United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Automobile Fuel Economy Act - Declares the findings of Congress that: (1) each day the United States uses approximately 6,000,000 barrels of oil more than it produces from domestic sources; and (2) the amount of oil required for automobile transportation could be reduced by more than 1,000,000 barrels a day through technologically feasible improvements in automobile fuel economy. States that the purposes of this Act are: (1) to mandate the manufacture of cars that use less fuel but without reducing safety or environmental standards; and (2) increase the industry-wide average fuel economy for new automobiles to achieve at least a 50 percent improvement in such average by model year 1980 and at least a 100 percent improvement by model year 1985 over the model year 1974 industry-wide average fuel economy level of 14 miles per gallon. Defines terms used in this Act, including "average fuel economy. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish, not later than June 1, 1975, minimum average fuel economy performance standards for new automobiles manufactured in model years 1975-1985. Provides that each manufacturer shall comply with the applicable minimum average fuel economy standard for the applicable model year. States that compliance shall be determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Allows any person who may be adversely affected by any rule promulgated under this Act to file a petition in the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, or other appropriate circuit, for judicial review of such rule. Authorizes the Secretary or the Administrator to hold hearings, take testimony, and subpena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents as they deem advisable to carry out the purposes of this Act. Grants U.S. district courts the authority to order compliance with a duly authorized subpena. States that every manufacturer of automobiles shall establish and maintain such records, make such reports, and conduct such tests as the Secretary or Administrator may reasonable require to enable the Secretary or Administrator to carry out his duties under this Act. Provides for public disclosure of information obtained by the Secretary or Administrator, with specified exceptions. Requires each manufacturer to affix on each new automobile, in a prominent place, a sticker indicating the fuel economy which a prospective purchaser can expect from such automobile. Sets forth prohibited conduct under this Act, including: (1) the failure to comply with any provision of this Act or any standard, rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant thereto; and (2) to failure to provide information as required by this Act. Prescribes civil penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for violations of this Act, the amount to be assessed by the Secretary or Administrator by written notice. Provides that no State or political subdivision shall adopt or enforce any standards relating to such matters which are inconsistent with this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress and the President a comprehensive report setting forth his or her findings and containing his or her conclusions and recommendations with respect to the 55 miles per hour national maximum speed limit. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out the provisions of this Act such sums as are necessary, not to exceed $1,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976; not to exceed $750,000 for the transitional fiscal quarter ending September 30, 1976; and not to exceed $3,000,000 annually for the fiscal years ending September 30, 1977, and September 30, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Child and Family Service Act - Title I: Child and Family Service Programs - Provides that the Secretary shall take all necessary action to coordinate child and family service programs under his jurisdiction and that, to this end, he shall establish and maintain within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Child and Family Services administered by a Director appointed by the President with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that such office shall assume the responsibility of the Office of Child Development and shall be the principal agency of the Department for the administration of this Act. Establishes a Child and Family Services Coordinating Council, consisting of the Director of the Office of Child and Family Services (who shall serve as chairperson), and representatives from the Federal agencies administering the Social Security Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and from the appropriate Federal agencies. Requires the Department of Labor, and other appropriate agencies, to meet on a regular basis, as they may deem necessary, in order to assure coordination of child and family service activities under their respective jurisdictions so as to assure maximum use of available resources through the prevention of duplication of activities; and to structure the activities related to the purposes of this Act. States that funds available for this title may be used (in accordance with approved applications and plans) for planning and developing child and family service programs; establishing, maintaining, and operating child and family service programs, which may include: (1) part-day or full-day child care programs, which provide educational, health, nutritional, and social services directed toward enabling participating children to attain their maximum potential; (2) other health, social, recreational, and educational programs designed to meet the special needs of children and families including before- and after- school and summer programs; (3) social services to help families determine the appropriateness of child and family services and the possibility of alternative plans; (4) prenatal, post partum and other medical care, including services to expectant mothers who cannot afford such services, designed to help reduce handicapping conditions among the newborn; (5) programs designed to meet the special needs of ethnic groups and to meet the needs of all children to understand the history and cultural backgrounds of ethnic groups and the role of members of such groups in the history and cultural development of the Nation and the region in which they reside; (6) food and nutritional services; (7) diagnosis, identification, and treatment, and special activities designed to ameliorate physiological, mental, psychological, and emotional barriers to full participation in child and family service programs; (8) programs designed to extend child and family service gains (particularly parent participation) into the kindergarten and early primary grades, in cooperation with local educational agencies; (9) other such services and activities as the Secretary deems appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this Act; (10) rental, lease or lease-purchase, mortgage amortization payments, renovation, acquisition and maintenance of necessary equipment and supplies, and to the extent authorized by this Act, construction or acquisition of facilities, including mobile facilities; (11) preservice and inservice education and training for professional and paraprofessional personnel, including parents and volunteers, especially education and training for career development and advancement; (12) staff and other administrative expenses of child and family service councils and of project policy committees established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and (13) dissemination of information in the functional language of those to be served to assure that parents are well informed of child and family service programs available to them and may participate in such 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. Enumerates the requirements which must be met by States and localities submitting prime sponsorship applications. States that each prime sponsor shall establish and maintain a Child and Family Service Council of specified composition. States that such Council shall be responsible for approving child and family service plans, basic goal, policies, procedures, overall budget policies and project funding, and the selection or establishment and annual renewal of an administering agency or agencies and will be responsible for annual and ongoing evaluation of