United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines "household" under the Food Stamp Act as meaning a group of individuals who are sharing common living quarters, but who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, and who have access to cooking facilities and for whom food is customarily purchased in common. Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve any plan which permits any household to simultaneously participate in both the food stamp program and the distribution of federally donated foods. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget adjusted pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards of eligibility which shall include, but not be limited to, the amounts of liquid and nonliquid assets. Provides that household income for purposes of the food stamp program shall be the gross income of the household less: (1) a standard deduction of $100 a month applicable to all households; (2) an additional deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there at least one member who is age sixty-five or older. Limits eligibility to participate in the food stamp program to citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residency. States that no individual shall be considered eligible for the food stamp program as a member of a household if he is: (1) over 18; (2) is enrolled at an institution of higher education; and (3) is a dependent child for income tax purposes of a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Prohibits households which transfer liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program from becoming eligible for at least a ninety-day period. Requires the Secretary to issue photo identification cards to households certified eligible to participate in the program. States that households shall be charged thirty percent of their income for the coupon allotment issued to them. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further inssuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Provides for a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Local Fiscal Assistance Act - Revises the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act to delete the provisions of that Act authorizing payments by the Secretary of the Treasury to units of general local government from the Trust Fund created by that Act. Changes the designation of the "State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund" to the "Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund. Makes appropriations to the Trust Fund, out of amounts in the general fund of the Treasury, for the transition period and for fiscal years 1976 through 1981. Makes appropriations to the Trust Fund, out of amounts in the general fund of the Treasury, for noncontiguous States adjustment amounts, for the transition period and for fiscal years 1976 through 1981. Directs that allocations made to States from the Trust Fund be allocated among the units of local government of the States. Authorizes local government units to draw funds to which they will become entitled in advance of the actual period for which such funds will be entitled where the chief executive officer of such local government shows a critical need for such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1975
Provides for a mandatory sentence of death for any individual who kills a President of the United States by murder or manslaughter. Provides for mandatory life sentence for any individual who kidnaps or attempts to kill a President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Provides that property used in, or related to, a taxpayer's business which was acquired at no cost to him shall not be a capital asset for purposes of taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1975
Denies Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to apply to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Exempts, under the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the Federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels. Exempts such organization from the tax on communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Authorizes the President to appoint Captain John E. Tsavaris, United States Navy Reserves retired, to the grade of rear admiral on the Reserves retired list.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Provides for the reduction in survivor annuities under the survivor benefit plan for members of the Armed Forces by reason of social security benefits based on military service only if such benefits are in fact received by the survivor (previously if the survivor was entitled to such benefits). (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1451 (a)).
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Revises the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to allocate to the coastal States 37 1/2 percent of all rentals and royalties paid in connection with any lease on the Outer Continental Shelf. Exempts from such requirement funds credited to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. States that the proportion of the total amount set aside which shall be distributed to any coastal State shall bear the same ratio to such total amount as the amount of production sold from deposits adjacent to such coastal State.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Eliminates the reduction made to the retired or retainer pay of retired members of the Armed Forces under the Survivor Benefit plan during periods when such eligible individual is not married.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 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 · 31 July 1975
Authorizes the One Hundred and First Airborne Division Association to erect a memorial or public grounds in the District of Columbia in commemoration of the men of the "Screaming Eagles". Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the National Commission on Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, to select a suitable site in the District of Columbia or its environs. Provides that all plans are subject to approval of the Secretary of Interior. States that neither the United States nor the District of Columbia shall be put to any expense in the erection of such monument. Directs that maintenance of the monument shall be the responsibility of the Secretary of the Interior or the District of Columbia if the memorial is erected upon public grounds under their jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the National Ski Patrol System. Makes the purpose of the corporation the promotion, in all and any ways, of public safety in skiing. Provides that the principal office of the corporation shall be located in Denver, Colorado. Requires the corporation to maintain a designated agent in the District of Columbia. Provides for the membership of the corporation. Sets forth the powers and the limitations of such corporation. Prohibits corporation participation in any political activity or in any attempt to influence legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Comprehensive National Health Care Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to create a system of national health care benefits which will make comprehensive health services available to all residents of the United States. Title I: National Health Care Program - Repeals title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes a health care benefits program covering: (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) physicians' services; (3) medical and other health services; (4) home health services; (5) post-hospital extended care services; (6) outpatient drugs and biologicals; (7) routine dental services; (8) developmental vision care services, as defined in regulations, routine eye and vision examinations, and eyeglasses; (9) hearing aids and examinations therefor; (10) routine physical examinations and preventive services as defined in regulations; and (11) ambulance services in specified instances. Limits post hospital extended care services and home health care services coverage to one hundred and eighty days per year. Limits inpatient psychiatric hospital services to 45 days per year. States that every individual, without regard to race, sex, income or age, who is a resident of the United States shall be eligible for health care benefits. Directs the Social Security Administration to establish a