United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to any State or local government for construction, renovation, repair, or other improvement of local public works projects. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Prohibits any such grant for any project having as its purpose the damming or diversion of any watercourse or any such grant for any project located in an area having special flood hazards. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $5,000,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1975
Cosmetic Safety Amendments - Title I: Cosmetic Safety - Sets forth procedures for the safety substantiation of cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients. Places the burden on manufacturers of thoroughly testing their products for safety prior to offering them to the public. Authorizes the Food and Drug Administration to require premarket submission of safety test data when it believes such submission would better protect the safety of consumers. Empowers the Administration to requires specific safety testing which it believes is necessary to set screening levels for toxicity and sensitization of cosmetics, and to designate ingredients or classes of cosmetics which it finds present a significant risk of injury. Permits the Administration to prohibit ingredients, prescribe limits of tolerance, require additional labeling, or ban a cosmetic, if it finds that a product or ingredient presents a hazard. Title II: Registration and Compliance - Requires manufacturers: (1) to register with the Administration; (2) to submit formulas for cosmetic products to the Administration; and (3) to periodically forward to the Administration consumer complaints about adverse reactions to products. Broadens the Administration's inspection powers of cosmetic facilities, and allows it to administratively detain suspect products for up to 20 days, pending seizure. Title III: Cosmetic Labeling - Provides for ingredient, cautionary, and informational labeling of cosmetics to alert consumers with allergies about the particular contents of products so that they can avoid allergens. Title IV: General Provisions Concerning Cosmetics - Establishes a system, through poison control centers, to make information available when there has been ingestion of cosmetics. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to cooperate with the Small Business Administration in recommending loans to small cosmetics manufacturers to assist them in complying with the safety substantiation and good manufacturing provisions. Preempts State law with respect to labeling. Grants to the Administration substantive rulemaking power and sets forth procedures for issuing regulations and their judicial review. Authorizes the appointment of advisory committees to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Public Intervenors Assistance Act - Directs the Atomic Energy Commission to pay the legal and technical expert fees of public intervenors in nuclear power licensing proceedings. Provides that the amount paid, if any, shall be determined after consideration of the following eligibility factors: (1) the extent to which the participation of the party contributed to the development of facts, issues, and arguments relevant to the hearing or proceeding; and (2) the ability of the party to pay its own expenses. Directs the Commission to establish a maximum amount to be allocated to each hearing or agency proceeding and to apportion that amount amoung the parties seeking reimbursement of costs. Directs the Commission to determine a party's eligibility for reimbursement prior to the commencement of a hearing or proceeding, whenever possible.
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 · 29 April 1975
Increases the amounts of annual contributions authorized for the low-income public housing program under the United States Housing Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make annual contributions to public housing agencies for the operation of low-income housing projects. Authorizes appropriations of $525,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $572,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Stipulates that this Act does not affect authority to make annual contributions to low-income housing as it existed prior to July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Public Works Employment Act - Seeks to increase the antirecessionary effectiveness of the Public Works and Economic Development Act by creating jobs especially in the construction sector. Provides that the non-Federal share of costs in public works projects may be reduced or eliminated if the effective taxing and/or barrowing capacity of the applicant has been exhausted. Increases the funding for aid to projects under the Public Works and Economic Development Act from $250,000,000 to $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to applicants for public works projects beneficial to the community. Limits such grants to those areas experiencing actual or threatened high unemployment. Provides that the Federal share of a grant made for a project shall be 80 percent. Allows the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share under specified circumstances. Authorizes the payment of interest supplements to or on behalf of private entities. Extends specified programs of the Public Works and Economic Development Act thru 1976. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance to federally assisted projects for which funds have been obligated at the time of enactment of this Act which because of rapid increases in wages or cost of materials cannot be completed within the amount obligated for the project. Provides for grants for the purpose of increasing the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law to 100 percent of the cost of the project. Authorizes the appropriation of $250,000,000 for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Permits the Secretary of Labor, under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, to establish the maximum wage which may be paid under such Act in areas where it is found that exercise of such discretion will promote the purposes of that Act in providing needed public services in areas of substantial unemployment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Revises rule X of the Standing Rules of the Senate by setting aside two hours a week for a question and report period. States that in such period the heads of each department, agency, or independent instrumentality within the executive branch may be requested to answer questions posed by members of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Revises the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to direct the Joint Federal State Land Use Planning Commission for Alaska to submit reports to the President, the Congress, and the Governor and Legislature of the State with respect to planning and other activities under this Act. Requires that a report be submitted on or before May 30, 1976 and a final report on or before December 31, 1978. States that the Commission shall cease to exist effective December 31, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Provides