United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Extends the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs established by S. Res. 281, Ninetieth Congress, through February 19, 1976. Authorizes the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs, in studying matters pertaining to the lack of food, medical assistance, and other related necessities of life and health, from March 1, 1975, through February 28, 1976, in its discretion: (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to employ personnel, (3) to subpena witnesses and documents, (4) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, to use on a reimbursable basis the services of personnel, information, and facilities of any such department or agency, (5) to procure the temporary services (not in excess of one year) or intermittent services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof, (6) to interview employees of the Federal, State, and local governments and other individuals, and (7) to take depositions and other testimony. Provides that the minority shall receive fair consideration in the appointment of staff personnel pursuant to this resolution. Limits the expenses of the committee under this resolution to $485,000.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Medical Device Amendments - Title I: Preliminary Classification of Medical Devices - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall appoint and organize separate classification panels of experts, qualified by scientific training and experience, to review and classify devices intended for human use into appropriate categories based on the safety and effectiveness of such devices. Requires each panel to reveiw all devices intended for human use within its respective scientific field for purposes of appropriate classification and to submit within one year of its appointment a report of its findings and conclusions to the Secretary. Requires that to the maximum extent practical the panel or panels shall provide an opportunity for any interested person to submit data and views on the classification of a device (or type or class of device). States the criteria to be used by the panels in determining their recommendations for the classification of devices. Title II: Authority to establish Performance Standards - Provides that whenever in the judgment of the Secretary such action is appropriate to assure effectiveness or to reduce or eliminate unreasonable risk of illness or injury associated with exposure to or use of a device (including the need for uniformity and compatibility with systems or environments in which it is intended to be used) and for which other means may not be appropriate to reduce or eliminate such risk of illness or injury he shall promulgate for any device, or type or class of device, for which a performance standard has been determined to be appropriate, a performance standard relating to safety and effectiveness. Provides for periodic evaluation of the adequacy of standards. Directs the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies and organizations. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a notice that proceedings have been initiated to promulgate a device standard. Specifies the content of such notification. Directs the Secretary to accept one or more offers to develop a proposed standard and to publish in the Federal Register names and addresses of persons whose offers are accepted and the terms of such offers. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations governing development of proposed standards. Sets forth alternatives to the development of standards, including: (1) the use of existing standards; and (2) the development of standards by the Secretary. Provides procedures for the promulgation, amendment, or revocation of performance standards. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint independent advisory committees, to which could be referred any matters involving a proposed device standard, prior to or after its publication in the Federal Register. Prescribes the composition of such committees. Requires that every manufacturer of a device shall assure the Secretary, at such times and in such manner and form as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe, that testing methods prescribed by the performance standards show the device to comply therewith, or that the device was manufactured under a program of guality control which is in accord with current good manufacturing practice designed to assure such compliance. Title III: Scientific Review of Certain Medical Devices - States that the Secretary may declare that a device (or type or class of device) for which scientific review has been determined to be appropriate shall be subject to scientific review with respect to any particular use of intended use thereof if, after consultation with the appropriate panel or panels, he finds that: (1) such review is appropriate to assure effectiveness or is appropriate to reduce or eliminate unreasonable risk of illness or injury associated with exposure to or use of a device and (2) other means available to the Secretary may not be appropriate to reduce or eliminate such risk of illness or injury. Provides that the Secretary may declare that a device (or type or class of device shall be subject to scientific review under this section with respect to any particular use of intended use thereof if he: determines that scientific reveiw for any device is appropriate to protect the public health and safety and (2) finds that other means available to the Secretary may not be appropriate to reduce or iliminate such risk of illness or injury. Requires the declaration to be by regulation. Permits the promulgation of such regulation to be appealed to the courts within thirty days after publication in the Federal Register. Provides that for the purpose of reviewing plans and product development the Secretary shall utilize the standing advisory panels. Provides for the Scientific reveiw of a device which has been declared subject to such reveiw. Sets forth the necessary contents of an application for scientific review. Permits the applicant to obtain judicial review of a final order of the Secretary denying or withdrawing approval of an application or revoking an exemption. Provides for exemptions from the requirement of approval of an application in specified circumstances. Title IV: Notification of Defective Devices; Repair or Replacement - Requires every person who acquires information which reasonably supports the conclusion that a device intended for human use which has been produced, assembled, distributed, or imported by him (1) contains a defect which could create a substantial risk to the public health or safety, or (2) on or after the effective date of an applicable performance standard fails to comply with such standard, to immediately notify the Secretary of such defect or failure to comply if such device has left the control of the manufacturer. Title V: Requirement of Good Manufacturing Practice - Requires that a device, and the methods used in its manufacture, must conform to good manufacturing practice. Title VI: Records and Reports; Inspection and Registration of Establishments; Official Names - Requires persons manufacturing, processing, repacking, labeling, or distributing a device subject to a standard which is in effect, or with respect to which there is in effect an approval of an application for scientific review, to maintain records and to make reports to the Secretary on clinical experience and other data relating to safety or effectiveness of such device, or possibility of adulteration or misbranding. Title VII: General Provisions - Establishes an Advisory Council on Devices to advise the Secretary on policy matters relating to carrying out provisions of the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to plan, conduct, coordinate, and support research and education dealing with the safety and effectiveness of medical devices and into the causes and prevention of injuries or other health impairments associated with exposure to or use of such devices. