United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
Railroad Right-Of-Way Improvement Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to provide, during times of high unemployment, assistance to create employment opportunities in building the Nation's railroad rights-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance during times of high unemployment for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed and underemployed persons in jobs maintaining or rebuilding railroad rights- of-way. Authorizes for such purposes, appropriations of $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $1,000,000,000 for the fiscal year 1976; and $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires such funds to be expended only for wages and employment benefits. Prohibits further obligation of such funds to be made subsequent to a determination by the Secretary that the rate of national unemployment (seasonally adjusted) has receded below 4.5 per cent for three consecutive months. Requires applications for financial assistance for a railroad right-of-way employment program to contain specified assurances. Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress at least annually a detailed report setting forth the activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Natural Gas Regulatory Reform Act - Revises the Natural Gas Act to extend its provisions over interstate transportation or sale of natural gas which affects interstate commerce. Authorizes the Commission to allocate natural gas among pipelines to protect the public welfare, to maintain public services and agricultural operations, and to avoid economic hardships. States that after January 1, 1976 all production of new natural gas from Federal lands shall be sold or transferred in interstate commerce. Requires each producer to make available to the Commission an up-to-date account of the natural gas reserves they have discovered. Provides that violators shall be barred from bidding on any lease on Federal lands. States that for specified exceptions the Commission shall prohibit boiler fuel use of natural gas and propane. Requires that agreements for development of natural gas reserves on Federal lands shall include an exploratory and development program designed to obtain maximum production. Provides that the person granted the right of development shall inform the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration in writing immediately upon the discovery of natural gas on any Federal lands including estimates of the amounts discovered and a timetable for commercial development. States that unless such natural gas is produced and sold within two years after the date of discovery or the Administrator grants a petition for delay, the rights which have been granted the person to develop natural gas on Federal lands shall terminate.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Raises the maximum pay ceiling for Levels III, IV, and V of the Executive Schedule for General Schedule employees. Increases the rates of basic pay for Federal district court judges, judges of the Customs Courts, and Court of Claims commissioners.
United States · United States Congress · 9 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 · 3 June 1975
Arms Control and Disarmament Act Amendments - Title I: Amendments to Arms Control and Disarmament Act - Authorizes the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to conduct the activities necessary to arms control and disarmament. Provides that the Director of such agency shall be an advisor to the National Security Council. Requires any Government agency to submit to the Director an impact statement in advance of any program of research and development with respect to armament for which the total cost of the program is estimated to exceed $250,000,000 or $50,000,000 annually. Permits the Director to waive security requirements for consultants who do not have access to classified information. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for carrying out the purposes of the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. Title II: Conforming Amendments to Other Acts - Makes conforming amendments to the Mutual Security Act of 1954, the Foreign Military Sales Act, and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to be composed of Cabinet members and Directors of government agencies. Specifies the duties of the Council, including the duty to assist communities, industries, and employees which may be substantially and seriously affected to make adjustment to closure and reduction of bases or cancellation or reduction of defense contracts. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Authorizes the Council to allocate economic development funds appropriated to Federal agencies to communities which would be substantially affected by reduction or elimination of Government military facilities or curtailment or conclusion of military contracts. Title III: Industrial Economic Adjustment - Requires defense contractors to undertake planning and preparation for the employment of the personnel and utilization of the facilities employed on a contract after its completion. Authorizes the Chairman of the Council to provide assistance to defense and nonprofit contractors on conversion to nondefense industry, and appropriates $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for such purpose. Specifies the criteria for assigning priorities among economic projects applying for support under this Act. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Fund - Requires payment to the Council of one-half of one percent of the amount of any defense contract for funding of the Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund to be established in the Treasury. Provides for the return of unexpended moneys of a contractor in the fund if all of his obligations under this Act have been discharged and he has not contracted with the Federal Government to furnish defense materials within 24 months. Title V: Economic Adjustment Assistance For Workers - Provides for the payment of economic adjustment benefits for workers or nonprofit contractors who have been displaced from private defense facilities for 2 years following such displacement. Provides that such assistance shall include up to 80 percent of weekly wages, maintenance of insurance coverages, vested pension credit, and retraining. Conditions the eligibility of workers for such benefits upon maintenance of registration with the Secretary of Labor and an agreement to accept employment determined by the Secretary of Labor to be suitable.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to be composed of Cabinet members and Directors of government agencies. Specifies the duties of the Council, including the duty to assist communities, industries, and employees which may be substantially and seriously affected to make adjustment to closure and reduction of bases or cancellation or reduction of defense contracts. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Authorizes the Council to allocate economic development funds appropriated to Federal agencies to communities which would be substantially affected by reduction or elimination of Government military facilities or curtailment or conclusion of military contracts. Title III: Industrial Economic Adjustment - Requires defense contractors to undertake planning and preparation for the employment of the personnel and utilization of the facilities employed on a contract after its completion. Authorizes the Chairman of the Council to provide assistance to defense and nonprofit contractors on conversion to nondefense industry, and appropriates $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for such purpose. Specifies the criteria for assigning priorities among economic projects applying for support under this Act. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Fund - Requires payment to the Council of one-half of one percent of the amount of any defense contract for funding of the Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund to be established in the Treasury. Provides for the return of unexpended moneys of a contractor in the fund if all of his obligations under this Act have been discharged and he has not contracted with the Federal Government to furnish defense materials within 24 months. Title V: Economic Adjustment Assistance For Workers - Provides for the payment of economic adjustment benefits for workers or nonprofit contractors who have been displaced from private defense facilities for 2 years following such displacement. Provides that such assistance shall include up to 80 percent of weekly wages, maintenance of insurance coverages, vested pension credit, and retraining. Conditions the eligibility of workers for such benefits upon maintenance of registration with the Secretary of Labor and an agreement to accept employment determined by the Secretary of Labor to be suitable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States delegation to the European Security Conference should not agree to the recognition by the European Security Conference of the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and it should remain the policy of the United States not to recognize in any way the annexation of the Baltic nations by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
National Capital Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to pay a portion of the Federal share of the cost of the Adopted Regional System out of funds originally authorized to be appropriated by the National Capital Transportation Act of 1965, up to $1,147,044,000. Specifies limitation on loan guaranties and minimum matching funds to be contributed by participating local governments under such Act. Provides for the issuance of Federal share bonds (up to an aggregate principal amount of $1,257,000,000) by the Transit Authority to finance the cost of the Adopted Regional System. Requires the Transit Authority to annually report to the President and to the Congress the status of its financing under this Act and all other provisions of Federal legislation dealing with the construction of the Adopted Regional System.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
News Source and Information Protection Act - Provides that no newsman be required in any State or Federal proceeding to disclose information or the identity of a source of information received or obtained by him in his capacity as a newsman except as qualified by this Act. Declares that any order of a State or United States court pertaining to a claim of privilege on the part of a newsman is subject to judicial review. Provides that appeals be heard at the earliest practicable date. States that this Act should not be construed to impair any State law which secures the minimum privileges established by this Act. Provides that the protection afforded by this Act not be available to a defendant in a defamation suit with respect to the source of any allegedly defamatory information which such defendant asserts a defense based on such source. Declares that if any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the remainder shall not be affected thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
States that all returns made with respect to the taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Code are confidential records. Provides that: (1) no such return shall be open to inspection; and (2) no information contained in any such return shall be disclosed. Authorizes inspections by the following persons: (1) the taxpayer or his authorized representative; (2) officers and employees of the Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, Department of Justice, and State and local government employees solely for purposes of enforcement and administration of the tax laws; and (3) the President of the United States in the necessary performance of his official duties. Increases the criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of information under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. States that any person who knowingly receives any information or material which is disclosed or furnished in violation of the provisions of this Act shall be guilty of a felony and subject to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Strikes the provisions of the "District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act" relating to the establishment and administration of the National Capital Service Area.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires candidates for Federal office, Members of the Congress, each officer and employee of the Federal Government who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year, Federal employees performing the duties of a GS-16 or higher, members of the Uniformed Services in the grade 0-6 or higher, the President, and the Vice President to file annually with the Comptroller General, a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from his spouse or any member of his immediate family) received by him, by and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received by him for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other compensation for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the identity of each asset held by him, by him and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed by him or by him and his spouse jointl, together with the amount of each liability which is owned with respect to any financial interest which is under his constructive control, which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) any transactions in securities of any business entity by him or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transactions in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 during such year; (4) all transactions in commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; and (5) any purchase or sale of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000. Defines the terms used in this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States. States that each elector shall cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Stipulates that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Authorizes Congress to provide by law for the case of the death or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President, and for the case of a tie.