United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Urges the President to seek an immediate international suspension of the transfer to nonnuclear weapons countries of nuclear enrichment and reprocessing facilities and technology to permit time for the negotiation of additional safeguards to reduce the risk of diversion or theft of plutonium and other nuclear materials to military or other uses that would jeopardize world peace and security.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Consumer Leasing Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to assure a meaningful disclosure of the terms of leases of personal property so as to enable the lessee to compare more readily the various lease and credit terms available to him, to limit balloon payments, and to assure meaningful and accurate disclosures of lease terms in advertisements. Requires, under the Truth in Lending Act, the lessor of personal property to give to the lessee, prior to the consummation of the lease, a dated written statement on which the lessor and lessee are identified setting out in a clear conspicuous manner the terms of the lease, as specified by this Act. Imposes specified limitations upon consumer lease advertising. Makes a lessor who violates the provisions of the Act civilly liable to the lessee.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments - Prohibits creditors from discriminating against consumer applicants for credit on the basis of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, political affiliation, receipt of public assistance benefits, or the exercise of rights under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act or any other provision of law. Requires creditors to give each consumer applicant a statement of reasons for credit denial or termination. Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate enforcement actions under such Act on his own or at the request of other enforcement agencies. Changes the ceiling for private class action recoveries of punitive damages from the lesser of $100,000 or 1 percent of the creditors net worth to the greater of $50,000 or 1 percent of net worth.
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 · 13 May 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants, for programs aimed at reducing unemployment and at repairing, rehabilitating, or improving essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants for projects that involve the repair, rehabilitation or improvement of railroad roadbeds and facilities that best fulfill specified objectives. Provides that such grants shall be expended for the payment of wages. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for materials and equipment assistance, upon assurances that other financing is not available. Sets forth guidelines and procedures for grant and other financial assistance applications. Sets forth employment priorities applicable to projects financed under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $600,000,000 for the payment of wages, $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance, and $7,000,000 for administrative expenses, to remain available for obligation until December 31, 1976.
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
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the seven calendar days commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week".
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1975
Authorizes to be appropriated to the President for fiscal year 1975, to remain available until expended, $50,000,000 for the purpose of providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and other needy people who are victims of the conflict in Cambodia. Requires the President to transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report describing fully and completely: (1) the amount of each type of economic assistance provided under this Act; (2) the expected recipients of such assistance; (3) the names of all organizations and agencies involved in the distribution of such assistance; and (4) the means with which such distribution is carried out.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
State Lottery Exemption Act - Exempts State-conducted lotteries, sweepstakes, and wagering pools, as well as vending machines maintained by State agencies for such purposes, from the wagering tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Credit Union Financial Institutions Act Amendments - Title I: New Powers and Modernization - Empowers a Federal credit union to make loans and extend credit to members, other credit unions, or financial organizations. Permits credit unions to make loans to members in accordance with the following: (1) loans shall be made in conformity with criteria established by the board of directors and with standards enumerated in this Act; (2) lines of credit shall be established to a stated maximum amount on terms and conditions which may be different than those of another borrower; (3) loans to other credit unions shall be approved by the board of directors and not exceed 1 percent of the unimpaired capital and surplus; and (4) participation loans shall be in accordance with written policies of the board of directors. Empowers the credit union to invest funds: (1) in securities or obligations guaranteed by the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; (2) in obligations of any State, or the several territories and possessions or any political subdivision thereof; and (3) in the shares or obligations of any other organization which advances the development of credit unions. Empowers credit unions to place their funds: (1) in shares accounts or deposits of savings which are insured by an agency of the Federal Government, or by any federally or State insured credit union; and (2) in demand or time deposits of banks whose accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Empowers such credit union to sell all or part of its assets to another credit union, or to purchase assets from another such credit