United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to foster and promote, through appropriate means and on an economically sustainable basis, the development and expansion and both traditional and innovative approaches to direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. States that for purposes of this Act, the term "direct marketing from farmers to consumers" means the marketing of agricultural commodities at any marketplace (including, but not limited to, roadside stands, city markets, and vehicles used for house-to-house marketing of agricultural commodities) established and maintained for the purpose of enabling farmers to sell their agricultural commodities directly to individual consumers, or organizations representing consumers. Directs the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture to conduct and facilitate activities designed to foster methods of direct marketing from farmers to consumers. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to foster and promote, through appropriate means and on an economically sustainable basis, the development and expansion of both traditional and innovative approaches to direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. States that for purposes of this Act, the term "direct marketing from farmers to consumers" means the marketing of agricultural commodities at any marketplace (including, but not limited to, roadside stands, city markets, and vehicles used for house-to-house marketing of agricultural commodities) established and maintained for the purpose of enabling farmers to sell their agricultural commodities directly to individual consumers, or organizations representing consumers. Directs the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture to conduct and facilitate activities designed to foster traditional methods of direct marketing from farmers to consumers, including: (1) compiling regulations relevant to direct marketing within such State; (2) the sponsorship of conferences designed to facilitate the sharing of information on direct marketing programs; and (3) the providing of technical assistance to groups establishing direct marketing programs. Authorizes appropriations of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes, under the Privacy Act of 1974, the disclosure to individual Members of Congress or their designates of information regarding individuals. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552a)
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Food Industry Antitrust Reports Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to submit to the appropriate House and Senate committees a report on actions with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws in the various sectors of the food industry. Requires that such report be made not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and yearly thereafter. Provides that no later than five years after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the market structure and state of competition in the food industries. Requires the Commission and the Department of Justice to provide to the Congress an analysis of the adequacy of available data on which any study is based. Authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of $1,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
National Coal Production, Leasing, and Mine Reclamation Act - Title I: Amendments to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 - Revises the procedures followed by the Secretary of the Interior in leasing public lands for coal operations pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. Prohibits the holding of any lease sale unless the land containing the coal deposits has been included in a comprehensive land-use plan prepared by the Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, or a State, and it has been determined that such sale is compatible with such plan. Sets forth requirements governing the preparation of land use plans pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate and compare the effects of recovering coal by deep mining, by surface mining, or any other method, to determine what method achieves the maximum economic recovery of the coal within a proposed leasing tract. Establishes provisions for the issuance of coal exploration licenses to commercial interests by the Secretary. States that a licensee may not cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface and shall furnish to the Secretary copies of all data obtained during such exploration. Establishes a fine of up to $1,000 for each day of exploration conducted without a license. Sets the term of a coal lease at 20 years and for so long thereafter as coal is produced annually in commercial quantities from that lease. Requires the termination of leases which are not producing in commercial quantities at the end of ten years. States that, prior to taking any action on a leasehold which might cause a significant disturbance of the environment, the lessee shall submit for the Secretary's approval an operation and reclamation plan. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data and information to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the known recoverable coal resources within the coal lands subject to such Act. States that nothing in this requirement shall limit any private interest from conducting a survey to determine the existence or extent of coal deposits in such coal lands. Requires the Secretary to maintain published records of the results of all explorations conducted pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress within six months after the end of each fiscal year a report on the leasing and production of coal lands subject to such Act, a summary of management and enforcement activities, and recommendations to Congress for improvements in management, environmental safeguards, and amount of production in leasing and mining operations on lands subject to such Act. Authorizes and directs the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct a comprehensive study of coal leases entered into by the United States. Prohibits the ownership or control of coal leases on more than 46,080 acres in any one State or of 100,000 in the United States by any single person or entity. Provides for the review by the Attorney General of any proposed issuance, renewal, or readjustment of any lease under such Act. Title II: 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 III: 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. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title IV: State Mining and Mineral Resources and Research Institutes - 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 five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualfied mining and mineral resources research institute or center 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 six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and project 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 V: 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 $.15 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. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners, including owners of water rights, under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire, by purchase, donation, or otherwise, land which has been affected by surface mining and has not been reclaimed to its appropriate original contour. Requires the Secretary, in determining the price paid for land under such authority, to take into account the unrestored condition of the land. Provides for the acquisition of lands by condemnation proceedings conducted by the Attorney General: (1) when the owner of such land refuses to negotiate with the Secretary; or (2) when such owner cannont be determined. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed lands, and to transfer such land 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 the use of reclaimed land. Title VI: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of this Act 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 all surface coal mining operations commencing within six months of the date of enactment of this Act on State-regulated lands to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Requires all surface coal mining operations on State-regulated lands to be in compliance with specified provisions of this Act within one year of the date of enactment. Requires States which wish to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations, to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, within 18 months of enactment, programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State law providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Requires such State programs to meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of the 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 those set forth pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the conduct of any surface coal mining operations by any person on or after six months from the promulgation of a State or Federal reclamation program unless the person has first obtained a permit, good for a maximum of five years, to conduct such operations. Provides for the renewal of such permits. 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 reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires operators to obtain a permit prior to conducting any coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface. 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, within 135 days from the date of enactment, with the concurrency of the Chief of Engineers, to promulgate standards and criteria regulating the design, construction, maintenance and abandonment of new and existing coal mine waste piles. 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. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. 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 bitumious coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VII: Designations of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal land 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 VIII: 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. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaing a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. 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. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. 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 years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for the next four years. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned minieral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as increasing or diminishing the rights of any owner of coal in Alaska to conduct or authorize surface coal mining operations for coal which has been or is hereafter conveyed out of Federal ownership to the State of Alaska or pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, provided, that such surface coal mining operations meet the requirements of the Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect his interest in water resources affected by a surface coal mining operation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1975
National Coal Production, Leasing, and Mine Reclamation Act - Title I: Amendments to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 - Revises the procedures followed by the Secretary of the Interior in leasing public lands for coal operations pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. Prohibits the holding of any lease sale unless the land containing the coal deposits has been included in a comprehensive land-use plan prepared by the Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, or a State, and it has been determined that such sale is compatible with such plan. Sets forth requirements governing the preparation of land use plans pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate and compare the effects of recovering coal by deep mining, by surface mining, or any other method, to determine what method achieves the maximum economic recovery of the coal within a proposed leasing tract. Establishes provisions for the issuance of coal exploration licenses to commercial interests by the Secretary. States that a licensee may not cause substantial disturbance to the natural land surface and shall furnish to the Secretary copies of all data obtained during such exploration. Establishes a fine of up to $1,000 for each day of exploration conducted without a license. Sets the term of a coal lease at 20 years and for so long thereafter as coal is produced annually in commercial quantities from that lease. Requires the termination of leases which are not producing in commercial quantities at the end of ten years. States that, prior to taking any action on a leasehold which might cause a significant disturbance of the environment, the lessee shall submit for the Secretary's approval an operation and reclamation plan. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data and information to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the known recoverable coal resources within the coal lands subject to such Act. States that nothing in this requirement shall limit any private interest from conducting a survey to determine the existence or extent of coal deposits in such coal lands. Requires the Secretary to maintain published records of the results of all explorations conducted pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress within six months after the end of each fiscal year a report on the leasing and production of coal lands subject to such Act, a summary of management and enforcement activities, and recommendations to Congress for improvements in management, environmental safeguards, and amount of production in leasing and mining operations on lands subject to such Act. Authorizes and directs the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct a comprehensive study of coal leases entered into by the United States. Prohibits the ownership or control of coal leases on more than 46,080 acres in any one State or of 100,000 in the United States by any single person or entity. Provides for the review by the Attorney General of any proposed issuance, renewal, or readjustment of any lease under such Act. Prohibits the issuance, renewal, or readjustment of any mineral lease by the Secretary which would result in the direct or indirect control by any person of more than ten percent of the estimated recoverable reserves of the mineral covered by such a lease. Authorizes an exception to such a prohibition should the Attorney General find that such issuance, renewal, or readjustment would not be inconsistent with the policies of the antitrust laws. Title II: 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 III: 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. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title IV: State Mining and Mineral Resources and Research Institutes - 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 five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualfied mining and mineral resources research institute or center 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 six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and project 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 V: 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 $.15 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. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners, including owners of water rights, under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire, by purchase, donation, or otherwise, land which has been affected by surface mining and has not been reclaimed to its appropriate original contour. Requires the Secretary, in determining the price paid for land under such authority, to take into account the unrestored condition of the land. Provides for the acquisition of lands by condemnation proceedings conducted by the Attorney General: (1) when the owner of such land refuses to negotiate with the Secretary; or (2) when such owner cannont be determined. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed lands, and to transfer such land 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 the use of reclaimed land. Title VI: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of this Act 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 all surface coal mining operations commencing within six months of the date of enactment of this Act on State-regulated lands to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Requires all surface coal mining operations on State-regulated lands to be in compliance with specified provisions of this Act within one year of the date of enactment. Requires States which wish to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations, to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, within 18 months of enactment, programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State law providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Requires such State programs to meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval by the Secretary of the 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 those set forth pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the conduct of any surface coal mining operations by any person on or after six months from the promulgation of a State or Federal reclamation program unless the person has first obtained a permit, good for a maximum of five years, to conduct such operations. Provides for the renewal of such permits. 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 reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires operators to obtain a permit prior to conducting any coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface. 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, within 135 days from the date of enactment, with the concurrency of the Chief of Engineers, to promulgate standards and criteria regulating the design, construction, maintenance and abandonment of new and existing coal mine waste piles. 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. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. 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 bitumious coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VII: Designations 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 VIII: 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. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaing a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. 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. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. 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 years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for the next four years. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned minieral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as increasing or diminishing the rights of any owner of coal in Alaska to conduct or authorize surface coal mining operations for coal which has been or is hereafter conveyed out of Federal ownership to the State of Alaska or pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, provided, that such surface coal mining operations meet the requirements of the Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect his interest in water resources affected by a surface coal mining operation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendation as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1975
Prohibits discrimination based on sex or marital status with respect to the sale or rental of housing under the Civil Rights Act and the National Housing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 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. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. 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 five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center 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 $.15 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. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners, including owners of water rights, under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. 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 the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of this Act of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation and setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires all surface coal mining operations commencing within six months from the date of enactment of this Act on State-regulated lands to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Requires all surface coal mining operations on State-regulated lands to be in compliance with specified provisions of this Act within one year from the date of enactment. Requires States which wish to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, within 18 months of enactment, 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 six 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 those set forth pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the conduct of any surface coal mining operations by any person on or after six months from the promulgation of a State or Federal reclamation program unless the person has first obtained a permit, good for a maximum of five years, to conduct such operations. Provides for the renewal of such permits. 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. Requires operators to obtain a permit prior to conducting any coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface. 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, within 135 days from the date of enactment, with the concurrence of the Chief of Engineers, to promulgate standards and criteria regulating the design, construction, maintenance and abandonment of new and existing coal mine waste piles. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Imposes 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. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. 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. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. 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 1977, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and for the next four years. 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. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as increasing or diminishing the rights of any owner of coal in Alaska to conduct or authorize surface coal mining operations for coal which has been or is hereafter conveyed out of Federal ownership to the State of Alaska or pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; provided, that such surface coal mining operations meet the requirements of the Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect his interest in water resources affected by a surface coal mining operation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make payments to State or local governments upon their election in an amount equal to 75 cents for each acre of specified categories of public land within the boundaries of the State or local political subdivision.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1975