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act-Defines "lobbying" and other terms used in this Act. Requires each lobbyist, within 15 days of becoming a lobbyist, to file a notice of representation with the Federal Edection Commission. Sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities. Sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the commission containing such records. Requires GS-15 and above employees of the executive branch to maintain records of communucations received from outside parties expressing opinions or containing information with respect to the policy making process. Directs each executive agency to make such records available for public inspection. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the powers: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to question as the Commission may prescribe: and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including; (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act: (2) to develop forms for the filing of records of outside contacts by executive branch employees; and (3) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting, filing coding, and cross-indexing. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires candidates for Federal office, Members of the Congress, each officer and employee of the Federal Government who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year, Federal employees performing the duties of a GS-16 or higher, members of the Uniformed Services in the grade 0-6 or higher, the President, and the Vice President to file annually with the Comptroller General, a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from his spouse or any member of his immediate family) received by him, by and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received by him for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other compensation for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the identity of each asset held by him, by him and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed by him or by him and his spouse jointl, together with the amount of each liability which is owned with respect to any financial interest which is under his constructive control, which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) any transactions in securities of any business entity by him or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transactions in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 during such year; (4) all transactions in commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; and (5) any purchase or sale of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000. Defines the terms used in this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1975
Prohibits, under the Export Administration Act, domestic exporters from taking any actions which have the effect of furthering or supporting the restrictive trade practices or boycotts fostered or imposed by any foreign country against another country friendly to the United States. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the imposition of any sanction against any business concern located in a country friendly to the United States which trades with nations fostering such boycotts. Stipulates that this Act shall not apply to any action authorized by an international organization in which the United States concurred.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Consumer Class Action Act - Defines "unfair consumer practice" for the purposes of this Act. Includes therein fraudulent, deceitful and misleading representations made in connection with the sale, lease, rental or loan (or offers therefor) of goods, services or credit to consumers or the collection of debts from consumers. Enumerates specific types of conduct embraced by the term "unfair consumer practice", including those so defined under the decisions interpreting the Federal Trade Commission Act. Excludes from the definition of "goods", securities or interests in securities of aircraft. Includes in the definition of "services", insurance services. Provides that the term "consumer" shall be limited to natural persons. Makes unlawful any unfair consumer practice committed by anyone whose business affects commerce, or whose violation of this Act affects commerce. Grants United States district courts original jurisdiction (concurrent with that of the courts of the several states) over civil class actions brought by a consumer on behalf of himself and others similarly situated. Makes Rule 23, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, applicable to such class action. Provides that the amount in controversy shall exceed $25,000, but permits aggregation of individual claims (none of which shall be less than $10) in computing such amount. Includes among the types of relief the court may grant to a prevailing class; (a) injunctions; (b) declaratory judgments; (c) actual damages; and (d) costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Provides that, when the class seeks relief under State law, and brings the action in a Federal court, the law of the State shall be the law of the forum. Prohibits removal of a class action from a State to a Federal court when relief is sought under State law. Provides that the court shall not award monetary relief if: (a) the plaintiff informs the defendant of the nature of the unfair consumer practice complained of (which the plaintiff must do at least 35 days prior to instituting suit); (b) appropriate corrective action is initiated by the defendant with respect to all identifiable members of the class within 30 days after the plaintiff mailed the notice; and (c) the defendant ceases the unfair consumer practice. Authorizes the court to supervise settlement prior to judgment. Permits the court to allow persons in the class the opportunity to exercise individual choice with respect to acceptance or rejection of a settlement offer. Fixes the statute of limitations at 3 years from the time the cause of action arose. Tolls such statute in any case brought in, and dismissed without prejudice by, a Federal court for the interval between the time the action was filed and one month after dismissal. Provides venue for a consumer class action in any district; (a) in which the claim arose; or (b) in which the defendant is found, has an agent, is licensed to do business, or is doing business. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed in derogation of the law of any State or of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
