United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Food Industry Antitrust Reports Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to submit to the appropriate House and Senate committees a report on actions with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws in the various sectors of the food industry. Requires that such report be made not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and yearly thereafter. Provides that no later than five years after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the market structure and State of competition in the food industries. Requires the Commission and the Department of Justice to provide to the Congress an analysis of the adequacy of available data on which any study is based. Authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of $1,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the signing in Helsinki of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe did not change in any way the longstanding policy of the United States on non-recognition of the Soviet Union's illegal seizure and annexation of the three Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1975
Teacher Corps Amendments - Extends, under the Higher Education Act, the authorization for the Teacher Corps for six additional years, through fiscal year 1982. Increases the authorized appropriations from the current level of $37,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 to $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1978 through 1982. Permits participation of personnel other than classroom teaching staff, and allows Teacher Corps projects to include retraining activities. Authorizes enrollment of Teacher Corps members for periods of up to five years.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Dedicates the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park to Justice William O. Douglas in grateful recognition of his long and outstanding service to the people of the United States as a teacher, writer, jurist, and naturalist. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to have the words " Dedicated to Justice William O. Douglas" prominently displayed on all signs bearing the name of the park and to take other actions to call to the attention of the public the fact that such park has been so dedicated. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Provides for the designation, at the Department of the Treasury and in the Congress, (as part of the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation), of experts on long-range tax simplification and tax reform for small business.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board shall take into account the health of the small business sector in making any of its decisions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act - Title I: Military Assistance - Authorizes appropriations under the Foreign Assistance Act for fiscal years 1976 and 1977. States that a country shall be deemed ineligible for assistance under the Act if the President so states in writing to the Congress or if the Congress so finds by concurrent resolution. Prohibits assistance to any foreign country where the laws prohibit US citizens from participating in the furnishing of defense articles or services procured under this Act on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or sex. Provides that not later than September 30, 1977, all the functions of a military assistance advisory group, a military mission, or other organization of the United States Government in a foreign country performing activities similar to any such group or mission, shall be transferred to the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission to that country, and upon such transfer that group, mission, or organization shall cease to exist. Authorizes the President to furnish military education and training to military and related civilian personnel of any friendly foreign country or international organization. States that funds for such education and training shall be appropriated for each fiscal year pursuant to authorization for that fiscal year. Title II: Arms Export Controls - States that the policy of the United States shall be to exert its leadership in the world community to bring about arrangements for reducing the international trade in implements of war and to lesson the danger of outbreak of regional conflict and the burdens of armaments. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should seek to initiate multilateral discussions among the principal arms suppliers and other countries with respect to the control of the worldwide trade in armaments. States that a country shall be deemed ineligible for cash sales, credits, or guarantees if the President so states in writing to the Congress of if the Congress so finds by concurrent resolution. Provides that in order to minimize the involvement of military or civilian officers or employees of the United States Government, the President shall, to the maximum extent possible, use civilian contract personnel to carry out Government sales activities under the Foreign Military Act in any foreign country. Permits the President to sell defense articles from the stocks of the Department of Defense, including related training, packaging, handling, and transportation services, to any friendly country or international organization if such sale is important to the security of the United States and such country or international organization agrees to pay specified amounts. Specifies that sales of defense articles and allowable services which could adversely affect the combat readiness of the Armed Forces of the United States shall be kept to an absolute minimum. Requires the President to submit to the Congress a complete explanation of any such sale, containing detailed information justifying its necessity. Authorizes appropriations of unspecified amounts for fiscal year 1976 under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Requires the President to submit to the Congress complete reports on commercial and governmental military exports. Authorizes the President to control the export and import of defense articles and services and to provide foreign policy guidance to persons of the United States involved in the export and import of such articles and services. Requires such persons to register with the Department of State and to pay a fee for each license to export or import such defense articles or services. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this title. Permits cancellation of any defense sale contract by the United States at any time under unusual or compelling circumstances if the national interest so requires. Stipulates that the Congress may, if it determines that unusual or compelling circumstances so require, cancel, suspend, or revoke any such contract or deliveries thereunder. Title III: General - Sets forth an expedited procedure within the Congress for approving or disapproving resolutions pertaining to Presidential certifications.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Education Amendments - Title I: Higher Education - Extends the Higher Education Act until October 1, 1982. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act until such date. Revises the provisions of the Act dealing with basic educational opportunity grants to provide that any amount paid under the Social Security Act to the student, which would not be paid if he were not a student, shall be considered as effective family income (formerly considered income to the student). Provides that in awarding student grants under the State student incentive grants program there shall be no differentiation between students based on whether the student pursues his study within the State or outside the State. Provides that loans insured or guaranteed under this Act may be released by a discharge in bankruptcy only if such discharge is granted after the five year period beginning on the date of commencement of the repayment period of such loan. Calls for regulations to provide for standards of financial responsibility for institutions of higher education receiving benefit from this Act. Provides for a fiscal audit of such institutions. Authorizes the suspension of payment to any such institution which violates regulations established pursuant to this Act. Repeals those sections of the Act which provide for attracting and qualifying teachers to meet teacher shortages. Title II: Vocational Education - Extends the Vocational Education Act until October 1, 1982. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act until such date. Revises the Vocational Education Act to provide assistance to the States in improving planning in the use of all resources available to them for vocational education and manpower training in addition to the Federal Grants presently available to carry out such planning. Requires the establishment of a State board for vocational education in any State desiring to participate in the programs authorized by this Act. Provides that such board shall be the sole State agency responsible for development of policy with respect to such programs. Authorizes the appropriation of sufficient funds to pay one-half the cost of the planning activities of the State board. Retains the requirement that participating States establish advisory councils. Adds to the required membership on such councils representatives of private programs of vocational education, representatives familiar with vocational guidance and representatives of State correctional institutions. Provides that members of the council may not represent more that one of the categories which require representation. Establishes the requirement that there be appropriate representation of both sexes, racial and ethnic minorities, and the various geographic regions of the State. Requires each State board to submit to the Commissioner of education a comprehensive long- range plan for vocational education within the State. Directs that in developing such a plan the board shall assess among other things the needs for trained manpower and assess the capabilities for providing vocational education to meet such needs. Sets forth procedures to be followed by the States in applying for funds provided under the programs established by this Act. Requires that the application make assurances that the State will maintain fiscal control and that such funds shall supplement rather than replace State funds intended for such purposes. Lists applicants which shall be given priority. Requires that each State receiving funds pursuant to this Act submit to the Commissioner an annual program plan, as specified, for expenditure of such funds. Requires the States receiving funds to use a specified percentage of such funds to establish a special vocational education program for physically handicapped persons and for persons having academic or socioeconomic handicaps. Provides that each State must also allocate a portion of such funds to areas of high concentration of youth unemployment and school dropouts. Makes available to the States Federal assistance to enable them to develop and conduct vocational guidance and counseling programs and activities for individuals of all ages. Requires the States to set forth, in their annual program plan its proposed allotment of funds among eligible recipients for vocational development guidance and counseling programs and services. Provides training and retraining opportunities for persons serving or preparing to serve in vocational education programs. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to, and enter into contracts with States and educational institutions in order to develop and demonstrate innovative programs and projects designed to assist students in acquiring necessary skills for career success. Provides Federal assistance for the development and dissemination of curriculums for new and changing occupations. Establisher programs of work-study for vocational education students pursuant to requirements set forth in the Act. Enables the Commissioner to make grants to States for the establishment and expansion of programs of cooperative vocational education, involving alternate academic and vocational study and public or private employment. Provides emergency assistance to local educational agencies to provide vocational education designed to meet today's manpower needs. Assists such agencies in the modernization of facilities and equipment necessary to assure that they will be able to offer vocational education programs which give reasonable promise of employment. Maintain's the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education for the period for which appropriations are authorized under this