United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Adjustment Act - Revises generally the schedules of payment of non-service-connected disability pensions payable to the veterans of the Mexican border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era, and to the widows and children of such veterans. Revises generally the aid and attendance allowance payable to the widows of veterans of all periods of war. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 102, 322, 415, 521, 541, 542, 544)
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 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 · 23 July 1975
Truth in Leasing Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to assure a meaningful disclosure of the terms of leases of personal property so as to enable the lessee to compare more readily the various lease and credit terms available to him, to limit balloon payments, and to assure meaningful and accurate disclosures of lease terms in advertisements. Requires, under the Truth in Lending Act, the lessor of personal property to give to the lessee, prior to the consummation of the lease, a dated written statement on which the lessor and lessee are identified setting out in a clear conspicuous manner the terms of the lease, as specified by this Act. Imposes specified limitations upon consumer lease advertising. Makes a lessor who violates the provisions of this Act civilly liable to the lessee. Enumerates damage limitations and defenses for the lessor.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Prohibits, under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, any alien who has not been lawfully admitted into the United States for permanent residence from participating in the food stamp program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Energy Conservation in Buildings Act - Title I: Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons - Weatherization Assistance Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to provide funds to the States for weatherization of dwellings of low-income persons, particularly the low-income elderly and the handicapped. Enumerates criteria for the evaluation of weatherization grant applications, including an estimation of the amount of fuel to be conserved by the weatherization program. Provides that a program determined not to be in compliance with the provisions of its approved application for any fiscal year shall not receive Federal funds until substantial compliance is established. Title II: Energy Conservation Building Standards - Building Energy Conservation Standards Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to publish performance standards for new commercial buildings within 18 months of enactment of this title. Directs the Secretary to monitor the progress made by the States and their political subdivisions in adopting and enforcing model energy conservation standards. Authorizes to be appropriated to the States $10,000,000 for technical assistance in implementing model energy conservation standards approved by the Secretary. Provides for research and demonstration projects to assist the development of performance standards under this title.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1975
States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not regulate the potency or combinations of vitamins or minerals in food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act except under specified provisions of such Act or in the case of children or pregnant or lactating women. Requires prominent disclosure of ingredients which are not vitamins or minerals in foods for special dietary use. Provides that a libel for condemnation of misbranded foods may be instituted against the retailer of such food if he is generally responsible for its advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Building Energy Conservation Standards Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act: (1) to assist in the development and implementation as soon as feasible of energy conservation standards for new residential and commercial buildings to achieve the maximum practicable economics in fuels and energy consumption within reasonable cost levels; and (2) to encourage States and local governments to adopt and enforce such standards through their existing building codes and other construction control mechanisms. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to develop and promulgate proposed performance standards for new commercial buildings, and to promulgate standards within six months of the publication of the proposed standards. Requires the Secretary to promulgate such proposed standards for new residential buildings within three years of the enactment of this Act. Requires standards to be published within six months of the publication of the proposed standards. Directs the Secretary, assisted by the National Institute of Building Sciences: (1) to monitor the progress of the States in adopting and enforcing such standards; (2) to identify obstacles inhibiting implementation of such standards; (3) to evaluate the effectiveness of existing standards; and (4) to report to Congress on the progress of the States and to recommend additional measures to encourage the application of such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the States to assist them in implementing the standards approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 to make such grants. Directs the Secretary to consult with builders, public officials, and representatives of consumer groups in developing and promulgating performance standards under this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct such research and demonstration activities as are necessary to assist in the development of performance standards under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Authorizes the Federal Power Commission to exempt from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act for a period of up to three years the transportation of natural gas from a producer or an intrastate pipeline to an intrastate pipeline or distributor located within the same State.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Veterans' Administration Physicians and Dentists Comparability Pay Act - Provides increases in pay for physicians and dentists employed full time by the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans' Administration. Establishes special pay for such physicians and dentists to maximum annual amounts of $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. Establishes a schedule of incentive pay in amounts up to $8,500 for physicians, and $4,250 for dentists, annually. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to report to Congress by August 31, 1976, on investigations and evaluations: (1) of the problems facing Federal departments and agencies, including the uniformed services, in recruiting and retaining qualified physicians and dentists; (2) of the extent to which a uniform system of pay, allowances, and benefits would alleviate or solve such problems; and (3) of other appropriate solutions. Directs the Comptroller General to develop alternative courses of action to solve such recruitment and retention problems. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4107; 4114 (a) (2))