Provides that the first $3,000 of an individual's civil service retirement annuity (or other Federal retirement annuity) shall be excluded from income tax under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Executive Agreements Review Act - Provides that each executive agreement entered into after the date of enactment of this Act concerning the establishment, renewal, continuance, or revision of a national commitment shall be transmitted by the President to the Congress, or, in cases requiring non-disclosure for the immediate time, to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs under an appropriate written injunction of secrecy. Provides that both Houses of Congress must agree to a concurrent resolution of disapproval of such agreement within 60 calendar days of continuous session (10 days in situations certified to be emergencies by the President) to negate the agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 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 March 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress and the director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Directs the House Commission on Information and Facilities to provide for radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber. Calls upon the Commission to provide for monitors to receive the television coverage to be located in such offices of the Capitol and the House and Senate office buildings as the Commission, after consultation with the Speaker of the House, considers desirable. States that the Commission shall initially provide for transmission of the audio portion of the coverage to offices of Members and officers of the House and Senate. Directs the Commission to provide a daily written summary of the proceedings of the House and other information pertaining to legislative activity. Requires that the Commission make available to the public and commercial broadcasting stations radio and television coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber, videotapes of such coverage, and recordings of the audio portion of such coverage subject to requirements specifies under this Act. Specifies that such requirements do not include limitations or restrictions on the selection of materials for broadcast use. Authorizes the Commission to employ such persons and enter into such contracts as shall be necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution. Provides that expenses of the Commission shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House. Directs the Commission, as soon as possible after the conclusion of the first session of the Ninety-fourth Congress, to report to the House on activities carried out under this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Removes the limitation upon the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Provides the same income tax rate table to unmarried individuals filing returns as that applicable to married individuals filing separate returns under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 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 · 19 February 1975
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been, (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activites. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of the State should take the necessary steps, including the renewal of negotiations between the parties, signatory to the Paris agreement and the agreement with the Lao Patriotic Front, to finally determine the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President who is requested to report to the House in 90 days on steps taken to implement this Act.
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 · 3 February 1975
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any interception of communication, other electronic surveillance, surreptitious entry, mail opening, or the inspection of and procuring of the records of telephone, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions, of any individual without a court order issued upon probable cause that a crime has been or is about to be committed, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Provides that whoever, being an officer, agent, or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof willfully: (1) searches any private dwelling used and occupied as a dwelling without a warrant directing such search or maliciously and without reasonable cause searches any other building or property without a search warrant; (2) procures or inspects the records of telephone calls, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions of any individual without a search warrant or the consent of the individual; (3) opens any foreign or domestic mail not directed to him without a search warrant directing such opening or without the consent of the sender or addressee of such mail; or (4) intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept any wire or oral communication except as authorized by law; shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Requires that within 30 days after the date of an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication (or each extension thereof) entered under authority of law, or the denial of an order approving an interception, the person seeking such order shall report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representatives: (1) the fact that an order or extension was applied for; (2) the kind of order or extension applied for; (3) the fact that the order or extension was granted as applied for, was modified, or was denied; (4) the period of interceptions authorized by the order, and the number and duration of any extensions of the order; (5) the names of all parties to the intercepted communications; (6) the offense specified in the order or application; (7) the identity of the investigative or law enforcement officer and agency making the application and the person authorizing the application to be made; (8) a copy of the court order authorizing, approving, or denying such interception; and (9) the nature of the facilities from which or the place where communications were intercepted. Specifies that reports be made within 90 days after the date of an order approving the interception of a wire or oral communication on the disposition of all records of any such interception and the identity of and action taken by all individuals who had access to any such interception. Sets forth reporting requirements in the case of warrants issued authorizing the opening of mail.
