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United States · Official source
1,442 records where Sen. Humphrey, Hubert H. [D-MN] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Repeals, under Immigration and Nationality Act procedures for granting immigrant status, the limitation restricting adoption to no more than two children.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Electric Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to demonstrate the commerical feasibility of electric vehicles for urban individual and business use, and to encourage research and development in new technologies for electric vehicles with wider applications, in order to promote long-range conservation of liquid fuel and reduce environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric vehicles. Directs the Administrator to enter into such contracts as may be necessary and appropriate: (1) for the production, within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, of significant numbers of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which have electric propulsion systems on conventional chassis; and (2) for the production, within three years after such date, of significant number of urban passenger and commercial vehicles which are specifically designed for electric propulsion as the primary power source. Directs the United States Postal Service, the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and heads of other Federal agencies to arrange for the introduction of electric vehicles into their fleets as soon as possible. Authorizes $40,000,000 to be appropriated to the Administrator for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Requires that food stamps be allotted in an amount equal to 90 percent of the cost of the low cost diet plan as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that housing representing payment of income in kind shall be counted as income of up to $25 per month. Makes any household having an individual 18 years of age or older and claimed as a dependent by an individual outside of the household ineligible to receive food stamps. Authorizes elderly and disabled individuals to use food stamps to purchase meals prepared and delivered by a political subdivision or private nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code. Revises procedures for certification and informing potential recipients. Provides for the creation of a Food Stamp Advisory Board to be consulted prior to regulation changes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Requires federally related health care facilities to test infants born in the facility or brought to it for health care for specified diseases. Defines a "federally related health care facility" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for sickle-cell anemia programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the seven calendar days commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week".
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Amateur Athletic Union restore to the late Jim Thorpe the status of amateur athlete and that the International Olympic Committee should officially recognize Jim Thorpe's achievements during the 1912 Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Opportunities for Adoption Act - Provides for adoption assistance programs under the provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Makes it the purpose of this Act, in order to promote the public health and welfare, to facilitate the elimination of obstacles to adoption, and to locate children in need of adoption and facilitate the placement in permanent adoptive homes of such children, particularly children with special needs, by: (1) promoting the establishment of uniform adoption regulations in the States and territories of the United States in order to eliminate jurisdictional and legal obstacles to adoption; (2) providing Federal financial assistance to States for the purpose of assisting certain public and private nonprofit agencies and adoptive and prospective adoptive parents in meeting certain costs of adoption in order to remove or alleviate the financial obstacles which present serious barriers to adoption by qualified persons; and (3) providing for the establishment of a National Office of Adoption Information and Services in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to (A) ensure quality standards for adoption services (including pre-placement and post-placement and post-adoption counseling and standards to protect the rights of children in need of adoption) and (B) provide for a national adoption information exchange system. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint a Committee on Uniform Adoption Regulations to be composed of representatives of National, State, and local child welfare organizations and representatives of National, State, and local child welfare organizations and representatives of other groups interested in facilitating the objectives of adoption agencies, and the Chief of the Children's Bureau in the Office of Child Development, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, or his designee. Directs such Committee to: (1) review current conditions, practices, and laws relating to adoption, with special reference to their effect on facilitating or impeding the finding of suitable adoptive homes for children and the completion of suitable adoptions; (2) propose to the Secretary uniform adoption regulations which would facilitate adoption; and (3) report its proposals to the Congress and the President not later than eighteen months after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that following receipt of the Committee's proposals, but not later than twenty-four months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish the proposed uniform adoption regulations in the Federal Register for comment and, after soliciting and giving due consideration to the comments of interested individuals, groups and organizations and consulting further with the Committee, he shall issue and publish final uniform adoption regulations which shall apply in the administration of the grant program. Directs the Secretary, in accordance with regulations which he shall prescribe, to make matching grants to States for allocation, by State agencies principally responsible for services to families and children, to public and private nonprofit adoption agencies which meet standards of quality prescribed pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting: (1) such