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed as preventing the Federal Government or the government of any State or political subdivision thereof from establishhing stricter safety requirements than the otherwise applicable Federal requirements. Permits the Secretary to disclose information relating to trade secrets to a contractor in furtherance of provisions of the Act, subject to the contractor's observance of such security precautions as are prescribed in regulations. Defines the term "device" to mean instruments, apparatus, implements, machines, contrivances, implants, in vitro reagents, or similar articles, including their components, parts and accessories which are: (1) recognized in the official U.S. Pharmacopeia or National Formulary, or any supplement to them, or (2) intended for use in diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or other animals, or (3) intended to affect any structure or any function of the body of man or other animals, and (4) not achieving any of their principal purposes through chemical action within or on the body of man or other animals and which are not dependent upon being metabolized for achievement of their principal purposes. Defines the term "prescription device". Makes various technical amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to make existing law applicable to devices.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Provides that no change in the status of any member of the uniformed services who is in a missing status as a result of his performance of service of Southeast Asia may be made unless and until the following two provisions have been complied with: (1) the President of the United States has determined, and notified the Congress in writing, that all reasonable actions have been made to enforce the provisions of the Paris Peace Accord of January 27, 1973; and (2) the Secretary concerned notifies the next of kin in writing of the proposed change in status, and next of kin has not filed within 60 days of such notification, and objection to such a proposed change.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Developmentally Disabled Assistance and Bill of Rights Act - Defines "developmental disability" as a disability: (1) attributable to mental retardation, or cerebral palsy, or epilepsy, or autism, or learning disability; or (2) attributable to any other condition of an individual found to be closely related to mental retardation as it refers to general intellectual functioning or impairment in adaptive behavior or to require treatment similar to that required for mentally retarded individuals, which disability originates before such individual attains age eighteen, has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a severe handicap to such individual's ability to function normally in society. Defines other terms used in this Act. Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Developmental Disabilities headed by a Director, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title I: Assistance for Persons with Developmental Disabilities - States that the purpose of this title is to improve the provision of services to persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes appropriations of $6,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of assisting in the modernization and renovation of facilities which will aid in demonstrating provision of specialized services for the diagnosis and treatment, education, training or care of persons with developmental disabilities or in the interdisciplinary training of physicians and other specialized personnel needed for research, diagnosis and treatment, education, training or care of persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to university affiliated facilities to pay part of the costs of administering and operating demonstration facilities and interdisciplinary training programs for personnel needed to render specialized services to persons with developmental disabilities. Authorizes appropriations of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and each of the next four succeeding fiscal years to cover the costs of the grants. Sets forth requirements pertaining to the application for and payment of grants to States. Provides for grants to States for planning, provision of services, and construction and operation of facilities for persons with developmental disabilities. Atuhorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $85,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $95,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 and such sums as may be necessary for succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making such grants. Establishes in the office of the Secretary a National Council on Services and Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed to be promulgated by him in the implementation of this title, (2) study programs authorized by this title to determine their effectiveness in carrying out the purposes for which they were established, (3) monitor the development and execution of this title and report directly to the Secretary on any delay in the rapid execution of this title, and (4) submit directly to the Congress annually an evaluation of the administration of this title. Requires States desiring to apply for grants to submit specific goal oriented plans for approval by the Secretary. Sets forth specific requirements to be met in order for State plans to be approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe general regulations applicable to all the States to carry out the purposes of this Act and to develop an evaluation system and action plan for implementation of such system and report to the appropriate committees of Congress within eighteen months after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to conduct feasibility studies with regard to developing an evaluation system for developmental disabilities services. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for this purpose for fiscal year 1975 and for each succeeding fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes appropriations for grants for special projects for services to persons with developmental disabilities of $17,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $22,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $27,500,000 for fiscal year 1979. Title II: Bill of Rights for Mentally Retarded and other Persons with Developmental Disabilities - States that the purpose of this title is to establish standards which assure humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded and other individuals with developmental disabilities in residential facilities and minimize inappropriate admissions to such residential facilities. Establishes a National Advisory Council for Residential and Community Facilities to advise the Secretary. Sets forth standards for residential facilities for the mentally retarded and other individuals with developmental disabilities. States that the ultimate aim of the facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Prescribes the provisions governing (1) staff-resident relationships and activities, (2) food services, (3) residents' clothing, (4) health, hygiene, and grooming, (5) grouping and organization of living units, (6) resident-living staff, and (7) design and equipage of living units. Directs that residents be provided with professional and special programs and services in accordance with their needs for such programs and services. States that all professional services to the mentally retarded and other individuals with developmental disabilities should be rendered in the community, whenever possible, rather than in a residential facility, and where rendered in a residential facility, such services must be at least comparable to those provided the nonretarded in the community. Sets forth specifications governing the provision of the following services to residents: (1) dental services, (2) educational services, (3) food and nutrition services, (4) library