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act - Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation - Increases the rates of disability compensation for disabled veterans, depending on the severity of the disability. Provides additional allowances to spouses, children, and dependent parents in all cases where the veteran is rated 50 percent or more disabled. Title II: Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Increases the monthly benefits payable to widows and children under the Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program by 10 percent. Title III: Conversion Under Servicemen's Group Life Insurance - Provides that a member eligible for automatic conversion of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance may elect to convert to an individual commercial policy, or elect to be insured under the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program. Title IV: Effective Dates - Provides that titles I and II shall take effect on the first day of the second calendar month which begins after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that title III shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a national health care insurance program that will provide comprehensive benefits, including institutional, medical, dental, and other health care, protecting against ordinary and catastrophic expenses of illnesses for all individuals. Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Provides that when an employee elects to obtain such coverage, the employer shall contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of the employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium; the employee shall contribute the balance. Permits the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll costs due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the Secretary to make such payments. Provides that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Establishes a program of Federal participation, through a system of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax, in the premium for qualified health care insurance providing comprehensive hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and families. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides that if an individual or family incurs no income tax liability for a base year, such individual or family shall be eligible for a certificate of entitlement or a credit against income tax for 100 percent of the premium for qualified health care insurance. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under this part for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accomodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for castastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established in this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that nothing contained in the Constitution shall abridge right of persons lawfully assembled, in any public building which is supported in whole or in part through the expenditure of public funds, to participate in voluntary prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Equal Credit Opprotunity Act Amendments - Revises the coverage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to include prohibitions against credit discrimination based upon age (provided the applicant has the capacity to contract), race, color, religion, or national origin. Exempts from such Act loan assistance authorized by law or offered by nonprofit organizations to aid an economically disadvantaged class. Provides that the fact that a creditor's loans to any classification are not equal to the population percentage of such classifications in the creditor's trade area, is not a violation of the Act. Directs the Board to establish an advisory committee to advise and consult with it in the exercise of its functions under this Act. Revises the civil liability provisions for violations of the Act. Provides that no later than February 1 of each year after 1976, the Board and the Attorney General shall make reports to Congress concerning the administration of their functions under this title.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Provides under the Internal Revenue Code that the amount of the income tax credit for investment in qualified depreciable property shall be equal to 12 percent of the qualified investment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
National Health Care Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to improve the organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all Americans by increasing health personnel, promoting ambulatory care, strengthening health planning, establishing national standards of health care benefits, including coverage for medical catastrophes, encouraging provisions of such benefits through comprehensive health care insurance, and by assisting persons of low income or in poor health to secure that insurance. Title II: Provisions to Increase the Supply and Improve the Distribution of Health Care Personnel - Allows a medical student to borrow the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs, or $5,000. Authorizes to be appropriated for the operation of a student loan fund $62,500,000 for the fiscal year 1976, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1978 and each of the two succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to enable students who have received a loan prior to October 1, 1977 to continue their education. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for Federal capital contributions to student loan funds, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and such sums for fiscal year 1978 and the two following fiscal years to enable students receiving loans prior to October 1, 1977, to complete their education. Authorizes to be appropriated as grants to public or nonprofit private institutions that train personnel in the allied health professions $12,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Allows up to 50 percent of a loan for a student in the allied health professions to be cancelled at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit institution or agency, and at a rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a shortage of allied health professionals. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary for student loans $18,750,000 for fiscal year 1976, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and such sums for fiscal year 1978, and each of the next 2 succeeding fiscal years as is necessary to enable students who have received loans prior to October 1, 1977, to complete their education. Includes in the term "training center for allied health professions" junior colleges, colleges, and universities which offer training in health care center administration or the effective operation of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers or who are affiliated with such a hospital or a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Establishes a program of special project grants to help educational institutions meet the cost of developing curriculums and training programs to develop the skills needed to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $12,500,000 for 1976, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Establishes a program of Federal grants to medical personnel in return for service in urban and rural areas of critical need to alleviate the distribution of health care personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to contract with individual health professionals, nurses, or allied health professionals who agree to provide health care services for a period of at least two years in an