union, and to permit members to transfer money to and from the member's account pursuant to regulations of the Board. Declares that Federal credit union membership shall consist of the incorporators, and such other persons and organizations as may be elected. Stipulates that a Federal credit union shall be managed by a board of directors, a supervisory committee, and a credit committee. Requires the board of directors to annually elect from their number an executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a treasurer, and a secretary. States that the board of directors shall meet at least once a month and shall have general control of the direction of the Federal credit union. Enumerates the general functions and duties of the board of directors. Permits the board of directors to elect a credit committee. Makes it the duty of the committee to hold such meetings as are necessary to consider applications for loans or lines of credit. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against its demand deposits in the Central Liquidity Facility and in currency and coin in such other form as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may provide. Authorizes the board to declare a dividend after provision for required reserves has been made. Authorizes issuance of shares in joint tenancy with persons designated by the credit union member. Authorizes shares to be issued in the name of a minor or in trust. Repeals provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act pertaining to: (1) District of Columbia credit unions; (2) approval of certificates; and (3) conditions upon conversion to Federal status. Title II: Restructuring the National Credit Union Administration - Establishes in the executive branch of the Government an independent agency to be known as the National Credit Union Administration. Places the Administration under the management of a National Credit Union Administration Board and provides for a National Credit Union Administration Advisory Board. States that the Board shall have three members having credit union experience appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Chairperson of the Board to be the spokesperson of the Board and to represent the Board and the National Credit Union Administration in its relations with other branches of the Government. Requires that an Advisory Board be elected to advise and make recommendations on policy matters to the Board. Permits any aggrieved party to seek to enjoin or obtain other appropriate remedy when a charter revocation or suspension or an involuntary liquidation is ordered by the Board. Limits the powers of the Administration to the exercise of all powers specifically granted by the provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act and such incidental powers as shall be necessary to carry out the power so granted. Title III: Share Insurance - Includes credit unions organized and operated according to the laws of the trust territories in the Federal credit unions whose member accounts are insured by the Administrator. Title IV: Central Liquidity Facility - Establishes the National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility to: (1) provide funds to meet the liquidity needs of credit unions; (2) provide for an orderly transfer of funds; and (3) assist credit unions to improve their general welfare and the financial and general welfare of their members and member's family. Vests management of the Facility in the National Credit Union Administration Board. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to advance $500,000 to be utilized by the Facility for initial organization and operating expenses. Declares the initial capitalization of the Facility shall be by stock subscription consisting of shares having a par value of $50 each. Enumerates the general powers of the Board in administering the Central Liquidity Facility. Entitles any member of the Facility to apply in a form prescribed by regulations for advances. Authorizes the Board to deny or grant any application upon such terms as it may prescribe by regulations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase any obligation issued by the Board in the event of insufficient funds in the Facility to meet the obligations arising under this Act. Directs the Board to prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress annually a full report on the activities of the Facility for the previous year. Exempts the Facility from all taxation imposed by the United States or by any State.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 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 · 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
Prohibits the disposition of food to foreign countries under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 in any fiscal year unless the Secretary of Agriculture determines and certifies that all domestic feeding programs, including those under the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act, will be adequately provided with appropriate foods in such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Expands the term "hospital" under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include immediate care facilities. Provides coverage under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act for the institutional costs of the specialized medical services of facilities treating cases requiring immediate care. Makes a facility eligible for reimbursement if it meets medical standards comparable to those required of a hospital emergency room.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Increases the aggregate gross compensation which may be paid to employees in the office of a Senator. States that such aggregate compensation shall range from $417,298 in the office of a Senator representing a State with fewer than 2,000,000 population to $792,980 in the office of a Senator representing a State with a population of 17,000,000 or more. Permits such funds to be used to purchase or lease mechanical office equipment.
