United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Repeals the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 which makes flood insurance coverage and community participation in the national flood insurance program prerequisites for approval of any financial assistance in a flood hazard area.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Oil Import Purchase Authority Act - Provides that the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration after October 1, 1975, to be responsible for the importation of petroleum into the United States. Prohibits the importation of petroleum into the United States after such date unless pursuant to a sale. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the allocation by sale of all petroleum so imported. Requires the Administrator to make adjustments in the prices paid by purchasers so that the average price paid is equal for all purchasers of a similar quality of petroleum. Stipulates that funds for the purchase of petroleum be appropriated from the general revenues, and that moneys realized on the sale of such petroleum be returned to the general revenues. Requires the Administrator to establish disciplinary rules for bidders who fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their bids. Prohibits any officer or employee of the Energy Administration from disclosing any information relating to the bids. Specifies a fine not to exceed $100,000 for 10 years imprisonment, or both, for such disclosure. Requires the Administrator to limit knowledge of the identity of bidders to six persons within the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Provides that States may not have less strict standards with respect to marking, labeling, packaging, and ingredient requirements than those made under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Authorizes, under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, the donation of surplus Federal property to child care centers. Defines the term "child care center" for purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Comprehensive Child Development Act - States the finding of Congress that: (1) millions of children are suffering from lack of child development services; (2) comprehensive child development programs should be available to all children; (3) priority be given to preschool children with the greatest economic and social needs; (4) no mother may be forced to work in order for children to receive services; and (5) such programs should be undertaken as a partnership of parents, community, and local government. States it to be the purpose of this Act to establish and expand comprehensive child development programs, building on the Headstart experience, with emphasis on economically disadvantaged individuals and including children of working mothers and single parents, involving parents and community groups in the decision-making process, and establishing the legislative framework for eventual universally available child development programs. Title I: Comprehensive Child Development Programs; Direction to Establish Program - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to direct programs under this title. Lists activities for which funds can be provided, including: planning and development of programs; establishing, maintaining, and operating comprehensive programs with a broad range of activities; design, acquisition, construction, alteration, renovation or remodeling of facilities including mobile facilities; training programs for professionals, paraprofessionals, parents, older family members and prospective parents; public information activities; child advocate staff; and administrative expenses. Authorizes any State, city, county, combination of units of local government, or federally recognized Indian reservation to serve as prime sponsors. Permits the Secretary to designate such prime sponsor upon receipt of an application which: (1) establishes a Child Development Council (CDC) to plan, conduct, coordinate, and monitor programs; (2) establishes Local Policy Councils (LPC's) elected by parents of eligible children to serve appropriate subdivisions within the prime sponsorship area; and (3) delegates administrative responsibility to an appropriate local agency. Authorizes a public or private non-profit agency or organization to become a prime sponsor if the appropriate unit of local government has not submitted an application or is out of compliance, or if the Secretary determines such prime sponsor is necessary to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged children. Provides an opportunity for a State to comment on all applications for designation, notice and hearing before the Secretary makes any adverse decision on any designation. Requires submission by a prime sponsor and the Secretary's approval of a Comprehensive Child Development Plan before a governmental prime sponsor may receive financial assistance under this title. Requires that each such plan must: (1) identify needs and goals and describe purposes for which funds will be used; (2) meet the needs of children in the area including infant care and before and after school programs including 24-hour child care services; (3) give priority to economically disadvantaged children by reserving funds equal to the highest level of funds expended in the prime sponsorship area under Headstart in fiscal years 1973-1974 and then reserving the following percentages; 65 percent for fiscal year 1975, 60 percent for fiscal year 1976, and 55 percent for fiscal year 1977; (4) give priority thereafter to children of single parents and working mothers; (5-6) provide free services for economically disadvantaged children and fees on a sliding scale for others; (7) require cooperative arrangements of State and local agencies serving the handicapped; (8) provide jobs and training in so far as possible for residents of the community; (9) provide in so far as possible for socioeconomic mixture in centers; (10-11) provide for special needs of minority, bilingual migrant and Indian children in the area; (12) assure benefits for children in nonpublic preschool and school programs; (13) coordinate programs so family members