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United States · Official source
7,990 records where Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1975
Provides a 15-percent tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for net new investment (defined as qualified investment in excess of the average qualified investment during the three previous taxable years).
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1975
Revises rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the United States Senate to provide for the consideration of amendments submitted to the Presiding Officer prior to a cloture vote.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that every person has a right to an adequate diet. Provides that recognition of this right should guide United States policy. Seeks to have all who are in need receive help through food assistance programs. Calls for this country to increase its assistance for self-help development among the world's poorest nations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1975
Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments - Defines "special immigrants" to include immediate relatives. Provides special immigrant status to aliens performing duties related to the religious activities of a religious denomination. Establishes a worldwide ceiling of 300,000 immigrants annually, exclusive of special immigrants, to become operative on July 1, 1978, who may be lawfully admitted to the United States. Extends the present 20,000 annual limitation on immigration from any one country in the Eastern Hemisphere to Western Hemisphere countries, with the exceptions that Canada and Mexico are given a maximum of 35,000 each. Provides that the preference system shall become operative on a worldwide basis simultaneously with the effective date of the world ceiling. States that in the interim the preference system shall operate separately in each hemisphere. Alters preference system category percentages: (1) the percentage of first preference (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens) is changed from 20 to 10; (2) expands the second preference to include parents of permanent resident aliens and increases the percentage from 20 to 24; (3) increases the percentage of third preference (members of professions or persons of exceptional ability in the sciences and arts) from 10 to 12; (4) decreases the fifth preference (brothers and sisters of the U.S. citizens) percentage from 24 to 20; (5) increases the percentage of sixth perference (skilled and unskilled workers in short supply) from 10 to 12; and (6) increases the percentage of the seventh preference from 6 to 12 and defines the term "alien refugee" as any alien who is outside the country of his nationality or who, not having a nationality, is outside the country of his habitual residence, and who is unable or unwilling to return to such country because of persecution or well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, or who has been uprooted by catastrophic natural calamity or military operations. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to parole into the country additional numbers of refugees in times of emergency, if he determines it to be in the public interest. Provides a permanent authority to adjust the status of refugee parolees to that of permanent residence. Sets forth the procedures for such action. Regulates the flow of employable commuter aliens from Canada and Mexico. Removes the renewal provision for re-entry permits, and extends their validity from one to three years. Provides for the naturalization of persons over 50 years who have been living in the United States for at least 10 years. Establishes a temporary program to facilitate the adjustment of status of certain nonimmigrant aliens in the Virgin Islands. Establishes a temporary program making additional immigrant visas available to specified countries disadvantaged in the transition from the national origins system to the first-come, first-served system, established by the Immigration Act of October 3, 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1975
Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code, an additional income tax equal to 10 percent of the amount (if any) by which the sum of the items of tax preference exceeds $10,000.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the efforts in Portugal to secure democracy in that country should be supported by the United States. Directs the Administration to submit to Congress its recommendations for ways in which the United States might provide support to a democratic Portugal.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Authorizes and directs the Consolidated Rail Corporation, pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, to establish and clearly define branch line management functions, explicitly providing for the operation and marketing of rail branch line services for branch lines acquired and operated by the Corporation. Increases the Federal share of rail service assistance funds authorized for any project pursuant to this Act to 100 percent of the cost during the first year; 90 percent during the second and third years; 80 percent during the fourth year; and 70 percent during the fifth year. Expands the provisions for eligibility for rail service assistance funds (formerly "rail service continuation subsidies"). States that rail freight services shall be eligible for such funds if they are: (1) rail services which are not to be continued under the final system plan; (2) rail services which have been substantially aided or operated by a State agency or other public body; or (3) specified abandoned rail services. Provides funds to States for railroad planning purposes. Requires recipients of funds under this Act to maintain records to provide an accounting of such funds. Authorizes the Secretary and the Comptroller General to audit such records. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out the purposes of this section for each of the five fiscal years including and following the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Consolidated Rail Corporation, or the most appropriate railroad, to acquire and operate rail lines which had been operated under rail service continuation subsidies; and which have revenues equal to or in excess of avoidable costs plus return on investment for two sequential years.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Disapproves the deferral of specified budget authority relating to rural water and waste disposal grants as proposed by the President to the Congress on July 26, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Disapproves the deferral of specified budget authority relating to rural housing for domestic farm labor grants as proposed by the President on July 26, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Disapproves the deferral of specified budget authority relating to mutual and self-help housing grants as proposed by the President on July 26, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1975