child and family service programs according to criteria established by the Secretary. States that financial assistance under this title may be provided by the Secretary for fiscal year 1976 and any subsequent fiscal year to a prime sponsor only pursuant to a child and family service plan which is submitted by such prime sponsor and approved by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this title. Specifies the elements to be contained in such plans, and the procedure including opportunity for airing of views with respect to such plan, for approval or disapproval of the plan. States that funds may be provided by the prime sponsor for carrying out any program under such prime sponsor's comprehensive child and family service plan only to a qualified public or private agency or organization, including but not limited to an educational agency or institution, a community action agency, single-purpose Headstart agency, community development corporation, parent cooperative, organization of migrant agricultural workers, organization of Indians, organization interested in child care, employer or business organization, labor union, or employee or labor management organization, or by any other public or private agency whose project application is approved by the Child and Family Service Council of the prime sponsorship. Provides for special grants to States for necessary expenses incident to the operation of programs authorized by this Act in such States, and, in addition to the conditions which must be met for such grants, requires that grants for construction or acquisition of facilities may be made only if such construction or acquisition is essential to the provision of adequate child care services. Title II: Standards, Enforcement, And Evaluations - Provides that, within six months after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate a common set of program standards which shall be applicable to all programs providing child care services under this or any other Federal Act, to be known as the Federal Standards for Child Care. Provides that the Secretary shall, within sixty days of the enactment of this Act, appoint a Special Committee on Federal Standards for Child Care to participate in the development of Federal Standards for child care and modifications thereof. Provides for the development of a minimum code for child and family service facilities to be addressed to the health, safety, and physical comfort of the children participating in such programs. Provides for the withholding of grants where prime sponsors fail to conform with their approved plans or applicable standards and regulations. Title III: Research and Demonstrations - States that it is the purpose of this title to assist and encourage the provision of urgently needed facilities for child care and comprehensive child services programs. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is authorized to insure any mortgage (including advances on such mortgage during construction) in accordance with the provisions of this title upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe and make commitments for insurance of such mortgage prior to the date of its execution or disbursement thereon. Provides that the mortgage shall be executed by a mortgagor approved by the Secretary, and that such mortgages shall involve in principal obligation of up to $250,000 and not to exceed 90 percent of the estimated replacement costs of properties or projects when the proposed improvements are completed. Creates a Child and Family Services Facility Insurance Fund which shall be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund for carrying out all the insurance provisions of this title, including mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, or other arrangements to carry out a program of research and demonstration projects, which shall include but not be limited to: (1) research to develop techniques to measure and evaluate child and family services, and to develop standards to evaluate professional and paraprofessional child and family service personnel; (2) research to test preschool programs emphasizing reading and reading readiness; (3) preventive medicine, techniques, and technology to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases and learning disabilities of pre-school children; (4) research to test alternative methods of providing child and family service; (5) evaluation of research findings and the development of these findings and the effective application thereof; (6) dissemination and application of research and development efforts and demonstration projects to child and family service programs and early childhood education programs; (7) production of informational systems and other resources necessary to support the activities authorized by this Act; and (8) a study of the need on a nationwide basis for child and family services programs and of the resources, including personnel, which are available to meet this need. Title IV: Training of Personnel for Child and Family Services - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to enable individuals employed or preparing for employment in child and family services programs assisted under this Act to participate in preservice or inservice training programs for professional and nonprofessional personnel. Title V: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Provides for nutrition services to be provided to child and family service programs under the National School Lunch Act of 1946 and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Homeowners' Loan Act - Establishes the Homeowner's Loan Corporation. Requires the Board of Directors of the Corporation to determine the minimum amount of capital stock of the Corporation and to increase such capital stock from time to time in such amounts as may be necessary. Authorizes the Corporation to issue bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000,000 which may be sold by the Corporation to obtain funds for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Corporation during such period to make assistance payments to individuals and families who have incurred substantial losses of income as a result of unemployment. Directs that such payments be sufficient to enable such individuals and families to meet home mortgage payments. Stipulates that such payments not be made for a period in excess of eighteen months with respect to any mortgagor. Prohibits such payments unless the Corporation determines that such mortgagor will be able to avoid or cure a default on the mortgage. Authorizes the Corporation for a period of three years, but only during any three calendar quarters beginning with one in which the Federal Home Loan Bank Board determines that the foreclosure rate exceeds one-half of 1 percent, to acquire home mortgages and other obligations and liens secured by real estate. States that each home mortgage or other obligation or lien so acquired shall be carried as a first lien or refinanced as a home mortgage by the Corporation on the basis of the price paid therefor by the Corporation, and shall be amortized by means of monthly payments sufficient to retire the interest and principal within a period of not to exceed thirty years. Requires that the aggregate amount of payments with respect to any mortgagor be secured by a lien on the mortgaged property. Directs the Board to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary, including rules and regulations providing for the appraisal of the property on which loans are made under this section so as to accomplish the purposes of this Act. States that whoever makes any statement, knowing it to be false, or whoever willfully overvalues any security, for the purpose of influencing in any way the action of the Homeowners' Loan Corporation of the Board upon any application, advance, discount, purchase, or repurchase agreement, or loan under this Act, or any extension thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 or by imprisonment for not more than two years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Emergency Petroleum Allocation Extension Act - Provides for the extension of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act from August 31, 1975, to December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Provides that any executive agreement made on or after the date of enactment of this Act shall be