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United States · Official source
2,103 records where Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Voting Rights Act Amendments - Provides, under the Voting Rights Act, that no citizen shall be denied the right to Vote because of failure to comply with any test or device unless the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has determined that no such test or device has been used during the 15 years (previously 10 years) preceding the filing of an action.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Social Security Administration Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. Title I: Social Security Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such Administration, by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records, which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held, or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Urges the President to establish a Council on the Missing in Action to study the cases of the missing in action and their families, to propose courses of action to achieve a full accounting, and to make recommendations concerning Federal policies related to the missing in action.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Joint Committee on Intelligence Oversight Act - Establishes the Joint Committee on Intelligence Oversight, consisting of seven members from each House, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of the activities of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Secret Service, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and all other departments and agencies insofar as their activities pertain to intelligence gathering. Prohibits the appropriation of funds for intelligence activities unless such funds have been specifically authorized by legislation enacted after enactment of this Act. Requires that legislation pertaining to intelligence activities be reported from such joint committee. Grants subpena power to the chairman of such joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1975
States that the Senate disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority to carry out the comprehensive planning grants program under the Housing Act of 1954 as set forth in the special message transmitted by the President to the Congress on November 26, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Consumer Protection Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to promote protection of consumers with respect to specified areas, including: (1) the safety, quality, purity, potency, healthfulness, durability, performance, repairability, effectiveness, dependability, availability, and cost of any real or personal property or tangible or intangible goods, services, or credit; and (2) the preservation of consumer choice and a competitive market. Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Advocacy. Directs the Administrator of the Agency to prepare and submit an annual report simultaneously to the Congress and the President, not later than April 1 of each year. Specifies the content of such report, including the Agency's activities and court actions affecting the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to advise the Congress and the President on matters affecting the interests of consumers and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services. Enumerates the functions of the Administrator, including the following: (1) to represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts; (2) to conduct and support research, studies, and testing; (3) to submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; and (4) to publish material developed in carrying out this Act to inform consumers of matters of interest to them. States that whenever the Administrator determines that the result of any Federal agency proceeding may substantially affect an interest of consumers, he may as of right intervene as a party or otherwise participate for the purpose of representing an interest of consumers. Provides that whenever the Administrator receives any complaint which discloses: (1) an apparent violation of law relating to an interest of consumers; or (2) a commercial, trade, or other practice which is detrimental to an interest of consumers; he shall transmit such complaint to any Federal, State, or local agency which has the authority to enforce any relevant law or to take appropriate action. Directs the Administrator to maintain a public document room containing, for public inspection and copying, an up-to-date listing of all consumer complaints of any significance which the Agency has received, as arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken in response thereto. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct studies, and to obtain data and information from persons engaged in a trade, business, or industry which substantially affects interstate commerce and whose activities he determines may substantially affect an interest of consumers. Stipulates that the Administrator shall not have the power to require the production or disclosure of any data or other information under this Act from any small business. Provides that, upon written request by the Administrator, each Federal agency is directed to furnish access to all documents which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Sets forth limitations on the disclosure of any information obtained pursuant to any authority conferred by this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that small business enterprises should have their varied needs considered by all levels of government in the implementation of the procedures provided for throughout this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, not to exceed $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and not to exceed $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Provides for the transfer of employees and property of the Consumer Product Information Coordinating Center in the General Services Administration to the Agency. Requires Federal agencies to issue standards governing public participation in agency proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Requires every Federal agency to keep each standing committee of the State and the House of Representatives fully and currently informed with respect to all matters relating to that agency which are within the jurisdiction of such committee. Provides that every a Federal agency shall furnish any information requested by any such standing committee with respect to the activities or responsibilities of that agency within the jurisdiction of that committee.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Provides for the striking of medals in commemoration of the two hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by Charles Carroll of Carrollton.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Requires, under the Foreign Service Act, that 85 percent of all ambassadors be career personnel in the Foreign Service.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
