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United States · Official source
1,580 records where Sen. Adams, Brock [D-WA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Makes service overseas during World War I performed by any female United States citizen who was a member of the telephone operating units, Signal Corps, creditable military service for all purposes except the right to promotion.
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
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to provide for the reimbursement of veterans for costs incurred by them for flight school course work for private pilot licenses under conditions of eligibility set forth in this Act. Sets limits on the amount of such reimbursement. Prohibits any such reimbursement for flight training taken at schools not meeting the standards of the Federal Aviation Agency. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1677(c))
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Declares that a greater unity of the Atlantic Community would strengthen the common defense, assure more adequate energy resources and improve commerce. Establishes an eighteen-member delegation authorized to organize and participate in a convention attended by delegations from North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies. States that the convention shall explore the possibility of agreement on the means to transform the relationship of such nations into a more effective unity based on federal principles. Provides for appointment of delegates to the convention. Allows the delegation to maintain a staff. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to take an active role in working for modernization and reform of the United Nations. Requests the President to direct the Secretary of State to formulate proposals for such reforms. Requests the President to report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives before June 30, 1975, on the United States position and proposals to be submitted in this regard.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Expresses congressional disapproval of sales to Jordan of the Hawk missile and Vulcan antiaircraft systems as proposed by the President on July 10, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for programs designed to reduce unemployment and to repair and improve essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, restoration, rehabilitation or improvement of roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate guidelines and procedures with respect to grant applications. Sets forth certain items which must be included in each application. Limits the use of grants made pursuant to this Act to the payment of wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act. Requires that jobs created pursuant to this Act be made available first to furloughed railroad maintenance employees, then to persons who have exhausted their unemployment benefits, to unemployed persons who are not eligible for such benefits, and to other unemployed or underemployed persons. States that roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act if: (1) they are designated for transfer to the Consolidated Rail Corporation in the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act; (2) they are utilized by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; or (3) they are owned by a railroad in reorganization under the Bankruptcy Act. Sets forth as the goals toward which each project receiving financial assistance under this Act must be structured: (1) the reduction of unemployment; (2) the acceleration and expansion of a national rail rehabilitation effort; (3) the coordination of repair and rehabilitation work with other rail transportation priorities; (4) the completion of each such project within 12 months; and (5) the maximization of chances for permanent employment of individuals employed under such projects. Requires that wages paid to workers in projects undertaken with financial assistance pursuant to the terms of this Act be not less than those prevailing for similar work in the same locality. Authorizes the appropriation of $240,000,000 for providing financial assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Provides for the relief of Laird H. Hall.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1975
Emergency Housing Act - Title I: Stimulation of Housing Construction - Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Amendments - States that mortgages purchased by the Government National Mortgage Association under the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act may not have an interest rate in excess of 7 1/2 percent. Increases the total amount of mortgage purchases and commitments which may be made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under such Act to $10,000,000,000. Requires that at least 80 percent of such funds be used to purchase mortgages having original principal obligations not exceeding $36,000. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase specified mortgages of multifamily residences not purchasable under present law. Title II: Emergency Mortgage Relief - Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act - States it to be the purpose of this Act to prevent widespread mortgage foreclosure and distress sale of homes resulting from temporary loss of employment and income through a program of emergency loans and advances and mortgage relief payments to homeowners. Sets forth as conditions for the extension of assistance under this Act: (1) that the holder of the mortgage has indicated his intention to foreclose to the mortgagor; (2) that mortgage payments have been delinquent for at last three months; (3) that adverse economic conditions have caused the mortgagor to become involuntarily unemployed or underemployed and to have incurred a substantial reduction in income as a result; (4) that there is a reasonable prospect that the mortgagor will be able to make the adjustments necessary for a full resumption of mortgage payments; and (5) that the mortgaged property is the principal residence of the mortgagor. States that assistance provided under this Act will be in the form of either: (1) emergency mortgage relief loans or advances of credit; or (2) emergency mortgage relief payments. Sets the limits of such payments at $250 per month for up to 12 months with one 12-month extension available. Provides that payments be repaid on such terms as the Secretary prescribes. Authorizes the Secretary to insure financial institutions against losses which they might sustain as a result of emergency loans or advances of credit made pursuant to this Act. States that the aggregate amount of loans and advances insured shall not exceed $1,500,000 at any one time. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency mortgage relief payments to certain mortgagees on behalf of distressed homeowners. Establishes the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Fund on the books of the United States Treasury for making mortgage relief loans and payments pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Federal supervisory agencies with respect to financial institutions to take steps to encourage forebearance in residential mortgage loan foreclosures, and to request all mortgagees to give such agencies at least 30 days notice prior to instituting foreclosure proceedings. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within 60 days after enactment and at 60-day intervals thereafter on the actions taken under this Act. Authorizes the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to make such advances to any insured bank as the Corporation determines to be necessary to facilitate participation in the program authorized by this title.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1975
Designates as the Alpine Lakes Wilderness approximately 292,192 acres of the Mount Baker- Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests, in the State of Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Designates the ninth day of October of each year as "Leif Ericson Day."
