United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Dairy and Meat Import Inspection and Identification Act - Establishes labeling and sanitation requirements for imported meat and dairy products. Title I: Dairy Products - Defines terms as used in this title. Directs that no dairy products shall be imported into the United States unless the Secretary of Agriculture first certifies that such products are wholesome and pure. Requires the Secretary to establish standards comparable to standards imposed upon domestic dairy products. Provides that such imports must comply with United States packaging and labeling requirements. Requires that the package or container of any food product made in whole or in part of imported dairy products shall be labeled "imported" or "imported in part". Establishes criminal penalties for violation of the requirements of this Act. Title II: Meat and Meat Products - Imposes the same labeling requirements on meat products as those imposed by title I of this Act. Requires that such products meet the same health standards as imposed upon domestically produced meats. Requires that inspectors employed by the Department of Agriculture supervise the testing of imported meats. Directs that periodic tests of imported meats shall be conducted in the United States by the Department of Agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Provides for the updating of the life safety requirements which are applicable to nursing homes under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that the noncash remuneration paid to qualified workers on fishing boats shall be treated as self-employment income for purposes of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, and for purposes of Federal income tax withholding requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Lobbying Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide for the disclosure to the Congress, the executive branch, and to all members of the public of the efforts of organizations and individuals who are paid to engage in efforts to influence issues before Congress or the executive branch, without intefering with the right of the people of the United States to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Defines terms used in this Act. States that the term "lobbying" means the making of "lobbying communications" or "lobbying solicitations", as such terms are defined in this Act. Defines the term "lobbyist" to mean any person or organization which receives any income other than personal travel expenses and other specified income: (1) to make or for making in any quarterly period one or more lobbying communications; or (2) to make or for making in any quarterly period one or more lobbying solicitations which refer to the same issue or issues before the Congress or the executive branch and which reach, or may reasonably be expected to reach, a total of five hundred or more persons. Makes a further definition of the term "lobbyist" to include any organization which conducts specified activities designed to affect the outcome of legislation. Requires each person to register with the Comptroller General of the United States not later than 15 days after becoming a lobbyist. States that such registration shall contain the identification of the lobbyist, and the identification of the subject matter of each category of issues before the Congress or executive branch, which the lobbyist expects to seek to influence. Requires each lobbyist to disclose each organization from which he received income during the 12-month period preceding the filing. Requires voluntary membership organizations to approximate the number of persons who are members of the organization, and to describe the methods which the organization expects to use. States that such registrations shall also include: (1) an identification of each person on whose behalf the lobbyist's services have been retained; (2) a description of the financial terms and conditions under which the lobbyist is retained by each such person; and (3) an identification of each individual to whom, as of the date of filing, the lobbyist expects to provide income (other than personal travel expenses) to make one or more lobbying communications. States that such registration shall be effective for 12 months. Requires each lobbyist and person retaining a lobbyist to maintain such financial and other records as the Comptroller General shall prescribe. States that such records shall be subject to examinations by the Comptroller General. Requires each lobbyist to file quarterly reports with the Comptroller General covering the lobbyist's activities during that period. Sets forth the information required to be included in such report. Enumerates the powers of the Comptroller General pursuant to the enforcement of the provisions of this Act. Grants the Comptroller General the power to subpena witnesses and documentary evidence. Sets forth the duties of the Comptroller General pursuant to this Act. States that the Comptroller General shall make available to the public the information contained in the registration and reports filed by lobbyists under this Act. Directs the Comptroller General, in response to a written request by any person, to render an advisory opinion with respect to the recordkeeping, registration, or reporting requirements of this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to investigate any apparent violation of this Act when it appears that any person has engaged, or is about to engage in, any acts or practices which would constitute a violation of this Act. Authorizes the Comptroller General to correct such violations by informal means, or, that failing, by legal action. Sets forth rules of procedure with respect to legal actions brought to enforce the provisions of this Act. Establishes civil penalties consisting of fines of up to $10,000 per day for each day of violation of the provisions of this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the President and to Congress annually with respect to its activities and functions under this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Government Secrecy Control Act - States that it is the policy of the United States Government to permit information relating to the national defense or foreign policy of the United States to be kept secret only when the disclosure of such information would harm the national defense or foreign policy or when such information has been provided to the Government of the United States by a foreign government or international organization pursuant to an agreement which conforms to the policy of this Act and which precludes the release of such information without the consent of that foreign government or international organization. States that it is also the policy of the United States Government not to permit information to be kept secret in order to impede access by Congress to such information or to conceal incompetence, inefficiency, wrongdoing, or administrative error, to avoid embarrassment to any office or agency, or to restrain competition or independent initiative. Establishes a Joint Committee on Government Secrecy to carry out the policies of this Act, and upon determination that the practices of Government departments and agencies fail to conform to such policies, to direct their revision. Specifies the composition, duties, and powers of the Joint Committee. Establishes the Office of National Defense and Foreign Policy Information within the Executive Office of the President to be headed by a Registrar of National Defense and Foreign Policy Information. States that it shall be the function of the Registrar to compile and transmit to the Joint Committee a Register of National Defense and Foreign Policy Information, and to review and recommend the procedures relating to the disclosure of information by the President, and Federal departments and agencies. Abolishes the Interagency Classification Review Committee. Requires that any document or matter kept secret pursuant to this Act shall be entered on the Register of National Defense and Foreign Policy Information. Specifies the information to be contained in each entry required to be made in the register. Specifies special procedures for the entry of specified classes of matter into the Register.