United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Declares the purposes of this Act to emphasize agricultural research as a distinct mission of the Department of Agriculture, to be certain such research is effectively coordinated, and to provide a mechanism for identifying the Nation's highest priority problems for agricultural research. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint the Executive Secretary of such committee to coordinate agricultural research and keep abreast of the Nation's needs for such research. States that the committee's responsibilities shall include: (1) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (2) providing a forum for research sponsoring agencies to exchange information on agricultural plans and programs; and (3) making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding applications for funding of mission-oriented basic agricultural research. Defines "mission-oriented basic agricultural research" as research on fundamental science topics with regard to which there is a basic need in existence for new knowledge that would be generated by such research and which deals with more than an unproven concept. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First Morrill Act and the State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Declares it to be the sense of Congress that Federal funding for existing agricultural research programs should be increased by $250,000,000 annually.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Occupational Safety and Health Reform Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to improve the administration of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and to provide for regulatory procedures related to such administration. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not propose any rule promulgating a new occupational health or safety standard before he: (1) has, as part of each such proposal, reviewed and published in the Federal Register the financial impact of such proposed standard; and (2) has determined with due regard for that impact that the benefit to be derived from such standard justifies such proposal. Provides that no standard adopted or promulgated shall require any employer to phase out, change, or replace existing equipment or facilities before the normal useful life of that equipment or facility has expired unless failure to so phase out, change, or replace that equipment or facility prematurely would result in a serious violation. Directs the Secretary to prescribe, as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, as part of each existing standard adopted under the Occupational Safety and Health Act: (1) the estimated average and maximum cost per unit to the average employer who is subject to that standard for compliance with the conditions, practices, means, methods, operation, or process used or proposed to be used by that employer under that standard; and (2) the period within which it is, in fact, possible for such employers to meet such standard including, but not limited to, availability of required devices, and possibility of performance of required procedures. Sets forth requirements with respect to notifying an employer of violations of the requirements prescribed pursuant to this Act. States that any employer who has been found to be not in compliance with any rule or standard adopted or promulgated under this Act shall not receive a notice for such violation if he is able to show: (1) that implementing such rule or standard would not materially affect the safety or health of his employees in the facility inspected; (2) that he has employed alternative procedures to protect his employees from the hazards contemplated by the rule or standard which are as effective in protecting the safety and health of his employees; or (3) that he has furnished adequate notice and exerted all reasonable efforts, pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, to obtain the compliance of his employee, that such violation was attributable to such employees, and that he could not otherwise have reasonably prevented such violation. Sets forth procedures for enforcement of these regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into compliance agreements with an employer believed to be in violation of an occupational safety and health standard promulgated pursuant to such Act under which enforcement and penalty provisions are waived or deferred upon condition that the employer will voluntarily comply with the applicable standard upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate under the circumstances. States that failure of an employer to abide by such an agreement may be taken into account in resulting enforcement and penalty procedures. Directs the Secretary to provide technical advice, assistance, and consultation to employers with less than 100 employees whenever it is necessary to assist them in complying with applicable standards.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Black Lung Benefits Reform Act - Stipulates that if a miner was employed for 30 years or more in an underground coal mine, or for 25 years or more in an anthracite coal mine, such miner shall be entitled to the payment of black lung benefits under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Permits a miner to file a claim for workmen's compensation benefits whether or not such miner is employed by an operator of a coal mine at the time the miner files the claim. Directs the Secretary of Labor to notify a miner as soon as practicable after receiving a claim for benefits on whether or not such miner is eligible for benefits. Permits the utilization of affidavits in cases of deceased miners where there is no relevant medical evidence sufficient to establish that the miner was totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that his death was due to such disease. Sets forth new regulations and provisions regarding the administration of the workmen's compensation program, and claims thereunder. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for prompt and equitable hearing of appeals by claimants aggreivated by adverse workmen's compensation decisions. Establishes the Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund. Sets forth provisions governing administration of the Fund. States that amounts in the fund shall be available for making expenditures to meet the obligations of the fund, including the expenses of providing medical benefits. Requires operators of coal mines in States not providing workmen's compensation benefits to pay premiums into the fund in order to assure coverage. Provides that the initial premium rate of each operator shall be established by the Secretary as a rate per ton of coal mined by such operator. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund of sums necessary to provide the fund with amounts equal to 50 percent of the amount which the Secretary estimates is necessary for payment of benefits over the initial 12-month period. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Secretary of Labor to disseminate to interested persons and groups the changes in the Black Lung Benefits Act made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Increases the amount of money paid to States and counties for forest services and watershed protection from 25 percent of the cost of State programs to 75 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Requires that any rule or regulation proposed by any officer or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government to implement a law or a program pursuant to a law must be submitted to both Houses of Congress for review. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective 60 legislative days after submission if Congress neither disapproves it by resolution or passes a concurrent resolution specifically approving such rule or regulation. Incorporates the provisions of this Act into the rules of the two Houses of Congress. Establishes procedural rules with respect to the consideration of a resolution disapproving the proposed rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines "household" under the Food Stamp Act as meaning a group of individuals who are sharing common living quarters, but who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, and who have access to cooking facilities and for whom food is customarily purchased in common. Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve any plan which permits any household to simultaneously participate in both the food stamp program and the distribution of federally donated foods. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget adjusted pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards of eligibility which shall include, but not be limited to, the amounts of liquid and nonliquid assets. Provides that household income for purposes of the food stamp program shall be the gross income of the household less: (1) a standard deduction of $100 a month applicable to all households; (2) an additional deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there at least one member who is age sixty-five or older. Limits eligibility to participate in the food stamp program to citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residency. States that no individual shall be considered eligible for the food stamp program as a member of a household if he is: (1) over 18; (2) is enrolled at an institution of higher education; and (3) is a dependent child for income tax purposes of a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Prohibits households which transfer liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program from becoming eligible for at least a ninety-day period. Requires the Secretary to issue photo identification cards to households certified eligible to participate in the program. States that households shall be charged thirty percent of their income for the coupon allotment issued to them. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further inssuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Provides for a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to foster and promote, through appropriate means and on an economically sustainable basis, the development and expansion and both traditional and innovative approaches to direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. States that for purposes of this Act, the term "direct marketing from farmers to consumers" means the marketing of agricultural commodities at any marketplace (including, but not limited to, roadside stands, city markets, and vehicles used for house-to-house marketing of agricultural commodities) established and maintained for the purpose of enabling farmers to sell their agricultural commodities directly to individual consumers, or organizations representing consumers. Directs the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture to conduct and facilitate activities designed to foster methods of direct marketing from farmers to consumers. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
National Coal Policy Act - Declares that it shall be the policy of the Federal Government to place major emphasis on the use of coal. Title I: Coal Substitution - Declares that national energy self-sufficiency can be facilitated by the substitution of coal for natural gas and petroleum products. Calls for coal to be utilized as a primary steam-generating fuel. Directs that all new electric powerplants should be equipped with the capability for utilizing coal. Calls for all existing fossil fuel burning electric powerplants not scheduled for retirement, to be utilizing coal as their primary energy source by the end of ten years, in conformance with applicable environmental requirements. Title II: Clean Air Act Amendments - States that it is the finding of the Congress that the Federal Government and the States should achieve a greater compatibility between energy requirements and environmental standards. Directs that where environmental regulations are more restrictive than necessary for the attainment of ambient air quality standards, action should be taken to reduce such requirements. Revises the criteria for granting variances from established regulations. Provides that technological and economic factors