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Authorizes, under the National Trails System Act, a study for the purpose of determining the feasibility and desirability of designating the Pacific Northwest Trail in Idaho, Montana, and Washington as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 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 · 6 May 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall elect two Senators and the number of Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State. States that each Senator or Representative so elected shall be an inhabitant of the District and shall possess the same qualifications as to age and citizenship and have the same rights, privileges, and obligations as a Senator or Representative from a State.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Prohibits, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, the President from setting minimum prices for crude oil, residual fuel oil, or any refined petroleum product without congressional review. Requires that amendments to such Act be subject to congressional approval and be supported by a report from the President as to the need for the proposed amendment and impact of such amendment upon the price of energy products and domestic production and the consumption of energy. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should not enter into any formal international agreement having the effect of establishing a price floor on crude oil, residual fuel oil, or any refined petroleum product until such time as the Congress grants him the authority to enter into it.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Railroad Improvement Act - Title I: Financial Assistance to Railroads - Rail Freight Transportation Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee loans for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or development of specified railroad facilities and equipment after a determination that the prospective obligee is responsible, will service the obligation, is attempting to upgrade and develop plant facilities and operations, and is a relatively sound business risk. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund from which such guarantees are to be made. Authorizes to be appropriated the amounts necessary to capitalize the fund. States that the aggregate amount of guarantees outstanding at any one time may not exceed $2,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) conduct research and development into the design of a national rolling stock management information system; (2) study, in cooperation with the Interstate Commerce Commission and the railroads, the information, functions, and procedures necessary to provide efficient and expeditious car service on a national basis; and (3) study the potential benefits of railroad electrification along high density lines. Authorizes to be appropriated $15,000,000 for such research, development, and studies. Title II: Provisions Relating to Discriminatory State Tax Practices - Authorizes Federal district courts to enjoin the collection of State taxes based on an assessment of railroad property the percentage of which exceeds by at least 5 percent the assessment percentage applied to all other property in the assessment jurisdiction. Title III: Provisions Relating to Economic Regulation of Railroads - Railroad Regulatory Reform Act - Provides for the investigation by the Interstate Commerce Commission of compensatory rates below established minimums. Directs the Commission to establish adequate revenue levels for railroads and to authorize interim rate level adjustments to maintain adequate revenue levels. Provides for a hearing, after reasonable notice, concerning the lawfulness of specified practices within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Requires the Commission to authorize increased rates shown to be necessary to compensate a carrier for the provision of a new type of service costing $1,000,000 or more. Title IV: Agreements Between Railroad Carriers - Railroad Rate Bureau Modernization Act - Requires disposition of a rule, rate, or charge within 120 days of docketing of such with the appropriate body. Directs the Commission to study rate bureaus to determine whether or not their practices are consistent with efficient, flexible, and economic operation of railroads. Title V: Establishment of Uniform Cost Accounting - Authorizes the Commission to establish a uniform cost accounting system for railroads subject to the Interstate Commerce Act. Title VI: Interstate Commerce Commission Budget - Interstate Commerce Commission Budget Submission Act - Directs the President to include the budget appropriation transmitted to him by Congress for the Interstate Commerce Commission in the Budget without revision. Title VII: Miscellaneous - States that, in determining whether or not to permit abandonment, the Commission shall give primary weight to the needs of those served and the cost of continued operation to the railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Sets forth, on an aggregate basis, the congressional budget for the United States Government for the fiscal year 1976. Recommends the following: (1) a decrease in Federal revenues by $4,400,000,000; (2) the appropriate level of total new budget authority as $395,600,000,000; (3) total budget outlays of $368,200,000,000; (4) a deficit of $73,200,000,000; (5) the appropriate level of the public debt as $624,000,000,000 and (6) an increase in the temporary statutory limit on such debt of $93,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Prohibits a petroleum refiner or distributor from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless he furnishes notification in writing to each affected distributor or retailer by certified mail not less than ninety days prior to the date on which such franchise will be canceled, together with a statement of the reasons of such cancellation and of the remedies available. Provides that a petroleum refiner or distributor shall not cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise. States that if a refiner or distributor engages in conduct prohibited under this Act, a retailer or distributor may maintain a suit against such refiner or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Provides for the termination of the airlines mutual aid agreement effective on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Provides for the relief of D. Eugene Hokanson.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