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that every person has a right to an adequate diet. Provides that recognition of this right should guide United States policy. Seeks to have all who are in need receive help through food assistance programs. Calls for this country to increase its assistance for self-help development among the world's poorest nations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1975
Redefines the term "agricultural" under the Interal Revenue Code for tax exemption status purposes as including, but not necessarily limited to, the art or science of cultivating land, harvesting crops or marine resources, or raising livestock.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Fairness in Franchising Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a continuing review and study of the substantive and procedural law applicable to franchises and franchising. Provides that no franchisor who is doing business in or affecting interstate commerce shall cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate a franchise unless he furnishes prior notice of at least 90 days to each franchise affected thereby. States that a franchisor who is doing business in or affecting interstate commerce shall not cancel or terminate a franchise unless: (1) such franchisor has good cause for such cancellation or termination or (2) such franchisor is effecting a marketing area withdrawal. States that a franchisor who is doing business in or affecting interstate commerce shall not terminate a franchise by failure to renew unless: (1) such franchisor has good cause for such failure to renew; (2) such franchisor has a legitimate business reason for such failure to renew if the term of the agreement which is not being renewed was five years or more; or (3) such franchisor is effecting a marketing area withdrawal upon the expiration of the terms of the franchises outstanding in the area involved. Provides that a franchisor who fails to renew for a legitimate business reason shall pay to the franchise involved a reasonable compensation for the value to the latter's business, including, but not limited to, goodwill. Authorizes franchisees to maintain civil actions against franchisors for conduct prohibited under this Act. Authorizes Federal district courts to grant such equitable relief as is necessary to remedy the effects of conduct which it finds to exist and which is prohibited under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Revises the Tariff Act to exempt private aircraft entering or departing from the United States and Canada or the United States and Mexico at night or on Sunday or a holiday from provisions requiring payment to the United States for overtime services of customs officers and employees.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 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 for production items, interest, taxes and wage rates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare should withdraw its proposed Consolidated Procedural Rules for Administration and Enforcement of the Department's statutory responsibilities. States that if additional positions are required for enforcement of Civil Rights laws such need should be brought to the attention of the Senate. Directs the Office of Civil Rights to continue to make efforts to detect systematic discrimination including those areas relating to discrimination based on sex and handicap.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
States that whenever any officer in the executive branch of the Federal Government proposes to prescribe any rule or regulation, or change any existing rule or regulation, such rule or regulation must be submitted to each House of Congress together with a report containing a full explantion thereof. Provides that no such rule shall become effective if the Congress disapproves it within a sixty-day period. Specifies that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to regulations dealing with national security, foreign affairs, agency management, or personnel matters.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Establishes a timetable for Senate consideration of and action on legislative proposals relating to continuing congressional oversight of Government intelligence and other surveillance activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Directs that in computing the total number of civilian personnel authorized in any fiscal year for the Department of Defense or any military department thereof, there shall be excluded from such computation civilian personnel engaged in industrially funded activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Fishing Vessels Claims Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, to make non-interest-bearing loans to United States fishermen to cover the costs of damages to their vessels and gear by foreign vessels operating in water superjacent to the continental shelf of the United States. Directs the Secretary to investigate each such incident, to cancel repayment of the loan if he determines that the damage was caused solely by the vessel of a foreign nation, and to seek recovery from such foreign nation in that case.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Congressional Right to Information Act - Requires the head of every Federal agency: (1) to keep each committee and subcommittee of Congress fully informed with respect to all matters relating to the agency which are within the jurisdiction of the committee or subcommittee; and (2) to provide the Congress, its committees and subcommittees, with all information requested. Requires all officers or employees of the United States, when summoned to testify or to produce evidence before Congress or a committee or subcommittee thereof, to appear as requested, and to furnish all information required. Provides for the withholding of such information by instruction of the President. Provides for the subpena of an officer or employee of the United States or of information requested by Congress, when such officer fails to appear or such information is withheld. Provides for the bringing of a civil action to enforce such subpena. Sets forth rules for the treatment of any resolution introduced in Congress to enforce a subpena issued pursuant to this Act. Grants to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia the original jurisdiction over actions brought to enforce a subpena issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Congress, and each committee and subcommittee thereof to take measures to insure the confidentiality of any information made available to it under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Lobbying Disclosure Act - Title I: Regulation of Lobbying - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that many Americans believe that special interest groups get more from the Government than they do, and that the existing legislation designed to provide public disclosure of the efforts of such groups to affect the policymaking process fails in a narrow interpretation of those considered to be lobbyists and in the limitation to the legislative process. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide for the disclosure of the communications, activities, and the origin, amount, and utilization of funds and other resources of and by persons who seek to influence the legislative or executive process. Defines terms used in this Act, including: (1) "Federal agency;" and (2) "officer or employee of the Congress." Includes in the definition of the term "lobbyist" a legislative agent retained to make executive or legislative communications; the person or organization employing the agent; the employees of any person or organization who are paid to make legislative communications when they make more than 15 in one quarter or 5 in one day; the person or organization for whom such employee works; any person who solicits at least 100 persons to make communications or contributions of $5000 or more to make such communications; and any person who solicits at least 25 persons who will be paid to make communications. Requires each lobbyist to register with the Comptroller General of the United States within five days of first becoming a lobbyist and at times thereafter as stated in this Act. Requires the representation notice filed at the time of registration to set forth: (1) the identification of the lobbyist; (2) the identification of every person or whose behalf the lobbyist expects to perform services; (3) a description of the financial terms under which the lobbyist is employed; (4) each aspect to the legislative or the executive policymaking process which the lobbyist expects to seek to influence, including any officer, employee, or committee of the Congress or of any Federal agency to whom a communication is to be made; (5) the identification of any person who is expected to be acting for such lobbyist; and (6) the approximate number of members of a voluntary organization, and a description of the methods of operation of such an organization. Requires lobbyists to maintain such records, including financial records, as the Comptroller General shall prescribe. Requires the identification of all sources of income. Requires lobbyists to submit quarterly reports to the Comptroller General covering the lobbyist's activities during the quarter. Provides for the weekly filing of reports if required by the Comptroller General to give a timely accounting of activities related to a pending major issue. Sets forth items of information which must be reported, including: (1) an identification of the lobbyists and the persons on whose behalf he has acted; (2) an identification of each decision of the legislative or executive policymaking process the lobbyist or anyone acting on his behalf; (3) a record of each oral and written communication expressing an opinion or containing information with respect to the Executive or legislative processes; (4) a copy of each written communication and a description of the procedures used by the lobbyist to solicit other persons to make executive or legislative communications and an estimate of the number of persons contacted and who engaged in lobbying; (5) the total income and expenditures of the lobbyist for lobbying; (6) an itemization of each expenditure made directly or indirectly to or for any Federal officer or employee which is over $15 within that quarter or which is in the aggregate is $60 a year; and (7) the amount and recipient of any contribution to a candidate for Federal office. Title II: Disclosure of Executive Branch Communications - Requires any Federal agency official, as defined in this title, to prepare a record of any oral or written communication which he may receive which pertains to any agency activity or policy issue. Sets forth the information required to be included in such record, including the identification of the person with whom the communication occured, and a summary of the subject matter of such communication. Requires all such communications to be made available for public inspection and copying. Title III: Duties of the Comptroller General - Directs the Comptroller General to administer this Act. Requires the Comptroller General: (1) to prepare forms and procedures for complying with this Act; (2) to develop a cross-indexing system to identify lobbyists with issues; and (3) to make notices of representation and reports available for public inspection. Requires the Comptroller General to: (1) ascertain if any lobbyist has failed to comply with the disclosure requirements of this Act or if any Executive Branch officer or employee has failed to record communications with outside parties and to promptly report such failure to that person; (2) make audits and field investigations of failures to comply with this Act on its initiative or upon any complaint by an individual; (3) prepare reports for members of the House or Senate from materials in its files; and (4) when he deems necessary and is requested by any person to issued advisory opinions as to whether a person or activity is covered by this Act. Sets forth the powers of the Comptroller General with respect to his or her enforcement of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Comptroller General to order a party, against whom a complaint has been filed alleging a violation of this Act, to cease and desist from the activity complained of if a hearing conducted by the Comptroller General shows the complaint to be valid. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Provides for the bringing of actions in a United States district court to construe the constitutionality of any provision of this Act. Title IV: General Provisions - Transfers to the Comptroller General all powers with respect to the registration and control of lobbyists.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the United States Senate of attempts to expel Israel for the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the Senate will review United States commitments to the Third World nations involved in the expulsion and will consider the implication of continued membership in the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Extends the life of the Drug Abuse Office and the Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention an additional six months, through January 1, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Director of the Drug Abuse Office. Prohibits any private or public general hospital which receives Federal support from discriminating against drug abusers solely because of their drug dependence or abuse. Authorizes specified appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for State drug abuse prevention programs. Revises State plan requirements. Authorizes specified appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for special drug abuse prevention project grants and contracts. Grants high priority in the implementation of such grants and contracts to primary prevention projects.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Utility Regulatory Improvement Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that the increasing complexity of regulatory decisions has severely overburdened State utility commissions and has prevented consumers from participating in the regulatory proceedings of such commissions. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to assist such State commissions in the performance of their duties. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes within the Federal Energy Administration an Office of State Regulatory Assistance. Authorizes the Director of the Office: (1) to provide financial assistance to State regulatory commissions to improve staffing of such commissions; (2) to provide financial assistance to States to provide for the establishment of offices of consumer services to assist consumers in their presentations before State regulatory commissions; (3) to provide financial assistance to encourage State regulatory commissions to develop innovative rate structures; and (4) to provide technical assistance, including audit, management, and financial management assistance. Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year through fiscal year 1980 for the assistance provided under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
