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
Veterans Cost-of-Instruction Extension Act - Extends for thirty-nine months (until September 30, 1978) the veterans cost-of- instruction program under the Higher Education Act. Requires a report for each fiscal year by institutions assisted under such Act to the Commissioner of Education on such programs. Requires the Commissioner to appoint a head of an identifiable administrative unit, directly responsible to the Commissioner, to carry out functions related to such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1975
Veterans and Survivors Pension Reform Act - Title I: Reform of the Non-Service-Connected Pension Program for Veterans and Their Survivors - Creates a pension system within the Veterans' Administration applicable to all veterans, widows of veterans, and dependent parents who, subsequent to October 1, 1976, are or become eligible for a Veterans' Administration non-service-connected pension. Provides for a restructuring of the need-based pension program of the Veterans' Administration. Provides for a level of income for veterans and their survivors which is above the minimum subsistence level. Establishes a basic minimum level of income for all eligible veterans and dependents at $2,700 for single pensioners and $3,900 for pensioners with dependents. Provides for a method of computing a pension for those veterans with little or no income. Title II: Adjustments in Current Statutory Pension Provisions - Defines terms used in this Act. Revises the catagories of spouse, widow, and surviving spouse for purposes of the changes in rates in this Act. Presents a schedule by month for such rates. Title III: Reform of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Parents - Revises the schedule for determining dependency and indemnity compensation rates under the Veterans' Administration. Title IV: Adjustments in Current Statutory Provisions Relating to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Parents - Sets forth schedules for the payment of monthly dependency and indemnification compensation to the parents of veterans. Title V: Miscellaneous and Effective Dates - Makes the effective date of this Act October 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Employment Tax Credit Act - Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for 10 percent of the wages paid by a taxpayer to a previously unemployed individual. Limits the credit to $800 per eligible employee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to include a 66- mile segment of the New River Gorge in West Virginia as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Prohibits the Federal Power Commission from licensing project works in the New River Gorge area for three years following the date of enactment of this Act. Prohibits loans or assistance by the United States to construct any adverse water projects in such area. Requires, prior to designating the area as a component of the System, that the Secretary determine that West Virginia officials and subdivisions have taken measures to protect such area through mining and land use regulation. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, not to exceed $2,500,000 for the acquisition and development of lands.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Provides that the States may submit to the Secretary of Commerce a program for the completion of the Interstate System, including a proposal for the issuance of bonds or other obligations of such State. Authorizes the Secretary to approve such programs and to enter into a contractual arrangement on behalf of the United States to pay, over a twenty-year period, the principal and interest on such bonds or other obligations. Directs that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of the aggregate payments to all States for the liquidation of obligations incurred as a result of the completion. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to Congress with respect to all activities pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such amounts as are necessary to make payments on financial obligations assumed by the United States pursuant to this Act.
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 · 21 October 1975
Displaced Homemakers Equal Opportunity Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a maximum of 30 model program centers for outreach, counseling, information and referral, and other services for displaced homemakers, with at least 2 such centers in each of the 10 Federal geographic service regions of the United States. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an evaluation and study of the model program centers established by this Act; and (2) conduct a feasibility study with respect to participation by displaced homemakers in specified employment, unemployment, education, and health service programs. Authorizes to be appropriated specified sums for each of fiscal years 1976 and 1977 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Veterans Housing Amendments Act - Extends entitlement to Veterans' Administration housing benefits to veterans whose active duty service occurred between World War II and the Korean conflict, and who meet the requirements of this Act. Increases the maximum Veterans' Administration guaranty on loans for mobile homes to 50 percent (presently 30 percent). Makes permanent the revolving fund authorized to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs for direct housing loans. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1807; Amends 38 U.S.C. 1811, 1819, and 1823)
