United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Liability Act - Imposes strict liability upon oil and gas operations, transportation vessels, or pipelines, in or related to the Outer Continental Shelf for damage from oil and gas discharges. Provides that discharges caused by acts of war, the negligence of the United States, or the negligence of the party seeking damages shall not be subject to a strict liability standard. Requires all holders of leases issued or maintained under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility of not less than $100,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1975
Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service a Division for Taxpayer Assistance to investigate taxpayer complaints and criticisms. Requires the Internal Revenue Service to publish and distribute with every return form furnished to a taxpayer an outline of criteria used to select returns for audit and the procedures relevant to assessments and collections arising out of an audit for a taxpayer's return.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1975
Changes rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require that copies of confidential personal financial disclosure reports filed under such rule be furnished in response to subpenas issued in criminal cases in which a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate is a defendant or is under investigation by a grand jury.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Abolishes the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Board of Review. Transfers the functions and powers of such Board to the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1975
Places limitations upon fees which may be charged or received by attorneys for services performed in connection with civil actions brought in Federal courts alleging medical malpractice. Provides that such specified actions shall not result in attorney fees of an amount greater than: (1) one-third of the net amount recovered up to $10,000; (2) 15 percent of the net amount recovered between $10,000 and $50,000; and (3) 10 percent of the net amount recovered in excess of $50,000, except that no such fee may exceed $75,000. Provides that any attorney who violates the provisions of this Act shall be fined not more than an amount equal to twice the amount recovered that is in excess of the amount authorized to be charged under this Act. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 123)
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1975
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a national cemetery near Dover, Delaware. Authorizes the Administrator to provide for the care and maintenance of the cemetery. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
National Welfare Reform Act - Stipulates that no family shall be eligible for the aid to families with dependent children program (AFDC) under the Social Security Act if its total income, without regard to exclusions, exceeds 150 percent of the family's needs. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall provide the full cost of AFDC services to needy families who are not U.S. citizens and are lawfully present in the United States. States that unemployed individuals shall be ineligible for AFDC services for specified periods of time such individual is determined to have, without good cause, refused an offering of bona fide employment or refused to participate under a work incentive program. Provides procedures for the determination of good cause. States that no sanctions will be applied for a ten day period after failure without good cause has been established if the individual participates in counseling services. Sets forth procedures governing adjustment of AFDC grant overpayments. Prohibits AFDC grant payments where the caretaker relative is unemployed due to participation in a strike or because he has voluntarily terminated his employment. Defines "income" for purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to pay directly to any State up to 75 percent of the costs of investigating and prosecuting complaints of fraud under the AFDC program. Requires that recipients of aid be issued a detailed identification card specifying the programs for which the recipient is eligible. Provides that any person who resides in the same household as an eligible family, but is not himself eligible for aid, shall be required to make a contribution to the State in an amount equal to the amount of the standard payment for single person household under the State's plan.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Directs each standing committee of the Senate (other than the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on the Budget) to make a special study to determine the effectiveness of existing Federal programs in meeting present priority needs in relation to the cost incurred. Provides that committees shall make recommendations concerning the effectiveness of administrative implementation, duplication of programs and the elimination of programs. Requires each committee to report the results of its study to the Senate not later than December 31, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
Permits the Secretary of the Treasury under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act to withhold a percentage of the total entitlement payment for any period to insure sufficient funds for final allocation of funds among the State and local units of government. Appropriates to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund: (1) $1,625,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; (2) $6,687,500,000 for fiscal year 1977; (3) $6,837,500,000 for fiscal year 1978; (4) $6,987,500,000 for fiscal year 1979; (5) $7,137,500,000 for fiscal year 1980; and (6) $7,287,500,000 for fiscal year 1981. Appropriates to the Fund as noncontiguous States adjustment: (1) $1,195,000 for fiscal year 1976; and (2) $4,780,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1981. Exempts amounts appropriated to the Fund from the provisions of the Congressional Budget Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report with appropriate recommendations to the Congress no later than September 30, 1980, concerning the extension of such Act. Declares that if the entitlement of any Indian tribe or Alaskan native village is waived for any entitlement period, then the amount of such entitlement shall become part of the entitlement of the county government of the county in which such unit is located. Directs each State and local unit of government which receives funds under such Act to submit a report to the Secretary after the close of each entitlement period on the use of the funds received. Directs each unit of local government which expects to receive funds to submit a report to the Secretary on how it plans to use the funds it expects to receive. Empowers the Secretary whenever he determines that a unit of government has failed to comply with an applicable regulation to withhold all or a portion of the entitlement funds due such unit of government, to terminate the eligibility of such unit of government, and to require repayment of the entitlement funds expended. Requires units of government to provide an opportunity for citizens to give recommendations and views on the proposed expenditures of all funds distributed under such Act within such unit.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the seven calendar days commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week".
