United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to revise the framework of collective bargaining in the construction industry. Creates, in the Department of Labor, the Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Committee comprised of ten management representatives, ten labor representatives, and up to three neutral members, appointed by the President. Provides that one of the neutral members shall be appointed Chairman. Requires that the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor shall be ex officio members. Provides that the management, labor, and neutral members shall be appointed after consultation with the national organizations. Requires local labor organizations affiliated with the standard labor organizations in the industry to give 60 days notice to their national unions before the expiration or reopening of agreements, and contractors or associations engaged in collective bargaining with them are similarly required to notify either the national organizations with which they are affiliated, or the Committee directly if there is no national affiliation. Directs standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations engaged in collective bargaining to forward such notices to the Committee. Authorizes the Committee to take jurisdiction of the matter, in which case any strike or lockout is deferred for up to 30 days past the expiration or reopening date. Allows the Committee to decide to refer a matter to a national craft board or to the national machinery established by a branch of the industry, on which national unions and national contractor associations are represented, in an effort to assist the parties to reach agreement. Authorizes the Committee to elect to meet with the parties itself. Provides that the Committee may request the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations whose members are directly involved to participate in the negotiations. Directs that in that event, any new or revised collective bargaining agreement shall be approved by the standard national construction labor organization with which the local labor organization, or other subordinate body, is affiliated in order for the agreement to be of any force or effect. Prescribes that in the event the standard national labor organization or national contractor association participates in such negotiation, it shall not suffer any criminal or civil liability arising out of such participation; nor shall the standard national labor organization be subject to any civil or criminal liability arising out of its approval, or failure to approve, a collective bargaining agreement. Specifies the standards which the Committee shall take into account in taking jurisdiction of a matter and requesting the participation of the standard national labor organizations and the national contractor associations. Authorizes the Committee to make studies of collective bargaining in the industry and to make general recommendations with regard to negotiating structures, improvement of productivity, stability of employment, differentials among branches of the industry, dispute settlement procedures, and other related matters. Provides that this Act shall run for a term of five years. Directs the Committee to submit annual reports to the Congress and, six months in advance of the five-year limit, the Committee shall make recommendations with regard to the extension of the legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare should withdraw its proposed Consolidated Procedural Rules for Administration and Enforcement of the Department's statutory responsibilities. States that if additional positions are required for enforcement of Civil Rights laws such need should be brought to the attention of the Senate. Directs the Office of Civil Rights to continue to make efforts to detect systematic discrimination including those areas relating to discrimination based on sex and handicap.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Family Research Act - Authorizes a program of research to help better understand, identify and prevent pressures on families; to be carried out, under the supervision and direction of the Secretary of Agriculture, through State agricultural experiment stations and land-grant colleges of the United States and by other qualified and nonprofit agencies and organizations. Sets up procedures to be followed in making initial research grants. Provides that each land grant college submitting a research project approved by the Secretary shall be entitled to an initial grant of $100,000. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,100,000 for fiscal year 1976 and the three succeeding fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to land grant colleges after specified requirements are met. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for 1976; $12,000,000 for 1977; $14,000,000 for 1978; and $16,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 for the purpose of making supplemental grants. Requires that in order to be eligible for such grants under this Act the institutions concerned must expend, on the same general type of research for which funds are made available, an amount at least equal to the amount of funds such institution averaged spending on such type of research in the three calendar years before this Act was enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Recreational Vehicle National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to confirm that the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 provides authority for the Secretary of Transportation to issue Federal motor vehicle safety regulations and standards, and take other actions, dealing with the safety aspects of electrical, plumbing, and heating installations in recreational vehicles. Provides that such regulations under such Act shall provide for protection from the hazards of fire, explosions, electrical shock, contaminated water, or noxious fumes or gases in the living quarters of recreational vehicles. Defines recreational vehicle as meaning a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment primarily designed for highway travel and constructed to provide temporary living quarters for recreation, camping, travel, or office use; and which has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by a motor vehicle; which is of such a size and weight as not to require special highway movement permits; including a motor home, a travel trailer, a camping trailer, a fifth-wheel travel trailer, a slide-in-camper (truck camper), and a pickup cover; but not including a minibike, a snowmobile, a dunebuggy, a motorcycle, or other form of off-road or all-terrain vehicle. Requires every manufacturer of motor vehicles or tires to keep records of the name and address of the first purchaser of each motor vehicle or tire produced.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided thereunder to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1975
