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![Official portrait of Sen. Abourezk, James [D-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000017_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
875 records where Sen. Abourezk, James [D-SD] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Authorizes $24,400,000 to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 to carry out historic preservation programs and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide employment for unemployed rural residents through rural conservation employment projects within rural areas of substantial unemployment. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to employ rural residents over eighteen who have been unemployed for at least thirty consecutive days to carry out rural conservation projects within the National Forest System and other lands under the Secretary's jurisdiction, and in conjunction with cooperative projects on non-Federal lands. Directs the Secretary to determine rates of pay, hours, and other conditions of employment. Places a maximum wage limitation of $10,000 per year. Authorizes specified appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Requires the continued application of the minimum nursing salary cost differential of 8 1/2 percent which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Makes it unlawful for any Executive Branch officer or any person acting under such officer's authority to require that any United States Government employee or any applicant for employment in the Executive Branch of the Government do any of the following: (1) disclose their race, religion, or national origin; (2) attend Government-sponsored meetings and lectures or participate in outside activities unrelated to their employment; (3) report on their outside activities or undertakings unrelated to their work; (4) submit to questioning about their religion, personal relationships or sexual attitudes through interviews, psychological tests, or polygraphs; or (5) support political candidates or attend political meetings. Permits inquiries into national origin when necessary for the national interest or overseas work. Allows agency officers to advise employees of charges of sexual misconduct as long as the employee has an opportunity to refute the charge. Makes it illegal to coerce an employee to buy bonds or make charitable contributions; or to require him to disclose his own personal assets, liabilities, or expenditures, or those of any member of his family unless they would show a conflict of interest. Provides a right to have a counsel or other person present, if the employee wishes, at an interview which may lead to disciplinary proceedings. Makes it unlawful for any Civil Service Commission officer to require any executive department or agency to do any prohibited act; or to require a person seeking to establish Civil Service status or employment in the executive branch to submit to interrogation, polygraph testing, or psychological testing designed to elicit views regarding religion, personal relationships, or sexual attitude. Accords the right to a civil action in a Federal court for violation or threatened violation of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to defend all persons sued who acted pursuant to an order or who, in his opinion, did not willfully violate this Act. Establishes a three-member Board on Employees' Rights with members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Grants the Board the authority and duty to receive and investigate written complaints from any person claiming to be aggrieved by any violation or threatened violation of this Act and to conduct a hearing on each such complaint. Grants the Board powers which will eliminate violation of this Act. Directs the Board to make an annual report of its activities to Congress. Excludes the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency from the provisions of this Act. Permits the establishment of agency grievance procedures to enforce this Act, but the existence of such procedures shall not preclude the use of other remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Requires the capital cities of the States (other than Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico) to be connected to the Interstate System of highways. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 103)
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Smaller Communities Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of this Act, including to establish the Small Community Administration in order to: (1) develop a national program to coordinate and improve the Federal assistance available to smaller communities; and (2) encourage the development of smaller communities through the coordination of Federal loan grant assistance programs. Establishes, as an independent agency in the executive branch, the Smaller Communities Administration, to be headed by an Administrator. Directs the Administration to: (1) to provide technical assistance to smaller communities; (2) coordinate with the Small Business Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Department of Transportation, Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Health, Education, and Welfare, and Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other Federal agencies to formulate Federal policy with respect to smaller communities; (3) represent the interests of smaller communities in the allocation of resources and scarce materials; (4) represent the interests of smaller communities in the location and construction of buildings by the Federal Government; (5) represent the interests of smaller communities before each Federal organization that affects the welfare of small communities; (6) conduct studies in specified areas; and (7) assist business firms and nonprofit institutions located in smaller communities in the awarding of Federal contracts. Establishes the Office of the Smaller Community Ombudsman, directing that the Ombudsman shall: (1) develop an information system to supply officials of smaller communities with information on Federal grant and loan assistance programs designed to aid small communities; and (2) coordinate Federal agencies administering such programs. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Energy Information Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes and defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: National Energy Information Administration - Creates as an independent agency of the Federal Government the National Energy Information Administration, to be headed by an Administrator. Provides that the function of the Administration shall be the collection, tabulation, comparison, analysis, standardization, and dissemination of energy information pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to coordinate exisitng energy information collection activities of all Federal agencies. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress and the President a plan for the consolidation of the energy information activities of the Federal Government. Provides for the imposition of criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of, or theft of, non-public energy information. Title II: National Energy Information System - Directs the Administrator to establish a National Energy Information system which shall be operated and maintained by the Administration. Provides that such System shall contain such information as is required (1) to provide a description of and facilitate analysis of energy supply and consumption within and affecting the United States on the basis of such geographic areas and economic sectors as may be appropriate and (2) to meet adequately the needs of the Congress and of those Federal agencies which are responsible for energy policy analysis and formulation and for energy regulation. Requires major energy producing companies to file annual financial reports with the Administrator. Requires major energy consuming companies to file annual energy consumption reports, including the amounts and types of energy used, with the Administrator. Provides that the information collected pursuant to this Act shall be made public except where such information: (1) constitutes a trade secret; (2) would substantially harm the company that supplied it if disclosed; (3) was obtained from a Federal, State or local agency on a confidential basis; and (4) was classified for national security on foreign policy reasons. Authorizes the Administrator to delay the disclosure of geological information. Provides that only Federal employees having official use for such information shall have access to the information in the non-public catergories listed above. Title III: Energy Resources Surveys and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis a survey of all mineral fuel resources and nonmineral energy resources in the public lands of the United States. Stipulates that such survey program shall be designed to provide information about the location, extent, value, and characteristics of such resources. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Directs the Comptroller General to continuously monitor and evaluate the activities and operations of the Administration. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Energy Information Administration and the Department of the Interior such amounts as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such agencies by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1975
Restricts the authority of the Army Corps of Engineers to supervise waterways activities to navigable waters which are presently used, or are susceptible to use in their natural condition or by reasonable improvement, as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce. Abolishes Corps authority over the discharge of fill material into such waterways. Permits the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Engineers to waive jointly any requirements they may have for review and approval of any activities on waters of the United States if the Chief of Engineers determines that such activities will not have a substantial adverse impact on the affected waters for their use to transport interstate or foreign commerce and can be effectively regulated by the State concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1975
Makes it unlawful for any Government employee or officer or any person engaged in business or other activity affecting interstate commerce to: (1) require a polygraph test as a condition of employment; or (2) discharge or deny a promotion to an individual who refuses to submit to a polygraph test. Permits civil suits to enforce the provisions of this Act. Gives the U.S. district courts jurisdiction under this Act without regard to amount of pecuniary injury or exhaustion of administrative remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Nuclear Power Reappraisal Act - Declares that: (1) it is questionable whether further deployment of commercial nuclear fission powerplants is consistent with national security and public safety; (2) problems of nuclear plant safety, waste management, environmental impact and security must be resolved prior to further deployment of commercial nuclear fission powerplants; and (3) the Office of Technology Assessment should undertake an independnet and comprehensive analysis of the potential consequences of proliferation of nuclear fission powerplants in the United States and elsewhere. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to cease, beginning on the first day after the date of enactment of this Act, the granting of licenses or limited work authorization for the construction of nuclear fission powerplants and the granting of licenses for the export of nuclear fission powerplants. States that the granting of nuclear powerplant construction licenses shall be resumed only after the Congress shall have determined: (1) hazardous fission waste products can be stored or disposed of with no reasonable chance of release to the natural environment and of subsequent injury to human beings; (2) the security of special nuclear materials from diversion is reasonably assured; and (3) nuclear power facilities pose no extraordinary and unacceptable threat to public health and safety in the event of war, sabotage or natural disaster. Provides that beginning five years after the enactment of this Act, unless the Congress has provided for the resumption of nuclear powerplant licensing, all existing nuclear fission powerplants shall be phased out of operation at a specified rate. Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to study the nuclear fission fuel cycle, from mining through waste management, and fission-generated power; and to report to the Congress the findings and recommendations of such study. Requires the Office of Technology Assessment, when conducting such study, to provide compensation for travel costs, per diem expenses, and experts to any person who: (1) has or represents an interest which would not otherwise be adequately represented in such study, and whose views are deemed by the Office to be necessary for a full assessment of the nuclear fuel cycle or nuclear fission generated power or other energy sources, pursuant to this Act; and (2) who is unable to participate effectively in such assessment because such person cannot afford to pay the cost of travel, per diem expenses and expert witnesses. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Federal Constitutional Convention Procedures Act - Provides that the legislature of a State, in making application to the Congress for a constitutional convention under article V of the Constitution of the United States on and after the enactment of this Act, shall adopt a resolution pursuant to this Act stating in substance, that the legislature requests the calling of a convention for the purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the Constitution of the United States and stating the nature of the amendment to be proposed. States that an application submitted to the Congress by a State, unless sooner rescinded by the State legislature shall remain effective for seven calendar years after the date it is received by the Congress, except that whenever within a period of seven calendar years two-thirds or more of the several States have each submitted an application calling for a constitutional convention on the same subject all such applications shall remain in effect until the Congress has taken action on a concurrent resolution calling for a constitutional convention. Allows a State to rescind its application by adopting and transmitting to the Congress a resolution of rescission, except that no such rescission shall be effective as to any application upon any subject after the date on which two-thirds or more of the State legislatures have applications pending before the Congress seeking amendments on the same subject. Provides that if either House of the Congress determines, upon a consideration of any report or of a concurrent resolution agreed to by the other House of the Congress, that there are in effect valid applications made by two-thirds or more of the States for the calling of a constitutional convention upon the same subject, it shall be the duty of that House to agree to a concurrent resolution calling for the convening of a Federal constitutional convention upon that subject. Provides that a convention called under this Act shall be composed of as many delegates from each State as it is entitled to Senators and Representatives in Congress. Sets forth procedures controlling the convening of the convention. Stipulates that no convention called under this Act may propose any amendment or amendments of a nature different from that stated in the concurrent resolution calling the convention. Provides that except as otherwise prescribed by concurrent resolution of the Congress, any proposed amendment to the Constitution shall become valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of the submission to the States, or within such other period of time as may be prescribed by such proposed amendment. Allows any State to rescind its ratification of a proposed amendment by the same processes by which it ratified the proposed amendment, except that no State may rescind when there are existing valid ratifications of such amendment by three-fourths of the States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension on underground nuclear testing to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from underground testing, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear tests.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975
Increases farm ownership loan limits of the Farmers Home Administration from $100,000 to $200,000. Increases the total indebtedness limit from $225,000 to $350,000. Increases the operating loan limit from $50,000 to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975
Revises rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide that the chairman of each committee of the Senate shall be a member of the majority party with the longest period of continuous service on such committee. Requires a Senator to be approved by the Senators of the majorty party before being appointed chairman. Provides that, beginning with the 94th Congress, no Senator shall be eligible to serve as chairman of a committee of the Senate for a period extending beyond the expiration of the Congress following the Congress in which he commences service as such chairman except as otherwise specified in this resolution. Directs that no Senator shall be eligible to serve as chairman of a committee of the Senate during any Congress time during any of the six preceding Congresses unless all Senators who are members of the majority party and who may serve as chairman of such committee have served as such chairman at some time during the six preceding Congresses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Renames the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation the Federal Commodity Insurance Corporation. Transfers the functions and duties of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and the Secretary of Agriculture under the Federal Crop Insurance Act to the Federal Commodity Insurance Corporation. States that the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors. Sets forth procedures for the appointment of the Board. Extends the existing crop insurance program from coverage of 7 agricultural commodities to coverage of 25 commodities. Authorizes the Corporation to extend insurance to other commodities on the basis of demand for such coverage and the anticipated risk of loss to the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to offer its insurance program in additional counties according to a specified plan. Specifies the percentage of loss of each crop that the Corporation shall offer insurance against. Stipulates that insurance offered by the Corporation shall not cover losses due to the neglect or malfeasance of the producer or the failure of the producer to follow established good production practices. Requires the Corporation to report annually to Congress the results of its operations and to include in such report, a list of all agricultural commodities for which insurance has been requested but which are not insured by the Corporation, and a list of all counties for which insurance has been requested but which are not covered by the Corporation. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976, and each fiscal year thereafter, a sum not to exceed $20,000,000 or an amount equal to 2.3 percent of the total insurance liability assumed by the Corporation in the immediately preceding fiscal year, whichever amount is greater, as may be necessary to cover the operating and administrative costs of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Suspends the Secretary of the Interior's authority to lease Federal coal lands until enactment of a Federal statute regulating surface coal mining on all lands in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Vietnam and Cambodia Refugee Resettlement Assistance Act - Authorizes $127,000,000 to be appropriated for a period of no more than 90 days for assistance to refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia for care, resettlement, social and welfare services, bilingual and vocational education, transportation to third countries or back to Vietnam and Cambodia if requested, and other purposes. Places a one-year moratorium on the hiring by any intelligence agency of the United States Government or by the Department of Defense of refugees who participated in the Operation Phoenix program. Directs the President to report to Congress regarding: (1) the occupations and backgrounds of refugees; and (2) those refugees who participated in the Operation Phoenix program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review certain rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Provides that an administrative rule, and violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such rules by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commerical feasibility of electric vehicles for urban individual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate: (1) for the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant number of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Authorizes $40,000,000 to be appropriated to the Administrator for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Requires that food stamps be allotted in an amount equal to 90 percent of the cost of the low cost diet plan as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that housing representing payment of income in kind shall be counted as