National Institutions Act - Title I: Executive Accountability: - Directs the President, at the beginning of each regular session of Congress, to report to the Congress on the steps taken to faithfully execute the laws passed by Congress and enacted into law during its preceding session in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Provides that, not later than thirty days after the report of the President is received by the Congress, the Committee on Rules and Administration of each House after consultation with the appropriate standing committee shall report to its House a joint resolution on the report of the President which approves or disapproves such report. States that any joint resolution of disapproval shall also specify in detail the steps to be taken by the President in order to execute any such laws in accordance with the intent of the Congress. Specifies that each standing committee of the Senate shall: (1) review and study, on a continuing basis, the application, administration, and execution of the laws within it jurisdiction; (2) assign employees to carry out the above requirement; and (3) report, not less often than annually, on its studies and reviews including such comments and recommendations as may be appropriate. Title II: Congressional State of the Union: - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to report to the Congress at the beginning of each regular session of the Congress on the State of the Union. Stipulates that such report shall include a statement of congressional legislative priorities and recommendations to the executive branch for action which may be required to implement those priorities. Title III: Financial Disclosure: - Requires the President, Vice President, each Member of Congress, and other specified Government employees to file annually, with the Comptroller General, a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount of gross and taxable income, total deductions and tax liabilities, as well as tax paid as reflected on his/her Federal income tax return for the preceding calendar year; (2) the amount and source of income, each item of reimbursement for any expenditure, and each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from a spouse or from the immediate family) during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other composition for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received in kind; (3) the value of each asset held which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (4) any transactions in securities of any business entity during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transaction in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 ; (5) all transactions in commodities during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; and (6) any purchase or sale, other than the purchase or sale of a personal residence, of real property or any interest therein during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000. Title IV: Office of Legal Counsel to the Congress: - Establishes in the legislative branch the Office of Legal Counsel to the Congress, which shall be under the direction and control of the Legal Counsel. Stipulates that any appointment as Legal Counsel shall be with the approval of the House of Representatives and the Senate, without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. States that is shall be the duty of the Legal Counsel, subject to professional standards: (1) to render to committees, Members, and other officers of the Congress legal opinions upon questions arising under the Constitution and laws of the United States; (2) to render, upon request to committees and Members of Congress, advice with respect to the purpose and effect of provisions contained in existing or proposed laws; (3) to perform such other duties with respect to legislative review of executive actions as shall be prescribed by the Congress; (4) (A) upon the request of any Member and subject to the direction and control of that Member's House, to intervene or appear as amicus curiae in any action pending in any court of the United States, or of a State or political subdivision thereof, in which there is placed in issue the constitutional validity or interpretation of any law or regulation of the United States, or the validity of any official proceeding of, or official action taken by, either House of Congress, any committee of either House of Congress, any joint committee, Member, officer, employee, office, or agency of the Congress; and (B) to represent Congress, committees, Members, and employees of Congress. Title V: Miscellaneous: - States that specified provisions of this Act are enacted by the Congress: (1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, and as such they shall be considered as part of the rules of each House, respectively, or of that House to which they specifically apply, and such rules shall supersede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent therewith; and (2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change such rules (so far as relating to such House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of such House. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Liability Act - Imposes strict liability upon oil and gas operations, transportation vessels, or pipelines, in or related to the Outer Continental Shelf for damage from oil and gas discharges. Provides that discharges caused by acts of war, the negligence of the United States, or the negligence of the party seeking damages shall not be subject to a strict liability standard. Requires all holders of leases issued or maintained under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility of not less than $100,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Revises the customs treatment of specified woven fabrics of wool if they are products of an insular possession of the United States but are imported into such possession as fabric for further processing.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Authorizes to be appropriated for the transition period between July 1, 1976 and September 30, 1976 such sums as may be necessary to conduct programs and activities for which funding was authorized on June 30, 1976, and which have not been authorized appropriations under any other law for such transition period.