United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1975
National Transportation Finance Emergency Act - Allows the use of 50 percent of funds available under specified provisions of law from the Highway Trust Fund to alleviate the financial hardship to States due to the impoundment of such Highway Trust Fund moneys, inflation, and reduced motor gasoline tax revenues to pay the costs of eligible highway and transportation construction projects.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1975
Consumer Fraud Act - Provides that whoever, in connection with the sale or distribution of goods, services, or other property by the use of any means or instrumentality of transportation or communication in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or by use of the mails, with actual knowledge, engages in or offers or attempts to engage in an unfair consumer practice, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than three years, or both. Sets forth the definition of "unfair consumer practice", including: (1) offering goods or services intending not to sell them as offered; (2) advertising goods or services intending not to supply reasonably expectable public demands, unless the advertisement discloses a limitation; (3) knowingly making false or misleading statements concerning the need for, or necessity of, any goods, service replacements, or repairs; and (4) representing that the consumer will obtain any rights, privileges, or remedies knowing that the consumer will not in fact obtain them. States that any contract or agreement which provides for the purchase of goods or services in furtherance of an unfair consumer practice is void. Grants the Attorney General of the United States, or the chief law enforcement officer or the attorney general of any State in which a prohibited act or practice occured, authority to bring an action in the appropriate district court of the United States to enjoin such act or practice. States that his Act does not affect the scope or applicability of the laws of any State relating to unfair consumer practices except to the extent that such laws permit acts or practices which are prohibited by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1975
Establishes an energy stamp program to provide energy stamps to households with incomes less than $6,000 a year in order to offset a portion of residential energy costs. Allocates to the States responsibility for the certification of eligible households and issuance of coupons. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1975
Provides for a credit under the Internal Revenue Code for 20 percent of the amounts deposited by the taxpayer in an educational savings plan for himself or a dependent. Sets limitations on the amount of such credit, depent upon the nature of the account. Defines "educational savings plan" and other terms used in this Act. Provides for the recapture of any such credit allocable to nonqualified noneducational uses or for failure to use the account.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1975
Consumer Food Act - Title I: Food Surveillance - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that a food processor develop, implement, and maintain safety assurance procedures for each establishment which he owns or operates. Exempts a food processor from such requirement if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines that such processor is unlikely to create or contribute to a significant risk of adulteration because of the nature or volume of his food processing. Requires the Secretary to prepare each year a safety assurance assessment report concerning existing and potential risks of adulteration. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations establishing safety assurance standards if he finds that food is being processed in such a manner as to present an unreasonable risk of adulteration. Provides guidelines for such regulations. Allows any person to commence a civil action for injunctive relief, on his own behalf, whenever such action constitutes a case against any person who is alleged to be in violation of any such regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint committtees to study and report to him with respect to existing and potential hazards to health and safety related to food. Requires a food processor upon learning that there is, with respect to food processed by him, an unreasonable risk of adulteration to immediately notify the Secretary of such risk, if such food has left his control. Enumerates classes of food processing which are exempt from such provisions of this title as relate to safety assurance procedures and safety assurance standards. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish a uniform system of coding applicable to packaged foods. Stipulates that such system will permit the identification of (1) the identity of each food manufacturer, (2) the identity of each individual food, (3) the lot number of the food, and (4) the date packed. Requires that the immediate container of packaged food bear thereon the symbol or symbols established by such uniform system of coding. Exempts from such provision the manufacturing and packaging of packaged food in a retail establishment for consumption on or off the premises. Provides for the detention and seizure of food found by the Secretary to be in violation of this Act. Requires every person importing food into the United States to show that such food has been produced in accordance with the safety assurance procedures and in compliance with any applicable safety assurance standards established pursuant to this Act. Title II: Food Establishment Registration - Declares that it is necessary to provide for the registration and inspection of all establishments in which food intended for human consumption is manufactured, processed, packaged, or otherwise stored. Requires each food processor in any State to prepare and submit to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare a registration statement. Lists the information such registration statement shall contain. Declares such statements shall be available for inspection to any person without charge. Specifies classes of food processors which shall be exempt from filing such registration statements. Provides for the inspection of such establishments required to be registered. Title III: Food Labeling - Declares that a food shall be deemed to be misbranded if the label bears any information regarding the dating of the food for human consumption, unless such information is in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Lists the requirements for regulations regarding the dating of such food. Declares that a food shall be deemed to be misbranded if it purports to be a food for human consumption for which any claim of nutritional value is made unless the nutrition information on the label is in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Declares that food shall be deemed to be misbranded if the food is fabricated from two or more ingredients and its label fails to bear the common name of any such ingredient in the order of its predominance. Stipulates that spices and flavorings may be designated as spices and flavorings without naming each ingredient, if such information is available upon request from the manufacturer. Prohibits the serving of colored oleomargerine at a public eating place unless customers are notified that such oleomargerine is served. Prohibits the altering, or removing before the sale of a packaged food to the ultimate consumer, of any information required under this Act to be placed on the label of such food.