income of up to $25 per month. Makes any household having an individual 18 years of age or older and claimed as a dependent by an individual outside of the household ineligible to receive food stamps. Authorizes elderly and disabled individuals to use food stamps to purchase meals prepared and delivered by a political subdivision or private nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code. Revises procedures for certification and informing potential recipients. Provides for the creation of a Food Stamp Advisory Board to be consulted prior to regulation changes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, and seven members appointed by the Librarian of Congress. Directs the Librarian to appoint a Director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, loans and scholarships to promote and support American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in his annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Amateur Athletic Union restore to the late Jim Thorpe the status of amateur athlete and that the International Olympic Committee should officially recognize Jim Thorpe's achievements during the 1912 Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, to require reasonable bonds from market agencies, dealers, and packers to secure the performance of their obligations with respect to transactions involving livestock or poultry. Authorizes the Secretary to summarily order, without a hearing, any person subject to the provisions of such Act to pay a seller of livestock or poultry by certified check or to establish a custodial account if the Secretary has reason to believe that such action is necessary to protect vendees. Empowers the Secretary to request the Attorney General of the United States to apply to the United States district court for a temporary injunction or restraining order whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that any person subject to this Act: (1) is unable to pay for livestock products; (2) has operated while insolvent; or (3) does not have the required bond. Provides that debts of a bankrupt that are owing for the purchase of livestock or poultry shall have priority if, at the time such debts where incurred, the bankrupt was a packer, market agency, or dealer subject to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Designates October 9, 1975, as "Norwegian-American Day".
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Revises rule X of the Standing Rules of the Senate by setting aside two hours a week for a question and report period. States that in such period the heads of each department, agency, or independent instrumentality within the executive branch may be requested to answer questions posed by members of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Family Farm Antitrust Act - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Provides that no person engaged in commerce in a business other than farming, whose nonfarming business assets exceed $3,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products, or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer owned and controlled cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act, if the persons is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Amendments - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish, under the National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Act, a national program for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for projects for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States to establish and maintain adequate public health programs for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for venereal disease surveillance activities and casefinding and case followup activities respecting venereal disease.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture through the Commodity Credit Corporation to purchase cows, claves, hogs, sheep, or other food animals and animal food products and processed and packaged meat from such animals. Directs that such products shall be contributed to domestic food programs for relief of starvation and serious malnutrition. Specifies that such products shall be grown and produced in the United States. Directs that such food assistance shall be provided whenever requested by the Governor of a State or by a town, city, or governing body. States that the purpose of such assistance is to alleviate the effects of high unemployment or to otherwise improve the economic condition of any city or county within a State. Directs the Secretary to expend not less than $1,000,000,000 or more than $2,000,000,000 during fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should undertake diplomatic initiatives to restore the Vietnam agreement and to insure the safety of refugees in Indochina. Calls upon the President to urge the Secretary General of the United Nations to persuade all parties to the Indochina conflict to adhere to the terms of the Geneva Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
States that it is the purpose of this Act to insure the free flow of oil in foreign and interstate commerce at the lowest possible price. Revises the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act by providing that on and after October 15, 1975, no person shall import into the United States any crude oil or refined petroleum product unless it has been purchased from the Federal Energy Administration, or manufactured from crude oil purchased from the Administration. Establishes a fine for importation in violation of such requirement. Sets forth the functions of the Administration. States that the Administration shall act as the exclusive agent of the United States in buying and selling petroleum products. Directs the Administration to function without loss or profit. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Administrator to submit to the President, for transmittal to Congress, an annual report which shall include a financial accounting of purchases and sales by the Administration together with recommendations by the Administrator for additional necessary legislation. States that the General Accounting Office shall audit the functions of the Administration under this Act semi-annually and report to the President and Congress. Imposes criminal penalties for the divulgence of information required to be kept secret by this Act. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1924)