Provides that in the case of the death of an individual, there shall be taken into account in computing taxable income for the taxable period in which falls the date of his death, the gains and losses which would have been realized and taken into account in computing taxable income (of the decedent or some other person) if all the property (other than property excluded under this Act) required to be included in determining the value of the decedent's gross estate had been sold immediately before his death at the estate tax fair market value to the person to whom the property passes. States that this provision shall not apply unless the aggregate fair market value of property includible in the gross estate exceeds $60,000. Enumerates items of property to be excluded for purposes of imposition of such tax, including: (1) life insurance policies on life of decedent; (2) items of gross income in respect of a decedent; (3) particular joint and survivor annuity policies; and (4) stock or stock options includible in gross income under other Code provisions. Provides that the net amount of gain or loss to be recognized, after exclusions, shall be decreased (but not below zero) by $10,000. States that the character of gain or loss recognized under this Act shall be long-term capital gain or loss. Provides for a phase-in of a 10-year period after which the tax attributable to amounts recognized by reason of the application of this Act shall not exceed 10 times the increase in tax which would result from the inclusion in the taxpayer's gross income of amounts equal to 10 percent of long and short-term capital gain. States that, in the case of an individual, there shall be taken into account in computing taxable income for the taxable year, the gains and losses which would have been realized and taken into account in computing taxable income of such individual if the property (other than property excluded by this Act) transferred by gift during the taxable year had been sold immediately before such transfer at its fair market value to the donee. Provides that the above provision shall not apply unless the aggregate fair market value of property transferred by gift, after September 30, 1975, exceeds $30,000. Provides that the basis of property acquired by gift shall be increased by the amount of tax paid by reason of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1975
Federal Taxpayers' Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and the Service during an audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal any adverse decision of the Service (including administrative and judicial appeals); (3) the procedures for prosecuting refund claims and filing of taxpayer complaints; and (4) the procedures which the Service may use in enforcing the internal revenue laws (including assessment, jeopardy assessment, levy and distraint, and enforcement of liens). Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an office to be known as the Office of Taxpayer Services to be under the supervision and direction of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue who shall assist taxpayers in obtaining easily understandable tax information and answering questions on tax liability, among other functions. States that, upon application filed by a taxpayer with the Office of Taxpayer Services, in such form, manner, and at such time as the Secretary or his delegate shall by regulations prescribe, the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services may issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Assistant Commissioner, the taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary or his delegate. Authorizes the President of the Legal Services Corporation to establish Taxpayer Representation Offices in four cities selected by such President for purposes of providing legal assistance to individuals in connection with: (1) any audit by the Service of any return made by or on behalf of the individual with respect to any tax imposed by chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or (2) an assessment or collection from any such individual of any tax imposed by such chapter. Provides for show cause hearings with respect to jeopardy assessments and termination of taxable years. Increases the monetary value of specified items to be exempt from levy. Provides criminal penalties (a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment for up to 2 years or both) for investigations into or surveillance over the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization which are not directly related to such revenue laws. Provides a civil cause of action for damages or an injunction, or both, for such violations. Prohibits inspection of tax returns pursuant to a criminal investigation unless a search warrant has issued upon probable cause to believe that no alternative source of necessary information is available. Provides rules for civil investigation related to: (1) payment of Social Security and Railroad Retirement taxes; (2) pension administration; (3) census information; (4) enforcement of taxpayers' rights under this Act; (5) inspection by States; (6) inspection by Committees of Congress; and (7) disclosure to persons having substantial interest (agents of partnerships and corporations, and shareholders of corporations). Provides a civil action for damages for unauthorized disclosure of tax information.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1975
Restores posthumously full rights of citizenship to Eugene Victor Debs retroactive to April 12, 1919.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to revise the framework of collective bargaining in the construction industry. Creates, in the Department of Labor, the Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Committee comprised of ten management representatives, ten labor representatives, and up to three neutral members, appointed by the President. Provides that one of the neutral members shall be appointed Chairman. Requires that the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor shall be ex officio members. Provides that the management, labor, and neutral members shall be appointed after consultation with the national organizations. Requires local labor organizations affiliated with the standard labor organizations in the industry to give 60 days notice to their national unions before the expiration or reopening of agreements, and contractors or associations engaged in collective bargaining with them are similarly required to notify either the national organizations with which they are affiliated, or the Committee directly if there is no national affiliation. Directs standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations engaged in collective bargaining to forward such notices to the Committee. Authorizes the Committee to take jurisdiction of the matter, in which case any strike or lockout is deferred for up to 30 days past the expiration or reopening date. Allows the Committee to decide to refer a matter to a national craft board or to the national machinery established by a branch of the industry, on which national unions and national contractor associations are represented, in an effort to assist the parties to reach agreement. Authorizes the Committee to elect to meet with the parties itself. Provides that the Committee may request the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations whose members are directly involved to participate in the negotiations. Directs that in that event, any new or revised collective bargaining agreement shall be approved by the standard national construction labor organization with which the local labor organization, or other subordinate body, is affiliated in order for the agreement to be of any force or effect. Prescribes that in the event the standard national labor organization or national contractor association participates in such negotiation, it shall not suffer any criminal or civil liability arising out of such participation; nor shall the standard national labor organization be subject to any civil or criminal liability arising out of its approval, or failure to approve, a collective bargaining agreement. Specifies the standards which the Committee shall take into account in taking jurisdiction of a matter and requesting the participation of the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations. Authorizes the Committee to make studies of collective bargaining in the industry and to make general recommendations with regard to negotiating structures, improvement of productivity, stability of employment, differentials among branches of the industry, dispute settlement procedures, and other related matters. Provides that this Act shall run for a term of five years. Directs the Committee to submit annual reports to the Congress and, six months in advance of the five-year limit, the Committee shall make recommendations with regard to the extension of the legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day."