States that all tax returns made with respect to taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Code are confidential records, and that, except where provided otherwise, no return shall be open to inspection nor shall information contained therein be disclosed. Authorizes inspections of returns by the following persons: (1) the taxpayer or his representative; (2) officers and employees of the Departments of Justice, the Treasury, State agencies entrusted with carrying out the income tax laws, and the Internal Revenue Service solely for administration and enforcement of the income tax laws; and (3) the President of the United States. Authorizes the disclosure of statistical information to State and Federal agencies and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Establishes a select committee of the Senate to be known as the Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities. States that it shall be the function of the select committee to conduct an investigation of all matters relating to: (1) the operations of the United States Government with respect to domestic and foreign intelligence activities; and (2) the past effect and future role of such activities of agencies of the United States Government within the United States and overseas. Sets forth the powers of the Committee. Requires the committee to make a final report to the Senate on its findings and recommendations within two years. Stipulates that the expenses of the special committee shall not exceed $500,000 from the date this resolution is agreed to through February 28, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
States that the Senate of the United States: (1) commends the agreement in principle reached at Vladivostok on November 24, 1974; (2) expresses its firm belief that this agreement in principle must lead to further mutual arms limitations and reductions; and (3) expresses its understanding that the Vladivostok agreement establishes limits within which the United States and the Soviet Union may deploy strategic forces, but than any deployment of United States strategic nuclear weapons, up to the limits established by the Vladivostok agreement, should be based solely upon the actual needs of United States security. Expresses the advice of the Senate that the President should make every possible effort: (1) to complete the negotiations resulting from the Vladivostok agreement in principle; and (2) in addition, to reach further specified agreements regarding nuclear arms limitations. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Vladivostok agreement be submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent in accordance with the treaty provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Prohibits the shipment in interstate commerce of dogs intended to be used to fight other dogs for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Requires the President and the Vice President, each Member of the Senate and the House of Representatives (including Resident Commissioners and Delegates), candidates for such offices, each civil or military officer of the executive branch of any department or agency thereof, each judge or justice of a court of the United States, and each employee of the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States or any department or agency thereof who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year to file annually with the Comptroller General a financial report. Requires such report to contain a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each item of reimbursement for any expenditure, and each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source which exceeds $100 in amount or value; (2) the value of each asset held by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, and the amount of each liability owned by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) all dealings in securities or commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year; and (4) all purchases and sales of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year. Provides that all reports filed under this Act shall be maintained by the Comptroller General as public records which, under such reasonable regulations as he shall prescribe, shall be available for inspection by members of the public. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Expresses the finding of Congress and makes it the policy of the United States to continue experimentation with satellite systems for the remote sensing of the Earth's resources, through January 1, 1980, unless a permanent operational system is established. Directs the President to: (1) take all practical steps to continue the availability of data on the satellite systems; (2) foster improvements in them; and (3) promote their widest possible use and understanding. Requires the President to transmit to Congress not later than April 15, 1975, a report containing recommendations for proposed actions to be taken to carry out the policy set forth in this Act and such revisions in the budget proposed by fiscal 1976 as the President deems necessary to do so. Requires the President to submit each year prior to 1980, as part of the Aeronautics and Space Report, a description of activities and evaluation of progress under this Act, and an evaluation of the desirability of establishing a permanent Earth resources satellite system.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Provides, under the Standing Rules of the Senate, that conference committee meetings shall be open to the public except when the managers of either the Senate or the House of Representatives determine by a rollcall vote that all or part of a meeting shall be closed to the public. Provides that this provision will not become effecitve until a similar rule is adopted by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Requires judicial confirmation of the need for a jeopardy assessment (an immediate assessment made by the Secretary of the Treasury on the belief that the assessment or collection of a deficiency will be jeopardized by delay) by requiring the Secretary to file a petition for approval of such jeopardy assessment within 5 days after it is made.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that a married individual who files a separate return shall be taxed on his or her earned income at the same rate as an unmarried individual under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that all rentals, royalties, or other sums paid to the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary of the Navy under or in connection with any lease on the Outer Continental Shelf on and after the date of the enactment of this Act shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States; and of the amount of the revenues so deposited in each fiscal year which are attributable to the portion of the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to any State: (1) 25 percent shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to such adjacent State; (2) 25 percent shall be paid by the Secretary, in equal amounts, to each of the several States other than such adjacent State; and (3) 50 percent shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States and credited to miscellaneous receipts. (Amends 43 U.S.C. 1338)
