United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Provides that the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. States that areas designated as part of the National Wildlife System as of January 1, 1975, shall continue to be a part of the System until otherwise specified by Act of Congress unless such lands are disposed of in accordance with provisions of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 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 · 17 April 1975
Increases to $450,000,000 the minimum amount of the annual contributions to public housing agencies to be made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Housing Act of 1937.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides for inclusion of the services of licensed (registered) nurses under the medicare and medicaid, titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Title I: Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Checks - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish procedures for expedited payment of monthly benefits. Requires the Secretary, within one day after the date an individual files for late payment of benefits, to cause such monthly insurance benefits to be paid. Title II: Expediting of Hearings and Determination - States that in the administration of the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures designed to assure that: (1) any duly requested hearing to which an individual is entitled thereunder will be held within a reasonable period of time after such hearing is so requested, if such hearing is requested with respect to a determination of entitlement to benefits; and (2) not later than ninety days after such a hearing is requested, the Secretary shall render a final determination on the issues which were the subject of such hearing, or if no final determination of the Secretary has been made at that time, the Secretary shall make payments of benefits to such individual in like manner as if a final determination has been made fully in favor of such individual. Title III: Expedited Payment of Black Lung Benefits; and Expedited Hearings and determinations Respecting Such Benefits - Provides for expedited payments of black lung benefits under the Federal coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting hearings and hearings and determinations on claims for such benefits. Title IV: Limitation of Benefit Reduction to Compensate for Benefit Overpayment - Limits to 25 percent the reduction that may be made in an individual's Social Security benefit check for any month because of any previous overpayment of monthly benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Provides, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, that the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shall be responsible to the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. States that the Director shall not delegate any of his functions to any other officer who is not directly responsible to him.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress and the director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Provides for the coverage of a clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance benefits program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Provides, under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, that no rescission of budget authority proposed by the President shall take effect unless and until the Congress has passed a bill incorporating such rescission.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act-Defines "lobbying" and other terms used in this Act. Requires each lobbyist, within 15 days of becoming a lobbyist, to file a notice of representation with the Federal Edection Commission. Sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities. Sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the commission containing such records. Requires GS-15 and above employees of the executive branch to maintain records of communucations received from outside parties expressing opinions or containing information with respect to the policy making process. Directs each executive agency to make such records available for public inspection. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the powers: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to question as the Commission may prescribe: and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including; (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act: (2) to develop forms for the filing of records of outside contacts by executive branch employees; and (3) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting, filing coding, and cross-indexing. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires candidates for Federal office, Members of the Congress, each officer and employee of the Federal Government who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year, Federal employees performing the duties of a GS-16 or higher, members of the Uniformed Services in the grade 0-6 or higher, the President, and the Vice President to file annually with the Comptroller General, a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from his spouse or any member of his immediate family) received by him, by and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received by him for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other compensation for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the identity of each asset held by him, by him and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed by him or by him and his spouse jointl, together with the amount of each liability which is owned with respect to any financial interest which is under his constructive control, which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) any transactions in securities of any business entity by him or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transactions in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 during such year; (4) all transactions in commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; and (5) any purchase or sale of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000. Defines the terms used in this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Oil Import Purchase Authority Act - Provides that the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration after October 1, 1975, to be responsible for the importation of petroleum into the United States. Prohibits the importation of petroleum into the United States after such date unless pursuant to a sale. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the allocation by sale of all petroleum so imported. Requires the Administrator to make adjustments in the prices paid by purchasers so that the average price paid is equal for all purchasers of a similar quality of petroleum. Stipulates that funds for the purchase of petroleum be appropriated from the general revenues, and that moneys realized on the sale of such petroleum be returned to the general revenues. Requires the Administrator to establish disciplinary rules for bidders who fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their bids. Prohibits any officer or employee of the Energy Administration from disclosing any information relating to the bids. Specifies a fine not to exceed $100,000 for 10 years imprisonment, or both, for such disclosure. Requires the Administrator to limit knowledge of the identity of bidders to six persons within the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Prohibits any increase in the price of consumer commodities by any retailer once a price is placed on any such commodity by such retailer. Imposes civil penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1975