Federal Grain Inspection Act - Establishes in the Department of Agriculture an agency to be known as the Federal Grain Inspection Agency. Places the direction of such agency in a Director to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Makes it a duty of such Director to establish the policies and regulations by which the Agency is to carry out the administration of this Act. Makes the Director responsible for inspecting, monitoring, and standardizing all equipment used in connection with the grading of grain under the United States Grain Standards Act. Defines terms used under such Act. Defines the term "deceptive loading, hauling, sampling, or weighing" as meaning any manner of loading, handling, sampling, or weighing, which deceives official inspection personnel, as specified by regulations of the Federal Grain Inspection Agency. Directs the Director of such Agency to investigate the handling (including weighing), grading, and transportation of grain and to fix and establish standards of kind, class, quality, and condition for corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, flaxseed, gain sorghum, soybeans, mixed grain, and such other grains as in his judgment the usages of the trade may warrant and permit. Provides that whenever the standards established by the Director under this Act are effective, any lot of grain covered by this Act shall be re-inspected upon entry into the foreign port of destination. Authorizes the Director to charge and collect reasonable fees to cover the estimated cost of official inspection performed by Agency personnel under this Act. Provides that inspection fees under this Act shall be borne by the grain buyer, unless otherwise agreed. Authorizes the Director, whenever he determines it necessary in order to administer the provisions of this Act, to issue a license to any individual who is to be so employed as a result of being licensed under this Act, upon presentation to the Director of satisfactory evidence that such individual is competent to perform all or specified functions involved in official inspection. Stipulates that no person shall perform any official inspection functions for purposes of this Act unless he holds an unsuspended and unrevoked license or authorization from the Director under this Act. Prohibits specified conflicts of interest by official inspection personnel. Prohibits specified acts relating to grain storage and handling. Sets penalities for violations of the provisions of the Federal Grain Inspection Agency. Requires the Director to investigate the cancellation of any contract for the sale of grain required to be inspected under this Act or of any complaint regarding the operation or administration of this Act or any official transaction with which this Act is concerned. Instructs the Director to provide for the registration of all persons engaged in the business of buying grain for sale in interstate or foreign commerce, or in the business of handling, weighing, or transporting of grain for sale in interstate or foreign commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Affairs Act - Title I: Arts and Humanities - Authorizes, under the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts to make grants to the American Tilan Institute. Authorizes the chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish a grants-in-aid program for existing and developing State humanities programs in States which meet the standards set forth in such Act. Sets forth the requirements for applications by states for such grants. Sets forth the policy by which funds will be allotted to States under this Act. Establishes the minimum amount which will be allotted at $100,000. Provides for 100 percent funding of State programs in specified cases, and for grants to multi-State groups. Directs the chairman to withhold further grants or require repayment of grants already made when noncompliance by the State agency receiving such grants is discovered. Authorizes, under the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, the appropriation of $113,500,000 for fiscal year 1977 and 1978 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 for programs of the National Endowment for the Arts. Authorizes, under such Act, identical appropriations for programs of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Authorizes, under such Act, the appropriation of up to $25,000,000 per year each to the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities for each year through fiscal year 1980, for the purpose of matching donations made to each endowment. Title II: Museum Services and Exhibitions - Museum Services Act - Establishes an Institute for the Improvement of Museum Services within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that such Institute shall consist of the Director of the Institute and a National Museum Services Board. States that the Board shall consist of fifteen members appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate and eight ex officio members as set forth in this Act. Sets forth the terms of office of the members of the Board. Provides that the Board shall have the responsibility for the general policies with respect to the powers, duties, and authorities vested in the Institute under this Act. States that the Director shall make available to the Board such information and assistance as may be necessary to enable the Board to carry out its functions. Provides that the Director shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the President and perform such duties and exercise such powers as the Board may prescribe. States that there shall be a Deputy Director who shall be appointed by the President and serve at his pleasure. States that the Deputy Director shall serve as Director during the absence or disability of the Director, or in the event of a vacancy in the office of Director. Sets forth a list of activities for which the Director, subject to the approval of the Board, is authorized to make grants to museums to increase and improve museum services. Provides that grants under this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the cost of the program for which the grant is made. Gives the Institute the authority to accept in the name of the United States grants, gifts, or bequests of money for immediate disbursement in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $30,000,000 for each of the succeeding fiscal years ending prior to October 2, 1978. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount equal to the amount contributed to the Institute under this Act during such time period.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Provides for the disregarding of all income and resources deriving from reserved Indian lands in determining eligibility for or the amount of the aid or benefits payable to Indian people under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Civilian Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Civilian Conservation Corps for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed persons through useful public projects in connection with the conservation, improvement and utilization of the natural resources of lands and waters under the ownership or control of the United States or its agencies. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by persons employed under this Act as Corps members. Directs that preference for employment shall be given to persons residing in areas having an unemployment rate of 6.5 percent or greater for three consecutive months. Limits employment of Corps members under this Act to a period of 24 months total employment. Sets forth the duties of the Secretaries under this Act. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to the States to assist them in employing unemployed individuals to carry out projects under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Requires that the support price of milk be adjusted by the Secretary of Agriculture at the beginning of each quarter to reflect estimated changes during the immediately preceding quarter in the index of prices paid by farmers of production items, interest, taxes and wage rates.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the people of the Virgin Islands to organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the people of the Virgin Islands. Requires that such constitution shall include a bill of rights. Provides for eligibility for membership at the convention. Establishes voting procedures for the approval or disapproval of such constitution as may be drafted by the convention. Provides that upon taking effect, a constitution drafted and approved under this Act shall supersede such provisions of the Organic Act of the Virgin Islands as may be inconsistent with such constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the people of Guam to organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Legislature of Guam to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the people of Guam. Requires that such constitution shall include a bill of rights. Provides for eligibility for membership at the convention. Provides for voting procedures for the approval or disapproval of such constitution as may be drafted by the convention. Provides that upon taking effect, a constitution drafted and approved under this Act shall supersede such provisions of the Organic Act of Guam as may be inconsistent with such constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1975