shall be given equal consideration with the environment. Title III: Utility Investment tax Credits - Allows electric utilities an investment tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for construction of qualified facilities. Allows a one-year straight-line amortization under the Code for the installation of pollution control facilites in a pre-1969 plant and for conversion of a facility to nonpetroleum fuel. Allows a utility to elect to begin depreciation for purposes of Federal income income tax, during the construction period, of accumulated construction progress expenditures. Authorizes shareholders of regulated public electric utilities to postpone tax on dividends paid by the utility on its common stock by electing to take additional common stock of utility in lieu of cash dividends. Title IV: Assistance to Railroads - Authorizes low cost federal loans to railroads in serious financial difficulties. Allows a Federal income tax credit of twelve percent for construction of new facilities designed primarily for coal transportation. Allows a one-year writeoff for the cost of construction and improvements of facilities designed for coal transportation. Title V: Coal Pipeline Development - Authorizes railroads to operate coal pipelines on their right-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant certificates of public convience and necessity for such railroads to exercise the power of eminent domain in order to acquire necessary rights-of-way for pipeline construction. Title VI: Mining and Mineral Research and Manpower Training - Authorizes Federal grants, on a matching State fund basis, to public colleges and universities for programs dealing with mineral engineering, mining, mine safety, and mineral research. Title VII: Funding Authorizations For Coal Mining and Preparation Research - Authorizes the appropriation of $60,000,000 to the Bureau of Mines for a coal extraction technology program. Title VIII: Pilot Testing of Coal Land Reclamation Proposals - Authorizes the Bureau of Mines to make grants to States for reclamation research. Title IX: Synthetic Fuels Development Assistance - Allows a one-year amortization for purposes of Federal income tax, for the cost of construction of facilities designed for the purpose of developing synthetic fuels from coal. Authorizes the Federal Government to enter into long-term purchase contracts for synthetic fuels produced from coal. Title X: Writeoff for Coal Mine Equipment - Allows coal procedures to elect a one-year amortization for new coal mining equipment. Title XI: District, or Centralized, Heating Systems - Authorizes financial incentives such as guaranteed Federal loans, investment tax credits, and one-year tax writeoffs, for construction and operation of centralized heating systems. Title XII: Definitions and Report - Directs that the Secretary of the Interior shall have responsibility for carrying out the national coal policy. Requires the Secretary to include in his annual report the state of such program and recommendations for additional legislation as may be necessary to implement the policy of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Establishes in the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Energy. Authorizes the committee to conduct a study with respect to all aspects of the exploration, research and development, production, importation, distribution, and use of all energy-related natural resources, including national priorities and policies with regard to energy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1975
Increases from $5,000,000,000 to $15,000,000,000 the amount of bonds which may be issued by the Tennessee Valley Authority under the Tennessee Valley Authority Act. Provides for an annual payment, rather than semi-annual payments, to the Treasury of the United States of the power proceeds in excess of those obligated by bonds or bond contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Revises the formula by which the level of price support for tobacco is determined to provide that such price supports shall be computed on a marketing year rather than a calendar year basis.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Provides under the Social Security Act that an Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance claimant shall be entitled to an informal conference reconsidering an initial adverse decision concerning such claimant's eligibility for benefits. Prescribes the procedures for such reconsideration hearings. Requires that such a hearing be presided over by an administrative law judge and conducted on the record.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to designate an agency or person as an official inspection agency upon a showing that such agency or person has adequate personnel, facilities, and training programs, and meets other specified requirements, to assure that official inspection will be provided in accordance with the provisions of the United States Grain Standards Act. Provides that designations of official inspection agencies shall terminate triennially. Prescribes criteria and procedures for renewal of such designations. Requires each inspection agency to pay annually a designation fee based on the volume of grain inspected in the preceding year, or, if none inspected, the anticipated volume for the upcoming year. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke the designation of an official inspection upon determination that one or more criteria of performance is not met. Expands the authority of the Secretary to license grain inspectors. Increases the civil penalty for refusal of inspection to $50,000 for each violation. Increases the criminal penalties for improperly influencing or attempting to improperly influence, and physically interfering with a grain inspector in the performance of his official duties.
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 · 29 July 1975
Revises the formula used by the Department of Agriculture in the computation of the level of price support for tobacco under the Agricultural Act of 1949 by using 3 marketing years in the computation (now 3 calendar years).