transmitted to the Secretary of State, who shall then transmit such agreement (bearing an identification number) to the Congress. Provides that such an agreement which the President determines is prejudicial to the security of the United States shall instead be transmitted to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives under a written injunction of secrecy to be removed only upon due notice from the President. Requires each committee to personally notify the Members of its House that the Secretary has transmitted such an agreement with an injunction of secrecy, and such amendment shall thereafter be available for inspection only by such Members. Provides that any such executive agreement shall only come into force, with exceptions as stated in this Act, with respect to the United States at the end of the first period of sixty calendar days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the executive agreement is transmitted to Congress or such committees, as the case may be, if, between the date of transmittal and the end of the sixty-day period, both Houses agree to a concurrent resolution stating in substance that both Houses approve the executive agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to prevent widespread mortgage defaults and the distress-sale of homes as a result of adverse economic conditions. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency mortgage relief payments on behalf of distressed homeowners when he determines that such action is necessary and that there is a reasonable prospect that the homeowner will be able to make necessary adjustments for the full resumption of mortgage payments. Defines "distressed homeowner" as one or more persons who own and occupy a dwelling as a principal residence and whose income has declined by more than 20 percent as the result of unemployment or other adverse economic conditions. Limits relief payments to a period not exceeding two years. Provides that payments be repaid on such terms as the Secretary prescribes. Empowers the Secretary to delegate any of his functions under this Act to other Federal agencies or private entities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a revolving fund for mortgage relief payments and other specified purposes, including payment of obligations issued to the Secretary of the Treasury to enable the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out his functions under this Act. Provides for a payment expiration date of July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments - Redefines "costal zone" under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, and defines, under such Act, "Outer continental shelf energy activity," "energy facilities," and "coastal energy activity. Makes changes in the Management Act, by adding the following requirements for the coastal zone management program which a State is to develop and maintain under the Act: (1) the program is to include a general plan for the protection of, and access to, public beaches and other coastal areas of environmental, recreational and historical, esthetic, ecological, and cultural value; and (2) the State coastal zone management program is to include a process for the planning for energy facilities likely to be located in the coastal zone and for the planning for, and management of, the anticipated impacts from any energy facility. Increases the maximum Federal share of the costs of the development phase of a coastal zone management program to 80 percent from the present 66 2/3 percent and extends, by one year, the time during which a coastal State may receive such grants for development of a program before it must have an approved program in order to continue to receive grants under the Act. Extends from June 30, 1977 to September 30, 1979, the authority to make such grants. Increases the maximum Federal share for administrative costs of the ongoing State program operation to 80 percent from the present 66 2/3 percent. Requires a coastal State to establish an effective coordination and consultative mechanism between a designated State coastal zone agency and local governments within such State. Requires States to consider any applicable interstate energy plans or programs in the planning for and siting of energy facilities in the coastal zone of such States. Requires each Federal lease to be submitted to each State with, an approved coastal zone management program for a determination by that State as to whether or not the lease is consistent with such State's program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation with the Executive Office of the President, to mediate the difference between a Federal agency and a State in the implementation of an approved State management program, in cases of serious disagreement. Requires such differences to be resolved through public hearings in the area concerned. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to administer and coordinate a coastal energy impact program. Requires pursuant to this program the provision of financial assistance to meet the needs of coastal States and local governments. Provides for formula grants to coastal States. Specifies the purposes for which such grants may be used. Requires the Secretary to make such grants if the Secretary finds that the coastal zone of such State is being, or is likely to be, significantly affected by the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of new or expended energy facilities. Requires the making of loans to assist any State or local unit of government to provide new or improved public facilities or public services required by coastal energy activity. Directs each coastal State to apportion any financial assistance granted to such State to units of local government on a basis of need. Establishes the Coastal Energy Impact Fund for the purpose of making payments under the coastal energy impact program. Encourages the coastal States to coordinate coastal zone planning in areas which are contiguous to areas within the coastal zone of other States and to study, plan, and/or implement unified coastal zone policies for such areas. Provides the coastal States with the consent of Congress to negotiate, and enter into interstate agreements and compacts for the development and administration of coordinated coastal zone planning, policies, and programs. Encourages, and provides for, Federal-State consultation procedures by the parties to interstate agreements and compacts and the Federal Government. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a program of research study and training to support development and implementation of State coastal receiving grants under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any coastal State to assist such State in carrying out research, studies, and training required in support of coastal zone management up to 80 percent of the cost. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to coastal States for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition of access to public coastal areas. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appointment within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of an Associate Administrator for Coastal Zone Management to implement and administer the Coastal Zone Management Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of the molluscan shellfish industry and to evaluate the impact upon such industry of Federal law concerning quality. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress the finding of this study. Coastal Zone Environment Act - Provides, under the Coastal Zone Management Act, that any applicant for a required license, lease, or permit for the development or production of energy resources in a coastal zone shall certify that the proposed activity complies with any approved State management program. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Coastal Impact Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make 100 percent annual grants from the Fund to those coastal States which the Secretary determines are likely to be significantly or adversely impacted by the development or energy resources or by the siting of energy facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish requirements for grant eligibility and lists circumstances under which the regulations shall provide that a State is eligible. States that the authorization of Congress is given two or more States to negotiate and enter into the interstate agreements for the purpose of study, planning, and implementation of unified coastal zone policies and for the coordination of such policies. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants for such purposes, provided they do not exceed 90 percent of the cost. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to the coastal States to develop a capability for carrying out short-term research, studies, and training required in support of coastal zone management. Requires the Secretary to submit additional information each year to the President for transmittal to Congress including: (1) a general description of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the development or production of energy resources or the siting of energy facilities affecting the coastal zone; and (2) a description and evaluation of interstate and regional planning mechanisms developed by the coastal States. Extends until 1980 the authority of the Secretary to make grants to the coastal States for the development of land and water resources management programs. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years for grants made from the Coastal Impact Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976-79 such sums, not to exceed $5,000,000 for interstate coordination grants to the coastal States. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976-79 such sums, not to exceed $5,000,000 for coastal research assistance grants to the coastal States. Includes "islands" and "beach" within the definition of coastal zone under the Coastal Zone Management Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make annual grants to any coastal State for the purpose of assisting in the development of a management program, including plans for the protection of access to public beaches and other coastal areas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Energy Transportation Security Act - Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the Secretary of Commerce shall take such action as is necessary to assure that at least 20 percent of the gross tonnage of oil transported on ocean vessels for import into the United States shall be transported on privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels. Provides that the quantity to be transported on such U. S. vessels shall be not less than 25 percent of gross tonnage after June 30, 1976, and not less than 30 percent after June 30, 1978. Allows the Secretary of Commerce to, by rule, establish a system of reasonable classification of persons and imports subject to the provisions of this Act. Permits a person to challenge such classification. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress and the President on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. States that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to any refiner whose total refinery capacity does not exceed 30,000 barrels per day. Declares that license fees payable pursuant to Presidential proclamation for imports of crude oil imported into the United States shall be reduced by 15 cents per barrel for a period of five years from the date of enactment of this Act if the Secretary of the Treasury determines: (1) such crude oil is transported by privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels; and (2) the amount resulting from the nonpayment of such license fees is passed on to the ultimate consumers of such crude oil in whatever form it is when utlimately consumed.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Allows a tax deduction, without limitation, under the Internal Revenue Code, for medical expenses paid for a dependent who: (1) has not attained the age of 19 before the close of the taxable year and is suffering from a physical or mental impairment or defect which has been in existence for more than 3 months and results in a substantial loss, or loss of use in a normal manner, of any substantial portion of the musculoskeletal system, or result in a substantial loss of vision, hearing, or speech; or (2) has attained the age of 19 before the close of the taxable year and is suffering from a physical or mental impairment or defect described in (1) which commenced prior to attaining such age. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 213 (e))
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Emergency Middle Income Housing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make, and to contract to make, periodic assistance payments on behalf of families of middle income to assist such families in acquiring homeownership during periods of high interest rates. Sets limits upon the assistance payments authorized under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Allows an income tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the expenses of higher education paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the higher education of any individual in the following amounts: (1) 75 percent of so much of the expenses as does not exceed $200; (2) 25 percent of the expense as exceeds $200 but does not exceed $500; and (3) 10 percent of so much of such expenses as exceeds $500 but does not exceed $1500. Provides for the proration of such credit between taxpayers where more than one taxpayer pays the expenses. Provides for the reduction of the credit authorized by this Act by an amount equal to 1 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year exceeds $25,000. States that the amounts otherwise taken into account for determination of such credit shall be reduced by the amount of any scholarships, fellowship grants, or veterans' educational benefits received during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Energy Policy Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to protect and promote the interest of the people of the United States as energy users by establishing a Council on Energy Policy in the Executive Office of the President. States that the agencies of the Federal Government shall, to the fullest extent possible, utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach which will insure the integrated use of both physical and social sciences in producing, conserving, and utilizing the Nation's energy resources. Provides that the members of the Council shall consist of three members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve full time. Sets forth the duties of the Council, including: (1) serving as the principal adviser to the President on energy policy; (2) making recommendations to the President and Congress for resolving conflicts between the policies relating to energy of different Federal agencies; and (3) keeping Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities. Requires the Council to: (1) consult with representatives of specified organizations and groups as it deems advisable; and (2) employ a competent, independent staff. Requires the Council to prepare and submit to the President and Congress annually an energy report to accompany the Energy Plan to be prepared by the Council under this Act. States that the Energy Plan shall be for the purposes of energy development, utilization, and conservation. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act not to exceed $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $$2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $4,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Revises the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to the sale of margarine and oleomargarine in public eating places to: (1) delete provisions restricting the possession of margarine in a form ready for serving; and (2) requires that notice of margarine being served may be made on each separate serving.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Authorizes each Senator serving on a committee to hire staff to assist him in his duties as a member of each committee on which such Senator serves. Allows each Senator serving as chairman of any subcommittee or ranking minority member of any subcommittee to hire staff to assist him in his duties. States that individuals so appointed shall be in addition to employees otherwise authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Requests the President to proclaim the period from February 16 to March 15, 1975, as "Energy Conservation Month". Directs the President to publicize the need for energy conservation. Requests the President to report to Congress by March 31, 1975, steps taken to promote energy conservation and recommendations for a continuing program. Directs the President to report monthly to the American people and Congress the state of energy resources.