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 · 11 March 1975
Permits immediate care services provided by an immediate care facility to be paid for under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as are applicable to the payment for such services when provided by a hospital. Requires that such services be included among the services covered under a State plan approved under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Antitrust Enforcement Authorization Act - States that it is the purpose of Congress in this Act to support and invigorate a national antitrust enforcement program authorizing sufficient appropriations to the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice to permit vigorous and effective enforcement of the antitrust laws. Authorizes to be appropriated to both the Commission and the Justice Department, in addition to such sums as are authorized by any other provisions of law, sums not to exceed $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; not to exceed $6,250,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1976; not to exceed $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and not to exceed $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, such sums to remain available until expended for the purposes authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Establishes a temporary select committee of the Senate comprised of 12 members to conduct a thorough study of the Senate committee system. Provides the committee with the powers necessary to carry out the study. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $900,000. Requests the select committee to submit interim reports and a final report with recommendations by February 28, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Emergency Housing and Economic Recovery Act - Declares that the Congress finds that recessions in the housing industry occur cyclically and that such problem requires a permanent program of emergency mortgage credit that can be activated periodically in order to counteract the credit cycle. Establishes, within the Department of Housing and Urban Development, an Emergency Housing and Economic Recovery Fund, to enable the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to discharge his responsibilities under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to buy and sell mortgage loans on homes costing less than $40,000 when stipulated events occur. Declares that such authority would exist whenever the rate of unemployment exceeded 6 percent and the level of housing starts dropped below 1.75 million for three consecutive months. Declares such authority would continue until the rate of unemployment dropped below 6 percent or housing starts exceeded 1.75 million for three consecutive months. Requires that a mortgage loan be at an initial rate of 6 percent to be eligible for purchase under this Act. Stipulates that the Secretary may not purchase more than one million mortgage loans, 75 percent of which shall involve residences which have been constructed within one year prior to the date of purchase, during any single fiscal year. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Emergency Housing and Economic Recovery Fund such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the fund for any net losses.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that discrimination in international commerce against individuals or institutions on religious, racial or ethnic grounds should not be tolerated. Urges action to be taken to end such discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Act Amendmends - Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal years subsequent to that of 1975 to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program of assistance to the States to initiate maintain, or expand nonprofit breakfast programs in schools. States that as a national nutrition and health policy it is the purpose and intent of the Congress that the school breakfast program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 be made available in all schools where it is needed to provide adequate nutrition for children in attendance. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with State agencies, to carry out a program of information to the schools in furtherance of this policy. Requires that within ninety days after the enactment of this legislation, the Secretary shall report to the committee of jurisdiction in the Congress his plans and those of cooperating State agencies, to bring about the needed expansion in the school breakfast programm. Sets forth the schedule of income limitations for reduced price lunches. Provides for the disbursement of funds under this Act to nonprofit private schools. Provides for the inclusion of specified commodities, such as cereal and shortening, in the food donations to the school lunch program covered by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Secretary to formulate and carry out a program to assist States through grants-in-aid and other means to initiate, maintain, or expand nonprofit food service programs for needy children in institutions providing child care. Sets forth requirements for the apportionment of funds under this Act to the States. Authorizes the use of funds under the National School Lunch Act for nonfood assistance for the special food service program. Establish a National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant, and Fetal Nutrition. Provides for the membership of such council. Makes it the function of the Council to make a continuing study of the operation of the special supplemental food program and any related Act under which diet supplementation is provided to women, infants, and children, with a view to determining how such programs may be improved. Directs the Council to submit to the President and and the Congress annually a written report of the results of its study together with such recommendations for administrative and legislative changes as it deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Open Government Act - Requires each lobbyist to file a notice of representation with the Federal Election Commission not later than fifteen days after becoming a lobbyist. States that the notice of representation shall be in such form and contain such information as the Commission shall prescribe, including: (1) an identification of the lobbyist; (2) an identification, so far as practicable of each person on whose behalf the lobbyist expects to perform services as a lobbyist; (3) a description of the financial terms and conditions, including contingent fee arrangements or