United States · United States Congress · 31 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 · 30 January 1975
International Disaster, Food, and Development Assistance Act - Title I: Policy - States the declaration of Congress that the freedom, security, and prosperity of the people of the United States are best sustained by international peace and well-being. Declares that such goals cannot be achieved in the midst of the human suffering, deprivation, and despair that now afflict much of mankind. Title II: International Famine and Disaster Relief - Authorizes the President to provide famine or other disaster relief assistance to any foreign country on such terms and conditions as he may determine. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purpose $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Requires the President to submit quarterly reports to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the programming and obligation of funds under this Act. States that assistance under this Act shall be provided to the maximum extent practicable as part of international assistance efforts coordinated and carried out by the United Nations and other agencies, countries, and private organizations. Title III: Agricultural Commodity Distribution Abroad - Directs the President, in furnishing agricultural commodity assistance abroad, to give priority consideration to those countries most seriously affected by food shortages and unable to meet immediate food requirements. Authorizes the President to seek international agreement for a system of national food reserves to meet food shortage emergencies and to provide insurance against unexpected short falls in food production. Provides that the President shall determine what part of the exportable supply of U.S, agricultural commodities may be used for distribution abroad on other than commercial terms. Requires the President to report to Congress at the time of his budget submission for each fiscal year on a global assessment of food needs for that fiscal year. States that, in negotiating agricultural commodity agreements with recipient countries, the United States shall emphasize the use of sales proceeds returned to such countries for purposes which directly improve the lives of the poorest of their people and their capacity to take part in the development of their countries. Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture, in exercising his authority to barter or exchange agricultural commodities under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act, shall coordinate his activities with any barters or exchanges for such materials undertaken pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Title IV: Development Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for specified programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, including food and nutrition, population planning and health, education and human resources development, and guarantees for housing in foreign countries.
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 · 30 January 1975
Provides, under the Employment Act, that it is the policy of the Federal Government to foster conditions under which there will be stability of the general price level. Requires the President to include in his economic report to Congress current and foreseeable trends of the stability of the general price level. Requires the Council of Economic Advisers to formulate and recommend national economic policy to promote the stability of the general price level.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides, under the Council on Wage and Price Stability Act, that the Council shall have the authority to: (1) issue guidelines for noninflationary price and wage adjustment; (2) promulgate reporting requirements which direct persons to give prior notice to the Council of all price and wage increases; (3) suspend any wage or price increases for a period of 90 days; and (4) prohibit any person which the Council finds is violating its price guidelines from securing any contract during a one-year period to provide goods or services to any U.S. agency or instrumentality. Allows the Council to hold meetings, take testimony, and issue subpenas. Gives U.S. courts, upon application by the Council, power to order the appearance of any person who refuses to obey a subpena issued by the Council. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Increases the personal exemption from $750 to $1,000; the ceiling on the percentage standard deduction from $2,000 to $3,000 ($1,500 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return); and the low-income allowance from $1,300 to $2,000. Increases the amounts of the withholding exemptions with respect to the percentage method of withholding income tax at the source. Provides for a reduction by one percentage point of the tax rates imposed on the $28,000 bracket and below (in the case of married individuals and heads of households) or, in the case of unmarried individuals or married individuals filing separate returns, a one percentage point reduction of the tax rates imposed on the $26,000 bracket and below. Increases the investment credit from 7 to 10 percent. Repeals the limitations on the use of such credit relative to the useful life of depreciable property so that the entire amount of the investment credit may be utilized in the taxable year in which the investment is made. Provides for corresponding adjustments to the basis of property by an amount equal to the investment credit utilized for the taxable year. Redefines the term "public utility property" for purposes of increasing the amount of the investment credit for public utilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Requires the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act, to establish a program for the rationing and ordering of priorities among classes of end-users of gasoline and diesel fuel. Prohibits the imposition of any tax, user fee, or tax credit or deduction on gasoline or diesel fuel by rule or order under this Act. Extends the mandatory allocation provisions of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act until December 31, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives with regard to the desirability of a post season football game between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Michigan, the net proceeds of which would be donated to the American Cancer Society for cancer research.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1974