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
State Lottery Exemption Act - Exempts State-conducted lotteries, sweepstakes, and wagering pools, as well as vending machines maintained by State agencies for such purposes, from the wagering tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that during the Nation's present economic crisis, and so long as the national unemployment rate remains at 6 percent or more, emergency unemployment compensation programs should be extended to continue benefits for involuntarily unemployed individuals when 25 percent or more of workers entitled to compensation thereunder are unable to find jobs during the period for which they are eligible for benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to characterize Federal/non-Federal relationships in the acquisition of property and services and in the furnishing of assistance by the Federal Government; and (2) to establish Government-wide standards for selection of appropriate legal instruments to achieve uniformity in the use by the executive agencies of such instruments, a clear definition of the relationships they reflect, and a better understanding of the responsibilities of the parties. Requires each executive agency to use a procurement contract as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the agreement is the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. Requires each executive agency to use a grant agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government; and whenever no substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity. Requires each executive agency to use a cooperative agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, and whenever substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the comtemplated activity. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in cooperation with the executive agencies, to undertake a study to develop a better understanding of alternative means of implementing Federal assistance programs, and to determine the feasibility of developing a comprehensive system of guidance for Federal assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States delegation to the European Security Conference should not agree to the recognition by the European Security Conference of the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and it should remain the policy of the United States not to recognize in any way the annexation of the Baltic nations by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
Calls upon the President to direct the United States ambassador to the United Nations to insist that the United Nations take all necessary actions to obtain a full and accurate accounting for members of the United States Armed Forces missing in action in Southeast Asia. Directs that if such action is not taken the United States contribution to the United Nations shall be cut from 25 to 10 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
Endorses the continued presence of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. Urges the extension of the United Nations Emergency Force on the Israeli-Egyptian border and the United Nations Disengagement Forces on the Israeli-Syrian Borders.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Provides that the Supreme Court, notwithstanding specified provisions of law, shall not have jurisdiction to review, by appeal, writ, or certiorari, any case arising out of any State statute, or arising out of any Act interpreting, applying, or enforcing a State statute which concerns the exercise of free religious expression or the saying of voluntary prayers in public shcools or other public buildings. States that the limitations applied under this Act to the Supreme Court also shall apply to U.S. district courts. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1259, 1363)
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Constitutional Amendment - States that nothing contained in the U.S. Constitution shall abridge the right of persons lawfully assembled to participate in voluntary prayer in any public school or building which is supported by public funds.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Energy Resources Expansion Act - Requires a 25 percent royalty on leases of government oil and gas lands. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations requiring bids on such leases to contain work programs for the geophysical exploration and development and production of oil and gas from such lands. Authorizes the Secretary to promote the maximum recovery of crude oil and gas from government lands, consistent with sound conservation, economic, and engineering principles. Requires all proceeds from sales of royalty oil and gas lands to be deposited in the Energy Resources and Technology Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, a five-year plan for conducting and assisting research and development of alternative energy sources and energy supply technology. Apportions funds in the trust fund to the various programs under this Act, and provides for the termination of such fund in 10 years. Requires the Secretary to report every six months to the Congress on the compliance of lessees with their work plan and drilling and schedules. Provides a 5 percent of rentals and royalties from leases on the Outer Continental Shelf shall be paid to the States adjacent to such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Foreign Government Investment Control Act - Permits a foreign government or enterprise to invest in an American enterprise 60 days after the Secretary of Commerce approves such an investment pursuant to an application if: (1) such investment is an equity or debt obligation in an enterprise whose total consolidated assets are worth more than $100,000,000, and the percentage of ownership by such foreign government or enterprise exceeds 1 percent of the total equity or debt obligations, or the total of all foreign government enterprises exceeds 3 percent of such total; (2) such investment involves acquisition of an enterprise of $10,000,000 or more; or (3) such