Plutonium Recovery Control Act - Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from licensing, permitting, or otherwise authorizing, except for military or research and development purposes, (1) the operation of any nuclear power reactor using recycled plutonium fuel, or (2) the construction or operation of any facility which reprocesses or recovers plutonium from spent nuclear power reactor fuel. Requires the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct and complete within three years a comprehensive study of the recycling of plutonium for the purpose of determining the extent of the dangers to the public health and safety and to the environment from such recycling. States that such study shall include: (1) investigation of the toxicity and carcinogenic characteristics of plutonium; (2) investigation of the risks of the unauthorized diversion or theft of plutonium; and (3) consideration of the development of systems for the use of plutonium which will assure the protection of the public health and safety and the environment. Provides that the prohibitions expressed in this Act shall continue until Congress legislates otherwise.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Provides that the beneficiary of an insured individual who dies shall, if otherwise qualified under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, be entitled to a prorated benefit for the month of death of the insured.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under the supplementary medical insurance (Medicare) program of of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the indiviudal could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's medicaid program under the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a home health patient ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled, (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services, (3) identify abuses against home health patients, (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients, (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable, and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Makes the children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under the medicaid program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Provides that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed by this section shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under the Internal Revenue Code ot 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1975
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under the supplementary medical insurance (Medicare) program of of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the indiviudal could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's medicaid program under the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a home health patient ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled, (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services, (3) identify abuses against home health patients, (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients, (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable, and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Makes the children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under the medicaid program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Provides that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed by this section shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under the Internal Revenue Code ot 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Makes it an unlawful employment practice under the Civil Rights Act to discriminate against individuals because of the presence of a physical disability.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
States that the purpose of this Act is to provide a source of financial assistance for homeowners and builders to enable them to purchase and install solar heating equipment or combined solar heating and cooling equipment while substantially reducing energy use. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans to individuals and families owning and occupying one-to-four family residential structures to assist them in purchasing and installing qualified solar heating and cooling equipment. States that such loans may be made in an amount covering up to 75 percent of the cost of purchasing and installing the necessary equipment, and not exceeding amounts specified in this Act. Sets forth the terms and conditions governing the loans. Defines "qualified solar heating equipment" as meaning equipment which utilizes solar energy to provide heating for a residential sturcture and which is certified by the Secretary as meeting minimum specified standards, including a requirement that the eqipment must be designed to meet more than 40 percent of the total heating needs of the types of structure for which it is intended. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish procedures for periodic inspection and review of solar heating and cooling equipment models and certifications. Directs the Secretary to disseminate full, complete, and current information concerning recommended standards and types of qualified solar heating or solar heating and cooling equipment appropriate for use in residential structures of varying sizes and types and in various regions of the country. Authorizes appropriations to a revolving fund of $100,000,000 to provide an initial amount for the program under this Act, and such additional sums as may thereafter be necessary to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convene immediately a meeting of the heads of all appropriate Federal departments and agencies for the purpose of taking such steps as may be necessary to prevent Arab discrimination against American business enterprises which have Jewish individuals serving in positions of major responsibility or which do business with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
Price Disclosure Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, or the distribution of which affects commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from these requirements any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 per annum, unless such an outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceeds $500,000 per annum; or any retail outlet in any State which has enacted mandatory unit pricing law and whose law, in the judgment of the Federal-Trade Commission, is in full force and effect and is comparable in scope and comprehensiveness to the requirements of this Act, except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such State shall be subject to the provisions of this Act if they also operate outlets in one or more other States. Redefines the term "consumer commodity" and defines the term "retail unit price" for purposes of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. Abolishes the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to promulgate regulations under such Act, and transfers that authority to the Commission. Directs the Commission to request, and the Secretary of Commerce to initiate, a voluntary product standard for consumer commodities under the procedures for the development of voluntary products standards established