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that income from the entertainment activities held in conjunction with a public fair conducted by nonprofit organizations and civic leagues or labor, agricultural, or horticultural organizations shall not be unrelated trade or business income (and therefore shall not be subject to taxation under the Internal Revenue Code) and shall not affect the tax exemption of the organization.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse the city of Frederick, Maryland, for money paid in 1864 saving harmless valuable military and hospital supplies owned by the United States Government.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to give notice of the sale of leases to develop oil and gas deposits in the Outer Continental Shelf to the Governor of any coastal State, the lands of which are within 300 miles of the land to be leased. States that at any time prior to such sale the Governor may request postponement of such sale for up to three years if he determines that such sale will result in adverse environmental or economic impact or other damage to the State or its residents. Establishes a National Coastal Resources Appeals Board to review adverse decisions against postponement by the Secretary. States that the Board shall be composed of the Vice President, who shall be Chairman of the Board, the Secretary of the Interior, the Administration of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Title I: Congressional Procedures - Requires each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives, including meetings to conduct hearings, to be open to the public. Provides that a portion or portions of such meetings may be closed to the public if the committee or subcommittee determines by vote of a majority of a quorum of the members present that the matters to be discussed or the testimony to be taken: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign policy of the United States; (2) will relate solely to matters of committee staff personnel or internal staff management; or (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes, with specified limitations; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives to make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting at least one week before such meeting unless the committee or subcommittee determines by a vote of the majority of a quorum that committee business requires that such meeting be called at an earlier date, in which case the committee shall make public announcement of the date, place and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript shall be made of each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee. Provides that a copy of each such transcript shall be made available for public inspection within seven days and additional copies shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Provides that all the aforegoing requirements and exceptions applicable to the meetings of the committees and subcommittees of the House and Senate shall also be applicable to each meeting of a committee of conference. Establishes procedures to review and reverse any committee and subcommittee vote to close a meeting to the public or to delete from the publicly available copy a portion of a meeting transcript. Title II: Agency Procedures - Requires all meetings of any Federal agency to be open to the public unless a majority of the entire membership of an agency determines the meeting: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign policy of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and administration or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, any person, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes, with specified limitations; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each agency to make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting (whether open or closed to the public) at least one week before each meeting unless the agency determines by a vote of the majority of its members that agency business requires that such meetings be called at an earlier date, in which case the agency shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript, including a list of all persons attending and their affilations, shall be made of each meeting of each agency (whether open or closed to the public). Provides that a copy of each such meeting shall be made available to the public for inspection, and additional copies of any transcript shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Requires each agency to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this title. States that any citizen or person resident in the United States may bring a proceeding in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit: (1) to require an agency to promulgate such regulations if such agency has not done so within the time period specified herein; or (2) to set aside agency regulations that are not in accord with the requirements of this title and to require the promulgation of regulations that are in accord with such requirements. Gives the district courts of the United States jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this title by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Provides that such actions shall be brought in the district wherein the plaintiff resides, or has his principal place of business, or where the agency in question has its headquarters. Sets forth provisions governing ex parte communications in agency proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act - Expresses the Congressional declarations that it is necessary to: (1) require the uniform application of State and local residency requirements to secure the right of citizens residing in overseas to vote in Federal elections; and (2) establish standards relating to absentee registration and balloting by such citizens in Federal elections. Provides that no citizen outside the United States shall be denied the right to register for, and to vote by, an absentee ballot in any Federal election solely because he does not have a place of abode in a State or district, if he meets specified requirements. Requires each State to provide for the registration of and casting of absentee ballots by all citizens residing outside the United States and entitled to vote in a Federal election in such State. Provides that each State shall mail the following by airmail to such citizens: (1) an absentee ballot, (2) instructions concerning voting procedures, and (3) an airmail envelope for the mailing of such ballot. States that whoever deprives any person of any right secured by this Act shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Sets forth additional penalties for falsifying registration materials. Provides that the exercise of any right to register or vote by any citizen outside the United States shall not affect the determination of his place of residence or domicile for purposes of any tax imposed under Federal, State or local law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Metric Conversion Act - Declares the policy of the United States with regard to metric conversion, including: (1) to facilitate and encourage the substitution of metric measurement units for customary measurement units; (2) to facilitate and encourage the development as rapidly as practicable of new or revised engineering standards based on metric measurement units in those specific fields or areas in the United States where such standards will result in rationalization or simplification of relationships, improvements of design, or increases in economy; (3) to facilitate and encourage the retention in new metric language standards of those United States engineering designs, practices, and conventions