United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Title I: Congressional Procedures - Requires each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives, including meetings to conduct hearings, to be open to the public. Provides that a portion or portions of such meetings may be closed to the public if the committee or subcommittee determines by vote of a majority of a quorum of the members present that the matters to be discussed or the testimony to be taken: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign policy of the United States; (2) will relate solely to matters of committee staff personnel or internal staff management; or (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes, with specified limitations; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives to make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting at least one week before such meeting unless the committee or subcommittee determines by a vote of the majority of a quorum that committee business requires that such meeting be called at an earlier date, in which case the committee shall make public announcement of the date, place and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript shall be made of each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee. Provides that a copy of each such transcript shall be made available for public inspection within seven days and additional copies shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Provides that all the aforegoing requirements and exceptions applicable to the meetings of the committees and subcommittees of the House and Senate shall also be applicable to each meeting of a committee of conference. Establishes procedures to review and reverse any committee and subcommittee vote to close a meeting to the public or to delete from the publicly available copy a portion of a meeting transcript. Title II: Agency Procedures - Requires all meetings of any Federal agency to be open to the public unless a majority of the entire membership of an agency determines the meeting: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign policy of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and administration or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, any person, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes, with specified limitations; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each agency to make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting (whether open or closed to the public) at least one week before each meeting unless the agency determines by a vote of the majority of its members that agency business requires that such meetings be called at an earlier date, in which case the agency shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript, including a list of all persons attending and their affilations, shall be made of each meeting of each agency (whether open or closed to the public). Provides that a copy of each such meeting shall be made available to the public for inspection, and additional copies of any transcript shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Requires each agency to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this title. States that any citizen or person resident in the United States may bring a proceeding in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit: (1) to require an agency to promulgate such regulations if such agency has not done so within the time period specified herein; or (2) to set aside agency regulations that are not in accord with the requirements of this title and to require the promulgation of regulations that are in accord with such requirements. Gives the district courts of the United States jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this title by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Provides that such actions shall be brought in the district wherein the plaintiff resides, or has his principal place of business, or where the agency in question has its headquarters. Sets forth provisions governing ex parte communications in agency proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
National Policy and Priorities for Science and Technology Act - Declares that it is the continuing policy and responsibility of the Federal Government to take appropriate measures directed toward achieving various goals, including: (1) a continuing Federal investment in science and technology adequate to the needs of the Nation; and (2) the strengthening of national capabilities for technological planning and policy formulation. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to promote the effective application of science and technology to the furtherance of national goals by: (1) establishing a Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in the Executive Office of the President to provide a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment to the President; (2) establishing an Intergovernmental Science and Technology Advisory Committee to foster the application of science and technology to State and regional needs; (3) establishing an Interagency Federal Coordinating Committee on Science and Technology to coordinate agency research and development efforts; and (4) having the President submit an annual Science and Technology Report to the Congress. Title I: Council of Advisors on Science and Technology - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Directs the Council to annually appraise progress in science and technology in relation to the needs of the Nation and, taking account of the state of the economy through consultation with the Council of Economic Advisors, to determine the desired level of Federal investment in science and technology for the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which such determination is made, and make appropriate recommendations to the President and Congress. States that the Council shall serve as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of science and technology of the Federal Government. Requires the President to transmit annually to the Congress, beginning October 15, 1976, a Science and Technology Report which shall set forth: (1) a review of development of national significance in science and technology; (2) the significant effects of current and foreseeable trends in science and technology on the social, economic, and other requirements of the Nation; (3) a review and appraisal of selected science and technology-related programs, policies, and activities of the Federal Government; (4) an inventory and projection of critical and emerging national problems the resolution of which might be substantially assisted by the application of science and technology; (5) the identification and assessment of scientific and technological measures that can contribute to the resolution of such problems, in light of the related social, economic, political, and institutional considerations; (6) the existing and projected scientific and technological resources, including specialized manpower, that could contribute to the resolution of such problems; (7) recommendations for legislation on science and technology-related programs and policies that will contribute to the resolution of such problems; and (8) recommendations with regard to Federal investment level and priorities in science and technology, as made by the Council pursuant to this Act. Title II: Federal Coordinating Committee for Science and Technology - Establishes the Federal Coordinating Committee for Science and Technology. States that the Committee shall consider problems and developments in the fields of science and technology and related activities affecting more than one Federal agency, and shall recommend policies and other measures: (1) to provide more effective planning and administration of Federal scientific and technological programs; (2) to identify research needs including areas of research requiring additional emphasis; (3) to achieve more effective utilization of the scientific and technological resources and facilities of Federal agencies, including the elimination of unnecessary duplication; and (4) to further international cooperation in science and technology. Abolishes the Federal Council for Science and