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
World War I Pension Act - Establishes a monthly pension for qualified World War I veterans of $135 if unmarried and with no children, or $150 if married and living with or contributing to the support of a spouse or with children. Provides an additional monthly payment of $50 if the veteran is permanently homebound, or $125 if he is in need of regular aid and attendance. Provides that no pension shall be paid to a veteran who has income in excess of $3,000 if unmarried or $4,200 if married. Provides that a veteran entitled to another pension shall receive whichever amount is greater. Establishes for widows of qualified World War I veterans a monthly Pension of $100 if there is no child or $125 if there is one child, with an additional $20 for each additional child. Provides that no pension shall be paid if the total annual income of the widow with children exceeds $3,000 or $4,200 in the case of a widow with children. Establishes a monthly pension for the children of qualified World War I veterans when there is no widow. Sets such pension at $45 for the first child and $18 for each additional child. Requires each pension to be equally distributed among the eligible children and makes any child with an annual income, excluding earned income, in excess of $2,000 ineligible for a pension. Exempts increases in Social Security benefits, railroad retirement annuities or pensions, or Federal government employee annuities from the determination of annual income. Gives priority for hospital care to those veterans receiving a pension under the Act. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 513-515; Amends 38 U.S.C. 503, 610)
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Extends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended, until September 30, 1976. Authorizes the appropriation of $47,868,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Provides that individual property owners along the Outer Banks shall be permitted access to their property through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1975
Disapproves the loan of three landing craft (LCM-8's) to Panama, as proposed by the letter from the Department of the Navy of May 5, 1975, to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Provides that a unit of general local government having a population of fifty thousand or more (the present eligibility requirement is one hundred thousand) shall be eligible to be a prime sponsor under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Repeals, under the Social Security Act, the provisions for the establishment of Professional Standards Review Organizations to review services covered under the medicare and medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Beef Research and Information Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders: (1) providing for the establishment and administration of plans for advertising, sales promotion, and consumer information with respect to the use of cattle, beef, or beef products and for the disbursement of necessary funds for such purposes; (2) providing for research and studies with respect to sale, distribution, marketing, utilization, or production of cattle, beef, or beef products, and the creation of new products thereof, to the end that the marketing and utilization of cattle, beef, or beef products may be encouraged, expanded, improved, or made more acceptable, and the data collected by such activities may be disseminated and for the disbursement of necessary funds for such purposes; and (3) providing that slaughterers maintain and make available for inspection such books and records as may be required by any order issued pursuant to this Act. Provides for the establishment of a Beef Board, to be composed of not more than 68 cattle producers or representatives of cattle producers appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Beef Board, including: (1) the administration of the orders of the Secretary in accordance with its terms and provisions; and (2) the issuance of rules and regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of such orders. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum among cattle producers who have been engaged in the production of cattle for the purpose of ascertaining whether the issuance of an order is approved or favored by not less than two-thirds of such producers. Authorizes appropriations of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Beef Research and Information Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders: (1) providing for the establishment and administration of plans for advertising, sales promotion, and consumer information with respect to the use of cattle, beef, or beef products and for the disbursement of necessary funds for such purposes; (2) providing for research and studies with respect to sale, distribution, marketing, utilization, or production of cattle, beef, or beef products, and the creation of new products thereof, to the end that the marketing and utilization of cattle, beef, or beef products may be encouraged, expanded, improved, or made more acceptable, and the data collected by such activities may be disseminated and for the disbursement of necessary funds for such purposes; and (3) providing that slaughterers maintain and make available for inspection such books and records as may be required by any order issued pursuant to this Act. Provides for the establishment of a Beef Board, to be composed of not more than 68 cattle producers or representatives of cattle producers appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Beef Board, including: (1) the administration of the orders of the Secretary in accordance with its terms and provisions; and (2) the issuance of rules and regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of such orders. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum among cattle producers who have been engaged in the production of cattle for the purpose of ascertaining whether the issuance of an order is approved or favored by not less than two-thirds of such producers. Authorizes appropriations of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1975
