United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Establishes the rank of General of the Armies for purposes of this resolution only. Provides that such rank shall have precedence over all other grades of the Army past and present. Authorizes the President to appoint George Washington posthumously to such rank effective July 4, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 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 · 22 July 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of electric and hybrid vehicles for urban indiviual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Defines terms as used in this Act. States that a hybrid vehicle is one propelled by a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric and hybrid vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate: (1) for the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Provides guaranties of loans made to small businesses for commercial development of electric and hybrid vehicles. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for 1977, $30,000,000 for 1978, $60,000,000 for 1979 and $20,000,000 for 1980; to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1975
Animal Welfare Act Amendments - Provides, under the Federal Laboratory Animal Welfare Act, that no animals shall be delivered to any intermediate handler or common carrier for transportation in commerce unless the animals are accompanied by a veterinarian's certificate certifying that the animals are sound and healthy. States that specified animals shall not be delivered for transportation if they are less than eight weeks of age. Provides that no intermediate handler or common carrier shall participate in any practice under which the cost of such animal or its transportation is to be paid and collected upon delivery of the animal to the consignee. Imposes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Makes it unlawful to transport in interstate or foreign commerce any live dog or animal trained to participate in dog or animal fighting ventures.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Authorizes the establishment of the Tallgrass Prairie National Park in the State of Kansas. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate such lands in Kansas as he determines are necessary to preserve representative portions of the tallgrass prairie lands and native wildlife. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Metric Conversion Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to plan and coordinate the increasing use of the metric system of measurement in the United States, and to plan and coordinate the voluntary substitution of metric measurement units for customary measurements units in education, trade, commerce, and all other sectors of the economy. Establishes a United States Metric Board to implement the policy set out in this Act. Directs the Board to: (1) consult with and take suggestions from various groups regarding the conversion; (2) encourage activities of standardization organizations to develop or revise as rapidly as practicable engineering standards to a metric measurement basis; and (3) assist the public, through information and education programs, to become familiar with the meaning and applicability of metric terms and measure in daily life. Lists the powers of the Board, including the powers to accept gifts and to employ staff. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Exempts from the estate tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation operated continually by the decedent for at least five years prior to his death and which passes to a relative on his death. Provides for revocation of such exemption in the event that the successor transfers his interest or stops residing on the farm within five years of the death of his transferor. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that farmland, woodland, or open land which comprises part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, as such rather than at its fair market value. Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower evaluation and recapture of unpaid taxes with interest upon the conversion, rezoning, or removal of such land from the National Register of Historic Places.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Provides that if the Postal Service and a supervisory organization, recognized by the Postal Service under this Act, representing a majority of supervisors are unable to agree, within 60 days after the organization submits a written notice to the Postal Service, upon a program for consultation or a plan to participate directly in the planning and development of pay policies and schedules, fringe benefit programs, and other programs relating to supervisory employees, either party shall have the right to refer the matter to an arbitration board established under the provisions of this Act. Provides that if the Postal Service and a supervisory organization recognized by the Postal Service under this Act as representing the majority of supervisors are unable to agree with respect to pay policies and schedules, fringe benefit programs, and other programs related to supervisory employees, which affect all or a substantial portion of supervisory personnel on a long- term or permanent basis, after participating directly in the planning and development thereof, either party, upon a 30-day written notice, may refer the dispute to an arbitration board established under the provisions of this Act. Provides for the establishing of an arbitration board to consider specified disputes. Sets forth hearing requirements to be met by such board. Provides that the decisions of the arbitration board shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under the Public Health Service Act for research projects respecting the use of amniocentesis, other techniques for the detection of birth defects, and programs to inform women of the various uses of amniocentesis. Permits the Secretary to make grants to assist in the cost of establishing and maintaining genetic counseling programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a program under which women may have all or part of the cost of having amniocentesis performed on them paid by the United States. Stipulates that no grants may be made unless an application has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1976 and each succeeding fiscal year of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress an annual report on the anniocentesis program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Provides that publications mailed by any veterans' organization or association entitled to preferential rates, shall not, on and after the first day of the twenty-fifth year following the effective date of the first rate decision applicable to such publications, exceed the direct and indirect postal costs attributable to the mailing of such publications. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3626)