services, (5) medical services, (6) nursing services, (7) pharmacy services, (8) physical and occupational therapy services, (9) psychological services, (10) recreation services, (11) religious services, (12) social services, (13) speech, pathology and audiology services, (14) vocational rehabilitation services, and (15) volunteer services. States that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habilitation program, (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to the habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Stipulates that all information contained in a resident's record, including information contained in an automated data bank, shall be considered privileged and confidential. Provides that opportunities and resources should be made available to members of the staff who are equipped by interest and training to conduct applied and/or basic research. States that resources and/or necessary research assistance should be made available to all staff members who have identified researchable problems related to the programs for which they are responsible. Sets forth requirements pertaining to safety and sanitation in the resident facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Provides that a general increase in social security benefits shall not be taken into account in determining the eligibility of individuals or families to receive benefits under any Federal plan or program or any State plan or program which is funded in whole or in part by Federal funds if the effect of such increase would be to reduce or eliminate the benefits available under such programs.
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
Social Security Administration Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. Title I: Social Security Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such Administration, by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records, which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held, or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
States that a female who is qualified to be trained in a skill or profession in which females are permitted to serve as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces shall not be denied admission to the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy or Air Force Academy on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1975
Permits the payments of benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Act, to a married couple on their combined earnings record. Provides a formula for the computation of such benefits. Sets limitations on such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1975
Extends coverage, under the supplementary medical insurance benefits program established by title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for one routine physical checkup, including diagnostic tests, each year and for preventive and maintenance care for individuals insured under such program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1975
Provides that the price of milk shall be supported at not less than 90 percent of the parity price for the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending March 31, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Makes 22 caliber rimfire ammunition subject to the recordkeeping requirements imposed on specified types of firearms and firearm components under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Provides, under the Gun Control Act of 1968, for separate offense and consecutive sentencing in felonies involving the use of a firearm. States that in the case of a second or subsequent conviction under this Act, the convicted person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than two nor more than twenty-five years.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Provides, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that the amount of an individual's earnings shall, for purposes of the provisions thereof requiring deductions from benefits on account of excess earnings, be deemed to be reduced by an amount equal to the expenses paid by him during the taxable year for medical care for himself.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Requires the Armed Forces to provide special educational and health services to dependents of members serving on active duty who are deaf, hard of hearing, handicapped by a speech impairment or a visual handicap, seriously emotionally disturbed, moderately or severely mentally retarted, crippled, or have a speech or health impairment or specific learning disability requiring special education and related services. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1079(d))
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
Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the national interest in the Nantucket Sound Islands in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Establishes the Nantucket Sound Island Trust to provide for the preservation of the unique values of the islands. Creates the Nantucket Trust Commission, the Martha's Vineyard Trust Commission, and the Elizabeth Islands Trust Commission, to be known collectively as the Nantucket Sound Island Trust Commissions. Enumerates the membership composition and responsibilities of each Commission. Designates the areas comprising the Trust. Classifies the trust lands into categories of: (1) open lands; (2) resource management lands; and (3) town lands. Prescribes the procedures for the assignment of the trust lands and waters into such classifications. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to sell lands and waters and interests therein at fair market value to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Commissions to cooperate in a study and formulate plans for beach and shoreline erosion control and restoration projects in those areas most immediately threatened. Calls for programs: (1) in dune and headland erosion control; and (2) against pollution of the waters in and around trust lands. Sets forth the rules governing nonvehicular rights of passage across trust land beaches. Directs the Commission to survey public and private water and air access to trust lands and make recommendations to appropriate bodies for legislative or administrative action. Provides for the suspension of the authority to acquire lands from specified private, nonprofit organizations. Sets forth compensable land use regulations and calls for new employment opportunities for residents of the trust area. Places a freeze date on the construction of any improvement on specified trust lands. Directs the Martha's Vineyard Commission to establish an orderly program for determining the extent of Indian Common Lands on Martha's Vineyard. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, within specified limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Education for All Handicapped Children Act - States the findings of the Congress, including that: (1) the special educational needs of handicapped children are being fully met in only a few school systems; (2) one million of the handicapped children in the United States are excluded entirely from the public school system and will not go through the educational process with their peers; and (3) it is in the national interest that the Federal Government assist State and local efforts to provide programs to meet the educational needs of handicapped children in order to assure equal protection of the laws. Describes the purposes of this Act, including to insure that all handicapped children have available to them not later than 1978 special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs. Defines the terms used in this Act. Provides that during July 1, 1975, and September 30, 1980, the Commissioner of Education shall, in accordance with provisions of the Education of the Handicappped Act, make payments to State educational agencies for grants made for assistance in providing full educational opportunity to all handicapped children. Provides for State entitlement and eligibility under this Act. States that