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Emergency Unemployment Health Benefits Act - Includes a new title under the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Health Benefits Act establishing an emergency health benefits program for the unemployed. Declares all unemployed individuals who: (1) are entitled to receive State or Federal unemployment benefits and; (2) would, if their employment had not been discontinued, be covered under an employer-sponsored health insurance plan to be eligible for health insurance benefits of the type provided by their previous employer. Extends such benefits to the dependent spouse and the dependent children of such eligible individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into arrangements with carriers and State agencies to carry out this Act. Stipulates that no health insurance benefits may be provided under this Act after June 30, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Standby Energy Authorities Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress with regard to energy shortages. States that the purposes of this Act are to grant specific temporary standby authority to impose end-use rationing and to reduce demand by regulating public and private consumption of energy, subject to congressional review and right of approval or disapproval, and to authorize specified other temporary emergency actions to be exercised, to assure that the essential needs of the United States for fuels will be met. Authorizes the President to establish a program for the rationing and ordering of priorities among classes of end-users of crude oil, residual fuel oil, or any refined petroleum products. Provides that such a program shall take effect only if the President finds that it is necessary to achieve the objectives of this Act. Empowers the President to promulgate energy conservation plans which, subject to congressional review and right of approval of disapproval, may be implemented to reduce energy consumption to levels which can be supplied by available energy resources. Details the procedure for congressional review of energy conservation plans. Requires that any proposed energy conservation or rationing plan submitted to Congress for approval be accompanied by findings of fact on which the action is based, the rationale for the proposal, and an evaluation of the potential economic impact of the proposal. Authorizes the President to allocate supplies of material and equipment in order to maximize domestic energy supplies if he finds: (1) that such supplies are scarce and essential to maintain or further exploration, production, refining, transportation, and conservation of energy; and (2) such maintenance and furtherance cannot reasonably be accomplished without exercising authority specified in this Act. Requires the President to submit to Congress, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, a report on the manner in which such allocation is to be administered. Empowers the President to undertake measures to supplement domestic energy supplies. Authorizes the President to require on a mandatory basis that existing domestic oil fields on Federal lands produce at their maximum efficient rate. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the production from specified Naval Petroleum Reserves. Requires that any allocation made under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act must be adjusted to take into account other factors besides the historical supply period now used as the allocation base. Provides for priority fuel allocations to be made to those engaged in the exploration, production, and transportation of fuels and other minerals. Provides that, to the maximum extent practicable, restrictions on the use of energy shall be designed to be carried out in such manner so as to be fair and to create a reasonable distribution of the burden on all sectors of the economy, without imposing an unreasonably disproportionate share on any specific industry, business, or commercial enterprise. Provides that, within 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Maritime Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission shall report separately to the appropriate committees of Congress on the need for additional regulatory authority in order to conserve fuel while continuing to provide for the public convenience and necessity. States that, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Act, nothing in this Act shall be deemed to convey to any person subject to this Act any immunity from civil or criminal liability or to create defenses to actions, under the antitrust laws. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to provide for the establishment of such advisory committees as he determines are necessary. States that any such committees shall be subject to provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Requires that a full and complete verbatim transcript of all advisory committee meetings shall be kept and made available for public inspection and copying. Provides until June 30, 1985, for the establishment of voluntary agreements and plans of action to accomplish the objectives of this Act. Requires the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to monitor the development, implementation, and carrying out of plans of action and voluntary agreements authorized under this Act to assure the protection and fostering of competition and the prevention of anticompetitive practices and effects. Provides that actions taken in good faith to implement a voluntary agreement or carry out a plan of action developed in accord with this Act constitute a limited defense to any civil or criminal action brought under the antitrust laws. States that