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Permits the Secretary of the Treasury under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act to withhold a percentage of the total entitlement payment for any period to insure sufficient funds for final allocation of funds among the state and local units of government. Appropriates to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Funds: (1) $1,625,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, (2) $6,687,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, (3) $6,837,500,000 for fiscal year 1978, (4) $6,987,500,000 for fiscal year 1979, (5) $7,137,500,000 for fiscal year 1980, and (6) $7,287,500,000 fiscal year 1981. Appropriates to the Fund as noncontiguous States adjustments: (1) $1,195,000 for fiscal year 1976, and (2) $4,780,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1981. Exempts amounts appropriated to the Fund from the provisions of the Congressional Budget Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report with appropriate recommendations to the Congress no later than September 30, 1980, concerning the extension of this title. Declares that if the entitlement of any Indian tribe or Alaskan native village is waived for any entitlement period, then the amount of such entitlement shall become part of the entitlement of the county government of the county in which such unit is located. Increases the maximum percentage points per entitlement period until it reaches 175 percent. Directs each State and local unit of government which receives funds under such Act to submit a report to the Secretary after the close of each entitlement period on the use of the funds received. Directs such unit of local government which expects to receive funds to submit a report to the Secretary on how it plans to use the funds it expects to receive. Empowers the Secretary whenever he determines that a unit of government has failed to comply with an applicable regulation to withhold all or a portion of the entitlement funds due such unit of government, to terminate the eligibility of such unit of government, and to require repayment of the entitlement funds expended. Requires units of government to provide an opportunity for citizens to give recommendations and views on the proposed expenditures of all funds within such units distributed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Revises the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act with respect to regulations on the extension of credit and emergency and disaster relief of friendly nations by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Directs the President to publish, on an annual basis, a list of eligible countries which he determines are friendly to the United States and which lack the internal resources to purchase commodities on a normal commercial basis. Authorizes the making of loans to United States or developing country private business firms (including cooperatives) engaged in activities to improve the economic welfare of the developing country or to increase utilization of U.S. agricultural commodities, but only to the extent that such loans are not inconsistent with the economic objectives of the developing country concerned. Requires the President to designate an appropriate Federal agency to administer this provision and to make annual reports to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, to designate, on the basis of established criteria, those countries eligible for an agricultural assistance program.
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
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines the term "income" as used in the Food Stamp Act as the monthly gross income of all members of a household, including any in-kind payment, and the total value of any publicly funded assistance payments which supplement food and housing needs. Excludes specified individuals from the definition of "household. Provides for the distribution of federally donated foods to households upon the request by a political subdivision that such distribution be made to all eligible households in lieu of food stamps. Excludes households from eligibility for food stamps: (1) if the monthly household income exceeds the poverty index level of income established by the Office of Management and Budget; or (2) if the market value of liquid and nonliquid resources of a household consisting of one individual exceeds $1,500 or the resources of a multiple member household exceed $2,250 exclusive of specified resources. Excludes from eligibility households which include an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who is enrolled in an institution of postsecondary education and such enrollment is a substitute for fulltime employment. Declares that a refusal to work at a plant or site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed a refusal to work which makes the household of the nonworking individual ineligible for food stamps. Rejects as an excuse for refusal to accept work a condition of employment which requires an individual to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any labor organization. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to require each household receiving benefits under this Act to report its income at least once each month. Requires food coupons to be designed with a space for the recipient to sign upon receipt and again at redemption. Requires one member of each eligible household to be issued a photo-identification card with a color photograph of the recipient. States that such card must be presented at redemption at a food store. Sets forth specific instructions to provide control and accountability over the distribution of food coupons to State agencies. Ties the value of the coupon allotment to the overall retail cost-of-living index. States that the "nutritionally adequate diet" as used to determine the amount of the coupon allotment shall mean the low-cost food plan developed by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. States that the United States Postal Service shall serve as a food stamp issuing agency upon the request of a State food stamp administration agency. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the States 100 percent of the costs of providing food stamps to eligible aliens, and 75 percent of the costs of State investigations, prosecutions, collections of claims and other State activities related to retrieving food stamp losses. Provides for payment by the Federal Government to the States of a share of the difference between the face value of the coupon allotment and the amount charged eligible households for the allotment. Sets forth the method of determining and paying the Federal share. Directs the transfer of all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Creates a 34-member Joint Select Committee on Energy. States that the function of such committee shall be to review all bills which deal with energy. Directs the joint select committee to consider and report a bill designed to make the United States self-sufficient with respect to the development and use of energy no later than 20 years after the date of the adoption of this resolution. Empowers the committee with authority to issue subpenas and to hold hearings. Authorizes the committee to appoint, on a permanent basis, such staff as it considers appropriate. Provides that funds necessary to carry out this concurrent resolution shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House. Directs that the joint select committee shall expire 18 months after the date of the adoption of this concurrent resolution or upon completion of this legislative process, including final disposition of any veto message.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Removes the numerical limitation on Allen J. Ellender Fellowships to disadvantaged secondary school students. Authorizes $750,000 each for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 and $1,000,000 each for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the seven calendar days commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week."