funds allocated under this Act shall be used by the State to initiate, expand, and improve special education and related services for handicapped children in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth requirements for eligibility including the following which a State must demonstrate to the Commissioner: (1) the State has in effect a policy that assures all handicapped children the right to a free appropriate public education; and (2) each local educational agency in the State will maintain an individualized written education program for each handicapped child and review at least annually and revise its provisions when appropriate with the agreement of the parents or guardian of the handicapped child. Requires that, as soon as practicable after the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner shall prescribe uniform categories and accounting procedures to be utilized by State agencies in submitting an application for assistance under this Act in order to assure equity among the States. Authorizes to be included for each fiscal year in the appropriation for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare such sums as are necessary to administer provisions of this Act. States that in carrying out his responsibilities under this part, the Commissioner shall conduct directly, or by grant or contract such studies, investigations, and evaluations as are necessary to assure effective implementation of this Act. States that a maximum of 1 1/2 percent of the total of the grants paid under this Act for one year to a State agency or $75,000, whichever is greater, may be paid to such agency by the Commissioner for the administration of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for this purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Title I: Nurse Training Act - Nurse Training Act - Provides for appropriations authorizations in the areas of construction assistance under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes assistance under such Act in the expanding of the capacities of nursing schools to provide graduate training. Extends the Financial Distress Grant Program under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to assist public or nonprofit private schools of nursing which are in serious financial straits to meet operational costs required to maintain quality educational programs or which have special need for financial assistance to meet accreditation requirements. Provides that any such grant may be made upon such terms as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and necessary, including requirements that the school agree: (1) to disclose any financial information or data deemed by the Secretary to be necessary to determine the sources or causes of that school's financial distress; (2) to conduct a comprehensive cost analysis study in cooperation with the Secretary; and (3) to carry out appropriate operational and financial reforms on the basis of information obtained in the course of the comprehensive cost analysis study or on the basis of other relevant information. Requires the Secretary to consult with the National Advisory Council on Nurse Training in acting upon applications for grants under this title. Authorizes appropriation for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to meet the costs of advanced nurse training programs. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Extends the Student Loan Program under the Act. Directs the Secretary to determine on a continuing basis: (1) the supply of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses with advanced training or graduate degrees, as well as other nursing personnel; (2) their distribution; and (3) the current and future requirements for such nurses. Title II: Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services: - Special Health Revenue Sharing Act - Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under the Public Health Service Act to State health and mental health authorities to assit in meeting the costs of providing comprehensive public health services. Family Planning and Population Research Act - Extends the appropriations authorizations for the Family Planning Programs under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes grants for research in the biomedical, contraceptive development, behavioral, and program implementation fields related to family planning and population. Authorizes grants for planning community mental health center programs. Authorizes financial distress grants for the operation of community mental health centers. Directs the Secretary to establish within the National Institute of Mental Health a National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Directs the Secretary to provide for a continuing study and investigation of: (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; and (4) the causes of rape. Directs the Secretary to assist community mental health centers and other entities in conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Community Mental Health Centers Act - Requires the Secretary to formulate a five-year plan for the extension of mental health services. Revises provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to the establishment of migrant health centers, providing highest priority for assistance in areas where the largest migratory worker populations reside. Enumerates the criteria for applications for migrant health center grants and authorizes appropriations for such grants. Defines the term "community health center" as used in this title. States that such term means an entity which, either through its staff and supporting resources or through contracts or cooperative arrangements with other public or private entities, provides: (1) primary health services; (2) as may be appropriate for particular centers, supplemental health services necessary for the adequate support of primary health services; (3) referral to providers of supplemental health services and payment, as appropriate and feasible, for their provision of such services; (4) as may be appropriate for particular centers, environmental health services, and (5) information on the availability and proper use of health services. Provides for grants for projects to plan and develop community health centers which will serve medically underserved populations and authorizes appropriations for such grants. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Committee on Mental Health and Illness of the Elderly to make a study of and recommendations respecting: (1) the future needs for mental health facilities, manpower, research, and training to meet the mental health care needs of elderly persons, (2) the appropriate care of elderly persons who are in mental institutions or who have been discharged from such institutions, and (3) proposals for implementing the recommendations of the 1971 White House Conference on Aging respecting the mental health of the elderly. Directs the Secretary to establish a temporary commission to be known as the Commission for the Control of Epilepsy and Its Consequences. Enumerates the duties of the Commission including to: (1) make a comprehensive study of the state of the art of medical and social management of epilepsy in the United States; and (2) investigate and make recommendations concerning the proper roles of Federal and State Governments and national and local public and private agencies in research, prevention, identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with epilepsy. Directs the Secretary to establish a temporary commission to be known as the Commission for the Control of Huntington's Disease and Its Consequences. Makes it the duty of the Commission to: (1) make a comprehensive study of the state of the art of medical and social management of Huntington's disease in the United States; (2) investigate and make recommendations concerning the proper roles of Federal and State Governments and national and local public and private agencies in research, prevention, identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with