Provides for the relief of Rosina C. Beltran.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Makes service overseas during World War I performed by any female United States citizen who was a member of the telephone operating units, Signal Corps, creditable military service for all purposes except the right to promotion.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Gasoline Conservation Act - Provides, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, that the President shall promulgate a rule which shall provide for the establishment of a gasoline entitlement program. Requires that such program shall: (1) provide for the assignment and distribution of entitlement stamps or other evidences of right to State licensed drivers, authorizing such drivers to purchase a mimimum gallonage entitlement; (2) prohibit the retail sale of gasoline for use in passenger motor vehicles except in exchange for a gallonage equivalent of entitlement stamps; (3) create a system to permit the purchase from the Federal Government of additional entitlement stamps by the payment of a fixed user fee of no more than $.50 per gallon; and (4) provide for the taking of such steps as may be necessary to facilitate secondary market trading and exchanges of such entitlement stamps. Directs the President, in designing such program, to obtain reductions in the aggregate consumption of gasoline as measured against a 1974 base year of 5.5 percent by the end of 1975 and by 16 percent in the end of 1977. Requires Congressional approval of regulations proposing to exempt an oil or product from allocation price requirements or to rescind the gasoline entitlement program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Designates the ninth day of October of each year as "Leif Ericson Day."
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 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 · 27 February 1975
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate specified lands in the Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests, Washington, as "Alpine Lake Wilderness" and "Enchantment Wilderness" for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Provides for the establishment of the Alpine Lakes National Recreation Area, including within it the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, in the State of Washington. States that the administration, protection, and development of the area shall be by the Secretary of Agriculture. Prescribes the rules governing the acquisition of property and the authorities of the Secretary regarding land development and use. Directs the Secretary to implement a land and water management plan for the recreation area, to include provision for, in descending order or priority: (1) protection of ecological, scenic, natural, scientific, historic, and wilderness values contributing to long-term public enjoyment, inspiration, and education; (2) public outdoor recreation benefits; and (3) within the wilderness perimeter zone, such protection, management, and utilization of renewable natural resources, including forage and forest products, as is consistent with, and does not significantly impair the ecological, scenic, natural, scientific, historic, or recreational values of the area, or adversely affect the wilderness area. Directs the Secretary to regulate motor vehicle use and timber harvesting consistent with management plan. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the acquisition of land and interests in land and such sums as may be necessary for the study of and/or development of recreation facilities pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Natural Gas and Oil Act - Makes technical and conforming changes to the Natural Gas and Oil Act, including the redefining of terms used in such Act. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1976, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use, that all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for the immediate and future protection and administration of public lands in the California desert within the framework of a program of multiple use, sustained yield, and maintenance of environmental quality. Establishes the California Desert Advisory Commission which shall consist of Federal and State representatives, representatives of the academic community, representatives of residents of the desert, and representatives of groups which make use of the desert and its resources for recreational, study, or business purposes. States that it shall be the function of the Commission to advise the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the program for the desert under this Act. Establishes the National Conservation Area of the California Desert to carry out the purposes of the Act. Gives the Secretary of the Interior responsibility for the preparation of a long-range program for the management, development, and use of the California Desert. Provides that such program shall include a plan, to be completed and reported to Congress within seven years from the date of enactment of this Act. Requires consultation with the Advisory Commission and with State organizations concerning such plan. Provides for an interim program to manage and protect the desert resources now in danger of destruction, and to provide for the public use of the desert. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire such lands or interests therein as he deems necessary to provide access to the facilities of the desert, and to facilitate efficient and beneficial management of the desert. Empowers the Secretary to issue such regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that all mining carried out within the conservation area shall be subject to such reasonable regulations as the Secretary may prescribe to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that such regulations shall provide for such measures as may be reasonable to protect the scenic, scientific, and environmental values of the California Desert against undue impairment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to immediately rescind the food stamp regulations proposed on December 6, 1974, and take all necessary steps to insure that the Nation's elderly and poor will continue to benefit from the food stamp program to the extent which they presently do.