investment involves real estate worth a fair market value of $4,000,000 or more. Directs the Secretary to determine whether a proposed investment is beneficial to the national interest of the United States by considering the need for economic capital, the creation of any additional employment, and by consulting with other executive department agencies and the Governors of the States to be affected. Permits a foreign government or enterprise to invest in an American enterprise 60 days after the notification of the Secretary if: (1) the acquisition of any equity or debt obligation of an enterprise whose assets are worth $100,000,000 or less, and the percentage of ownership by such foreign government or enterprise exceeds 1 percent of the total equity or debt obligations, or the total of all foreign government enterprises exceeds 3 percent of such total, (2) such investment involves acquisition of an enterprise of $10,000,000 or less, or (3) such investment involves real estate having a fair market value between $1,000,000 and $4,000,000. Requires the Secretary upon determination that such investment is contrary to the interests of the United States, to transmit his findings to the Congress and to the foreign government or enterprise. Prohibits the investment in an American enterprise which (1) manufactures sophisticated defense articles, (2) possesses confidential national defense information, (3) operates a radio or television station, (4) publishes a newspaper, and (5) operates an interstate telephone or telegraph network. Directs the Secretary to make a current list of all foreign governments and enterprises subject to this Act. Imposes a fine of $10,000 for willful violation of this Act. Makes unlawful the exercise of any right or interest by a foreign government or enterprise in violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that discrimination in international commerce against individuals or institutions on religious, racial or ethnic grounds should not be tolerated. Urges action to be taken to end such discrimination.
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 · 25 February 1975
Japan-United States Friendship Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide for the use of part of the sums to be paid by Japan to the United States in connection with the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese administration in order to enhance the understanding and support of the close friendship and mutuality of interest between our two nations. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Japan-United States Friendship Trust Fund. Requires such amounts in the fund to be used for the promotion of scholarly, cultural, and artistic activities between Japan and the United States. Provides that amounts in the fund may also be used to pay administrative expenses of the Japan-United States Friendship Commission. Establishes such Commission and authorizes it to develop and carry out programs for the promotion of scholarly, cultural and artistic activities by Japan and the United States, and to make grants to carry out such programs. Makes administrative provisions to enable the Commission to carry out its functions under this Act. States that the Japan-United States Friendship Trust Fund shall consist of: (1) 10 percent of the funds paid to the United States pursuant to the agreement between Japan and the United States concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands; (2) any other amounts received by the fund by way of gifts and donations; and (3) interest and proceeds credited to it from portions of the fund invested by the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides that such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life Act - Title I: General Provisions - States that it is the purpose of this Act to consolidate in one governmental unit the responsibility to: (1) establish a national policy for short-term and long-term productivity growth and quality of working life in the United States; (2) correct those public and private structural imbalances which impede productivity, growth, improved quality of working life, and the effective performance of society and the economy; (3) identify ways and means for more effective collaborative joint efforts by labor and management to effect growth in productivity and improved quality of working life; (4) identify, encourage, and support development and implementation of all useful technologies, systems, incentives, methods, and techniques for enhancing growth of productivity and improving work quality in the public and private sectors of the United States; (5) maximize the contributions of the Federal Government to productivity growth and improved work quality in both the private and public sector, including the Federal Establishment; (6) increase public understanding of productivity and the quality of working life the ways in which productivity and the quality of working life can be improved, and the urgency of such improvement in all sectors of the economy; and (7) identify ways to eliminate or minimize the human costs of productivity change. Title II: National Center and Advisory Council for Productivity and Quality of Working Life - Establishes as an independent establishment of the executive branch the National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life to be under the general direction of a board of directors. Specifies the functions of the Center consonant with the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Executive Director of the Center to enter into contracts for research and demonstration programs or projects to effectuate the achievement of the purposes of this Act. Specifies limitations to be placed on the authority to make grants and contracts under this Act. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Productivity and the Quality of Working Life. Directs the National Council to, on a continuing basis, review and evaluate the administration, operation and performance of the Center in carrying out the functions and duties established pursuant to this title, including its effectiveness in improving the growth of productivity and the quality of working life. Directs the National Council to make recommendations for the improvement of this title and its administration and operation. Sets forth functions of the Center under this title. Establishes in the Department of Labor and in the Department of Commerce an Office of Productivity and Quality of Working Life. Makes each such office responsible for: (1) integrating, coordinating and centralizing all research and activities in its respective Department which pertain to matters of productivity organizational effectiveness, and the quality of working life; and (2) providing liaison with the Center in the formulation of new policies and programs pursuant to this Act, and consistent with the policy of the Center, so that programs developed by the Departments and the Center shall be mutually facilitating. Directs the Office of Productivity and Quality of Working Life in the Department of Labor to develop and apply a set of indicators of quality of working life in order to collect such data as may be required by the Secretary of Labor to analyze and evaluate the health, safety and general well-being of American workers and the quality of working life in America. Directs the Office of Productivity and Quality of Working Life in the Department of Commerce to be chiefly responsible for developing indicators of economic and organizational effectiveness and productivity in order to collect such data as may be required by the Secretary of Commerce and the Center to identify economic blocks to American productivity and to analyze and evaluate proposals for improving productivity. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that the duties, functions, and personnel of the National Commission on Productivity and Work Quality are transferred to the Center, and the Commission is abolished. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act specified sums for fiscal years 1976 through 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Neighborhood School Act - Prohibits the use of Federal funds for: (1) the transportation of public school children because of race, color, national origin, creed, or sex without the voluntary consent of their parents, or (2) requiring or encouraging the assignment of teachers to any particular public school except by voluntary consent.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Provides that any executive agreement made on or after the date of enactment of this Act shall be transmitted to the Secretary of State, who shall then transmit such agreement (bearing an identification number) to the Congress. Provides that such an agreement which the President determines is prejudicial to the security of the United States shall instead be transmitted to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives under a written injunction of secrecy to be removed only upon due notice from the President. Requires each committee to personally notify the Members of its House that the Secretary has transmitted such an agreement with an injunction of secrecy, and such amendment shall thereafter be available for inspection only by such Members. Provides that any such executive agreement shall only come into force, with exceptions as stated in this Act, with respect to the United States at the end of the first period of sixty calendar days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the executive agreement is transmitted to Congress or such committees, as the case may be, if, between the date of transmittal and the end of the sixty-day period, both Houses agree to a concurrent resolution stating in substance that both Houses approve the executive agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Constitutional Amendment - States that no public school pupil shall be transported to a particular school because of his or her race, color, national origin, creed, or sex.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Authorizes each Senator serving on a committee to hire staff to assist him in his duties as a member of each committee on which such Senator serves. Allows each Senator serving as chairman of any subcommittee or ranking minority member of any subcommittee to hire staff to assist him in his duties. States that individuals so appointed shall be in addition to employees otherwise authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Watergate Reorganization and Reform Act - Title I: Establishment of Government Offices - Establishes, as an independent establishment of the Government, the Office of the Public Attorney, under the direction of the Public Attorney, appointed by three retired courts of appeals judges designated by the Chief Justice of the United States. States that no individual may serve as Publid Attorney unless agreeing not to occupy any popularly elected office under the United States or to accept any other employment in the Government for five years after termination of services as the Public Attorney. Directs the Public Attorney to investigate and prosecute; (1) allegations of corruption in the administration of the laws by the executive branch of the Government; (2) cases referred by the Attorney General because of actual or potential conflicts of interest; (3) criminal cases referred to him by the Federal Election Commission; and (4) allegations of violations of Federal laws relating to campaigns and elections for elective office. Requires the Public Attorney to notify the Attorney Genral of the initiation of an investigation or proceeding with respect to such matters. Limits the Attorney General's activities in any such matters without prior written approval and requires him to inform the Public Attorney of any investigation which falls under the Public Attorney's jurisdiction. Enumerates the powers of the Public Attorney, including; (1) to issue appropriate instructions to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other domestic investigative agencies of the United States; (2) to receive appropriate national security clearnaces; and (3) to exercise all other