area designated by the Secretary as having a critical need for those services. Provides that the amount of the grant is that amount which, when added to the recipient's income from providing health care services for each contract year, provides a total income equal to 110 percent of the national annual median income for persons of comparable education and training, or 110 percent of his earnings from providing health care services in the previous year, whichever is greater. Provides that in determining the precise amount of the grant the Secretary may consider such factors as he deems relevant, including: (1) the national median annual income for the applicant's profession; (2) the cost of living in the area of need; (3) the background, training, and education of the applicant; (4) the amount of income the applicant can reasonably expect to receive from service in the area; (5) the number of persons of applicant's profession needed in the area; and (6) where appropriate, cost of equipment, supplies, and facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $37,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Provides grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Sets up a special category of grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Revises the declaration of purpose of title VI of the Public Health Service Act to recognize specifically the concept of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Provides that for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next succeeding four fiscal years $200,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for construction and modernization grants. Revises the method of computing the allotment for each State for carrying out construction and modernization under this Act. Requires the Surgeon General to determine the priority of projects by regulation for the construction of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers, to facilities located in densely populated areas where such facilities do not now exist. Adds the requirement that any State desiring to participate must submit a plan setting forth the comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed to provide adequate ambulatory health care services for patients residing in the State. Permits the United States to recover a specified portion of the funds with respect to which funds have been paid for the construction of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center and which has ceased to serve that function. Defines comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to encompass only facilities which provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for ambulatory patients. Title IV: Provisions to Strengthen Health Care Planning - Directs the President to transmit to Congress on July 1st of each year a health report setting forth: (1) the status of the health care system; (2) current trends in the health care needs of the nation; (3) the adequacy of available manpower and physical resources; (4) a review of the health programs of the Federal, State and local governments, and nongovernmental entities; and (5) a program for carrying out the policy of this Act. Creates in the Executive Office of the President a three member Health Policy Board, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board to (1) assist the President in preparation of the health report; (2) to review Federal Government health programs; (3) to develop procedures for interagency coordination of Federal health programs; (4) to develop measures to assure adequate manpower, services, and facilities for the Nation's health care. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 in any fiscal year as may be necessary to enable the Board to carry out its functions under this Act. Directs that all agencies of the Federal Government shall include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation the positive and negative impact of the proposals on human health and the Nation's health care system. Title V: Provisions to Make Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Available to All - Establishes under the Internal Revenue Code the minimum standard health care benefits for a covered individual. Creates two categories of health expenses. Sets the minimum standard benefits at 80 percent of category I expenses over the deductible and 100 percent of the category II expenses incurred by the individual in that year. Provides for a deductible of $100 prior to January 1, 1978, and $100 times the ratio of the Consumer Price Index for each year commencing after January 1, 1978. Enumerates exemptions for specified injuries and treatments. Prohibits under the Internal Revenue Code any deduction equal to the disallowed percentage for any amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer for medical care of any employee of the taxpayer, employee's spouse, or any dependent of the employee. Exempts amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer pursuant to a qualified employee health care plan, as a tax imposed by the United States, and as medical care provided directly by the employer. Permits under the Internal Revenue Code an unlimited deduction for the medical insurance expenses of an individual covered by a qualified health care plan. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to accept the determination of the State insurance regulatory authority that a plan of health care benefits filed with such authority is a plan which qualifies as a qualified employee health care plan. Adds a new title XX to the Social Security Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year a sum sufficient to provide comprehensive health care insurance to needy individuals and families. Defines a qualified State health care plan to be a contract between a State and an administering carrier which provides for payment to physicians and medical institutions the minimum health care benefits. Permits an individual or family to opt for coverage under a plan between a carrier and an approved health maintenance organization. Provides for a variable deductible under the qualified State health care plan. Specifies the requirements for eligibility to enroll in a State health care plan. Declares that the premium rate to be charged under a qualified State health care plan for each policy year shall be actuarially established in each State for: (1) single individual, (2) family of two, and (3) family of three or more. Sets forth the factors which shall be used to determine the premium rate for a given risk category to be charged for the initial policy year and for each subsequent policy year. Requires the State to file the premium rates for each policy year with the chief actuary for the Social Security Administration. Directs the chief actuary to recommend to the Secretary a commensurate reduction in the federal health care percentage if he determines that the rates are unjustifiably high for such State. Requires the appropriate State agency to enroll each Federal cash recipient required under this Act to be made eligible, and to file his application with the administering carrier. Permits all other individuals who provide the family's chief support to enroll in a qualified State health care plan. Requires individuals and families enrolled in such plan to contribute toward the cost of the plan by paying a specified amount determined on the individuals adjusted gross income. Requires the State to pay any contribution for that month of any