Special Unemployment Compensation Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to establish a Federal unemployment law providing a temporary program of supplemental unemployment assistance to workers affected by adverse economic conditions in areas of aggravated unemployment. Provides that each State which enters into an agreement with the Secretary of Labor, pursuant to which it makes payments of special unemployment assistance, shall be paid by the the United States in such amounts as are deemed necessary by the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this Act in the State. Provides that a State shall not be eligible to enter into such an agreement with the Secretary for any week in which specified conditions exist. States that an individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of special assistance or waiting period credit with respect to a week of unemployment occuring during and subsequent to a special unemployment period in accordance with the provisions of this Act if the individual meets the specified requirements, including the exhaustion of all rights to compensation under all State unemployment compensation and other laws. Provides for the periods of time to be covered for special unemployment assistance under this Act. States that a special unemployment assistance period shall commence in an area designated by the Secretary with the third week after the first week for which there is an "on" indicator for such area, and shall terminate with the third week after the first week for which there is an "off" indicator for such area. Provides that no special unemployment assistance period shall have a duration of less than 13 weeks. Sets forth the criteria for establishing "on" and "off" indicators. Prescribes the calculations to be followed in determining the weekly amount of special unemployment benefits and sets maximum benefit amounts. Stipulates that no payment of assistance under this Act shall be made with respect to any week of unemployment ending after March 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Foreign Assistance Act - Title I: Middle East Peace - States that the Congress recognizes that a peaceful settlement in the Middle East is essential to the security of the United States and world peace and that assistance programs in the Middle East can contribute to such a peaceful settlement. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and to furnish credits and guarantees under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Sets forth the levels of military assistance and security supporting assistance appropriations intended for Middle East programs. Authorizes the appropriation to the President of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to meet special requirements arising from time to time in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Repeals the prohibition of assistance to the United Arab Republic absent findings by the President that such assistance is in the national interest. Provides for funds to settle the deficit of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees upon a determination that a reasonable number of other nations will contribute their fair share to such fund. Provides that the funds authorized by this Act may not be used to finance the construction, operation, and maintenance of nuclear powerplants. Title II: Indochina Aid - Authorizes appropriations for relief and reconstruction of South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Authorizes assistance to Vietnamese orphans for fiscal year 1975. Provides that not more than $85,000,000 may be made available for the procurement of agricultural fertilizers for South Vietnam. Title III: Other Foreign Assistance Act Amendments - Increases the authorization of appropriations for the alleviation of starvation, hunger, and malnutrition. Authorizes $165,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for population planning and health services. Extends the termination date of the housing guaranty authority from June 30, 1975 to June 30, 1976. Increases the appropriations authorized for International Organizations and Programs by $4,400,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the appropriation of $745,000,000 for military assistance for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes funds to enable Latin American countries to carry out agricultural credit and self-help community development projects for which such countries are unable to obtain loans on reasonable terms. Provides that, except in extraordinary circumstances, the President shall substantially reduce or terminate security assistance to any government which consistently engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for security supporting assistance of $585,000,000. Suspends military assistance to Turkey until that country makes a good faith attempt to negotiate a settlement with respect to Cyprus. Suspends military assistance to Chile for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the President to provide famine or disaster relief assistance to any foreign country on such terms and conditions as he may determine up to an aggregate limit of $15,000,000. Authorizes to be appropriated to the President up to $5,000,000 to provide emergency assistance authorized by this Act. States that no funds appropriated under this Act shall be used by the Central Intelligence Agency for other than necessary operations in foreign countries. Provides limitations on assistance to India and Korea for fiscal year 1975. Title IV: Foreign Military Sales Act Amendments - Revises the provisions of the Foreign Military Sales