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Declares that for 90 days following enactment of this Act the President shall have no authority to adjust imports of petroleum or petroleum products under the Trade Expansion Act or any other Federal law. Provides that in the event of a declaration of war, an attack upon the United States, or other involvement in hostilities by the Armed Forces within the 90 day period, this provision shall not thereafter apply. Provides that any action taken by the President between January 15, 1975, and the date of enactment of this Act which results in the imposition of a duty tax or fee on petroleum or petroleum products shall cease to have effect on the date of enactment. Allows a rebate of any amount paid as a tax or fee on petroleum products which was imposed by the President after January 15, 1975, and before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Interim Fisheries Zone Extension and Management Act - Extends the jurisdiction of the United States over specified ocean areas and fish for purposes of protecting the domestic fishing industry. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research in order to promote the conservation of fish originating in the United States territorial sea and contiguous fisheries zone. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should not impose any tariff or other import restriction on petroleum or petroleum products before April 1, 1975, so as to give the Congress a reasonable period of time in which to act legislatively on such matter if it determines such action is necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Natural Gas and Oil Act - Makes technical and conforming changes to the Natural Gas and Oil Act, including the redefining of terms used in such Act. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1976, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use, that all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Establishes the Hells Canyon National Recreation area to assure that the natural, historical and archeological values of the Hells Canyon area, portions of the Snake River, and adjacent lands are preserved and the recreational and ecological values and public enjoyment of the area are enhanced. Designates specified lands in Hells Canyon as wilderness areas. Incorporates segments of the Rapid River and the Snake River into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. States that the Federal Power Commission may not license the construction of any dam, water conduit, powerhouse, or other project work under the Federal Power Act within the recreation area. Deauthorizes the Asotin Dam. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a management plan for the recreation area within five years from the date of enactment of this Act. Details the elements to be contained in such plan. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the acquisition of lands; (2) the development of recreation facilities; and (3) the inventory, identification, and protection of the historic and archeological sites within the recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1974
Requires the Commissioner of the District of Columbia, by and with the advice and consent of the District of Columbia Council, to appoint a People's Counsel in the Public Service Commission to represent the people of the District of Columbia in all proceedings related to the rates or service furnished by public utilities under the jurisdiction of the Commission. Stipulates that the expenses of any proceeding shall be borne by the public utility being investigated as a special franchise tax in addition to all other taxes imposed by law.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1974
Requires the Commissioner of the District of Columbia, by and with the advice and consent of the District of Columbia Council, to appoint a People's Counsel in the Public Service Commission to represent the people of the District of Columbia in all proceedings related to the rates or service furnished by public utilities under the jurisdiction of the Commission. Stipulates that the expenses of any proceeding shall be borne by the public utility being investigated as a special franchise tax in addition to all other taxes imposed by law.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1974
Extends to forty-five months (presently thirty-six months) the maximum number of school months covered by veterans' educational benefits for eligible veterans. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661)
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1974
Public Records Act - Defines the terms used in this Act, including "public record". States that every public record is the property of the United States. Provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, the President or Vice President may destroy or cause to be destroyed any public record in his custody within thirty days after he prepares or receives it, if such record was received, held, prepared, or originated by or for him. States that after an individual ceases to hold the office of President or Vice President, the Administrator of General Services shall take custody of the existing public records received, held, prepared, or originated during the period when such individual held office, except that the successor to the office held by the individual shall retain temporary custody of such records as the successor certifies to be necessary in the performance of his duties. Provides for the preservation of public records by the Administrator in the National Archives. States that the President or Vice President or the executor or administrator of his estate may impose restrictions on public access to any public record obtained from him by the Administrator under this Act for a period of not more than five years from the date on which the President or Vice President, as the case may be, ceases to hold such office. States that any such restriction shall not be effective to deny access to any public record pursuant to any legally authorized demand or order of any court or any duly constituted body of Congress. States that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or any agreement entered into by the United States, the Administrator of General Services shall obtain or retain, as the case may be, custody of all existing public records received, held, prepared, or originated during the period beginning January 20, 1969, and ending on August 9, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1974