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Energy Supply Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purposes of this Act include making oil and natural gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf available as rapidly as possible consistent with the need for orderly resource development and protection of the environment, and providing States which are directly impacted by Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas exploration and development with comprehensive impact assistance. Title II: Increased Production of Outer Continental Shelf Energy Resources - Provides, under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, that Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States that Outer Continental Shelf lands determined to be both geologically favorable for the accumulation of oil and gas and capable of supporting oil and gas development without undue environmental hazard or damage should be made available for leasing as soon as practicable in accordance with this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a survey program regarding oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a series of bathymetric, geological, and geophysical maps and reports on the Outer Continental Shelf. Makes appropriations for such surveys, reports, and maps for fiscal 1975-1976. Directs the Secretary to carry out a research and development program designed to improve technology related to development of the oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf where such programs are not currently being conducted. Directs the Secretary to establish equipment and performance standards for oil spill cleanup plans and operations. Requires the Secretary to regularly inspect all operations authorized pursuant to this Act and strictly enforce safety and environmental regulations promulgated pursuant to this Act and other applicable laws and regulations relating to public health, safety, and environmental protection. Makes lease holders strictly liable to all parties, public or private, damaged from oil discharges, without regard to fault for such damages, and without regard to ownership of any affected lands, structures, fish, wildlife, or biotic or other natural resources relied upon by any damaged party for subsistence or economic purposes. Establishes the Offshore Oil Pollution Settlements Fund. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Coastal State Fund and authorizes the Secretary to make grants from the fund to the coastal States to assist them to ameliorate adverse environmental effects and control secondary social and economic impacts associated with the development of Federal energy resources in, or on the Outer Continental Shelf. Allows citizen suits by any person whose interests are adversely affected by violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to promote competition in the leasing of Outer Continental Shelf lands. Establishes a $5,000 civil penalty and $100,000 fine for violations of this Act. Provides that no oil or gas lease may be issued pursuant to this Act unless the lease requires that development be carried out in accordance with a development plan which has been approved by the Secretary, and provides that failure to comply with such development plan will terminate the lease. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to report to Congress within 60 days after enactment of this Act on appropriations and staffing needed to monitor pipelines on Federal lands and the Outer Continental Shelf so as to assure that they meet all applicable standards for construction, operation, and maintenance. Provides that if any provision of this Act shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Act shall be affected thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance, or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Provides that no change in the status of any member of the uniformed services who is in a missing status as a result of his performance of service of Southeast Asia may be made unless and until the following two provisions have been complied with: (1) the President of the United States has determined, and notified the Congress in writing, that all reasonable actions have been made to enforce the provisions of the Paris Peace Accord of January 27, 1973; and (2) the Secretary concerned notifies the next of kin in writing of the proposed change in status, and next of kin has not filed within 60 days of such notification, and objection to such a proposed change.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that in the event that economic controls are imposed, business concerns who, on or after January 1, 1975, lowered prices shall not be penalized in the establishment of any base price pursuant to those controls.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Developmentally Disabled Assistance and Bill of Rights Act - Defines "developmental disability" as a disability: (1) attributable to mental retardation, or cerebral palsy, or epilepsy, or autism, or learning disability; or (2) attributable to any other condition of an individual found to be closely related to mental retardation as it refers to general intellectual functioning or impairment in adaptive behavior or to require treatment similar to that required for mentally retarded individuals, which disability originates before such individual attains age eighteen, has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a severe handicap to such individual's ability to function normally in society. Defines other terms used in this Act. Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Developmental Disabilities headed by a Director, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title I: Assistance for Persons with Developmental Disabilities - States that the purpose of this title is to improve the provision of services to persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes appropriations of $6,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of assisting in the modernization and renovation of facilities which will aid in demonstrating provision of specialized services for the diagnosis and treatment, education, training or care of persons with developmental disabilities or in the interdisciplinary training of physicians and other specialized personnel needed for research, diagnosis and treatment, education, training or care of persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to university affiliated facilities to pay part of the costs of administering and operating demonstration facilities and interdisciplinary training programs for personnel needed to render specialized services to persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes appropriations of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and each of the next four succeeding fiscal years to cover the costs of the grants. Sets forth requirements pertaining to the application for and payment of grants to States. Provides for grants to States for planning, provision of services, and construction and operation of facilities for persons with developmental disabilities. Atuhorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $85,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $95,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 and such sums as may be necessary for succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making such grants. Establishes in the office of the Secretary a National Council on Services and Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed to be promulgated by him in the implementation of this title, (2) study programs authorized by this title to determine their effectiveness in carrying out the purposes for which they were established, (3) monitor the development and execution of this title and report directly to the Secretary on any delay in the rapid execution of this title, and (4) submit directly to the Congress annually an evaluation of the administration of this title. Requires States desiring to apply for grants to submit specific goal oriented plans for approval by the Secretary. Sets forth specific requirements to be met in order for State plans to be approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe general regulations applicable to all the States to carry out the purposes of this Act and to develop an evaluation system and action plan for implementation of such system and report to the appropriate committees of Congress within eighteen months after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to conduct feasibility studies with regard to developing an evaluation system for developmental disabilities services. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for this purpose for fiscal year 1975 and for each succeeding fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes appropriations for grants for special projects for services to persons with developmental disabilities of $17,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $22,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $27,500,000 for fiscal year 1979. Title II: Bill of Rights for Mentally Retarded and other Persons with Developmental Disabilities - States that the purpose of this title is to establish standards which assure humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded and other individuals with developmental disabilities in residential facilities and minimize inappropriate admissions to such residential facilities. Establishes a National Advisory Council for Residential and Community Facilities to advise the Secretary. Sets forth standards for residential facilities for the mentally retarded and other individuals with developmental disabilities. States that the ultimate aim of the facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Prescribes the provisions governing (1) staff-resident relationships and activities, (2) food services, (3) residents' clothing, (4) health, hygiene, and grooming, (5) grouping and organization of living units, (6) resident-living staff, and (7) design and equipage of living units. Directs that residents be provided with professional and special programs and services in accordance with their needs for such programs and services. States that all professional services to the mentally retarded and other individuals with developmental disabilities should be rendered in the community, whenever possible, rather than in a residential facility, and where rendered in a residential facility, such services must be at least comparable to those provided the nonretarded in the community. Sets forth specifications governing the provision of the following services to residents: (1) dental services, (2) educational services, (3) food and nutrition services, (4) library services, (5) medical services, (6) nursing services, (7) pharmacy services, (8) physical and occupational therapy services, (9) psychological services, (10) recreation services, (11) religious services, (12) social services, (13) speech, pathology and audiology services, (14) vocational rehabilitation services, and (15) volunteer services. States that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habilitation program, (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to the habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Stipulates that all information contained in a resident's record, including information contained in an automated data bank, shall be considered privileged and confidential. Provides that opportunities and resources should be made available to members of the staff who are equipped by interest and training to conduct applied and/or basic research. States that resources and/or necessary research assistance should be made available to all staff members who have identified researchable problems related to the programs for which they are responsible. Sets forth requirements pertaining to safety and sanitation in the resident facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Occupational Safety and Health Act Amendments - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not propose any rule promulgating a new occupational health or safety standard before (1) he has as part of each such proposal reviewed and published in the Federal Register the financial impact of such proposed standard and (2) has determined with due regard for that impact that the benefit to be derived from such standard justified such proposal. Directs the Secretary to provide for an emergency standard to take effect immediately after publication in the Federal Register if he determines (1) that there is clear and recognized evidence of employees being exposed to serious danger from exposure to substances or agents determined to be toxic or physically harmful or from new hazards, and (2) that such emergency standard is necessary to protect employees from such danger. Requires the Secretary to provide at least twenty-four hours advance notice to the employer to be inspected that an inspection will be made where (1) such notice would afford the employer an opportunity to have qualified management personnel or consultants present during the inspection and (2) where the Secretary has determined that such notice would not unreasonably hamper or defeat the purposes of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Directs the Secretary to visit the workplace of employers for the purposes of affording consultation and advice to such employers, upon the request of the employers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments - Title I: Purposes, Definitions, and National Policy for Managing the Resources of the Outer Continental Shelf - States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) establish policies and procedures for managing the oil and natural gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf in order to achieve national economic goals; (2) preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf; (3) encourage development of new and improved technology for energy resource production that will increase human safety and eliminate or reduce risk of evnironmental damage; and (4) assure that coastal States which are directly impacted by oil and natural gas exploration and development are provided with an opportunity to take part in policy and planning decisions. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Revises bidding and lease administration under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Provides for the orderly development of oil and gas leases and requires that no geological and geophysical exploration shall take place in the Outer Continental Shelf without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the oil and gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf. States that the Secretary shall, by regulation, establish procedures for determining the areas to be considered for exploratory drilling and potential leasing. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purposes $200,000,000 during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Requires the Secretary to transmit a leasing and development plan to Congress at least 90 calendar days prior to announcing the invitation to bid on each tract in which oil or gas is found in commercial quantities. Provides that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be considered the "lead agency" for purpose of complying with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act as such Act pertains to the implementation of this Act. Requires that the environmental impact statements include such information as: (1) the probable impact of the proposed exploration or development on the marine and coastal environments; and (2) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed exploration or development. Makes provisions for the development, promulgation, and enforcement of safety regulations for operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires that the Coast Guard make regular inspections and strictly enforce the safety regulations. States that any person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Allows citizen suits by persons having an interest which is, or may be, adversely affected. Permits civil actions against any person, including the United States, and against the Secretary of the Interior where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this Act which is not discretionary. Provides that any person in charge of any oil and gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf shall be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for mot more than one year, or both, for failure to immediately notify an appropriate agency of the U.S. Government of a discharge or spillage of oil. Authorizes, for the purpose of removing a discharge or spilling, the withdrawal of money available in the Offshore Oil Pollution Settlements Fund established pursuant to this Act. Imposes on each barrel of oil produced pursuant to any lease issued or maintained under this Act a fee of two and a half cents per barrel to pay costs of administration of this Act. Provides that collection of amounts for the fund shall cease when $100,000,000 has been accumulated, but shall be renewed when the accumulation in the fund falls below $85,000,000. Provides that immediately upon the date of enactment of this Act, there shall cease any additional leasing of tracts for the purpose of developing oil and gas under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in all regions and areas where there has been no previous development of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf or other areas where geological or environmental conditions make such development hazardous. States that such moratorium shall continue until a specified time. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and publish a report with recommendations for achieving an equitable system of lease sales while maximizing production and revenues from the leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands. Provides that the Secretary shall study the most appropriate means of developing a National Strategic Energy Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Eliminates the earnings limitation under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act for all workers age sixty-five and over (presently age 72).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, through the Internal Revenue Service, to enter into agreements with nonprofit agencies or organizations to prepare volunteers to assist the elderly in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns and to provide technical assistance for this purpose. Directs the Secretary to publicize to the elderly those provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 particularly important to them. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Establishes the Frederick Law Olmsted Home and Office in Brookline, Massachusetts, as a national historic site. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Social Security Administration Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. Title I: Social Security Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such Administration, by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records, which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held, or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Prohibits the distribution of food stamps, under the Food Stamp Act, to any household where the head of the household is engaged in a labor strike. Removes such restriction in cases of an employer lockout.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Joint Committee on Intelligence Oversight Act - Establishes the Joint Committee on Intelligence Oversight, consisting of seven members from each House, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of the activities of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Secret Service, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and all other departments and agencies insofar as their activities pertain to intelligence gathering. Prohibits the appropriation of funds for intelligence activities unless such funds have been specifically authorized by legislation enacted after enactment of this Act. Requires that legislation pertaining to intelligence activities be reported from such joint committee. Grants subpena power to the chairman of such joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Fair Marketing of Petroleum Products Act - Prohibits refiners or distributors of petroleum products from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise, or unless such refiner or distributor withdraws entirely from the sale of refined petroleum products in commerce for sale other than resale in the United States. Sets forth procedural and jurisdictional requirements for suits brought as result of violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Mandatory Gasoline Rationing Act - Requires the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, to promulgate a rule establishing a rationing system for the end-users of gasoline. Directs the President to order priorities among classes of users and to take such action as may be necessary to meet the needs of handicapped individuals who are unable to use public transportation. Provides that a user for whom rationing is established may petition for a review or modification of his ration, and allows the use of State and local officers or boards to perform such functions. Forbids the imposition of any tax, user fee, or tax credit system in regulations or orders under this Act. Provides that this Act shall terminate 12 months from the date of promulgation of the rule by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Provides that no new tariff, fee or other charge, no increase in existing tariffs, fees or other charges, and no new quota or other limitation on imports of crude oil or petroleum products other than those in effect on January 1, 1975, may be imposed unless: (1) such action is specifically authorized by law enacted after the date of enactment of this joint resolution; or (2) the specific action proposed to be taken is submitted to both Houses of the Congress. States that if such action is disapproved by either House within the thirty-day review period, no officer or agency shall have authority to take any action inconsistent with the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1975
Provides that the sum of items of tax preference in excess of $10,000 (presently $30,000) shall be subject to the 10 percent tax on tax preferences under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that income from the entertainment activities held in conjunction with a public fair conducted by nonprofit organizations and civic leagues or labor, agricultural, or horticultural organizations shall not be unrelated trade or business income (and therefore shall not be subject to taxation under the Internal Revenue Code) and shall not affect the tax exemption of the organization.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Grants a Federal charter to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Incorporated, a non-profit corporation with its principal offices in Indianapolis. States that such Corporation's purpose shall be to preserve and encourage the study of historical evidence relating to December 7, 1941, and to stimulate interest in the affairs and future of America.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to give notice of the sale of leases to develop oil and gas deposits in the Outer Continental Shelf to the Governor of any coastal State, the lands of which are within 300 miles of the land to be leased. States that at any time prior to such sale the Governor may request postponement of such sale for up to three years if he determines that such sale will result in adverse environmental or economic impact or other damage to the State or its residents. Establishes a National Coastal Resources Appeals Board to review adverse decisions against postponement by the Secretary. States that the Board shall be composed of the Vice President, who shall be Chairman of the Board, the Secretary of the Interior, the Administration of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality.
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
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 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 for the referral, under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) for appropriate services provided by other State agencies, of blind or disabled children who are receiving supplemental security income benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for 25 percent up to $250 ($125 in the case of a married individual filing separately) of the energy conserving residential expenditures incurred by a taxpayer during the taxable year. Authorizes the taxpayer to elect to deduct up to $1000 of such expenses in lieu of the credit provided by this Act.