other conditions, under which the lobbyist is employed or retained by any person, and the identification of that person; (4) each aspect of the policymaking process which the lobbyist expects to seek to influence, including any committee, department, or agency, or any Federal officer or employee, to whom a communication is to be made, the form of communication is to be used, and whether the communication is to be for or against a particular measure or action; and (5) an identification of each person who, as of the date filing, is expected to be acting for such lobbyist and to be engaged in lobbying. Requires each lobbyist to maintain such financial and other records of lobbying activity as the Commission shall prescribe. Provides that such records shall be preserved for a period of not less than two years after the date of the activity. Requires that such records shall be available to the Commission for inspection and shall include the following information: (1) the total income received by the lobbyist, and the amount of such income attributable to lobbying; (2) the identification of each person from whom income for lobbying is received and the amount received. Requires each lobbyist, not later than fifteen days after the last day of a quarterly filing period in which such lobbyist engaged in lobbying, to file a report with the Commission covering the lobbyist's activities during that period. Provides for the content of such reports. Grants powers to the Federal Election Commission. Provides that the Commission has the power for the purposes of this Act: (1) to require, by special or general orders, any person to submit in writing such reports, records, and answers to questions as the Commission may prescribe relating to the execution of its duties; and such submission shall be made within such a reasonable period of time and under oath or otherwise as the Commission may determine; (2) to administer oaths or affirmations; and (3) to require by subpena, signed by the chairman or the vice chairman, the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all documentary evidence relating to the execution of its duties. Sets forth the duties of the Commission under this Act. Provides that any lobbyist who fails to comply with the notice and record-keeping requirements of this Act shall be fined not more than $1,000 and be required to fully comply, retroactively or otherwise, with such requirements. Provides that any lobbyist who knowingly and willfully violates such requirements of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than two years. Provides that any person who knowingly and willfully falsifies all or part of any notice of representation or report which he files with the Commission under this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both. Directs the Commission to transmit reports to the President of the United States and to each House of the Congress no later than March 31 of each year. Requires that each such report shall contain a detailed statement with respect to the activities of the Commission in carrying out its duties under this Act, together with recommendations for such legislative or other action as the Commission considers appropriate. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Eliminates the waiting period for disability benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act for individuals with a disability which is anticipated to result in death within 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1975
Authorizes, under the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, each Senator to have one or more mobile offices in the State he represents. Specifies the formula for determining the maximum rental amount to be paid for such offices.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1975
Provides for a one-time increased payment in monthly insurance benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of either $50 or 50 percent of the ordinary monthly benefit amount, whichever is greater. States that such amounts shall not be included as income for such individuals for purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance under any Federal or State program for needy individuals which is supported by Federal funds. Authorizes appropriations of amounts necessary to pay the additional benefit authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides that no part of any appropriation and no local currency owned by the United States shall be available for payment of any expenses, nor shall transportation be provided by the United States, in connection with travel outside the fifty states (including the District of Columbia) of the The United States of: (1) any Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Member of the House of Representatives; or (2) any Member of the Senate unless such individual is reelected or elected as a Member of, Delegate to, or Resident Commissioner in the House of Representatives for the suceeding Congress, or is reelected or elected as a Member of the Senate for a term beginning at noon on January 3 following the date of such general election.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Congressional Election Financing Act - Adds to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 a Title V: Public Financing of Congressional Elections. Sets forth the definitions of terms to be used in this Act. States that to be eligible to receive payments under this title, a candidate for election to Federal Office shall agree: (1) to obtain and to furnish to the Commission any evidence it may request about his campaign expenditures and contributions; (2) to keep and to furnish to the Commission information it may request; (3) to permit an audit and examination by the Commission and to pay any amounts required; and (4) to furnish statements of campaign expenditures and proposed campaign expenditures. Enumerates the eligibility certification requirements to be met by every candidate prior to receiving payments under this Act. Provides that every eligible candidate is entitled to payments in connection with his primary election campaign in an amount which is equal to the amount of contributions he accepts for that campaign. Describes the amounts which major party and minor party candidates are entitled to receive. Requires th Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit in the Account the amount available after payments for Presidential elections and nominating conventions have been set aside plus such additional amounts as may be authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title. Directs the Secretary to pay to candidates from this Account the amounts certified by the Federal Elections Commission. Requires that, after each congressional election, the Commission shall conduct a thorough examination and audit of the campaign expenditures of all candidates who received payments under this title. Provides for repayment of funds to the Account in the case of excess payments, the failure to make expenditures of any portion of the payments received, or the expenditure of such payments for purposes other than campaign expenses. Directs every candidate to furnish a detailed statement of expenditures and proposed expenditures whenever the Commission so requires, and directs the Commission to make available for public inspection summaries of all such statements. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report to Congress setting forth the expenditures of each candidate who received payments, the amounts certified for payment to each, and any amount required to be returned by a candidate. States that each such report submitted shall be printed as a Senate document. Imposes for violation of this title a fine of not more than $50,000, or not more than five years imprisonment, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Authorizes each Senator serving on a committee to hire staff to assist him in his duties as a member of each committee on which such Senator serves. Allows each Senator serving as chairman of any subcommittee or ranking minority member of any subcommittee to hire staff to assist him in his duties. States that individuals so appointed shall be in addition to employees otherwise authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Revises the Rules of the Senate to require each standing committee to establish a Subcommittee on Legislative Review to assist the Senate in: (1) its analysis, appraisal and evaluation of the application, administration, and execution of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of the committee of each such subcommittee, and in particular, in its analysis, appraisal and evaluation of any order, regulation, rule, certificate code of fair competition, license, notice, or similar instrument, issued, prescribed, or promulgated in the administration and execution of such laws or parts of laws, and (2) its formulation, consideration and enactment of such modifications of or changes in those laws, and of such additional legislation, as may be necessary or appropriate. Provides that in the case of a committee having one or more subcommittees to which the committee has given responsibility for considering and making recommendations with respect to subject matters within the subject jurisdiction of the committee, the Subcommittee on Legislative Review of that committee shall assist that subcommittee in reviewing and studying the application, administration and execution of those laws, or parts of laws, which are within such responsibility. Provides that in any case in which the Subcommittee on Legislative Review has not submitted a report to be prepared by it pursuant to this resolution within the period of time provided in this resolution, the Comptroller General shall, within one year after the last day on which the subcommittee report was to have been submitted, make such study and report the subcommittee was to have made, and submit a report thereon to the committee. Excludes the provisions of this rule from applying to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the U.S. Government should ask all parties signatory to the Paris Agreement and to the Lao protocols to abide by their provisions. Directs the President and the Secretary of State to continue to take the necessary steps, including new negotiations as may be deemed necessary, to obtain an honorable determination of the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Provides that no change in the status of any member of the uniformed services who is in a missing status as a result of his performance of service of Southeast Asia may be made unless and until the following two provisions have been complied with: (1) the President of the United States has determined, and notified the Congress in writing, that all reasonable actions have been made to enforce the provisions of the Paris Peace Accord of January 27, 1973; and (2) the Secretary concerned notifies the next of kin in writing of the proposed change in status, and next of kin has not filed within 60 days of such notification, and objection to such a proposed change.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Developmentally Disabled Assistance and Bill of Rights Act - Defines "developmental disability" as a disability: (1) attributable to mental retardation, or cerebral palsy, or epilepsy, or autism, or learning disability; or (2) attributable to any other condition of an individual found to be closely related to mental retardation as it refers to general intellectual functioning or impairment in adaptive behavior or to require treatment similar to that required for mentally retarded individuals, which disability originates before such individual attains age eighteen, has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a severe handicap to such individual's ability to function normally in society. Defines other terms used in this Act. Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Developmental Disabilities headed by a Director, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title I: Assistance for Persons with Developmental Disabilities - States that the purpose of this title is to improve the provision of services to persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes appropriations of $6,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of assisting in the modernization and renovation of facilities which will aid in demonstrating provision of specialized services for the diagnosis and treatment, education, training or care of persons with developmental disabilities or in the interdisciplinary training of physicians and other specialized personnel needed for research, diagnosis and treatment, education, training or care of persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to university affiliated facilities to pay part of the costs of administering and operating demonstration facilities and interdisciplinary training programs for personnel needed to render specialized services to persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes appropriations of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and each of the next four succeeding fiscal years to cover the costs of the grants. Sets forth requirements pertaining to the