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension on underground nuclear testing to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from underground testing, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear tests.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the National Ski Patrol System. Makes the purpose of the corporation the promotion, in all and any ways, of public safety in skiing. Provides that the principal office of the corporation shall be located in Denver, Colorado. Requires the corporation to maintain a designated agent in the District of Columbia. Provides for the membership of the corporation. Sets forth the powers and the limitations of such corporation. Prohibits corporation participation in any political activity or in any attempt to influence legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Permits the Secretary of the Treasury under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act to withhold a percentage of the total entitlement payment for any period to insure sufficient funds for final allocation of funds among the State and local units of government. Appropriates to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund: (1) $1,625,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; (2) $6,687,500,000 for fiscal year 1977; (3) $6,837,500,000 for fiscal year 1978; (4) $6,987,500,000 for fiscal year 1979; (5) $7,137,500,000 for fiscal year 1980; and (6) $7,287,500,000 for fiscal year 1981. Appropriates to the Fund as noncontiguous States adjustment: (1) $1,195,000 for fiscal year 1976; and (2) $4,780,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1981. Exempts amounts appropriated to the Fund from the provisions of the Congressional Budget Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report with appropriate recommendations to the Congress no later than September 30, 1980, concerning the extension of such Act. Declares that if the entitlement of any Indian tribe or Alaskan native village is waived for any entitlement period, then the amount of such entitlement shall become part of the entitlement of the county government of the county in which such unit is located. Directs each State and local unit of government which receives funds under such Act to submit a report to the Secretary after the close of each entitlement period on the use of the funds received. Directs each unit of local government which expects to receive funds to submit a report to the Secretary on how it plans to use the funds it expects to receive. Empowers the Secretary whenever he determines that a unit of government has failed to comply with an applicable regulation to withhold all or a portion of the entitlement funds due such unit of government, to terminate the eligibility of such unit of government, and to require repayment of the entitlement funds expended. Requires units of government to provide an opportunity for citizens to give recommendations and views on the proposed expenditures of all funds distributed under such Act within such unit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, and seven members appointed by the Librarian of Congress. Directs the Librarian to appoint a Director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, loans and scholarships to promote and support American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in his annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Revises the Federal law creating the American Revolution Bicentennial Advisory Council to expand the Council in order to include members from the New England States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the seven calendar days commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week".
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
State Lottery Exemption Act - Exempts State-conducted lotteries, sweepstakes, and wagering pools, as well as vending machines maintained by State agencies for such purposes, from the wagering tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to characterize Federal/non-Federal relationships in the acquisition of property and services and in the furnishing of assistance by the Federal Government; and (2) to establish Government-wide standards for selection of appropriate legal instruments to achieve uniformity in the use by the executive agencies of such instruments, a clear definition of the relationships they reflect, and a better understanding of the responsibilities of the parties. Requires each executive agency to use a procurement contract as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the agreement is the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. Requires each executive agency to use a grant agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government; and whenever no substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity. Requires each executive agency to use a cooperative agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, and whenever substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the comtemplated activity. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in cooperation with the executive agencies, to undertake a study to develop a better understanding of alternative means of implementing Federal assistance programs, and to determine the feasibility of developing a comprehensive system of guidance for Federal assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Expresses the determination of the Congress with respect to the Congressional Budget for the United States Government for the fiscal year 1976. States that the appropriate level of total new budget authority is $388,600,000,000. Sets forth the public debt ceiling for the Congressional Budget. Estimates that Federal receipts from the leasing of the Outer Continetal Shelf for oil exploration will be $4,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1975
Intergovernmental Countercyclical Assistance Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to make State and local government budget-related actions more consistent with Federal Government efforts to stimulate national economic recovery; to enhance the stimulative effect of a Federal Government income tax reduction; and to enhance the job creation impact of Federal Government public service employment programs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency support grants to State and local governments to carry out the purposes of this legislation. Authorizes for each of 12 succeeding calendar quarters (beginning with the first calendar quarter after the date of enactment of this Act) $500,000,000 when the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reaches 6 percent plus an additional $250,000,000 for each whole percentage point over 6 percent of the national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the preceding calendar quarter. Provides that no funds would be authorized for any calendar quarter during which the national unemployment rate was under 6 percent. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall reserve one-third of the authorized funds for distribution to State governments and two-thirds of the authorized funds for distribution to local governments. Directs the allocation of assistance to State governments. Specifies State allocations would be made two-thirds on the basis of its unemployment and one-third on the basis of its adjusted taxes. States that in each case, the particular State's unemployment (in numbers) and its taxes raised would be compared to national totals, with the unemployment percentage weighted double. Provides for the allocation to local governments which would be made according to the same formula as for State governments. Provides that grants under this program should be used for the maintenance of basic services ordinarily provided by the State and local governments and that State and local governments shall not use funds received under this Act for the acquisition of supplies and materials or for construction unless essential to maintain basic services. Establishes an application procedure for State governments and identifiable local governments eligible to receive assistance under this Act. Requires that each application shall: (1) include the applying government's program for maintenance, to the extent practicable, of levels of employment and basic services that it customarily provides; (2) in the case of a State government, provide assurance that it will not reduce the total amount of financial assistance, in dollars, which it provides to local governments within its boundaries; (3) provide that necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be established to assure proper disbursal, and accounting for, Federal funds paid to State and local governments under this Act; (4) provide that reasonable reports will be furnished as the Secretary of the Treasury may require and that the Secretary of the Treasury has access to the records he needs to verify those reports; (5) provide that the nondiscrimination requirements of this legislation will be complied with; (6) provide that labor standards and wage requirements of this Act be complied with; (7) provide that the Act's requirements that governments receiving assistance under this Act report tax changes and changes in levels of services provided to the Secretary of the Treasury be complied with; and (8) provide that all funds received under this Act be expended by the recipient State or local government within 12 months of the time it is received. Provides that applications for payment of funds to other local governments shall be filed by the States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve any application which meets the requirements of this Act within 30 days and to not finally disapprove, in whole or in part, any application for an emergency support grant under this Act without first affording the State or local government reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Requires that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with employment made available under this Act. States that laborers and mechanics employed by contractors on all substantial repair renovation construction programs funded under this Act be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. Directs that each State or local government which receives a grant under this Act shall report to the Secretary, within 30 days, any increase or decrease in any tax which it imposes and substantial reductions in employment levels or in services which that jurisdiction provides. Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to make payments from the funds authorized under this Act. Provides that no fund be paid to any State or local government under this Act for any calendar quarter if the unemployment rate within that jurisdiction during the previous calendar quarter was less than 6 percent. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold funds from any jurisdiction which fails to comply substantially with any of the provisions set forth in the application it submitted for funds under this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report as soon as practical after the end of each calendar quarter on the implementation of the program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority to use services and facilities of any agency of the Federal government and of any other public agency or institution in accordance with appropriate agreements and to pay for such services either in advance or by way of reimbursement as may be agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Title I: Adds a definition of the term "navigable waters "(for purposes of U.S. vessel pollution control jurisdiction) to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, setting the outer boundary of such waters at 197 miles from the outer limit of the territorial seas. Title II: Defines, under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972, the term "navigable waters" to include a Marine Pollution Control Zone extending 197 miles from the outer limit of the territorial seas. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to set limits of liability for discharges of oil and hazardous substances and standards of performance controlling the discharge of sewage from vessels in the 200-mile zone. Requires a review of present rules and regulations promulgated with respect to United States-flag vessels engaged in coastwise trade to determine whether stricter standards are necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protection against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide a Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons and judicial subpenas. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may not require an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are required to be maintained by the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Sets forth the definition of "mine" under this Act. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standards Amendments - Revises title I of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. Establishes the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of this Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Provides that the Secretary may by rule promulgate, modify, or revoke any health and safety standard. Provides that the Secretary may request the recommendations of an advisory committee whenever he determines that a rule should be promulgated. Sets forth the time period for the reporting of any recommendations by the Committee. Prescribes procedures for publication and public hearings with respect to any rule proposed by the Secretary prior to its issuance. Requires the Secretary, in promulgating standards, to set the standard which assures miners will not suffer impairment of health, functional capacity, or diminished life expectancy even if regularly exposed to hazards throughout their working lives. Directs the Secretary to consider (1) the latest available scientific data in the field; (2) the feasibility of the standards; and (3) experience gained under this and other health and safety statutes. Provides that any standard promulgated must prescribe the use of labels or other warnings necessary to ensure that miners are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure. Sets forth additional factors which must be prescribed in specified instances. Requires that no safety or health standard promulgated under this Act shall reduce the protection afforded miners below that provided by any safety or health standard previously in effect. States that where the Secretary determines that miners are potentially subjected to physical or mental impairment from exposure to toxic substances, he may promulgate an emergency standard. Sets forth the procedures for promulgation of such emergency standard. Allows operators to apply to the Secretary for a temporary order permitting limited non- compliance with a standard. Specifies the circumstances under which such order shall be originally granted and renewed. Allows an operator to apply for a variance from a standard. Permits persons adversely affected by a standard to challenge its validity, within 60 days of its promulgation, in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Empowers the Secretary to appoint advisory committees to assist and advise him. Sets forth the composition and compensation of the members of any such committee. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act, and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. States that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Sets forth rules regarding the maintenance of records by operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and all accidents, except specified roof falls. Provides that if any miner or their representative believes that a standard violation exists that threatens physical harm or that an imminent danger exists, he may request an inspection by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide a minimum of one spot inspection of all or part of a mine during every five working days at irregular intervals, if the mine contains some especially hazardous conditions. Provides that if, upon inspection or investigation, the Secretary or his representative believes an operator has violated any standard, he shall issue a citation to the operator, describing the nature of the violation, and fixing a reasonable time for the violation's abatement. Prescribes rules governing (1) gross violations of standards; (2) follow-up inspections; and (3) withdrawal from the area of unabated violations of all but specified personnel. Requires the Secretary to notify, within a reasonable time, an operator issued a citation of any penalty to be assessed, and that the operator has 15 working days to notify the Secretary that he wishes to contest the citation or proposed penalty. Prohibits discharging, discriminating against, or interfering with the exercise of statutory rights by any mine employee or applicant for employment because he filed a complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act or testified or is about to testify for himself or others. Provides that if an operator notifies the Secretary that he intends to contest a citation, the Secretary shall immediately advise the Commission, which must then provide an opportunity for a hearing and issue an order affirming, modifying, or vacating the Secretary's order. Permits any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order of the Commission to obtain review of such order in any appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals and specifies the procedures to be followed after a petition for review is filed. Provides procedures for counteracting dangerous conditions, including: (1) issuance of withdrawal orders barring all except specified persons from an area, and (2) issuance of notices where less than imminent dangers exist and an investigation is being conducted into such conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to institute civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, in any appropriate United States district court whenever an operator or his agent: (1) violates or does not comply with any order or decision issued under this Act; (2) hinders the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or their representatives in carrying out the provisions of this Act; (3) refuses to admit such representatives to the mine; (4) refuses to permit the inspection of the mine, or the investigation of an accident or occupational disease related to such mine; (5) refuses to furnish any information or report requested in furtherance of this Act's provisions; or (6) refuses to permit access to and copying of such records as are necessary in carrying out provisions of this Act. Imposes penalties for violation of this Act. Provides that if a mine is closed by an order issued under this Act, all miners working during the shift when the order was issued who are idled shall be entitled to full compensation at their regular rates of pay for the period they are idled, but not more than the balance of the shift. Authorizes the Secretary to administer this Act through the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Authorizes the appropriation of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Relationship to Occupational Safety and Health Program - Provides that nothing in this Act applies the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1972 to the working conditions in the mines. Increases the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission from three to five members appointed by the President with the Senate's consent. Sets forth the duties and procedure for operation of the Commission. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules of procedures for its review of decisions in cases under this Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which shall meet specified standards. Authorizes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research related to the development of safety and health standards under this Act. Provides that the Secretary, in carrying out his functions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, shall include accurate statistics on the work injuries and illnesses occurring in the mines. States that nothing in this Act prohibits the application of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to sand and gravel mines. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Federal Metallic and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966 to the Secretary of Labor, except those expressly transferred to the Commission by this Act. Provides that the mandatory and advisory standards relating to mines which are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act shall remain in effect as mandatory standards under title I of this Act until the Secretary issues new or revised standards. Establishes in the Labor Department a Mine Administration for Safety and Health to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, with the Senate's advice and consent. Provides that research activities relating to mine health will be carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Secretary's research activities relating to safety are extended to all mines now covered by this Act. Extends to all mines covered by this Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare's authorization to conduct studies and research involving the protection of life and prevention of diseases relating to certain non-miners who work with or around mine products. Provides that any State law or regulation providing for health and safety standards applicable to any mine now covered by this Act and that (1) is more stringent than Federal law, or (2) applies to any area not covered by Federal law, shall not be held to be in conflict with this Act. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accredition of education institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and for education institutions conducting programs for the training of medical and dental practitioners, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Provides that the Secretary shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists, and such other advice and assistance as he deems necessary. Provides that State and local governments shall be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to potentially hazardous radiation from all sources. Provides for procedures for the adoption of such standards by the States. Provides that the Secretary may make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the purposes of this Act. Declares it to be unlawful to conduct activities contrary to this Act. Provides that any violation of this Act by an individual applying radiaiton to human beings for diagnositc or therapeutic purposes shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more $1,000.