separate account for each individual covered by this program. Requires the Social Security Administration to make payments to providers of services under the provisions of this Act. Sets forth conditions and limitations on payment for services. Allows payments for emergency hospital services furnished to individuals entitled to benefits under this Act. States that payment for major surgery and other specialized services may be made only when such services are furnished by specialists. States that payment may not be made for services furnished by a professional practitioner in a hospital which is not a participating provider of services, except for specified outpatient services. Establishes an area health care services board within each geographic area established by the Public Health Service Act. Enumerates regulations governing prospective payment methods under this Act. Requires providers of services to file on agreement with the Administration not to charge individuals for services for which the individual is entitled to have payment made under this Act. Authorizes the Administration to enter into contracts with carriers to perform specified functions. States that payment for services rendered by a physician shall be made in accordance with a single fee schedule applicable throughout the designated geographical area. Establishes a National Health Care Formulary Committee, consisting of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and three other individuals. Directs the Committee to compile, publish, and make available a National Health Care Formulary containing an alphabetical list of drugs, including specific dosage forms and strengths. Establishes a National Health Care Trust Fund, and a Board of Trustees to govern such fund. Directs the Board to report to Congress annually on the status and operation of the Fund. Defines terms used in this title. Provides criminal penalties for violators of the provisions of this Act. Establishes a Provider Reimbursement Review Board to hold hearings on cost reports filed by providers of services, if such provider is dissatisfied with a final determination of his cost report. States that at such hearing, the provider of services shall have the right to be represented by Counsel. Creates a National Health Care Benefits Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Administration with respect to this title. Directs the Administration to prescribe necessary regulations to carry out the provisions of this title. Imposes a special income tax to finance the health care program. Provides that one-half the amount paid may be taken as an income tax credit. Title II: Independent Social Security Administration - States that the purpose of this title is to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. Establishes as an independent agency of the executive branch a Social Security Administration. States that the Administration shall administer the program established by this Act, in addition to the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program, and the black lung benefits program. Directs the Administration to study the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to Congress on its activities and recommendations for legislation. Abolishes the positions of Commissioners of Social Security. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that existing employer-employee health benefits plans shall be unaffected by this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue gold commemorative coins bearing the seal or symbol of the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the United States House of Representatives of attempts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the Senate will review United States commitments to the Third World nations involved in the expulsion and will consider the implication of continued membership in the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 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 · 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 · 16 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 · 11 July 1975
Disapproves the loan of three landing craft (LCM-8's) to Panama, as proposed by the letter from the Department of the Navy of May 5, 1975, to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 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
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 · 24 June 1975
Provides that no veteran may be denied care or treatment at non-Veteran's Administration Hospitals under the CHAMPUS program for any service-connected disability solely because care or treatment for such disability is available at Veterans' Administration medical facilities. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1086(f))
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stipulates that such park is not to exceed three thousand five hundred acres. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Committee on Internal Security. Authorizes the Committee to make investigations of the extent, character, objectives, and activities within the United States of organizations, whether of foreign or domestic origin, their members, agents, and affiliates, which seek to establish a totalitarian dictatorship within the United States, or to overthrow the form of government of the United States or of any State, by force, violence, treachery, espionage, sabotage, insurrection, or any unlawful means.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1975
Directs the President to exercise his authority under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to equalize the ceiling price throughout the United States at which residual fuel oil is sold or exchanged so as to assure equitable electric power rates and charges throughout the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 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
Provides for the exclusion from job preference programs of those veterans who deserted from the Armed Forces during the Vietnam era and who are awarded other than dishonorable discharges under the Presidential clemency program.
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 · 19 May 1975
Requires the deduction of amounts appropriated pursuant to the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975 from the United States annual assessed share of the budget of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Army to provide for one or more national cemeteries in the central west coast area of the State of Florida. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 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 · 28 April 1975
Provides that the right of individual employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities, may not be restricted by an agreement requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment (such restriction being presently authorized under the National Labor Relations Act under specified conditions).
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Directs the President to exercise his authority under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to equalize the ceiling price throughout the United States at which residual fuel oil is sold or exchanged so as to assure equitable electric power rates and charges throughout the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Provides that corporations, labor organizations, and specified Government contractors which make unlawful political contributions shall be fined in an amount equal to the amount of such contributions. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 610)
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Directs the President to exercise his authority under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to equalize the ceiling price throughout the United States at which residual fuel oil is sold or exchanged so as to assure equitable electric power rates and charges throughout the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that any grant funds under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act which were withheld from allotment by Presidential direction for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975 shall be alloted among the States by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with a specified formula. Revises the distribution of such allotments to the States for fiscal years beginning with 1976.