Requires that the Congressional Record for the Senate shall contain a verbatim account of remarks delivered on the floor of the Senate. Allows supporting data to be included. Provides that revisions of remarks in the Record shall be limited to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors. Allows, by unanimous consent, the inclusion in the Congressional Record of remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Directs that such insertions shall be printed in a typeface distinctively different from that used for verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the United States Senate of attempts to expel Israel for the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the Senate will review United States commitments to the Third World nations involved in the expulsion and will consider the implication of continued membership in the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Secuirty Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Establishes a Select Committee of the Senate on Federal Responsiveness and Accountability to study the problems of accountability and responsiveness at all levels of the Federal Government. Limits the expenses of the committee to an amount not to exceed $400,000 before February 29, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Veterans Insurance Amendments Act - Permits veterans insured under Servicemen's Group Life Insurance to choose conversion to either an individual term or whole life insurance policy or Veterans' Group Life Insurance policy upon the expiration of their Servicemen's Group Life Insurance coverage. Extends for an additional year the period in which veterans made retroactively eligible for Veterans Group Life Insurance coverage by the Veterans Insurance Act of 1974 may apply for such coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1975
Requires the continued application of the minimum nursing salary cost differential of 8 1/2 percent which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stipulates that such park is not to exceed 3,500 acres. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act - Requires the licensing of all clinical laboratories, as defined by this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue such licenses. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate licensing authority to the States, providing the Secretary determines that State standards meet or exceed Federal standards. Sets forth the standards that must be met by clinical laboratories in order to receive and maintain the license required by this Act. Provides that such standards shall be designed to assure consistently accurate laboratory procedures and service. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Clinical Laboratories. Declares that the purpose of such Office shall be to centralize the laboratory regulatory functions authorized by this Act and to assume responsibility for the laboratory component of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Creates an advisory council to advise the Office with respect to guidelines for laboratory licensing, personnel, and performance standards. Provides that no grant or reimbursement which the Secretary is authorized to make, or contract which he is authorized to award, whether to or for any health care facility, including but not limited to health maintenance organizations, hospitals, skilled nursing or intermediate care facilities, or in connection with the procurement and reimbursement for clinical laboratory services shall be entered into unless the laboratory meets the standards established by the Secretary. Provides for grants and technical assistance to those States which desire to establish State licensing procedures and regulations for development, administration, and enforcement purposes. Provides that any person who willfully violates any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder shall be subject to imprisonment for not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the National Ski Patrol System. Makes the purpose of the corporation the promotion, in all and any ways, of public safety in skiing. Provides that the principal office of the corporation shall be located in Denver, Colorado. Requires the corporation to maintain a designated agent in the District of Columbia. Provides for the membership of the corporation. Sets forth the powers and the limitations of such corporation. Prohibits corporation participation in any political activity or in any attempt to influence legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants, for programs aimed at reducing unemployment and at repairing, rehabilitating, or improving essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants for projects that involve the repair, rehabilitation or improvement of railroad roadbeds and facilities that best fulfill specified objectives. Provides that such grants shall be expended for the payment of wages. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for materials and equipment assistance, upon assurances that other financing is not available. Sets forth guidelines and procedures for grant and other financial assistance applications. Sets forth employment priorities applicable to projects financed under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $600,000,000 for the payment of wages, $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance, and $7,000,000 for administrative expenses, to remain available for obligation until December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1975