that are internationally accepted or embody superior technology; and (4) to cooperate with foreign governments and public and private international organizations which are or become concerned with the encouragement and coordination of increased use of metric measurement units or engineering standards based on such units. Declares the purposes of this Act. Defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes a National Metric Conversion Board, consisting of 11 members, 9 of whom shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate from the following areas: business, labor, education, consumer protection, science, and technology. Provides that one member of the Board shall be a Member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker and one member shall be a Member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate. Requires the Board, within 18 months after funding, to submit to the President and the Congress a comprehensive plan to accomplish a changeover to the metric system of measurement in the United States, together with legislative recommendations. Authorizes to be appropriated a total of $20,500,000 for fiscal years 1976-1980 for the purposes of this Act. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for the depreciation of property necessary for metric conversion. Authorizes assistance under the Small Business Act to small businesses and individuals to aid in the expense of metric conversion.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Title I: Nurse Training Act - Nurse Training Act - Provides for appropriations authorizations in the areas of construction assistance under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes assistance under such Act in the expanding of the capacities of nursing schools to provide graduate training. Extends the Financial Distress Grant Program under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to assist public or nonprofit private schools of nursing which are in serious financial straits to meet operational costs required to maintain quality educational programs or which have special need for financial assistance to meet accreditation requirements. Provides that any such grant may be made upon such terms as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and necessary, including requirements that the school agree: (1) to disclose any financial information or data deemed by the Secretary to be necessary to determine the sources or causes of that school's financial distress; (2) to conduct a comprehensive cost analysis study in cooperation with the Secretary; and (3) to carry out appropriate operational and financial reforms on the basis of information obtained in the course of the comprehensive cost analysis study or on the basis of other relevant information. Requires the Secretary to consult with the National Advisory Council on Nurse Training in acting upon applications for grants under this title. Authorizes appropriation for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to meet the costs of advanced nurse training programs. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Extends the Student Loan Program under the Act. Directs the Secretary to determine on a continuing basis: (1) the supply of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses with advanced training or graduate degrees, as well as other nursing personnel; (2) their distribution; and (3) the current and future requirements for such nurses. Title II: Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services: - Special Health Revenue Sharing Act - Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under the Public Health Service Act to State health and mental health authorities to assit in meeting the costs of providing comprehensive public health services. Family Planning and Population Research Act - Extends the appropriations authorizations for the Family Planning Programs under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes grants for research in the biomedical, contraceptive development, behavioral, and program implementation fields related to family planning and population. Authorizes grants for planning community mental health center programs. Authorizes financial distress grants for the operation of community mental health centers. Directs the Secretary to establish within the National Institute of Mental Health a National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Directs the Secretary to provide for a continuing study and investigation of: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State, and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; and (4) the causes of rape. Directs the Secretary to assist community mental health centers and other entities in conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Community Mental Health Centers Act - Requires the Secretary to formulate a five-year plan for the extension of mental health services. Revises provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to the establishment of migrant health centers, providing highest priority for assistance in areas where the largest migratory worker populations reside. Enumerates the criteria for applications for migrant health center grants and authorizes appropriations for such grants. Defines the term "community health center" as used in this title. States that such term means an entity which, either through its staff and supporting resources or through contracts or cooperative arrangements with other public or private entities, provides: (1) primary health services; (2) as may be appropriate for particular centers, supplemental health services necessary for the adequate support of primary health services; (3) referral to providers of supplemental health services and payment, as appropriate and feasible, for their provision of such services; (4) as may be appropriate for particular centers, environmental health services, and (5) information on the availability and proper use of health services. Provides for grants for projects to plan and develop community health centers which will serve medically underserved populations and authorizes appropriations for such grants. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Committee on Mental Health and Illness of the Elderly to make a study of and recommendations respecting: (1) the future needs for mental health facilities, manpower, research, and training to meet the mental health care needs of elderly persons, (2) the appropriate care of elderly persons who are in mental institutions or who have been discharged from such institutions, and (3) proposals for implementing the recommendations of the 1971 White House Conference on Aging respecting the mental health of the elderly. Directs the Secretary to establish a temporary commission to be known as the Commission for the Control of Epilepsy and Its Consequences. Enumerates the duties of the Commission including to: (1) make a comprehensive study of the state of the art of medical and social management of epilepsy in the United States; and (2) investigate and make recommendations concerning the proper roles of Federal and State Governments and national and local public and private agencies in research, prevention, identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with epilepsy. Directs the Secretary to establish a temporary commission to be known as the Commission for