Technology. Title III: National Science Foundation - Directs the National Science Foundation to recommend and encourage the pursuit of national policies designed to foster research and education in science and engineering, and the application of scientific and technical knowledge to the solution of national problems. Requires the Foundation to initiate an educational program of continuing education in science and engineering in order to enable scientists and engineers who have been engaged in their careers for at least five years to pursue courses of study designed to: (1) provide them with new knowledge, techniques, and skills in their special fields; or (2) acquire new knowledge, techniques, and skills in other fields which will enable them to render more valuable contributions to the Nation. Title IV: State and Regional Science and Technology Programs - Establishes, within the National Science Foundation, an Intergovernmental Science and Technology Advisory Committee. Provides that the Committee shall advise and assist the Foundation in: (1) identifying and defining civilian problems at the State, regional, and local levels and the environment in which solution to these problems ought to be provided; (2) identifying areas of highest priority for study, assessment, and development of policy alternatives by the Foundation under this title; and (3) identifying and fostering ways to facilitate the transfer and utilization of results of civilian research and development activities so as to maximize the application of science and technology to civilian needs. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to make grants not to exceed $100,000 to any State to pay a part of the cost of establishing an Office of State Science and Technology. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the various provisions and titles of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the national interest in the Nantucket Sound Islands in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Establishes the Nantucket Sound Island Trust to provide for the preservation of the unique values of the islands. Creates the Nantucket Trust Commission, the Martha's Vineyard Trust Commission, and the Elizabeth Islands Trust Commission, to be known collectively as the Nantucket Sound Island Trust Commissions. Enumerates the membership composition and responsibilities of each Commission. Designates the areas comprising the Trust. Classifies the trust lands into categories of: (1) open lands; (2) resource management lands; and (3) town lands. Prescribes the procedures for the assignment of the trust lands and waters into such classifications. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to sell lands and waters and interests therein at fair market value to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Commissions to cooperate in a study and formulate plans for beach and shoreline erosion control and restoration projects in those areas most immediately threatened. Calls for programs: (1) in dune and headland erosion control; and (2) against pollution of the waters in and around trust lands. Sets forth the rules governing nonvehicular rights of passage across trust land beaches. Directs the Commission to survey public and private water and air access to trust lands and make recommendations to appropriate bodies for legislative or administrative action. Provides for the suspension of the authority to acquire lands from specified private, nonprofit organizations. Sets forth compensable land use regulations and calls for new employment opportunities for residents of the trust area. Places a freeze date on the construction of any improvement on specified trust lands. Directs the Martha's Vineyard Commission to establish an orderly program for determining the extent of Indian Common Lands on Martha's Vineyard. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, within specified limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Education for All Handicapped Children Act - States the findings of the Congress, including that: (1) the special educational needs of handicapped children are being fully met in only a few school systems; (2) one million of the handicapped children in the United States are excluded entirely from the public school system and will not go through the educational process with their peers; and (3) it is in the national interest that the Federal Government assist State and local efforts to provide programs to meet the educational needs of handicapped children in order to assure equal protection of the laws. Describes the purposes of this Act, including to insure that all handicapped children have available to them not later than 1978 special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs. Defines the terms used in this Act. Provides that during July 1, 1975, and September 30, 1980, the Commissioner of Education shall, in accordance with provisions of the Education of the Handicappped Act, make payments to State educational agencies for grants made for assistance in providing full educational opportunity to all handicapped children. Provides for State entitlement and eligibility under this Act. States that funds allocated under this Act shall be used by the State to initiate, expand, and improve special education and related services for handicapped children in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth requirements for eligibility including the following which a State must demonstrate to the Commissioner: (1) the State has in effect a policy that assures all handicapped children the right to a free appropriate public education; and (2) each local educational agency in the State will maintain an individualized written education program for each handicapped child and review at least annually and revise its provisions when appropriate with the agreement of the parents or guardian of the handicapped child. Requires that, as soon as practicable after the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner shall prescribe uniform categories and accounting procedures to be utilized by State agencies in submitting an application for assistance under this Act in order to assure equity among the States. Authorizes to be included for each fiscal year in the appropriation for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare such sums as are necessary to administer provisions of this Act. States that in carrying out his responsibilities under this part, the Commissioner shall conduct directly, or by grant or contract such studies, investigations, and evaluations as are necessary to assure effective implementation of this Act. States that a maximum of 1 1/2 percent of the total of the grants paid under this Act for one year to a State agency or $75,000, whichever is greater, may be paid to such agency by the Commissioner for the administration of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for this purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for the coverage of clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance benefits program established by title XVIII (Medicare) Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Mandatory Energy Conservation Act - Imposes a tax of 24 cents per gallon on gasoline sold by the producer or importer thereof. Terminates the Highway Trust Fund established under the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1959, covering any amounts in such fund into the general fund of the Treasury. Allows as a credit against the tax imposed by this Act 20 cents per gallon of gas purchased by the taxpayer during the taxable year up to $140 per year, reduced by 25 percent of the income of the taxpayer exceeding: (1) $12,000 in the case of an unmarried individual; (2) $15,000 in the case of a married individual filing a joint return; or (3) $7,500 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Allows an additional income exemption under the Internal Revenue Code for a taxpayer or his spouse who is deaf or blind (presently the exemption is only for the blind). Defines "deafness: and "deaf-blind" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Equal Opportunity and Full Employment Act - Directs the President, with the assistance of the Council of Economic Advisors, to transmit annually a full employment and production program to the Congress. Sets forth a summary of the content to be contained in such annual report. Provides for annual Labor Reports of the President. Requires the Labor Reports to provide detailed attention on a continuing and progressively analytical basis to the changing volume and composition of the American labor supply. Renames the United States Employment Service as the United States Full Employment Service. Creates a Job Guarantee Office in the United States Full Employment Office headed by a Job Guarantee Officer whose responsibility is to provide useful and rewarding employment for any American, able and willing to work but not yet working, unable otherwise to obtain work, and applying to such office for assistance. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to carry out responsibilities under this Act upon the recommendation and approval of the local planning councils. Requires that each Job Guarantee Office in carrying out its responsibilities shall insure that among projects planned that adequate consideration be given to such individuals and groups as may face special obstacles in finding and holding useful and rewarding employment and shall provide, or have provided through the coordination of existing programs, special assistance including but not limited to counseling, training, and, where necessary, transportation and migration assistance. Provides that such individuals and groups shall include (1) those suffering from past or present discrimination or bias on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin; (2) older workers and retirees; (3) the physically or mentally handicapped; (4) youths to age 21; (5) potentially employable recipients of public assistance; (6) the inhabitants of depressed areas, urban and rural; (7) veterans of the Armed Forces; (8) people unemployed because of the relocation, closing, or reduced operations in industrial or military facilities; and (9) such other groups as the President or the Congress may designate from time to time. Directs that each Job Guarantee Office may, subject to the limitations specified in this Act, enter into agreements with public agencies and private organizations operating on a profit, nonprofit, or limited-profit basis. Requires such agreements to contain assurances that the agency or organization will: (1) provide an annual independent audit to the Job Guarantee Office; and (2) not discriminate on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin in the administration of any program encompassed within the agreement. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to: (1) refer jobseekers to the private sector and general public sector employment placement facilities of the Full Employment Service (other than as supplemented by this Act); and (2) directly refer jobseekers for placement in positions on projects drawn from the reservoir of public service and private employment projects. Provides that anyone who presents himself or herself in person at the full Employment Office shall be considered prima facie "willing and able" to work. Provides that this stipulation specifically shall include persons with impairments of sight, hearing, movement, coordination, mental retardation, or other handicaps. Directs that this stipulation be implemented by the Job Guarantee Officer, prusuant to regulations issued by the Secretary. Establishes a Standby Job Corps which shall consist of jobseekers registered pursuant to this Act. Provides that such Corps shall be available for public service work upon projects and activities that are approved as a part of community public service work reservoirs established by community boards pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary, by regulation, to provide for: (1) a requirement that jobseekers registered in the Standby Job Corps maintain a status of good standing, which status shall include attendance and performance standards; and (2) a system of compensation for Corps members. Provides that no Standby Job Corps members shall be paid less than the minimum wage in effect in the area. Directs the Joint Economic Committee to: (1) annually review the activities of the executive branch under all sections of this Act; (2) regularly conduct on its own behalf, or in cooperation with or through the facilities of the appropriate legislative committees or subcommittees of the Senate and the House, public hearings in as many labor market areas as feasible; and (3) annually report upon, with its own conclusions and recommendations, the development and administration of the policies and programs mandated by this Act. Establishes a National Institute for Full Employment within the Department of Labor, under a director to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor, and to operate in continuing consultation with a National Commission for Full Employment Policy Studies. Authorizes and directs the Institute to make, or have made through grants to or contracts with individual researchers and private or public research organizations, universities, and other Government agencies, studies that shall include, but need not be limited to, such subjects as: (1) the policies and programs needed to reduce whatever inflationary pressures may result from full employment to manage any such inflationary pressures through appropriate fiscal policies and indirect and direct controls, and to protect the weaker groups in society from whatever inflationary trends cannot be avoided or controlled; (2) the identification of human potentialities that are hidden, undeveloped, or underdeveloped because of the lack of suitable job opportunities, encouragement, education, or training and of various ways of releasing such potentialities; (3) the forms of education and training needed to help provide people with the skills, knowledge, and values required by existing employment opportunities and technologies and needed to assist in developing such new types of goods, services, technologies, and employment opportunities as may better meet human needs; and (4) the policies and programs needed to substantially eliminate substandard employment, wages, and working conditions and the techniques for establishing standards for employment, wages, and working conditions in accordance with changing levels of national output and resources, and regional variations in output. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1977, and for each succeeding fiscal year of such sums as may be needed to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that the charge to a household for its food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the level established as of January 1, 1975, or (2) 25 percent of the household's income. Provide that effective July 1, 1975, households in which all members receive supplemental security income benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program of the Social Security Act, or households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or general assistance grant shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program under this Act. States that certification of all other households shall be based on the uniform national standards for eligibility required to be established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that real property which is farmland, woodland, or open land and forms part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value as farmland, woodland, or open land (rather than at its fair market value). Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower valuation and recapture of unpaid tax with interest upon the conversion, sale, or rezoning of such property for another use.