that concerted activities on the part of labor organizations or laborers employed in the construction business shall be unfair labor practices within meaning of the National Labor Relations Act when directed at any of several employers on a construction site only if such acts would otherwise be unfair labor practices within the meaning of the Act. Requires ten days' notice to be given to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of intent to strike a military installation engaged in specified activities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Extends the authority of the Joint Federal-State Land Use Planning Commission for Alaska, established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act until June 30, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance for programs to reduce unemployment and to repair, rehabilitate, and improve railroad roadbeds and facilities. Provides that, within 60 days after enactment, the Secretary shall make funds available to any railroad which has laid off, furloughed, or otherwise reduced the number of maintenance-of-way and signal system maintenance employees between the period from June 1, 1974, through April 15, 1975, to the extent necessary to enable such a railroad to hire and maintain until June 1, 1976, sufficient numbers of such employees at prevailing wages to restore the size of its repair and rehabilitation work force to the maximum level maintained between June 1, 1974, and April 15, 1975. Requires that such employees be utilized by the railroad for priority categories of work as specified in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary until December 31, 1976, to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to States, political subdivisions, the Appalachian Regional Commission, or Regional Action Planning Commissions for a rehabilitation program involving a facility within the categories set out in this Act. States that in reviewing the applications for financial assistance, the Secretary shall consider specified criteria, including: (1) the extent to which the proposed project meets the objectives of this Act; and (2) the severity of unemployment in the affected area and the impact that the proposed project is likely to have on that unemployment. Establishes an Advisory Commission to assist the States, political subdivisions, and regional commissions in identifying eligible roadbeds and facilities and in formulating and submitting appropriate grant applications. Sets forth objectives and priority categories and eligibility requirements by grants. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to be expended solely for the acquisition of materials or equipment necessary or appropriate for implementing or carrying out a repair, rehabilitation, or improvement program or project receiving or approved to receive Federal financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Directs that no contract or agreement for the performance of work receiving Federal financial assistance shall be entered into under this Act without assurances that required labor standards shall be maintained in the performance of such work. Requires that all laborers and mechanics employed by railroads, contractors, and subcontractors in the performance of work done with the aid of such financial assistance shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar work in the locality, as determined in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to the extent necessary to administer the provisions of this Act. Requires that each recipient of assistance under this Act, directly or indirectly, regardless of form, shall maintain such records as the Secretary shall prescribe. States that the Secretary may conduct cost and benefit assessment studies of various programs under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $600,000,000 for the purposes of this Act, of which not more than $7,000,000 shall be available to the Secretary for administrative expenses in implementing this Act, such sums to remain available until expended. Authorizes the appropriation of an addition $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance as provided by this Act, such sums to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the city of Haines, Alaska, interests of the United States in specified lands upon conditions set forth in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to waive recovery of costs for extraordinary wind and ice damage to the original Salisburg ridge section of the 138-kilovolts transmission line.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Women's Equal Educational Opportunity Act - Requires, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, that State plans for Title II school library and textbook grants set forth nonsexist criteria to be used in the selection of library resources, textbooks and other instructional materials provided under Title II. Requires that such State plans provide assurances that Federal funds made available under such Act for any fiscal year shall be used, on a priority basis and where possible, in the acquisition of non-sexist library resources, textbooks and other instructional materials. Allows funds under ESEA's Title III (Supplementary Educational Centers and Service) to be used for demonstration projects promoting new approaches to expand educational opportunities for women, including comprehensive physical education programs and sports activities for women. States that not less than 15 percent of the funds granted under ESEA in any fiscal year shall be used for programs or projects designed to meet the special educational needs of women. Allows, under ESEA's Title V (Grants to Strengthen State Departments of Education), funds apportioned to the States to be used for programs promoting equal educational opportunities for women, the elimination, reduction or prevention of sex discrimination in education and public information activities to increase the awareness of educational personnel and the public concerning problems relating to sex discrimination. Requires that in using funds reserved for special projects to develop State leadership in education, priority consideration be given to projects designed to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions. Authorizes funds for the improvement of post-secondary education activities designed to improve the status of women in post-secondary education. Specifies programs to meet the needs of women as one of the methods by which the National Institute of Education shall seek to improve education. Requires, under the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, that consideration be given to the capability and willingness of institutions of higher education to provide effective community service programs designed to improve the status of women. Expands the uses of HEA funds to include programs designed to increase the proportion of women serving as school administrators, and programs to train teachers and other personnel. Expands the criteria for making leadership development awards to include encouraging the participation of women in vocational education administration, and fields traditionally dominated by the opposite sex. Increases, under the Voacational Education Act (VEA) of 1963, the eligible purposes of grants for State vocational education programs to include the training of students of both sexes for occupations dominated by the other sex. Requires that State plans consider the need to ensure the training of students for occupations traditionally dominated by one sex. Expands VEA programs to include occupational aspirations and opportunities by eliminating barriers based on sex. Requires that State plans under VEA include provisions for all persons who have use for skills relating to the establishment and maintenance of the home. Includes, under VEA, the development and dissemination of vocational educational materials which increase awareness of the changing role of women in the world of work and also requires that curriculum materials developed or disseminated under VEA be fee of sex biases.