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 · 15 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President submit to the Congress his proposal for a tariff on imported oil for appropriate congressional study and action.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1974
Prohibits the breeding, training, and interstate shipment of dogs intended to be used in dogfights for the purposes of sport, wagering or entertainment. Prohibits the manufacture, sale or movement of equipment to be used in shows involving dogfights, and the providing of facilities for such shows. Forbids the use of the Postal Service, telephone, telegraph, radio, and television for the purpose of promoting such shows. Provides a fine of not more than $25,000, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, and forfeiture of dogs and equipment involved, for violation of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48).
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1974
Tax Reform and Relief Act - Title I: Tax Relief for Low-and Middle-Income Taxpayers - States that at the election of the taxpayer, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974, there shall be allowed, as a credit, an amount equal to $175 multiplied by the number of exemptions to which the taxpayer is entitled under section 151 of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires that such credit shall not exceed the tax imposed for the taxable year. Sets forth a special rule for exemptions for the taxable year 1974. Provides that there shall be allowed to a taxpayer who is an eligible individual as a credit an amount equal to a specified percentage of the social security taxes imposed on him and his employer with respect to wages received by the taxpayer during that year. States that the amount of the credit allowable to a taxpayer shall not exceed an amount equal to 10 percent of so much of his wages as does not exceed $4,000 received by that individual during that year with respect to employment, and that the amount of the credit shall be reduced by one-fourth of the amount by which a taxpayer's income exceeds $4,000. Provides that a taxpayer may receive an advance refund of the credit allowable to him not more frequently than quarterly by filing an election for such refund with the Secretary. States that if the taxpayer elects to base his claim for refund on social security taxes imposed on him, his spouse, and their employers, the election shall be a joint election signed by the taxpayer and his spouse. Title II: Amendments to Increase Revenues - Provides for the termination of special tax treatment for a Domestic International Sales Corporation (DISC). Imposes an excise tax on the windfall profits from domestic crude oil removed from the premises on every person entitled to a deduction for depletion with respect to the crude oil. States that each person liable for such tax shall be allowed, as a credit against such tax, an amount equal to such person's plowback investment for such taxable period. Defines "windfall profit" as the excess of the removal price over the adjusted base price. Sets forth provisions and regulations governing the imposition and collection of the windfall profits tax on crude oil. Provides, for a gradual phaseout of the percentage depletion allowance for domestic oil and natural gas production. Specifies special rules governing the taxation of foreign oil and gas income. Title III: Increases Incentive for Expanded Investment - Provides for an increase in the investment tax credit for expanded investment. Defines "expanded investment" as the amount by which the qualified investment of the taxpayer for such year exceeds the average amount of qualified investment of the taxpayer per taxable year, as determined on the 3 most recent previous taxable years, determined without regard to investment credit carryovers and carrybacks.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Anti-Inflation Tax Reform Act - Title I: Income Tax Relief for Individuals - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that the percentage standard deduction shall be 17 percent of adjusted gross income but not to exceed $2,500 ($1,250 in the case of a separate return by a married individual). Sets the low income allowance at $1,500 in the case of a married individual who files a joint return. Allows a tax credit for individuals 65 and over. Allows a tax deduction for the employment-related expenses for household and dependent care services. Limits such deduction to $2,400 where there is one qualifying dependent. Limits such deduction where adjusted gross income exceeds $18,000. Title II: Income Tax Reform Amendments - Limits the percentage depletion allowance to oil and gas wells producing regulated natural gas, to the extent of such production, and wells producing natural gas sold under a fixed contract to the extent of such production. Repeals the deduction for intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells. States that in the case of tax paid or accrued to any foreign country with respect to income derived from the extraction, production, transportation, or refining of oil or gas in such country, the term "income, war profits, and excess profits tax" does not include any royalty, bonus, or other payment which does not constitute the payment of a bona fide Federal or National income tax. Eliminates the designation of a corporation as a Domestic International Sales Corporation (DISC) as of December 31, 1973. Imposes for each taxable year with respect to income of every person, a tax equal to 10 percent of the amount (if any) by which the sum of the items of tax preference exceeds the excludable amount. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code providing an exemption to farmers' cooperatives. Allows an income tax exclusion of up to $300 for dividends from cooperatives. Provides that in the case of an individual trust, estate, an electing small business corporation or a professional service corporation, except as otherwise provided in this Act, accelerated deductions for the taxable year attributable to a class of property shall not be allowed to the extent such deductions exceed the net related income for the taxable year from such class of property. Defines classes of property for purposes of determining accelerated deductions. Defines "net related income." Sets forth rules for partnerships, professional service corporations and farms, for purposes of determining limitations on artificial accounting losses. States that if a foreign corporation is a controlled foreign corporation for an uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during any taxable year, every United States shareholder of such corporation who owns stock in such corporation on the last day in such year on which such corporation is a controlled foreign corporation shall include in its gross income, for its taxable year in which or with which such taxable year of the corporation ends, its pro rata share of the corporation's earnings and profits for such year. Provides that earnings and profits of a foreign corporation attributable to amounts which are, or have been included in the gross income of a United States shareholder shall not, when such amounts are distributed directly or indirectly through a chain of ownership to such shareholder or a trust of which such shareholder is a beneficiary, be again included in the gross income of such United States shareholder. States that each person who is, or has been, a United States shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation may be required to maintain such records and accounts as may be prescribed. Removes the $25,000 limitation on the amount of investment interest eligible for a deduction.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000725_200.jpg)