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Permits the Federal Communications Commission to extend three-year broadcast licenses for an additional two years upon a finding of public interest. Requires in making such determination, considerations of whether different term lengths for radio and television stations and for different categories of licensees are in the public interest. Limits other class licenses to a five-year maximum, prescribing the renewal procedures for such licenses and the criteria to be considered in renewal, including responsiveness and lack of serious deficiencies. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations. States that it shall be the duty of the joint committee to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over, the legislative authorization with respect to the foreign intelligence activities and operations of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Department of State; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies, bureaus, or departments insofar as their operations include foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Director of the National Security Agency, the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, the Commander of United States Army Intelligence, the Commander of Naval Intelligence, and the Air Force Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence shall keep the joint committee fully and currently informed with respect to all of the foreign intelligence activities and operations of their respective organizations, and the heads of all other departments and agencies of the Federal Government conducting foreign intelligence activities and operation shall keep the joint committee fully and currently informed of all foreign intelligence activities and operations carried out by their respective departments and agencies. Sets forth the administrative powers of the committee. Charges the committee with the establishement of guidelines for the classification of information originating within the joint committee in accordance with standards used generally by the executive branch for classifying restricted data or defense information.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Occupational Safety and Health Amendments - Defines "employer," under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to mean a person engaged in a business affecting commerce who has employees, but does not include the United States, any States or political subdivision of a State, any nonagricultural employer who employed no more than 25 employees at any time during the preceding calendar year, or a small farmer. Requires the evaluation of specified existing standards in order to determine the applicability of each such standard to each class of business concern with each industry. Provides, in specified cases, that the Secretary of Labor give an employer reasonable advance notice that an inspection will be made. Requires that notices of alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act be in writing and state allegations with particularity. Sets forth specified circumstances in which employers in violation of the provisions of such Act shall not receive notices, including: (1) if the employer can show that implementing a specified rule or standard would not materially affect the safety or health of his employees in the facility inspected; and (2) if he can show that he has employed alternative procedures to protect his employees from contemplated hazards. Sets forth procedures for enforcement of the provisions of such Act. Provides that no person shall discharge or discriminate against any employee because such employee has filed any complaint under such Act. Enumerates affirmative defenses to any proceedings brought under such Act. Allows the Secretary of Labor to enter into compliance agreements with employers believed to be in violation of standards. Directs the Secretary, upon request from an employer, to visit the workplaces of employers for the purpose of affording consultation and advice to such employer. Requires the Secretary to provide technical advice, assistance, and consultation to employers with less than 100 employees when it appears to the Secretary that such assistance is necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the designation of 1975 as International Women's Year has its full support. Calls for 1975 to be a time for launching new programs and forming new attitudes to overcome obstacles encountered by women in exercising their full human rights. States that Congress should take appropriate legislative actions to correct inequities. Calls for equal job and educational opportunities and greater representation at official conferences. Recognizes the unique problems faced by older women. Acknowledges the contributions of homemakers to their families and communities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 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 · 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 · 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 · 22 May 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the United Service Organizations, Incorporated. Provides that such corporation shall provide a voluntary civilian agency responsible to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense, through which the people of this Nation may, in peace or war, serve the religious, spiritual, social, welfare, educational, and entertainment needs of the men and women in the Armed Forces within or without the territorial limits of the United States. Requires that the corporation shall be nonpolitical and, as an organization, shall not furnish financial aid or assistance to, or otherwise promote the candidacy of, any person seeking elective public office. States that no substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall involve carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. Provides that the corporation, its regional, State, and local councils, organizations, chapters, and affiliates shall have the sole and exclusive right to use the names "United Service Organizations, Incorporated" and "USO" and such distinctive insignia, emblems, and badges as the corporation may lawfully adopt in carrying out its purposes. Authorizes the Department of Defense and any other agency of the United States Government, to provide such assistance as they determine is appropriate to enable the corporation to carry out its purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Transfers all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Declares that a household shall not participate in the food stamp program while any of its members is on strike due to a labor dispute. Exempts any such household that qualified for food stamps prior to the start of such strike. Stipulates that any individual who is receiving at least one-half of his income from any member of another household shall not be considered as a member of a household for purposes of the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules for the purpose of determining the eligibility of such person.