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protection against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide a Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons and judicial subpenas. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may not require an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are required to be maintained by the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Women in 1976. States that the purpose of the Conference shall be the recognition of the contributions of women to the development of our country and to set goals and recommendations for the improvement of the status of women. Directs that the Conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Citizen's Advisory Council on the Status of Women. Authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to appoint six additional members to the Council. Directs the Council to cooperate with Federal departments and agencies in providing technical and financial assistance to the States to enable them to organize and conduct local and State conferences. Calls upon the Council to prepare and make available background materials for the use of delegates to the Conference, insure each State is adequately represented and establish a travel budget for those unable to pay their own expenses. Authorizes the Council to accept in the name of the United States grants, gifts and bequest of money for the furtherance of the Conference. Authorizes, without fiscal year limitations, the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 as may be necessary to carry out this joint resolution.
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 · 20 March 1975
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accredition of education institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and for education institutions conducting programs for the training of medical and dental practitioners, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Provides that the Secretary shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists, and such other advice and assistance as he deems necessary. Provides that State and local governments shall be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to potentially hazardous radiation from all sources. Provides for procedures for the adoption of such standards by the States. Provides that the Secretary may make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the purposes of this Act. Declares it to be unlawful to conduct activities contrary to this Act. Provides that any violation of this Act by an individual applying radiaiton to human beings for diagnositc or therapeutic purposes shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more $1,000.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Repeals the requirement that the right-of-way for the Alaska Highway be held forever inviolate as a part of such highway for public use. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 218 (a) (1))
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Military Construction Authorization Act - Titles I, II, III, and IV : Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defense Department for various projects relating to acquisition and construction at specified military installations and for constructing, converting, rehabilitating or installing permanent or temporary public works. Permits the Secretaries to establish or develop installations and facilities by proceeding with construction made necessary by changes in Armed Forces missions and responsibilities which have been occasioned by (1) unforeseen security considerations, (2) new weapons development, (3) new and unforeseen research and development requirements, or (4) improved production schedules. Title V: Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to construct or acquire sole interest in existing family housing units at specified locations. Requires the Secretary to consult first with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as to the availability of suitable private housing at such locations. Permits the Secretary of Defense to acquire sole interest in privately owned family housing units, if he determines that it is in the best interests of the Government to do so. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of family housing. Sets forth cost limitations governing such construction. Authorizes appropriations for modifications of existing public quarters, for construction of family housing units not subject to cost limitations at specific locations, for repairs and improvements to existing public quarters, and for construction of military family housing. Title VI : Authorizes appropriations for public works projects. States that no individual project may be approved if (1) the estimated cost of such project is $400,000 or more and (2) the current working estimates of the Department of Defense exceed by more than 25 percent the amount authorized for such project by the Congress. Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report identifying each individual project which has been placed under contract where the current working estimate based on bids received exceeds the amount authorized for such project by more than 25 percent. Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to report annually to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a breakdown of the dollar value of construction contracts completed by each of the several construction agencies. Title VII: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act - Permits the Secretary of Defense to establish or develop additional facilities for the Guard and Reserve Forces. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Title VIII : Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries for establishing or developing military installations and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Provides that when a member of an armed force is ordered to make a change of permanent station he may transport one motor vehicle by State-owned ferry vessel and be reimbursed for the ferry expenses, if transportation by such means is less expensive than other authorized methods of transportation. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 2634 (a)) Provides that when any member of an armed service is authorized to travel by privately owned vehicle and a portion of that travel is accomplished on a State-owned ferry vessel, such member may be reimbursed for the ferry expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1975