relate to each other during the day; (14) provide for parental participating in plans and programs; (15) provide for paraprofessional volunteers, including parents, senior citizens, students, other children, and those preparing for child development careers; (16) provide for dissemination of program information in language of parents; (17) eliminate barriers pertaining to State teacher certification standards; (18-20) assure coordination with schools and other child development programs in the community; and (21) provide that emphasis will be given to continued funding of on-going projects. Requires such a plan to assure payment of the non-Federal share, to provide for fiscal control and fund accounting procedures, to provide for continuing evaluation and analysis of needs and reports to the Secretary to emphasize on-going programs, and to provide adequate staff and administrative expenses of LPCs. Provides the opportunity for comment by a Governor, Mayor or community action agency, Headstart agency or educational agency; and provides for notice and hearing before an adverse decision is made on a plan by the Secretary. Authorizes funding by a prime sponsor of a qualified public or private agency which submits an application to run a child development program, which provides comprehensive services for children served, assures adequate personnel, and meets the appropriate provisions of the Comprehensive Child Development Plan. Authorizes funding by the Secretary of a non-governmental prime sponsor which submits a project application. Allows construction only of facilities essential to provide child development services, where use of existing facilities is shown to be not practicable. Provides for 20-year use of facilities for child development programs or for return of a proportionate value of the facility to the Federal Government. Authorizes the Secretary to establish interests rates for construction loans, with a 3 percent minimum rate. Provides grants and loans for construction limited to 50 percent of the total cost except for private nonprofit groups, and limits construction to 15 percent of total allotment to a prime sponsor and limits grants for construction to 7 1/2 percent of the total. Provides for the Federal Government to share 80 percent (with allowance for Secretary to pay up to 100 percent if necessary to provide services) of the costs to prime sponsors of programs for economically disadvantaged children; 50 percent Federal share of cost to prime sponsors of programs for children not economically disadvantaged; and 100 percent Federal share of migrant and Indian programs. Provides that the non-Federal share may be in cash or kind including fees paid by parents. Reserves for the Secretary funds for migrant and Indian programs at a ratio equal to the ratio of such children to the total number of economically disadvantaged children in the nation; 5 percent for the Secretary's discretionary use, with the remainder apportioned among the States as follows: (1) 50 percent according to the ratio of economically disadvantaged children in the States; (2) 25 percent according to the ratio of children through age 5; and (3) 25 percent according to the ratio of children of working mothers and single parents. Allots State's apportionments among prime sponsors according to the same formula. Provides for reallotment of unused funds among prime sponsors and among States. Prohibits any State or local government from reducing its expenditures for child development or day care. Establishes an Office of Child Development (OCD) to be the principal agency to administer this Act. Provides for the promulgation of Federal Standards of Child Development Services, applicable to all programs receiving assistance under this Act. Provides for the promulgation of a Minimum Uniform Code for Facilities, which shall replace State and local standards for all facilities which receive assistance under this Act or in which programs which receive assistance under this Act are operated. Provides for maximum utilization of existing Federal, State, and local public facilities, including school buildings, for child development programs. Repeals, consolidates, and coordinates existing child development programs, effective October 1, 1977. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, $3,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977, and $4,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1978 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Facilities for Child Development Programs - Authorizes a program of mortgage insurance for child development facilities, administered by the Secretary of HEW, to provide a source of funds in addition to the direct grants and loans authorized in Title I for the construction of such facilities. Title III: Training of Child Development Personnel - Authorizes $20,000,000 for programs to train professional child development personnel and for programs to train paraprofessionals child development personnel under the Higher Education Act. Authorizes National Defense Education Act loans for the training of full-time teachers in child development programs. Authorizes training grants to individuals and child development programs. Authorizes a $5,000,000 annual appropriation for such grants. Title IV: Federal Government Child Development Programs - Authorizes direct grants to establish and operate programs for children of Federal employees. Authorizes $5,000,000 in fiscal year 1974 and for each fiscal year thereafter to operate such program. Title V: Evaluation and Technical Assistance - Authorizes the Office of Child Development to evaluate Federal involvement in child development and to provide technical assistance to prime sponsors and project applicants. Authorizes such funds as necessary to carry out such activities. Title VI: National Center for Child Development and Education - Establishes a National Center for Child Development and Education within the Office of Child Development to conduct, coordinate, and disseminate research on child development. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to operate the Center. Title VII: General Provisions - Provides for advance appropriations and advance funding of programs. Assures public information, without charge. Prohibits Federal control of programs under this Act. Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits sex discrimination in the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Reduces, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance), from 20 to 5 years the length of time a divorced woman's marriage to an insured individual must have lasted in order for her to qualify for wife's or widow's benefits on his wage record.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Prohibits any instrumentality of the United States from using as a prefix to the name of any person any title which indicates marital status in connection with (1) correspondence with any person, (2) the maintenance of any record, and (3) the issuance of any certificate or document.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Land Use and Resource Covservation Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, Definitions - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a national interest in effective land use decision making in order to promote the general welfare, to secure a wise and balanced allocation of resources, to provide for the protection and enhancement of the environment, and to conserve energy. States that it is the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with the States, to encourage and support the establishment of effective land use planning and management programs which will assure that the lands in the Nation are used in ways that create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony. Defines the terms used in this Act. Defines "areas of critical State concern" as meaning areas on non-Federal lands which the State determines to be of more than local concern in view of the significant damage to life, property, the quality of the environment, or the long-term public interest which could occur from uncontrolled or incompatible development. Title II: Federal Grants for State and Indian Land Use Programs - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make annual grants to assist the States in the development and administration of a land use program. States that initial grants may be made as soon as the State has established a State land use planning agency and an advisory council which participates in the development of the State land use program and consults, reviews, and and comments on the State land use program. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants to the States for developing procedures to simplify the processing of permits, licenses and other governmental decisions which are prerequisites to proposed development activities. Provides appeal procedures for States which the Secretary has determined are ineligible for grants. States that in implementing its land use program, a State may utilize (1) direct State land use planning and regulation, (2) action by local governments under criteria and standards established and supervised by the State, or (3) a combination of the two techniques. Directs the Secretary to appoint a task force group to investigate and report to him concerning the need for and the form of grant program providing for land use planning by Indian tribes for Indian reservations and other tribal lands. Encourages the States to coordinate land use planning activities on an interstate basis. Title III: State Land Use Programs - Stipulates that the State land use program shall include a statement of policies defining the State's role in land use decisions which are of more than local concern, including decisions affecting key facilities, large scale subdivision or development projects, developments of regional impact, and areas of critical State concern. Requires that State programs include (1) a process to inventory the land and water resources within the State, and (2) a process for designating which of the areas inventoried are determined to be of critical State concern, and policies and methods for the regulation of development within areas of critical state concern. States that programs must include policies and procedures designed to (1) identify prime food and fiber producing lands, (2) consider the location of large scale subdivision or development projects, (3) guide the use of land in areas which may be impacted by key facilities and major improvement, (4) consider the environmental, social, and economic impact of developments of regional impact, and (5) encourage development and land use patterns designed to conserve energy. Title IV: Federal Actions and Federal Lands - States that Federal Activities significantly affecting land use on non-Federal land must be consistent with land use programs which conform to the provisions of this Act, except in cases of overriding national interest as determined by the President. Requires applicants for Federal licenses or permits to certify that any proposed activities affecting land use are in compliance with the States' land program. Provides that each public land management agency head shall develop, maintain, and revise where appropriate land use plans for public lands under his jurisdiction. Requires that provision be made for substantial and meaningful public involvement and participation of appropriate State and local government representatives in the development, revision, and implementation of land use plans, guidelines, rules, and regulations for public lands. Title V: Administration - Establishes in the Department of the Interior an Office of Land Use Administration. States that the Secretary shall, through the Office, administer the land use grant program and undertake specified programs and responsibilites to achieve the objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to coordinate his activities pursuant to this Act with all other interested Federal agencies. Directs the Executive Office of the President to issue guidelines to the Federal departments and agencies to assist them in carrying out the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to study and report to the Congress within 3 years the need for, and form of, national land use policies. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Limits the amount of grants to States to 75 percent of the costs of developing and administering the land use program within the State.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Home Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Revises the conditions under which post-hospital home health services may be provided udner part A and home health services may be provided under part B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Increases to $3,600 the amount of outside earnings which is permitted an individual each year without any deductions from benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Authorizes the President to designate April 24, 1975, as "National Day of Remembrance of Man's Inhumanity to Man" for remembrance of all the victims of genocide, especially those of Armenian ancestry who succumbed to the genocide perpetrated in Turkey in 1915.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Prohibits the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, from authorizing an increase in the ceiling price of old crude petroleum by more than one dollar per barrel per year. Prohibits any such increase before April 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Includes joint hospital laundry ventures among the cooperative hospital service organizations entitled to tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, for coverage under medicare for routine Papanicolaou tests for the diagnosis of uterine cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
National Energy and Conservation Corporation (AMPOWER) Act - Declares the finding of Congress that Government-sponsored exploration, development, investment in and production of petroleum reserves will increase petroleum production on public lands and tidelands. Establishes a National Energy and Conservation Corporation (AMPOWER) to achieve specified goals, including: (1) the exploration, development, and production of public lands and tideland oil, natural gas, oil shale, and coal either independently or in partnership with private industry; and (2) the acceleration of the creation and demonstration of specified technologies. Declares it to be the policy of Congress that costs of production of offshore oil and natural gas and the manufacture of liquid and gaseous fuels from oil shale and coal will be funded through appropriations should such costs exceed market prices. States that fuels produced by the Corporation shall be sold on the open market by competive bid, provided that 50 percent of the production shall be reserved for bids from publicly owned utilities and from State, county, municipal, and other government bodies. Provides a Board of Directors for the Corporation to consist of five members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets compensation for Board members and the procedure for removal. Authorizes the Board to appoint such personnel as are necessary for the transaction of the Corporation's business and to fix their compensation. Enumerates the Corporation's powers and duties, including: (1) the power to sue; (2) to make contracts to carry out its functions under this Act; and (3) holding power in the name of the United States to exercise the right of eminent domain. States that, in carrying out its duties under this Act, the Corporation may conduct research and development with a view toward improving the technology related to the use of oil shale, gasification of coal methods, geothermal steam, and solar energy as sources of energy for domestic and industrial used in the United States. Requires the Corporation at all times to maintain and complete accurate account books. States that all purchases and contracts for supplies or services, except for personal service, made by the Corporation, shall be made after advertising . Requires the Board to file with the President and the Congress, in December of each year, a financial statement and a complete report as to the business of the Corporation covering the preceding governmental fiscal year. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the transactions of the Corporation at such times as he shall determine, but not less often than once each governmental fiscal year. Authorizes the Corporation to issue bonds, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, not to exceed $30,000,000,000 outstanding at any one time, which bonds may be sold by the Corporation to obtain funds to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that the payment of interest and principal on such bonds shall be guaranteed by the United States. Authorizes the Corporation to institute proceedings for the acquisition by condemnation of any lands, easements, or rights-of-way which, in the opinion of the Corporation, are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that such actions shall be instituted in the U.S. district court for the district in which the land, easement, or right-of-way is located. Gives the Corporation access to the Patent Office for the purpose of studying, ascertaining, and copying all methods, formulas, and scientific information necessary to enable the Corporation to use and employ the most efficacious and economical process for the exploration and development of energy resources. States that all general penal statutes relating to the larceny, embezzlement, conversion, or to the improper handling, retention, use, or disposal of public money's or property of the United States, shall apply to the moneys and property of the Corporation. Provides that any person who, with intent to defraud the Corporation, or to deceive any director, officer, or employee of the Corporation or any officer or employee of the United States, shall be find not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, if he: (1) makes any false entry in any book or the Corporation; (2) makes any false report or statement for the Corporation. Provides a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, for any person who receives any compensation, rebate, or reward, or enters into any conspiracy, collusion, or agreement, express or implied, with intent to defraud the Corporation. States that the proceeds derived by the Board from the sale of energy