agencies in meeting the cost involved in the adoptive placement of children with special needs (including identifying children in need of adoption, locating and counseling their parents, freeing appropriate children for adoption, locating suitable homes and providing pre-placement and post-placement and post-adoptive counseling to children in need of adoption and to prespective and actual adoptive parents); (2) such agencies in meeting the cost of providing prenatal and postpartum services to mothers, voluntarily planning to place their children for adoption, who are unable to assume such costs, in order to protect the health and welfare of both the mother and child; but only to the extent that assistance under other Federal or State programs in the community in question is not readily available to provide adequately for such services; (3) such agencies in meeting the cost of providing for professional counseling and other social services to children in need of adoption, and to prospective and actual adoptive parents and foster parents to assist them in providing a supportive and healthful family environment; (4) adoptive parents in locating and, where appropriate, defraying the cost of post-placement and post-adoption special services to children requiring such services as a result of conditions which existed prior to their placement, up to an amount not exceeding the amount which similar services would cost the State in question were it to provide or secure such services as the guardian of such children; and (5) prospective adoptive parents, who would consider adoption but for their financial inability to meet a child's needs, in defraying the post-placement and post-adoption cost of supporting children with special needs, in amounts of assistance determined by the Secretary to be adequate to enable such adoptive parents to assume responsibility for raising such children (including payment of legal fees and court costs). Provides for the establishment of a system in the States under which, with respect to a child who has been in foster care in a State for at least six months after such child is considered legally available for adoptive placement, the foster parents providing care to such child will be notified of the possibility of the financial assistance for adoptive placement authorized by this Act if it appears to be in the child's best interest. Directs the Secretary to take such steps as he deems necessary to encourage and facilitate the consideration of comprehensive adoption assistance legislation by those States which have not enacted such legislation. Establishes within the Children's Bureau of the Office of Child Development of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a National Office of Adoption Information and Services which shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary upon the joint recommendation of the Director of the Office of Child Development and the Chief of the Children's Bureau. Provides that the Office shall be the principal agency for carrying out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Director, in accordance with regulations which he shall presecribe, to: (1) conduct a continuous educational program on adoption and to prepare, publish, and disseminate to all interested parties, private and public agencies and organizations, and governmental bodies educational materials regarding adoption and adoption assistance programs; (2) measure and evaluate the impact of the programs authorized by this Act and, not later than ninety days after June 30 of each year, prepare and submit to the Secretary for transmittal to the President and the Congress a report on such evaluation, which shall include, but not be limited to (A) the number of children placed in adoptive homes under adoption assistance agreements during the year preceding the annual report and the major characteristics of such children; and (B) the number of children currently in foster care for six months or more, and the legal status of such children; (3) insure that adoption agencies receiving assistance authorized under this Act subscribe to standards of quality, which he shall prescribe, for adoption services (including pre-placement and post-placement and post-adoption counseling and standards to protect the rights of children in need of adoption) and comply with the requirements of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and (4) notwithstanding any other provision of law, provide for the operation of a national adoption information system, utilizing computers and modern data processing methods, to assist in the location of children in need of adoption and in the placement in adoptive homes of children awaiting adoption, and for the promotion of cooperative efforts with any similar programs; and (5) coordinate and consult with other appropriate Federal agencies, and coordinate all other programs within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Authorizes the appropriation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and the succeeding three fiscal years, of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1975
Authorizes to be appropriated to the President for fiscal year 1975, to remain available until expended, $50,000,000 for the purpose of providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and other needy people who are victims of the conflict in Cambodia. Requires the President to transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report describing fully and completely: (1) the amount of each type of economic assistance provided under this Act; (2) the expected recipients of such assistance; (3) the names of all organizations and agencies involved in the distribution of such assistance; and (4) the means with which such distribution is carried out.