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Voter Registration Act - Establishes within the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce, the Voter Registration Administration. Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Administrator and two Associate Administrators for terms of four years each. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administration. Authorizes the Administration to establish and administrater a voter registration program in accordance with this Act for all Federal elections. Provides that an individual who fulfills the requirements to be a qualified voter under State law and who is registered to vote under the provisions of this Act shall be entitled to vote in Federal election in that State, except that each State shall provide for the registration or other means of qualification of all residents not later than 30 days prior to any Federal election. Directs the Administration to prepare voter registration forms. Authorizes the Administration to enter into agreements with the Postal Service, with departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and with State officials for the distribution of registration forms. Requires the Administration to assist State officials in detecting fraudulent voter registration, when such assistance is requested. Provides that the district courts of the United States or the United States District Court of the District of Columbia shall have jurisdiction, without regard to any amount in controversy, of proceedings instituted pursuant to this Act. Provides that whoever knowingly or willfully gives false information for the purposes of establishing eligibility to register or vote, or conspires for the purpose of encouraging false registration or illegal voting, or pays, offers, or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting registers to vote with intention of voting more than once in the same election shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. States that any person who deprives, or attempts to deprive any other person of any right under this Act shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Authorizes the Administration to pay to each appropraite State the reasonable cost of processing registration forms prescribed under this Act. Provides that any State that adopts the Federal assistance post card form shall be deemed to be in full compliance with specified provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of such as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President submit to the Congress a plan for: (1) maintaining close watch over investigations of nursing home abuses; (2) reporting to local, State and Federal law enforcement and health care officials on possible linkages between scandals or problems in or among the States or localities; and (3) developing better care and cost controls. Establishes a mulitagency task force to implement the plan and to report regularly to the Congress upon its progress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President's proposal to restructure the medicare deductible for physician services and the copayment for inpatient hospital services to require citizens to pay more of the health bill shall not be enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Antitrust Enforcement Authorization Act - States that it is the purpose of Congress in this Act to support and invigorate a national antitrust enforcement program authorizing sufficient appropriations to the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice to permit vigorous and effective enforcement of the antitrust laws. Authorizes to be appropriated to both the Commission and the Justice Department, in addition to such sums as are authorized by any other provisions of law, sums not to exceed $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; not to exceed $6,250,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1976; not to exceed $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and not to exceed $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, such sums to remain available until expended for the purposes authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Parole Commission Act - Creates as an agency of the Department of Justice the United States Parole Commission, the members of which shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the Attorney General shall designate from among the Commissioners one to serve as Chairman. Specifies the duties of the Chairman. Provides that the Parole Commission by majority vote, shall have the power: (1) to grant or deny any application or recommendation to parole any eligible person; (2) to impose reasonable conditions on any order granting parole; (3) to modify or revoke an order paroling any eligible person; and (4) establish the maximum length of time which any person whose parole has been revoked shall be required to serve, but in no case shall such time, together with such time as he previously served in connection with the offense for which he was paroled, be longer that the maximum term for which he was sentenced in connection with such offense; and where such revocation iis based upon a subsequent conviction of the parolee of any Federal, State or local crime committed subsequent to his release on parole, determine whether all or any part of the unexpired term being served at time of such parole shall run concurrently or consecutively with the sentence imposed for such subsequent offense. Makes a person eligible for parole after serving one-third of his term or after serving fifteen years of a life sentence or of a sentence of more than forty-five years. Sets forth the procedures for an appearance of a person before the Parole authority. Provides that a warrant for the taking of any person who is alleged to have violated his parole may be issued by the Commission within the maximum term or terms for which such prisoner was sentenced. States that such person shall be given a hearing, without unncessary delay, to determine if there is probable cause to believe that he has violated a condition of his parole. Provides that counsel may be appointed if the alleged violator is unable to retain counsel. Provides that a juvenile delinquent who has been committed and who, by his conduct, has given sufficient evidence that he has reformed, may be released on parole at any time under such conditions and regulations as the United States Parole Commission deems proper if it shall appear to the satisfaction of such Commission that the juvenile has substantially observed the rules of the institution to which he is confined, that there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, and if in the opinion of the Commission such release is not incompatible with the welfare of society. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Disapproves a proposed deferral (D75-94) of budget authority for the Department of Commerce, pursuant to the Inpoundment Control Act, with respect to an appropriation for operation, research, and facilities for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
![Official portrait of Sen. Muskie, Edmund S. [D-ME]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001121_200.jpg)