by the Secretary pursuant to specified provisions of law whenever the Commission determines that there is undue proliferation of the weights, measures, or quantities in which any consumer commodity or reasonably comparable consumer commodities are being distributed in packages for sale at retail and such undue proliferation impairs the reasonable ability of consumers to make value comparisons with respect to such consumer commodity or commodities. Requires that regulations with respect to fair packaging and labeling standards be promulgated by the Commission in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Directs the Commission to give interested persons an opportunity for oral presentations of views, data, and agreements. Authorizes travel and per diem reimbursement for persons being trained by the Commission to carry out the provisions of the Act. Declares that any violation of any of the provisions of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act or the regulations issued pursuant to such Act, with respect to any consumer commodity delivered into introduction in commerce, or sold at retail, offered for sale at retail, or displayed for sale at retail, shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting commerce and shall be subject to penalties under specified provisions of law.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1975
Rape Prevention and Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of specified areas, including: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; (4) the causes of rape; and (5) sexual assaults in correctional institutions. Provides that the Center shall compile and publish summaries of its findings. Directs the Center to develop an information clearinghouse with regard to enumerated materials regarding rape and rehabilitation of offenders. Requires the annual submission to the Congress of a summary of findings under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1975 and 1976 for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall assist community mental health centers and public and nonprofit private entities for the purpose of conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Requires the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him on matters relating to rape prevention and control.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Urges the telephone and hearing-aid industries to utilize fully all available technology to provide full access to telephone communications for hearing aid users.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1975
Provides that any individual fully insured under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act may qualify for disability insurance benefits and the disability freeze if he has 40 quarters of coverage, regardless of when such quarters were earned.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Emergency Unemployment Health Benefits Act - Includes a new title under the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Health Benefits Act establishing an emergency health benefits program for the unemployed. Declares all unemployed individuals who (1) are entitled to receive State or Federal unemployment benefits and (2) would if their employment had not been discontinued, be covered under an employer-sponsored health insurance plan to be eligible for health insurance benefits of the type provided by their previous employer. Extends such benefits to the dependent spouse and the dependent children of such eligible individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into arrangements with carriers and State agencies to carry out this Act. Stipulates that no health insurance benefits may be provided under this Act after June 30, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1975
Requires, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that all persons engaged in business as retail distributors of packaged consumer goods mark the selling price plainly on the principal display panel of the package label.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Authorizes additional appropriations of such sums as are necessary for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 to carry out programs authorized by the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976 and 1977 to provide cash grants to State health departments, Indian tribes, or the Indian Health Service for Supplemental food for pregnant and latating women and infants whose diet is nutritionally inadequate.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Prohibits the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, from authorizing an increase in the ceiling price of old crude petroleum by more than one dollar per barrel per year. Prohibits any such increase before April 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Removes from the class of aliens whose status may be adjusted by the Attorney General in his discretion to that of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence those aliens who continue in or accept unauthorized employment prior to the filing of an application for adjustment to such status. Makes it unlawful for any employer, or any agent or any person who for a fee, refers an alien for employment by such an employer, knowingly to employ, continue to employ, or refer for employment any alien in the United States who has not been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, unless the employment of such alien is authorized by the Attorney General. Provides that an employer, referrer, or agent shall not be deemed to have violated this Act if he has made a bona fide inquiry whether a person hereafter employed or referred by him is a citizen or an alien, and if an alien, whether he is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or is authorized by the Attorney General to accept employment. Requires that if, in a proceeding initiated within two years after the service of a citation by the Attorney General informing an employer of a violation under this Act, the Attorney General finds that any employer, agent, or referrer upon whom such citation has been served has thereafter violated the provisions of this Act, the Attorney General shall assess a penalty of not more than $500 for each alien in respect to whom any such violation is found to have occurred. Provides that further violation of this Act following the assessment of the above civil penalty shall make the employer guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof such employer shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, for each alien in respect to whom any violation of this occurs. Requires disclosure by employees and officers of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of information on illegal aliens who are receiving assistance under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Requires that the heads of Federal agencies make payments to owners of small businesses who are displaced from their place of business as a result of Federal or federally assisted programs. States that such payment shall be the amount necessary, up to $4,000, to enable such displaced person to lease, rent, or make a downpayment on a decent, safe, and sanitary place of business. Stipulates that in the case of a downpayment exceeding $2,000, the displaced person must equally match any amount over $2,000 in making the payment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Provides, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, for