Provides, in the District of Columbia and in U.S. courts in the States, that in any prosecution for the offense of carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will, or for rape, no information regarding the prior sexual conduct of such female may be received and considered except for the purpose of determining the issue of consent. States that, in order for the court to receive and consider information relating to consent, the defendant must show a pattern of past conduct relevant to the facts in the case and relevant to the consent issue. Provides that the court shall not require the prosecution to produce evidence that supports the victim's testimony if the testimony, if believed, establishes every element of the crime of forcible rape. Directs that, except when physical injury to the victim is alleged by the prosecution, physical injury or evidence of resistance by such victim shall not be required for the prosecution to meet its burden of proof. States that information or other evidence of prior sexual relations or acts between the female and the defendant shall be admissible on the issue regarding consent. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031)
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the $18,000 adjusted gross income limitation on the deduction for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe by regulation that such deduction be allowed as an adjustment to gross income on the Form 1040A optional return.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Plutonium Recovery Control Act - Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from licensing, permitting, or otherwise authorizing, except for military or research and development purposes (1) the operation of any nuclear power reactor using recycled plutonium fuel, or (2) other construction or operation of any facility which reprocesses or recovers plutonium from spent nuclear power reactor fuel. Requires the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct and complete within three years a comprehensive study of the recycling of plutonium for the purpose of determining the extent of the dangers to the public health and safety and to the environment from such recycling. States that such study shall include: (1) investigation of the toxicity and carcinogenic characteristics of plutonium; (2) investigation of the risks of the unauthorized diversion or theft of plutonium; and (3) consideration of the development of systems for the use of plutonium which will assure the protection of the public health and safety and of the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Interns for Political Leadership Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, to institutions of higher education for an internship program for providing students with practical political involvement with elected local, State and Congressional officials. Requires that arrangements for such grants provide for coordination between the on-campus educational programs of the persons selected and their activities as interns, with commensurate academic credit given for their work and achievement as interns. Provides that the students who are to participate in the internship program shall be selected by the institutions of higher education receiving grants. Directs the Commissioner, in order to assist him in the selection of institutions of higher education within a State to receive grants, to appoint a National Advisory Council for Political Leadership Interns. Provides that such Council shall be composed of 12 members appointed from among individuals especially qualified to serve on the Council. Directs the Council to advise the Commissioner with respect to the distribution of grants and with respect to other matters of policy. Limits the Federal share of the cost of student stipends under this Act to 50 percent. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $1,250,000 for the ensuing three-month transition period, and $5,000,000 in each of the two succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares the purpose of this Act in establishing a coordinated national program in earthquake mitigation. Provides that the Director of the Geological Survey, in consultation with the National Science Foundation, shall develop and carry out a program of research and implementation in the areas of tectonics, seismology, geology, engineering, planning, and social sciences necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act, specifying the nature of such program. States that the Director of the Geological Survey and the Director of the National Science Foundation, jointly, shall: (1) establish an advisory committee composed of representatives of the research community to review periodically the earthquake mitigation program and to recommend to the Directors, through periodic written reports, appropriate modifications in the conduct or emphasis of the program; (2) establish an information dissemination mechanism to make available in a timely manner information developed pursuant to this Act; (3) prepare and submit annual reports to the Congress on the progress of the program and achievements in earthquake mitigation; (4) establish a joint program to evaluate, synthesize, and present, through appropriate educational programs, the knowledge developed pursuant to this Act; and (5) assist the States in carrying out their responsibilities under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 by making readily available the results of research conducted pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and the same amount for each of the following nine fiscal years. Provides, under the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, for authorization of appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $25,000,000 for each of the nine following fiscal years, for carrying out the duties of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Voter Registration Act - Establishes within the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce, the Voter Registration Administration. Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Administrator and two Associate Administrators for terms of four years each. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administration. Authorizes the Administration to establish and administrater a voter registration program in accordance with this Act for all Federal elections. Provides that an individual who fulfills the requirements to be a qualified voter under State law and who is registered to vote under the provisions of this Act shall be entitled to vote in Federal election in that State, except that each State shall provide for the registration or other means of qualification of all residents not later than 30 days prior to any Federal election. Directs the Administration to prepare voter registration forms. Authorizes the Administration to enter into agreements with the Postal Service, with departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and with State officials for the distribution of registration forms. Requires the Administration to assist State officials in detecting fraudulent voter registration, when such assistance is requested. Provides that the district courts of the United States or the United States District Court of the District of Columbia shall have jurisdiction, without regard to any amount in controversy, of proceedings instituted pursuant to this Act. Provides that whoever knowingly or willfully gives false information for the purposes of establishing eligibility to register or vote, or conspires for the purpose of encouraging false registration or illegal voting, or pays, offers, or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting registers to vote with intention of voting more than once in the same election shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. States that any person who deprives, or attempts to deprive any other person of any right under this Act shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Authorizes the Administration to pay to each appropraite State the reasonable cost of processing registration forms prescribed under this Act. Provides that any State that adopts the Federal assistance post card form shall be deemed to be in full compliance with specified provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of such as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Provides under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individual's earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Directs the Postal Service to maintain a rural delivery service for the free delivery of mail. Requires the Postal Service to extend such service to the driveway or other entrance to the property or residence of each person desiring such service who resides on or near a road which is in good condition, and unobstructed by gates or unbridged streams. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 403,3661)
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Increases the authorization, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, for the Alaska village demonstration projects from $2,000,000 to $3,500,000.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President's proposal to restructure the medicare deductible for physician services and the copayment for inpatient hospital services to require citizens to pay more of the health bill shall not be enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
National Reconciliation Act - Provides that any person who failed or refused to register under the Military Selective Service Act subsequent to August 4, 1964, and prior to March 28, 1973, or failed to accept or refused induction into the Armed Forces between such dates, or who, while liable for military service, otherwise violated such Act or regulations promulgated under its authority between such dates, shall be granted immunity from prosecution and punishment under such Act for such evasion, failure to register, or other violation. Provides that any member or former member of the Armed Forces who is alleged to have been absent in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice during the period August 4, 1964, to March 28, 1973, shall be granted immunity from prosecution and punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for such abscence. Requires that any pending legal proceedings brought against any person as a result of his evading or failing to register under the Military Selective Service Act between August 4, 1964, and March 28, 1973, or for evading or refusing induction, or while subject to induction into military service under such Act for any other alleged violation of such Act shall be dismissed by the United States, and all records and information relating thereto shall be expunged from all Government agency files. Provides that no person shall be denied any civil right or employment opportunity because of any crime for which such person was charged, convicted, or alleged to have committed and for which relief was granted under this Act. Makes it a misdemeanor punishable by a $5,000 fine of or one-year imprisonment, or both, to deny any person employment or any civil right because of any crime for which such person was charged, convicted, or alleged to have committed and for which relief has been granted under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this 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 · 11 March 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. Provides that funds provided for such staff shall be reduced by the amount authorized for a committee staff under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. States that staff members shall be in addition to employees otherwise authorized. Revises the Standing Rules of the Senate by authorizing each Member of the Senate to employ additional assistants for committee work.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Directs the Secretary of Commerce, during intervals between decennial censuses of population, to produce and publish for each State, county, and local unit of government with a population of 50,000 or more current data on total population. Authorizes the Secretary to make surveys on subjects (other than population) covered by the censuses provided for in this title. Requires that data most recently produced and published shall be used in the administration of any law of the United States in which population is used to determine the amount of benefit received by State and local units of general purpose government. Directs the Secretary and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to jointly initiate the development of uniform methods and procedures in producing statistical information used in effecting the delivery of Federal benefits to State and local governments and report progress toward the development of such procedures not later than one year after enactment of this Act. Specifies that this Act does not limit the present authority of the Office of Management and Budget to develop statistical standards. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 181; Adds 13 U.S.C. 182, 183, 184)
