United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Provides that the policy behind the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 should be that of dealing with the problem on a continuing basis. Provides that the Director of the Office shall not hold any other office in any other department or agency of the United States, except in connection with his duties as Director. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of the Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978. Provides for coordination of Federal, State, and local drug abuse functions and for technical assistance from the Federal to State and local governments. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall, in making grants for drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs, accord primary prevention a high priority. Provides that the Secretary shall provide funding for treatment of nonopiate abuse as well as opiate abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Authorizes and directs Federal agencies to provide for the employment of reading assistants for blind employees and interpreters for deaf employees. Sets minimum staff levels for such employee positions for specified years following the enactment of this Act.
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 · 30 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Amateur Athletic Union restore to the late Jim Thorpe the status of amateur athlete and that the International Olympic Committee should officially recognize Jim Thorpe's achievements during the 1912 Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act - Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation - Increases the rate of wartime disability compensation for veterans. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to adjust the rates of disability compensation for specified persons. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 314). Increases the additional compensation for dependents for those who qualify for disability compensation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 315) Increases the veterans disability clothing allowance to $175 per year. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 362) Title II: Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Increases the dependency and indemnity compensation to be paid to a widow based on the pay grade of her deceased husband. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 411) Increases the dependency and indemnity compensation to be paid to the children where there is no widow. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 413) Increases the supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation of children of a deceased veteran where such child has become disabled. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 414) Directs the Administrator to pay dependency and indemnity compensation to the widow, children, and parents of any veteran who dies after December 31, 1965, and who dies from a service connected disability, or who was receiving compensation for total service connected disability permanent in nature. Title III: Effective Date - Declares this Act to be effective as of July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Opportunities for Adoption Act - Provides for adoption assistance programs under the provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Makes it the purpose of this Act, in order to promote the public health and welfare, to facilitate the elimination of obstacles to adoption, and to locate children in need of adoption and facilitate the placement in permanent adoptive homes of such children, particularly children with special needs, by: (1) promoting the establishment of uniform adoption regulations in the States and territories of the United States in order to eliminate jurisdictional and legal obstacles to adoption; (2) providing Federal financial assistance to States for the purpose of assisting certain public and private nonprofit agencies and adoptive and prospective adoptive parents in meeting certain costs of adoption in order to remove or alleviate the financial obstacles which present serious barriers to adoption by qualified persons; and (3) providing for the establishment of a National Office of Adoption Information and Services in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to (A) ensure quality standards for adoption services (including pre-placement and post-placement and post-adoption counseling and standards to protect the rights of children in need of adoption) and (B) provide for a national adoption information exchange system. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint a Committee on Uniform Adoption Regulations to be composed of representatives of National, State, and local child welfare organizations and representatives of National, State, and local child welfare organizations and representatives of other groups interested in facilitating the objectives of adoption agencies, and the Chief of the Children's Bureau in the Office of Child Development, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, or his designee. Directs such Committee to: (1) review current conditions, practices, and laws relating to adoption, with special reference to their effect on facilitating or impeding the finding of suitable adoptive homes for children and the completion of suitable adoptions; (2) propose to the Secretary uniform adoption regulations which would facilitate adoption; and (3) report its proposals to the Congress and the President not later than eighteen months after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that following receipt of the Committee's proposals, but not later than twenty-four months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish the proposed uniform adoption regulations in the Federal Register for comment and, after soliciting and giving due consideration to the comments of interested individuals, groups and organizations and consulting further with the Committee, he shall issue and publish final uniform adoption regulations which shall apply in the administration of the grant program. Directs the Secretary, in accordance with regulations which he shall prescribe, to make matching grants to States for allocation, by State agencies principally responsible for services to families and children, to public and private nonprofit adoption agencies which meet standards of quality prescribed pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting: (1) such agencies in meeting the cost involved in the adoptive placement of children with special needs (including identifying children in need of adoption, locating and counseling their parents, freeing appropriate children for adoption, locating suitable homes and providing pre-placement and post-placement and post-adoptive counseling to children in need of adoption and to prespective and actual adoptive parents); (2) such agencies in meeting the cost of providing prenatal and postpartum services to mothers, voluntarily planning to place their children for adoption, who are unable to assume such costs, in order to protect the health and welfare of both the mother and child; but only to the extent that assistance under other Federal or State programs in the community in question is not readily available to provide adequately for such services; (3) such agencies in meeting the cost of providing for professional counseling and other social services to children in need of adoption, and to prospective and actual adoptive parents and foster parents to assist them in providing a supportive and healthful family environment; (4) adoptive parents in locating and, where appropriate, defraying the cost of post-placement and post-adoption special services to children requiring such services as a result of conditions which existed prior to their placement, up to an amount not exceeding the amount which similar services would cost the State in question were it to provide or secure such services as the guardian of such children; and (5) prospective adoptive parents, who would consider adoption but for their financial inability to meet a child's needs, in defraying the post-placement and post-adoption cost of supporting children with special needs, in amounts of assistance determined by the Secretary to be adequate to enable such adoptive parents to assume responsibility for raising such children (including payment of legal fees and court costs). Provides for the establishment of a system in the States under which, with respect to a child who has been in foster care in a State for at least six months after such child is considered legally available for adoptive placement, the foster parents providing care to such child will be notified of the possibility of the financial assistance for adoptive placement authorized by this Act if it appears to be in the child's best interest. Directs the Secretary to take such steps as he deems necessary to encourage and facilitate the consideration of comprehensive adoption assistance legislation by those States which have not enacted such legislation. Establishes within the Children's Bureau of the Office of Child Development of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a National Office of Adoption Information and Services which shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary upon the joint recommendation of the Director of the Office of Child Development and the Chief of the Children's Bureau. Provides that the Office shall be the principal agency for carrying out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Director, in accordance with regulations which he shall presecribe, to: (1) conduct a continuous educational program on adoption and to prepare, publish, and disseminate to all interested parties, private and public agencies and organizations, and governmental bodies educational materials regarding adoption and adoption assistance programs; (2) measure and evaluate the impact of the programs authorized by this Act and, not later than ninety days after June 30 of each year, prepare and submit to the Secretary for transmittal to the President and the Congress a report on such evaluation, which shall include, but not be limited to (A) the number of children placed in adoptive homes under adoption assistance agreements during the year preceding the annual report and the major characteristics of such children; and (B) the number of children currently in foster care for six months or more, and the legal status of such children; (3) insure that adoption agencies receiving assistance authorized under this Act subscribe to standards of quality, which he shall prescribe, for adoption services (including pre-placement and post-placement and post-adoption counseling and standards to protect the rights of children in need of adoption) and comply with the requirements of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and (4) notwithstanding any other provision of law, provide for the operation of a national adoption information system, utilizing computers and modern data processing methods, to assist in the location of children in need of adoption and in the placement in adoptive homes of children awaiting adoption, and for the promotion of cooperative efforts with any similar programs; and (5) coordinate and consult with other appropriate Federal agencies, and coordinate all other programs within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Authorizes the appropriation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and the succeeding three fiscal years, of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Public Works Employment Act - Seeks to increase the antirecessionary effectiveness of the Public Works and Economic Development Act by creating jobs especially in the construction sector. Provides that the non-Federal share of costs in public works projects may be reduced or eliminated if the effective taxing and/or barrowing capacity of the applicant has been exhausted. Increases the funding for aid to projects under the Public Works and Economic Development Act from $250,000,000 to $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to applicants for public works projects beneficial to the community. Limits such grants to those areas experiencing actual or threatened high unemployment. Provides that the Federal share of a grant made for a project shall be 80 percent. Allows the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share under specified circumstances. Authorizes the payment of interest supplements to or on behalf of private entities. Extends specified programs of the Public Works and Economic Development Act thru 1976. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance to federally assisted projects for which funds have been obligated at the time of enactment of this Act which because of rapid increases in wages or cost of materials cannot be completed within the amount obligated for the project. Provides for grants for the purpose of increasing the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law to 100 percent of the cost of the project. Authorizes the appropriation of $250,000,000 for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments - Authorizes to be appropriated to the Appalachian Regional Commission such sums as may be necessary for its administrative expenses. Authorizes the use of Federal highway construction funds for the Appalachian development highway system. Allows the Commission to make grants to public bodies and nonprofit entities for planning, engineering, and reasonable site acquisition or development costs. Provides that the Federal share shall not exceed 80 percent of such costs. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants and loans to Appalachian States to assist nonprofit timber development organizations and programs organized and operated for specific forestry purposes. Expands the authority of: (1) the Secretary of the Interior to rehabilitate areas damaged by deleterious mining practices; (2) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial assistance for housing construction or rehabilitation projects for low - and moderate - income families and individuals; and (3) the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide assistance for vocational education facilities and projects demonstrating areawide education planning, services, and programs. States that no assistance shall be provided under the Appalachian Regional Development Act to assist establishments in relocating or to enable plant subcontractors to undertake work previously performed in another area by other subcontractors or contractors. Provides that funds provided under such Act shall not be substituted for, but shall be in addition to, State funds provided for similar purposes. Provides that to further the Appalachian State Development Planning Process, each State member shall: (1) submit a development plan with specified aspects for the area of the State within the region; and (2) cooperate with local development districts certified by the State, including preparation and execution of areawide action programs. Increases the Federal share of and purposes for which grants may be made by the President to the Commission for administrative and management expenses incurred in carrying out the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, as amended by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Provides that rural letter carriers may be paid at a rate of compensation established by any collective bargaining agreement made between the Postal Service and any recognized bargaining representative.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligator which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Disease Control Amendments Act - Extends the program of assistance for the control and prevention of communicable diseases under the Public Health Services Act to include other diseases or conditions which are determined by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to be of national significance and which are amenable to reduction through vaccination and other programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1976 for specified grant programs, including (1) vaccine preventable disease control programs, (2) rodent and lead poisoning control programs, and (3) disease control programs other than those for which appropriations are specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Amendments - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish, under the National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Act, a national program for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for projects for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States to establish and maintain adequate public health programs for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for venereal disease surveillance activities and casefinding and case followup activities respecting venereal disease.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance for programs to reduce unemployment and to repair, rehabilitate, and improve railroad roadbeds and facilities. Provides that, within 60 days after enactment, the Secretary shall make funds available to any railroad which has laid off, furloughed, or otherwise reduced the number of maintenance-of-way and signal system maintenance employees between the period from June 1, 1974, through April 15, 1975, to the extent necessary to enable such a railroad to hire and maintain until June 1, 1976, sufficient numbers of such employees at prevailing wages to restore the size of its repair and rehabilitation work force to the maximum level maintained between June 1, 1974, and April 15, 1975. Requires that such employees be utilized by the railroad for priority categories of work as specified in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary until December 31, 1976, to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to States, political subdivisions, the Appalachian Regional Commission, or Regional Action Planning Commissions for a rehabilitation program involving a facility within the categories set out in this Act. States that in reviewing the applications for financial assistance, the Secretary shall consider specified criteria, including: (1) the extent to which the proposed project meets the objectives of this Act; and (2) the severity of unemployment in the affected area and the impact that the proposed project is likely to have on that unemployment. Establishes an Advisory Commission to assist the States, political subdivisions, and regional commissions in identifying eligible roadbeds and facilities and in formulating and submitting appropriate grant applications. Sets forth objectives and priority categories and eligibility requirements by grants. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to be expended solely for the acquisition of materials or equipment necessary or appropriate for implementing or carrying out a repair, rehabilitation, or improvement program or project receiving or approved to receive Federal financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Directs that no contract or agreement for the performance of work receiving Federal financial assistance shall be entered into under this Act without assurances that required labor standards shall be maintained in the performance of such work. Requires that all laborers and mechanics employed by railroads, contractors, and subcontractors in the performance of work done with the aid of such financial assistance shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar work in the locality, as determined in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to the extent necessary to administer the provisions of this Act. Requires that each recipient of assistance under this Act, directly or indirectly, regardless of form, shall maintain such records as the Secretary shall prescribe. States that the Secretary may conduct cost and benefit assessment studies of various programs under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $600,000,000 for the purposes of this Act, of which not more than $7,000,000 shall be available to the Secretary for administrative expenses in implementing this Act, such sums to remain available until expended. Authorizes the appropriation of an addition $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance as provided by this Act, such sums to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Authorizes the printing of the report entitled, "Report to Congress on Control of Sulfur Oxides" as a Senate document. Provides that 1,000 additional copies of such report shall be printed for the use of the Senate Public Works Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Older Americans Amendments - Title I: Amendments to Older Americans Act of 1965 - Adds a new title, Title VIII, Special Service Programs for the Elderly, to the Older Americans Act. States that it is the purpose of this title to provide elderly persons homemaker and other home services, legal counseling assistance, residential repair and renovation, and home mortgage interest reduction and insurance payments. Provides for disbursement by the State agency on aging of funds allotted to recipients of grants or contracts who agree: (1) to utilize methods of administration, including outreach, that will ensure that the maximum number of elderly persons have an opportunity to participate; and (2) to utilize the advice of persons competent in the field of service involved, of elderly program participants, and of persons knowledgeable about the needs of older persons. Authorizes the appropriation of sums necessary to carry out this title, including sums necessary to make interest reduction payments by the Commissioner on Aging under this title. Provides for the disbursements by the State agency of funds allotted to it to public or private nonprofit organizations which agree to: (1) establish programs to provide elderly persons with homemaker services, reader services, letter writing services, or other services designed to assist such persons in leading a more independent life; (2) establish programs to provide necessary and appropriate legal and other counseling services, including tax counseling and counseling to assist elderly persons living in nursing homes to meet problems and needs arising out of the manner in which such homes are administered, and to train lawyers, lay advocates, and paraprofessional persons; to develop law school curricula and clinical education programs which address the problems and needs of elderly persons; (3) establish programs to make home repairs and renovations necessary for such homes to meet minimum housing standards and to adapt existing housing, or construction of new housing, to meet the needs of elderly persons suffering from physical disabilities; and (4) establish programs to meet the transportation needs of elderly persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make interest reduction payments on behalf of sponsors lowering their effective interest rates on mortgages to 1 percent per year. Requires the sponsor to demonstrate that it is providing a fully comprehensive system of supportive services for elderly persons, and to operate the project in accordance with such requirements with respect to tenant eligibility and rents as the Commissioner may prescribe. Authorizes the Commissioner to insure mortgages meeting the requirements of this part, which include the following: (1) mortgages shall meet the requirement specified in section 221 (Housing for Moderate Income and Displaced Families) of the National Housing Act, except as modified by this part and shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed that necessary to meet the mortgage market; and (2) projects shall comply with such standards and conditions as the Commissioner may prescribe. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into agreements with States which wish to make interest reduction payments, whereby the Commission will administer the payments for the States. Requires that preference be given in such projects to elderly persons whose incomes are within the lowest practicable limits. Older American Community Service Employment Act - States that in order to foster and promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons who are 55 years old and older and who have poor employment prospects, the Secretary of Labor is authorized to establish an Older American Community Service Employment Program. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations, including national organizations, State or local governmental agencies and Indian tribes in order to carry out the purposes of this title. Directs the Secretary to pay not in excess of 90 percent of the cost of any project which meets the conditions specified in this title, except that the Secretary may 100 percent of the cost of emergency or disaster projects or projects located in an economically depressed area. Directs the Secretary to consult with State and local agencies concerning the areas in which community service programs are most needed. Forbids contracts to be entered into under this title with a contractor who is, or whose employees are, exempted from State workmen's compensation law, unless the contractor makes alternative provisions so that employees enjoy coverage equal to that provided by law for covered employment. Authorizes an appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for purposes of this title. Directs the Commissioner to reserve from sums appropriated for any fiscal year, not less than 100 percent nor more than 105 percent of an amount which bears the same ratio to such sums for the fiscal year involved as the population of all Indians aged 60 or over on all Federal or State reservations bears to that same population in all States. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to assist in the training of lawyers, lay advocates, and paraprofessional persons who will: (1) provide legal counseling assistance to older persons; or (2) monitor the administration of any program by any public or private nonprofit institution, organization, or agency, or any State designed to provide assistance or services to older persons, including nursing home programs. Provides that during fiscal years 1975 and 1976, the Secretary of Agriculture shall purchase high protein foods, meat and meat alternates on the open market at prices not in excess of market prices to be used for providing nutritional services in accordance with the provisions of title VII (Nutrition Program for the Elderly) of the Older Americans Act. Authorizes and extends appropriations for various programs under the Older Americans Act, including the National Information and Clearing House for the Aged; the Area Planning and Social Service Programs; the Model Projects; the Transportation, Research and Development, and Multipurpose Centers of Gerontology Programs, the Multipurpose Senior Centers; and the Nutritional Program for the Elderly. Title II: Amendments to Other Laws - Extends through fiscal year 1979 provisions authorizing funds for programs for the elderly under the Adult Education Act and the Higher Education Act of 1965. Extends through fiscal year 1979 authorizations for the Senior Opportunities and Services Programs under the Community Services Act. Requires that the Director of ACTION make grants to State agencies on aging established under the Older Americans Act. Authorizes $24,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $28,800,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $34,560,000 for fiscal year 1979 for the Retired Senior Volunteer Programs provisions of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act. Title III: Prohibition of Discrimination Based on Age - Age Discrimination Act - Provides that no person shall on the basis of age, be excluded from or denied benefits of any program or activity receiving financial assistance. Directs the heads of Federal departments and agencies to achieve compliance with this title by terminating or refusing to grant assistance to any recipient after certain conditions have been met. Provides that whenever the Attorney General of the United States has reason to believe that any person has violated the provisions of this title, he may bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court in order to obtain appropriate relief.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
Authorizes the printing of the report entitled, "Report to Congress on Control of Sulfur Oxides" as a Senate document. Provides that 1,000 additional copies of such report shall be printed for the use of the Senate Public Works Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Sets forth the definition of "mine" under this Act. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standards Amendments - Revises title I of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. Establishes the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of this Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Provides that the Secretary may by rule promulgate, modify, or revoke any health and safety standard. Provides that the Secretary may request the recommendations of an advisory committee whenever he determines that a rule should be promulgated. Sets forth the time period for the reporting of any recommendations by the Committee. Prescribes procedures for publication and public hearings with respect to any rule proposed by the Secretary prior to its issuance. Requires the Secretary, in promulgating standards, to set the standard which assures miners will not suffer impairment of health, functional capacity, or diminished life expectancy even if regularly exposed to hazards throughout their working lives. Directs the Secretary to consider (1) the latest available scientific data in the field; (2) the feasibility of the standards; and (3) experience gained under this and other health and safety statutes. Provides that any standard promulgated must prescribe the use of labels or other warnings necessary to ensure that miners are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure. Sets forth additional factors which must be prescribed in specified instances. Requires that no safety or health standard promulgated under this Act shall reduce the protection afforded miners below that provided by any safety or health standard previously in effect. States that where the Secretary determines that miners are potentially subjected to physical or mental impairment from exposure to toxic substances, he may promulgate an emergency standard. Sets forth the procedures for promulgation of such emergency standard. Allows operators to apply to the Secretary for a temporary order permitting limited non- compliance with a standard. Specifies the circumstances under which such order shall be originally granted and renewed. Allows an operator to apply for a variance from a standard. Permits persons adversely affected by a standard to challenge its validity, within 60 days of its promulgation, in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Empowers the Secretary to appoint advisory committees to assist and advise him. Sets forth the composition and compensation of the members of any such committee. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act, and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. States that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Sets forth rules regarding the maintenance of records by operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and all accidents, except specified roof falls. Provides that if any miner or their representative believes that a standard violation exists that threatens physical harm or that an imminent danger exists, he may request an inspection by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide a minimum of one spot inspection of all or part of a mine during every five working days at irregular intervals, if the mine contains some especially hazardous conditions. Provides that if, upon inspection or investigation, the Secretary or his representative believes an operator has violated any standard, he shall issue a citation to the operator, describing the nature of the violation, and fixing a reasonable time for the violation's abatement. Prescribes rules governing (1) gross violations of standards; (2) follow-up inspections; and (3) withdrawal from the area of unabated violations of all but specified personnel. Requires the Secretary to notify, within a reasonable time, an operator issued a citation of any penalty to be assessed, and that the operator has 15 working days to notify the Secretary that he wishes to contest the citation or proposed penalty. Prohibits discharging, discriminating against, or interfering with the exercise of statutory rights by any mine employee or applicant for employment because he filed a complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act or testified or is about to testify for himself or others. Provides that if an operator notifies the Secretary that he intends to contest a citation, the Secretary shall immediately advise the Commission, which must then provide an opportunity for a hearing and issue an order affirming, modifying, or vacating the Secretary's order. Permits any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order of the Commission to obtain review of such order in any appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals and specifies the procedures to be followed after a petition for review is filed. Provides procedures for counteracting dangerous conditions, including: (1) issuance of withdrawal orders barring all except specified persons from an area, and (2) issuance of notices where less than imminent dangers exist and an investigation is being conducted into such conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to institute civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, in any appropriate United States district court whenever an operator or his agent: (1) violates or does not comply with any order or decision issued under this Act; (2) hinders the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or their representatives in carrying out the provisions of this Act; (3) refuses to admit such representatives to the mine; (4) refuses to permit the inspection of the mine, or the investigation of an accident or occupational disease related to such mine; (5) refuses to furnish any information or report requested in furtherance of this Act's provisions; or (6) refuses to permit access to and copying of such records as are necessary in carrying out provisions of this Act. Imposes penalties for violation of this Act. Provides that if a mine is closed by an order issued under this Act, all miners working during the shift when the order was issued who are idled shall be entitled to full compensation at their regular rates of pay for the period they are idled, but not more than the balance of the shift. Authorizes the Secretary to administer this Act through the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Authorizes the appropriation of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Relationship to Occupational Safety and Health Program - Provides that nothing in this Act applies the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1972 to the working conditions in the mines. Increases the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission from three to five members appointed by the President with the Senate's consent. Sets forth the duties and procedure for operation of the Commission. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules of procedures for its review of decisions in cases under this Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which shall meet specified standards. Authorizes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research related to the development of safety and health standards under this Act. Provides that the Secretary, in carrying out his functions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, shall include accurate statistics on the work injuries and illnesses occurring in the mines. States that nothing in this Act prohibits the application of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to sand and gravel mines. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Federal Metallic and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966 to the Secretary of Labor, except those expressly transferred to the Commission by this Act. Provides that the mandatory and advisory standards relating to mines which are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act shall remain in effect as mandatory standards under title I of this Act until the Secretary issues new or revised standards. Establishes in the Labor Department a Mine Administration for Safety and Health to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, with the Senate's advice and consent. Provides that research activities relating to mine health will be carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Secretary's research activities relating to safety are extended to all mines now covered by this Act. Extends to all mines covered by this Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare's authorization to conduct studies and research involving the protection of life and prevention of diseases relating to certain non-miners who work with or around mine products. Provides that any State law or regulation providing for health and safety standards applicable to any mine now covered by this Act and that (1) is more stringent than Federal law, or (2) applies to any area not covered by Federal law, shall not be held to be in conflict with this Act. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Drug Utilization Improvement Act - Title I: National Center for Clinical Pharmacology - Establishes, under the Public Health Service Act and within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Center for Clinical Pharmacology to provide support in the nature of grants for the study of clinical pharmacology. Enumerates the nature and general provisions of such grants. Provides for the collection of data regarding drug experiences and adverse drug reactions. Directs a study to be conducted on the inappropriate prescribing of drugs and on whether controls are needed for such inappropriate prescribing. Requires all organizations receiving assistance under this Act to review the prescribing and administering of all drugs in the course of delivery of health care. Authorizes to be appropriated $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $9,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for grants and projects. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the collection of data regarding drug experience. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the study of inappropriate prescription of drugs. Title II: Promotional Practices - Prohibits the transfer of any gift, product, premium, prize, or other thing of value, to any individual if the purpose of such transfer is to influence the prescribing, administering, or dispensing of such drug. Prohibits the transfer of any free drug, including any sample, to any individual by any person engaged in manufacturing except pursuant to a written request of a practitioner licensed by law to prescribe and administer such drugs. Prohibits the inspection of any written prescription or evidence of any oral prescription without the express consent of the prescribing physician and of the individual for whom the prescription was given. Prohibits the use by any person of any information contained in such files for any purpose. Requires that information regarding the price at which such drug is available to various classes of purchasers be included in advertisements concerning such drug. Prohibits the Secretary from exempting any advertisement with respect to specified required information. Prohibits anyone engaged in the manufacture or distribution of any drug to promote its use to any individual engaged in the delivery of health care unless certified by the Secretary under this Act. Directs every person engaged in the manufacture or distribution of any drug to register with the Secretary a list of employees, agents, or other representatives engaged in the promotion of any drug. Directs the Secretary to appoint at least one advisory committee to advise him in the certification of programs. Title III: Drug Quality - Requires the Secretary to establish requirements for proof of therapeutic equivalence to assure reasonably uniform therapeutic performance among chemically equivalent drug formulations for each drug or class of drugs subject to this Act. Revises the standard for determining whether or not a drug or device shall be deemed to be adulterated to require that such drug conform to current good manufacturing practice as determined by regulations of the Secretary, and to require that its label bear the date beyond which the drug should not be used. Empowers the Secretary to provide for batch by batch certification of drugs, whenever the protection of the public health cannot be adequately assured without such certification. Requires any person subject to registration to establish and maintain such records and make such reports to the Secretary as the Secretary may by regulation require to assist him in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Title IV: National Drug Compendium - Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a drug compendium which shall list all drugs requiring prescription that are lawfully available in the United States. States that such drugs shall be arranged by the therapeutic classification. Requires the Secretary to include in such compendium the proprietary names or designations under which a drug is listed in the compendium. Establishes in the Department an advisory committee consisting of persons qualified in pharmacology, safety, efficacy, and relative therapeutic value of drugs, appointed by the Secretary, to advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to the compendium. Empowers the Secretary in order to prepare the compendium to obtain from any person in drug commerce any information available for such compendium, and to require such persons to establish and maintain such records, and permit access to such records as the Secretary by regulation may require. Grants the district courts of the United States jurisdiction to issue orders requiring compliance with a Secretary's order, and to punish as contempt the failure to obey such order. Title V: Consumer Drug Information - Requires that drugs subject to the Act bear a label containing the established name, and in the case of a drug fabricated from two or more active ingredients, a list of the active ingredients of such drug by their established name. Directs the Secretary to establish by regulation a uniform code of symbols representing: (1) manufacturer; (2) the identity of the drug; (3) the identity of the final packager of the drug; (4) the dosage form and strength of the drug; and (5) the number of drug units. Declares a drug to be misbranded whose label does not contain such code. Prohibits the doing of any act which causes a drug to be misbranded, and permits any drug that is misbranded to be proceeded against on libel of information. Requires every person who owns or operates a pharmacy or other establishment subject to applicable local law, and which regularly dispenses drugs upon prescription of practitioners, to display a list of those drugs most frequently sold in the area, the professional services associated with the dispensing of such drugs, and the charges of such pharmacy to the public for such services.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accredition of education institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and for education institutions conducting programs for the training of medical and dental practitioners, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Provides that the Secretary shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists, and such other advice and assistance as he deems necessary. Provides that State and local governments shall be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to potentially hazardous radiation from all sources. Provides for procedures for the adoption of such standards by the States. Provides that the Secretary may make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the purposes of this Act. Declares it to be unlawful to conduct activities contrary to this Act. Provides that any violation of this Act by an individual applying radiaiton to human beings for diagnositc or therapeutic purposes shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more $1,000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Education of the Handicapped Amendments - Sets the authorized ceiling on appropriations for programs to provide educational assistance to handicapped children, as established by the Education of the Handicapped Act, at the fiscal year 1975 level.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Lister Hill Scholarship Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for additional medical scholarships to be known as Lister Hill Scholarships for award to those who agree to practice family medicine in depressed urban or rural areas. Authorizes appropriations for such scholarships.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Voter Registration Act - Establishes within the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce, the Voter Registration Administration. Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Administrator and two Associate Administrators for terms of four years each. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administration. Authorizes the Administration to establish and administrater a voter registration program in accordance with this Act for all Federal elections. Provides that an individual who fulfills the requirements to be a qualified voter under State law and who is registered to vote under the provisions of this Act shall be entitled to vote in Federal election in that State, except that each State shall provide for the registration or other means of qualification of all residents not later than 30 days prior to any Federal election. Directs the Administration to prepare voter registration forms. Authorizes the Administration to enter into agreements with the Postal Service, with departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and with State officials for the distribution of registration forms. Requires the Administration to assist State officials in detecting fraudulent voter registration, when such assistance is requested. Provides that the district courts of the United States or the United States District Court of the District of Columbia shall have jurisdiction, without regard to any amount in controversy, of proceedings instituted pursuant to this Act. Provides that whoever knowingly or willfully gives false information for the purposes of establishing eligibility to register or vote, or conspires for the purpose of encouraging false registration or illegal voting, or pays, offers, or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting registers to vote with intention of voting more than once in the same election shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. States that any person who deprives, or attempts to deprive any other person of any right under this Act shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Authorizes the Administration to pay to each appropraite State the reasonable cost of processing registration forms prescribed under this Act. Provides that any State that adopts the Federal assistance post card form shall be deemed to be in full compliance with specified provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of such as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Provides under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individual's earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President submit to the Congress a plan for: (1) maintaining close watch over investigations of nursing home abuses; (2) reporting to local, State and Federal law enforcement and health care officials on possible linkages between scandals or problems in or among the States or localities; and (3) developing better care and cost controls. Establishes a mulitagency task force to implement the plan and to report regularly to the Congress upon its progress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President's proposal to restructure the medicare deductible for physician services and the copayment for inpatient hospital services to require citizens to pay more of the health bill shall not be enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Parole Commission Act - Creates as an agency of the Department of Justice the United States Parole Commission, the members of which shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the Attorney General shall designate from among the Commissioners one to serve as Chairman. Specifies the duties of the Chairman. Provides that the Parole Commission by majority vote, shall have the power: (1) to grant or deny any application or recommendation to parole any eligible person; (2) to impose reasonable conditions on any order granting parole; (3) to modify or revoke an order paroling any eligible person; and (4) establish the maximum length of time which any person whose parole has been revoked shall be required to serve, but in no case shall such time, together with such time as he previously served in connection with the offense for which he was paroled, be longer that the maximum term for which he was sentenced in connection with such offense; and where such revocation iis based upon a subsequent conviction of the parolee of any Federal, State or local crime committed subsequent to his release on parole, determine whether all or any part of the unexpired term being served at time of such parole shall run concurrently or consecutively with the sentence imposed for such subsequent offense. Makes a person eligible for parole after serving one-third of his term or after serving fifteen years of a life sentence or of a sentence of more than forty-five years. Sets forth the procedures for an appearance of a person before the Parole authority. Provides that a warrant for the taking of any person who is alleged to have violated his parole may be issued by the Commission within the maximum term or terms for which such prisoner was sentenced. States that such person shall be given a hearing, without unncessary delay, to determine if there is probable cause to believe that he has violated a condition of his parole. Provides that counsel may be appointed if the alleged violator is unable to retain counsel. Provides that a juvenile delinquent who has been committed and who, by his conduct, has given sufficient evidence that he has reformed, may be released on parole at any time under such conditions and regulations as the United States Parole Commission deems proper if it shall appear to the satisfaction of such Commission that the juvenile has substantially observed the rules of the institution to which he is confined, that there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, and if in the opinion of the Commission such release is not incompatible with the welfare of society. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Provides, under the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act, for the establishment within the Energy Research and Development Administration of a Division of Ground Propulsion Systems. Authorizes research, development, and demonstration of ground propulsion systems and states that such activities shall be conducted so as to contribute to specified goals, including the improvement of and verifying of ground propulsion systems with emphasis on efficiency, performance, and usefulness. Defines "ground propulsion system" as the engine, transmission, or drive, and associated controls, necessary to power automobiles, trucks, trains, buses, and selected light marine vehicles. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and $100,000,000 for fiscal years 1978-80.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1975
Emergency Housing and Economic Recovery Act - Declares that the Congress finds that recessions in the housing industry occur cyclically and that such problem requires a permanent program of emergency mortgage credit that can be activated periodically in order to counteract the credit cycle. Establishes, within the Department of Housing and Urban Development, an Emergency Housing and Economic Recovery Fund, to enable the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to discharge his responsibilities under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to buy and sell mortgage loans on homes costing less than $40,000 when stipulated events occur. Declares that such authority would exist whenever the rate of unemployment exceeded 6 percent and the level of housing starts dropped below 1.75 million for three consecutive months. Declares such authority would continue until the rate of unemployment dropped below 6 percent or housing starts exceeded 1.75 million for three consecutive months. Requires that a mortgage loan be at an initial rate of 6 percent to be eligible for purchase under this Act. Stipulates that the Secretary may not purchase more than one million mortgage loans, 75 percent of which shall involve residences which have been constructed within one year prior to the date of purchase, during any single fiscal year. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Emergency Housing and Economic Recovery Fund such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the fund for any net losses.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Health Professions Educational Assistance Act Title I: General Provisions - Renumbers, consolidates, and rearranges existing provisions in title VII of the Public Health Service Act which authorizes Federal assistance to schools of the health professions. Expands the membership of the National Advisory Council on Health Professions Education to include representatives of all the health professions schools assisted under title VII of the Public Health Service Act. Sets forth a revised advanced funding provision. Title II: Assistance for Construction of Teaching Facilities - Extends provisions of the Public Health Service Act authorizing grants, loan guarantees, and interest subsidies for the construction of teaching facilities for the training of physicians, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, veterinarians, and public health personnel. Authorizes $100 million for fiscal year 1975; $125 million for fiscal year 1976; and $150 million for fiscal year 1977 and each of the next 2 fiscal years for the construction grant program. Authorizes $2 million for fiscal year 1975; $2.5 million for fiscal year 1976; and $3 million for fiscal year 1977 and each of the next 2 fiscal years for loan guarantees and interest subsidies. Title III: Student Assistance; National Health Service Corps - Revises the student assistance programs authorized under the Public Health Service Act. States that students pursuing a graduate degree in public health would become eligible to apply for health professions student loans under this Act. Repeals the advanced traineeship program for students of public health. Increases the maximum amount of a health professions student loan to equal a health professions student's tuition plus $2,500 per year. Provides that authorizations for the health professions student loan fund are $60 million for each fiscal year 1975 through 1979. Provides for the forgiveness or cancellation of professional educational expenses at the rate of 50 percent for the first year and 50 percent for the second year of service in a health manpower shortage area. Makes students pursuing graduate degrees in public health eligible for the loan forgiveness program. Obligates each individual who receives any student loan under title VII to serve at least 2 years in an area or institution designated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as having a shortage of health manpower. States that the individual could serve the obligated period in a shortage area as designated by the Secretary, or could serve as a member of the National Health Service Corps. Provides that individuals who fail to serve the obligated period would be required to pay damages equal to twice the original value of the student assistance received. Repeals the program of health professions student scholarships and the physician shortage area scholarship program, to be replaced by an amended Public Health and National Health Service Corps scholarship training program. Sets forth the features of such program. Title IV: Grants for Health Professions Schools - Extends the existing programs of capitation and special project grants to health professions schools and the program of assistance to area health education centers. Provides that schools of public health shall be eligible for capitation grants awarded on the basis of the number of students enrolled. States that each grant will equal one-third of the net educational costs of training a student multiplied by the number of full-time students enrolled in the school. Provides total authorizations for the capitation grant program of $292,273,250 for fiscal year 1975, $304,626,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $316,747,350 for fiscal year 1977 and each of the next 2 fiscal years. Prohibits the Secretary from making any capitation grant after June 30, 1974, unless the school assures the Secretary that each student accepted for enrollment agrees to serve in the National Health Service Corps or in a medically underserved area as a private practitioner. Authorizes grants for projects to assist schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry to plan, develop, and implement a nutrition education curriculum. Provides for authorizations for the special projects program of $100 million for each fiscal year 1975 through 1979. Extends the program of start-up assistance for new schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry. Authorizes $11 million for each fiscal year 1975 through 1979. Repeals the program of financial distress grants to health professions schools. Revises the program of assistance to area health education centers by requiring all new centers receiving assistance to: (1) encourage the establishment or maintenance of programs to alleviate shortages of health personnel through training or retraining; (2) provide training programs leading to more efficient utilization of health personnel; (3) initiate new types and patterns or improve existing patterns of training, retraining, continuing education, and advanced training of personnel; and (4) encourage new or more effective approaches to the organization and delivery of health services through the use of team approaches. Authorizes appropriations for area health education centers of $75 million for each fiscal year 1975 through 1979. Title V: Assistance for Specialized Training - Extends provisions of the Public Health Service Act which authorize grants to hospitals to develop training