minerals or any other products manufactured by the Corporation shall be paid into the U.S. Treasury, except such proceeds as are determined necessary for the operation of the Corporation's energy minerals resources exploration and development program. Exempts also a continuing fund of $2,000,000 to defray emergency expenses and to insure continuous operation. Provides that the Corporation shall give all possible weight to the protection of the environment in the siting and design of facilities constructed pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000,000 for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act. Allows the expenditure of such sums as needed without fiscal year limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) for payment under the hospital insurance program for care and treatment furnished at a central radiation therapy treatment facility. Provides full payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for radiation therapy services furnished by physicians to inpatients or outpatients of any hospital or any such facility. Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Provides that a conservation publication published by a State agency which is responsible for management and conservation of fish or wildlife resources shall be considered a publication of a qualified nonprofit organization which qualifies for second-class mail rates. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3626 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Interim Fisheries Zone Extension and Management Act - Extends the jurisdiction of the United States over specified ocean areas and fish for purposes of protecting the domestic fishing industry. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research in order to promote the conservation of fish originating in the United States territorial sea and contiguous fisheries zone. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Marine Fisheries Conservation Act - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to: (1) maintain without change the existing jurisdiction and rights of the United States in the Continental Shelf; and (2) establish a management process designed to achieve and maintain an optimum yeild from fisheries resources under circumstances which allow the States, the fishing industry, consumer and environmental organizations, and interested persons to take part in the establishment of management plans. Defines the terms used in this Act and establishes a fisheries zone contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States, such zone to have as its inner boundary the base line of the territorial sea and its seaward boundary 200 nautical miles from such inner boundary. Provides that the fisheries management responsibilities and authorities of the United States shall extend to migratory species, anadromous species, and Continental Shelf fisheries resources with the fisheries zone. States that the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may promulgate fisheries management plans and regulations containing conservation measures appropriate to any fishery found in the fisheries zone, or any anadromous species, or any Continental Shelf fisheries resource. Directs that any regulation promulgated under this Act shall designate zones where, and designate periods when, fishing shall be limited or not permitted, and shall provide for other specified goals, including establishment of limitations on the catch of fish. Requires that the Secretary of State notify all nations affected by regulations on the date on which such regulations take effect, and furnish each nation with a copy of such regulations. Allows regulations promulgated under this Act to provide conservation measures or fees applicable to foreign fishermen and foreign fishing vessels which differ from those applicable to U.S. citizens. Sets forth the procedures that must be observed before any final regulation is promulgated under this Act. Gives interested persons an opportunity to submit written data, views or comments on proposed regulations. Allows the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to declare any regulation published in the Federal Register pursuant to this Act to be immediately effective if he finds that due to an emergency situation it is practicable or contrary to the public interest to defer the effective date of such regulation. Establishes a National Marine Fisheries Advisory Board composed of 15 members appointed by the Secretary of the department in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is operating. Provides that the term of office shall be three years, except that there shall be staggered terms for the initial appointees. Authorizes the Administrator to chair the National Board or to designated a chairman from among its members. Makes it the responsibility of the National Board to advise the Administrator with respect to fisheries management issues and the approval of fisheries management plans. States that the Administrator shall provide staff and administrative support to the National Board. Establishes four permanent Regional Marine Fisheries Councils to be known as the Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council, the Gulf Marine Fisheries Council, the Pacific Marine Fisheries Council, and the Alaska Marine Fisheries Council. Designates geographical areas to be represented by each such Council. Allows the Administrator to establish one or more additional Councils to represent such other geographical areas as he may determine, which Councils shall consist of five members, to be appointed by the Administrator. Makes it the responsibility of the various Councils to recommend to the Administrator those fisheries which are in need of management and to develop management plans which will protect, develop, and preserve such fisheries. Establishes four Regional Marine Fisheries Advisory Boards and authorizes the Administrator to establish one or more additional Special Regional Boards. Makes it the responsibility of the Regional Boards and the Special Regional Boards, within their respective designated geographic areas, to advise the appropriate Council on a continuing basis, including