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Provides for the furnishing of outpatient rehabilitation services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Defines rehabilitation facilities, services, and outpatient rehabilitation services for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Revises the formula for determination of the amount of tax to be imposed on charitable foundations upon their failure to distribute income by changing the method of calculation of the minimum investment return for any private foundation for any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Provides that the inpatient hospital deductible under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act shall be increased from $40 to $92 in the case of any spell of illness beginning before 1977. Sets forth a formula for adjusting the impatient deductible for subsequent years, equal to $92 multiplied by the ratio of the current average per diem rate for inpatient hospital services for the preceding year to the current average per diem rate for such services for 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide necessary counseling and information for displaced homemakers through a system of model programs. Defines "displaced homemaker" as any individual who is likely to have difficulty in securing employment because that individual has worked only in the home. Directs the Secretary to furnish to the Congress an evaluation of the model programs with recommendations concerning the administration and viability of such programs. Requires the Secretary to prepare a study to determine the feasibility of allowing displaced homemakers to participate in specified Government programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $4,400,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act until September 30, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1975
Coal Conversion Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act Amendments - Extends from June 30, 1975 to December 31, 1975, the authority of the Federal Energy Administration to issue orders or rules with respect to powerplants and fuel burning installations pursuant to the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to revise the framework of collective bargaining in the construction industry. Creates, in the Department of Labor, the Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Committee comprised of ten management representatives, ten labor representatives, and up to three neutral members, appointed by the President. Provides that one of the neutral members shall be appointed Chairman. Requires that the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor shall be ex officio members. Provides that the management, labor, and neutral members shall be appointed after consultation with the national organizations. Requires local labor organizations affiliated with the standard labor organizations in the industry to give 60 days notice to their national unions before the expiration or reopening of agreements, and contractors or associations engaged in collective bargaining with them are similarly required to notify either the national organizations with which they are affiliated, or the Committee directly if there is no national affiliation. Directs standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations engaged in collective bargaining to forward such notices to the Committee. Authorizes the Committee to take jurisdiction of the matter, in which case any strike or lockout is deferred for up to 30 days past the expiration or reopening date. Allows the Committee to decide to refer a matter to a national craft board or to the national machinery established by a branch of the industry, on which national unions and national contractor associations are represented, in an effort to assist the parties to reach agreement. Authorizes the Committee to elect to meet with the parties itself. Provides that the Committee may request the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations whose members are directly involved to participate in the negotiations. Directs that in that event, any new or revised collective bargaining agreement shall be approved by the standard national construction labor organization with which the local labor organization, or other subordinate body, is affiliated in order for the agreement to be of any force or effect. Prescribes that in the event the standard national labor organization or national contractor association participates in such negotiation, it shall not suffer any criminal or civil liability arising out of such participation; nor shall the standard national labor organization be subject to any civil or criminal liability arising out of its approval, or failure to approve, a collective bargaining agreement. Specifies the standards which the Committee shall take into account in taking jurisdiction of a matter and requesting the participation of the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations. Authorizes the Committee to make studies of collective bargaining in the industry and to make general recommendations with regard to negotiating structures, improvement of productivity, stability of employment, differentials among branches of the industry, dispute settlement procedures, and other related matters. Provides that this Act shall run for a term of five years. Directs the Committee to submit annual reports to the Congress and, six months in advance of the five-year limit, the Committee shall make recommendations with regard to the extension of the legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1975
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion the sums authorized for expenditure on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Requires that the apportionment factors contained in table five of the House committee print numbered 94-14 be used for such apportionment.