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Authorizes making additional funds available for purposes of land and water conservation in northern Minnesota. Authorizes the use of such funds for the payment of court judgements in condemnation action, brought under authority of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Supplemental Security Income Amendments - Provides that: (1) charges by residential institutions in excess of those charges applicable to an individual under the supplemental security income provisions of the Social Security Act; and (2) assistance based on need provided by a tax-exempt organization shall not be counted as unearned income for the purposes of such Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish criteria for the determination of presumptive disability under the supplemental security income program. Provides that the assistance afforded under such program shall be coordinated with that of other assistance programs on both the Federal and State levels. Provides that the eligibility of households containing a recipient of supplemental security income benefits shall be determined on the basis of the uniform national eligibility standards for non-public assistance households. Repeals the requirement that such benefits be paid to a third party payee upon the certification of the chief medical officer at the facility where the recipient is undergoing treatment that payment directly to the recipient would be of significant therapeutic value and that there is substantial reason for believing that the funds would not be improperly used. Requires expedited action on applications for benefits and determinations regarding disability. Excludes from income, those education expenses paid for by grant, fellowship, or scholarship for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits. Revises the eligibility standards for residents of a principally residential facility not used as a health care facility, correctional institution, or school or training facility.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, to require reasonable bonds from market agencies, dealers, and packers to secure the performance of their obligations with respect to transactions involving livestock or poultry. Authorizes the Secretary to summarily order, without a hearing, any person subject to the provisions of such Act to pay a seller of livestock or poultry by certified check or to establish a custodial account if the Secretary has reason to believe that such action is necessary to protect vendees. Empowers the Secretary to request the Attorney General of the United States to apply to the United States district court for a temporary injunction or restraining order whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that any person subject to this Act: (1) is unable to pay for livestock products; (2) has operated while insolvent; or (3) does not have the required bond. Provides that debts of a bankrupt that are owing for the purchase of livestock or poultry shall have priority if, at the time such debts where incurred, the bankrupt was a packer, market agency, or dealer subject to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Provides for the issuance of a special postage stamp in 1975 in commemoration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the sloop "Restaurationen" which marked the beginning of the Norweigian immigration to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Consumer Fuel Disclosure Act - Prohibits the shipment, transportation, or sale of gasoline in interstate commerce unless the octane rating is certified (1) to the resaler or distributor by the transferor; and (2) to the consumer by the resaler or distributor. Requires automobile manufacturers to disclose the octane or octanes of gasoline appropriate for use in the automobile to the purchaser. Imposes fines for violations of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration (1) to establish standard methods to measure octane and the purity of gasoline; (2) to conduct studies to determine the impact of various brands on deterioration of the automobile; and (3) to conduct spot tests to enforce the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Designates October 9, 1975, as "Norwegian-American Day".
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
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligator which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
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 · 18 April 1975
National Domestic Development Bank Act - Creates the National Domestic Development Bank and provides that such bank shall have a board of directors which shall initially consist of members to be appointed by the President. Asserts that the management of the bank shall be vested in the President of the bank subject to the policies prescribed by the board of directors. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay initial organizing and operating expenses. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $500,000 for this purpose. Authorizes the bank to: (1) purchase, service, and sell any obligation of a State or local government issued wholly or partly to finance the construction of community facilities or public works; (2) make or guarantee loans to State or local governments to finance the construction of such facilities or public works; (3) make loans for the purpose of facilitating economic development in geographical areas designated by the Council of Economic Advisors as being low income, depressed or labor surplus areas; and (4) make loans for the purpose of financing continued operation of businesses in sectors in need of low cost capital in order to further the national public interest. Provides that the Bank's leading activity will be carried out through regional operating divisions supervised by a three- member panel appointed by the board of directors. Provides that each region will also have an advisory committee of 18 to 25 persons broadly representative of governments and economic groups within the region. Authorizes the Bank to assemble a staff to give technical and economic advice including preliminary assistance with applications to the Bank and general advice during the construction period. Provides for one class of common, voting stock with a $100 par value. Provides that dividends in any one year may not exceed six percent of the value of stock outstanding and must be paid out of net earnings. Capitalizes the Bank at $3,500,000,000 to be provided from the sale of common stock and, if necessary, by purchases by the Treasury Department of the Bank's obligations in yearly amounts of $300,000,000. Authorizes the Bank to sell bonds on the national market in an amount up to 50 times its stated capital to raise monies necessary to finance projects which are applied for by the users of the Bank. Authorizes annual Federal payments to the Bank in an amount sufficient to make up the difference between interest paid by the Bank on its obligations and the interest received from its loans to local governments. Provides for the Federal insurance of bank loans, by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 to establish a revolving fund for this purpose. Provides for an annual audit by the General Accounting Office and a yearly report by the General Accounting Office to the Congress. Excludes from gross income 50 percent of the amounts received as dividends by a stockholder during any taxable year pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. Provides that the United States is not liable for debts, defaults or actions of the Bank other than those specified in this Act. Requires an annual report be submitted to the President and the Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limits such funds as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Agricultural Energy Research Act - Establishes within the Cooperative State Research Service of the Department of Agriculture the "Office of Agriculture Energy Research." Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a Director of Agricultural Energy Research. Directs the Office to carry out a research program designed to increase agricultural and rural energy efficiency by implementing alternative energy source pilot projects and by applying alternative energy developments to specific agricultural and rural uses. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires the Director to allocate appropriated funds on a fair and equitable basis among State agricultural experiment stations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that during the Nation's present economic crisis, and so long as the national unemployment rate remains at 6 percent or more, emergency unemployment compensation programs should be extended to continue benefits for involuntarily unemployed individuals when 25 percent or more of workers entitled to compensation thereunder are unable to find jobs during the period for which they are eligible for benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Petrodollar Reporting Act - Establishes in the Department of the Treasury a Task Force on Petrodollars to be composed of the following: the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, the chairman of the Federal Reserve System, and such other officers as may be designated. Directs the Task Force to: (1) collect data on the investment of foreign exchange earnings by oil exporting countries; (2) examine the effects of the flow of revenue received from abroad by oil exporting nations; and (3) report such findings to the President and the Congress at least four times a year. Authorizes the Chairman to do specified acts in order to carry out the functions of the Task Force.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Family Farm Antitrust Act - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Provides that no person engaged in commerce in a business other than farming, whose nonfarming business assets exceed $3,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products, or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer owned and controlled cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act, if the persons is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Amendments - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish, under the National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Act, a national program for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for projects for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States to establish and maintain adequate public health programs for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for venereal disease surveillance activities and casefinding and case followup activities respecting venereal disease.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Authorizes and directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to construct a replacement Veterans' Administration Hospital in the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Juvenile Delinquency in the Schools Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to curb juvenile delinquency, violence, and vandalism in the public schools. Authorizes appropriations under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Reserves 5 percent of the amounts appropriated for discretionary use by the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for grants to States and the District of Columbia to carry out programs complementary to the purposes of this Act. Reserves up to 3 percent of the amounts appropriated for grants to territories and Indian schools. Requires the remainder of funds to be allocated to local educational agencies within the States according to the following criteria: (1) the financial need of local educational agencies; (2) the extent and impact of delinquency and crime in the schools of the district to be served; and (3) the degree to which the district to receive funds under this Act has established effective procedures for the protection of the constitutional rights of students and employees of the school district affected. Requires recipients to expend not less than fifty percent of funds granted under this Act for educational programs, including renovation of facilities, but not including programs utilizing security technology and personnel. Directs that the remainder of funds appropriated under this Act be expended for activities designed to achieve the purposes of this Act, including utilization of security technology and personnel. Stipulates that no funds may be used to support the introduction, presence, or use of firearms, other weapons, or chemical agents in any school.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Authorizes appropriations for programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Directs the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe such regulations as are necessary to prohibit any pricing practices in the furnishing of any fuel or other form of energy (including electricity) to the ultimate consumer which are regulated by a Federal or State agency and which allow per unit rates to vary inversely with total consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