the Control of Huntington's Disease and Its Consequences. Makes it the duty of the Commission to: (1) make a comprehensive study of the state of the art of medical and social management of Huntington's disease in the United States; (2) investigate and make recommendations concerning the proper roles of Federal and State Governments and national and local public and private agencies in research, prevention, identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with Huntington's disease; (3) develop a comprehensive national plan for the control of Huntington's disease and its consequences based on the most thorough, complete, and accurate data and information available on the disorder; and (4) transmit to the President and the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives, not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act a report detailing the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with recommendations for legislation and appropriations, as it deems advisable. Provides for the establishment of comprehensive hemophilia diagnostic and treatment centers and blood-separation centers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for the relief of Victor Henrique Carlos Gibson.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Repeals provisions of Federal law establishing the Assateague Island National Seashore in the States of Maryland and Virginia relating to the authority to establish suitable overnight and other public accommodations within the Assateague Island National Seashore.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, state laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permit applications must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for grade retention benefits for career or career-conditional Federal employees whose positions are reduced in grade, so long as such employee: (1) continues in the same agency, including any agency to which he is transferred in a transfer function, without a break in service of one workday or more; (2) is not reassigned or promoted; and (3) is not demoted (A) for personal cause, (B) at his request, or (C) in a reduction in force.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Authorizes the treatment of specified World War I or II military service with Allied nations of the United States as creditable service for purposes of civil service retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Establishes a Conference on the Antitrust Laws of the United States. Provides for a general membership and a Council of such Conference. Provides that it shall be the purpose of such Conference to: (1) study the operation of existing antitrust laws; (2) study the enforcement procedures of the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and other agencies as they relate to the antitrust laws; and (3) make recommendations for improvement in the statutory framework wherever appropriate. Sets forth the duty of the Conference to report to the Congress on its findings and conclusions under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Taxpayer Audit Disclosure Act - Requires the establishment of formal procedures and criteria for the selection of individual income tax returns for audit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to provide any individual selected for auditing with a written notice which clearly specifies the reasons for and the manner in which the return of such individual was selected for audit. Provides that the Secretary or his delegate shall furnish to such individual a written explanation which describes the audit procedure, the rights which a taxpayer may exercise during such procedure, the right of the taxpayer to make an administrative or judicial appeal from an adverse decision at the end of such procedure, and the right of the taxpayer to claim a refund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to submit to the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation, before September 30 of each year, a report setting forth: (1) the number of individuals whose returns were selected for audit during the previous 12-month period; (2) a classification of individuals whose returns were audited during the previous 12-month period by, among other factors, income levels, geographic distribution, and profession; (3) the number of individuals audited during the previous 12-month period who were found to have made underpayments or overpayments of tax, together with summary statistics reflecting the percentage of such number, by income category, who made underpayments or overpayments of certain ranges of amounts (to be determined by the Secretary or his delegate); and (4) such other information as may be requested by the joint committee in accordance with the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for the expansion of the Antietam National Battlefield Site in the State of Maryland. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to identify and acquire lands which comprised the Antietam Battlefield site. Establishes an Antietam National Battlefield Park Advisory Commission to assist the Secretary in developing policies and programs pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for the posthumous promotion of Lt. Comdr. Hubert Montgomery Hayter, United States Navy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Allows a credit against income tax under the Internal Revenue Code to individuals for expenses of higher education. States that the amount of such credit shall be: (1) 100 percent of higher education expenses up to $200; (2) 20 percent of the amount of such expenses that exceeds $200 but does not exceed $500; (3) 6 1/2 percent of the amount of such expenses exceeding $500 up to $1,500. Defines the terms "expenses of higher education" and "institutions of higher education" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
United States Science and Technology Board Act - Establishes, as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the Government, the United States Science and Technology Board. States that the purpose of the Board is to consolidate in one governmental unit responsibility for: (1) determining the most critical long-range problems facing the Nation, including but not limited to, the social, economic, environmental and resources areas; (2) evaluating the potential contributions of science and technology to the solution of such long-range problems; (3) measuring the probable scope, intensity, and duration of such problems and establishing time scales and priorities for coping with them; (4) establishing optimum levels of funding of all federally financed nondefense research and development programs in the context of the time scales and priorities established; (5) reviewing and authorizing all federally financed nondefense research and development programs; and (6) insuring the coordination of scientific and technological efforts in the United States and with the scientific and technological efforts of other nations. Sets forth the functions of the Board, including the following: (1) to determine by measurement and analysis the major problems likely to confront the United States, including, but not limited to, the social, economic, environmental, and resources areas, in the year of enactment of this Act and the twenty-five years thereafter, and to establish priorities for the solution