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
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Communications Commission render a decision on the request of The Washington Star for a waiver of the multiple ownership rules as expeditiously as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Extends the authorizations for appropriations under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 an additional three years until September, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Creates a nine-member Commission on the operation of the Senate. Provides that all Commissioners shall be appointed by the President of the Senate upon the joint recommendations of the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate. Provides that the Commission shall make a study of the organization and operation of the United States Senate. Directs that such study shall include: (1) the functioning of Members, officers, and employees of the Senate in the light of the responsibilities of the Senate; (2) conflicts in the programming of business; (3) office accomodations and facilities; (4) information resources; (5) internal management administrative support structures; and (6) ways of improving Senate coordination with the House of Representatives. Authorizes compensation for the Commissoners and appointment of such staff as necessary to carry out the purpose of this resolution. Directs the Commission to submit reports to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, which shall set forth the results of the study together with its findings and recommendations. Authorizes the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500,000 to be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1975
Highway Safety Act - Revises the Highway Safety Act to provide for the reduction of funds apportioned to a State for highway safety programs when such State does not have or is not implementing such programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1977 through 1980 for the purposes of making incentive grants to States which have showed the greatest progress in reducing traffic fatalities. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out highway safety and highway safety research and development programs under the Highway Safety Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1975
Railroad Locomotive Exhaust Emission Standards Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, acting pursuant to the Clean Air Act, to conduct a study of emissions of air pollutants from railroad locomotives and secondary power sources on railroad rolling stock. Directs the Administrator: (1) to publish a report of such study; and (2) to issue proposed emission standards applicable to such locomotives and power sources. Requires the holding of public hearings on the proposed standards and the issuance of final standards following such hearings. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations to insure compliance with all standards prescribed by the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided thereunder to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1975
Solid Waste Utilization Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, under provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, to provide financial assistance to each State to: (1) assist such State in developing a State solid waste management plan, (2) assist such State in administering a program for solid waste management, including programs to provide technical assistance and management advice to municipalities and intermunicipal agencies, and (3) develop, implement, operate, and enforce a State program for the control of hazardous waste disposal. Conditions such assistance upon the development of a State solid waste management plan consistent with the purposes of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires the Administrator to develop within one year and publish suggested guidelines for solid waste management which will provide for the protection of public health and the environment. Directs the Administrator to implement a program for the rapid dissemination of information on solid waste management and methods of energy and resource recovery from solid waste, including the results of any relevant research, investigations, experiments, surveys, studies, or other information which may be useful in the implementation of new or improved solid waste management practices and methods. Provides that within one year after the guidelines are published open dumping shall be prohibited. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring that any person who disposes of, treats, or stores any designated hazardous waste shall obtain a permit for such disposal, treatment, or storage. Sets forth conditions governing the receipt of such permits. Permits States to develop programs for the control of hazardous waste disposal comparable to that established under this Act. Directs the Administrator to authorize each State to issue and enforce permits for the disposal, treatment, or storage of hazardous wastes in accordance with this Act, unless he finds that such State program does not comply with the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to bring suit on behalf of the United States in the appropriate district court to restrain any person causing any disposal of solid waste which presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons or other living organisms. States that violations may be punished by a fine of up to $25,000 per day of violation. Permits citizen suits to enforce the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans made for the purpose of financing a resource recovery system for mixed municipal solid wastes or any component thereof necessary to the creation of such system, including the construction or modification of facilities or acquisition of equipment necessary for the utilization of recovered resources or energy produced by such system. Sets forth conditions governing such loan guarantees. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States to provide assistance to municipalities with a population of 5,000 or less, or counties with a population of 10,000 or less, for solid waste management facilities and equipment necessary to meet the requirements of this Act. Requires Federal agencies to give preference to the purchase of goods, material and energy comprised of recovered resources. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants and loans to States and other governmental entities for the purchase of, or development of land and facilities for industrial or commercial usage where the industry to be located in such land or facilities utilizes recovered resources or energy from such system or otherwise provides a market for such recovered resources or energy. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for such purposes of up to $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, and $5,000,000 for the fiscal transitional period ending September 30, 1976. Prohibits discrimination by employers against employees who institute judicial proceedings under the provisions of this Act. Permits the Administrator to enter into contracts with municipalities who so request pursuant to which available Federal lands suitable for disposal purposes may be made available to such municipalities to meet the requirements of this Act, provided appropriate non-Federal lands are not available to such municipalities. Defines terms used in this Act. Makes technical and conforming changes to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Authorizes specified appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1975
Indochina Refugee Children Assistance Act - Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State and territorial educational agencies for the public education of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugee children. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such grants. States that no such grants may be made unless the State submits an application to the Commissioner containing specified information and assurances that such payments will be distributed among local educational agencies within that State in direct proportion to the number of Indochinese refugee children served by each such local educational agency. Authorizes supplementary assistance grants of $300 per child to any State educational agency which provides for the unique educational needs of Indochinese refugee children who are aged five to seventeen, inclusive. Authorizes appropriations for basic entitlement grants of $57,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $14,500,000 for the period beginning January 1, 1976 and ending September 30, 1976, and $29,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes specified appropriations for supplementary assistance grants.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1975
Makes it a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, or a $5,000 fine, or both, to take a controlled substance, as defined by the Controlled Substances Act, from a registered pharmacy by force or intimidation.