policy year that an individual establishes that he is a Federal cash recipient. Requires each State which has a qualified State health care plan to make available and pay premiums for Medicare benefits under the Social Security Act to any individual who qualifies. Stipulates a qualified State health care plan shall immediately extend to any child, born to or adopted by, an eligible family member subsequent to the day the application for enrollment was made. Terminates coverage under such plan as of the first day of any calendar month if any contribution due with respect to that month has not been paid by the applicable due date. Declares that there shall be a State health care institutions cost commission designated as a State agency by the Governor of such State. Provides that the commission shall operate with the advice of a council appointed by the Governor. Prohibits reimbursing charges for services rendered or supplies furnished by medical facilities in excess of the rates approved by such commission. Requires the commission to review budgets and charges for the health care institutions in the State to establish prospectively approved charges which shall be applicable to all purchasers of services and supplies from health care institutions. Directs the Secretary to pay to any State which has a qualified State health care plan 75 percent of the reasonable amounts expended by the State each quarter for the administration of the State's health care institutions cost commission and its advisory council. Requires each State commission to file with the Secretary a report of the level of rates charged within such State. Stipulates that, if the Secretary determines that the level of rates approved for a given category of health care is unjustifiably high, he shall order a reduction for that State in the Federal medical assistance percentage and a reduction in the Federal health care percentage. Declares that the qualified State health care benefits poll shall be administered by the administering carrier. Deposits into the pool the premiums collected pursuant to this Act, specified service charges, and the reimbursements for pool losses. Makes available pool funds to: (1) pay health care plan benefit claims; (2) to repay to pool reinsurers their losses, if any; and (3) to pay other charges for which the pool has liability. Requires an accounting to be made of pool funds and submitted to the Secretary, the State, and to all reinsurers. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State which has a qualified State health care plan an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the total premiums for the qualified State health care plan paid by a State to the administering carrier by the Federal health care percentage. Sets such percentage at 100 percent less the State percentage, which shall not be more than 30 percent. Requires an NHI underwriter, in order to protect against insolvency to have a combined capital and surplus of not less than the greater of: (1) $1,500,000, or (2) 2 percent of the gross premium income of the underwriter for its immediately preceding fiscal year of operation. Permits the underwriter to obtain a performance bond as an alternative. Defines NHI to mean pertaining to one or more qualified health care plans. Specifies the reserve requirements that each NHI underwriter shall maintain. Places responsibility on the State insurance commissioner for assuring the establishment of a facility to underwrite or reinsure minimum standard health care benefits for individuals, families, and groups of employees to whom such benefits would not otherwise be available. Directs such facility to design one form of qualified individual health care plan and one form of qualified employee health care plan.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Truth in Savings Act - Declares that economic stability would be enhanced, competition among savings institutions improved and the economic security of the consumer strengthened by the full disclosure of the terms and conditions under which earnings on savings deposits are payable. Establishes a method to determine annual percentage rate, periodic percentage rate, and annual percentage yield in saving deposit earnings. Exempts from this Act: (1) transactions involving a deposit of funds if the primary purpose of such deposit is to secure the performance of a contract; (2) earnings payable on premiums, accumulated dividends, or amounts left on deposit under an insurance contract; and (3) any obligation issued by a Federal, State, or local government or any entity thereof. Establishes disclosure requirements to be applied to any individual upon request and at the time funds are initially placed in an individual savings deposit in a savings institution. Requires advertisements relating to the earnings payable on an individual savings deposit to state with equal prominence the annual percentage rate and the annual percentage yield. Prohibits any indication of any percentage rate or percentage yield based on a period in excess of one year or based on the effect of any grace period. Designates the governmental agencies that have responsibility for enforcing compliance with the requirements of this Act. Establishes civil liability for a savings institution that fails to comply with this Act. Permits a savings institution to avoid liability if it notifies individuals of errors within 15 days of discovery, or upon receipt of written notice of an error and prior to the bringing of an action the institution notifies the individual and makes necessary adjustments. Provides a maximum criminal penalty of a fine of $5,000 for willful and knowing violation of the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to obtain the view of any other Federal or State agency exercising regulatory or supervisory functions with respect to any class of savings institutions subject to this Act. Limits effect of the Act on pertinent State laws and on the validity and enforceability of any contract or obligation under State or Federal law. Requires the Board to make an annual report to Congress concerning the administration of its functions under this Act. Provides for the continued validity of the remainder of this Act should any provision be held invalid.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Allows as a credit under the Internal Revenue Code an amount equal to 25 percent of the qualified solar heating and cooling equipment expenditures paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year with respect to any building up to a maximum of $8,000. Adds to such amount 12.5 percent of such expenditures paid during the taxable year as exceeds $8,000. Allows as a credit against the income tax an amount equal to 25 percent of the qualified insulation expenditures not to exceed $8,000 paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year with respect to any residence.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides that whoever: (1) uses a firearm to commit any Federal felony, or (2) carries a firearm unlawfully during the commission of any Federal felony shall not receive a suspended or probationary sentence. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 924(c))