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Older Americans Legal Counseling Assistance Act - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging may make grants to public and private nonprofit agencies for establishing or supporting legal counseling assistance programs for older Americans. Limits such grants to projects which: (1) further the just treatment of older Americans through the provision of necessary or appropriate legal and other counseling services and assistance, including counseling to assist older Americans living in nursing homes to meet problems and needs arising from the manner in which such homes are administered, and tax counseling; (2) train lawyers, lay advocates, and paraprofessional persons about the special legal problems confronting older Americans; (3) develop law school curriculums and clinical education programs which address the problems and needs of older Americans; and (4) provides such other information, training, or assistance as may be necessary to meet such problems and needs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Modifies the definition of the terms "rural" and "rural area" under the Consolidated farm and Rural Development Act for purposes of loans and grants to community medical facilities under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides that specified submarginal lands of the United States that are now administered by the Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of specified Indian tribes shall be held by the United States in trust for such tribes. Requires that all receipts received prior to the date of enactment of this Act which directly relate to any land conveyed by this Act shall be deposited to the credit of the Indian tribe receiving such land.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Women's Equal Educational Opportunity Act - Requires, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, that State plans for Title II school library and textbook grants set forth nonsexist criteria to be used in the selection of library resources, textbooks and other instructional materials provided under Title II. Requires that such State plans provide assurances that Federal funds made available under such Act for any fiscal year shall be used, on a priority basis and where possible, in the acquisition of non-sexist library resources, textbooks and other instructional materials. Allows funds under ESEA's Title III (Supplementary Educational Centers and Service) to be used for demonstration projects promoting new approaches to expand educational opportunities for women, including comprehensive physical education programs and sports activities for women. States that not less than 15 percent of the funds granted under ESEA in any fiscal year shall be used for programs or projects designed to meet the special educational needs of women. Allows, under ESEA's Title V (Grants to Strengthen State Departments of Education), funds apportioned to the States to be used for programs promoting equal educational opportunities for women, the elimination, reduction or prevention of sex discrimination in education and public information activities to increase the awareness of educational personnel and the public concerning problems relating to sex discrimination. Requires that in using funds reserved for special projects to develop State leadership in education, priority consideration be given to projects designed to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions. Authorizes funds for the improvement of post-secondary education activities designed to improve the status of women in post-secondary education. Specifies programs to meet the needs of women as one of the methods by which the National Institute of Education shall seek to improve education. Requires, under the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, that consideration be given to the capability and willingness of institutions of higher education to provide effective community service programs designed to improve the status of women. Expands the uses of HEA funds to include programs designed to increase the proportion of women serving as school administrators, and programs to train teachers and other personnel. Expands the criteria for making leadership development awards to include encouraging the participation of women in vocational education administration, and fields traditionally dominated by the opposite sex. Increases, under the Voacational Education Act (VEA) of 1963, the eligible purposes of grants for State vocational education programs to include the training of students of both sexes for occupations dominated by the other sex. Requires that State plans consider the need to ensure the training of students for occupations traditionally dominated by one sex. Expands VEA programs to include occupational aspirations and opportunities by eliminating barriers based on sex. Requires that State plans under VEA include provisions for all persons who have use for skills relating to the establishment and maintenance of the home. Includes, under VEA, the development and dissemination of vocational educational materials which increase awareness of the changing role of women in the world of work and also requires that curriculum materials developed or disseminated under VEA be fee of sex biases.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Title I: Reacquisition of Criminal and Civil Jurisdiction - Grants Indian tribes, acting through their tribal councils, the choice of providing for the reacquisition of jurisdiction by the Indian tribes and by the United States over criminal offenses and civil matters in Indian country. Authorizes any Indian tribe to adopt a resolution pursuant to which such tribe shall have sole licensing authority over all hunting, fishing, and trapping within the lands and waters under the jurisdiction of such tribe. Title II: Improvement of Law Enforcement on Indian Reservations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish a pilot program to improve law enforcement and the administration of justice within one or more Indian reservations in each of the following States: South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Directs the Secretary to make grants to (1) strengthen police personnel of the tribe having jurisdiction over such reservation, (2) improve the Indian courts within such reservation, and (3) establish correctional facilities and personnel within such reservation. Authorizes appropriations for such grants of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Sets forth the definition of "mine" under this Act. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standards Amendments - Revises title I of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. Establishes the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of this Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Provides that the Secretary may by rule promulgate, modify, or revoke any health and safety standard. Provides that the Secretary may request the recommendations of an advisory committee whenever he determines that a rule should be promulgated. Sets forth the time period for the reporting of any recommendations by the Committee. Prescribes procedures for publication and public hearings with respect to any rule proposed by the Secretary prior to its issuance. Requires the Secretary, in promulgating standards, to set the standard which assures miners will not suffer impairment of health, functional capacity, or diminished life expectancy even if regularly exposed to hazards throughout their working lives. Directs the Secretary to consider (1) the latest available scientific data in the field; (2) the feasibility of the standards; and (3) experience gained under this and other health and safety statutes. Provides that any standard promulgated must prescribe the use of labels or other warnings necessary to ensure that miners are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure. Sets forth additional factors which must be prescribed in specified instances. Requires that no safety or health standard promulgated under this Act shall reduce the protection afforded miners below that provided by any safety or health standard previously in effect. States that where the Secretary determines that miners are potentially subjected to physical or mental impairment from exposure to toxic substances, he may promulgate an emergency standard. Sets forth the procedures for promulgation of such emergency standard. Allows operators to apply to the Secretary for a temporary order permitting limited non- compliance with a standard. Specifies the circumstances under which such order shall be originally granted and renewed. Allows an operator to apply for a variance from a standard. Permits persons adversely affected by a standard to challenge its validity, within 60 days of its promulgation, in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Empowers the Secretary to appoint advisory committees to assist and advise him. Sets forth the composition and compensation of the members of any such committee. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act, and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. States that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Sets forth rules regarding the maintenance of records by operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and all accidents, except specified roof falls. Provides that if any miner or their representative believes that a standard violation exists that threatens physical harm or that an imminent danger exists, he may request an inspection by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide a minimum of one spot inspection of all or part of a mine during every five working days at irregular intervals, if the mine contains some especially hazardous conditions. Provides that if, upon inspection or investigation, the Secretary or his representative believes an operator has violated any standard, he shall issue a citation to the operator, describing the nature of the violation, and fixing a reasonable time for the violation's abatement. Prescribes rules governing (1) gross violations of standards; (2) follow-up inspections; and (3) withdrawal from the area of unabated violations of all but specified personnel. Requires the Secretary to notify, within a reasonable time, an operator issued a citation of any penalty to be assessed, and that the operator has 15 working days to notify the Secretary that he wishes to contest the citation or proposed penalty. Prohibits discharging, discriminating against, or interfering with the exercise of statutory rights by any mine employee or applicant for employment because he filed a complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act or testified or is about to testify for himself or others. Provides that if an operator notifies the Secretary that he intends to contest a citation, the Secretary shall immediately advise the Commission, which must then provide an opportunity for a hearing and issue an order affirming, modifying, or vacating the Secretary's order. Permits any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order of the Commission to obtain review of such order in any appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals and specifies the procedures to be followed after a petition for review is filed. Provides procedures for counteracting dangerous conditions, including: (1) issuance of withdrawal orders barring all except specified persons from an area, and (2) issuance of notices where less than imminent dangers exist and an investigation is being conducted into such conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to institute civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, in any appropriate United States district court whenever an operator or his agent: (1) violates or does not comply with any order or decision issued under this Act; (2) hinders the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or their representatives in carrying out the provisions of this Act; (3) refuses to admit such representatives to the mine; (4) refuses to permit the inspection of the mine, or the investigation of an accident or occupational disease related to such mine; (5) refuses to furnish any information or report requested in furtherance of this Act's provisions; or (6) refuses to permit access to and copying of such records as are necessary in carrying out provisions of this Act. Imposes penalties for violation of this Act. Provides that if a mine is closed by an order issued under this Act, all miners working during the shift when the order was issued who are idled shall be entitled to full compensation at their regular rates of pay for the period they are idled, but not more than the balance of the shift. Authorizes the Secretary to administer this Act through the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Authorizes the appropriation of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Relationship to Occupational Safety and Health Program - Provides that nothing in this Act applies the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1972 to the working conditions in the mines. Increases the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission from three to five members appointed by the President with the Senate's consent. Sets forth the duties and procedure for operation of the Commission. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules of procedures for its review of decisions in cases under this Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which shall meet specified standards. Authorizes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research related to the development of safety and health standards under this Act. Provides that the Secretary, in carrying out his functions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, shall include accurate statistics on the work injuries and illnesses occurring in the mines. States that nothing in this Act prohibits the application of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to sand and gravel mines. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Federal Metallic and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966 to the Secretary of Labor, except those expressly transferred to the Commission by this Act. Provides that the mandatory and advisory standards relating to mines which are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act shall remain in effect as mandatory standards under title I of this Act until the Secretary issues new or revised standards. Establishes in the Labor Department a Mine Administration for Safety and Health to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, with the Senate's advice and consent. Provides that research activities relating to mine health will be carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Secretary's research activities relating to safety are extended to all mines now covered by this Act. Extends to all mines covered by this Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare's authorization to conduct studies and research involving the protection of life and prevention of diseases relating to certain non-miners who work with or around mine products. Provides that any State law or regulation providing for health and safety standards applicable to any mine now covered by this Act and that (1) is more stringent than Federal law, or (2) applies to any area not covered by Federal law, shall not be held to be in conflict with this Act. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Provides, under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, for the extension of specified provisions for an additional 20 years. Makes permanent the ban against requiring compliance with tests and devices as a prerequisite to voting.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act - States that, within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, each county shall elect whether it wishes to proceed under the terms of this Act to receive payments from the Federal Government equal to the real property taxes otherwise due from public lands within such county, or to continue to receive whatever payments such county is entitled to receive under any existing applicable Federal law providing for Federal payments for such county similar to those available under this Act or for payment to such county of part of the revenue derived from such public land. Establishes criteria for the appraisal of public lands. Provides that when any county within a State has elected to proceed under the terms of this Act, there shall be established for that State a State board of appraisal appeal. Provides that each board shall consider and decide any appeal from a county within the State relating to the appraisal of public land within such county. States that decisions of the board shall not be subject to judicial review unless arbitrary or capricious. States that, beginning in the first complete fiscal year after the acceptance of such appraisal by both the county involved and the Administrator, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to pay annually to the State in which such county is located an amount equivalent to the State, county, and local real property taxes, based on the tax rate applicable to similar private lands at the value arrived at under the appraisal conducted under this Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall interfere with the right of State or local governments to levy possessory interests taxes on private owners of improvements made by private users on public lands. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to administer this Act and to make the payments authorized by it.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Prohibits the expenditure of any funds on or after the date of enactment of this Act by the Department of Defense or by any other department or agency of the United States for the purpose of: (1) researching, developing, testing, engineering, or manufacturing of any lethal chemical warfare agent or any lethal chemical warfare agent delivery system; (2) procuring or otherwise obtaining any lethal chemical warfare agent; or (3) procuring or otherwise obtaining any delivery system or any component of any delivery system designed for the dissemination of any such lethal chemical warfare agent. Stipulates that the Department of Defense shall be permitted to acquire or develop such quantities of lethal chemical warfare agents as may be necessary to conduct research and to provide protection against lethal chemical warfare agents. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress within thirty days the acquisition of any quantity of any lethal chemical warfare agent.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Compensation Act - Requires all rentals, royalties, and other sums paid to the United States in connection with any lease on the Outer Continental Shelf after the date of enactment of this Act to be deposited in the Treasury of the United States. Requires that, of the amount of the revenues so deposited in each fiscal year, an amount equal to 5 percent of the value of all oil and gas produced in such fiscal year under any lease with the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of the Navy on the Outer Continental Shelf shall be distributed as follows: (1) 50 percent shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury into a special Fund in the Treasury to be known as the Coastal States Fund; and (2) 50 percent shall be paid to the several States in proportion to the volume of such oil and gas that is first landed in each such State. Establishes the Coastal States Land and directs, the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants from the Fund in order to assist coastal States impacted by anticipated or actual oil and gas production to ameliorate adverse environmental effects and control secondary social and economic impacts associated with the development of Federal energy resources in, or on the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to the submerged lands of such States. Authorizes $100,000,000 to be appropriated to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accredition of education institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and for education institutions conducting programs for the training of medical and dental practitioners, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Provides that the Secretary shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists, and such other advice and assistance as he deems necessary. Provides that State and local governments shall be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to potentially hazardous radiation from all sources. Provides for procedures for the adoption of such standards by the States. Provides that the Secretary may make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the purposes of this Act. Declares it to be unlawful to conduct activities contrary to this Act. Provides that any violation of this Act by an individual applying radiaiton to human beings for diagnositc or therapeutic purposes shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more $1,000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Provides that any Indian who commits the offense of kidnapping within the Indian country shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1153)
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Eliminates, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance), the dependency requirements for entitlement to husband's and widower's insurance benefits, so that benefits for husbands and widowers will be payable on the same basis as benefits for wives and widows (under present law a widower must be able to show that half of his support was derived from his wife's earnings in order to qualify for survivors benefits). Provides benefits for widowed fathers with minor children. Provides that benefits for husbands, widowers, and fathers shall be payable on the same basis as benefits for wives, widows, and mothers.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 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.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