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Energy Revenue and Development Act - Title I: Statement of Policy and Purposes - Sets forth the basic policy of this Act to provide a comprehensive national program to achieve energy independence by 1985. Title II: Energy Trust Fund - Establishes an Energy Trust Fund, administered by the Energy Research and Development Administration, to carry out a national energy program, including research and development of new and improved energy sources and production techniques, creation of a national energy reserve and the exploration of new oil and gas fields in remote areas of the United States. States that the Trust Fund be financed by: Outer Continental Shelf revenues, a portion of which would be allocated to States adjacent to offshore drilling areas; and (2) a tax levied at the source of production or importation on all energy resources. Title III: Commission on Energy Technology Assessment - Creates a panel of scientists, engineers, and economists to establish standards and goals for energy research and development conducted under the Energy Research and Development Administration. Provides that publicly financed research and development would be critically evaluated by the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to enter into contracts with private, non-profit educational or research institutions to perform advisory studies on publicly financed programs. Title IV: Residential Energy Conservation Incentives - Provides tax credits and deductions for the installation of storm windows, insulation, and other materials designed for residential energy conservation. Allows a tax credit for the installation of systems designed to utilize solar or other unconventional forms of energy to provide residential heating or cooling if such systems meet performance criteria established by the Energy Research and Development Administration. Title V: Deregulation of Natural Gas and End of Price Controls - Encourages domestic energy production. Provides that controls on petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas at the well-head, old and new, are to be deregulated. Title VI: Executive Profits Tax - Provides an 80 percent tax on all profits from oil and gas industry if such profits exceed a 15 percent return on net investment. Provides that excess profits which are reinvested in new energy production will be taxed pursuant to normal corporate tax regulations. Provides that the excessive profits tax and reinvestment provisions will expire at the end of five years. Title VII: Variable Depletion Allowance - Repeals the foreign depletion allowance. Establishes a variable domestic depletion allowance which allows producers a fraction of the percentage depletion allowance which would be proportional to the ratio of the producer's domestic energy expenditures to its total foreign and domestic energy exenditures. Title VIII: National Energy Reserve - Establishes a national energy reserve which would be capable of replacing energy imports for at least 120 days. Provides that the reserve would be administered by ERDA and funds to create it would be apportioned from the Energy Trust Fund. Title IX: Promote Oil and Gas Discovery Act - Provides that the United States guarantee the purchase in place, at current market prices, of 50 percent of the annual production capability of remote wells. Title X: Transfer of Jurisdiction over Naval Petroleum Reserves to Secretary of Interior - Transfers the management of all energy resources located in naval petroleum reserves to the Department of the Interior. Provides that pursuant to existing provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, a portion of the revenues from the petroleum reserves would inure to the States. Title XI: Consolidation of ERDA and FEA - Provides for a consolidation of the Federal Energy Administration into the Energy Research and Development Administration in order to avoid overlapping and conflicting bureaucracies and to insure a unified national energy policy and effort.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Price Disclosure Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from these requirements any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 per annum, unless such an outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceeds $500,000 per annum; or any retail outlet in any State which has enacted mandatory unit pricing law and whose law, in the judgment of the Federal Trade Commission, is in full effect and is comparable in scope and comprehensiveness to the requirements of this Act, except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such State shall be subject to the provisions of this Act if they also operate outlets in one or more other States. Redefines the term "consumer commodity" and defines the term "retail unit price" for purposes of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. Abolishes the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations under such Act, and transfers that authority to the Federal Trade Commission. Directs the Commission to request, and the Secretary of Commerce to initiate, a voluntary product standard for consumer commodities under the procedures for the development of voluntary products standards established by the Secretary pursuant to specified provisions of law whenever the Commission determines that there is undue proliferation of the weights, measures, or quantities in which any consumer commodity or reasonably comparable consumer commodities are being distributed in packages for sale at retail and such undue proliferation impairs the reasonable ability of consumers to make value comparisons with respect to such consumer commodity or commodities. Requires that regulations with respect to fair packaging and labeling standards be promulgated by the Commission in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act. Directs the Commission to give interested persons an opportunity for oral presentations of views, data, and arguments. Authorizes travel and per diem reimbursement for persons being trained by the Commission to carry out the provisions of the Act. Declares that any violation of any of the provisions of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act or the regulations issued pursuant to such Act, with respect to any consumer commodity delivered for introduction in commerce, or sold at retail, offered for sale at retail, or displaced for sale at retail, shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting commerce and shall be subject to penalties under specified provisions of law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Defers approval of a loan to the Korea Electric Company of the Republic of Korea by the Export-Import Bank for the construction of a nuclear powerplant pending review by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
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 administration of the programs established by titles II, (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) XVI, (Grants to States for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled), and XVIII (Medicare) 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 will be held within a reasonable period of time after 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, 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 full in favor of such individual. Title III: Expedited Payment of Black Lung Benefits; and Expedited Hearings and Determinations Respecting Such Benefits - Provides for expedited payments of black lung benefits under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting hearings and determinations on claims for such benefits. Title IV: Limitation of Benefit Reduction to Compensate for Benefit Overpayment - Limits to 25 percent the reduction that may be made in an individual's Social Security benefit check for any month because of any previous overpayment of monthly benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Increases by 20 percent the food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act for eligible households in which one or more members require a special diet as the result of health problems. States that coupon allotments shall be made available through Post offices, banks, credit unions, and other similar institutions. Increases the Federal share from 50 to 65 percent of State administrative expenses in carrying out the Food Stamp program. Authorizes additional appropriations of $20,000,000 per fiscal year to assist State agencies to employ unemployed individuals necessary to expedite the acceptance, processing, and approval or disapproval of applications for participation in the food stamp program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Land Resource Planning Assistance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to assist the States to develop and implement State land resource programs and to assist Indian tribes to inventory and plan the use of reservation and other tribal lands. Preserves the rights and jurisdiction of States and other property owners with respect to non-Federal lands. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: Program of Assistance to the States - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make annual grants to the States to assist each State in developing and administering a State land resource program for non-Federal lands. Defines "state land resource program" as a program which includes (1) a land resource planning process, (2) a land planning agency, (3) a study of existing land resource planning and management authority, (4) a statement of policies and objectives, (5) methods of implementation and coordination, and (6) an energy facility planning program. Requires such programs to provide for the participation of owners of real property, local government, and the public, and to otherwise meet the requirements of this Act. States that land resource planning processes shall include specified criteria, including the preparation and continuing revision of an inventory of environmental, geological, and physical conditions (including soil types) which influence the desirability of various land uses. Provides that each State land planning agency shall have primary authority to develop and administer the State land resource planning, and to define the policies and objectives of each State's particular land program. Requires that methods of controlling land sales and development projects be included in each State program. Stipulates that Federal projects and activities on non-Federal lands significantly affecting land use must be consistent with State land resources programs, except in cases of overriding national interest. Title II: Administration of State Assistance Programs and Coordination of Federal Land-Related Activities - Requires the President to issue guidelines to the Federal agencies and the States within 6 months after enactment to assist them in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Office of Land Resource Planning Assistance. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Office, to (1) administer the grant-in-aid programs established under this Act, (2) develop and maintain a Land Resource Information Center, and (3) perform specified duties relating to the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an Interagency Land Resource Advisory Board to provide advice and assistance to the President, the Secretary, and the Federal agencies in carrying out the programs authorized by this Act. Requires the Secretary to annually evaluate State land resource programs to determine whether such programs conform with the requirements for grant eligibility. Provides an appeal procedure for States which have been notified of ineligibility for grant assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education to assist the conduct of research and investigations into the theoretical and practical problems of land resource planning and management. Directs the Secretary to report biennially to the President and the Congress on land resources, uses of land, and current and emerging problems of land use. Title III: Energy Facilities Planning : Energy Facilities Planning Act - Requires that five years after enactment of this Act, State land resource programs must contain an energy facility planning program which is compatible with State land and water resource and planning management. States that such energy facility planning programs must provide for: (1) an energy facility planning process; (2) a coordinated review and approval process at the State level; (3) consideration of the national, regional, and marketing area energy needs in the planning, licensing, or permitting of energy facilities; (4) cooperation with other States in planning, siting, and approving energy facilities; and (5) public participation in the energy facility planning process. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prepare annually and submit to the President and to the Congress a National Energy Facility Planning Report. States that such report shall include specified comprehensive energy data, including information on the location, size, and production capacity of existing energy facilities and present and projected long range energy needs. Authorizes the Administrator to request, collect, and acquire information from States and other non-Federal governmental entities for the proper exercise of his responsibilities under this Act. Directs the Interagency Land Resource Advisory Board to conduct a study of methods to reduce the delays in obtaining, conflicting requirements for, and number of permits, licenses, and other governmental decisions which serve as prerequisites to proposed development activities. Requires the Administrator to develop and implement an expedited Federal energy facility licensing program. Title IV: Program of Assistance to Indian Tribes - Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to Indian tribes to assist any such tribe to inventory, and plan the use of, reservation and other tribal lands, and to enter into contracts to obtain expert assistance in such inventorying and planning activities. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Commission to study the existing legal authority for tribal management, regulation, or control of reservation and other tribal lands, and to make recommendations on the advisability of a land resource program applicable to such lands. Requires the Secretary to submit the study and the recommendations of the Commission to Congress not later than 18 months after enactment of this Act. Title V: Authorizations and Allocations - Authorizes appropriations for grants to the States of $100,000,000 for each of the next 8 fiscal years. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for each of the next 8 fiscal years for training and research grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for each of the next 8 fiscal years for grants to Indian tribes. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the next 2 fiscal years to carry out the study on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for each of the next 5 fiscal years to administer this Act. Limits the amount of grants to States found eligible pursuant to this Act to 90 percent of the estimated cost of developing and administering the State land resource programs.