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Stipulates that appropriations made by the United States shall not exceed its revenues, except in time of war or national emergency. Provides for the systematic paying back of the national debt over the one-hundred year period beginning with the ratification of this amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendation as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Truth in Spending Act - Requires that any bill or resolution of a public character introduced in the House of Representatives or the Senate, and the report on any such bill or resolution reported by any committee of either House, shall contain an estimate of the average cost for each taxpaying family, if such bill were enacted into law. Provides that no bill or resolution shall be considered until such determination is made. Calls upon the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to print statistics of the average cost for each taxpaying family of bills and resolutions for the week and for the year in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to conduct research and development programs to increase knowledge of tornadoes, hurricanes, large thunderstorms, and other types of short-term weather phenomena, and to develop methods for predicting, detecting, and monitoring such atmospheric behavior. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Requires the Postal Service to consult with agencies of State and local governments with respect to the construction of specified Postal Service facilities. Provides for hearing procedures with respect to proposals for such construction.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Prohibits franked mailings by Members of the Congress and officers of the United States other than mailings related to the closing of their official business, after such Members or officers have left office. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3210 (b) (1))
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Medical Malpractice Claims Settlement Assistance Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the achievement of equal access to quality health care at a reasonable cost is jeopardized by the uncertain future availability and cost of medical malpractice insurance. Title I: Federal Authority - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make available to insurance companies and other insurers reinsurance against medical malpractice claims by any of their insureds which exceed $200,000 within a qualified State. Defines "qualified States" as a State which meets requirements set forth in this Act. Permits the Secretary to use existing facilities and services in carrying out his responsibilities under this Act. Entitles the Secretary to recover from any insurer the amount of any unpaid premiums lawfully payable by such insurer to the Secretary. Requires, as a condition to the receipt of reinsurance, that each insurer file specified information with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to conduct comprehensive studies of medical malpractice claims and litigation, in order to determine methods of minimizing the costs of such a system. Title II: State Programs - Requires States to establish a program for the arbitration of medical malpractice claims. Provides that any civil action arising from a claim for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice on the part of any health professional or health care insitution may be instituted in a court of the State only after there has been an arbitration of the claim which forms the basis for such action. Sets forth procedures governing the initiation of arbitration, the appointment of an arbitration panel, hearing procedures, the decision of the arbitration panel, proceedings subsequent to the decision of the arbitration panel, the admissibility of the arbitration panel decision as evidence at trial, and the reporting of arbitration decisions. Requires States to establish and appropriately enforce a schedule of maximum contingent fee rates which may be charged or accepted by attorneys for services performed in connection with claims for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice. Provides that in order for any State to be eligible for Medicaid payments under title XIX of the Social Security, such State must have in effect a patient grievance mechanism applicable to all health care entities within the State. States that in order to qualify for malpractice reinsurance under this Act, such patient grievance mechanism must (1) receive, investigate, and evaluate grievances of patients respecting medical injuries occurring in noninstitutional settings, and (2) assist in the equitable settlement of any claims arising out of such grievances. Requires such mechanism to make quarterly reports to the Secretary on the grievances received by the mechanism, the disposition of such grievances, and the medical malpractice claims arising out of such grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the heads of other departments affected by this Act, to issue and revise regulations from time to time, relating to the trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violations of this Act. Establishes an advisory commission of 7 members to consult with the Secretary and make recommendations with respect to regulations concerning trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment or of one year, for the sale, shipment, or transport, of any unapproved trap or any animal skin or hide or bird feathers taken in violation of this Act. Outlines those trapping regulations specifically applicable to Federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with any affected State pursuant to which the Secretary shall assist such State to enable it to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Exempts from the estate tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation operated continually by the decedent for at least five years prior to his death and which passes to a relative on his death. Provides for revocation of such exemption in the event that the successor transfers his interest or stops residing on the farm within five years of the death of his transferor. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that farmland, woodland, or open land which comprises part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, as such rather than at its fair market value. Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower evaluation and recapture of unpaid taxes with interest upon the conversion, rezoning, or removal of such land from the National Register of Historic Places.