such defense shall not apply to acts or practices (1) occurred prior to the enactment of this Act; (2) outside the scope and purpose or not in compliance with the terms and conditions of this Act; or (3) subsequent to the expiration or repeal of this Act. Authorizes the President to restrict exports of fuels and equipment needed for energy exploration and production under such terms as he deems appropriate and necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act, and taking into account the historical trading relations of the United States with Canada and Mexico. Sets forth the administrative procedures to govern actions taken pursuant to this Act and to a specified provision of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act. States that notice of all proposed substantive rules and orders of general applicability described in this Act shall be given by publication of such rule or order in the Federal Register, with a minimum of 10 days thereafter provided for opportunity to comment. Grants an exception to the 10-day requirement where the President finds that strict compliance would seriously impair the operation of the program to which such rule or order relates. Provides that judicial review of administrative rulemaking of general and national applicability done under this Act may be obtained only by filing a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, or, in the case of rulemaking with less than national applicability, in the appropriate circuit court of appeals. States that notwithstanding the amounts in controversy, the U.S. district courts shall have exclusive original jurisdiction of all other cases or controversies arising under this Act, except any actions taken by specified commissions. Declares that the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration may by rule prescribe procedures for State or local boards which carry out functions under this Act or the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act. Provides for a civil penalty of not more than $2,500 for each violation of any provision of this Act or of rules, regulations, or orders issued pursuant to any such provision. Prescribes a fine or not more than $5,000 for each violation where such violation is willful. Makes it unlawful for any person to offer for sale or distribute in commerce any product or commodity in violation of an applicable order or regulation issued pursuant to this Act. States that any person who knowlingly and willfully violates this provision after having been subjected to a civil penalty for a prior violation of such provision shall be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. Authorizes the Attorney General to obtain temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions against actual or impending violations of this act. Provides that private individuals suffering legal wrong because of any act or practice arising out of a violation of this Act may seek an injunction or declaratory judgment, but may not recover damages. States that, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration shall by rule, after opportunity for interested persons, to make oral presentations establish criteria for delegation of his functions under this Act or the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act to officers or local boards (of balanced composition reflecting the community as a whole) of States or political subdivisions thereof. Allows appropriate offices and boards to petition for the receipt of such delegation. Directs the Administrator to provide financial assistance for the purpose of assisting eligible State or local energy conservation programs, with at least one half of such sums apportioned on the basis of each State's population. Sets forth criteria that a State must meet in order to be eligible to receive financial assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purpose a sum not to exceed $50,000,000 for each of the two fiscal years including and following the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to request, acquire, and collect such energy information as he determines is necessary to achieve the purposes of this act. Defines the term "energy information. Provides that the authority under this Act to prescribe any rule or order, or to enforce any such rule or order, shall expire at midnight, June 30, 1985, but such expiration shall not affect any action or pending proceedings not finally determined on such date. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Administrator such sums as are necessary to implement the provisions of this Act. Declares that if any provision of this Act, or the application of any such provision to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Act, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby. Directs the President to designate, where applicable and not otherwise provided by law, an appropriate Federal agency to carry out the provisions of this Act after the termination of the Federal Energy Administration in accordance with the Federal Energy Administration Act. Extends the mandatory allocation program under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act until December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Provides that the functions of the Federal Trade Commission with respect to the issuance and service of complaints may be exercised by bureau and regional directors designated by the Commission. Declares that if any person, partnership, or corporation violates any rule which is promulgated by the Commission with respect to unfair or deceptive acts or practices, then either the Attorney General of the State in which such act or practice occurred, or any person directly affected by such violation may commence a civil action against such violator. Requires any Attorney General bringing such a civil action to notify the Commission, and its appropriate regional office, of the theory and alleged facts of the action within 10 days of filing the action. Requires any person directly affected by a violation and commencing such a civil action to notify the appropriate State Attorney General. Provides that in such an action brought by an Attorney General, the Commission may intervene as a matter of right. Provides that in such an action brought by an individual, the appropriate State Attorney General may intervene as a matter of right. Authorizes the court trying such a suit to grant such relief as it finds necessary to redress injury which resulted as a consequence of the violation. Authorizes the governing body on Indian reservations to develop regulations to eliminate or preclude unfair or deceptive acts and practices in commerce. Declares that the