Act. Sets forth new qualificiations for individuals chosen to serve on the Council. Provides that in addition to its advisory duties, the Council shall identify the vocational education and manpower needs of the Nation and access the extent to which programs in the field represent a consistent, coodinated approach to meeting the need. Title III: Extensions of other Related Education Programs - Extends until October 1, 1982: (1) the Emergency Insured Student Loan Act (2) the National Defense Education Act (3) the International Education Act and (4) the Allen J. Ellender Fellowship Program. Title IV: Education Administration - Creates within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Commissioner of Education. Provides that the Commissioner shall be the principal officer in the Department with responsibility for education programs (such responsibilities are presently held by the Assistant Secretary for Education). Directs that the Office of Education shall be headed by the Commissioner. Creates the position of Executive Deputy Commissioner who shall be responsible for the daily operation of the Office. Broadens the National Institute of Education to include an Institute of Elementary and Secondary Education, an Institute of Postsecondary Education, and an Institute of Vocational Education. Provides that the Director of the Institute shall be compensated at the rate provided for level IV of the Executive Schedule (presently compensated at level V). Establishes within the Institute an Institute of Elementary and Secondary Education, an Institute for Postsecondary Education and an Institute for Vocational Education to improve those specific areas of education. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5314)
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations which equates Zionism with racism. Opposes participation by the United States Government in the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. Calls for reconsideration of the Zionism resolution. Directs the Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Foreign Relations to begin hearings immediately to reassess the United States' further participation in the United Nations General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall: (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank, are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing, primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committee of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legistation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should seek to include as an item on the agenda of both the Economic Summit Conference and the Conference on International Economic Cooperation the issue of arms sales. States that the President should offer to voluntarily limit United States weapons sales during the next fiscal year, provided other major weapons suppliers join us in seeking multilateral limitations on international arms sales.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1975
Revises the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that the name and place of business of the manufacturer and distributor, if different, of a prescription drug appear on the label of the package from which the drug is to be dispensed.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizies the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $200,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than seven years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the board for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through any available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 657, 658, 1006, and 1014)
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 · 28 October 1975
Provides that members of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin shall be considered Indians for which hospital and medical care was being provided by or at the expense of the Public Health Service since August 16, 1957, for purposes of any legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Emergency Medical Services Amendment - Revises those provisions of the Public Health Services Act providing for Federal assistance for emergency medical service systems with respect to: (1) grants and contracts for the establishment and initial operation of such systems; (2) grants and contracts for the expansion and improvement of such systems; and (3) grants and contracts for research in emergency medical techniques. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,083,000 for the purpose of making grants and contracts to assist emergency medical service systems during the transitional quarter. Authorizes the appropriation of funds in specified amounts for the making of such grants and contracts through fiscal year 1979. Reduces from 75 percent to 60 percent the percentage of such appropriated funds available for assistance in the establishment and initial operation of emergency medical systems. Provides for the allocation of 15 percent of such funds to assistance for feasibility studies concerning such systems.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Establishes the Joint Congressional Task Force on Federal Small Business Impact to be composed of one majority and one minority Member from the House Small Business Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Small Business, and the Joint Economic Committee. Directs the task force to establish subject matter priorities and assignments for the committees of the House and Senate in order to coordinate and assign to such committees areas for investigations to be undertaken. Provides that such investigations shall examine Federal programs and laws that affect small business in America. Requires the task force, upon completion of such investigations, to prepare a report and make recommendations for legislation based upon information by the committees. Provides that expenses of the task force shall be apid from the contingent fund of the Senate and House. Authorizes the appropriation of no more than $50,000 for expenses incurred by any committee during such investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Calls upon the President's Special Representative for Trade Negotiations and other officials to develop a code of conduct and specific trading obligations among governments, together with suitable procedures for dispute settlement.