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President. Provides that each voter shall cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. States that the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President having the greatest number of votes shall be elected President and Vice President, if such number be at least 40 percent of the total number of votes cast. Stipulates that if, after such election, none of the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President is elected, the Congress shall assemble in special session and choose immediately, from the two pairs of persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President who received the highest numbers of votes cast in the election, one such pair by ballot. States that the Congress may by law provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice-President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that on or after January 14, 1975, no new tariffs, fees, or quotas on imports of crude oil or petroleum products shall be effective unless authorized by law enacted after the date of enactment of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides under the Standing Rules of the Senate, that if at any time a motion signed by sixteen Senators, to bring to a close the debate upon any measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate, or the unfinished business, is presented to the Senate, the Presiding Officer shall at once state the motion to the Senate, and one hour after the Senate meets on the following calendar day but one, he shall lay the motion before the Senate and direct that the Secretary call the roll, and upon the ascertainment that a quorum is present, the Presiding Officer shall, without debate, submit to the Senate by a yea-and-nay vote the question of whether it is the sense of the Senate that the debate shall be brought to a close. States that if that question be decided in the affirmative by three-fifths of the Senators present and voting, then said measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate, or the unfinished business, shall be the unfinished business to the exclusion of all other business until disposed of.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1974
Securities Investor Protection Act Amendments - Excludes from membership in the Securities Investor Protection Corporation those persons whose head office is located, and whose principal business is conducted, outside the United States. Grants additional power to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and bylaws of the Corporation to its Board of Directors. Provides that matters relating to the determination of dollar volume of trading on exchanges shall no longer be subject to the by laws of the Corporation. Revises the procedure for the promulgation of rules by the Securities Exchange Commission as filed by the Corporation. States that the minimum assessment imposed upon each member of the Corporation shall be $25 per year for the 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Securities Investor Protection Corporation to maintain confirmed lines of credit outside of the balance of its Fund, but allows disbursement of amounts received from such lines of credit as though they were a part of the Fund. Expands the term "gross revenues from the securities business" (for purposes of determining assessments to be paid by its members to the Corporation) to include specified fees as a result of services rendered by such dealer. Authorizes self-regulatory organizations to take such actions in liquidation proceedings instituted by brokers or dealers in securties as it deems appropriate to protect the interests of customers of such broker or dealer. Authorizes a court of competent jurisdiction to issue a protective decree if it finds the debtor to be bankrupt within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Act or not able to comply with financial responsibility rules or regulations. Provides for the appointment and compensation of disinterested third parties as attorneys and trustees for the parties to such actions. Defines the term "disinterested" for the purposes of this Act. Revises the provisions relating to the purposes of liquidation proceedings, and enumerates the powers and duties of the trustee in such proceedings. Makes special provision with respect to customer-related property and the purchase of securities by the trustee. States that, in order to provide for prompt payment and satisfaction of net equities of customers of the debtor, SIPC shall advance to the trustee such moneys as may be required to pay or otherwise satisfy claims for the amount by which the net equity of each customer exceeds his ratable share of customer property but only to the extent that the amount of such excess shall not exceed $100,000 for such customer, except in specified circumstances. Provides for a direct payment procedure in lieu of a liquidation proceeding where the SIPC determines that any member has failed or may fail to meet its obligations to its customers and that the aggregate of such obligations is less than $250,000. Provides that each self-regulatory organization shall act as collection agent for SIPC to collect assessments payable to SIPC. Makes it unlawful for any member of SIPC who fails to pay his assessment to engage in business as a dealer or broker. Provides that whoever defrauds or attempts to defraud the SIPC by any means shall be fined up to $50,000, imprisoned up to five years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1974
Mandatory Energy Conservation Act - Imposes a tax of 24 cents per gallon on gasoline sold by the producer or importer thereof. Terminates the Highway Trust Fund established under the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1959, covering any amounts in such fund into the general fund of the Treasury. Allows as a credit against the tax imposed by this Act 20 cents per gallon of gas purchased by the taxpayer during the taxable year up to $140 per year, reduced by 25 percent of the income of the taxpayer exceeding: (1) $12,000 in the case of an unmarried individual; (2) $15,000 in the case of a married individual filing a joint return; or (3) $7,500 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1974
Imposes upon every new automobile manufactured, produced, or imported, a tax based upon the respective weight of such automobile. States that the purposes of such tax are to stimulate the conservation of energy and to encourage the development, manufacture, and importation of automobiles which efficiently consume fuel. Requires that the tax shall be paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer at such time and in such manner as the Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1974
States that the Senate disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority to carry out the homeownership assistance program under section 235 of the National Housing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1974
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act - Provides that, for the purposes of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, there is a State "emergency on" indicator for a week if there is a State or National "emergency on" indicator for such a week. Provides, for the same purposes, that there is a State "emergency off" indicator for a week if there is both a State and National "emergency off" indicator for such week. States that, with respect to the period which begins January 1, 1975, no emergency compensation shall be payable after a specified time pursuant to the provisions of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 relating to the payment of extended compensation. Changes the rate of insured unemployment definitive of a national "on" indicator from 4.5 to 4 percent for all States. Provides that there shall be paid to the States 100 percent of the sharable extended compensation and sharable regular compensation paid to individuals under State law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1974
Repeals, under the 1890 Act to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies and under the Federal Trade Commission Act, exemptions in the antitrust laws relating to fair trade laws (also known as resale price maintenance or quality stabilization laws) which permit agreements prescribing minimum or stipulated prices for the resale of brand-name commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Extends until December 1, 1975, the time for submission of two studies (on: (1) the interrelationship of benefit programs for the elderly; and (2) the impact of taxes on the elderly), with recommendations, to the Congress by the Federal Council on Aging, as required under the Older Americans Act. (Amends P. L. 93-29).