governing body of Indian reservations shall have the exclusive authority to license traders as a prerequisite to the operation of trading establishments. Directs the Commission to coordinate local, State, and Federal trade regulation and enforcement activities. Repeals the exemption of outer coverings of furnitute, mattresses, and box springs from the textile fiber identification requirements of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Empowers and directs the Commission to prevent common carriers, air carriers and foreign air carriers subject to the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, from using unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce. Declares that no officer or agency of the United States, other than the Civil Service Commission, shall have any authority to require the Chairman or the Commission to obtain approval of the employment or promotion of any individual yby the Commission. Declares that the Congress shall exercise continuing oversight over the activities of the Commission. Requires the Commission to submit concurrently to the Congress any budget information or legislative comments submitted to the President or the Office of Management and Budget.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Petroleum Price Increase Limitation Act - Prohibits for a period of ninety days the lifting of all price controls on domestic oil. Requires thereafter the submission to, and the right of review and disapproval of, the Congress of such action within thirty days.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Emergency Public Service Employment Extension Act - Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the emergency jobs program under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Consumer Product Testing Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to categorize consumer products into priority classifications for the purpose of developing standards for test protocols, the results of which will provide a basis to the consumer for judging and comparing product characteristics. Defines the terms used in this Act. Specifies relevent factors for the designation of priority classifications. Requires the Commission to commence a proceeding for the development of such a test protocol whenever the Commission determines that such would assist consumers in making informed purchases. Requires the Commission to promulgate advertising regulations with regard to products tested under this Act, and to furnish consumers with informations about such products. Allows the Commission to contract for compliance of test results furnished by any person who has tested such products. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction over any alleged violations or hardship claims arising out of the provisions of this Act. States that it shall be a civil violation under the Federal Trade Commission Act to induce or encourage the purchase of a product by falsely representing that it has been tested or by misrepresenting the results of such test, and further, in the case of a person engaged in testing consumer products, to advertise or distribute a consumer product with respect to which there has been any statement or representation in violation of this Act. Provides, for a conviction of a wilful violation of this Act or regulations promulgated hereunder, a fine of not more than $10,000 for each day of violation, or imprisonment for more than one year or both. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 in order to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvements Act - Authorizes to be appropriated to the Consumer Products Safety Commission $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Declares that no officer or agency of the United States other than the Civil Service Commission shall have any authority to require the Chairman or the Commission to obtain approval of the employment or promotion of any individual by the Commission. Declares that no individual may be required to advocate any program or position espoused by the executive branch of the Federal Government as a prerequisite to employment or promotion by the Commission. Declares that the Congress shall exercise continuing oversight over the activities of the Commission. Empowers duly authorized committees of the Congress to conduct inquiries into the activities of the Commission. Requires every product liability insurer and independent testing laboratory which discovers that a consumer product distributed in commerce fails to comply with an applicable consumer product safety rule, or contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, to notify the manufacturer of such product of such a discovery within one business day. Requires such laboratory or insurer to inform the Commission of such discovery if the manufacturer fails to do so within 24 hours of receipt of such notice. Deletes the requirement of the Consumer Product Safety Act that the Attorney General concur in the bringing or defending of civil or criminal actions pursuant to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Emergency Petroleum Allocation Extension Act - Provides for the extension of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act from August 31, 1975, to December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Provides that any executive agreement made on or after the date of enactment of this Act shall be transmitted to the Secretary of State, who shall then transmit such agreement (bearing an identification number) to the Congress. Provides that such an agreement which the President determines is prejudicial to the security of the United States shall instead be transmitted to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives under a written injunction of secrecy to be removed only upon due notice from the President. Requires each committee to personally notify the Members of its House that the Secretary has transmitted such an agreement with an injunction of secrecy, and such amendment shall thereafter be available for inspection only by such Members. Provides that any such executive agreement shall only come into force, with exceptions as stated in this Act, with respect to the United States at the end of the first period of sixty calendar days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the executive agreement is transmitted to Congress or such committees, as the case may be, if, between the date of transmittal and the end of the sixty-day period, both Houses agree to a concurrent resolution stating in substance that both Houses approve the executive agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Expresses the Senate's disapproval of the President's September 20, 1974, proposal deferral of budget authority for water program operations construction grants.