programs in family medicine and to provide financial assistance to students and physicians who participate in family medicine programs. Authorizes, for the family medicine grant program, $40 million for each fiscal year 1975 through 1979. Repeals the programs for grants for computer technology health care demonstration programs and grants for training, traineeships, and fellowships for health professions teaching personnel. Authorizes grants to medical and osteopathic schools to train U.S. citizens who transfer from foreign medical schools to a U.S. medical school. Authorizes for such program $5 million for fiscal year 1975; $10 million for fiscal year 1976; and $15 million for fiscal year 1977 and each of the next 2 fiscal years. Title VI: Allied Health Personnel - Defines the term "allied health personnel". Authorizes a program of allied health special project grants for States, schools and representatives of the allied health professions. Authorizes, for this allied health special projects grant program, $40 million for fiscal 1975; $45 million for fiscal year 1976; and $50 million for fiscal year 1977 and the next 2 fiscal years. Revises the advanced traineeship program for professional allied health personnel and authorizes appropriations of $7.5 million for fiscal year 1975; $9 million for fiscal year 1976; and $10.5 million for fiscal year 1977 and the next 2 fiscal years. Authorizes appropriations for the identification of and assistance to financially, culturally, or educationally deprived persons who have a potential to become allied health personnel. Requires the compilation and dissemination of statistics on allied health personnel and submission to the Senate Labor and Public Welfare Committee and the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee of an annual report on these statistics. Title VII: Postgraduate Physician Training - Authorizes a program to certify a limited number and an appropriate balance of postgraduate physician training programs. States that the program would be administered by the Secretary, according to the recommendations of the National Council on Postgraduate Physician Training and 10 regional councils on postgraduate physician training throughout the Nation. Directs the Secretary, according to the recommendations of the council, to set the total number of internship and residency positions to be certified nationwide in the following year. Provides that the total number could not exceed 110 percent of the total number of medical and osteopathic degrees granted in that year. Authorizes the Secretary to compensate institutions which are forced to decrease their number of postgraduate physician training positions because of the 110 percent limit. Requires the Secretary to make grants of up to $100,000 to develop new additional training positions in specialties, and in geographic areas, if the national and regional councils determines such additional positions are needed. Authorizes a study to determine the desired balance of physicians in the various medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. Title VIII: Minimum National Licensure of Physicians and Dentists - Requires the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate professional organizations, to develop and establish national standards for the licensure of all physicians and dentists who wish to practice in the United States. Directs the Secretary to prepare a national examination to initially license physicians and dentists and subsequent reexaminations to renew licenses which would be given at least every 6 years. States that, under the provisions of the national licensure program, individual States would be encouraged to establish their own licensure programs, which must be in accordance with national standards. Provides that the new national licensure relationships between States must comply with the national standards for licensure of physicians and dentists. Prohibits States from establishing any requirement for the licensure of physicians and dentists which: (1) would be inconsistent with national standards; or (2) would require that the individual applying for the license reside in the State for a certain period of time. Prohibits a State from renewing the license of any physician or dentist who is obligated, under the provisions of this Act, to provide health service in a medically underserved area or as a member of the National Health Service Corps, unless that physician or dentist has fulfilled his obligation, as certified by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Land Resource Planning Assistance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to assist the States to develop and implement State land resource programs and to assist Indian tribes to inventory and plan the use of reservation and other tribal lands. Preserves the rights and jurisdiction of States and other property owners with respect to non-Federal lands. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: Program of Assistance to the States - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make annual grants to the States to assist each State in developing and administering a State land resource program for non-Federal lands. Defines "state land resource program" as a program which includes (1) a land resource planning process, (2) a land planning agency, (3) a study of existing land resource planning and management authority, (4) a statement of policies and objectives, (5) methods of implementation and coordination, and (6) an energy facility planning program. Requires such programs to provide for the participation of owners of real property, local government, and the public, and to otherwise meet the requirements of this Act. States that land resource planning processes shall include specified criteria, including the preparation and continuing revision of an inventory of environmental, geological, and physical conditions (including soil types) which influence the desirability of various land uses. Provides that each State land planning agency shall have primary authority to develop and administer the State land resource planning, and to define the policies and objectives of each State's particular land program. Requires that methods of controlling land sales and development projects be included in each State program. Stipulates that Federal projects and activities on non-Federal lands significantly affecting land use must be consistent with State land resources programs, except in cases of overriding national interest. Title II: Administration of State Assistance Programs and Coordination of Federal Land-Related Activities - Requires the President to issue guidelines to the Federal agencies and the States within 6 months after enactment to assist them in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Office of Land Resource Planning Assistance. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Office, to (1) administer the grant-in-aid programs established under this Act, (2) develop and maintain a Land Resource Information Center, and (3) perform specified duties relating to the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an Interagency Land Resource Advisory Board to provide advice and assistance to the President, the Secretary, and the Federal agencies in carrying out the programs authorized by this Act. Requires the Secretary to annually evaluate State land resource programs to determine whether such programs conform with the requirements for grant eligibility. Provides an appeal procedure for States which have been notified of ineligibility for grant assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education to assist the conduct of research and investigations into the theoretical and practical problems of land resource planning and management. Directs the Secretary to report biennially to the President and the Congress on land resources, uses of land, and current and emerging problems of land use. Title III: Energy Facilities Planning : Energy Facilities Planning Act - Requires that five years after enactment of this Act, State land resource programs must contain an energy facility planning program which is compatible with State land and water resource and planning management. States that such energy facility planning programs must provide for: (1) an energy facility planning process; (2) a coordinated review and approval process at the State level; (3) consideration of the national, regional, and marketing area energy needs in the planning, licensing, or permitting of energy facilities; (4) cooperation with other States in planning, siting, and approving energy facilities; and (5) public participation in the energy facility planning process. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prepare annually and submit to the President and to the Congress a National Energy Facility Planning Report. States that such report shall include specified comprehensive energy data, including information on the location, size, and production capacity of existing energy facilities and present and projected long range energy needs. Authorizes the Administrator to request, collect, and acquire information from States and other non-Federal governmental entities for the proper exercise of his responsibilities under this Act. Directs the Interagency Land Resource Advisory Board to conduct a study of methods to reduce the delays in obtaining, conflicting requirements for, and number of permits, licenses, and other governmental decisions which serve as prerequisites to proposed development activities. Requires the Administrator to develop and implement an expedited Federal energy facility licensing program. Title IV: Program of Assistance to Indian Tribes - Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to Indian tribes to assist any such tribe to inventory, and plan the use of, reservation and other tribal lands, and to enter into contracts to obtain expert assistance in such inventorying and planning activities. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Commission to study the existing legal authority for tribal management, regulation, or control of reservation and other tribal lands, and to make recommendations on the advisability of a land resource program applicable to such lands. Requires the Secretary to submit the study and the recommendations of the Commission to Congress not later than 18 months after enactment of this Act. Title V: Authorizations and Allocations - Authorizes appropriations for grants to the States of $100,000,000 for each of the next 8 fiscal years. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for each of the next 8 fiscal years for training and research grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for each of the next 8 fiscal years for grants to Indian tribes. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the next 2 fiscal years to carry out the study on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for each of the next 5 fiscal years to administer this Act. Limits the amount of grants to States found eligible pursuant to this Act to 90 percent of the estimated cost of developing and administering the State land resource programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Emergency Marine Fisheries Protection Act - Declares the policy of this Act. Establishes, for the duration of this Act, a fishery zone contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States. Requires that the United States excercise exclusive fishery management responsibility and authority within this contiguous fishery zone. States that the contigous fishery zone has as its inner boundary the outer limits of the territorial sea, and as its seaward boundary a line drawn so that each point on the line is 197 nautical miles from the inner boundary. Provides that the fishery management responsibility and authority of the United States within the contiguous fishery zone of the United Stated shall not include or be construed to extend to highly migratory species, except to the extent such species are not managed pursuant to bilateral or multilateral international fishery agreements. Provides that the fishery management responsibility and authority of the United States with respect to anadromous species, for the duration of this Act, extends to such species wherever found throughout the migratory range of such species. Requires that the United States manage and conserve, and have preferential rights to, fish within the contiguous fishery zone. Provides that the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of State, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, may authorize fishing within the contiguous fishery zone of the United States, or for anadromous species or both, by citizens of any foreign nation, in accordance with this Act, only if such nation has traditionally engaged in such fishing prior to the date of enactment of this Act. Requires that the allowable level of traditional foreign fishing shall be set upon the basis of the portion of any stock which cannot be harvested by citizens of the United States. Provides that traditional foreign fishing rights shall not be recognized unless any foreign nation claiming such rights demonstrates that it grants similar traditional fishing rights to citizens of the United States within the contiguous fishery zone of such nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish reasonable fees to be paid by the citizens of foreign nation engaged in exercising recognized foreign fishing rights. Provides that such fees shall be set in an shall be set in an amount sufficient to reimburse amount sufficient to reimburse the United States for administrative expenses incurred pursuant to this Act, and for an equitable share of the management and conservation expenses incurred by the United States in accordance with this Act, including the cost of regulation and enforcement. Establishes a Fisheries Management Council. Empowers such Council to: (1) provide information and expert assistance to States and local or regional fisheries authorities in marine fisheries management and conservation; (2) consult on an ongoing basis (A) with other Federal agencies and departments; (B) with officials of coastal States who are concerned with maring fisheries management and conservation planning; (C) with appropriate officials of other nations which are exercising traditional foreign fishing rights, through the offices of the Secretary of State; and (D) with owners and operators of fishing vessels; (3) to prepare a survey of fisheries subject to the emergency conservation and management authority granted to the United States by this Act, including, but not limited to, depleted stocks and stocks threatened with depletion; and (4) survey, study, and prepare a marine fisheries management plan setting forth the elements of a national management system to conserve and protect fish. Requires the Council submit the marine fisheries management plan adopted by the Council to the Senate Committee on Commerce and the Committee on Commerce and the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the House of Representatives not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of State, upon the request of and in cooperation with the Secretary, to initiate and conduct negotiations with any foreign nation which is engaged in , or whose citizens are engaged in, fishing in the contiguous fishery zone of the United States or for anadromous species. Provides that the Secretary of State, upon the request of and in cooperative with the Secretary, shall, in addition, initiate and conduct negotiations with any foreign nation in whose contiguous fishery zone or equivalent economic zone citizens of the United States are engaged in fishing or with respect to anadromous species as to which such nation asserts management responsibility and authority and for which citizens of the United States fish. Provides that the purpose of such negotiations shall be enter into international fishery agreements on a bilateral or multilateral basis to effectuate the purposes, policy, and provisions of this Act. Sets forth prohibitions and penalties under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to increase the Federal share payable for highway projects upon the request of any State in order to assist such State in meeting the matching requirements for Federal-aid highways funds. Limits such increase in the Federal share to two-thirds of the State's share of the cost of the project. Sets forth the method for repayment by such States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Older Americans Community Service Employment Amendments - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an older American community service program in order to promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons 55 years old or older who have poor employment prospects. Makes provisions for allotment of funds to State, local and private organizations to further the purposes of the program. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Declares it to be the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the canal and zone, and should in no way cede, dilute, forfeit, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, power, authority, jurisdiction, territory, or property that are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere; (2) that there be no relinquishment or surrender of any presently vested United States soverign right, power, or authority or property, tangible or intangible, except by treaty authorized by the Congress and duly ratified by the United States; and (3) that there be no recession to Panama, or other divestitute of any United States owned peroperty, tangible or intangible, without prior authorization by the Congress (House and Senate), as provided in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act - Directs the Administrator of General Services to (1) acquire and utilize space in suitable buildings of historic or architectural significance, (2) give preference to the purchase and use of space in other existing buildings, (3) encourage the location of commercial, cultural, educational, and recreational facilities and activities within or near public buildings, (4) provide facilities which encourage pedestrian traffic around, into, and through public buildings, and (5) encourage the public use of public buildings. Requires that whenever the Administrator undertakes a survey of the public buildings needs of the Federal Government within a geographical area, he shall contract with the Chairman of the National Trust for Historic Preservation to identify any existing buildings within such geographical areas which are of architectural or historical interest and which would be suitable, whether or not in need of repair, alteration, or addition, for acquisition or purchase to meet the public buildings needs of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments - Provides that the prohibition in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 shall be limited to individuals who are forty years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Provides that a conservation publication published by a State agency which is responsible for management and conservation of fish or wildlife resources shall be considered a publication of a qualified nonprofit organization which qualifies for second-class mail rates. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 3626 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Act Amendmends - Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal years subsequent to that of 1975 to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program of assistance to the States to initiate maintain, or expand nonprofit breakfast programs in schools. States that as a national nutrition and health policy it is the purpose and intent of the Congress that the school breakfast program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 be made available in all schools where it is needed to provide adequate nutrition for children in attendance. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with State agencies, to carry out a program of information to the schools in furtherance of this policy. Requires that within ninety days after the enactment of this legislation, the Secretary shall report to the committee of jurisdiction in the Congress his plans and those of cooperating State agencies, to bring about the needed expansion in the school breakfast programm. Sets forth the schedule of income limitations for reduced price lunches. Provides for the disbursement of funds under this Act to nonprofit private schools. Provides for the inclusion of specified commodities, such as cereal and shortening, in the food donations to the school lunch program covered by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Secretary to formulate and carry out a program to assist States through grants-in-aid and other means to initiate, maintain, or expand nonprofit food service programs for needy children in institutions providing child care. Sets forth requirements for the apportionment of funds under this Act to the States. Authorizes the use of funds under the National School Lunch Act for nonfood assistance for the special food service program. Establish a National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant, and Fetal Nutrition. Provides for the membership of such council. Makes it the function of the Council to make a continuing study of the operation of the special supplemental food program and any related Act under which diet supplementation is provided to women, infants, and children, with a view to determining how such programs may be improved. Directs the Council to submit to the President and and the Congress annually a written report of the results of its study together with such recommendations for administrative and legislative changes as it deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Revises the provisions of title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act by increasing the increment in old-age benefits payable to individuals who delay their retirement beyond age 65.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1975