application for and payment of grants to States. Provides for grants to States for planning, provision of services, and construction and operation of facilities for persons with developmental disabilities. Atuhorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $85,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $95,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 and such sums as may be necessary for succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making such grants. Establishes in the office of the Secretary a National Council on Services and Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed to be promulgated by him in the implementation of this title, (2) study programs authorized by this title to determine their effectiveness in carrying out the purposes for which they were established, (3) monitor the development and execution of this title and report directly to the Secretary on any delay in the rapid execution of this title, and (4) submit directly to the Congress annually an evaluation of the administration of this title. Requires States desiring to apply for grants to submit specific goal oriented plans for approval by the Secretary. Sets forth specific requirements to be met in order for State plans to be approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe general regulations applicable to all the States to carry out the purposes of this Act and to develop an evaluation system and action plan for implementation of such system and report to the appropriate committees of Congress within eighteen months after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to conduct feasibility studies with regard to developing an evaluation system for developmental disabilities services. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for this purpose for fiscal year 1975 and for each succeeding fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes appropriations for grants for special projects for services to persons with developmental disabilities of $17,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $22,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $27,500,000 for fiscal year 1979. Title II: Bill of Rights for Mentally Retarded and other Persons with Developmental Disabilities - States that the purpose of this title is to establish standards which assure humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded and other individuals with developmental disabilities in residential facilities and minimize inappropriate admissions to such residential facilities. Establishes a National Advisory Council for Residential and Community Facilities to advise the Secretary. Sets forth standards for residential facilities for the mentally retarded and other individuals with developmental disabilities. States that the ultimate aim of the facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Prescribes the provisions governing (1) staff-resident relationships and activities, (2) food services, (3) residents' clothing, (4) health, hygiene, and grooming, (5) grouping and organization of living units, (6) resident-living staff, and (7) design and equipage of living units. Directs that residents be provided with professional and special programs and services in accordance with their needs for such programs and services. States that all professional services to the mentally retarded and other individuals with developmental disabilities should be rendered in the community, whenever possible, rather than in a residential facility, and where rendered in a residential facility, such services must be at least comparable to those provided the nonretarded in the community. Sets forth specifications governing the provision of the following services to residents: (1) dental services, (2) educational services, (3) food and nutrition services, (4) library services, (5) medical services, (6) nursing services, (7) pharmacy services, (8) physical and occupational therapy services, (9) psychological services, (10) recreation services, (11) religious services, (12) social services, (13) speech, pathology and audiology services, (14) vocational rehabilitation services, and (15) volunteer services. States that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habilitation program, (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to the habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Stipulates that all information contained in a resident's record, including information contained in an automated data bank, shall be considered privileged and confidential. Provides that opportunities and resources should be made available to members of the staff who are equipped by interest and training to conduct applied and/or basic research. States that resources and/or necessary research assistance should be made available to all staff members who have identified researchable problems related to the programs for which they are responsible. Sets forth requirements pertaining to safety and sanitation in the resident facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Prohibits the disposition of food to foreign countries under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 in any fiscal year unless the Secretary of Agriculture determines and certifies that all domestic feeding programs, including those under the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act, will be adequately provided with appropriate foods in such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Directs the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for radio and television coverage of proceedings in the Senate Chamber during the first session of the Ninety-fourth Congress, except for closed-door sessions. Requires video tapes of such broadcasts to be kept and made available to commercial broadcast stations. Provides for monitors of such broadcasts in various offices and for audio monitors in members' offices, if desired.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments - Title I: Purposes, Definitions, and National Policy for Managing the Resources of the Outer Continental Shelf - States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) establish policies and procedures for managing the oil and natural gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf in order to achieve national economic goals; (2) preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf; (3) encourage development of new and improved technology for energy resource production that will increase human safety and eliminate or reduce risk of evnironmental damage; and (4) assure that coastal States which are directly impacted by oil and natural gas exploration and development are provided with an opportunity to take part in policy and planning decisions. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Revises bidding and lease administration under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Provides for the orderly development of oil and gas leases and requires that no geological and geophysical exploration shall take place in the Outer Continental Shelf without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the oil and gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf. States that the Secretary shall, by regulation, establish procedures for determining the areas to be considered for exploratory drilling and potential leasing. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purposes $200,000,000 during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Requires the Secretary to transmit a leasing and development plan to Congress at least 90 calendar days prior to announcing the invitation to bid on each tract in which oil or gas is found in commercial quantities. Provides that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be considered the "lead agency" for purpose of complying with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act as such Act pertains to the implementation of this Act. Requires that the environmental impact statements include such information as: (1) the probable impact of the proposed exploration or development on the marine and coastal environments; and (2) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed exploration or development. Makes provisions for the development, promulgation, and enforcement of safety regulations for operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires that the Coast Guard make regular inspections and strictly enforce the safety regulations. States that any person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Allows citizen suits by persons having an interest which is, or may be, adversely affected. Permits civil actions against any person, including the United States, and against the Secretary of the Interior where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this Act which is not discretionary. Provides that any person in charge of any oil and gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf shall be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for mot more than one year, or both, for failure to immediately notify an appropriate agency of the U.S. Government of a discharge or spillage of oil. Authorizes, for the purpose of removing a discharge or spilling, the withdrawal of money available in the Offshore Oil Pollution Settlements Fund established pursuant to this Act. Imposes on each barrel of oil produced pursuant to any lease issued or maintained under this Act a fee of two and a half cents per barrel to pay costs of administration of this Act. Provides that collection of amounts for the fund shall cease when $100,000,000 has been accumulated, but shall be renewed when the accumulation in the fund falls below $85,000,000. Provides that immediately upon the date of enactment of this Act, there shall cease any additional leasing of tracts for the purpose of developing oil and gas under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in all regions and areas where there has been no previous development of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf or other areas where geological or environmental conditions make such development hazardous. States that such moratorium shall continue until a specified time. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and publish a report with recommendations for achieving an equitable system of lease sales while maximizing production and revenues from the leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands. Provides that the Secretary shall study the most appropriate means of developing a National Strategic Energy Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Provides a 15 percent retirement income credit to individuals 65 years of age or receiving income from a public retirement system (whether filing jointly, separately, or as an unmarried individual). Specifies, for each filing status, maximum amounts which may be taken into account for purposes of computation of the credit authorized by this Act. Reduces the maximum amounts declarable by the amounts of pensions received that are excluded from gross income, except for amounts received from specified sources. Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, through the Internal Revenue Service, to enter into agreements with nonprofit agencies or organizations to prepare volunteers to assist the elderly in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns and to provide technical assistance for this purpose. Directs the Secretary to publicize to the elderly those provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 particularly important to them. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Social Security Administration Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. Title I: Social Security Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such Administration, by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records, which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held, or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Title I: Land and Water Conservation Fund - Provides, under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act for an increase in the sum authorized to be appropriated for the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the Department of the Treasury. Sets such an increased sum at not less than $300,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1971-1974, and not less than $1,000,000,000 for each of the fiscal years thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Provides that to the extent that any such sums so appropriated are not sufficient to make the total annual income of the fund $300,000,000 or $1,000,000,000 for each of such fiscal years, an amount sufficient to cover the remainder thereof shall be credited to the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States for deposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Provides for the allotment by the President of land and water conservation funds to conserve endangered or threatened species of fish or wildlife or plants. Title II: National Historic Preservation Fund - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to States (1) for the preparation of statewide historic preservation plans and surveys and project plans; (2) for projects to preserve historic properties