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 · 5 March 1975
Emergency Marine Fisheries Protection Act - Declares the policy of this Act. Establishes, for the duration of this Act, a fishery zone contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States. Requires that the United States excercise exclusive fishery management responsibility and authority within this contiguous fishery zone. States that the contigous fishery zone has as its inner boundary the outer limits of the territorial sea, and as its seaward boundary a line drawn so that each point on the line is 197 nautical miles from the inner boundary. Provides that the fishery management responsibility and authority of the United States within the contiguous fishery zone of the United Stated shall not include or be construed to extend to highly migratory species, except to the extent such species are not managed pursuant to bilateral or multilateral international fishery agreements. Provides that the fishery management responsibility and authority of the United States with respect to anadromous species, for the duration of this Act, extends to such species wherever found throughout the migratory range of such species. Requires that the United States manage and conserve, and have preferential rights to, fish within the contiguous fishery zone. Provides that the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of State, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, may authorize fishing within the contiguous fishery zone of the United States, or for anadromous species or both, by citizens of any foreign nation, in accordance with this Act, only if such nation has traditionally engaged in such fishing prior to the date of enactment of this Act. Requires that the allowable level of traditional foreign fishing shall be set upon the basis of the portion of any stock which cannot be harvested by citizens of the United States. Provides that traditional foreign fishing rights shall not be recognized unless any foreign nation claiming such rights demonstrates that it grants similar traditional fishing rights to citizens of the United States within the contiguous fishery zone of such nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish reasonable fees to be paid by the citizens of foreign nation engaged in exercising recognized foreign fishing rights. Provides that such fees shall be set in an shall be set in an amount sufficient to reimburse amount sufficient to reimburse the United States for administrative expenses incurred pursuant to this Act, and for an equitable share of the management and conservation expenses incurred by the United States in accordance with this Act, including the cost of regulation and enforcement. Establishes a Fisheries Management Council. Empowers such Council to: (1) provide information and expert assistance to States and local or regional fisheries authorities in marine fisheries management and conservation; (2) consult on an ongoing basis (A) with other Federal agencies and departments; (B) with officials of coastal States who are concerned with maring fisheries management and conservation planning; (C) with appropriate officials of other nations which are exercising traditional foreign fishing rights, through the offices of the Secretary of State; and (D) with owners and operators of fishing vessels; (3) to prepare a survey of fisheries subject to the emergency conservation and management authority granted to the United States by this Act, including, but not limited to, depleted stocks and stocks threatened with depletion; and (4) survey, study, and prepare a marine fisheries management plan setting forth the elements of a national management system to conserve and protect fish. Requires the Council submit the marine fisheries management plan adopted by the Council to the Senate Committee on Commerce and the Committee on Commerce and the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the House of Representatives not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of State, upon the request of and in cooperation with the Secretary, to initiate and conduct negotiations with any foreign nation which is engaged in , or whose citizens are engaged in, fishing in the contiguous fishery zone of the United States or for anadromous species. Provides that the Secretary of State, upon the request of and in cooperative with the Secretary, shall, in addition, initiate and conduct negotiations with any foreign nation in whose contiguous fishery zone or equivalent economic zone citizens of the United States are engaged in fishing or with respect to anadromous species as to which such nation asserts management responsibility and authority and for which citizens of the United States fish. Provides that the purpose of such negotiations shall be enter into international fishery agreements on a bilateral or multilateral basis to effectuate the purposes, policy, and provisions of this Act. Sets forth prohibitions and penalties under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to increase the Federal share payable for highway projects upon the request of any State in order to assist such State in meeting the matching requirements for Federal-aid highways funds. Limits such increase in the Federal share to two-thirds of the State's share of the cost of the project. Sets forth the method for repayment by such States.
![Official portrait of Sen. Gravel, Mike [D-AK]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000388_200.jpg)