National Electrical Energy Conservation Act - Title I: National Power Grid and Regional Bulk Power Distribution - Creates a National Power Grid Corporation to establish and operate a national power grid system consisting of electric power generating facilities and a system of very high voltage transmission lines which shall interconnect such generating facilities and the transmission systems of each regional corporation established by the Corporation pursuant to this Act. Provides that such regional corporations shall be the exclusive marketing agency for the National Grid in that region. Authorizes electric utilities, publicly or privately owned, to enter into agreements for services with the regional corporation. Places specified conditions on any such contract for services and the rates at which power marketed for the National Grid may be sold. Directs the National Grid to carry out a program of research and development in the area of electric power generation and transmission, giving preference to environmental protection and land use research priorities. Authorizes up to $250,000,000 per fiscal year to carry out such program. Transfers specified federally owned facilities to the National Grid. Title II: General Provisions Applicable to National Grid and to Regional Corporations - States that each corporation shall be subject to Federal, State, and local environmental standards. Specifies the interests to be represented on the board of directors of such corporations, and their composition, terms of members, procedures for filling vacancies therein, and procedures for selecting the officers and employees of the corporations. States that the corporations shall have those powers conferred on nonprofit corporations pursuant to the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act, and specified additional powers. Directs such corporation to at all times maintain complete and accurate books of accounts. Authorizes each corporation to issue and sell bonds for financing its activities, providing that the aggregate total of outstanding bonds shall not exceed $30,000,000,000. Authorizes each corporation to cause to be instituted condemnation proceedings against any lands or interests in land necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires each corporation to report annually to the President and to transmit such report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under the Public Works and Economic Development Act, to provide funds to each multistate regional commission Federal Cochairman, upon specific recommendation of the regional commission of which he is a member, to be used for grants to eligible recipients with economic development regions established under this Act. States that such grants shall be used for the purpose of meeting social, economic, or environmental impacts resulting from natural resource developments, significant changes in Federal government policies, programs, or regulations, or significant shifts in employment opportunities. Provides that such assistance shall not be in lieu of assistance authorized under other provisions of the Public Works and Economic Development Act. Defines "eligible recipient" as a redevelopment area or economic development district established under such Act, an Indian tribe, a State, a city or other political subdivision of a State, or a consortium of such political subdivisions. Allows grants made under this Act to be used for public facilities, public service, business development, mortgage payment assistance, and for other specified purposes. States that the regional commission may administer the assistance at the request of the recipient, or arrange for appropriate Federal agencies to administer such assistance. Requires each regional commission to develop and prescribe policies and guidelines to be observed in approving applications to eligible recipients. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act not to exceed $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $200,000,000 for each of the subsequent four fiscal years. States that for each fiscal year, not less than 10 percent nor more than 20 percent of the funds appropriated under this Act shall be available for assistance to any one regional commission.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Voter Registration Act - Establishes within the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce, the Voter Registration Administration. Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Administrator and two Associate Administrators for terms of four years each. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administration. Authorizes the Administration to establish and administrater a voter registration program in accordance with this Act for all Federal elections. Provides that an individual who fulfills the requirements to be a qualified voter under State law and who is registered to vote under the provisions of this Act shall be entitled to vote in Federal election in that State, except that each State shall provide for the registration or other means of qualification of all residents not later than 30 days prior to any Federal election. Directs the Administration to prepare voter registration forms. Authorizes the Administration to enter into agreements with the Postal Service, with departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and with State officials for the distribution of registration forms. Requires the Administration to assist State officials in detecting fraudulent voter registration, when such assistance is requested. Provides that the district courts of the United States or the United States District Court of the District of Columbia shall have jurisdiction, without regard to any amount in controversy, of proceedings instituted pursuant to this Act. Provides that whoever knowingly or willfully gives false information for the purposes of establishing eligibility to register or vote, or conspires for the purpose of encouraging false registration or illegal voting, or pays, offers, or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting registers to vote with intention of voting more than once in the same election shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. States that any person who deprives, or attempts to deprive any other person of any right under this Act shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Authorizes the Administration to pay to each appropraite State the reasonable cost of processing registration forms prescribed under this Act. Provides that any State that adopts the Federal assistance post card form shall be deemed to be in full compliance with specified provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of such as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Provides under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individual's earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Directs the Postal Service to maintain a rural delivery service for the free delivery of mail. Requires the Postal Service to extend such service to the driveway or other entrance to the property or residence of each person desiring such service who resides on or near a road which is in good condition, and unobstructed by gates or unbridged streams. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 403,3661)
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President's proposal to restructure the medicare deductible for physician services and the copayment for inpatient hospital services to require citizens to pay more of the health bill shall not be enacted.