of national significance; (3) for projects to demonstrate methods and techniques of historic preservation; and (4) for projects to restore specified historic properties for use as meeting houses in connection with the Nation's bicentennial. States that any grant made pursuant to this Act may not exceed 70 percent of the cost of a project. Provides, to carry out the provisions of this Act, the establishment of the National Historic Preservation Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Authorizes to be paid into such fund from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act the sum of $150,000,000 annually. Title III - Provides that any appointment to specified Federal offices after the date of enactment of this Act shall be made by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that such offices are the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, the Director of the National Park Service, the Director of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Governor of American (Eastern) Samoa. Title IV: States Oil Shale Funds - Provides that all moneys paid to any State from sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals of oil shale in public lands may be used by such State and its subdivisions for planning, construction, and maintenance of public facilities, and provision of public services, as the legislature of the State may direct giving priority to those State subdivisions socially or economically impacted by the development of the resource.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Provides that no new tariff, fee or other charge, no increase in existing tariffs, fees or other charges, and no new quota or other limitation on imports of crude oil or petroleum products other than those in effect on January 1, 1975, may be imposed unless: (1) such action is specifically authorized by law enacted after the date of enactment of this joint resolution; or (2) the specific action proposed to be taken is submitted to both Houses of the Congress. States that if such action is disapproved by either House within the thirty-day review period, no officer or agency shall have authority to take any action inconsistent with the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1975
Provides that the sum of items of tax preference in excess of $10,000 (presently $30,000) shall be subject to the 10 percent tax on tax preferences under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1975
States that the Senate disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority to carry out the comprehensive planning grants program under the Housing Act of 1954 as set forth in the special message transmitted by the President to the Congress on November 26, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Consumer Protection Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to promote protection of consumers with respect to specified areas, including: (1) the safety, quality, purity, potency, healthfulness, durability, performance, repairability, effectiveness, dependability, availability, and cost of any real or personal property or tangible or intangible goods, services, or credit; and (2) the preservation of consumer choice and a competitive market. Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Advocacy. Directs the Administrator of the Agency to prepare and submit an annual report simultaneously to the Congress and the President, not later than April 1 of each year. Specifies the content of such report, including the Agency's activities and court actions affecting the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to advise the Congress and the President on matters affecting the interests of consumers and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services. Enumerates the functions of the Administrator, including the following: (1) to represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts; (2) to conduct and support research, studies, and testing; (3) to submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; and (4) to publish material developed in carrying out this Act to inform consumers of matters of interest to them. States that whenever the Administrator determines that the result of any Federal agency proceeding may substantially affect an interest of consumers, he may as of right intervene as a party or otherwise participate for the purpose of representing an interest of consumers. Provides that whenever the Administrator receives any complaint which discloses: (1) an apparent violation of law relating to an interest of consumers; or (2) a commercial, trade, or other practice which is detrimental to an interest of consumers; he shall transmit such complaint to any Federal, State, or local agency which has the authority to enforce any relevant law or to take appropriate action. Directs the Administrator to maintain a public document room containing, for public inspection and copying, an up-to-date listing of all consumer complaints of any significance which the Agency has received, as arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken in response thereto. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct studies, and to obtain data and information from persons engaged in a trade, business, or industry which substantially affects interstate commerce and whose activities he determines may substantially affect an interest of consumers. Stipulates that the Administrator shall not have the power to require the production or disclosure of any data or other information under this Act from any small business. Provides that, upon written request by the Administrator, each Federal agency is directed to furnish access to all documents which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Sets forth limitations on the disclosure of any information obtained pursuant to any authority conferred by this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that small business enterprises should have their varied needs considered by all levels of government in the implementation of the procedures provided for throughout this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, not to exceed $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and not to exceed $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Provides for the transfer of employees and property of the Consumer Product Information Coordinating Center in the General Services Administration to the Agency. Requires Federal agencies to issue standards governing public participation in agency proceedings.
![Official portrait of Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000444_200.jpg)