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
Requires Congressional committee reports on proposed legislation to contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Increases the amount of the estate tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $150,000. Provides that farmland included in the gross estate be valued according to its use as farmland.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Declares it to be the finding of Congress that the Government of Canada has announced that it intends to reduce crude oil exports to the United States and to elimnate such exports by 1983. States that areas of this country which are heavily dependent on such crude oil will experience severe economic and supply disruptions as a result of the cutoff. Authorizes the President to issue regulations providing for the mandatory allocation of crude oil imported from Canada to United States refineries on the basis of need.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to prescribe alternative simplified methods for providing disclosure to participants in smaller pension plans under the reporting requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
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
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 · 22 July 1975
Combined Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Income Tax Reporting Amendments - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make available specified tax returns to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Empowers the Secretary of HEW and the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement for the processing of information contained in such returns. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide to the Secretary of HEW any documents they agree are necessary for such processing. Directs the Managing Trustee of the Trust funds established pursuant to the Social Security Act, including the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, to pay into the Treasury the amounts he and the Secretary of HEW estimate will be expended from the general fund of the Treasury by the Departments of HEW and Treasury for the administration of (1) titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and (2) specified chapters and subchapters of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of HEW to apportion (between each trust fund and the general fund in the Treasury) the costs of administrating titles II, XVI and XVIII of the Social Security Act and its costs in carrying out specified functions of this Act. Revises the formula by which the adjustment to the contribution and benefit base is to be computed following an increase in social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1975
Makes permanent specified amendments to the Internal Revenue effected by the Tax Reduction Act of 1975, including: (1) the increase from $50,000 to $100,000 on the dollar limitation on used property; (2) the increase in the corporate surtax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000; and (3) the reduction in the normal corporate tax rate from 22 percent to 20 percent on the first $25,000 of net income.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that energy conservation practices adopted for the design, construction, and utilization of Federal facilities will have a beneficial effect on the Nation's overall supply of energy, and the procurement of solar heating and cooling units for use in Federal buildings should help to create a market for such units generally. States that it is the policy of this Act to insure that energy conservation and solar energy technology be employed in the design and construction of certain Federal facilities as set forth in this Act, and, to the maximum extent feasible, in the design and construction of all other Federal and federally assisted facilities. Defines terms used in this Act, including the terms "energy use analysis" and "life cycle energy costs". Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of Defense to, in consultation with each other, develop, publish, and from time to time update guidelines designed to assure that the most effective and efficient measures for the conservation of energy and the use of solar energy systems are incorporated in (1) the design, construction, and renovation of Federal and federally assisted buildings, and (2) the procurement of goods and services for such buildings and for other Federal purposes. States that the guidelines developed by the Secretary and the Administrator shall be consistent with each other. Requires the guidelines developed by the Secretary to be applied to all new and existing buildings under his control. Requires the guidelines developed by the Administrator to be applied to all other new and existing buildings as defined in this Act. Directs all other Federal agencies to comply with the requirements of the applicable guidelines. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator: (1) to submit to Congress an energy use analysis with respect to the construction, acquisition, or leasing of any new building to which guidelines apply; and (2) with respect to existing buildings, to submit an inventory and energy use analysis of all such buildings, setting forth detailed plans for incorporating required improvements. Directs each Federal agency to submit to the Administrator or Secretary a detailed life cycle energy cost analysis of any building to be constructed, acquired, or leased by it for its use. Prohibits the purchase of any major energy using, generating, or conserving equipment by a Federal agency without prior submission of life cycle energy cost analysis. Provides for an increase in the allowable dollar amount of Federal assistance for building construction or major rehabilitation to cover the cost of solar energy equipment or other special energy equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1975
States that the purpose of this Act is to provide a source of financial assistance for homeowners and builders to enable them to purchase and install solar heating equipment or combined solar heating and cooling equipment, primarily through the small business segment of the economy, while substantially reducing energy use. Authorizes the Small Business Administration, under the Small Business Act, to make loans to individuals and families owning and occupying one-to-four family residential structures to assist them in purchasing and installing qualified solar heating and cooling equipment. States that such loans may be made in an amount covering up to 75 percent of the cost of purchasing and installing the necessary equipment, and not exceeding amounts specified in this Act. Sets forth the terms and conditions governing the loans. Defines "qualified solar heating equipment" as meaning equipment which utilizes solar energy to provide heating for a residential structure and which is certified by the Administration as meeting minimum specified standards, including a requirement that the equipment must be designed to meet more than 40 percent of the total heating needs of the types of structure for which it is intended. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish procedures for periodic inspection and review of solar heating and cooling equipment models, and certifications. Directs the Administration to disseminate full, complete, and current information concerning recommended standards and types of qualified solar heating or solar heating and cooling equipment appropriate for use in residential structures of varying sizes and types and in various regions of the country. Establishes, under the Small Business Act, a solar heating and cooling loan fund for financing loans made pursuant to this Act. Sets a $600,000,000 limit on the total amount of loans, guarantees and other obligations entered into by the Administration which are outstanding at any one time for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Urges the President to seek an immediate international suspension of the transfer to nonnuclear weapons countries of nuclear enrichment and reprocessing facilities and technology to permit time for the negotiation of additional safeguards to reduce the risk of diversion or theft of plutonium and other nuclear materials to military or other uses that would jeopardize world peace and security.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Industrial Reorganization Act - Title I: Possession of Monopoly Power - Declares it to be unlawful for any corporation or two or more corporations, whether by agreement or not, to possess monopoly power in any line of commerce in any section of the country or with foreign nations. Sets forth the conditions under which there shall be a rebuttable presumption that monopoly power is possessed. Requires that in those instances not covered by the provisions of this Act, the burden to prove the the possession of a monopoly power shall lie on the Industrial Reorganization Commission established under this Act. Sets forth those conditions under which a corporation shall not be required to divest monopoly power. Title II: Industrial Reorganization Commission - Defines the terms used in this title. Establishes as an independent agency the Industrial Reorganization Commission. Provides for such Commission to be directed by a Commissioner appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Stipulates that the Office of Management and Budget shall not inspect, examine or audit the records or work of the Commission. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct such reviews and audits of the Commission as he deems necessary. Directs the Commission to study the structure, performance, and control of each of the following industries: (1) chemicals and drugs; (2) electrical machinery and equipment; (3) electronic computing and communication equipment; (4) energy; (5) iron and steel; (6) motor vehicles; and (7) nonferrous metals. Directs the Commission to report to the Congress not later than September 30 in each odd-numbered year with respect to the status of each study undertaken under this title, together with such recommendations, including recommendations for legislation, as it deems necessary. Provides that such legislative recommendations may include, but are not limited to, amendments to the antitrust laws, the Internal Revenue Code, the patent laws, and the National Labor Relations Act. Directs the Commission to prescribe violations of title I of this Act. Requires that the Commission shall terminate its operations 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and that the functions, jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the Commission shall be transferred to the Federal Trade Commission. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this title. Title III: Establishment of Industrial Reorganization Court - Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a chief judge and 14 associate judges who shall constitute a court of record known as the United States Industrial Reorganization Court. Declares that such court is established under article III of the Constitution of the United States. Makes provision for single-judge trials; except that three judges may be designated to hear and determine any civil action which the chief judge finds: (1) raises an issue of the constitutionality of an Act of Congress, a proclamation of the President, or an Executive order; or (2) has broad or significant implications in the administration or interpretation of this Act. Provides that the Court shall have original jurisdiction to hear and determine all complaints and proposed orders or reorganizations filed by the Commission under title I of this Act. Allows corporation or corporations to, within 60 days from the entry of judgment, file a reorganization. Provides that the Court shall conduct a proceeding to determine whether or not the proposed order or orders of reorganization would restore effective competition. States that the Court shall then enter an order of reorganization to effectuate the purposes of this Act. Provides that appeal from any final order of the Court will lie only to the Supreme Court. Limits the scope of review on appeal to: (1) whether or not the Court proceeded correctly under the provisions of this title; and (2) whether or not the findings of fact of the Court are supported by substantial evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any interception of communication, other electronic surveillance, surreptitious entry, mail opening, or the inspection of and procuring of the records of telephone, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions, of any individual without a court order issued upon probable cause that a crime has been or is about to be committed, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Provides that whoever, being an officer, agent, or employee of the united States or any department or agency thereof, willfully: (1) searches any private dwelling used and occupied as a dwelling without a warrant directing such search or malicously and without reasonable cause searches any other building or property without a search warrant; (2) procures or inspects the records of telephone calls, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions of any individual without a search warrant or the consent of the individual; (3) opens any foreign or domestic mail not directed to him without a search warrant directing such opening or without the consent of the sender or addressee of such mail; or (4) intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept any wire or oral communication except as authorized by law; shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Requires that within 30 days after the date of an order authorizing or approving the intereception of a wire or oral communication (or each extension thereof) entered under authority of law, or the denial of an order approving an interecption, the person seeking such order shall report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representatives: (1) the fact that an order or extension was applied for; (2) the kind of order or extension applied for; (3) the fact that the order or extension was granted as applied for, was modified, or was denied; (4) the period of interceptions authorized by the order, and the number and duration of any extensions of the order; (5) the names of all parties to the intercepted communications; (6) the offense specified in the order or application; (7) the identity of the investigative or law enforcement officer and agency making the application and the person authorizing the application to be made; (8) a copy of the court order authorizing, approving, or denying such interception; and (9) the nature of the facilities from which or the place where communications were intercepted. Specifies that reports be made within 90 days after the date of an order approving the interception of a wire or oral communication on the disposition of all records of any such interception and the identity of and action taken by all individual who had access to any such interception. Sets forth reporting requirements in the case of warrants issued authorizing the opening of mail.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1975