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Allows the Secretary of Commerce to grant exemption, under such terms as he may prescribe, to the Endangered Species Act to allow possession and sale of bones and teeth of marine mammals of the order cetacea, which were lawfully held within the United States on December 21, 1972. Provides that in actions brought for specified violations of the Endangered Species Act there shall be a rebuttable presumption that such exemption does not apply, and that any person claiming the benefit of such exemption shall have the burden of overcoming the presumption. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1539)
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Interior shall offer oil and gas leases pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act only in accordance with the following specified criteria, including: (1) the Council on Environmental Quality, with the concurrence of the Review Panel of the National Academy of Sciences, has specified and evaluated all necessary environmental research for any areas to be leased; and (2) the adjacent coastal States have established or are establishing coastal zone management programs to prevent or ameliorate environmental and socioeconomic impacts from activities resulting from leasing.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1974
Redesignates the National Historical Publications Commission as the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Increases the membership of such Commission, and increases the authorization of appropriations for such Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1974
Social Services Amendments - Authorizes necessary appropriations each fiscal year for payments to States for provision of social services directed toward the goal of: (1) achieving or maintaining economic self-support to prevent, reduce, or eliminate dependency; (2) preventing or remedying neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children and adults unable to protect their own interests, or preserving, rehabilitating, or reuniting families; (3) preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based care, home-based, or other forms of less intensive care, or; (4) securing referral or admission for institutional care when other forms of care are not appropriate. Requires that 50 percent of such payments to States be for provision of services to individuals who are receiving (or are eligible to receive) aid under the Aid to Needy Families with Children, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act. Prohibits payments to States for aid to individuals with incomes above specified levels. Requires that expenditure by States under this Act for child day care services be for day care services which meet the Federal interagency day care requirements as approved by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Office of Economic Opportunity. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, State expenditures under this Act for services to individuals living in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, prisons, or foster homes. Prohibits such expenditures for services to individuals eligible for Medicare aid. Requires that States participating in the programs established under this Act report annually on the results of specified evaluations and audits of their participation. Allows suspension of payments to States failing to meet requirements under this Act. Requires States to provide hearings for individuals whose claims to services under this Act are denied, to restrict disclosure of information obtained on individuals pursuant to this Act, and to refrain from imposing durational residency or citizenship requirements upon individuals as a condition to participation in programs under this Act. States that comprehensive plans must be published by States setting forth their programs under this Act which will be pursued in the ensuing year. Requires that such plan include descriptions of objectives, individuals and geographic areas to be served, descriptions of implementation procedures, estimated expenditures, and services to be rendered. Requires annual evaluations of the programs under this Act by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1974
Emergency Public Service Employment Act - Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 such sums as are necessary to carry out public service employment programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. Makes $500,000,000 available for obligation by the Secretary of Labor when the average national rate of unemployment exceeds 4 1/2 percent for three consecutive months during any 12 month period; an additional $500,000,000 if such rate exceeds 5 percent for three consecutive months in any twelve month period; another $1,000,000,000 if such rate exceeds 5 1/2 percent under the same circumstances; and an additional $2,000,000,000 if such rate exceeds 6 percent. Provides for the allocation of funds under this Act to areas in proportion to the number of unemployed persons in such areas as compared to the number of all such persons in all areas under the jurisdiction of the applicant. Authorizes the Secretary to make such reallocations as he deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1974
Authorizes the Office of Watergate Special Prosecution Force: (1) to complete a full investigation of offenses or alleged offenses within its charter (as established in the appendix to the regulation establishing the Office) notwithstanding any pardon, grant of immunity, or exercise of prosecutorial discretion which has or may hereafter preclude prosecution of any individual, and (2) to report fully to the President, the Congress, and the American people the material evidence developed in the course of such investigation in its final report, together with such findings, conclusions, and recommendations as the Director deems appropriate and consistent with the rights of those affected. States that the Office, or any agent or employee of the Office when so authorized by the Director, shall have power to issue subpenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any evidence that relates to any matter under investigation pursuant to this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1974
Condominium Act - States that it shall be unlawful for any developer or agent, directly or indirectly, to make use of any means or instrument of transportation or communication in interstate commerce, or of the mails, to sell any condominium in any project unless the project is registered and a statement of record with respect to such condominium is in effect in accordance with the provisions of this Act, and a printed public offering statement, meeting the requirements of this Act, is furnished to the purchaser in advance of the signing of any contract or agreement for sale by the purchaser. States that any contract or agreement for the purchase of a condominium in a project covered by this Act, where the public offering statement has not been given to the purchaser in advance or at the time of his signing, shall be voidable at the option of the purchaser. Provides that a purchaser may revoke such contract agreement within ten days, where he has received the public offering statement less than forty-eight hours before he signed the contract or agreement, and the contract or agreement shall so provide. Specifies the contents of a statement of record and of the public offering statement. Provides that in any case where the project involved is a leased-unit structure which is to be converted to a condominium project, the information described in the statement of record shall also include satisfactory assurances that: (1) existing tenants will have first priority to purchase dwelling units in the project; (2) all of the tenants of the structure or structures involved will have been given at least six months, after notification of the proposed conversion, to decide whether or not to purchase their dwelling units; (3) no tenant will be required to move from the project upon its conversion without ninety days' writen notice; and (4) no lease agreement outstanding at the time of conversion (and covering a dwelling unit in the project) will be abridged without the consent of both the lessee and the developer. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct investigations to determine the extent of compliance with the provisions of this Act and to bring suit in any district court of the United States against alleged violators of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a full and complete study of the state of the rental housing market in representative metropolitan areas experiencing significant increases in construction and condominium conversions. Requires the Secretary to make his recommendations to Congress within one year following the date of enactment of this Act for handling tenant relocation problems involved in condominium conversions. Provides for review of orders issued by the Secretary after a hearing in the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit wherein the aggrieved party resides or has his principal place of business. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1974
Joint Committee on Intelligance Oversight Act - Establishes a Joint Committee on Intelligence Oversight, specifying the composition of such Committee and enumerating its duties, including to conduct a continuing study of the activites of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, and other specified agencies of the Federal Government. States that no funds may be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out any intelligence or surveillance activity unless such funds have been specifically authorized by legislation enacted after this Act. Sets forth the administrative powers of the Committee, the procedures for classification of information, and the recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Provides that tax returns are confidential, and, therefore, are not open to inspection, and that information contained in them shall not be disclosed. Permits, under regulations established by the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, the inspection of tax returns by the taxpayer, the Internal Revenue Service, the Justice Department, State tax authorities, the President, and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. Requires a report to the Joint Committee of returns inspected and by whom inspected. Establishes criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure or receipt of tax return information.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Presidential pardons not be granted to individuals accused of committing criminal offenses in connection with the Presidential campaign and election of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1974
Home Purchase Assistance Act - Requires that whenever the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines that a substantial number of families are unable to obtain mortgage credit at reasonable rates due to high interest rates or reduced availability of mortgage credit and that the inability to obtain such credit is causing or threatening to cause a significant reduction in the volume of home construction or acquisition and thereby adversely affect the economy and delay the orderly achievement of the national housing goals contained in title XVI of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, the Secretary shall direct the Government National Mortgage Association to begin making commitments to purchase mortgages in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Establishes within the Association a housing trust fund which shall be used to carry out such purposes. Provides that mortgages may be purchased under this Act only if: (1) such mortgage was executed to finance the acquisition of the principal residence of the mortgagor; and (2) such mortgage involves the acquisition or construction of a residential dwelling at a cost which does not exceed $30,000 (or such greater amount, but not to exceed $45,000 as may be necessary to meet the need for mortgage credit in high cost areas). States that the Association shall not permit the aggregate outstanding amount of mortgages held by the fund under this section to increase by more than $10,000,000,000 in any single fiscal year. Requires that 50 percent of the aggregate principal amount of home mortgages purchased under this Act in any fiscal year shall involve residences upon which construction has been completed within 12 months preceding the date of purchase.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1974
Establishes a Lowell Historic Canal District Commission to provide for a plan for the preservation, interpretation, development, and use of the historic, cultural, and architectural resources of the Lowell Historic Canal District in Lowell, Massachusetts. Provides for the membership, duties and powers of such Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the development of the plan to be prepared pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Adds to the limitations under the Federal Reserve Act on indebtedness of banks the limitation that they not incur liability arising from the acceptance of a time draft or from any undertaking to make or arrange a payment in the event another person fails to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Title I: Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Checks - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish procedures for expedited payment of monthly benefits. Requires the Secretary, within one day after the date an individual files for late payment of benefits, to cause such monthly insurance benefits to be paid. Title II: Expediting of Hearings and Determination - States that in the administration of the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures designed to assure that: (1) any duly requested hearing to which an individual is entitled thereunder will be held within a reasonable period of time after such hearing is so requested, if such hearing is requested with respect to a determination of entitlement to benefits; and (2) not later than ninety days after such a hearing is requested, the Secretary shall render a final determination on the issues which were the subject of such hearing, or if no final determination of the Secretary has been made at that time, the Secretary shall make payments of benefits to such individual in like manner as if a final determination has been made fully in favor of such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1974
Provides, under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, for the economic development of abandoned defense facilities, by allowing the Secretary of Defense or the Administrator of General Services, as appropriate, to sell or lease (for a term of not less than fifteen years) unused employment related real property to qualified State and local agencies. States that the sale or lease value of property to be sold or leased under this Act shall be determined by the Secretary or the Administrator, as the case may be, as the fair market value of such property reduced by all investments and contributions made by any State or political subdivision thereof or qualified State or local agency in preparation of such property for redevelopment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1974
States that, notwithstanding any other provision for funds, each Member of the Senate shall have made available from the contingent fund of the Senate, until otherwise provided by law, an amount not to exceed $3,600 to hire additional employees to be known as United States Senate Student Interns, during the period July 1 to June 30, inclusive, each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1974