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare should withdraw its proposed Consolidated Procedural Rules for Administration and Enforcement of the Department's statutory responsibilities. States that if additional positions are required for enforcement of Civil Rights laws such need should be brought to the attention of the Senate. Directs the Office of Civil Rights to continue to make efforts to detect systematic discrimination including those areas relating to discrimination based on sex and handicap.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Family Research Act - Authorizes a program of research to help better understand, identify and prevent pressures on families; to be carried out, under the supervision and direction of the Secretary of Agriculture, through State agricultural experiment stations and land-grant colleges of the United States and by other qualified and nonprofit agencies and organizations. Sets up procedures to be followed in making initial research grants. Provides that each land grant college submitting a research project approved by the Secretary shall be entitled to an initial grant of $100,000. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,100,000 for fiscal year 1976 and the three succeeding fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to land grant colleges after specified requirements are met. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for 1976; $12,000,000 for 1977; $14,000,000 for 1978; and $16,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 for the purpose of making supplemental grants. Requires that in order to be eligible for such grants under this Act the institutions concerned must expend, on the same general type of research for which funds are made available, an amount at least equal to the amount of funds such institution averaged spending on such type of research in the three calendar years before this Act was enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Directs the Department of Labor, in cooperation with the Department of Commerce, to study the feasibility and cost of developing and publishing monthly a nationwide unemployment rate among Americans of Spanish origin or descent. Directs such departments and the Department of Agriculture to each collect, and regularly publish, statistics which indicate the social and economic condition of Americans of Spanish origin or descent. Requires the Department of Commerce to provide for the use of bilingual questionnaires in the collection of data required by this Act. Requires such department to implement an aggressive affirmative action program within the Census Bureau for the employment of personnel of Spanish origin or descent.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Makes permanent the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided thereunder to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1975
Makes permanent specified amendments to the Internal Revenue effected by the Tax Reduction Act of 1975, including: (1) the increase from $50,000 to $100,000 on the dollar limitation on used property; (2) the increase in the corporate surtax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000; and (3) the reduction in the normal corporate tax rate from 22 percent to 20 percent on the first $25,000 of net income.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Prohibits the importation of Rhodesian chrome so long as United Nations' sanctions against Rhodesia are in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Competition Improvements Act - Declares the findings of Congress that the private enterprise system and a free market economy are fundamental to the Nation and that anticompetitive behavior in regulated industries caused by policies of Federal departments and agencies have had significant adverse effects on the national economy. States that it is the purpose of this Act to strengthen and facilitate the application of antitrust and pro competitive policies by Federal departments and agencies. Prohibits Federal agencies from taking action inconsistent with the antitrust laws except in specified circumstances. Provides for the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to advise the agencies on the validity of exceptions to this Act. Provides for hearings on proposed actions; the anticompetitive aspects of which are in doubt. Provides for judicial relief of parties with complaints concerning actions by agencies which are contrary to the provisions of this Act. Requires Federal departments and agencies to insure the integration of antitrust law and policy in all activities which may have an impact on competition. Directs all Federal departments and agencies to make detailed competitive impact statements to accompany all proposals for legislation. Enumerates items to be analyzed in the preparation of such statements. Requires such statements to be submitted to the President, to Congress, and to the public. Requires each Federal department and agency to review its statutory authority, administrative regulations, policies, practices and procedures to determine whether they contain any deficiencies or inconsistencies which may prevent full compliance with the purpose of this Act. Requires the departments and agencies to recommend such measures to the President and to the Congress, as may be necessary, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to report annually to the President and to Congress on the state of competition in those industries subject to its regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Prescribes the conditions pursuant to which States may continue eligibility for payments under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income Benefits) of the Social Security Act. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not discontinue payments to a State not meeting one of such conditions if the level of benefits provided by such State is not significantly lower than the level which would obtain if the requirements were fully met.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an outreach program under title XVI (Grants to the States for Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to assure that potentially eligible recipients of supplemental security income benefits will be fully informed of the availability of such benefits and the steps to be taken in obtaining them. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Children's Dental Health Act - Title I: Dental Health Projects - Provides grants for children's dental health projects under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 to make grants to State and other health agencies for projects for dental care and services for children of preschool and school age. States that such projects shall include corrective, followup, and preventive services as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Declares that such grants may be utilized for research, demonstrations, or experimentation intended to develop new methods for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of dental problems, or the payment of dental care. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for grants to assist in developing in communities or in public schools, water treatment programs designed to reduce the incidence of oral disease or dental defects. States that the President shall appoint a seven-member Dental Advisory Committee to assist the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in reporting to the President annually on the progress of the programs established by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local educational agencies and other institutions to support demonstration projects with respect to dental health education and dental health projects. States that such projects may include projects: (1) for the development of teacher training in the dental health area and dental health education; (2) for the development of nutrition and dietary education methods related to dental health; and (3) for the development of more effective methods of educating the general public with respect to dental health. Directs the Secretary to evaluate programs assisted by such grants. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act through fiscal year 1977. Title II: Other Federal Programs - Provides for the allocation of funds appropriated for the purposes of this Act to programs of dental health: (1) for migrant health; (2) community health centers; and (3) Indian health.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
National Workers' Compensation Act - Declares the findings of Congress that existing State workers' compensation laws are inadequate and that basic, national minimum requirements for State workers' compensation laws must be mandated and enforced by Congress for the protection of workers who are injured, or killed, or who contract diseases in the course of their employment. States that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to establish minimum workers' compensation laws; (2) to establish procedures for their enforcement; and (3) to assist the States in improving existing workers' compensation systems in order to provide a uniform system of compensation, and to restore disabled workers to the fullest possible physical, mental, and economic usefulness through medical and vocational rehabilitation services. Defines the terms used in this Act. States that this Act applies to all employers and all employees. Enumerates the States in which an injured employee or the survivors of a deceased employee may claim benefits when injury or death occurred during the work-related travel of the employee. Enumerates workers' compensation benefits for any employee who becomes disabled or the survivor of any employee who dies due to any injury arising out of and in the course of employment. Sets forth the time limits for filing claims under this Act. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to undertake a study of diseases related to employment, and recommend standards for determining: (1) whether such disease arose out of employment; and (2) whether death or disease was due to such employment. Sets forth administrative requirements for State workers' compensation agencies. Includes requirements: (1) that a single State agency be designated for administering workers' compensation law throughout the State; (2) that such agency maintain a rehabilitation services unit; and (3) that the hiring of qualified handicapped workers be encouraged. Provides for adjudication of disputed compensation cases in Federal district courts when the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enforce the provisions of this Act through action in the Federal district courts. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated through fiscal year 1978 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the program of grants. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop and maintain a program of collection and analyses of workers' compensation statistics. Grants access to books, documents, papers and records of any grantee under this Act to the Secretary of Labor and the Comptroller General. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress on the subject matter of this Act. Establishes the National Workers' Compensation Advisory Commission. Defines the composition of the group. Directs the Commission to monitor the progress of the States in implementing the provisions of the Act and to advise the Secretary of compliance or noncompliance by the States, and to make recommendations for improving workers' compensation programs including recommendations for determining the compensation payable for permanent partial disability. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Emergency Mortgage Relief Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make emergency mortgage relief payments to mortgagees on behalf of distressed homeowners. Sets forth as conditions for making such payments: (1) the holder of the mortgage has indicated an intention to foreclose; (2) mortgage payments have been delinquent for at least two months; (3) the mortgagor has incurred a substantial reduction in income as result of involuntary unemployment or underemployment due to adverse economic conditions and is financially unable to make the full payments; (4) there is a reasonable prospect that the mortgager will be able to make the adjustments necessary for a full resumption of mortgage payments; and (5) the mortgaged property is the principal residence of the mortgagor. States that mortgage relief payments may be made in amounts up to $250 per month for up to twelve months with an extension of up to an additional twelve months. States that the payments shall be repayable with an annual interest rate not exceeding eight percent. Directs the Secretary and the Federal supervisory agencies with respect to financial institutions to take steps to encourage forebearance in residential mortgage loan foreclosures, and to request all mortgagees to give such agencies at least 30 days notice prior to instituting foreclosure proceedings. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this Act not to exceed $500,000,000. States that mortgage relief payments shall not be made after July 1, 1976. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within sixty days after enactment and at sixty-day intervals thereafter on the actions taken under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Provides that specified publications of institutions of higher education shall continue to qualify as second-class mail. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3626)
