year. Directs the Bureau of the Census to study the feasibility and practicality of the disclosure requirements of this Act in various geographical locations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Provides, under the "Buy American" Act, that foreign-made smoke detection devices shall not be excepted from such Act unless the bid or offered price of such devices produced in the United States exceeds the price of like devices of foreign origin by more than 50 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Provides that no veteran may be denied care or treatment at non-Veteran's Administration Hospitals under the CHAMPUS program for any service-connected disability solely because care or treatment for such disability is available at Veterans' Administration medical facilities. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1086(f))
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Title I: Regulation of Interest Rates - Extends the authority for the flexible regulation of interest rates on deposits and share accounts in depository institutions from December 31, 1975 to December 31, 1976. Title II: Electronic Fund Transfers - Prohibits Federal regulatory agencies from authorizing financial institutions to establish or expand any electronic funds transfer systems for 90 days after enactment of this Act. Directs the National Commission on Electronic Fund Transfers to review existing electronic fund transfer systems and applications for such and to make recommendations for monitoring such systems. Title III: Mortgage Disclosure - Mortgage Disclosure Act - Requires depository institutions to make available to the public the number and dollar amount of mortgage and real estate loans, and savings accounts: (1) that were outstanding at the end of the previous fiscal year; and (2) which were made or held during the year. Directs the Bureau of the Census to study the feasibility and practicality of the disclosure requirements of this Act in various geographical locations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Protection. States that the Agency shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a comprehensive statement of the activities and accomplishments of the Agency during the preceding calendar year, including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and such recommendations for legislation necessary or desirable to protect the interests of consumers within the United States. Directs the Agency, in the performance of its functions, to advise the Congress and the President as to matters affecting the interests of consumers; and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services made available to them through the trade and commerce of the United States. States the functions of the Agency, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; and (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance for public inspection and copying of which the Agency has received, arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken by it. Directs the Agency to investigate and report to Congress on the desirability and feasibility of establishing a National Consumer Information Foundation which would administer a voluntary, self-supporting, information tag program. Prohibits sex discrimination in any program activity receiving Federal assistance under the Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act such sums as may be required for fiscal year 1976, for the transitional period July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, and for fiscal years 1977 and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
![Official portrait of Rep. St Germain, Fernand J. [D-RI-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000762_200.jpg)