Energy Information Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes and defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: National Energy Information Administration - Creates as an independent agency of the Federal Government the National Energy Information Administration, to be headed by an Administrator. Provides that the function of the Administration shall be the collection, tabulation, comparison, analysis, standardization, and dissemination of energy information pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to coordinate exisitng energy information collection activities of all Federal agencies. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress and the President a plan for the consolidation of the energy information activities of the Federal Government. Provides for the imposition of criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of, or theft of, non-public energy information. Title II: National Energy Information System - Directs the Administrator to establish a National Energy Information system which shall be operated and maintained by the Administration. Provides that such System shall contain such information as is required (1) to provide a description of and facilitate analysis of energy supply and consumption within and affecting the United States on the basis of such geographic areas and economic sectors as may be appropriate and (2) to meet adequately the needs of the Congress and of those Federal agencies which are responsible for energy policy analysis and formulation and for energy regulation. Requires major energy producing companies to file annual financial reports with the Administrator. Requires major energy consuming companies to file annual energy consumption reports, including the amounts and types of energy used, with the Administrator. Provides that the information collected pursuant to this Act shall be made public except where such information: (1) constitutes a trade secret; (2) would substantially harm the company that supplied it if disclosed; (3) was obtained from a Federal, State or local agency on a confidential basis; and (4) was classified for national security on foreign policy reasons. Authorizes the Administrator to delay the disclosure of geological information. Provides that only Federal employees having official use for such information shall have access to the information in the non-public catergories listed above. Title III: Energy Resources Surveys and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis a survey of all mineral fuel resources and nonmineral energy resources in the public lands of the United States. Stipulates that such survey program shall be designed to provide information about the location, extent, value, and characteristics of such resources. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Directs the Comptroller General to continuously monitor and evaluate the activities and operations of the Administration. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Energy Information Administration and the Department of the Interior such amounts as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such agencies by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Nation is grateful to all American servicemen who participated in the Southeast Asian conflict and their families. Pays tribute to veterans of the Vietnam era and of all wars.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Balanced Growth and Economic Planning Act - Establishes an Economic Planning Board in the Executive Office of the President. States that the objective of the Board shall be to develop a balanced economic growth plan. Directs that such plan shall include an appraisal of the Nation's economic needs, an evaluation of available national economic resources, assurances of an adequate supply of raw materials and energy, and an outline of economic goals. Directs the Board to acquire the views of all segments of the economy, evaluate the effectiveness of the economic plan and to review major programs and activities of the Federal Government to determine if such programs are consistent with the Board's plan. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings and hire such personnel as necessary to carry out this Act. Creates a Division of Economic Information within the Board for the purpose of gathering information necessary for policy decisions by the Board. States that there shall also be created a Council on Economic Planning whose function shall be to review and revise the growth plan and submit such to the President. Gives the Council responsibility for reviewing the progress made in implementing the plan. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Economic Planning. States that the Advisory Committee shall be composed of representatives of business, labor, and the public at large, who shall furnish advice to the Board in matters involved in formulating and implementing the growth plan. Authorizes the Advisory Committee to establish regional or industry subcommittees to furnish advice on the growth plan. Provides that not later than April 1, 1977 and biannually thereafter, the President shall transmit to Congress a proposed long-term balanced economic growth plan. States that the plan shall include economic objectives, a forecast of the level of production and investment, and recommendations for legislative and administrative actions necessary to achieve the objectives of the plan. Directs the President to submit to the Congress with the proposed plan a report prepared by the Board and approved by the Council which shall give an economic analysis and examination in support of recommendations made in the proposed plan. Requires the Board to seek widespread consultation with regional, State, and local planning agencies in preparation of the plan. Provides for Congressional review of the plan. Places the responsibility for such review with the Joint Economic Committee. Authorizes the appropriation to the Joint Committee of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this responsibility. Establishes within the Congressional Budget Office a Division of Balanced Growth and Economic Planning. Directs the Division to assist the Joint Economic Committee by supplying the Joint Committee with long-term economic analysis. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1975
Small Business Act Amendments - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to quarantee leases of personal property to small businessmen under the S.B.A. lease guarantee program. Authorizes the Administration to cancel the principal amount of disaster loans made to retired and low-income borrowers for home repairs upon the death of the borrower. Increases the maximum loan guarantee amount available through the S.B.A. Equal Opportunity Loan program from $50,000 to $100,000. Raises the local development company loan maximum from $350,000 to $500,000. Authorizes the Administration to render financial and other assistance to small businesses displaced by State and local urban renewal projects.