powers as to the conduct of criminal investigations, prosecutions (including prosecutions for perjury committed in the course of any investigation or judicial or legislative hearing with respect to any matter within his jurisdiction), civil proceedings, and appeals within his jurisdiction that would otherwise be vested exclusively in the Attorney General and the United States Attorney. Details the administrative powers of the Public Attorney. Make unlawful the disclosure of specified confidential information to persons who are likely to or have come the subject of an investigation by the Publid Attorney, with enumerated limitations, and imposes criminal penalties for so doing. Establishes within the Congress a Congressional Legal Service, under the direction of the Congressional Legal Counsel appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Enumerates the duties of the Congressional Legal Counsel, including; to render, upon request of either House of Congress, a joint committee of Congress, any committee of either House of Congress, at least three Senators, or twelve members of the House of Representatives, legal opinions upon questions arising under the Constitution and laws of the United States. Authorizes to be appointed such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions relating to the Office of the Congressional Legal Counsel and such sums as may be necessary for the performance of the duties of the Congressional Legal Counsel under this title. Title II: Government Personnel - Requires an individual who holds the office of President or Vice President at any time during the year or file a report with the Comptroller General, not later than May of the following year, containing a full and complete statement of; (1) the amount of each tax paid; (2) the amount and source of each item of income; (3) the identity of each asset held by him; (4) any transaction in securities of any business; (5) all transactions in commodities by him; (6) any purchase or sale, other than the purchase or sale of his personal residence, of real property; and (7) any expenditure made by another individual for the personal benefit of him or his spouse. Provides that all such reports filed shall be maintained by the Comptroller General as public records. Prohibits campaign solicitations by appointees confirmed by the Senate and executive office personnel. Provides that any individual employed by any agency of the Executive Office of the President, who is compensated from appropriated funds, shall not engage in any investigative or intelligence gathering activity concerning national or domestic security unless specifically authorized to do so by statute. Increases the penalties for interference with elections by Government employees. Requires an annual disclosure of requests from an officer, including the President, or employee of the Executive Office for information or an investigation on the tax liavility of any taxpayer. Requires that all such requests from the Executive Office of the President be in writing. Title III: Congressional Activities - Provides that the Direct Court for the District of Columbia shall have original jurisdiction, without regard to the sum or value of the matter in controversy, over any civil action brought by either House of Congress, any committee or joint committee, to enforce or secure a declaration concerning the validity of any subpena or order issued by such House or committee, or by any subcommittee of such committee, to any officer, including the President and Vice President, or any employee of the executive branch of the United States Government to secure the production of information, documents, or other materials. Makes provisions governing perjury before Congressional committees and testimony before Senate committees. Title IV: Federal Election Campaign Activities, Contributions, and Criminal Sanctions - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to the deduction for contributions to candidates for public office. Provides that whoever embezzels, steals, or by fraud or deception obtains from any individual who has publicly declared his intent to seek nomination for election, or election, to any Federal office, any campaign materials, documents, or papers which are not available for public dissemination and which belong to any such person shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Imposes criminal penalties for; (1) the use of funds to finance violation of provisions of Federal election laws; (2) contributions by specified recipients of Federal funds; (3) the fraudulent infiltration of Federal election campaigns for espionage and sabotage purposes; (4) misrepresentations of a candidate for elective office; and (5) crimes affecting elections. Provides that whoever intentionally obstructions, impairs, or perverts the Government of the United States, or any department or agency thereof, in any manner, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years or both.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the U.S. Government should ask all parties signatory to the Paris Agreement and to the Lao protocols to abide by their provisions. Directs the President and the Secretary of State to continue to take the necessary steps, including new negotiations as may be deemed necessary, to obtain an honorable determination of the fate of all United States servicemen and civilians missing in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Directs the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for radio and television coverage of proceedings in the Senate Chamber during the first session of the Ninety-fourth Congress, except for closed-door sessions. Requires video tapes of such broadcasts to be kept and made available to commercial broadcast stations. Provides for monitors of such broadcasts in various offices and for audio monitors in members' offices, if desired.