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that there shall be a national policy recognizing the right of all citizens to the full development of their economic, social and personal potential regardless of their physical disabilities. Directs that there be a mobilization of private and public resources to remove barriers from the man-made environment. Expresses as a goal the integration of handicapped people into their communities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Calls for a joint session of Congress to assemble in the Hall of the House of Representatives on February 20, 1975, at 1 o'clock postmeridian for the purpose of receiving a message on the state of the States from the chairman of the National Governor's Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development, construction of facilities, and research and program management. Stipulates that no amount appropriated pursuant to this Act may be used for any program (1) deleted by the Congress from requests as originally made to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences; (2) in excess of the amount actually authorized for that particular program; and (3) which has not been presented to or requested of either such committee, unless specified conditions have been met. Authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to enter into a contract for tracking and data relay Satellite Services.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Congressional Election Financing Act - Adds to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 a Title V: Public Financing of Congressional Elections. Sets forth the definitions of terms to be used in this Act. States that to be eligible to receive payments under this title, a candidate for election to Federal Office shall agree: (1) to obtain and to furnish to the Commission any evidence it may request about his campaign expenditures and contributions; (2) to keep and to furnish to the Commission information it may request; (3) to permit an audit and examination by the Commission and to pay any amounts required; and (4) to furnish statements of campaign expenditures and proposed campaign expenditures. Enumerates the eligibility certification requirements to be met by every candidate prior to receiving payments under this Act. Provides that every eligible candidate is entitled to payments in connection with his primary election campaign in an amount which is equal to the amount of contributions he accepts for that campaign. Describes the amounts which major party and minor party candidates are entitled to receive. Requires th Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit in the Account the amount available after payments for Presidential elections and nominating conventions have been set aside plus such additional amounts as may be authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title. Directs the Secretary to pay to candidates from this Account the amounts certified by the Federal Elections Commission. Requires that, after each congressional election, the Commission shall conduct a thorough examination and audit of the campaign expenditures of all candidates who received payments under this title. Provides for repayment of funds to the Account in the case of excess payments, the failure to make expenditures of any portion of the payments received, or the expenditure of such payments for purposes other than campaign expenses. Directs every candidate to furnish a detailed statement of expenditures and proposed expenditures whenever the Commission so requires, and directs the Commission to make available for public inspection summaries of all such statements. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report to Congress setting forth the expenditures of each candidate who received payments, the amounts certified for payment to each, and any amount required to be returned by a candidate. States that each such report submitted shall be printed as a Senate document. Imposes for violation of this title a fine of not more than $50,000, or not more than five years imprisonment, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs each department and agency of the United States to undertake an immediate review of its existing statutory authority, regulations, policies, and procedures for the purpose of determining whether there are any deficiencies or inconsistencies therein which prohibit full compliance with the purposes and provisions of this Act and the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970. Requires that on or before July 31, 1974, and not less than annually thereafter, the President of the United States shall transmit to the Congress a report on the domestic mining, minerals, and metal and mineral reclamation industries, including a statement of the trend in utilization and depletion of these resources, together with such recommendations for legislative action as may be necessary to implement the policy of the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Council on Mineral Resources. Sets forth the duties and functions of the Council, including: (1) to develop and recommend to the President national policies to foster and promote the improvement of domestic mining, minerals, and metal and mineral reclamation industries goals of the Nation; (2) to conduct investigations, studies, surveys, research, and analyses relating to domestic mining and mineral resources; and (3) to document and define changes or trends on the state of domestic mining, minerals, and metal and mineral reclamation and to interpret the underlying causes. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act not to exceed $300,000 for fiscal year 1975, $700,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $1,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Extends the life of the Special Committee on Aging, established by Senate Resolution 33, 87th Congress through February 9, 1976. Directs the committee to make a continuing study and investigation of any and all matters pertaining to problems and opportunities of older people, including but not limited to, problems and opportunities of maintaining health, of assuring adequate income, of finding employment, of engaging in productive and rewarding activity, of securing proper housing, and, when necessary, of obtaining care or assistance. Grants the Committee specified powers to carry out its functions. Provides that the minority shall receive fair consideration in the appointment of staff personnel pursuant to this resolution. Directs that for the period from March 1, 1975, through February 29, 1976, the expenses of the committee shall not exceed $561,000. Requires the committee to report the results of its study and investigation, together with recommendations, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, but not later than February 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Requests the President to proclaim the period from February 16 to March 15, 1975, as "Energy Conservation Month". Directs the President to publicize the need for energy conservation. Requests the President to report to Congress by March 31, 1975, steps taken to promote energy conservation and recommendations for a continuing program. Directs the President to report monthly to the American people and Congress the state of energy resources.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