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Provides that no debt owned to the United States by any foreign country may be settled in an amount less than full value of such debt unless the Congress by concurrent resolution approves of such settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Authorizes the appropriation of $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $6,000,000 for each of the four succeeding fiscal years for grants to the States for the establishment and expansion of veterans cemeteries owned by the States. Sets forth the conditions under which grants may be made to the States under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make payments, for the calendar year 1976 and each calendar year thereafter, to the States for the interment of veterans and for the maintenance of State veterans' cemeteries. Requires the Administrator to conduct a survey to determine the reasonable cost of interment and prepetual care maintenance for the purposes of payment under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to pay transportation costs of the bodies of eligible veterans to national cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
Increases the value of exemptions for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Metric Conversion Act - Establishes a United States Metric Board to implement the change of the United States to the metric system by devising and carrying out a program of encouragement, coordination and public education. Requires the Board to consult with industry, commerce, science, consumers, engineering, education, labor, State and local governments, foreign government, and such others as are deemed appropriate in carrying out its duties. Directs the Board to submit conversion programs approved by the Board to the President who shall within 60 days approve or disapprove the program. Provides that, upon approval, the President shall forward immediately the conversion program to both Houses of Congress on the same day and to each House while it is in session. Directs the Board to implement such program after sixty legislative days followig the date of delivery to the Congress. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings and enter into contracts. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to conduct research and development programs to increase knowledge of tornadoes, hurricanes, large thunderstorms, and other types of short-term weather phenomena, and to develop methods for predicting, detecting, and monitoring such atmospheric behavior. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Ozone Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Congress on the effects on Public health and the environment of the discharge of chlorofluoromethane into the ambient air. Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to report to the Congress the control and target levels which should be prescribed. Permits the Administrator to waive the requirements and prohibitions of this Act if he determines that there is no significant risk to the public health. Permits the Administrator to establish target and control levels. Establishes a target level of 1 percent and a control level of fifty thousand tons per year in the absence of any set by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to arrange for the issuance of licenses to regulate chlorofluoromethane. Prohibits the violation of the terms of any license, the manufacture, importation, the introduction into commerce of chlorofluoromethane, or the unreasonable stockpiling of chlorofluoromethane. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1975-1977 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Establishes a National Commission on Social Security to conduct a continuing study, investigation, and review of: (1) the Federal old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program established by title II of the Social Security Act; and (2) the health insurance programs established by title XVIII of such Act. Provides that such study, investigation, and review of such programs shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the fiscal status of the trust funds established for the financing of such programs and the adequacy of such trust funds to meet the immediate and long- range financing needs of such programs; (2) the scope of coverage, the adequacy of benefits, and the conditions of qualification for benefits provided by such programs; (3) the impact of such programs on, and their relation to, public assistance programs, nongovernmental pension and insurance programs, other governmental retirement and annuity programs, medical service delivery systems, and national employment practices; (4) the quality of the administration of such programs; and (5) any inequities which affect substantial numbers of individuals who are insured under such programs. Directs that no later than six months after the Commission is initially appointed it shall submit to the President and the Congress a report on the Commission's plans for conducting the study. Specifies that at or before the close of each of the first four years the Commission shall submit to the President and the Congress an annual report on the study and investigation with recommendations. States that the fourth such report shall constitute the final report of the Commission. Stipulates that after such final report the Commission shall cease to exist. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United Nations should make all possible efforts to aid refugees in Indochina. Urges the United Nations Secretary General to call upon the government of North Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government not to interfere with such efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of electric vehicles for urban individual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate for: (1) the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Authorizes $40,000,000 to be appropriated to the Administrator for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President take steps to evacuate all American civilians from Vietnam. Directs that such steps shall be consistent with existing legal prohibitions against the use of American combat forces. Requires that such civilians be informed that combat forces will not be used to rescue Americans who refused the opportunity for evacuation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Authorizes payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for emergency inpatient hospital services furnished outside the United States to a qualified individual whose principal residence is within the United States, without regard to where the emergency occurred.
![Official portrait of Rep. Winn, Larry, Jr. [R-KS-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000636_200.jpg)