Part-Time Career Opportunity Act - Phases in, at the rate of 2 percent each year for five years up to a maximum of 10 percent, part-time jobs in the Federal Civil Service. Authorizes the Civil Service Commission to waive or reduce any such percentage minimum for a period not to exceed one year under specified circumstances. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Reduces by 10 percent the salaries of Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and other Federal officers and employees whose annual basic pay is $40,000 or more. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should voluntarily return 10 percent of his annual salary to the U.S. Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Increases from thirteen to twenty-six the maximum number of weeks for which an individual may receive emergency compensation under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. Requires that amounts established by States for individuals in emergency compensation accounts must equal the lesser of (1) 100 percent (presently 50 percent of the total amount of regular compensation payable to the individual with respect to the benefit year on the basis of which he most recently received regular compensation, or (2) 26 times (presently 13 times) his average weekly benefit amount for his benefit year. (Amends U.S.C. 3304m.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Increases from 26 to 39 the maximum number of weeks for which an individual may receive unemployment assistance under the special unemployment assistance program established by the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974. Requires States to make unemployment assistance payments in the manner prescribed by the special unemployment assistance program in order to be eligible to participate in such program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Standby Energy Authorities Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress with regard to energy shortages. States that the purposes of this Act are to grant specific temporary standby authority to impose end-use rationing and to reduce demand by regulating public and private consumption of energy, subject to congressional review and right of approval or disapproval, and to authorize specified other temporary emergency actions to be exercised, to assure that the essential needs of the United States for fuels will be met. Authorizes the President to establish a program for the rationing and ordering of priorities among classes of end-users of crude oil, residual fuel oil, or any refined petroleum products. Provides that such a program shall take effect only if the President finds that it is necessary to achieve the objectives of this Act. Empowers the President to promulgate energy conservation plans which, subject to congressional review and right of approval of disapproval, may be implemented to reduce energy consumption to levels which can be supplied by available energy resources. Details the procedure for congressional review of energy conservation plans. Requires that any proposed energy conservation or rationing plan submitted to Congress for approval be accompanied by findings of fact on which the action is based, the rationale for the proposal, and an evaluation of the potential economic impact of the proposal. Authorizes the President to allocate supplies of material and equipment in order to maximize domestic energy supplies if he finds: (1) that such supplies are scarce and essential to maintain or further exploration, production, refining, transportation, and conservation of energy; and (2) such maintenance and furtherance cannot reasonably be accomplished without exercising authority specified in this Act. Requires the President to submit to Congress, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, a report on the manner in which such allocation is to be administered. Empowers the President to undertake measures to supplement domestic energy supplies. Authorizes the President to require on a mandatory basis that existing domestic oil fields on Federal lands produce at their maximum efficient rate. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the production from specified Naval Petroleum Reserves. Requires that any allocation made under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act must be adjusted to take into account other factors besides the historical supply period now used as the allocation base. Provides for priority fuel allocations to be made to those engaged in the exploration, production, and transportation of fuels and other minerals. Provides that, to the maximum extent practicable, restrictions on the use of energy shall be designed to be carried out in such manner so as to be fair and to create a reasonable distribution of the burden on all sectors of the economy, without imposing an unreasonably disproportionate share on any specific industry, business, or commercial enterprise. Provides that, within 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Maritime Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission shall report separately to the appropriate committees of Congress on the need for additional regulatory authority in order to conserve fuel while continuing to provide for the public convenience and necessity. States that, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Act, nothing in this Act shall be deemed to convey to any person subject to this Act any immunity from civil or criminal liability or to create defenses to actions, under the antitrust laws. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to provide for the establishment of such advisory committees as he determines are necessary. States that any such committees shall be subject to provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Requires that a full and complete verbatim transcript of all advisory committee meetings shall be kept and made available for public inspection and copying. Provides until June 30, 1985, for the establishment of voluntary agreements and plans of action to accomplish the objectives of this Act. Requires the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to monitor the development, implementation, and carrying out of plans of action and voluntary agreements authorized under this Act to assure the protection and fostering of competition and the prevention of anticompetitive practices and effects. Provides that actions taken in good faith to implement a voluntary agreement or carry out a plan of action developed in accord with this Act constitute a limited defense to any civil or criminal action brought under the antitrust laws. States that such defense shall not apply to acts or practices (1) occurred prior to the enactment of this Act; (2) outside the scope and purpose or not in compliance with the terms and conditions of this Act; or (3) subsequent to the expiration or repeal of this Act. Authorizes the President to restrict exports of fuels and equipment needed for energy exploration and production under such terms as he deems appropriate and necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act, and taking into account the historical trading relations of the United States with Canada and Mexico. Sets forth the administrative procedures to govern actions taken pursuant to this Act and to a specified provision of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act. States that notice of all proposed substantive rules and orders of general applicability described in this Act shall be given by publication of such rule or order in the Federal Register, with a minimum of 10 days thereafter provided for opportunity to comment. Grants an exception to the 10-day requirement where the President finds that strict compliance would seriously impair the operation of the program to which such rule or order relates. Provides that judicial review of administrative rulemaking of general and national applicability done under this Act may be obtained only by filing a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, or, in the case of rulemaking with less than national applicability, in the appropriate circuit court of appeals. States that notwithstanding the amounts in controversy, the U.S. district courts shall have exclusive original jurisdiction of all other cases or controversies arising under this Act, except any actions taken by specified commissions. Declares that the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration may by rule prescribe procedures for State or local boards which carry out functions under this Act or the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act. Provides for a civil penalty of not more than $2,500 for each violation of any provision of this Act or of rules, regulations, or orders issued pursuant to any such provision. Prescribes a fine or not more than $5,000 for each violation where such violation is willful. Makes it unlawful for any person to offer for sale or distribute in commerce any product or commodity in violation of an applicable order or regulation issued pursuant to this Act. States that any person who knowlingly and willfully violates this provision after having been subjected to a civil penalty for a prior violation of such provision shall be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. Authorizes the Attorney General to obtain temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions against actual or impending violations of this act. Provides that private individuals suffering legal wrong because of any act or practice arising out of a violation of this Act may seek an injunction or declaratory judgment, but may not recover damages. States that, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration shall by rule, after opportunity for interested persons, to make oral presentations establish criteria for delegation of his functions under this Act or the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act to officers or local boards (of balanced composition reflecting the community as a whole) of States or political subdivisions thereof. Allows appropriate offices and boards to petition for the receipt of such delegation. Directs the Administrator to provide financial assistance for the purpose of assisting eligible State or local energy conservation programs, with at least one half of such sums apportioned on the basis of each State's population. Sets forth criteria that a State must meet in order to be eligible to receive financial assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purpose a sum not to exceed $50,000,000 for each of the two fiscal years including and following the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to request, acquire, and collect such energy information as he determines is necessary to achieve the purposes of this act. Defines the term "energy information. Provides that the authority under this Act to prescribe any rule or order, or to enforce any such rule or order, shall expire at midnight, June 30, 1985, but such expiration shall not affect any action or pending proceedings not finally determined on such date. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Administrator such sums as are necessary to implement the provisions of this Act. Declares that if any provision of this Act, or the application of any such provision to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Act, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby. Directs the President to designate, where applicable and not otherwise provided by law, an appropriate Federal agency to carry out the provisions of this Act after the termination of the Federal Energy Administration in accordance with the Federal Energy Administration Act. Extends the mandatory allocation program under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act until December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Provides, under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, for the payment of subsidies of operating expenses for mass transportation projects located in areas other than urbanized areas. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States and private mass transportation operators to provide fellowships for training of personnel employed in the urban mass transportation fields. Declares it to be the national policy that elderly and handicapped persons have the same right as other persons to utilize mass transportation facilities and services. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to insure that any project receiving Federal financial assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 have facilitaties accessible to elderly and handicapped persons. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Council on Accessibility of Mass Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to States and local public bodies for the specific purpose of providing mass transporation services to meet the special needs of elderly and handicapped persons. Allows the Secretary to convert equipment and facilities loans made pursuant to the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and the Housing Amendments of 1955, to grants, under conditions stipulated, to mass transportation projects. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on or before February 1, l976, a detailed estimate of the cost of grants to be made for providing public mass transportation service for each fiscal year from 1977 to 1981.