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 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 appropriated $5,000,000 for each of the five fiscal years after enactment of this Act 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 the first fiscal year after enactment of this Act; $4,000,000 for the second fiscal year; and $6,000,000 for each of the three succeeding fiscal years. 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 $8,000,000 for the first fiscal year after enactment of this Act; $16,000,000 for the second fiscal year; $22,000,000 for the third fiscal year; $30,000,000 for the fourth fiscal year; $34,000,000 for the fifth fiscal year; and, for each succeeding fiscal year, such sums as may be necessary to continue to make scholarship grants under this section 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 to carry out the provisions of this section $1,000,000 for each of the five fiscal years after enactment of this Act. 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-year fiscal period for the following health services: (1) patient care, (2) field health, excluding dental care, (3) dental care, (4) mental health, (5) treatment and control of alcoholism, (6) provision of health care personnel in primary and secondary Bureau of Indian Affairs schools, and (7) maintenance and repair. Title III: Health Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary to expend $561,000,000 over a five-fiscal-year period in order to eliminate inadequate, outdated, and otherwise unsatisfactory service hospitals, health centers, health stations, 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 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 the first fiscal year after enactment of this Act; $10,000,000 for the second fiscal year; and $15,000,000 for the third fiscal year. 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 · 3 February 1975
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance, or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Federal Employee Administrative Hearing Rights Guarantee Act - Provides each employee in the competitive service of the Federal Government who has completed the probationary or trial period, the right to a hearing, a hearing transcript, and all relevant evidence prior to a final decision of an agency to remove or suspend without pay such employee. Sets forth procedures for implementing the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Makes it unlawful for an executive official to require or request any civilian employee, who is under investigation for misconduct, to submit to interrogation which could lead to disciplinary action without the presence of counsel if he requests; or to require or request any civilian wmployee to make any report concerning any of his activities or undertakings unless such activities or undertakings are directly related to the performance of official duties to which he is or may be assigned or to the development of skills or knowledge, unless there is reasonable cause to belieive that the civilian employee is engaged in outside activities in conflict with his officials duties. Places enforcement of thes provisions with the Civil Service Commission, and with the United States district court.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Provides that a general increase in social security benefits shall not be taken into account in determining the eligibility of individuals or families to receive benefits under any Federal plan or program or any State plan or program which is funded in whole or in part by Federal funds if the effect of such increase would be to reduce or eliminate the benefits available under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Provides, under the Social Security Act, for reimbursement to States for welfare payments to Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos, native Hawaiians, and other aboriginal persons for aid to dependent children (presently effective in two States), supplemental security income, and medicaid. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Authorizes additional expenditures of $57,000 by the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences for inquiries and investigations from March 1, 1975, through February 28, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Directs the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for radio and television coverage of proceedings in the Senate Chamber during the first session of the Ninety-fourth Congress, except for closed-door sessions. Requires video tapes of such broadcasts to be kept and made available to commercial broadcast stations. Provides for monitors of such broadcasts in various offices and for audio monitors in members' offices, if desired.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments - Title I: Purposes, Definitions, and National Policy for Managing the Resources of the Outer Continental Shelf - States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) establish policies and procedures for managing the oil and natural gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf in order to achieve national economic goals; (2) preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf; (3) encourage development of new and improved technology for energy resource production that will increase human safety and eliminate or reduce risk of evnironmental damage; and (4) assure that coastal States which are directly impacted by oil and natural gas exploration and development are provided with an opportunity to take part in policy and planning decisions. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Revises bidding and lease administration under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Provides for the orderly development of oil and gas leases and requires that no geological and geophysical exploration shall take place in the Outer Continental Shelf without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the oil and gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf. States that the Secretary shall, by regulation, establish procedures for determining the areas to be considered for exploratory drilling and potential leasing. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purposes $200,000,000 during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Requires the Secretary to transmit a leasing and development plan to Congress at least 90 calendar days prior to announcing the invitation to bid on each tract in which oil or gas is found in commercial quantities. Provides that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be considered the "lead agency" for purpose of complying with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act as such Act pertains to the implementation of this Act. Requires that the environmental impact statements include such information as: (1) the probable impact of the proposed exploration or development on the marine and coastal environments; and (2) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed exploration or development. Makes provisions for the development, promulgation, and enforcement of safety regulations for operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires that the Coast Guard make regular inspections and strictly enforce the safety regulations. States that any person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Allows citizen suits by persons having an interest which is, or may be, adversely affected. Permits civil actions against any person, including the United States, and against the Secretary of the Interior where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this Act which is not discretionary. Provides that any person in charge of any oil and gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf shall be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for mot more than one year, or both, for failure to immediately notify an appropriate agency of the U.S. Government of a discharge or spillage of oil. Authorizes, for the purpose of removing a discharge or spilling, the withdrawal of money available in the Offshore Oil Pollution Settlements Fund established pursuant to this Act. Imposes on each barrel of oil produced pursuant to any lease issued or maintained under this Act a fee of two and a half cents per barrel to pay costs of administration of this Act. Provides that collection of amounts for the fund shall cease when $100,000,000 has been accumulated, but shall be renewed when the accumulation in the fund falls below $85,000,000. Provides that immediately upon the date of enactment of this Act, there shall cease any additional leasing of tracts for the purpose of developing oil and gas under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in all regions and areas where there has been no previous development of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf or other areas where geological or environmental conditions make such development hazardous. States that such moratorium shall continue until a specified time. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and publish a report with recommendations for achieving an equitable system of lease sales while maximizing production and revenues from the leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands. Provides that the Secretary shall study the most appropriate means of developing a National Strategic Energy Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Eliminates the earnings limitation under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act for all workers age sixty-five and over (presently age 72).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Repeals, under the Sherman Antitrust Act and under the Federal Trade Commission Act, exemptions in the antitrust laws relating to fair trade laws (also known as resale price maintenance or quality stabilization laws) which agreements prescribe minimum or stipulated prices for the resale of brand-name commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Social Security Administration Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. Title I: Social Security Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such Administration, by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records, which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held, or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
National Standards No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions of terms used in the Act. Requires every owner of a motor vehicle in a State to continuously provide in accordance with this Act with respect to that motor vehicle, while it is either present or registered in the State, security for the payment of basic restoration benefits and, at the option of the State, security for the payment of tort liabilities arising from maintenance or use of the motor vehicle. Specifies that security may be provided by a contract of insurance or by qualifying as a self-insurer. Provides that the State commissioner of insurance shall establish or approve a plan assuring that liability insurance and basic reparation shall be available to each applicant for insurance who cannot obtain insurance through ordinary methods at rates not in excess of those applicable to applicants under the plan. Permits the plan to be by assignment of applicants among insurers, pooling, or other joint insuring or reinsuring arrangement. Makes provisions for cancellation, refusal to renew, or other termination of insurance by an insurer. States that basic and added reparation benefits are payable monthly as work loss, survivor's economic loss, or allowable expense is incurred. Allows a claim for basic or added benefits to be discharged by a settlement agreement for an agreed amount payable in installments or in a lump sum, if the reasonably anticipated net loss does not exceed $2,500. Establishes a statute of limitations of two years from the time the loss occurred, or four years from the time of the accident, whichever is earlier. Provides for a statute of limitations for survivor's benefits of one year from the date of death or four years from the time of the accident, whichever is earlier. Prohibits the assignment of rights for loss accruing in the future, as well as garnishment or execution. Provides for reasonable attorney's fees. Allows restoration obligors providing basic restoration insurance in a State, or the State insurance commissioner in their absence, to organize an assigned claims bureau and an assigned claims plan, and adopt rules for their operation and for assessment of costs on a fair and equitable basis consistent with this Act. Authorizes the commissioner to regulate reparation obligors, and to provide information to consumers about insurer's rates so that they may be able to compare them. Establishes minimum liability insurance coverage required. Sets forth subrogation and indemnity rights of a restoration obligor. Limits Federal jurisdiction in insurance claim proceedings to cases in which the United States is a party. Sets forth provisions governing injuries arising out of the use of a Federal motor vehicle where the claim is against the United States as a restoration obligor. Title II: National Standards for State No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Plan - Provides that by the completion of the first general legislative session commencing after the enactment of this Act, a State may establish a plan for no-fault motor vehicle insurance designed to meet or exceed the requirements established by this title. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to periodically review the laws and regulations of each State pertaining to no-fault motor vehicle insurance to determine whether or not they meet or exceed the requirements established by this title. Makes title III of this Act applicable if a State fails to adopt a plan for no-fault motor vehicle insurance within the time specified. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to any State for the purpose of reimbursing such State for any governmental cost increases resulting from the implementation or administration of a no-fault plan in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of not in excess of $10,000,000 for the Secretary to carry out his functions under this Act. Sets forth requirements for State no-fault plans, and specifies the right of any person injured to basic restoration benefits in accordance with this Act. Provides that, under any State no-fault motor vehicle insurance plan, tort liability arising out of the operation, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle is abolished except as follows: (1) the liability of an owner of a motor vehicle involved in an accident who has not provided insurance or self-insurance covering the vehicle at the time of the accident; (2) the liability of a person in the business of designing, manufacturing, or repairing motor vehicles arising from a defect in a motor vehicle caused by an act or omission; (3) liability of a person for intentionally caused injury; (4) liability for damages for physical damage to property other than motor vehicles in use; and (5) intangible damages if the injured person dies or sustains permanent, significantly, incapacitating, loss of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or an injury resulting in more than six months of complete inability of an injured person to work in his occupation. Sets forth requirements of tort liability coverage and territorial coverage which an insurance policy must meet. Provides means of computing loss from an accident, and sets limits on amounts recoverable under a no-fault plan. Specifies benefits that may be offered by insurers as optional added restoration coverages. Disqualifies from receiving benefits the converter of a motor vehicle or a person intentionally causing injury to himself or another person. Title III: Alternative State No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Plan - Sets forth the requirements of a Federal alternative no-fault plan, to be applicable in a State not enacting a no-fault plan. Provides that basic restoration benefits payable for work loss may not exceed $1,000 per month, and survivor's replacement services loss, and survivor's losses arising from injury to one person and attributable to the calendar week during which the accident causing injury occurs and to each calendar week thereafter may not exceed $200. Makes similar provisions to those of title II with respect to the partial abolition of tort liability. Allows optional added restoration coverage by insurers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Fair Marketing of Petroleum Products Act - Prohibits refiners or distributors of petroleum products from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise, or unless such refiner or distributor withdraws entirely from the sale of refined petroleum products in commerce for sale other than resale in the United States. Sets forth procedural and jurisdictional requirements for suits brought as result of violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Provides that no new tariff, fee or other charge, no increase in existing tariffs, fees or other charges, and no new quota or other limitation on imports of crude oil or petroleum products other than those in effect on January 1, 1975, may be imposed unless: (1) such action is specifically authorized by law enacted after the date of enactment of this joint resolution; or (2) the specific action proposed to be taken is submitted to both Houses of the Congress. States that if such action is disapproved by either House within the thirty-day review period, no officer or agency shall have authority to take any action inconsistent with the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
States that the Senate disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority for continuing research to develop a nuclear-powered artifical heart, which was set forth in the President's message to the Congress of November 26, 1974.
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
Family Farm Inheritance Act - States that for purposes of the estate tax under the Internal Revenue Code the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting the lesser of: (1) $200,000; or (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation continuously owned by him or his spouse for five years prior to his death and which passes to a related individual. Disqualifies the individual to whom the estate passes from the tax benefit authorized by this Act if such individual, within five years after the decedent's death, sells or removes the family farming operation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Makes 22 caliber rimfire ammunition subject to the recordkeeping requirements imposed on specified types of firearms and firearm components under the Internal Revenue Code.
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 · 17 January 1975
Places the jurisdiction of energy research matters and of the Energy Research and Development Administration under the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences.
![Official portrait of Sen. Moss, Frank E. [D-UT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001033_200.jpg)