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Social Security Cost-of-Living Improvement Act - Provides for a second annual cost-of-living increase in Federal old-age, survivors, and disability benefits under the Social Security Act. Defines the base periods from which the need for such increases shall be determined. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a special Consumer Price Index for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Industrial Reorganization Act - Title I: Possession of Monopoly Power - Declares it to be unlawful for any corporation or two or more corporations, whether by agreement or not, to possess monopoly power in any line of commerce in any section of the country or with foreign nations. Sets forth the conditions under which there shall be a rebuttable presumption that monopoly power is possessed. Requires that in those instances not covered by the provisions of this Act, the burden to prove the the possession of a monopoly power shall lie on the Industrial Reorganization Commission established under this Act. Sets forth those conditions under which a corporation shall not be required to divest monopoly power. Title II: Industrial Reorganization Commission - Defines the terms used in this title. Establishes as an independent agency the Industrial Reorganization Commission. Provides for such Commission to be directed by a Commissioner appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Stipulates that the Office of Management and Budget shall not inspect, examine or audit the records or work of the Commission. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct such reviews and audits of the Commission as he deems necessary. Directs the Commission to study the structure, performance, and control of each of the following industries: (1) chemicals and drugs; (2) electrical machinery and equipment; (3) electronic computing and communication equipment; (4) energy; (5) iron and steel; (6) motor vehicles; and (7) nonferrous metals. Directs the Commission to report to the Congress not later than September 30 in each odd-numbered year with respect to the status of each study undertaken under this title, together with such recommendations, including recommendations for legislation, as it deems necessary. Provides that such legislative recommendations may include, but are not limited to, amendments to the antitrust laws, the Internal Revenue Code, the patent laws, and the National Labor Relations Act. Directs the Commission to prescribe violations of title I of this Act. Requires that the Commission shall terminate its operations 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and that the functions, jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the Commission shall be transferred to the Federal Trade Commission. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this title. Title III: Establishment of Industrial Reorganization Court - Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a chief judge and 14 associate judges who shall constitute a court of record known as the United States Industrial Reorganization Court. Declares that such court is established under article III of the Constitution of the United States. Makes provision for single-judge trials; except that three judges may be designated to hear and determine any civil action which the chief judge finds: (1) raises an issue of the constitutionality of an Act of Congress, a proclamation of the President, or an Executive order; or (2) has broad or significant implications in the administration or interpretation of this Act. Provides that the Court shall have original jurisdiction to hear and determine all complaints and proposed orders or reorganizations filed by the Commission under title I of this Act. Allows corporation or corporations to, within 60 days from the entry of judgment, file a reorganization. Provides that the Court shall conduct a proceeding to determine whether or not the proposed order or orders of reorganization would restore effective competition. States that the Court shall then enter an order of reorganization to effectuate the purposes of this Act. Provides that appeal from any final order of the Court will lie only to the Supreme Court. Limits the scope of review on appeal to: (1) whether or not the Court proceeded correctly under the provisions of this title; and (2) whether or not the findings of fact of the Court are supported by substantial evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1975
National Nutrition Education Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to encourage the provision of nutrition education programs in the classrooms and lunchrooms of elementary and secondary schools by establishing a system of grants for teacher training, pilot and demonstration projects, and the development of comprehensive nutrition education programs. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State educational agencies and institutions of higher education for teacher training with respect to the provision of nutrition education programs in schools. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $12,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the provision of grants. Provides that the Commissioner may make grants to State and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other public or private nonprofit education or research agencies, institutions, or organizations to pay the cost of pilot demonstration projects in elementary and secondary schools with respect to nutrition education and nutrition-related problems. States that the Commissioner may make grants to State education agencies to pay the Federal share of the cost of developing and carrying out nutrition education programs in elementary and secondary schools within each State. Sets forth criteria to be followed in applying for grants under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to render technical assistance to local education agencies, through qualified staff members having expertise in nutrition, health education, school food services, home economics, dietetics, and physical education, to public and private nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education for the development and implementation of education programs with respect to nutrition education and nutrition-related problems. Stipulates that in order to be eligible for assistance under this Act a State shall appoint a State coordinator for nutrition education. Directs the State coordinator for each State to develop, prepare, and furnish to the Commissioner a comprehensive plan for nutrition education within that State. Establishes in the Office of Education in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a National Nutrition Education Resources Center. Sets forth the functions of the Center, including the following: (1) to collect and create curriculum materials relevant to nutrition education, including, but not limited to, the integration of nutrition education materials into all subject matter at the elementary and secondary education levels; and (2) to collect information and materials relating to nutrition education and maintain such information and materials in a library for the use of State coordinators and other interested persons. Authorizes appropriations of up to $2,000,000 per fiscal year to establish and maintain the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments - Prohibits creditors from discriminating against consumer applicants for credit on the basis of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, political affiliation, receipt of public assistance benefits, or the exercise of rights under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act or any other provision of law. Requires creditors to give each consumer applicant a statement of reasons for credit denial or termination. Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate enforcement actions under such Act on his own or at the request of other enforcement agencies. Changes the ceiling for private class action recoveries of punitive damages from the lesser of $100,000 or 1 percent of the creditors net worth to the greater of $50,000 or 1 percent of net worth.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Conversion of Abandoned Railroad Rights-of-Way Act - Declares the purpose of this Act is to modify the Interstate Commerce Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program for development of railroad rights-of-way for use of transportation by bicycle. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with Federal, State and local authorities, to identify those railroad rights- of-way, on which rail service has been permanently terminated, is scheduled for termination, or is likely of termination and which are potentially suitable for public recreational use. Describes recreational use to include: (1) inclusion in the National Trails System; (2) utilization by a State, regional, or local entity for use as a State administered bikeway, walkway, or similar facility. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance for the conversion of such railroad rights-of-ways to such recreational uses. Authorizes $25,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal year 1976 and the next two fiscal years to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any interception of communication, other electronic surveillance, surreptitious entry, mail opening, or the inspection of and procuring of the records of telephone, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions, of any individual without a court order issued upon probable cause that a crime has been or is about to be committed, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Provides that whoever, being an officer, agent, or employee of the united States or any department or agency thereof, willfully: (1) searches any private dwelling used and occupied as a dwelling without a warrant directing such search or malicously and without reasonable cause searches any other building or property without a search warrant; (2) procures or inspects the records of telephone calls, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions of any individual without a search warrant or the consent of the individual; (3) opens any foreign or domestic mail not directed to him without a search warrant directing such opening or without the consent of the sender or addressee of such mail; or (4) intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept any wire or oral communication except as authorized by law; shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Requires that within 30 days after the date of an order authorizing or approving the intereception of a wire or oral communication (or each extension thereof) entered under authority of law, or the denial of an order approving an interecption, the person seeking such order shall report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representatives: (1) the fact that an order or extension was applied for; (2) the kind of order or extension applied for; (3) the fact that the order or extension was granted as applied for, was modified, or was denied; (4) the period of interceptions authorized by the order, and the number and duration of any extensions of the order; (5) the names of all parties to the intercepted communications; (6) the offense specified in the order or application; (7) the identity of the investigative or law enforcement officer and agency making the application and the person authorizing the application to be made; (8) a copy of the court order authorizing, approving, or denying such interception; and (9) the nature of the facilities from which or the place where communications were intercepted. Specifies that reports be made within 90 days after the date of an order approving the interception of a wire or oral communication on the disposition of all records of any such interception and the identity of and action taken by all individual who had access to any such interception. Sets forth reporting requirements in the case of warrants issued authorizing the opening of mail.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Energy Information Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes and defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: National Energy Information Administration - Creates as an independent agency of the Federal Government the National Energy Information Administration, to be headed by an Administrator. Provides that the function of the Administration shall be the collection, tabulation, comparison, analysis, standardization, and dissemination of energy information pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to coordinate exisitng energy information collection activities of all Federal agencies. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress and the President a plan for the consolidation of the energy information activities of the Federal Government. Provides for the imposition of criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of, or theft of, non-public energy information. Title II: National Energy Information System - Directs the Administrator to establish a National Energy Information system which shall be operated and maintained by the Administration. Provides that such System shall contain such information as is required (1) to provide a description of and facilitate analysis of energy supply and consumption within and affecting the United States on the basis of such geographic areas and economic sectors as may be appropriate and (2) to meet adequately the needs of the Congress and of those Federal agencies which are responsible for energy policy analysis and formulation and for energy regulation. Requires major energy producing companies to file annual financial reports with the Administrator. Requires major energy consuming companies to file annual energy consumption reports, including the amounts and types of energy used, with the Administrator. Provides that the information collected pursuant to this Act shall be made public except where such information: (1) constitutes a trade secret; (2) would substantially harm the company that supplied it if disclosed; (3) was obtained from a Federal, State or local agency on a confidential basis; and (4) was classified for national security on foreign policy reasons. Authorizes the Administrator to delay the disclosure of geological information. Provides that only Federal employees having official use for such information shall have access to the information in the non-public catergories listed above. Title III: Energy Resources Surveys and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis a survey of all mineral fuel resources and nonmineral energy resources in the public lands of the United States. Stipulates that such survey program shall be designed to provide information about the location, extent, value, and characteristics of such resources. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Directs the Comptroller General to continuously monitor and evaluate the activities and operations of the Administration. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Energy Information Administration and the Department of the Interior such amounts as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such agencies by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should make every effort to present proposals, during the forthcoming seventh special session of the United Nations General Assembly, which will respond to the need to develop a new global economic agreement drawing together economic needs and interests of many countries.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension on underground nuclear testing to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from underground testing, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear tests.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1975
Declares under the Internal Revenue Code that a limited partner shall be treated as sharing a partnership liability only to the extent that he has individual liability with respect to such partnership liability.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act - Requires the licensing of all clinical laboratories, as defined by this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue such licenses. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate licensing authority to the States, providing the Secretary determines that State standards meet or exceed Federal standards. Sets forth the standards that must be met by clinical laboratories in order to receive and maintain the license required by this Act. Provides that such standards shall be designed to assure consistently accurate laboratory procedures and service. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Clinical Laboratories. Declares that the purpose of such Office shall be to centralize the laboratory regulatory functions authorized by this Act and to assume responsibility for the laboratory component of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Creates an advisory council to advise the Office with respect to guidelines for laboratory licensing, personnel, and performance standards. Provides that no grant or reimbursement which the Secretary is authorized to make, or contract which he is authorized to award, whether to or for any health care facility, including but not limited to health maintenance organizations, hospitals, skilled nursing or intermediate care facilities, or in connection with the procurement and reimbursement for clinical laboratory services shall be entered into unless the laboratory meets the standards established by the Secretary. Provides for grants and technical assistance to those States which desire to establish State licensing procedures and regulations for development, administration, and enforcement purposes. Provides that any person who willfully violates any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder shall be subject to imprisonment for not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to be composed of specified Cabinet members and Directors of government agencies. Specifies the duties of the Council, including the duty to assist communities, industries, and employees which may be substantially and seriously affected to make adjustment to closure and reduction of bases or cancellation or reduction of defense contracts. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Authorizes the Council to allocate economic development funds appropriated to Federal agencies to communities which would be substantially and seriously affected by reduction or elimination of Government military contracts. Title III: Industrial Economic Adjustment - Requires defense contractors to undertake planning and preparation for the employment of the personnel and utilization of the facilities employed on a contract after its completion. Authorizes the Chairman of the Council to provide assistance to defense and nonprofit contractors on conversion to nondefense industry, and appropriates $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for such purpose. Specifies the criteria for assigning priorities among economic projects applying for support under this Act. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Fund - Requires payment to the Council of one-half of one percent of the amount of any defense contract for funding of the Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund to be established in the Treasury. Provides for the return of unexpended moneys of a contractor in the fund if all of his obligations under this Act have been discharged and he has not contracted with the Federal government to furnish defense materials within 24 months. Title V: Economic Adjustment Assistance For Workers - Provides for the payment of economic adjustment benefits to workers or nonprofit contractors who have been displaced from private defense facilities for 2 years following such displacement. Provides that such assistance shall include up to 80 percent of weekly wages, maintenance of insurance coverages, vested pension credit, and retraining. Conditions the eligibility of workers for such benefits upon maintenance of registration with the Secretary of Labor and an agreement to accept employment determined by the Secretary of Labor to be suitable.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Requests the Chief Justice of the United States to appear before a joint session of Congress to report on the state of the Judiciary.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants, for programs aimed at reducing unemployment and at repairing, rehabilitating, or improving essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants for projects that involve the repair, rehabilitation or improvement of railroad roadbeds and facilities that best fulfill specified objectives. Provides that such grants shall be expended for the payment of wages. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for materials and equipment assistance, upon assurances that other financing is not available. Sets forth guidelines and procedures for grant and other financial assistance applications. Sets forth employment priorities applicable to projects financed under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $600,000,000 for the payment of wages, $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance, and $7,000,000 for administrative expenses, to remain available for obligation until December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Makes the following changes in title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) to: (1) eliminates the special dependency requirements for entitlement to husband's and widower's insurance benefits; (2) provides benefits for widowed fathers with minor children; (3) provides that benefits for husbands, widowers, and fathers will be payable on the same basis as benefits for wives, widows, and mothers; (4) permits the payment of benefits to a married couple on their combined earnings record where that method of computation provides a higher combined benefit; and (5) provides eligibility for unmarried divorced husbands of insured individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Disallows under the Internal Revenue Code any deduction for any expense incurred for the transportation of any person by commercial airplane in excess of the coach class fare ticket as determined by the Civil Aeronautics Board.