States that it is the purpose of this Act to insure the free flow of oil in foreign and interstate commerce at the lowest possible price. Revises the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act by providing that on and after October 15, 1975, no person shall import into the United States any crude oil or refined petroleum product unless it has been purchased from the Federal Energy Administration, or manufactured from crude oil purchased from the Administration. Establishes a fine for importation in violation of such requirement. Sets forth the functions of the Administration. States that the Administration shall act as the exclusive agent of the United States in buying and selling petroleum products. Directs the Administration to function without loss or profit. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Administrator to submit to the President, for transmittal to Congress, an annual report which shall include a financial accounting of purchases and sales by the Administration together with recommendations by the Administrator for additional necessary legislation. States that the General Accounting Office shall audit the functions of the Administration under this Act semi-annually and report to the President and Congress. Imposes criminal penalties for the divulgence of information required to be kept secret by this Act. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1924)
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Older Americans Amendments - Title I: Amendments to Older Americans Act of 1965 - Adds a new title, Title VIII, Special Service Programs for the Elderly, to the Older Americans Act. States that it is the purpose of this title to provide elderly persons homemaker and other home services, legal counseling assistance, residential repair and renovation, and home mortgage interest reduction and insurance payments. Provides for disbursement by the State agency on aging of funds allotted to recipients of grants or contracts who agree: (1) to utilize methods of administration, including outreach, that will ensure that the maximum number of elderly persons have an opportunity to participate; and (2) to utilize the advice of persons competent in the field of service involved, of elderly program participants, and of persons knowledgeable about the needs of older persons. Authorizes the appropriation of sums necessary to carry out this title, including sums necessary to make interest reduction payments by the Commissioner on Aging under this title. Provides for the disbursements by the State agency of funds allotted to it to public or private nonprofit organizations which agree to: (1) establish programs to provide elderly persons with homemaker services, reader services, letter writing services, or other services designed to assist such persons in leading a more independent life; (2) establish programs to provide necessary and appropriate legal and other counseling services, including tax counseling and counseling to assist elderly persons living in nursing homes to meet problems and needs arising out of the manner in which such homes are administered, and to train lawyers, lay advocates, and paraprofessional persons; to develop law school curricula and clinical education programs which address the problems and needs of elderly persons; (3) establish programs to make home repairs and renovations necessary for such homes to meet minimum housing standards and to adapt existing housing, or construction of new housing, to meet the needs of elderly persons suffering from physical disabilities; and (4) establish programs to meet the transportation needs of elderly persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make interest reduction payments on behalf of sponsors lowering their effective interest rates on mortgages to 1 percent per year. Requires the sponsor to demonstrate that it is providing a fully comprehensive system of supportive services for elderly persons, and to operate the project in accordance with such requirements with respect to tenant eligibility and rents as the Commissioner may prescribe. Authorizes the Commissioner to insure mortgages meeting the requirements of this part, which include the following: (1) mortgages shall meet the requirement specified in section 221 (Housing for Moderate Income and Displaced Families) of the National Housing Act, except as modified by this part and shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed that necessary to meet the mortgage market; and (2) projects shall comply with such standards and conditions as the Commissioner may prescribe. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into agreements with States which wish to make interest reduction payments, whereby the Commission will administer the payments for the States. Requires that preference be given in such projects to elderly persons whose incomes are within the lowest practicable limits. Older American Community Service Employment Act - States that in order to foster and promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons who are 55 years old and older and who have poor employment prospects, the Secretary of Labor is authorized to establish an Older American Community Service Employment Program. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations, including national organizations, State or local governmental agencies and Indian tribes in order to carry out the purposes of this title. Directs the Secretary to pay not in excess of 90 percent of the cost of any project which meets the conditions specified in this title, except that the Secretary may 100 percent of the cost of emergency or disaster projects or projects located in an economically depressed area. Directs the Secretary to consult with State and local agencies concerning the areas in which community service programs are most needed. Forbids contracts to be entered into under this title with a contractor who is, or whose employees are, exempted from State workmen's compensation law, unless the contractor makes alternative provisions so that employees enjoy coverage equal to that provided by law for covered employment. Authorizes an appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for purposes of this title. Directs the Commissioner to reserve from sums appropriated for any fiscal year, not less than 100 percent nor more than 105 percent of an amount which bears the same ratio to such sums for the fiscal year involved as the population of all Indians aged 60 or over on all Federal or State reservations bears to that same population in all States. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to assist in the training of lawyers, lay advocates, and paraprofessional persons who will: (1) provide legal counseling assistance to older persons; or (2) monitor the administration of any program by any public or private nonprofit institution, organization, or agency, or any State designed to provide assistance or services to older persons, including nursing home programs. Provides that during fiscal years 1975 and 1976, the Secretary of Agriculture shall purchase high protein foods, meat and meat alternates on the open market at prices not in excess of market prices to be used for providing nutritional services in accordance with the provisions of title VII (Nutrition Program for the Elderly) of the Older Americans Act. Authorizes and extends appropriations for various programs under the Older Americans Act, including the National Information and Clearing House for the Aged; the Area Planning and Social Service Programs; the Model Projects; the Transportation, Research and Development, and Multipurpose Centers of Gerontology Programs, the Multipurpose Senior Centers; and the Nutritional Program for the Elderly. Title II: Amendments to Other Laws - Extends through fiscal year 1979 provisions authorizing funds for programs for the elderly under the Adult Education Act and the Higher Education Act of 1965. Extends through fiscal year 1979 authorizations for the Senior Opportunities and Services Programs under the Community Services Act. Requires that the Director of ACTION make grants to State agencies on aging established under the Older Americans Act. Authorizes $24,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $28,800,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $34,560,000 for fiscal year 1979 for the Retired Senior Volunteer Programs provisions of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act. Title III: Prohibition of Discrimination Based on Age - Age Discrimination Act - Provides that no person shall on the basis of age, be excluded from or denied benefits of any program or activity receiving financial assistance. Directs the heads of Federal departments and agencies to achieve compliance with this title by terminating or refusing to grant assistance to any recipient after certain conditions have been met. Provides that whenever the Attorney General of the United States has reason to believe that any person has violated the provisions of this title, he may bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court in order to obtain appropriate relief.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Older Americans Legal Counseling Assistance Act - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging may make grants to public and private nonprofit agencies for establishing or supporting legal counseling assistance programs for older Americans. Limits such grants to projects which: (1) further the just treatment of older Americans through the provision of necessary or appropriate legal and other counseling services and assistance, including counseling to assist older Americans living in nursing homes to meet problems and needs arising from the manner in which such homes are administered, and tax counseling; (2) train lawyers, lay advocates, and paraprofessional persons about the special legal problems confronting older Americans; (3) develop law school curriculums and clinical education programs which address the problems and needs of older Americans; and (4) provides such other information, training, or assistance as may be necessary to meet such problems and needs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Provides that veterans' pension and compensation will not be reduced as a result of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66 or any subsequent cost-of-living adjustment under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Makes Election Day a legal public holiday. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 6103(a))
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
Railroad Rehabilitation and Recovery Act - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Makes congressional findings, sets forth the purposes of the Act, and defines the terms used in the Act. Title II Interstate Railroad System - Requires, within 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, all rail carriers to provide the Secretary of Transportation and the Rail Services Planning Office with copies of the latest edition of all employees' operating timetables; "slow orders" currently in effect; all other current restrictions on train operation; and a statement indicating the maximum speeds authorized on each rail line for freight and passenger trains at all times since January 1, 1935, including the dates between which such speeds were authorized. Requires changes in such information to be forwarded to the Secretary and the Office within seven days. Provides that the initial Interstate Railroad System shall consist of all rail lines operated within the United States by domestic railroad companies which as of the date of enactment of this Act are subject to traffic usage of at least 10,000,000 gross ton-miles per year per mile of rail line. Authorizes, and provides procedures for, additions to, and deletions from, such System. Requires the System to promote and enhance the ability of rail carriers to provide modern, efficient, and economical interstate rail freight and passenger service. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Army to study the long term capital improvement needs of System rights-of-ways. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for such study. Title III: Interstate Railroad Administration - Establishes in the Department of Transportation, the Interstate Railroad Administration. Declares that the function of such Administration shall be to acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, and modernize the rail lines of the System so as to fully develop the potential of modern rail service in meeting the transportation requirements of the Nation. Requires the Administration to make quarterly and annual reports on its activities and finances. Title IV: Acquisition of Rail Lines by Administration and States - Permits any railroad company to convey to the Administration its right, title and interest in all its rail lines included within the System. Directs the Administration to convey rail lines deleted from the System to the State in which such rail line is located. Directs the Administration and the States to assume responsibility for the maintenance and rehabilitation of rail lines so acquired. Establishes within the Treasury a Rail Rehabilitation Trust Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Trust Fund $500,000,000 for each fiscal year through 1981. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to hold the trust fund. Stipulates that amounts in the trust fund shall be available for rehabilitating rail lines in the System in accordance with maintenance standards prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation, and for making grants to the States to rehabilitate State rail lines. Requires rail carriers operating over rail lines of the Administration to pay a specified user charge. Establishes a Rail Maintenance Fund in the Treasury to provide funds for the maintenance of rail lines operated by the administration. Directs that amounts received from the user charge be deposited in the Fund. Title V: Maintenance of and Access to Rail Lines of Railroad Companies - Requires rail lines in the System which are not conveyed to the Administration to be maintained in accordance with specified standards. Prohibits the abandonment of rail lines by railroad carriers without permission from the Interstate Commerce Commission. Title VI: Protection of Employees - Provides that no owner or operator of rail lines shall contract out any project for rehabilitation or maintenance work required by this Act of a value of over $450 per month in labor and materials which is normally performed by employees in any bargaining unit covered by a labor agreement between such owner or operator and any labor organization. Provides for a guarantee of the prevailing wage. Requires that specified protective arrangements be made for railroad employees in any transaction for access to rail lines, transfer of freight traffic, reduction of rail line capacity, or abandonment of rail lines. Title VII: Oversight and Enforcement - Establishes an Advisory Committee to: (1) monitor the activities of the Secretary, Commission, Administration, and States pursuant to this Act; and (2) submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the effectiveness of this Act in achieving its objectives. Makes it unlawful for any State or rail carrier to disobey, disregard, or fail to adhere to the provisions of this Act or standards prescribed under it. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this Act and to perform any other related duties which may be imposed upon him by law. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Exempts persons contracting for the joint use of railroad tracks and facilities from all prohibitions of existing law, including the antitrust laws of the United States, insofar as may be necessary to enable them to enter into such contracts and to perform their obligations thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Solar Tax Incentives Act - Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code, as a credit against the income tax an amount equal to the ordinary and necessary expenses paid during the taxable year for the application of solar energy to the principal residence and/or place of business through the installation of solar heating energy equipment. Limits such credit for residences to 25 percent of any qualified expense not to exceed $2,000 during January 1, 1975, to December 31, 1979, and 15 percent not to exceed $200 during January 1, 1980 through December 31, 1984. Limits such credit in commercial buildings to 12 percent of any qualified expense during January 1, 1975, and December 31, 1979, and 10 percent of any qualified expense during January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1984. Allows as deduction from gross income the amortization for the taxable year based on a period of 60 months for the solar energy equipment installed and capable of normal functioning.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1975
Intergovernmental Countercyclical Assistance Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal Government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal Government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job creation impact of Federal Government public service employment programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to State and local governments to carry out the purposes of this legislation. Authorizes for each of 12 succeeding calendar quarters (beginning with the first calendar quarter after the date of enactment of this Act) $500,000,000 when the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reaches 6 percent plus an additional $250,000,000 for each whole percentage point over 6 percent of the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the preceding calendar quarter. Provides that no funds would be authorized for any calendar quarter during which the national unemployment rate was under 6 percent. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of the authorized funds for distribution to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. Specifies State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of its unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals, with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for the allocation to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments. Provides that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintain basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance under this Act. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal, and accounting for, Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of the Treasury may require and that the Secretary of the Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that labor standards and wage requirements of this Act be complied with; (7) provide that the Act's requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds received under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and to not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. States that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds authorized under this Act. Provides that no fund be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that jurisdiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than 6 percent. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1975