Huntington's disease; (3) develop a comprehensive national plan for the control of Huntington's disease and its consequences based on the most thorough, complete, and accurate data and information available on the disorder; and (4) transmit to the President and the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives, not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act a report detailing the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with recommendations for legislation and appropriations, as it deems advisable. Provides for the establishment of comprehensive hemophilia diagnostic and treatment centers and blood-separation centers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Energy Disaster Assistance Act - States that the Governor of a State may request a determination that an energy emergency or energy disaster exists in any area in his State based upon his finding that the shortage or price of energy materials is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capability of the State and local governments affected. Provides that, during any energy emergency determined in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the President or the appropriate agency head is authorized: (1) to direct the delivery of energy supplies to the affected area; (2) to allocate energy supplies among distributors thereof in the affected area and to establish priorities for allocation of energy supplies to categories of end users; (3) to establish an energy conservation program in the affected area; (4) to make emergency energy loans to individuals, families, and public or nonprofit organizations performing essential public services; and (5) to furnish technical assistance and make loans to reestablish disrupted sources of energy supplies or to establish new sources of energy supplies in the affected area. Authorizes the President or the appropriate agency head with the approval of the President: (1) by order, to direct the head of any Federal agency to terminate any contract for the procurement of energy supplies or to suspend performance under any such contract where such action is necessary in order to provide additional energy supplies in the affected area; (2) to establish price ceilings at all levels for one or more types of energy supplies; and (3) to impose compulsory energy conservation programs. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for the coverage of clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance benefits program established by title XVIII (Medicare) Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Coal Research Laboratory and Energy Research Fellowship Act - Title I: University Coal Research Laboratories - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, after consultation with the National Academy of Engineering, to designate five institutions of higher education at which university coal research laboratories will be established and operated. States that, in making designations under this Act, the Director shall consider the following criteria: (1) the institution of higher education shall be located in a State with abundant coal reserves; (2) the institution of higher education shall have experience in coal research, expertise in several areas of coal research, and currently active, outstanding programs in coal research; and (3) the institution of higher education has the capacity to establish and operate the coal laboratories to be assisted under this title. Provides that not more than one coal laboratory established pursuant to this title shall be located in a single State. Specifies information to be included in applications by institutions of higher education desiring to be designated under this title. Authorizes the Director to make grants to any designated institution of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of establishing and maintaining a coal laboratory. States that no institution of higher education may receive more than $4,000,000 for the construction of its coal research laboratory, including initially installed fixed equipment, nor may it receive more than $1,500,000 for initially installed movable equipment, nor may it receive more than $500,000 for new program startup expenses. Provides that no institution of higher education may receive more than $1,500,000 per year from the Federal Government for operating expenses. Establishes an Advisory Council on Coal Research. Stipulates that the Advisory Council shall advise the Director with respect to the general administration of this title, and furnish such additional advice as he may request. Authorizes appropriations of not to exceed $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 (including the cost of construction, equipment, and startup expenses) and $7,500,000 beginning with the fiscal year 1977 and for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1981, to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Energy Resource Graduate Fellowships - Authorizes the Director to award under the provisions of this title not to exceed one thousand five hundred fellowships for fiscal year 1976, and each of the five succeeding fiscal years. States that fellowships shall be awarded under the provisions of this title for graduate study and research in those areas of applied science and engineering that are related to the production, conservation, and utilization of fuels and energy. Provides that fellowships shall be awarded to students in programs leading to master's degrees. States that such fellowships may be awarded for graduate study and research at any institution of higher education, library, archive, or any other research center approved by the Director after consultation with the Commissoner of Education. Provides that recipients of fellowships under this title shall be: (1) persons who have been accepted by an institution of higher education for graduate study leading to an advanced degree or for a professional degree; and (2) persons who plan a career in the field of energy resources, production, or utilization. States that each person awarded a fellowship under this title shall receive a stipend of $4,000 for each academic year of study, and an additional amount of $500 for each such calendar year of study shall be paid to such person on account of each of his dependents. Authorizes appropriations of $11,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Equal Opportunity and Full Employment Act - Directs the President, with the assistance of the Council of Economic Advisors, to transmit annually a full employment and production program to the Congress. Sets forth a summary of the content to be contained in such annual report. Provides for annual Labor Reports of the President. Requires the Labor Reports to provide detailed attention on a continuing and progressively analytical basis to the changing volume and composition of the American labor supply. Renames the United States Employment Service as the United States Full Employment Service. Creates a Job Guarantee Office in the United States Full Employment Office headed by a Job Guarantee Officer whose responsibility is to provide useful and rewarding employment for any American, able and willing to work but not yet working, unable otherwise to obtain work, and applying to such office for assistance. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to carry out responsibilities under this Act upon the recommendation and approval of the local planning councils. Requires that each Job Guarantee Office in carrying out its responsibilities shall insure that among projects planned that adequate consideration be given to such individuals and groups as may face special obstacles in finding and holding useful and rewarding employment and shall provide, or have provided through the coordination of existing programs, special assistance including but not limited to counseling, training, and, where necessary, transportation and migration assistance. Provides that such individuals and groups shall include (1) those suffering from past or present discrimination or bias on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin; (2) older workers and retirees; (3) the physically or mentally handicapped; (4) youths to age 21; (5) potentially employable recipients of public assistance; (6) the inhabitants of depressed areas, urban and rural; (7) veterans of the Armed Forces; (8) people unemployed because of the relocation, closing, or reduced operations in industrial or military facilities; and (9) such other groups as the President or the Congress may designate from time to time. Directs that each Job Guarantee Office may, subject to the limitations specified in this Act, enter into agreements with public agencies and private organizations operating on a profit, nonprofit, or limited-profit basis. Requires such agreements to contain assurances that the agency or organization will: (1) provide an annual independent audit to the Job Guarantee Office; and (2) not discriminate on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, or national origin in the administration of any program encompassed within the agreement. Directs the Job Guarantee Office to: (1) refer jobseekers to the private sector and general public sector employment placement facilities of the Full Employment Service (other than as supplemented by this Act); and (2) directly refer jobseekers for placement in positions on projects drawn from the reservoir of public service and private employment projects. Provides that anyone who presents himself or herself in person at the full Employment Office shall be considered prima facie "willing and able" to work. Provides that this stipulation specifically shall include persons with impairments of sight, hearing, movement, coordination, mental retardation, or other handicaps. Directs that this stipulation be implemented by the Job Guarantee Officer, prusuant to regulations issued by the Secretary. Establishes a Standby Job Corps which shall consist of jobseekers registered pursuant to this Act. Provides that such Corps shall be available for public service work upon projects and activities that are approved as a part of community public service work reservoirs established by community boards pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary, by regulation, to provide for: (1) a requirement that jobseekers registered in the Standby Job Corps maintain a status of good standing, which status shall include attendance and performance standards; and (2) a system of compensation for Corps members. Provides that no Standby Job Corps members shall be paid less than the minimum wage in effect in the area. Directs the Joint Economic Committee to: (1) annually review the activities of the executive branch under all sections of this Act; (2) regularly conduct on its own behalf, or in cooperation with or through the facilities of the appropriate legislative committees or subcommittees of the Senate and the House, public hearings in as many labor market areas as feasible; and (3) annually report upon, with its own conclusions and recommendations, the development and administration of the policies and programs mandated by this Act. Establishes a National Institute for Full Employment within the Department of Labor, under a director to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor, and to operate in continuing consultation with a National Commission for Full Employment Policy Studies. Authorizes and directs the Institute to make, or have made through grants to or contracts with individual researchers and private or public research organizations, universities, and other Government agencies, studies that shall include, but need not be limited to, such subjects as: (1) the policies and programs needed to reduce whatever inflationary pressures may result from full employment to manage any such inflationary pressures through appropriate fiscal policies and indirect and direct controls, and to protect the weaker groups in society from whatever inflationary trends cannot be avoided or controlled; (2) the identification of human potentialities that are hidden, undeveloped, or underdeveloped because of the lack of suitable job opportunities, encouragement, education, or training and of various ways of releasing such potentialities; (3) the forms of education and training needed to help provide people with the skills, knowledge, and values required by existing employment opportunities and technologies and needed to assist in developing such new types of goods, services, technologies, and employment opportunities as may better meet human needs; and (4) the policies and programs needed to substantially eliminate substandard employment, wages, and working conditions and the techniques for establishing standards for employment, wages, and working conditions in accordance with changing levels of national output and resources, and regional variations in output. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1977, and for each succeeding fiscal year of such sums as may be needed to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that the charge to a household for its food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the level established as of January 1, 1975, or (2) 25 percent of the household's income. Provide that effective July 1, 1975, households in which all members receive supplemental security income benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program of the Social Security Act, or households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or general assistance grant shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program under this Act. States that certification of all other households shall be based on the uniform national standards for eligibility required to be established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that real property which is farmland, woodland, or open land and forms part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value as farmland, woodland, or open land (rather than at its fair market value). Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower valuation and recapture of unpaid tax with interest upon the conversion, sale, or rezoning of such property for another use.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 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 of 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 important 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; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days, 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's 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 group practice 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. Provices 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 particiaption 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 under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not dsicriminate 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 Voard 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 group practice organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits an individual practice organization sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. 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 broad and general 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 instititions 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 two years of the 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 divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and 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, 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 group practice 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. Authorizes to be appropriated under the development fund part of this Act $200,000,000 beginning the fiscal year when this Act is enacted and $400,000,000 for the succeeding fiscal year. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. 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 shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. 