Act which relate to the ineligibility for further sales, credits, and guaranties of countries that violate foreign military sales agreements by specifying the conditions under which such countries may again receive assistance under the Act. Authorizes foreign military sales guarantees to be issued to the Federal Financing Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $405,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of the Foreign Military Sales Act and establishes a ceiling of $772,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 on the aggregate of credits and the principal amount of loans guaranteed, of which not less than $200,000,000 shall be made available for Israel. Repeals, under the Foreign Act, the ceiling in military assistance, foreign military sales credits and guarantees and vessel transfers to Latin America. Authorizes the President to waive the ceiling on assistance and sales to African countries. Title V: Amendments To Other Laws and Miscellaneous - Directs the President to study the feasibility of raising foreign assistance, foreign credits, or investment guarantees to develop open access for all nations to necessary or strategic raw materials throughout the world at a reasonable cost. Authorizes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to conclude an agreement of accession with the Caribbean Development Bank and to assume rights and obligations pursuant to each agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1974
Provides that tax returns are confidential, and, therefore, are not open to inspection, and that information contained in them shall not be disclosed. Permits, under regulations established by the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, the inspection of tax returns by the taxpayer, the Internal Revenue Service, the Justice Department, State tax authorities, the President, and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. Requires a report to the Joint Committee of returns inspected and by whom inspected. Establishes criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure or receipt of tax return information.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1974
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any interception of communication, other than electronic surveillance, surreptitious entry, mail opening, or the inspection of and procuring of the records of telephone, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions, of any individual without a court order issued upon probable cause that a crime has been or is about to be committed, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Provides that whoever, being an officer, agent, or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof willfully: (1) searches any private dwelling used and occupied as a dwelling without a warrant directing such search or maliciously and without reasonable cause searches any other building or property without a search warrant; (2) procures or inspects the records of telephone calls, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions of any individual without a search warrant or the consent of the individual; (3) opens any foreign or domestic mail not directed to him without a search warrant directing such opening or without the consent of the sender or addressee of such mail; or (4) intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept any wire or oral communication except as authorized by law; shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Requires that within 30 days after the date of an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication (or each extension thereof) entered under authority of law, or the denial of an order approving an interception, the person seeking such order shall report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representatives: (1) the fact that an order or extension was applied for; (2) the kind of order or extension applied for; (3) the fact that the order or extension was granted as applied for, was modified, or was denied; (4) the period of interceptions authorized by the order, and the number and duration of any extensions of the order; (5) the names of all parties to the intercepted communications; (6) the offense specified in the order or application; (7) the identity of the investigative or law enforcement officer and agency making the application and the person authorizing the application to be made; (8) a copy of the court order authorizing, approving, or denying such interception; and (9) the nature of the facilities from which or the place where communications were intercepted. Specifies that reports be made within 90 days after the date of an order approving the interception of a wire or oral communication on the disposition of all records of any such interception and the identity of and action taken by all individuals who had access to any such interception. Sets forth reporting requirements in the case of warrants issued authorizing the opening of mail.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1974
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 August 1974
Expresses the intent of the House of Representatives to join with the President in making known to foreign governments the continuity of United States foreign policy under President Ford.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1974
Provides for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on any resolution to impeach the President of the United States. Authorizes the Speaker to appoint a committee of five members to provide such arrangements as may be necessary in connection with such a broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1974
Provides for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on any resolution to impeach the President of the United States. Authorizes the Speaker to appoint a committee of five members to provide such arrangements as may be necessary in connection with such a broadcast.
![Official portrait of Rep. Whalen, Charles W., Jr. [R-OH-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000317_200.jpg)