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Removes from the class of aliens whose status may be adjusted by the Attorney General in his discretion to that of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence those aliens who continue in or accept unauthorized employment prior to the filing of an application for adjustment to such status. Makes it unlawful for any employer, or any agent or any person who for a fee, refers an alien for employment by such an employer, knowingly to employ, continue to employ, or refer for employment any alien in the United States who has not been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, unless the employment of such alien is authorized by the Attorney General. Provides that an employer, referrer, or agent shall not be deemed to have violated this Act if he has made a bona fide inquiry whether a person hereafter employed or referred by him is a citizen or an alien, and if an alien, whether he is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or is authorized by the Attorney General to accept employment. Requires that if, in a proceeding initiated within two years after the service of a citation by the Attorney General informing an employer of a violation under this Act, the Attorney General finds that any employer, agent, or referrer upon whom such citation has been served has thereafter violated the provisions of this Act, the Attorney General shall assess a penalty of not more than $500 for each alien in respect to whom any such violation is found to have occurred. Provides that further violation of this Act following the assessment of the above civil penalty shall make the employer guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof such employer shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, for each alien in respect to whom any violation of this occurs. Requires disclosure by employees and officers of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of information on illegal aliens who are receiving assistance under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
Declares it to be the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the canal and zone, and should in no way cede, dilute, forfeit, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, power, authority, jurisdiction, territory, or property that are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere; (2) that there be no relinquishment or surrender of any presently vested United States sovereign right, power, or authority or property, tangible or intangible, except by treaty authorized by the Congress and duly ratified by the United States; and (3) that there be no recession to Panama, or other divestiture of any United States-owned property, tangible or intangible, without prior authorization by the Congress (House and Senate), as provided in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivors Benefits Act - Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation - Increases the rates of disability compensation for disabled veterans. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' affairs to adjust administratively, consistent with the increases authorized by this Act, the rates of indemnity and dependency compensation payble to specified persons receiving veterans benefits. Title II: Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to widows. Title III: Effective Date: Provides that this Act shall take effect on the first day of the second month which begins after the date of enactment. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 314,315,411,413)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Increases to $4,560 the amount of outside earnings which is permitted an individual each year without any deductions from benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides that Federal expenditures shall not exceed Federal revenues, except in time of war or economic necessity declared by the Congress. States that this act shall apply to fiscal years beginning after October 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Establishes a forty-five month period maximum for educational assistance in programs administered by the Veterans' Administration for veterans who have served on active duty for 18 months or more since January 31, 1955.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
National Employment Assistance Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares it to be the purpose of this Act to establish, in areas of aggravated unemployment, a temporary special unemployment assistance program and a temporary program of community improvement projects. Title I: Special Unemployment Assistance Program - Provides that each State which enters into an agreement with the Secretary of Labor, pursuant to which it makes payments of special unemployment assistance in accordance with the provisions of this title and the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor, shall be paid by the United States amounts to carry out the provisions of this title in the State. Provides that an individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of assistance or waiting period credit with respect to a week of unemployment occuring during and subsequent to a special unemployment assistance period in accordance with the provisions of this title if specified requirements are met, including that the individual has exhausted all rights to regular, additional, and extended compensation under all Federal and State unemployment compensation laws. Specifies the length for the special unemployment assistance period, the amount of the weekly benefit, the maximum benefit amount, and the termination date for assistance under this title. Title II: Community Improvement Program - Empowers the Secretary to make financial assistance available to eligible applicants within designated areas for the purposes of carrying out community improvement projects providing temporary employment assistance for unemployed persons in public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations providing community services. Provides for the allocation of funds among the designated areas. Prescribes the procedures for filing applications for financial assistance under this title, for the approval of such applications, and for the conditions required by all programs. Sets forth the criteria governing an individual's eligibility for employment in projects assisted under this title. States that funds appropriated to carry out this title shall be available for obligation as follows: (1) $500,000,000, when the Secretary first determines that the rate of national unemployment averages 6 per cent or more for three consecutive calendar months; (2) an additional $750,000,000, when the rate of averages 6.5 per cent or more for three consecutive calendar months; and (3) an additional $1,000,000,000, when the rate averages 7 per cent or more for three consecutive calendar months. Title III: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Empowers the Secretary with specified legal authorities. Sets forth the conditions applicable to all programs. Imposes criminal penalties for the theft or embezzlement from manpower funds and improper inducement. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of title I of this Act. States that during the period beginning upon enactment and ending December 31, 1975, there are authorized to be appropriated $2,250,000,000 to carry out the provisions of title II of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1974
Excludes from gross income the first $1,000 of interest or dividends received from savings account deposits in savings and loan institutions and other savings institutions chartered and supervised under Federal or State law.