Calls upon the National Park Service to take all appropriate steps to assure the availability of lodging and other services in the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the officers and administrators of the various governmental institutions supported by public moneys should take steps to remove from facilities under their control all architectual barriers to the handicapped. Directs that funds for such efforts be taken from their discretionary funds.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Emergency Medical Services Systems Act Amendments - Extends through fiscal year 1979, under the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act, the prohibition of grants or contracts made by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, for the modernization of emergency facilities to States, units of local government, or other public service entities which did not receive a grant or contract for the same purpose the preceeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to make a second grant to or enter into a second contract with an eligible entity for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services. Includes planning costs in the coverage of grants and contracts for expansion and improvement of emergency medical services. States that emphasis in awarding grants or contracts for research relating to the delivery of emergency medical services in rural areas should be placed on identifying and using techniques and methods to apply the results of such research. Authorizes recipients of grants or contracts for the: (1) establishment and operation; or (2) expansion and improvement of an emergency medical services system to use funds under such grant or contract for a training program related to such a system. Authorizes through fiscal year 1977 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for feasibility studies and planning in connection with the establishment and operation of an emergency medical services system. Authorizes through fiscal year 1980 appropriations for grants and contracts for the establishment and operation, and planning and improvement of such emergency systems. Directs that at least 20 percent of the funds appropriated be made available for feasibility studies and planning from 15 percent to 10 percent of the funds appropriated. Authorizes through fiscal year 1978 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for the support of research in emergency medical techniques, methods, devices, and delivery. Defines the duties of the unit established within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for the administration of grants made and contracts entered into under the Emergency Medical Services Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, and nursing and similar institutions to assist programs of training in the field of emergency medical service. Authorizes through fiscal year 1980 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for such training programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct two studies in areas related to the improvement of emergency medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Authorizes appropriations, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, for purposes of educational research and training for fiscal years 1977 and 1978, of such sums as are necessary to increase the allotments to States to the level of funding those States received for fiscal year 1974 for the programs consolidated under title IV (Educational Research and Training) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Indian Health Care Improvement Act - States that the Congress declares that it is the policy of this Nation, in fulfillment of its special responsibilities and legal obligation to the American Indian people, to meet the national goal of providing the highest possible health status to Indians and to provide existing Indian health services with all resources necessary to effect that policy. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare acting through the Indian Health Service, to make grants to public or nonprofit private health or educational entities or Indian tribes or tribal organizations to assist such entities in meeting the costs of: (1) identifying Indians with a potential for education or training in the health professions and encouraging and assisting them; (2) publicizing existing sources of financial aid available to Indians enrolled in any medical or health-related school referred to in this Act or who are undertaking training necessary to qualify them to enroll in any such school; or (3) establishing other programs which the Secretary determines will enhance and facilitate the enrollment of Indians, and the subsequent pursuit and completion by them of courses of study, in any school referred to in this Act. Authorizes to be appropraited specified sums for each of the seven fiscal years commencing with that of 1977 for payment of such grants. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make scholarship grants for up to two years to Indians who: (1) have successfully completed their high school education or high school equivalency; and (2) have demonstrated the capability to successfully complete courses of study in schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, or allied health professions. Authorizes appropriations for scholarship grants of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1978; and similar sums through fiscal year 1983. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make scholarship grants to individuals who are enrolled in schools of medicine, osteopathy, denistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, or allied health professions, and who agree to provide their professional services to Indians after the completion of their professional training. Authorizes appropriations for such grants of specified sums for the fiscal years 1977 through 1983, and of such sums as are necessary for the succeeding fiscal years, to continue to make scholarship grants under this Act to individuals who have received such grants prior to the end of the fifth fiscal year and who are eligible for such grants during each such succeeding fiscal year. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make grants to individuals, nonprofit entities, appropriate public or private agencies, educational institutions, or Indian tribes and tribal organizations to enable the recipients of such grants to establish and carry out programs to train individuals so as to enable them to provide their services to Indians. Authorizes to be appropriated specified sums to carry out such provisions for the fiscal years 1977 through 1983. States that the Secretary may provide allowances to health professionals employed in the Service to enable them for a period of time each year prescribed by regulation of the Secretary to take leave of their duty stations for professional consultation and refresher training courses. Title II: Health Services - Authorizes the Secretary to expend specific amounts of funds over a five-fiscal year period for the following health services: (1) patient care; (2) field health, excluding dental care; (3) dental care; (4) mental health; (5) provision of health care personnel in primary and secondary Bureau of Indian Affairs schools; and (6) maintenance and repair. Title III: Health Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary to expend $528,637,000 over a seven-fiscal year period in order to eliminate inadequate, outdated, and otherwise unsatisfactory service in hospitals, health centers, health stations, staff housing, and other service facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to expend $378,000,000 within a five-fiscal year period following the enactment of this Act, to supply unmet needs for safe water and sanitary waste disposal facilities in existing and new Indian homes and communities. Title IV: Access to Health Services - Provides that the Secretary may enter into agreements with the appropriate State agency for the purpose of reimbursing such agency for health care and services provided in Service facilities to Indians who are beneficiaries of the Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act. Title V: Health Services for the Urban Indians - Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to assist such organizations to establish and administer, in the urban centers in which such organizations are situated, programs which meet the requirements set forth in this Act of making health services more accessible to the urban Indian population. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of this title $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on progress made in effecting the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of $150,000 to support a one-year study by the National Indian Health Board of mental health problems, including alcoholism and related problems, among Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Prohibits any change in the status of any member of the uniformed services who is in a missing status as a result of service in Southeast Asia, until the provisions of the Paris Peace Accord of January 27, 1973, have been fully complied with by North Vietnam or the President has determined and reported to Congress that all reasonable actions have been taken to account for such members.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Revises title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide for voluntary agreements between ministers and their employers to treat ministers as employed persons. Adds related definitions to the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes procedures for making such election for Social Security coverage by ministers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1975
Requires the Attorney General of the United States to conduct an investigation to determine whether antitrust violations are occurring in the manufacture or marketing of replacement home canning lids. Directs the Attorney General to submit a report to the Congress no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this joint resolution detailing his findings, proposed action and recommendations concerning legislation. Calls for a final report no later than one year after enactment of this joint resolution detailing actions taken by the Attorney General against any person violating the antitrust acts in regard to the manufacture or marketing of such lids.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Provides that no veteran may be denied care or treatment at non-Veteran's Administration Hospitals under the CHAMPUS program for any service-connected disability solely because care or treatment for such disability is available at Veterans' Administration medical facilities. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1086(f))
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Stipulates that it is the policy of the Congress that Federal employees should be encouraged to fully exercise, to the extent not expressly prohibited by laws, their rights of voluntary participation in the political processes of our Nation. Defines the terms used in this Act. States that an employee may not use his official authority or influence for the purpose of: (1) interfering with the result of any election; (2) intimidating or commanding any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as such individual may choose; or (3) influencing the giving or withholding a political contribution. Prohibits specified forms of solicitation by Federal employees. Provides for leave without pay for Federal employees engaging in activities relating to seeking elective offices. Establishes a Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees. Directs the Board to hear and decide cases brought under this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate specified reports and allegations of activities prohibited by this Act. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to conduct a program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees as to prohibited political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Burn Facilities Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an expanded program for the treatment of burn injuries, research on burns, and the rehabilitation of burn victims. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the establishment of new burn treatment centers and the upgrading of burn units in general hospitals; (2) provide training and support of specialists to staff new and existing burn treatment facilities; (3) provide special training in emergency care of burn victims; and (4) sponsor other research and training programs related to the treatment of burn victims. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to assist the Secretary by providing information on existing burn treatment programs, and other information. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Fair Credit Reporting Act Amendments - Prohibits, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a consumer reporting agency from making any consumer report containing records of arrest or criminal conviction if the consumer involved: (1) was sentenced under the Youth Corrections Act; (2) was not convicted of a crime of violence; and (3) subsequently received a certificate setting aside his conviction. Provides that no consumer reporting agency may make any report containing information of records of arrest or indictment if: (1) the police have elected not to refer a matter to a prosecutor; (2) a prosecutor has elected not to commence criminal proceedings; or (3) a case results in: (a) acquittal, (b) charge dismissed, (c) nolle prosequi, (d) no paper, or (e) case continued without finding.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act States that the Secretary shall give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a vist; or (2) if conditions are found during such a vist which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1978 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Provides under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act that supplementary medical insurance covers durable medical equipment used in the patient's home which is furnished on a lease-purchase basis. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to encourage suppliers of durable medical equipment to make such equipment available on a lease- purchase basis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of specified increases in monthly social security or railroad retirement benefits. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 415(g)(4)).