Requires under the Social Security Act the continued application of the 8 1/2 percent nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Beef Research and Information Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders: (1) providing for the establishment and administration of plans for advertising, sales promotion, and consumer information with respect to the use of cattle, beef, or beef products and for the disbursement of necessary funds for such purposes; (2) providing for research and studies with respect to sale, distribution, marketing, utilization, or production of cattle, beef, or beef products, and the creation of new products thereof, to the end that the marketing and utilization of cattle, beef, or beef products may be encouraged, expanded, improved, or made more acceptable, and the data collected by such activities may be disseminated and for the disbursement of necessary funds for such purposes; and (3) providing that slaughterers maintain and make available for inspection such books and records as may be required by any order issued pursuant to this Act. Provides for the establishment of a Beef Board, to be composed of not more than 68 cattle producers or representatives of cattle producers appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Beef Board, including: (1) the administration of the orders of the Secretary in accordance with its terms and provisions; and (2) the issuance of rules and regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of such orders. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum among cattle producers who have been engaged in the production of cattle for the purpose of ascertaining whether the issuance of an order is approved or favored by not less than two-thirds of such producers. Authorizes appropriations of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Constitutional Amendment - States that the U.S. Constitution shall not bar any State or territory or the District of Columbia from allowing, regulating, or prohibiting the practice of abortion.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a national health care insurance program that will provide comprehensive benefits, including institutional, medical, dental, and other health care, protecting against ordinary and catastrophic expenses of illnesses for all individuals. Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Provides that when an employee elects to obtain such coverage, the employer shall contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of the employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium; the employee shall contribute the balance. Permits the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll costs due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the Secretary to make such payments. Provides that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Establishes a program of Federal participation, through a system of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax, in the premium for qualified health care insurance providing comprehensive hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and families. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides that if an individual or family incurs no income tax liability for a base year, such individual or family shall be eligible for a certificate of entitlement or a credit against income tax for 100 percent of the premium for qualified health care insurance. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under this part for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accomodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for castastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established in this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Provides under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) that an individual may become entitled to widow's or widower's insurance benefits at age 50, whether or not disabled.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares that it is the policy of Congress and the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Rural Health. Authorizes the Director of such office to award grants, contracts, loans, and loan guarantees for projects to: (1) examine existing models of rural health care delivery; (2) determine such models applicability and transferability to other rural areas; and (3) assist in the study, planning, and development of rural health care delivery models. States that the Director shall: (1) provide liason among all Federal agencies for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas; (2) provide technical assistance and advice for the development of rural health care delivery models; and (3) provide for the coordination of programs assisted under this Act with programs of the National Health Service Corps. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund. Stipulates that the Director shall not approve an application for a loan or a loan guarantee under this Act unless he determines that the terms and conditions are sufficient to protect the financial interests of the United States. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee composed of eleven members. Directs such committee to make recommendations to the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health. Stipulates that the Director shall not approve an award of any grant, contract, loan, or loan guarantee under this Act unless such award has been approved by the Rural Health Care Advisory Committee and the appropriate State and local medical society. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants and contracts under this Act $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes to be appropriated for the rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund such amounts as may be required from time to time for the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Fiscal Integrity Act - Revises the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act to define the term "Federal revenue and budget outlay limit" to be the amount derived through a specified series of mathematical formulas. Prohibits the concurrent resolution on the budget from including any provision which exceeds the Federal revenue and budget outlay limit. Requires that each House include in its report to its House a comparison of estimated budget authority as set forth by the President and by the concurrent resolution. Prohibits amendment of the concurrent resolution during consideration by the Senate or the House of Representatives which exceeds the Federal revenue and budget outlay limit. Requires that the impact of new budget authority and budget outlays, and a projection for the next five fiscal years of the impact of new tax expenditures on the Federal revenue and outlay limit be included in a statement accompanying a bill or resolution reported by a committee of either House. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to include in his five-year projection report, the concomitant predicted Federal revenue and budget outlay limits for each fiscal year. Prohibits a concurrent resolution from being reported at any time which increases total revenues or the budget outlay limit unless such limit has been suspended pursuant to this Act. Prohibits Congress from making any appropriation for any fiscal year in excess of the Federal revenue and budget outlay limit. Provides for the reduction of the public debt by any revenue which exceeds such limit during any fiscal year. Permits the suspension of the revenue and budget outlay limit by the declaration of a fiscal emergency through the passage of a concurrent resolution approved by two-thirds of the members present in each House. Requires that all bills of a public or private character introduced in either House of Congress have printed at the bottom of the first page a fiscal note which States the amounts likely to be the costs and savings achieved in the implementation of a bill.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