but not limited to the content of fisheries management plans. Directs that the Administrator shall, after consulting with the National Board and the appropriate Council or Councils, designate those fisheries for which a management plan is required, except that any fishery which is substantially conducted within the jurisdiction of two or more States shall be designated only at the request of the Council or Councils on which such States are represented. States that the appropriated Council or Councils shall periodically review each fisheries management plan then in effect and may propose to the Administrator additions or amendments or terminations of such plans. Allows the Administrator to prepare and promulgate a management plan in accordance with this Act if a Council fails to do so. Authorizes the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to permit fishing within the fisheries zone, or for Continental Shelf fisheries resources, or for anadromous species, by citizens of any foreign nation, subject to regulations prescribed by the Administrator. Permits the Administrator to delegate all or a part of his responsibilities for the administration or enforcement, or both, of any fishery management plan, with specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of State to review treaties, conventions, and other international fisheries agreements to determine whether the provisions of such agreements are in accord with the purposes of this Act. States that if provisions are not consistent, the Secretary of State shall begin negotiations to amend such agreements. Makes it unlawful for any person to: (1) violate any provision of this Act; (2) violate any provision of any international fisheries agreement; (3) ship, transport, purchase or offer to purchase, sell or offer for sale, import, export, possess, control, or maintain in his custody any fish taken in violation of this Act where such person knew or had reason to know that such taking was not lawful; (4) violate any fully issued regulations under this Act; (5) refuse to permit duly authorized representatives to board a fishing vessel to inspect the catch or equipment; and (6) fail to cooperate with specified authorities engaged in a reasonable inspection. Imposes a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 per day for violations of this Act. Allows judicial review of a penalty assessment. Gives U.S. district courts the authority to order forfeited to the United States any vessel or equipment used or intended to be used in violation of this Act. States that any person who willfully commits a violation as stated in this Act shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $100,000, or imprisoned for no more than one year, or both. Sets forth enforcement provisions for this Act, giving U.S. district courts exclusive jurisdiction over all cases or controversies arising under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this Act to the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration such sums as are necessary, and to the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating such sums as are necessary to enforce this Act. States that if any part of this Act is declared invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder shall not be affected thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides, under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, for the extension of specified provisions for an additional 20 years. Makes permanent the ban against requiring compliance with tests and devices as a prerequisite to voting.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Tax and Loan Account Interest Act - Terminates the insurance of any bank under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which fails to pay the Federal funds rate of interest on all tax and loan accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 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 · 13 February 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish on specified public lands of the United States national petroleum reserves the development of which needs to be regulated in a manner consistent with the total energy needs of the Nation, including but not limited to, national defense. Requires the Secretary to review the potential for oil and gas production, in the State of Alaska, and to submit to Congress within one year a plan of development.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1975
Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to encourage the design, production, manufacture, and sale of passenger automobiles which are more efficient in the consumption of petroleum and other natural resources through the imposition of an excise tax or the allowance of a tax credit upon the sale of an automobile, depending on the rate at which it consumes fuel. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for an excise tax with respect to the price for which such automobile is sold by the manufacturer, dealer, or importer thereof, such tax ranging from zero on an automobile that averages between 18.5 and 19.5 gallons per mile to $1,000 on an automobile that averages less than 14.5 miles per gallon. Sets forth the procedure for computing such tax for the period from July 1, 1977, to June 30, 1980. Allows a tax credit on every new automobile based on the rate at which it consumes fuel according to guidelines set forth in this Act. Provides that the credit for the period beginning January 1, 1975, and ending June 30, 1977, shall range from zero on an automobile averaging between 18.5 and 19.5 miles per gallon and $1,000 for an automobile averaging over 26.5 miles per gallon. Sets forth the procedure for establishing such credits for the period from July 1, 1977, to June 30, 1980. Provides that no taxpayer shall be entitled to any tax credit more than once in each 24 month period, and such credit shall be claimed only during the tax year in which such purchase is made. Provides that the tax imposed under this Act shall be paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the automobile in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe. States that the rates of fuel consumption to be utilized in computing the tax under this Act shall be determined by the Environmental Protection Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides that a conservation publication published by a State agency which is responsible for management and conservation of fish or wildlife resources shall be considered a publication of a qualified nonprofit organization which qualifies for second-class mail rates. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3626 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the provisions of the National School Lunch Act which require that the national average value of donated foods (or cash payments in lieu thereof), the special assistance factor for payments for free and reduced price lunches, and the national average rate for lunches and breakfasts served under the school lunch program and the school breakfast program shall reflect changes in the series of food away from home of the Consumer Price Index are necessary provisions of such Act which maintain the stability of the national school lunch and school breakfast programs in the current period of inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Provides that the charge imposed on any household for a coupon allotment under the Food Stamp Act after the date of this Act and prior to December 30, 1975, may not exceed the charge imposed on such household for coupon allotments under rules and regulations in effect on January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1975
Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to prevent widespread mortgage defaults and the distress-sale of homes as a result of adverse economic conditions. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency mortgage relief payments on behalf of distressed homeowners when he determines that such action is necessary and that there is a reasonable prospect that the homeowner will be able to make necessary adjustments for the full resumption of mortgage payments. Defines "distressed homeower" as one or more persons who own and occupy a dwelling as a principal residence and whose income has declined by more than 20 percent as the result of unemployment or other adverse economic conditions. Limits relief payments to a period not exceeding two years. Provides that payments be repaid on such terms as the Secretary prescribes. Empowers the Secretary to delegate any of his functions under this Act to other Federal agencies or private entities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a revolving fund for mortgage relief payments and other specified purposes, including payment of obligations issued to the Secretary of the Treasury to enable the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out his functions under this Act. Provides for a payment expiration date of July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Specifies that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stocks Piling Act regarding the acquisition and development of strategic raw materials shall not apply to regulations or prohibitions pertaining to economic relations and/or communications with foreign nations or foreign nationals which are established under the authority of the United Nations Participation Act in response to sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Declares that for 90 days following enactment of this Act, the President shall have no authority to adjust imports of petroleum or petroleum products. Provides that in the event of a declaration of war, an attack upon the United States, or other involvement in hostilities by the Armed Forces within the 90-day period, this provision shall not thereafter apply. Provides that any action taken by the President between January 15, 1975, and the date of enactment of this Act which results in the imposition of a duty, tax, or fee on petroleum or petroleum products shall cease to have effect on the date of enactment. Allows a rebate of any amount paid as a tax or fee on petroleum products which was imposed by the President after January 15, 1975, and before enactment of this Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to affect the validity of any proclamation or Executive order issued before January 16, 1975, by the President under a specified provision of the Trade Expansion Act. Declares that during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on June 30, 1975, the public debt limit as set forth in the Second Liberty Bond Act shall be temporarily increased to $131,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Establishes weight restrictions for vehicles on the Interstate System. Provides that no funds authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year under the Federal-Aid Highway Act shall be apportioned to any State within the boundaries of which the Interstate System may lawfully be used by vehicles in excess of the established weight limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that the charge to a household for its food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the level established as of January 1, 1975, or (2) 25 percent of the household's income. Provides that, effective July 1, 1975, households in which all members receive supplemental security income benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program of the Social Security Act, or households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or general assistance grant shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program under this Act. States that certification of all other households shall be based on the uniform national standards for eligibility required to be established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Declares that for 90 days following enactment of this Act the President shall have no authority to adjust imports of petroleum or petroleum products under the Trade Expansion Act or any other Federal law. Provides that in the event of a declaration of war, an attack upon the United States, or other involvement in hostilities by the Armed Forces within the 90 day period, this provision shall not thereafter apply. Provides that any action taken by the President between January 15, 1975, and the date of enactment