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 Chariman 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, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of 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 rasises 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 $15,000,000 or, if higher 150 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 of 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, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 2.5 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 Commission 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 - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. 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, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Seucrity. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consulation 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 veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President. Provides that each voter shall cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. States that the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President having the greatest number of votes shall be elected President and Vice President, if such number be at least 40 percent of the total number of votes cast. Stipulates that if, after such election, none of the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President is elected, the Congress shall assemble in special session and choose immediately, from the two pairs of persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President who received the highest numbers of votes cast in the election, one such pair by ballot. States that the Congress may by law provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice-President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Establishes in the Senate the Select Committee on Intelligence Operations and Activities, to conduct a study of the intelligence operations carried out by, under the direction or supervision of, or on behalf of the intelligence community of the Federal Government with a view to determining whether, and to what extent, illegal, improper, or unethical actions, have been engaged in by any persons, acting either individually or in combination with others, while carrying out intelligence operations or activities or while acting under the guise of carrying out such operations or activities. States that it shall be the function of the select committee to conduct an investigation with respect to the charter of the Central Intelligence Agency, including a consideration of the following matters: (1) the extent to which the statutory authority of the Central Intelligence Agency has been modified, expanded, or diminished by executive orders, by National Security Council actions, decrees, or directives, or by other means; (2) the effectiveness of the existing charter in guaranteeing individual consitutional rights and the integrity of democratic institutions, consistent with the requirements of national security; and (3) the nature and extent of any Central Intelligence Agency activities performed on behalf of, or at the request of, other Government departments, agencies, or officials. Sets forth the powers of the committee. Directs the Committee to submit an interim report of its findings within six months and a final report, together with its findings and its recommendations for any new legislation, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, but no later than February 28, 1976. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President immediately designate an individual of the highest character and integrity from outside the executive branch to serve as special prosecutor for the Government of the United States in any and all criminal investigations, indictments, and actions arising from any violations of the National Security Act of 1947 or the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 by any person acting individually or in combination with others.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides under the Standing Rules of the Senate, that if at any time a motion signed by sixteen Senators, to bring to a close the debate upon any measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate, or the unfinished business, is presented to the Senate, the Presiding Officer shall at once state the motion to the Senate, and one hour after the Senate meets on the following calendar day but one, he shall lay the motion before the Senate and direct that the Secretary call the roll, and upon the ascertainment that a quorum is present, the Presiding Officer shall, without debate, submit to the Senate by a yea-and-nay vote the question of whether it is the sense of the Senate that the debate shall be brought to a close. States that if that question be decided in the affirmative by three-fifths of the Senators present and voting, then said measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate, or the unfinished business, shall be the unfinished business to the exclusion of all other business until disposed of.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1974
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act - Provides that, for the purposes of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, there is a State "emergency on" indicator for a week if there is a State or National "emergency on" indicator for such a week. Provides, for the same purposes, that there is a State "emergency off" indicator for a week if there is both a State and National "emergency off" indicator for such week. States that, with respect to the period which begins January 1, 1975, no emergency compensation shall be payable after a specified time pursuant to the provisions of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 relating to the payment of extended compensation. Changes the rate of insured unemployment definitive of a national "on" indicator from 4.5 to 4 percent for all States. Provides that there shall be paid to the States 100 percent of the sharable extended compensation and sharable regular compensation paid to individuals under State law.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1974
Energy Disaster Assistance Act - States that the Governor of a State may request a determination that an energy emergency or energy disaster exists in any area in his State based upon his finding that the shortage or price of energy materials is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capability of the State and local governments affected. Provides that, during any energy emergency determined in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the President or the appropriate agency head is authorized: (1) to direct the delivery of energy supplies to the affected area; (2) to allocate energy supplies among distributors thereof in the affected area to establish priorities for allocation of energy supplies to categories of end users; (3) to establish an energy conservation program in the affected area; (4) to make emergency energy loans to individuals, families, and public or nonprofit organizations performing essential public services; and (5) to furnish technical assistance and make loans to reestablish disrupted sources of energy supplies or to establish new sources of energy supplies in the affected area. Authorizes the President or the appropriate agency head with the approval of the President: (1) by order, to direct the head of any Federal agency to terminate any contract for the procurement of energy supplies or to suspend performance under any such contract where such action is necessary in order to provide additional energy supplies in the affected area; (2) to establish price ceilings at all levels for one or more types of energy supplies; and (3) to impose compulsory energy conservation programs. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Extends until December 1, 1975, the time for submission of two studies (on: (1) the interrelationship of benefit programs for the elderly; and (2) the impact of taxes on the elderly), with recommendations, to the Congress by the Federal Council on Aging, as required under the Older Americans Act. (Amends P. L. 93-29).