Supplemental Security Income Amendments - Provides, for purposes of determining benefits under the supplemental security income provisions of the Social Security Act, that individuals in residential institutions which charge more than the basic benefits allowable but which waive such excess shall not have any amount greater than such excess counted as unearned income. Excludes from the computed income of such individuals one-half of the unearned income received as support in cash or kind. Requires the establishment of criteria for determining presumptive disability under such program. Sets forth increased amounts which may be paid as cash advances to persons in an emergency who are initially applying for supplemental security income benefits. Requires administrative coordination of such benefits program with other assistance programs. Removes the requirement defining "household" under the Food Stamp Act that household members be related. Includes, in such definition, specified alcoholics, addicts, and elderly residents of federally subsidized housing. Places households where someone receives supplemental security income within the food stamp eligibility requirements of non-public assistance households. Removes the third-party payee requirements of the supplemental security income provisions where direct payment would be therapeutic to the recipient. Requires action within 30 days upon applications for such income benefits. Allows a hearing to the aged, blind, and disabled who are denied social services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1974
Expresses the findings of Congress, including that Federal information reporting requirements have placed an unprecedented paperwork burden upon private citizens, recipients of Federal assistance, businesses, governmental contractors, and State and local governments. Establishes a Commission on Federal Paperwork to study procedures and practices of the Federal Government relating to information gathering, dissemination, and the management and control of information activities. Enumerates the areas to be considered by the Commission in its studies. Directs the Commission to make a final report to the Congress and the President within two years of the date of its first meeting. Sets forth the membership composition of the Commission and their compensation. Details the administrative powers of the Commission. Calls for cooperation between Federal agencies and the Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) act to relieve immediate threats of famine where it exists and assist food-short nations in increasing food production; (2) attempt to achieve an international agreement on a food reserve to be used in emergencies; (3) assist in social and economic growth and in population control (as requested) in underdeveloped nations; and (4) support the efficient use and equitable distribution of food worldwide.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that if President Richard M. Nixon should resign no officer or employee of the United States including the Attorney General and the Special Prosecutor and no officer or employee of any State, territory or local government should bring, conduct or continue criminal or civil proceedings against him.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1974
Economic Opportunity and Community Partnership Act - Extends the authorization for appropriations of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, for an additional three year period through fiscal year 1977. Extends such Act for an additional three year period, through fiscal year 1978. Authorizes an aggregate of $1,548,000 for fiscal year 1975, $1,761,500 for fiscal year 1976, and $1,983,000 for fiscal year 1977. Provides for automatic extension of the authorizations beyond fiscal year 1977, unless the Congress passes or formally rejects extension of authorizations, or by concurrent resolution, provides that the automatic extension shall no longer apply. Establishes an independent "Community Services and Community Economic Development Administration," headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. States that "Community Services" would include continued direct funding for community action "local initiative" programs, "Community Partnership Agreements", and national emphasis anti-poverty activities such as Emergency Food and Medical Services, Senior Opportunities and Services, and other projects such as evaluation and demonstration activities. Provides for the continuation of the current legal services program. Stipulates that "local-initiative" programs would be continued under current authority. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes of $330,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, 330,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and such sums as may be necessary in succeeding fiscal years. States that the Federal share for such activities would be 80 percent. Provides that demonstration community partnership agreements would be funded by the Agency upon approval of an agreement entered into by a community action agency or similar public or private non-profit agency, and the public agency of a State or political subdivision of a State, or any combination, for local initiative type programs. Sets forth requirements concerning the use of funds. Stipulates that funds should not be used in substitution of local-initiative or other antipoverty programs. Establishes a National Intergovernmental Review Board on the Financing of Community Services to review community partnership agreements, as well as sources for funding of antipoverty efforts. States that the Board, appointed by the President, and subject to Senate confirmation, would consist of nine members, including three representives of State and local government, three of community action and similar agencies and the remainder from the private sector. Stipulates that community economic development programs would include "special impact" programs through community development corporations in rural and urban areas; special rural programs, including funding of rural cooperatives; developmental loans for community economic development programs including establishment of a model domestic development enterprise corporation; and training and technical assistance. Establishes an Interagency Community Economic Development Resource Committee to insure the maximum application of reasources of other agencies, such as the Small Business Administration, the Department of Houasing and Urban Development, and the Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration. Provides for a Joint Congressional study during the fiscal year ending June 30,1975, to provide for an appropriate administering agency to conduct the community economic development program in the future, including consideration of an independent community economic development agency.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1974
States that a court of appeals of the United States may appoint necessary legal assistants to positions authorized by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Provides that such legal assistants shall perform duties involving the preliminary processing of matters filed in the court. States that the approval of the Judicial Conference of the United States shall be required prior to the establishment of each such position. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 714)
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1974
Provides for the monthly publication by the Secretary of Labor of a Consumer Price Index for the aged which shall be used in the provision of cost-of-living benefit increases authorized by title II of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1974