United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1974
Anti-Inflation Act - Authorizes the President to establish, within the Executive Office of the President, a Cost of Living Task Force to: (1) review and analyze industrial capacity, demand, and supply in various sectors of the economy, working with the industrial groups concerned and appropriate governmental agencies to encourage price restraint; (2) work with labor and management in the various sectors of the economy having special economic problems, as well as with appropriate government agencies, to improve the structure of collective bargaining and the performance of those sectors in restraining prices; (3) improve wage and price data bases for the various sectors of the economy to improve collective bargaining and encourage price restraint; (4) conduct public hearings necessary to provide for public scrutiny of inflationary problems in various sectors of the economy; (5) focus attention on the need to increase productivity in both the public and private sectors of the economy; (6) monitor the economy as a whole by acquiring, as appropriate, reports on wages, costs, productivity, prices, sales, profits, imports, exports, and interest rates, and rents; (7) review the programs and activities of Federal departments and agencies and the private sector which may decrease supply and increase prices; and (8) evaluate the inflationary effects of international transactions. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 August 1974
Anti-inflation Act - Authorizes the President to establish, within the Executive Office of the President, a Cost of Living Task Force to: (1) review and analyze industrial capacity, demand, and supply in various sectors of the economy, working with the industrial groups concerned and appropriate governmental agencies to encourage price restraint; (2) work with labor and management in the various sectors of the economy having special economic problems, as well as with appropriate government agencies, to improve the structure of collective bargaining and the performance of those sectors in restraining prices; (3) improve wage and price data bases for the various sectors of the economy to improve collective bargaining and encourage price restraint; (4) conduct public hearings necessary to provide for public scrutiny of inflationary problems in various sectors of the economy; (5) focus attention on the need to increase productivity in both the public and private sectors of the economy; and (6) monitor the economy as a whole by acquiring, as appropriate, reports on wages, costs, productivity, prices, sales, profits, imports, and exports; (7) review the programs and activities of Federal departments and agencies and the private sector which may decrease supply and increase prices; and (8) evaluate the inflationary effects of international transactions. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1974
Changes the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for a Federal Elections Commission in the executive branch to be composed of nominees chosen by the Congress and appointed by the President. States that it shall be the duty of the Commission to: (1) refer apparent violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act and related Federal statutes to the Attorney General; (2) make public the fact of any referral to the Attorney General under such Act or the basis of such finding; (3) initiate, maintain, defend, or appeal any civil action (in the name of the Commission) relating to the enforcement of the provisions of such Act and related Federal statutes; (4) petition the courts for declaratory or injunctive relief concerning any action covered by the provisions of the Federal Election Campaign Act and related Federal statutes; and (5) issue subpenas under such Act. Establishes the Federal Elections Advisory Board, to be composed of members of Congress, to consult with and make recommendations to the Commission regarding the performance of the Commission's duties and functions under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Provides that whoever willingly and willfully files a false complaint under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 or makes false statements to the Commission shall be fined not more than $25,000 or imprisoned for not more than a year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1974
Emergency Petroleum Allocation Extension Act - Extends the mandatory allocation provisions of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 until December 31, 1975 (presently such provisions expire on February 28, 1975).
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1974
Provides, under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to scholarship and fellowship grants, that no amount shall be included in gross income by reason of the discharge of the indebtedness of an individual under a student loan if such discharge was pursuant to a provision of the loan under which the indebtedness would be discharged if the individual worked for a certain period of time in certain professions or certain geographical areas or for certain classes of employers. Defines "student loan" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 July 1974
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation four annual installments of $375,000,000 each for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury to the International Development Association. Repeals the prohibitions on purchasing, holding, selling, or otherwise dealing in gold in the United States or abroad, effective either on December 31, 1974, or at any time prior to such date that the President finds and reports to Congress that private ownership of gold will not adversely affect the U.S. monetary position.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Housing and Urban Development Act - Title I: Community Development Block Grants - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States and Units of general local government to help finance Community Development Programs. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations for such grants of up to $8,050,000,000 until July 1, 1977. Authorizes $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for grants to general local government units for urgent community development needs. Requires grant applicants to: (1) formulate community development programs and housing assistance plans; (2) operate such programs in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Public Law 90-284 (relating to fair housing); and (3) inform affected citizens of the various aspects of the program. Requires an annual review and audit to determine if grantees are carrying out their programs as required by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to release funds for projects to applicants who assume all of the responsibilities of environmental review, decision making, and action pursuant to the Environmental Policy Act that would otherwise apply to the Secretary. States that community development programs approved under this title may include: (1) acquisition of real property that is deteriorating or useful for public purposes; (2) installation of public works facilities; (3) rehabilitation of buildings; and (4) provisions for health, social, counseling and training services under activities within this title. Prescribes the allocation of grant funds