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 · 15 May 1975
Revises rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide that the chairman of each committee of the Senate shall be a member of the majority party with the longest period of continuous service on such committee. Requires a Senator to be approved by the Senators of the majorty party before being appointed chairman. Provides that, beginning with the 94th Congress, no Senator shall be eligible to serve as chairman of a committee of the Senate for a period extending beyond the expiration of the Congress following the Congress in which he commences service as such chairman except as otherwise specified in this resolution. Directs that no Senator shall be eligible to serve as chairman of a committee of the Senate during any Congress time during any of the six preceding Congresses unless all Senators who are members of the majority party and who may serve as chairman of such committee have served as such chairman at some time during the six preceding Congresses.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act - Requires the licensing of all clinical laboratories, as defined by this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue such licenses. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate licensing authority to the States, providing the Secretary determines that State standards meet or exceed Federal standards. Sets forth the standards that must be met by clinical laboratories in order to receive and maintain the license required by this Act. Provides that such standards shall be designed to assure consistently accurate laboratory procedures and service. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Clinical Laboratories. Declares that the purpose of such Office shall be to centralize the laboratory regulatory functions authorized by this Act and to assume responsibility for the laboratory component of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Creates an advisory council to advise the Office with respect to guidelines for laboratory licensing, personnel, and performance standards. Provides that no grant or reimbursement which the Secretary is authorized to make, or contract which he is authorized to award, whether to or for any health care facility, including but not limited to health maintenance organizations, hospitals, skilled nursing or intermediate care facilities, or in connection with the procurement and reimbursement for clinical laboratory services shall be entered into unless the laboratory meets the standards established by the Secretary. Provides for grants and technical assistance to those States which desire to establish State licensing procedures and regulations for development, administration, and enforcement purposes. Provides that any person who willfully violates any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder shall be subject to imprisonment for not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1975
Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Amendments - Authorizes funds for the provision of emergency jobs under the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, the amount of such funds to be reduced as the national rate of unemployment falls below specified levels for three consecutive months.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 1 May 1975
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Labor to change the name of the Wholesale Price Index to the Basic Price Index. Sets limitations upon the use of the term "wholesale" in data published by the Department of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Communications Privacy Act - Prohibits, under the Communications Act of 1934, all disclosures of telephone records except through service of a court subpena meeting specified criteria. Requires in all cases except where the telephone subscriber is a foreign power, that the party subpenaing the records notify the subscriber simultaneously that records of his telepone conversations are being subpenaed. Allows such notification to be postponed if the Government satisfies the court that notification would impede an ongoing criminal investigation or would hamper the Government's ability to protect national security interests. Prohibits the telephone company from responding to such a subpena for at least ten days.
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 · 24 April 1975
Provides for the issuance of a special postage stamp in 1975 in commemoration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the sloop "Restaurationen" which marked the beginning of the Norweigian immigration to the United States.
![Official portrait of Sen. Nelson, Gaylord [D-WI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/n000033_200.jpg)