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Provides that an individual who suffers a casualty loss as a result of a major disaster may disregard the amount of any grant or cancellation of loan under a State disaster assistance program for purposes of determining the amount of that individual's casualty loss deduction and of determining his gross income under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Extends to forty-five months (presently thirty-six) the maximum number of school months covered by veterans' educational benefits for eligible veterans and for specified dependents. ( Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661 )
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1974
Social Services Amendments - Authorizes necessary appropriations each fiscal year for payments to States for provision of social services directed toward the goal of: (1) achieving or maintaining economic self-support to prevent, reduce, or eliminate dependency; (2) preventing or remedying neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children and adults unable to protect their own interests, or preserving, rehabilitating, or reuniting families; (3) preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based care, home-based, or other forms of less intensive care, or; (4) securing referral or admission for institutional care when other forms of care are not appropriate. Requires that 50 percent of such payments to States be for provision of services to individuals who are receiving (or are eligible to receive) aid under the Aid to Needy Families with Children, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act. Prohibits payments to States for aid to individuals with incomes above specified levels. Requires that expenditure by States under this Act for child day care services be for day care services which meet the Federal interagency day care requirements as approved by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Office of Economic Opportunity. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, State expenditures under this Act for services to individuals living in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, prisons, or foster homes. Prohibits such expenditures for services to individuals eligible for Medicare aid. Requires that States participating in the programs established under this Act report annually on the results of specified evaluations and audits of their participation. Allows suspension of payments to States failing to meet requirements under this Act. Requires States to provide hearings for individuals whose claims to services under this Act are denied, to restrict disclosure of information obtained on individuals pursuant to this Act, and to refrain from imposing durational residency or citizenship requirements upon individuals as a condition to participation in programs under this Act. States that comprehensive plans must be published by States setting forth their programs under this Act which will be pursued in the ensuing year. Requires that such plan include descriptions of objectives, individuals and geographic areas to be served, descriptions of implementation procedures, estimated expenditures, and services to be rendered. Requires annual evaluations of the programs under this Act by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1974
Emergency Public Service Employment Act - Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 such sums as are necessary to carry out public service employment programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. Makes $500,000,000 available for obligation by the Secretary of Labor when the average national rate of unemployment exceeds 4 1/2 percent for three consecutive months during any 12 month period; an additional $500,000,000 if such rate exceeds 5 percent for three consecutive months in any twelve month period; another $1,000,000,000 if such rate exceeds 5 1/2 percent under the same circumstances; and an additional $2,000,000,000 if such rate exceeds 6 percent. Provides for the allocation of funds under this Act to areas in proportion to the number of unemployed persons in such areas as compared to the number of all such persons in all areas under the jurisdiction of the applicant. Authorizes the Secretary to make such reallocations as he deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1974
Interest Reduction and Credit Priority Act - Directs the President to exercise the authority conferred by the Credit Control Act to authorize the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to issue rules and regulations requiring that not less than 50 percent of the principal amount involved in extensions of credit after the date of enactment of this Act by any creditor or class of creditors shall be made for any of the following purposes: (1) the production of housing and related facilities for families of low and moderate income; (2) the provision of capital for investment in plant and equipment where necessary to assure adequate supplies of essential goods or commodities; (3) the provision of capital for investment necessary to prevent unemployment or inflationary prices; and (4) such additional purposes as the Board determines to be appropriate in order to assure stable and balanced economic growth by the most efficient use of available credit. Stipulates that in no case shall interest be charged in connection with any such transaction at a rate in excess of 7 percent per annum.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1974
Interstate Compact - Grants the consent of Congress to an amendment to the compact between the State of Ohio and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania relating to Pymatuning Lake which allows boats equipped with a motor in excess of ten horsepower to be operated on such lake if the propeller is removed and left ashore.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the well-being of the world and all of its people is gravely threatened by exorbitant or rigged foreign oil prices. States that it is further the sense of the Senate that Congress and the American people support President Ford and Secretary Kissinger in their call to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to lower the price of petroleum.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Declares that President Ford shall take all steps necessary to assure full public access to all facts connected with and relating to Watergate matters and the fruits of all investigations conducted pursuant thereto. Declares that, except in cases clearly vital to the national security interests of the United States, President Ford shall afford the American public full access to all such papers, documents, memoranda, tapes and transcripts originating at anytime during the period January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974 at the earliest practicable time and in an adequate and effective manner.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Presidential pardons not be granted to individuals accused of committing criminal offenses in connection with the Presidential campaign and election of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that executive pardons with respect to Watergate and related offenses should not be considered until the judicial process has run its full course with respect to such matters.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Schweiker, Richard S. [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000159_200.jpg)