under this title, including a ratio to determine amounts for individual cities which relates to poverty and housing overcrowding in the city. Requires that 80 percent of the non-urgent grant funds go to metropolitan areas. Prescribes the full "hold-harmless" amount of a metropolitan city or urban county under this title. Preserves a discretionary grant fund for special projects, including new communities, United States territories, and diaster-caused development needs. Authorizes the guarantee of notes or other obligations of general local government units for acquisition of real property for community development programs. Prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, or sex under programs funded by this title. Sets wage standards for labor performed under contracts funded by this title. Requires the termination or reduction of funds to grantees failing to comply with this title. Allows judicial review of such actions. Allows 20 percent of the urgent-need grants to be applied toward the payment of principal and interest on temporary loans made to a local government unit under the Housing Act of 1949. Permits continuance of local building codes (where assistance is sought under this Act) whose standards are as high or higher than those required by this Act. Provides for the employment of low-income persons under programs approved by this title. Title II: Assisted Housing - Authorizes assistance, under the United States Housing Act of 1937, to low-income families. Allows public housing agencies to make assistance payments for the use of existing dwelling units. Allows assistance payments for contracts with owners or prospective owners who construct or rehabilitate housing which will be used at least in part for low-income families. Allows the Secretary to enter into contracts with public housing agencies by which they may assist owners or prospective owners of units over which such agencies assume management. Requires such assistance contracts to set a maximum monthly rent, according to prescribed guidelines. Disallows material differences in rents for assisted housing and comparable unassisted housing. Sets forth a time limit on such contracts for assistance payments. Reserves all ownership, management, and maintenance responsibilities in the owners. Requires 30 percent of families assisted under this title to be "very low-income" families. Requires the Secretary to insure that special projects for the handicapped authorized under the United States Housing Act of 1937 provide quality services and management consistent with the needs of the occupant. Prohibits the approval of a housing assistance plan under the United States Housing Act of 1937, the National Housing Act, or the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 unless the general local government unit certifies that such assistance is consistent with a housing assistance plan approved under title I of this Act. Requires the allocation of assistance under provisions of the above-mentioned laws according to rates of poverty, overcrowding, and substandard housing. Makes public housing agencies eligible as mortgagors under the National Housing Act's provisions relating to housing for moderate income and displaced families. Specifies minimum rentals for low-rent housing under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires the establishment of sound management practices by public housing agencies. Increases the annual contribution to public housing to maintain low rents to $400,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $965,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. Extends the home ownership, cooperative and rental mortgage provisions of the National Housing Act until June 30, 1975. Makes special provision for housing assistance to American Indians, the elderly and handicapped, and to areas where assistance is otherwise unavailable. Title III: Mortgage Credit Programs - Extends the regular FHA insurance programs and the interest rate authority for veterans' home loans. Increases the maximum mortgage amount under the FHA one-to four-family and multifamily mortgage insurance programs. Makes changes in downpayment requirements for regular FHA one-to four-family mortgages. Provides for FHA insured financing on resale of cooperative dwellings. Increases the amounts and time limits on home improvement loans. Permits the co-insurance of any mortgage, advance, or loan in addition to co-insurance otherwise provided by this Act. Prohibits the issuance of such insurance until it is determined that such co-insurance demonstration program will not disrupt the mortgage market or reduce the availability of mortgage credit to borrowers who depend upon mortgage insurance under this Act. Prohibits the purchase of mortgages by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation if the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage at the time of purchase exceeds 80 percent of the value of the property. Eliminates the provisions of Federal law concerning the retirement of common and preferred stock in FNMA. Prohbits sex discrimination in Federal mortgage assistance payments under this title. Adds osteopathic and podiatric facilities to the provisions of the National Housing Act regarding mortgage insurance for group practice facilities. Title IV: Rural Housing - Allows loans for the repair and improvement of rural dwellings to make them safe and sanitary (where the borrower does not otherwise qualify) of up to $5,000. Extends veterans preference to rural housing programs under the Housing Act of 1949. Authorizes funds for loan programs for rural housing programs. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide condominium housing for low-and moderate-income families in ruarl areas. Permits the Secretary to make loans to public or private nonprofit organizations for the acquisition and development of land as building sites to be subdivided and sold to families, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and cooperatives. Allows borrowers, under provisions of the Housing Act of 1949, to prepay taxes and insurance to the Secretary, who will hold such payments in escrow and pay them out at the appropriate time. Provides for contracts with public or private nonprofit organizations to provide information and technical assistance, provided such private nonprofit organizations are sponsored by a State or local government entity. States that such information and assistance shall relate to construction, rehabilitation, and operation of low-and moderate-income housing, as well as counseling on household management and budgeting. Authorizes loans and insurance for rental or cooperative housing for persons and families of low income in multifamily housing projects, as well as assistance payments to owners of such rental housing to make available to such persons such housing at rates not exceeding 25 percent of their incomes. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that it is the purpose of this part to encourage the formation of State development agencies which have authority to carry out development activities designed to: (1) provide housing and related facilities for persons and families of low and moderate income; (2) promote the sound growth and development of neighborhoods through the revitalization of slum and blighted areas; and (3) increase and improve employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed through the development and redevelopment of industrial, manufacturing, and commercial facilities. Permits the guarantee of bonds, debentures, notes and other obligations issued by State development agencies to finance development activities described in the purposes of this title. Establishes a revolving fund to provide for timely payment of liabilities incurred as a result of such guarantees. Allows supplementary grants for projects assisted by the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities. Includes waste disposal facilities among eligible land improvements. Authorizes appropriations for comprehensive urban planning. Title VI: Consumer Home Mortgage Assistance - Consumer Home Mortgage Assistance Act - States that savings and loan associations are authorized to invest an amount, not exceeding the greater of the sum of its surplus, undivided profits, and reserves or 5 percent of its assets, in loans or in interests therein the principal purpose of which is to provide financing with respect to what is or is expected to become primarily residential real estate within one hundred miles of their home office or within the State in which such office is located. Increase the amount that may be loaned by such associations on single family dwellings from $45,000 to $55,000. Permits any national banking association to make real estate loans secured by liens upon unimproved real estate, upon improved real estate, including improved farmland and improved business and residential properties, and upon real estate to be improved by a building or buildings to be constructed or in the process of construction, in an amount which when added to the amount unpaid upon prior mortgages, liens, encumbrances, if any, upon such real estate does not exceed the respective proportions of appraised value as provided in this title. States that the amount of any such loan hereafter made shall not exceed 66 2/3 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is unimproved, 75 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is improved by offsite improvements such as as streets, water, sewers, or other utilities, 75 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is in the process of being improved by a building or building to be constructed or in the process of construction, or 90 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is improved by a building or buildings. Allows national banking associations to make real estate loans secured by liens upon forest tracts with are properly managed in all respects. Limits the amount that Federal Credit Unions may loan to it directors and members of it supervisory credit committee to $2,500 without approval of the board of directors. Allows such credit unions to establish two-member investment committees. Prescribes meeting frequencies and procedures for credit committees of such credit unions. Provides termination procedures for insured credit unions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Provides that Federal expenditures shall not exceed Federal revenues, except in time of war or grave national emergency declared by the Congress. Provides for the systematic reduction of the public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Designates the premises occupied by the Chief of Naval Operations as the official residence of the Vice President, effective upon the termination of service of the incumbent Chief of Naval Operations. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide for the care, maintenance, repair, improvement, alteration, and furnishing of the official residence and grounds. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary from time to time to carry out the foregoing purposes. Expresses the sense of Congress that living accommodations, generally equivalent to those available to the highest ranking officer on active duty in each of the other military services, should be provided for the Chief of Naval Operations. Repeals the Federal law authorizing the planning, design, construction, furnishing, and maintenance of an official residence for the Vice President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1974
Provides, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, that whenever the President deems it to be in the national interest, he shall endeavor to insure that, to the maximum extent practicable, such assistance shall be furnished only pursuant to agreements which provide for the exchange of necessary strategic or critical raw materials for such assistance. Defines the term "necessary strategic or critical raw materials" to include petroleum, fossil fuels, metals, minerals, or other substances which: (1) are in short supply in the United States or (2) the United States requirements of which are not produced in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Increases the rates of disability compensation for disabled veterans. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to adjust administratively, consistent with the increases authorized by this Act, the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for their suvivors.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1974
Directs the President to submit to Congress, within thirty days, a report which sets forth, for each calendar year during the period of 1965 through 1973: (1) the volume and value of all exports of critical resources to all countries from each foreign country which at any time during such period exported to the United States any critical minerals; (2) the volume and value of each critical mineral exported to the United States from each such foreign country; (3) the volume and value of each critical mineral exported in world trade from any foreign country which was subject, at any time during such period, to economic sanctions applied by the United States pursuant to the United Nations Participation Act of 1945; and (4) the exports by value and volume for each commodity by country of destination.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Veterans' Education and Rehabilitation Amendments Act - Increases the rates of educational assistance payable to veterans. Establishes the Vietnam Era Veterans Communication Center within the Veterans' Administration for the purpose of improving the effectiveness of Veterans' Administration programs for making veterans aware of benefits and services available to them under the veterans laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Declares it to be the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the canal and zone, and should in no way cede, dilute, forfeit, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, power, authority, jurisdiction, territory, or property that are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere; (2) that there be no relinquishment or surrender of any presently vested United States sovereign right, power, or authority or property, tangible or intangible, except by treaty authorized by the Congress and duly ratified by the United States; and (3) that there be no recession to Panama, or other divestiture of any United States-owned property, tangible or intangible, without prior authorization by the Congress (House and Senate), as provided in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
![Official portrait of Rep. Wylie, Chalmers P. [R-OH-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000781_200.jpg)