Animal Fighting Prohibition Act - Expresses the findings of Congress, including that for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment, any show, or other activity involving a fight between animals, including animals which were captured, bred, or trained for such purpose, is cruel and inhumane treatment of such animals. Makes specified acts unlawful, including for any person to: (1) capture, breed, or train, for sale or movement in commerce, any animal for use in any show or other activity involving a fight between such animal and any other animal for the purpose of sport, wagering, or entertainment; (2) manufacture for sale or movement in commerce any device or equipment for use in any show, or other activity involving a fight between two or more animals; or (3) promote, or participate in, for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment, any show or other activity involving a fight between two or more animals, if any one or more of such animals, or any equipment or devices used in connection therewith, was moved in commerce. Provides that any person guilty of violating any provision of this Act or any regulation issued under this Act shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $25,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1974
Provides for the termination of the Airlines Mutual Aid Agreement as being adverse to the public interest. Provides that such termination shall be effective as of February 1, 1973. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1382).
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1974
Makes it a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any retailer to increase the price of consumer commodities once he marks the price on any such consumer commodity, and permits the Federal Trade Commission to order any such retailer to refund any amounts of money obtained by increasing the price of such consumer commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1974
Freedom from Military Surveillance Act - Restricts, under the first amendment and fourth amendment to the Constitution and the constitutional right of privacy, the actions of any civil officer of the United States or any member of the Armed Forces of the United States in using the Armed Forces of the United States to exercise surveillance of civilians or to execute the civil laws. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1974
Requires the Mayor of the District of Columbia, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, to appoint a People's Counsel in the Public Service Commission to represent the people of the District of Columbia in all proceedings related to the rates or services furnished by public utilities under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1974
Requires the Mayor of the District of Columbia, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, to appoint a People's Counsel in the Public Service Commission to represent the people of the District of Columbia in all proceedings related to the rates or services furnished by public utilities under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Solar Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that it is the policy of the United States to pursue a vigorous and adequately funded program with the objective of utilizing solar energy as a major source for our national energy needs. Defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes the Solar Energy Coordination and Management Project to have responsibility for management and coordination of a national solar energy research, development and demonstration program. Directs the Project to carry out its duties in cooperation with specified Federal agencies, including the Atomic Energy Commission and the Federal Power Commission. Makes conforming amendments to the National Science Foundation Act and the National Aeronautics and Space Act. Instructs the Project to initiate a solar energy resource determination and assessment program, emphasizing identification of promising areas for commercial exploitation and development. Enumerates the specific goals of the determination and assessment program. Directs the Project: (1) to initiate a research and development program for resolving the major technical problems inhibiting commercial utilization of solar energy in the United States; (2) to implement a research and development program to demonstrate the technical means for securing and utilizing the resource base; and (3) to initiate a program to design and construct facilities to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing the various forms of solar energy. Details the goals of each such program. Authorizes the National Science Foundation to support, coordinate, and encourage the development of policies set forth in this Act. Establishes a Solar Energy Research Institute to perform research functions in connection with the Project's activities under this Act. Calls for the creation of a Solar Energy Information Data Bank, specifying the content of data to be collected and compiled. Transfers specified functions, documents, and personnel to the Energy Research and Development Administration. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1975, $2,000,000 for use in the preparation of the comprehensive program. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act, for fiscal years beginning after 1975, such sums as the Congress may hereafter authorize.