coverage under medicare for routine Papanicolaou tests for the diagnosis of uterine cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Prohibits, except as provided in this Act, the inspection of tax returns and the disclosure of information contained in such returns. Authorizes the inspection of returns by or disclosure to (1) the taxpayer or his representative; (2) employees of the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Justice solely for purposes of enforcement of the tax laws; (3) State agencies charged with administration of the tax laws only for that purpose; (4) the President of the United States in the performance of his official duties; and (5) the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation for statistical purposes only. Increases the criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure or receipt of information under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for 25 percent (up to $375 per year or $750 for a joint return) of amounts paid or incurred for the installation of qualified insulation and heating equipment in existing residential structures. Defines the terms "qualified insulative materials" and "qualified heating equipment". States that such income tax credits shall be available for the taxable years beginning after December 31, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Authorizes, under the Communications Act of 1934, grants to States and units of local government for the establishment, equipping, and operation of emergency communications centers to make the national emergency telephone number 911 available throughout the United States. Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 and $7,500,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976, respectively, to make grants under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business concerns; (2) to prevent Federal support for unjustified dislocation; and (3) to provide assistance to employees, and affected communities threatened with dislocation. Defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Employment Relocation Administration, to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that, in order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to perform enumerated functions and duties, including: (1) conduct investigations on any proposed closing or transfer of operations of a business concern; (2) provide adjustment assistance to employees because of a closing or transfer of operations of an establishment of a business concern; and (3) conduct research into the problems of business closings, transfers of operations, and unemployment. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Specifies the composition and compensation rates of members of such Council to perform enumerated functions, including to advise the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the National Employment Relocation Administration and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act. Requires written notice be given to the Secretary whenever: (1) a business concern intends to close or transfer all or part of the operations of an establishment of that business concern; and (2) at least 15 percent of the employees who are members of any labor organization or 15 percent of all employees in that establishment will suffer an eligible employment loss as a result of any such closing or transfer. Specifies the items to be included in such notice. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of adjustment assistance for employees suffering an eligible employment loss. Provides that such adjustment assistance shall include: (1) income maintenance payment; (2) maintenance of pension and health benefits; (3) job placement and retraining benefits; (4) relocation allowances; (5) early retirement benefits; (6) emergency mortgage and rent payments; and (7) food stamps and surplus commodities. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to place employees for substantially equivalent full employment in accordance with their capacity and prospective employeent opportunities. Provides that a unit of local government is eligible for assistance under this Act upon determination by the Secretary that the closing or transfer of operations of business establishments has contributed substantially to an unemployment rate within such jurisdiction exceeding 8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Enumerates the types of assistance available under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a retraining program for employees who will be required to acquire new or additional skills as a result of the economic adjustemnt assistance proposal. Provides that whenever the Secretary determines, after an investigation conducted under this Act that: (1) the closing or transfer of operations of an establishment or a business concern was not justified; or (2) the transfer or closing could have been avoided if the business concern had accepted assistance under this Act; or (3) the eligible employment loss could have been avoided except for the failure to file a notice of intent to close or transfer, or because of some other unreasonable delay, bad faith or misrepresentation on the part of the business concern; or (4) the transfer of operations is to a new location outside the United States while other alternatives to such transfer of operations exist, then such business concern shall be ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, for a period not to exceed 10 years. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States and the various political entities thereof should adopt "911" as the nationwide, uniform, emergency telephone number.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Directs the Secretary of Labor to prepare and publish monthly a Consumer Price Index for the Elderly designed to reflect the retail prices of items purchased generally by individuals who are at least sixty-two years of age. Requires specified Federal officers to study and investigate any legislative and administrative action necessary for utilizing the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly in lieu of the Consumer Price Index in specific provisions of law referred to by this Act. Directs such officers to report to the Congress within ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act a detailed statement of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislation as a result of the study and investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 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 · 20 February 1975
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Provides an additional personal income tax exemption of $750 under the Internal Revenue Code where a taxpayer, his spouse, or any dependent of the taxpayer is handicapped. Defines the term "handicapped" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Provides that pension or annuity plans to qualify for tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code shall provide for payments to the participant's survivor beginning on the earliest date that the participant could have collected annuity benefits under such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Freedom of Access for the Elderly and Handicapped Act - Authorizes, under the Internal Revenue Code, a taxpayer to deduct expenses incurred during the taxable year in removing architectural and transportational barriers to the elderly and handicapped.
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