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 · 8 July 1975
Synthetic Fuels Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to assure Federal support of a joint Government and industry demonstration program capable of producing by 1985 synthetic fuels from coal equivalent to at least one million barrels of oil per day, and to authorize loan guarantees for the construction and operation of commercial facilities for the conversion of domestic coal into synthetic fuels. Authorizes the Energy Research and Development Administration to guarantee loans made to persons for the purpose of financing the construction and operation of facilities for the conversion of domestic coal into synthetic fuels, up to an aggregate amount of $5,000,000,000. Specifies the circumstances under which the Administrator is authorized to make such guarantees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1975
Federal Facilites Energy Conservation and Utilization Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes, and defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with specified Federal departments and agencies, to publish energy conservation guidelines for use in the construction and operation of Federal and federally-assisted buildings. Directs each Federal agency having authority over the construction or renovation of a Federal or federally-assisted building to require the preparation of an energy-economic analysis for such building. Authorizes $7,500,000 to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Extends until December 31, 1975, the authority of the Federal Energy Administrator under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act to issue orders or rules concerning the conversion of petroleum-burning power plants to coal-burning plants.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1975
George Washington Peace Academy Act - Establishes the George Washington Peace Academy, an educational institution. Sets forth the organizational structure of the Academy. Provides that the curriculum shall emphasize the teaching of skills necessary to the peaceful resolution of international conflicts. Sets forth student admission quotas and requirements. Limits the student body enrollment to 500. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Academy such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Prohibits carriers of Federal employee insurance from reducing or excluding health benefits without such proposed changes being published in the Federal Register and without hearings by the Civil Service Commission on such proposed changes.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1975
Changes Senate Rule XIX to provide that no Senator may: (1) speak from prepared materials on the Senate floor; (2) insert prepared remarks in the Congressional Record to be shown as delivered by him on the floor; and (3) make use of any staff member for advice in the performance of his duties while on the Senate floor.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Veterans Insurance Amendments Act - Permits veterans insured under Servicemen's Group Life Insurance to choose conversion to either an individual term or whole life insurance policy or Veterans' Group Life Insurance policy upon the expiration of their Servicemen's Group Life Insurance coverage. Extends for an additional year the period in which veterans made retroactively eligible for Veterans Group Life Insurance coverage by the Veterans Insurance Act of 1974 may apply for such coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Requires the continued application of the minimum nursing salary cost differential of 8 1/2 percent which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Volunteer End-of-Service Allowance Increase Act - Increases VISTA Volunteer stipends and Peace Corps Volunteer readjustment allowances. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to provide for such increases.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
National Petroleum and Natural Gas Conservation and Coal Substitution Act - Requires new electric powerplants and major industrial installations which become operational after January 1, 1979, and which utilize fossile energy resources as boiler fuel to be capable of utilizing coal as their primary energy source, in conformance with applicable environmental requirements. Requires that no later than January 1, 1980, existing electric powerplants and major industrial installations which utilize fossil energy resources as boiler fuel (and not scheduled for retirement prior to January 1, 1985) must acquire the capability, to the maximum extent practicable, to utilize coal as their primary energy source in conformance with applicable environmental requirements. Requires that, by January 1, 1985, to the maximum extent practicable, electric powerplants and major industrial installations which utilize fossil energy resources as boiler fuel utilize coal as their primary energy sources in conformance with applicable environmental requirements. Provides civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1975
National Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to enact a comprehensive national law governing oil pollution liability and compensation and to establish a strict liability standard for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Provides that the owner and operator of a vessel, an onshore or offshore facility, and the licensee of a deepwater port shall be liable for cleanup costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil into the marine environment. Places specified monetary limitations on the amount of such liability. Provides that no such liability shall be imposed if the owner, operator, or licensee involved establishes that such discharge was caused solely: (1) by an act of war, or as a proximate result of negligence on the part of the Federal Government in failing to maintain adequate aids to navigation; or (2) by the negligence of the party damaged. Provides that any agreement, the effect of which is to hold harmless any person or any Federal, State, or local government from liability for the discharge of oil, even if agreed to by a government entity, is contrary to public policy, void, and of no effect. Establishes within the Department of Transportation a National Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration, and within the Administration, a National Oil Pollution Compensation Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be disbursed to cover oil discharge cleanup costs not otherwise compensated. Declares that the Fund shall be provisioned through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil: (1) when the oil is loaded on or off a vessel at an onshore or offshore facility; (2) when the oil is transferred from a well to a pipeline or a vessel; or (3) when the oil is loaded on or off a vessel at a deepwater port. Authorizes specified appropriations for the administration of this Act for fiscal years 1976 through 1978.
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 · 13 May 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants, for programs aimed at reducing unemployment and at repairing, rehabilitating, or improving essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants for projects that involve the repair, rehabilitation or improvement of railroad roadbeds and facilities that best fulfill specified objectives. Provides that such grants shall be expended for the payment of wages. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for materials and equipment assistance, upon assurances that other financing is not available. Sets forth guidelines and procedures for grant and other financial assistance applications. Sets forth employment priorities applicable to projects financed under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $600,000,000 for the payment of wages, $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance, and $7,000,000 for administrative expenses, to remain available for obligation until December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Veterans' Administration Physician Pay Comparability Act - Provides salary increases for executive medical officers of the Veterans Administration. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide special pay, in the nature of a variable incentive bonus, to any full or part-time physician employed in the Department of Medicine and Surgery in order to obtain and retain highly qualified physicians. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress annually regarding the special pay program authorized by this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, after consultation with the heads of relevant specified Federal departments and agencies, to submit a report by March 1, 1976, proposing a permanent legislative solution to the problem of attracting and retaining the services of highly qualified physicians and other health care personnel in the uniformed and nonuniformed Federal service. Authorizes the Administrator to appoint physicians' assistants and dental therapists as he finds necessary for the medical care of veterans. Authorizes the Administrator to increase the rates of pay for medical personnel to provide compensation commensurate with competitive pay practices or to meet staffing requirements in geographically remote areas.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to any State or local government for construction, renovation, repair, or other improvement of local public works projects. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Prohibits any such grant for any project having as its purpose the damming or diversion of any watercourse or any such grant for any project located in an area having special flood hazards. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $5,000,000,000 to carry out this Act.
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 · 8 May 1975
Authorizes amounts available but not committed for military assistance to South Vietnam and Cambodia to be used for humanitarian assistance for refugees from South Vietnam and Cambodia.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Provides that priority for local lead elimination programs financed through the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act shall go to homes in which reside children with lead-based paint poisoning. Provides for the reduction of the amount of lead allowed in paint to 0.06 percent by weight. Authorizes appropriations for programs under such Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Childhood Lead Based Paint Poisoning Advisory Board to advise the Secretary a policy relating to the administration by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1975
Requires that food stamps be allotted in an amount equal to 90 percent of the cost of the low cost diet plan as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that housing representing payment of income in kind shall be counted as income of up to $25 per month. Makes any household having an individual 18 years of age or older and claimed as a dependent by an individual outside of the household ineligible to receive food stamps. Authorizes elderly and disabled individuals to use food stamps to purchase meals prepared and delivered by a political subdivision or private nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code. Revises procedures for certification and informing potential recipients. Provides for the creation of a Food Stamp Advisory Board to be consulted prior to regulation changes.
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Randolph, Jennings [D-WV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000046_200.jpg)