Child and Family Services Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that the purposes of this Act are to establish and expand children and family service programs, build upon the experience of Headstart, give special emphasis to preschool children and families with the greatest needs, and provide decision making with direct parent participation through a partnership of parents, State, local and Federal government. Authorizes to be appropriated $150 million for fiscal year 1975 and $200 million for fiscal year 1976 for training, planning, and technical assistance and $500 million in fiscal year 1976 and $1 billion in fiscal year 1977 for program operation. Title I: Child and Family Service Programs - Establishes the Office of Child and Family Services in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the principal agency for administration of this Act. Creates the Child and Family Services Coordinating Council with representatives from various federal agencies to assure coordination of federal programs in the field. Defines the purposes for which Federal funds can be used: (1) planning and developing programs, including pilot programs; (2) establishing programs, including child care in the home: after-school programs; family prenatal care; programs to meet special needs of minorities, Indians, migrants and bilingual children; food and nutrition services; and special activities for handicapped children within regular programs; (3) rental, renovation, acquisition or construction of facilities, including mobile facilities; (4) preservice and inservice training; (5) staff and administration expenses of councils and committees required by the Act; and (6) dissemination of information to families. Provides for the reservation of funds proportionately for handicapped children and for migrant and Indian children, and up to 5 percent for model programs. Allocates the remainder among the States and within the States, and within the States, 50 percent according to relative number of economically disadvantaged children, 25 percent according to relative number of children through age five, and 25 percent according to relative number of children of working mothers and single parents. Allows the use of up to 5 percent of a State's allocation for special State programs. Provides that a State, locality, or combination of localities may be designated by the Secretary as a prime sponsor for the purpose of entering into arrangements to carry out programs under this title. Establishes performance criteria for prime sponsors, including coordination of all services for children within the prime sponsorship area and establishment of a Child and Family Service Council to administer and coordinate programs. Empowers the Secretary to directly fund an Indian tribe to carry out programs on a reservation and public or private nonprofit agencies to operate migrant programs, model programs, or programs where no prime sponsor has been designated or where a designated prime sponsor is not meeting certain needs. Provides for the Governor to comment on prime sponsorship applications and provides appeal procedures for applicants who are disapproved. Sets forth the composition, method of selection, and functions of Child and Family Service Councils to be established by each prime sponsor. Requires that at least one-third of the total membership of the Child and Family Service Council shall be persons who are economically disadvantaged. States that financial assistance under this title may be provided by the Secretary for fiscal year 1975 and any subsequent fiscal year to a prime sponsor only pursuant to a child and family service plan which is approved by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this title. Sets forth the conditions for such approval, requiring that any such program shall: (1) provide that programs or services under this title shall be provided only for children whose parents request them; (2) identifies child and family service needs and goals within the area and describes the purposes for which the financial assistance will be used; and (3) meets the needs of children and families in the prime sponsorship area, with priority for services to children who have not attained six years of age, and other enumerated criteria. Allows Federal funding for construction or acquisition only where no alternatives are practicable. Provides that no more than 15 percent of a prime sponsor's funds may be used for construction, and that no more than half of that may be in the form of grants rather than loans. Requires that the Federal Government and prime sponsors make available for child and family service programs, facilities they own and lease, when they are not fully utilized for other purposes. Provides a 100 percent Federal share for planning in the first year, 90 percent Federal share for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and 80 percent for subsequent fiscal years. Provides a 100 percent Federal share for programs for migrants and Indians, and allows waiver of part or all of the non-Federal share where necessary to meet needs of economically disadvantaged children. States that the non-Federal share may be in cash or in kind. Requires that revenues generated by fees may not be used as the non-Federal share but must be used as the non-Federal share but must be used by the prime sponsor to expand programs. Title II: Supportive Services and Special Activities - Requires a national committee on Federal standards, with one-half parent participation, to establish standards for all child care services programs funded by this or any other Federal act. Requires a committee to develop a uniform minimum code dealing with health and safety of children and applicable to all facilities funded by this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual evaluations and report to Congress on Federal child family services activities. Title III: Research and Demonstrations - Authorizes child and family services research and requires that the Office of Child and Family Services coordinate research by Federal agencies. Title IV: General Provisions - Defines terms used in this Act. Requires that procedures be established to assure adequate nutrition services in programs under this Act, including use of the special food service programs of the School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act. Sets forth an anti-crimination provision, including separate provisions on sex discrimination. Requires that programs meet the minimum wage. Prohibits the use of funds for constructing, operating, or maintaining facilities for sectarian instruction or religious worship. Provides that no child may be the subject of research or experimentation without parental approval, and that no child may be forced to undergo examination or treatment if parents object. Requires approval of the Secretary for child development programs for very young children. Requires that all applications, plans, and written material pertaining thereto be made available to the public without charge.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1974
States that actions prohibited under the Endangered Species Act shall not apply to fish or wildlife held in captivity if not held for purposes contrary to such Act. Provides that such exception shall not apply to any fish or wildlife held in the course of commercial activity except with respect to parts and products of fish or wildlife actually taken prior to the effective date of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1974
Expresses the intent of Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System exercise the authority conferred by the Federal Reserve Act with respect to any obligation issued directly by a member bank or indirectly by an affiliate of a member bank or by other means, regardless of the stated use of the proceeds of the issue.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1974
Emergency Petroleum Allocation Extension Act - Provides for the extension of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 from February 28, 1975, to June 30, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1974
Declares that the Senate commends the CBS television network for commemorating the birth of our Nation, and for providing a focus for Americans to foster a sense of deepened pride in their heritage.
![Official portrait of Sen. Brooke, Edward W. [R-MA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000871_200.jpg)