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Amendments - Authorizes funds for the provision of emergency jobs under the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, the amount of such funds to be reduced as the national rate of unemployment falls below specified levels for three consecutive months.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Provides that priority for local lead elimination programs financed through the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act shall go to homes in which reside children with lead-based paint poisoning. Provides for the reduction of the amount of lead allowed in paint to 0.06 percent by weight. Authorizes appropriations for programs under such Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Childhood Lead Based Paint Poisoning Advisory Board to advise the Secretary a policy relating to the administration by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Public Intervenors Assistance Act - Directs the Atomic Energy Commission to pay the legal and technical expert fees of public intervenors in nuclear power licensing proceedings. Provides that the amount paid, if any, shall be determined after consideration of the following eligibility factors: (1) the extent to which the participation of the party contributed to the development of facts, issues, and arguments relevant to the hearing or proceeding; and (2) the ability of the party to pay its own expenses. Directs the Commission to establish a maximum amount to be allocated to each hearing or agency proceeding and to apportion that amount amoung the parties seeking reimbursement of costs. Directs the Commission to determine a party's eligibility for reimbursement prior to the commencement of a hearing or proceeding, whenever possible.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Redefines the purposes of the Food for Peace Program established by the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act to require that agricultural assistance under such program, if used to promote the foreign policy of the United States, not interfere with the humanitarian purposes of the program. Prohibits the Commodity Credit Corporation from financing the sale and export of agricultural commodities for any exporter or to any country if the sale and export of such commodities would, in any way, be inimical to the interests of the United States. Requires the President to take precautions to avoid disrupting the agricultural production of countries receiving assistance under such Act. Requires the President to assure that free and open competition is maintained in contracting for goods and services under such Act. Increases from 5 percent to 10 percent the amount of the purchase price of agricultural commodities sold under such Act which must be payable in dollars. Directs the President to obtain commitments from countries purchasing commodities that appropriate steps will be taken to assure that the neediest individuals in such countries will have reasonable access to all or part of the agricultural commodities made available to such countries under such Act. Repeals the authority of the President to utilize foreign currencies acquired through the sale of commodities under such Act to procure equipment and services for the common defense including internal security. Repeals the present requirement that countries be engaged in self-help measures designed to increase agricultural production before they can receive assistance under the Food for Peace Program. States that the criteria for designating a country for an agricultural assistance program under such Act shall be determined solely on the basis of specified factors, including: (1) the humanitarian need for external resources to improve the marketing, distribution, and storage system of such country and the need to increase the access of the neediest individuals of such country to available food supplies and to increase the productivity of the small farmer of such country; and (2) the overall level of the economic development of each country. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, not later than March 31, 1976, to announce an annual volume of food commodities to be made available for humanitarian food assistance under such Act for each of the five fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the announcement is made. Stipulates that the volume for each such fiscal year shall be not less than 60 percent of the average annual volume of food assistance made available under such Act for the previous five years. Prohibits a commodity from being made available under the Food for Peace Program if such disposition would reduce the domestic supply of such commodity below that needed to meet domestic requirements, adequate carryover, and anticipated exports for dollars as determined by tthe Secretary of Agriculture at the time of exportation of such commodity, except that if the President determines that any part of the exportable supply should be used to carry out the humanitarian objectives of such program, he may allocate any such portion of such supply for distribution. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to submit annual reports to the Congress on estimated grain shortages around the world and a projection of the value and type of commodities to be provided under the Food for Peace Program in order to meet such shortages. Establishes a Food Assistance Advisory Group. Adds a new title to the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act. Establishes under this title a Foreign Emergency and Disaster Relief Reserve to be composed of at least one million metric tons of cereals equivalent. Directs that dispersal of stocks from such reserve shall be made only when the Secretary of Agriculture determines that a catastrophe reduces the availability of food supplies in a country to a level insufficient to meet the minimal requirements necessary to avoid widespread starvation and human suffering.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall elect two Senators and the number of Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State. States that each Senator or Representative so elected shall be an inhabitant of the District and shall possess the same qualifications as to age and citizenship and have the same rights, privileges, and obligations as a Senator or Representative from a State.