of such problems; (2) to review and update annually the analysis of each such problem; (3) based on the analysis of such problems, to determine whether, and to what degree, such problems are susceptible to solution or amelioration through the application of science and technology; and (4) to ascertain which federally funded programs already in existence contribute to the solution of such problems. Stipulates that, within six months after the designation of long-term problems facing the United States and the establishment of priorities for dealing with such problems by the Board under this Act, the head of each department, agency, and independent instrumentality of the United States having authority to support research and development activities shall submit to the Board for its review and approval all federally financed nondefense research and development programs. States that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no such program shall be included by any such authority in its allocation of funds or its budget requests after such date unless the Board has reviewed each program and made a determination thereon. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that the charge to a household for its food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the level established as of January 1, 1975, or (2) 25 percent of the household's income. Provide that effective July 1, 1975, households in which all members receive supplemental security income benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program of the Social Security Act, or households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or general assistance grant shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program under this Act. States that certification of all other households shall be based on the uniform national standards for eligibility required to be established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for the relief of Robert M. Johnston.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for an 8-percent reduction in the amount of income tax withholding at the source as required under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, an exclusion from income taxation for income of condominium housing associations, homeowner associations, and cooperative housing corporations operated for the management, maintenance, landscaping, and repair of common areas and dwellings.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Freedom from Military Surveillance Act - Restricts the actions of any civil officer of the United States or any member of the Armed Forces of the United States in using the Armed Forces of the United States to exercise surveillance of civilians or to execute the civil laws. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that real property which is farmland, woodland, or open land and forms part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value as farmland, woodland, or open land (rather than at its fair market value). Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower valuation and recapture of unpaid tax with interest upon the conversion, sale, or rezoning of such property for another use.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for the referral, under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) for appropriate services provided by other State agencies, of blind or disabled children who are receiving supplemental security income benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for 25 percent up to $250 ($125 in the case of a married individual filing separately) of the energy conserving residential expenditures incurred by a taxpayer during the taxable year. Authorizes the taxpayer to elect to deduct up to $1000 of such expenses in lieu of the credit provided by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Declares it the policy of the United States to limit and reduce systematically its imports of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products, as long as such imports remain insecure or at prices which jeopardize the national world economies, such reduction to be as rapid as is consistent with the security and economic welfare of the United States and with establishment of a National Strategic Energy Reserves System. Requires that, within sixty days following the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall promulgate a program to restrict oil imports consistent with the findings and policies enumerated in this Act. Provides that such restriction shall be in the form of a schedule setting forth the maximum quantities of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and petroleum products imports to be permitted in each year through 1985. Requires such schedule to be accompanied by a report the contents of which are specified in this Act. Provides that such report shall include: (1) a description of the system employed to reduce imports; (2) the source of the imports; and (3) the expected impact of the program on competition and the structure of the petroleum industry.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President. Provides that each voter shall cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. States that the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President having the greatest number of votes shall be elected President and Vice President, if such number be at least 40 percent of the total number of votes cast. Stipulates that if, after such election, none of the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President is elected, the Congress shall assemble in special session and choose immediately, from the two pairs of persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President who received the highest numbers of votes cast in the election, one such pair by ballot. States that the Congress may by law provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice-President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for the relief of Commander Edward White Rawlins.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for continuing the existance of the Senate Special Committee on National Emergencies and Delegated Emergency Powers. Authorizes additional expenditures by the committee of $151,000 for the period from March 1, 1975, through Februrary 29, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides under the Standing Rules of the Senate, that if at any time a motion signed by sixteen Senators, to bring to a close the debate upon any measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate, or the unfinished business, is presented to the Senate, the Presiding Officer shall at once state the motion to the Senate, and one hour after the Senate meets on the following calendar day but one, he shall lay the motion before the Senate and direct that the Secretary call the roll, and upon the ascertainment that a quorum is present, the Presiding Officer shall, without debate, submit to the Senate by a yea-and-nay vote the question of whether it is the sense of the Senate that the debate shall be brought to a close. States that if that question be decided in the affirmative by three-fifths of the Senators present and voting, then said measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate, or the unfinished business, shall be the unfinished business to the exclusion of all other business until disposed of.