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that energy conservation practices adopted for the design, construction, and utilization of these facilities will have a beneficial effect on the Nation's overall supply of energy, and the procurement of solar heating and cooling units for use in Federal buildings in connection with demonstrations of solar energy applications on such buildings under this Act should help to create a market for such units generally. States that it is the policy of this Act to insure that energy conservation and solar energy technology be employed in the design and construction of certain Federal facilities as set forth in this Act, and, to the maximum extent feasible, in the design and construction of all other Federal and federally-assisted facilities. Defines terms used in this Act, including the terms "energy use analysis," and "life cycle energy costs". Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of Defense to, in consultation with each other, develop, publish, and from time to time update guidelines designed to assure that the most effective and efficient measures for the conservation of energy and the use of solar energy systems are incorporated in: (1) the design, construction, and renovation of Federal and federally assisted buildings; and (2) the procurement of goods and services for such buildings and for other Federal purposes. States that the guidelines developed by the Secretary and the Administrator shall be consistent with each other. Requires the guidelines developed by the Secretary to be applied to all new and existing buildings under his control. Requires the guidelines developed by the Administrator to be applied to all other new and existing buildings, as defined in this Act. Directs all other Federal agencies to comply with the requirements of the applicable guidelines. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator: (1) to submit to Congress an energy use analysis with respect to the construction, acquisition, or leasing of any new building to which guidelines apply; and (2) with respect to existing buildings, to submit an inventory and energy use analysis of all such buildings, setting forth detailed plans for incorporating required improvements. Directs each Federal agency to submit to the Administrator or Secretary a detailed life cycle energy costs analysis of any building to be constructed, acquired, or leased by it for its use. Prohibits the purchase of any major energy using, generating, or conserving equipment by a Federal agency without prior submission of life cycle energy cost analysis. Provides for an increase in the allowable dollar amount of Federal assistance for building construction or major rehabilitation to cover the cost of solar energy equipment or other special energy equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a source of financial assistance for homeowners and builders so as to enable them to purchase and install solar heating equipment or combined solar heating and cooling equipment, primarily through the small business segment of the economy, in order to substantially reduce energy use. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make loans to individuals and families owning and occupying one- to four-family residential structures, and to persons engaged in building residential structures of any kind, to assist them in purchasing and installing qualified solar heating or solar heating and cooling equipment (as defined by this Act) in such structures. Specifies the maximum amount, interest rate, and maturity date of such loans. Sets forth loan application requirements. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist the Small Business Administration in carrying out the provisions of this Act by transmitting technical findings and recommendations and providing information concerning solar heating and cooling equipment to any person upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the lands, waters and interests to forty-eight-mile segment of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Provides that such area be set aside to establish the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary to allow owners of land, within the recreation area, used for noncommercial residential or agricultural purposes to retain such land for a definite term not to exceed twenty-five years. Directs the Secretary of administer, protest, and develop the recreation area in accordance with the Atlanta Regional Commission Chattahoochee Corridor Study. Allows the Secretary to enter into written agreements with agencies of the State of Georgia for their participation in the administration and development of the recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 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 · 11 July 1975
Establishes a select committee in the House of Represenatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, and the attempted assassination of George Wallace. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigations, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Clarifies the meaning of the term "outpatient physical therapy services" under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act insofar as such term includes speech pathology services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Communicative Health Care Amendment - Declares the purposes of this Act, including to consolidate and clarify the health care coverage of present services. Specifies the services to be covered relative to the health care for persons with communicative disorders under the health insurance program (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, including preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative functions. Provides that payments presently made to hospitals under the Medicare program based on services provided by an outside resource shall be payable directly to such outside resource provider.