of this Act which results in the imposition of a duty tax or fee on petroleum or petroleum products shall cease to have effect on the date of enactment. Allows a rebate of any amount paid as a tax or fee on petroleum products which was imposed by the President after January 15, 1975, and before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that no new tariff, fee or other charge, no increase in existing tariffs, fees or other charges, and no new quota or other limitation on imports of crude oil or petroleum product other than those in effect on January 1, 1975, may be imposed unless: (1) such action is specifically authorized by law enacted after the date of enactment of this joint resolution; or (2) sixty days after the date of enactment of this joint resolution the specific action proposed to be taken is submitted to both Houses of the Congress. States that if such action is disapproved by either House within a thirty-day review period, no officer or agency shall have authority to take any action inconsistent with the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should not impose any tariff or other import restriction on petroleum or petroleum products before April 1, 1975, so as to give the Congress a reasonable period of time in which to act legislatively on such matter if it determines such action is necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business concerns; (2) to prevent Federal support for unjustified dislocation; and (3) to provide assistance to employees, and affected communities threatened with dislocation. Defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Employment Relocation Administration, to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that, in order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to perform enumerated functions and duties, including: (1) conduct investigations on any proposed closing or transfer of operations of a business concern; (2) provide adjustment assistance to employees because of a closing or transfer of operations of an establishment of a business concern; and (3) conduct research into the problems of business closings, transfers of operations, and unemployment. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Specifies the composition and compensation rates of members of such Council to perform enumerated functions, including to advise the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the National Employment Relocation Administration and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act. Requires written notice be given to the Secretary whenever: (1) a business concern intends to close or transfer all or part of the operations of an establishment of that business concern; and (2) at least 15 percent of the employees who are members of any labor organization or 15 percent of all employees in that establishment will suffer an eligible employment loss as a result of any such closing or transfer. Specifies the items to be included in such notice. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of adjustment assistance for employees suffering an eligible employment loss. Provides that such adjustment assistance shall include: (1) income maintenance payment; (2) maintenance of pension and health benefits; (3) job placement and retraining benefits; (4) relocation allowances; (5) early retirement benefits; (6) emergency mortgage and rent payments; and (7) food stamps and surplus commodities. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to place employees for substantially equivalent full employment in accordance with their capacity and prospective employeent opportunities. Provides that a unit of local government is eligible for assistance under this Act upon determination by the Secretary that the closing or transfer of operations of business establishments has contributed substantially to an unemployment rate within such jurisdiction exceeding 8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Enumerates the types of assistance available under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a retraining program for employees who will be required to acquire new or additional skills as a result of the economic adjustemnt assistance proposal. Provides that whenever the Secretary determines, after an investigation conducted under this Act that: (1) the closing or transfer of operations of an establishment or a business concern was not justified; or (2) the transfer or closing could have been avoided if the business concern had accepted assistance under this Act; or (3) the eligible employment loss could have been avoided except for the failure to file a notice of intent to close or transfer, or because of some other unreasonable delay, bad faith or misrepresentation on the part of the business concern; or (4) the transfer of operations is to a new location outside the United States while other alternatives to such transfer of operations exist, then such business concern shall be ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, for a period not to exceed 10 years. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides hospital and medical care to members of the armed forces of Poland or Czechoslovakia who participated in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States during World War I or World War II, and who have been citizens of the United States for not less than 10 years. Provides that such hospital and medical care shall be available to the same extent as if such service had been performed in the Armed Forces of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Provides that the automatic cost-of-living increases under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (and the corresponding increases under the supplemental security income program) shall be made in advance (to begin in January of the ensuing year), on the basis of projected increases in the Consumer Price Index. Provides that such payments shall begin within specified periods of such projections, and not within periods from the end of the quarter in which such projections were made.
![Official portrait of Rep. Vander Veen, Richard F. [D-MI-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/v000029_200.jpg)