States that in order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases and parasites harmful to honeybees, and the introduction of genetically undesirable germ plasm of honeybees, the importation into the United States of all honeybees is prohibited, except that honeybees may be imported into the United States by the United States Department of Agriculture for experimental or scientific purposes, or from countries approved by the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs that honeybee semen may be imported into the United States only from countries which the Secretary determines to be free of undesirable species or subspecies of honeybees and which have in operation precautions to prevent the importation of such honeybees and their semen. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with the Governments of Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Columbia, or the local authorities thereof, in carrying out necessary research, surveys, and control operations in those countries in connection with the eradication, suppression, control, and prevention, or retardation of the spread of undesirable species and subspecies of honeybees. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Family Farm Inheritance Act - States that for purposes of the estate tax under the Internal Revenue Code the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting the lesser of: (1) $200,000; or (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation continuously owned by him or his spouse for five years prior to his death and which passes to a related individual. Disqualifies the individual to whom the estate passes from the tax benefit authorized by this Act if such individual, within five years after the decedent's death, sells or removes the family farming operation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Provides, under the Appalachian Regional Development Act, for the inclusion of specified Virginia cities and additional Virginia counties in programs under such Act for assistance in meeting the special problems and promoting the economic development of the Appalachian Region.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Limits the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the United States and of the district courts to enter any judgment, decree, or order, denying or restricting, as unconstitutional, voluntary prayer in any public school or public building. States that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to any case pending in any United States court on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Beef Research and Consumer Information Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to enable cattle producers to establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program to improve markets for cattle, beef and beef products, and to provide an adequate supply of high quality beef to the consumers of the Nation at reasonable prices. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue beef research and promotion orders. Provides that such orders shall be issued only after due notice and opportunity for hearing shall have been given to producers and producer organizations, and after the Secretary shall have determined that the issuance of such an order will effectuate the declared policy of this Act. Declares that such order shall not take effect until approved by a majority of two-thirds of the cattle producers voting in a referendum. Establishes a Beef Board to administer the Order in accordance with its terms and provisions, to make rules and regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of the Order, to receive, investigate and report complaints of violations of the Order, and to recommend to the Secretary amendments to the Order. Lists the procedures for appointing members of such board. Requires that any plans for advertising, sales promotion, consumer education, producer education, research, and the annual budget be developed by the Beef Board and submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval. Empowers the Beef Board to enter into contracts or agreements for the development and carrying out of the activities authorized under the Order. Declares that producers of cattle shall be assessed at a specific rate to be determined by stated procedures. Provides that each time cattle are sold, the cattle producer shall pay to the purchaser the amount assessed, based upon the sale price of the cattle. Provides that any cattle producer against whose cattle or beef any assessment is made and collected shall have the right to demand and receive from the Beef Board a refund of such assessment. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt or interfere with the workings of any beef board, beef council, or other beef promotion entity organized and operating within and by authority of any of the several states. Provides for the return to members of such beef board or council of an amount to be determined by a specified formula. Stipulates that to qualify for the funds described in this provision, such state beef board, beef council or other beef promotional entity shall demonstrate ability to provide research, promotion and education within the state consistent with this Act and Order. States that each purchaser, handler or agent may be required to report to the Beef Board periodically concerning number of cattle handled, amount assessed, sale price of cattle on which assessment was collected, and other information necessary for the enforcement of this Act. Declares that this Act and any order issued pursuant to it may be enforced in the District Courts of the U.S., with the U.S. Attorney General having authority to bring any Civil suits authorized under this Act. Provides for a fine of not more than $1,000 for violation, of this Act and any orders issued pursuant to it. Stipulates that no funds collected by the Beef Baord shall in any manner be used for the purpose of influencing governmental policy or action. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that funds so appropriated shall not be available for payment of the expenses or expenditures of the Beef Board in administering any provisions of any order issued pursuant to the terms of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Provides that any individual fully insured under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act may qualify for disability insurance benefits and the disability freeze if he has 40 quarters of coverage, regardless of when such quarters were earned.