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments - Title I: Purposes, Definitions, and National Policy for Managing the Resources of the Outer Continental Shelf - States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) establish policies and procedures for managing the oil and natural gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf in order to achieve national economic goals; (2) preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf; (3) encourage development of new and improved technology for energy resource production that will increase human safety and eliminate or reduce risk of evnironmental damage; and (4) assure that coastal States which are directly impacted by oil and natural gas exploration and development are provided with an opportunity to take part in policy and planning decisions. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Revises bidding and lease administration under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Provides for the orderly development of oil and gas leases and requires that no geological and geophysical exploration shall take place in the Outer Continental Shelf without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the oil and gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf. States that the Secretary shall, by regulation, establish procedures for determining the areas to be considered for exploratory drilling and potential leasing. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purposes $200,000,000 during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Requires the Secretary to transmit a leasing and development plan to Congress at least 90 calendar days prior to announcing the invitation to bid on each tract in which oil or gas is found in commercial quantities. Provides that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be considered the "lead agency" for purpose of complying with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act as such Act pertains to the implementation of this Act. Requires that the environmental impact statements include such information as: (1) the probable impact of the proposed exploration or development on the marine and coastal environments; and (2) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed exploration or development. Makes provisions for the development, promulgation, and enforcement of safety regulations for operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires that the Coast Guard make regular inspections and strictly enforce the safety regulations. States that any person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Allows citizen suits by persons having an interest which is, or may be, adversely affected. Permits civil actions against any person, including the United States, and against the Secretary of the Interior where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this Act which is not discretionary. Provides that any person in charge of any oil and gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf shall be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for mot more than one year, or both, for failure to immediately notify an appropriate agency of the U.S. Government of a discharge or spillage of oil. Authorizes, for the purpose of removing a discharge or spilling, the withdrawal of money available in the Offshore Oil Pollution Settlements Fund established pursuant to this Act. Imposes on each barrel of oil produced pursuant to any lease issued or maintained under this Act a fee of two and a half cents per barrel to pay costs of administration of this Act. Provides that collection of amounts for the fund shall cease when $100,000,000 has been accumulated, but shall be renewed when the accumulation in the fund falls below $85,000,000. Provides that immediately upon the date of enactment of this Act, there shall cease any additional leasing of tracts for the purpose of developing oil and gas under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in all regions and areas where there has been no previous development of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf or other areas where geological or environmental conditions make such development hazardous. States that such moratorium shall continue until a specified time. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and publish a report with recommendations for achieving an equitable system of lease sales while maximizing production and revenues from the leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands. Provides that the Secretary shall study the most appropriate means of developing a National Strategic Energy Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Repeals, under the Sherman Antitrust Act and under the Federal Trade Commission Act, exemptions in the antitrust laws relating to fair trade laws (also known as resale price maintenance or quality stabilization laws) which agreements prescribe minimum or stipulated prices for the resale of brand-name commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Directs the Federal Power Commission to allocate natural gas supplies when a shortage of such supplies threatens the public health, safety, or welfare. Requires such an allocation to be equitable among all geographic areas and economic sectors. Terminates such allocation authority on July 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Joint Committee on Intelligence Oversight Act - Establishes the Joint Committee on Intelligence Oversight, consisting of seven members from each House, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of the activities of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Secret Service, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and all other departments and agencies insofar as their activities pertain to intelligence gathering. Prohibits the appropriation of funds for intelligence activities unless such funds have been specifically authorized by legislation enacted after enactment of this Act. Requires that legislation pertaining to intelligence activities be reported from such joint committee. Grants subpena power to the chairman of such joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Consumer Protection Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to promote protection of consumers with respect to specified areas, including: (1) the safety, quality, purity, potency, healthfulness, durability, performance, repairability, effectiveness, dependability, availability, and cost of any real or personal property or tangible or intangible goods, services, or credit; and (2) the preservation of consumer choice and a competitive market. Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Advocacy. Directs the Administrator of the Agency to prepare and submit an annual report simultaneously to the Congress and the President, not later than April 1 of each year. Specifies the content of such report, including the Agency's activities and court actions affecting the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to advise the Congress and the President on matters affecting the interests of consumers and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services. Enumerates the functions of the Administrator, including the following: (1) to represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts; (2) to conduct and support research, studies, and testing; (3) to submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; and (4) to publish material developed in carrying out this Act to inform consumers of matters of interest to them. States that whenever the Administrator determines that the result of any Federal agency proceeding may substantially affect an interest of consumers, he may as of right intervene as a party or otherwise participate for the purpose of representing an interest of consumers. Provides that whenever the Administrator receives any complaint which discloses: (1) an apparent violation of law relating to an interest of consumers; or (2) a commercial, trade, or other practice which is detrimental to an interest of consumers; he shall transmit such complaint to any Federal, State, or local agency which has the authority to enforce any relevant law or to take appropriate action. Directs the Administrator to maintain a public document room containing, for public inspection and copying, an up-to-date listing of all consumer complaints of any significance which the Agency has received, as arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken in response thereto. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct studies, and to obtain data and information from persons engaged in a trade, business, or industry which substantially affects interstate commerce and whose activities he determines may substantially affect an interest of consumers. Stipulates that the Administrator shall not have the power to require the production or disclosure of any data or other information under this Act from any small business. Provides that, upon written request by the Administrator, each Federal agency is directed to furnish access to all documents which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Sets forth limitations on the disclosure of any information obtained pursuant to any authority conferred by this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that small business enterprises should have their varied needs considered by all levels of government in the implementation of the procedures provided for throughout this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, not to exceed $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and not to exceed $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Provides for the transfer of employees and property of the Consumer Product Information Coordinating Center in the General Services Administration to the Agency. Requires Federal agencies to issue standards governing public participation in agency proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Natural Gas Priority Act - Directs the Federal Power Commission, for one year following enactment of this Act, to prohibit any interruption or curtailment of natural gas and to take such other steps as are necessary to assure as soon as possible the availability in interstate commerce of sufficient quantities of natural gas for use as a raw material feedstock or process fuel in the production of fertilizer, animal feed grade chemicals, and essential agricultural chemicals. Provides for direct Commission authority over agricultural requirements for natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Provides, under the Standing Rules of the Senate, that conference committee meetings shall be open to the public except when the managers of either the Senate or the House of Representatives determine by a rollcall vote that all or part of a meeting shall be closed to the public. Provides that this provision will not become effecitve until a similar rule is adopted by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Title I: Congressional Procedures - Requires each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives, including meetings to conduct hearings, to be open to the public. Provides that a portion or portions of such meetings may be closed to the public if the committee or subcommittee determines by vote of a majority of a quorum of the members present that the matters to be discussed or the testimony to be taken: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign policy of the United States; (2) will relate solely to matters of committee staff personnel or internal staff management; or (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes, with specified limitations; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives to make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting at least one week before such meeting unless the committee or subcommittee determines by a vote of the majority of a quorum that committee business requires that such meeting be called at an earlier date, in which case the committee shall make public announcement of the date, place and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript shall be made of each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee. Provides that a copy of each such transcript shall be made available for public inspection within seven days and additional copies shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Provides that all the aforegoing requirements and exceptions applicable to the meetings of the committees and subcommittees of the House and Senate shall also be applicable to each meeting of a committee of conference. Establishes procedures to review and reverse any committee and subcommittee vote to close a meeting to the public or to delete from the publicly available copy a portion of a meeting transcript. Title II: Agency Procedures - Requires all meetings of any Federal agency to be open to the public unless a majority of the entire membership of an agency determines the meeting: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign policy of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and administration or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, any person, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes, with specified limitations; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each agency to make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting (whether open or closed to the public) at least one week before each meeting unless the agency determines by a vote of the majority of its members that agency business requires that such meetings be called at an earlier date, in which case the agency shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript, including a list of all persons attending and their affilations, shall be made of each meeting of each agency (whether open or closed to the public). Provides that a copy of each such meeting shall be made available to the public for inspection, and additional copies of any transcript shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Requires each agency to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this title. States that any citizen or person resident in the United States may bring a proceeding in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit: (1) to require an agency to promulgate such regulations if such agency has not done so within the time period specified herein; or (2) to set aside agency regulations that are not in accord with the requirements of this title and to require the promulgation of regulations that are in accord with such requirements. Gives the district courts of the United States jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this title by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Provides that such actions shall be brought in the district wherein the plaintiff resides, or has his principal place of business, or where the agency in question has its headquarters. Sets forth provisions governing ex parte communications in agency proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act - Expresses the Congressional declarations that it is necessary to: (1) require the uniform application of State and local residency requirements to secure the right of citizens residing in overseas to vote in Federal elections; and (2) establish standards relating to absentee registration and balloting by such citizens in Federal elections. Provides that no citizen outside the United States shall be denied the right to register for, and to vote by, an absentee ballot in any Federal election solely because he does not have a place of abode in a State or district, if he meets specified requirements. Requires each State to provide for the registration of and casting of absentee ballots by all citizens residing outside the United States and entitled to vote in a Federal election in such State. Provides that each State shall mail the following by airmail to such citizens: (1) an absentee ballot, (2) instructions concerning voting procedures, and (3) an airmail envelope for the mailing of such ballot. States that whoever deprives any person of any right secured by this Act shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Sets forth additional penalties for falsifying registration materials. Provides that the exercise of any right to register or vote by any citizen outside the United States shall not affect the determination of his place of residence or domicile for purposes of any tax imposed under Federal, State or local law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that all meetings of Senate committees shall be open to the public, unless the members of such committee determine by majority vote that the matters to be discussed or the testimony to be taken involve specified matters, including the following: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to matters of committee staff personnel or internal staff management or procedure; or (3) will tend to charge an individual with crime or misconduct, to disgrace or injure the professional standing of an individual, or otherwise to expose an individual to public contempt or obloquy, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President submit to the Congress his proposal for a tariff on imported oil for appropriate congressional study and action.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Emergency Budget Control Act - Authorizes the President, under title X of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, to reduce expenditures and net lending in fiscal year 1975 to not less than $295,000,000,000. Prohibits the reduction of more than 20 percent in the expenditures and net lending of any major department and agency.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Interior shall offer oil and gas leases pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act only in accordance with the following specified criteria, including: (1) the Council on Environmental Quality, with the concurrence of the Review Panel of the National Academy of Sciences, has specified and evaluated all necessary environmental research for any areas to be leased; and (2) the adjacent coastal States have established or are establishing coastal zone management programs to prevent or ameliorate environmental and socioeconomic impacts from activities resulting from leasing.
![Official portrait of Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000460_200.jpg)