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses unless such articles is injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Provides for coverage of comprehensive hearing health care services under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act, including provision for hearing amplification devices financed in part by the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Provides that, subject to the approval by the United States, the Mariana Islands District Legislature, and the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, this covenant shall establish the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. States that the Commonwealth shall be in political union with, and under the sovereignty of the United States of America. States that the people of the Northern Mariana Islands will formulate and approve a Constitution, subject to United States approval. Requires that the Constitution provide for a republican form of government with separate executive, legislative and judicial branches, and that it contain a bill of rights. Provides that all persons, citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands, shall become citizens of the United States entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States of the United States. Establishes within the Commonwealth the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. Defines the jurisdiction of the court. Specifies those laws and provisions of the United States Constitution which shall apply to the Commonwealth. Directs the President to appoint a seven-member Commission on Federal laws to make recommendations to the United States Congress as to which laws should be made applicable to the Commonwealth. Provides that with limited exceptions the Northern Mariana Islands will be deemed to be a part of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Makes the income tax laws in force in the United States applicable to the Northern Mariana Islands as a local territorial income tax. Provides that references in the Internal Revenue Code to Guam will be deemed also to refer to the Northern Mariana Islands. States that the Commonwealth shall not be included within the customs territory of the United States. Directs that the Trust Territory Social Security Retirement Fund attributable to the Northern Mariana Islands will be transferred to the Treasury of the United States, to be held in trust as a separate fund and to be known as the "Northern Mariana Islands Social Security Retirement Fund." Provides that the fund will be administered by the United States in accordance with the social security laws of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Exempts all bonds and other obligations issued by the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands from taxation by the United States. Establishes a program of direct grant assistance by the Government of the United States to the Commonwealth in its efforts to achieve a higher standard of living. States that such assistance shall continue for seven fiscal years. Provides $8,250,000 for budgetary support, $4,000,000 for capital improvement projects and $1,750,000 for an economic development loan fund. Makes available to the Commonwealth the full range of Federal programs and services available to the territories of the United States. Directs that the proceeds of all customs duties and Federal income taxes derived from the Northern Mariana Islands shall be paid into the Treasury of the Commonwealth, to be expended to the benefit of the people thereof. Transfers all right, title and interest of the Government of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in and to real property in the Northern Mariana Islands to the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands. Specifies property within the Commonwealth which shall be made available to the Government of the United States by lease for defense purposes. States that such lease shall be for a term of 50 years with an option to renew for an additional 50 years. Provides that the United States shall pay a total of $19,520,600 in full settlement of such lease. Provides that the Commonwealth may regulate the alienation of permanent and long-term interests in real property so as to restrict the acquisition of such interests to persons of Northern Mariana Islands descent. Provides that such regulation is allowed for a period of 25 years after the termination of the Trusteeship Agreement. Recognizes the importance and scarcity of land in the Northern Mariana Islands. States that the United States shall acquire additional land in the Commonwealth only to the extent necessary to accomplish a public purpose. Authorizes the creation of the position of President Representative to the United States. Establishes requirements for such post. Provides for consultations between the Governments of the United States and the Commonwealth. Directs that such consultations shall be held at the request of either Government but not less frequently than every 10 years. Establishes procedures for acceptance of this covenant. Authorizes the appropriation of such amounts as may be necessary to make full payments of awards under title II of the Micronesia Claims Act of 1971. Allows the President to extend all Federal programs providing grant, loan, and loan guarantees to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Mariana Islands District and the other Districts of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Requires that notice of such extension be given to Congress.
![Official portrait of Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000635_200.jpg)