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Black Lung Benefits Reform Act - Provides that employment in a coke oven area where the coal dust is substantially equivalent to that in underground coal mines at the time of employment shall be deemed to be employment of a miner in an underground coal mine for entitlement to black lung benefits. Provides that, for the purposes of eligibility for benefits under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, if a miner was employed for twenty-five years or more in one or more underground coal mines there shall be a rebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, that his death was due to pneumoconiosis, or that at the time of his death he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis, and such presumption may be rebutted only by the negative result of a blood-gas study. Provides that if a miner was employed for thirty-five years or more in one or more underground coal mines there shall be an irrebuttable presumption that he is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, that his death was due to pneumoconiosis, or that at the time of his death he was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not apply all or any portion of any requirement that a miner work in an underground mine where he determines that conditions of a miner's employment in a coal mine other than an underground mine were substantially similar to conditions in an underground mine. Provides for an offset for benefits received under this Act against workmen's compensation benefits. States that for the purposes of assuring that all individuals who are eligible for benefits under this Act are afforded an opportunity to apply for and, if entitled thereto, to receive such benefits, the Secretary is directed to undertake a program in cooperation with mine operators and the Department of the Interior to locate individuals who likely are eligible for such benefits and have not filed a claim therefor. Establishes the Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund in the United States Treasury from which the Secretary of Labor shall pay benefits after December 31, 1973, in any case where a qualified disabled miner will not receive workmen's compensation benefits. Provides that coal mine operators shall pay premiums into the fund to insure the payment of benefits under this Act. Provides that an operator who fails or refuses to pay any premium required by this Act may be subject to a civil action or assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Creates on the books of the Treasury of the United States the Abandoned Coal Mine Reclamation Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. Specifies that the fund shall be available for acquisition and reclamation of land and other specified similar purposes. Authorizes to be appropriated annually to the fund such amounts as are necessary to give the fund income of not less than $200,000,000. Requires to be credited to the fund any amounts necessary to maintain this level of income. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements of not more than 10 years duration to provide for land stabilization, erosion and sediment control, and reclamation through conservation treatment. Makes it the duty of land owners to furnish to the Secretary a plan, to be agreed to by both parties, setting forth the land uses and conservation treatment to be effected on the lands described in the agreement. Allows the Secretary to furnish assistance to such landowners to carry out the treatment necessary, up to a maximum of 80 percent of the cost, and on not more than 30 acres of land. Requires the Secretary to utilize the services of the Soil Conservation Service, and the State and local committees provided for in the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, and Authorizes the Secretary to utilize the facilities of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire land or any interest therein which has been affected by surface mining and has not been reclaimed to its approximate original condition. Requires the Secretary to specifically determine the cost and the benefits to the public of such acquisition and reclamation. Empowers the Secretary to take title to land in the name of the United States under the eminent domain power of the United States where no such agreement can be reached. Encourages the States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed lands within their boundaries and to transfer such lands to the Secretary to be reclaimed under appropriate Federal regulations. Empowers the Secretary to make grants and matching basis to States up to 90 percent of the cost of acquisition. Requires the Secretary to prepare specifications for the reclamation of lands acquired under this section. Stipulates that each reclamation contract be approved by the Secretary, and be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting lands to be acquired give priority to lands which meet the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to sell such lands under regulations that will ensure that such lands will be put to proper use. Permits the Secretary to use money in the fund to acquire, reclaim, develop, and transfer land to any State, or instrumentality of a State, if such is a necessary part of a project to provide State welfare services. Empowers the Secretary at the request of a Governor to fill such voids and seal abandoned tunnels, shafts, and entryways.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve as the Federal share of the construction cost of an approved State highway project under the Federal-aid secondary system, any percentage of such cost up to one hundred percent. Requires that any increase in the Federal share of a State's construction costs which are made pursuant to this Act be repaid by the State receiving such increase by January 1, 1977, as a condition for Federal approval of future highway projects of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Provides that any detailed statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act for any Federal-aid highway project in the States of New York, Vermont, and Connecticut which was prepared by the State during the period beginning on January 1, 1970, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed a statement prepared by the Secretary of Transportation for purposes of The National Environmental Policy Act. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Provides, under the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, that expenditures for certified pollution control facilities will be credited against the payments required as a return on the appropriation investment in power facilities and the annual repayment sum. Defines the term "certified pollution control facility" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Beef Research and Consumer Information Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to enable cattle producers to establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program to improve markets for cattle, beef and beef products, and to provide an adequate supply of high quality beef to the consumers of the Nation at reasonable prices. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue beef research and promotion orders. Provides that such orders shall be issued only after due notice and opportunity for hearing shall have been given to producers and producer organizations, and after the Secretary shall have determined that the issuance of such an order will effectuate the declared policy of this Act. Declares that such order shall not take effect until approved by a majority of two-thirds of the cattle producers voting in a referendum. Establishes a Beef Board to administer the Order in accordance with its terms and provisions, to make rules and regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of the Order, to receive, investigate and report complaints of violations of the Order, and to recommend to the Secretary amendments to the Order. Lists the procedures for appointing members of such board. Requires that any plans for advertising, sales promotion, consumer education, producer education, research, and the annual budget be developed by the Beef Board and submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval. Empowers the Beef Board to enter into contracts or agreements for the development and carrying out of the activities authorized under the Order. Declares that producers of cattle shall be assessed at a specific rate to be determined by stated procedures. Provides that each time cattle are sold, the cattle producer shall pay to the purchaser the amount assessed, based upon the sale price of the cattle. Provides that any cattle producer against whose cattle or beef any assessment is made and collected shall have the right to demand and receive from the Beef Board a refund of such assessment. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt or interfere with the workings of any beef board, beef council, or other beef promotion entity organized and operating within and by authority of any of the several states. Provides for the return to members of such beef board or council of an amount to be determined by a specified formula. Stipulates that to qualify for the funds described in this provision, such state beef board, beef council or other beef promotional entity shall demonstrate ability to provide research, promotion and education within the state consistent with this Act and Order. States that each purchaser, handler or agent may be required to report to the Beef Board periodically concerning number of cattle handled, amount assessed, sale price of cattle on which assessment was collected, and other information necessary for the enforcement of this Act. Declares that this Act and any order issued pursuant to it may be enforced in the District Courts of the U.S., with the U.S. Attorney General having authority to bring any Civil suits authorized under this Act. Provides for a fine of not more than $1,000 for violation, of this Act and any orders issued pursuant to it. Stipulates that no funds collected by the Beef Baord shall in any manner be used for the purpose of influencing governmental policy or action. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that funds so appropriated shall not be available for payment of the expenses or expenditures of the Beef Board in administering any provisions of any order issued pursuant to the terms of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Exempts from the inspection requirements of the Federal Meat Inspection Act the custom slaughtering of livestock by any person who does not engage in buying or selling meat or meat products. Allows such an exemption if (1) such livestock is delivered by the owner thereof for such slaughter; (2) the preparation by such slaughterer and transportation in commerce of carcasses, meat, meat food products of such livestock is exclusively for use in the household of such owner and not for resale; and (3) such slaughtering meets sanitation requirements established and enforced by the State in which such slaughtering is conducted.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Postsecondary Vocational Education Act - Establishes a division of funds between secondary vocational and postsecondary occupational education in allotments to States under the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Provides that funds granted to States for occupational education may be used for: (1) strengthening State Advisory Councils on Vocational Education in order that they may effectively carry out the additional functions imposed by this Act; and (2) enabling the States to initiate and conduct a program of planning, including the development of a long-range strategy for placing occupational education on an equal footing with traditional academic education. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to the States for specific projects relating to the design, establishment, and conduct of post secondary occupational education programs. Directs any State desiring to receive the amount of its occupational education allotment for a fiscal year to submit a State plan for occupational education at such time, in such detail, and containing such information as the Commissioner of Education may prescribe. Sets forth criteria to be met for approval of State plans by the Commissioner. Provides that the Commission shall pay, from the State's occupational education allotment for a fiscal year, an amount equal to 50 percent of the total expenditures made in carrying out the State's approved plan. Directs each State to establish a local coordinating committee for each locality in the State. Provides that each local coordinating committee shall make a continuing study of the needs in its locality for vocational education, occupational education, and manpower training programs. States that on the basis of the information derived from such study, the local coordinating committee shall develop and propose a strategy which will present a coherent, integrated, and comprehensive set of vocational education, occupational education, and manpower training programs designed to meet such needs. Stipulates that aggregate expenditures for administration may not exceed 5 percent and guidance, counseling, and technical assistance may not exceed 15 percent of the State's vocational education allotment for that year. Provides for the consolidation, under the Vocational Education Act, of programs for research and training, exemplary programs, and project and curriculum development. Sets forth provisions governing how appropriated sums shall be divided by the Commissioner among specific projects. Authorizes appropriations of $135,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years for the improvement of vocational and occupational education programs pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Provides price support for milk, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at not less than 85 percent of the parity price therefor, beginning on the date of enactment and ending on March 31, 1977. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust the parity price at the beginning of each quarter to reflect the changes in the prices paid by farmers for production items, interest, taxes and wages in the preceeding quarter. States that it is the sense of the Congress that the President shall take appropriate action to limit the quantity of meat imports to an amount equal to the adjusted quantity estimate for the current calendar year. States that it is further the sense of Congress that the President issue a proclamation stating that import quotas on butter, butter oil, cheddar cheese, and nonfat dry milk not be increased above the levels prevailing as of June 1, 1971.
![Official portrait of Rep. Wampler, William C. [R-VA-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000121_200.jpg)