States that it is the policy of the United States to provide humanitarian assistance to help relieve the suffering of refugees and other needy people who are victims of the conflicts in South Vietnam and Cambodia. Requires that the assistance authorized by this Act be provided under the direction and control of the United Nations or under the auspices of voluntary relief agencies. Authorizes appropriations of $200,000,000 for humanitarian assistance to South Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees. Requires the President to transmit to the Congress within 90 days after enactment of this Act a report describing fully and completely: (1) the amount of each type of economic assistance provided under this Act; (2) the expected recipients of such assistance; (3) the names of all organizations and agencies involved in the distribution of such assistance; and (4) the means with which such distribution is carried out.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Modifies the definition of the terms "rural" and "rural area" under the Consolidated farm and Rural Development Act for purposes of loans and grants to community medical facilities under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Authorizes to be appropriated to the President for fiscal year 1975, to remain available until expended, $100,000,000 to provide humanitarian assistance to all people in need in South Vietnam and Cambodia. Stipulates that such assistance shall be provided under the auspices of and by the United Nations and its specialized agencies, or other international organization, or by arrangements with multilateral institutions and private voluntary agencies. Requires that not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate: (1) the names of all agencies and organizations involved in the distribution of such assistance; (2) the means with which such distribution is carried out; and (3) the recipients of such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides that specified submarginal lands of the United States that are now administered by the Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of specified Indian tribes shall be held by the United States in trust for such tribes. Requires that all receipts received prior to the date of enactment of this Act which directly relate to any land conveyed by this Act shall be deposited to the credit of the Indian tribe receiving such land.
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 · 26 March 1975
Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to make loans to grain growers for financing the construction or purchase of suitable storage for dry or high moisture forage, silage, or grain.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Ozone Protection Act - Declares that the release of chlorofluromethane may pose a danger to public health and safety. Provides for a study by the National Academy of Sciences of the nature and likelihood of potential effects on public health and the environment of the discharge of such gas. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to report to the Congress on such potential effects. Provides for a program of standards to limit the emissions of such gas from major sources. Provides for the enforcement of prohibitions upon the manufacture and sale of aerosol spray containers which discharge such gas, including penalties of up to $10,000 in civil fines per day of violation under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture take steps to distribute potato stocks to needy persons at home and abroad under the food assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Emergency Special Public Service Employment and Railroad Improvement Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide, under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, transitional job opportunities and related training for unemployed and underemployed persons and to stimulate and expedite repair and rehabilitation of the Nation's rail transportation network. Authorizes appropriations of $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into arrangements with eligible applicants in order to make financial assistance available for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed and underemployed persons in transitional jobs for improvement of railway lines and facilities, and training and manpower services related to such employment. Requires that preference be given to unemployed persons who are either ineligible for or have exhausted their unemployment insurance benefits. Sets forth provisions governing approval of applications for assistance under the provisions of this Act. Limits the average Federal financial assistance for each public service job to $10,000 per year. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds on an equitable basis, taking into account the severity of unemployment in particular areas and the recommendations of the Secretary of Transportation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to certify to the Secretary particular railroad lines and facilities which are in special need of maintenance, upgrading, or improvement and which can be substantially completed within twelve months after financial assistance is made available. Limits the Federal share of programs funded under this Act to 70 percent. Requires any State or local or regional transportation authority receiving financial assistance under this Act to contribute at least 30 percent of the cost of the program for which Federal assistance is provided. Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to execute an agreement with the eligible applicant which will describe the work to be done, the timetable, and which will provide a mechanism for insuring that the National Railroad Passenger Corporation will receive a reasonable portion of the benefit of the value added to the rail lines or facilities involved.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Provides, under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, that the sale of competitive food in food service facilities during the time of service of food under such Act or the National School Lunch Act may be prohibited even though proceeds from such sales will inure to the benefit of the schools. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make cash grants to the education department of each State for the purpose of providing funds to local school districts and private nonprofit school systems for the establishment of courses in nutrition education. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as the Congress considers necessary to carry out such purpose. Allows the Secretary to distribute funds directly to the school systems when the State education agency is unable to do so. Directs the Secretary to withhold not less than one percent of such funds in order to carry out research and development projects in nutritional information.
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 · 21 March 1975
Provides, under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, for the extension of specified provisions for an additional 20 years. Makes permanent the ban against requiring compliance with tests and devices as a prerequisite to voting.