Veterans' Administration Physician Pay Comparability Act - Provides salary increases for executive medical officers of the Veterans Administration. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide special pay, in the nature of a variable incentive bonus, to any full or part-time physician employed in the Department of Medicine and Surgery in order to obtain and retain highly qualified physicians. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress annually regarding the special pay program authorized by this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, after consultation with the heads of relevant specified Federal departments and agencies, to submit a report by March 1, 1976, proposing a permanent legislative solution to the problem of attracting and retaining the services of highly qualified physicians and other health care personnel in the uniformed and nonuniformed Federal service. Authorizes the Administrator to appoint physicians' assistants and dental therapists as he finds necessary for the medical care of veterans. Authorizes the Administrator to increase the rates of pay for medical personnel to provide compensation commensurate with competitive pay practices or to meet staffing requirements in geographically remote areas.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Provides that priority for local lead elimination programs financed through the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act shall go to homes in which reside children with lead-based paint poisoning. Provides for the reduction of the amount of lead allowed in paint to 0.06 percent by weight. Authorizes appropriations for programs under such Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Childhood Lead Based Paint Poisoning Advisory Board to advise the Secretary a policy relating to the administration by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1975
Public Intervenors Assistance Act - Directs the Atomic Energy Commission to pay the legal and technical expert fees of public intervenors in nuclear power licensing proceedings. Provides that the amount paid, if any, shall be determined after consideration of the following eligibility factors: (1) the extent to which the participation of the party contributed to the development of facts, issues, and arguments relevant to the hearing or proceeding; and (2) the ability of the party to pay its own expenses. Directs the Commission to establish a maximum amount to be allocated to each hearing or agency proceeding and to apportion that amount amoung the parties seeking reimbursement of costs. Directs the Commission to determine a party's eligibility for reimbursement prior to the commencement of a hearing or proceeding, whenever possible.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1975
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Specifies the composition of the board, including: four members appointed by the President, and seven members appointed by the Librarian of Congress. Directs the Librarian to appoint a Director of the Center. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, loans and scholarships to promote and support American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years, with specified exceptions. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Librarian of Congress, for inclusion in his annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Center to carry out the provisions of this Act $167,750 for fiscal year 1976, $710,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $1,716,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1975
Revises the Federal law creating the American Revolution Bicentennial Advisory Council to expand the Council in order to include members from the New England States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act - Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation - Increases the rate of wartime disability compensation for veterans. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to adjust the rates of disability compensation for specified persons. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 314). Increases the additional compensation for dependents for those who qualify for disability compensation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 315) Increases the veterans disability clothing allowance to $175 per year. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 362) Title II: Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Increases the dependency and indemnity compensation to be paid to a widow based on the pay grade of her deceased husband. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 411) Increases the dependency and indemnity compensation to be paid to the children where there is no widow. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 413) Increases the supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation of children of a deceased veteran where such child has become disabled. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 414) Directs the Administrator to pay dependency and indemnity compensation to the widow, children, and parents of any veteran who dies after December 31, 1965, and who dies from a service connected disability, or who was receiving compensation for total service connected disability permanent in nature. Title III: Effective Date - Declares this Act to be effective as of July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Energy Independence and Conservation Act - Imposes an additional 5-cent tax on gasoline sold by the producer or importer thereof for calendar year 1975. Increases the tax 5 cents per gallon for each of calendar years 1976 and 1977, and to 17.5 cents per gallon through September 30, 1978. Provides a credit against income tax for the taxes imposed under this Act to individuals who (1) have an adjusted gross income less than one-half of the amount of the Urban Family Budget as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; or (2) are handicapped. Imposes a 50-cent-per-pound excise tax on automobiles over 3,000 pounds, increasing the rate of tax for each 500 pounds over 3,500 pounds by 50 cents per pound. Provides a formula for the mandatory reduction in foreign oil imports to be effective 90 days after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments - Authorizes to be appropriated to the Appalachian Regional Commission such sums as may be necessary for its administrative expenses. Authorizes the use of Federal highway construction funds for the Appalachian development highway system. Allows the Commission to make grants to public bodies and nonprofit entities for planning, engineering, and reasonable site acquisition or development costs. Provides that the Federal share shall not exceed 80 percent of such costs. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants and loans to Appalachian States to assist nonprofit timber development organizations and programs organized and operated for specific forestry purposes. Expands the authority of: (1) the Secretary of the Interior to rehabilitate areas damaged by deleterious mining practices; (2) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial assistance for housing construction or rehabilitation projects for low - and moderate - income families and individuals; and (3) the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide assistance for vocational education facilities and projects demonstrating areawide education planning, services, and programs. States that no assistance shall be provided under the Appalachian Regional Development Act to assist establishments in relocating or to enable plant subcontractors to undertake work previously performed in another area by other subcontractors or contractors. Provides that funds provided under such Act shall not be substituted for, but shall be in addition to, State funds provided for similar purposes. Provides that to further the Appalachian State Development Planning Process, each State member shall: (1) submit a development plan with specified aspects for the area of the State within the region; and (2) cooperate with local development districts certified by the State, including preparation and execution of areawide action programs. Increases the Federal share of and purposes for which grants may be made by the President to the Commission for administrative and management expenses incurred in carrying out the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, as amended by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Provides a five-year moratorium on application of the penalty imposed (through a reduction in the credit allowed employers against the Federal unemployment tax) by the Internal Revenue Code on States which have failed to make timely repayment of advances made to the State's unemployment account.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Materials and Energy Recovery Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) encourage waste reduction and maximum recovery of energy and materials from municipal, industrial, and other sources of solid waste, and encourage the use of recycled materials by the Federal Government to help preserve our natural resources; (2) assist States and localities in carrying out their primary responsibilities for solid waste reduction, collection, handling, recycling, and disposal; and (3) control carefully the treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes to avoid adverse effects on health and the environment. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide financial assistance to States to assist them in developing comprehensive State plans for solid waste reduction, source separation, and energy and resource recovery and to assist them in implementing such plans. Requires any solid waste management plan or program assisted under this Act to include adequate authorities and programs to achieve specified goals. Directs the Administrator to grant to each State 80 percent of the cost of a comprehensive solid waste management and energy and resource program which meets such requirement. Authorizes to be appropriated a sum not to exceed $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for purposes of making such grants. Directs the Administrator to provide: (1) management grant assistance of up to 10 percent of the estimated cost of implementation of any publically financed energy or resources recovery facility; and (2) a complete program of management and technical assistance to any regional agency to help it develop projects for: (a) improving source reduction, collection, separation, and handling of solid waste; (b) implementing energy and resource recovery or disposal systems which are technologically feasible and cost-effective; and (c) considering optimum ways to market energy and secondary materials recovered from solid waste. Authorizes to be appropriated a sum not to exceed $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for purposes of making such grants. Requires the Administrator, within one year of the passage of this Act, to promulgate standards for collection, handling, disposal, and recovery of all hazardous and other solid wastes that may cause air or water pollution or other environmental degradation. Specifies requirements for such standards. Provides, under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, that the Administrator, in carrying out the provisions of that Act, may require the operator of any disposal system for hazardous or other designated solid wastes to maintain such records and provide such information as the Administrator may request. Grants the Administrator the right of entry upon any premises in which a hazardous or other designated solid waste disposal site is located. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action against any person who is in violation of any rule, regulation or standard pertaining to solid waste disposal promulgated under this Act. Authorizes injunctive relief and fines of up to $25,000 for each day of violation if the violator fails to take corrective action after notification of the violation. Requires the Administrator, within one year of the passage of this Act and each year thereafter, to publish guidelines specifying the percentages of energy resources that can be recovered from solid waste by use of the best recovery management practices and technology that are reasonably available. Directs the Administrator to: (1) make a complete assessment of the use of energy and virgin and recycled materials in product packaging and of the environmental, social, and economic impact of such packaging; (2) establish guidelines for the packaging of products which will encourage efficient use of energy and materials with a consequent reduction in solid waste and improvement in environmental quality; and (3) publish model standards and regulations which, if implemented by States and localities, will insure use of types of packaging which best conserve energy and materials while avoiding adverse economic, social, and environmental impact. Directs the Administrator to conduct a full investigation and study of the legal and institutional problems associated with the acquisition of land for hazardous and other solid waste disposal, and for the construction of energy and resource recovery facilities. Requires a report of such study to be submitted to Congress not later than 9 months after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to establish, equip, and maintain one regional energy and resources recovery research institute at a college or university in each of the 10 standard Federal regions in the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated $750,000 for fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter for purposes of making such grants. Directs the Administrator, within one year of the enactment of this Act, to establish guidelines that encourage the procurement and use by Federal agencies of materials recovered from solid waste. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act (other than those for which specific authorizations are made) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and each of the fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lenders through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis) to assist any small business concern in affecting additions to or alterations in the equipment, facilities, or methods of operation of such concern to recover energy and resources from solid waste, if such loans will help achieve the purposes of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended. Authorizes to be appropriated to the business loan fund, established by the Small Business Act, $300,000,000 for the purpose of making such loans. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to approve municipal energy and resource recovery projects for purposes of financing pursuant to the Environmental Financing Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Disease Control Amendments Act - Extends the program of assistance for the control and prevention of communicable diseases under the Public Health Services Act to include other diseases or conditions which are determined by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to be of national significance and which are amenable to reduction through vaccination and other programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1976 for specified grant programs, including (1) vaccine preventable disease control programs, (2) rodent and lead poisoning control programs, and (3) disease control programs other than those for which appropriations are specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Amendments - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish, under the National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Act, a national program for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for projects for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States to establish and maintain adequate public health programs for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for venereal disease surveillance activities and casefinding and case followup activities respecting venereal disease.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance for programs to reduce unemployment and to repair, rehabilitate, and improve railroad roadbeds and facilities. Provides that, within 60 days after enactment, the Secretary shall make funds available to any railroad which has laid off, furloughed, or otherwise reduced the number of maintenance-of-way and signal system maintenance employees between the period from June 1, 1974, through April 15, 1975, to the extent necessary to enable such a railroad to hire and maintain until June 1, 1976, sufficient numbers of such employees at prevailing wages to restore the size of its repair and rehabilitation work force to the maximum level maintained between June 1, 1974, and April 15, 1975. Requires that such employees be utilized by the railroad for priority categories of work as specified in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary until December 31, 1976, to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to States, political subdivisions, the Appalachian Regional Commission, or Regional Action Planning Commissions for a rehabilitation program involving a facility within the categories set out in this Act. States that in reviewing the applications for financial assistance, the Secretary shall consider specified criteria, including: (1) the extent to which the proposed project meets the objectives of this Act; and (2) the severity of unemployment in the affected area and the impact that the proposed project is likely to have on that unemployment. Establishes an Advisory Commission to assist the States, political subdivisions, and regional commissions in identifying eligible roadbeds and facilities and in formulating and submitting appropriate grant applications. Sets forth objectives and priority categories and eligibility requirements by grants. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to be expended solely for the acquisition of materials or equipment necessary or appropriate for implementing or carrying out a repair, rehabilitation, or improvement program or project receiving or approved to receive Federal financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Directs that no contract or agreement for the performance of work receiving Federal financial assistance shall be entered into under this Act without assurances that required labor standards shall be maintained in the performance of such work. Requires that all laborers and mechanics employed by railroads, contractors, and subcontractors in the performance of work done with the aid of such financial assistance shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar work in the locality, as determined in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to the extent necessary to administer the provisions of this Act. Requires that each recipient of assistance under this Act, directly or indirectly, regardless of form, shall maintain such records as the Secretary shall prescribe. States that the Secretary may conduct cost and benefit assessment studies of various programs under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $600,000,000 for the purposes of this Act, of which not more than $7,000,000 shall be available to the Secretary for administrative expenses in implementing this Act, such sums to remain available until expended. Authorizes the appropriation of an addition $100,000,000 for materials and equipment assistance as provided by this Act, such sums to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Provides that veterans' pension and compensation will not be reduced as a result of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66 or any subsequent cost-of-living adjustment under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Emergency Special Public Service Employment and Railroad Improvement Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide, under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, transitional job opportunities and related training for unemployed and underemployed persons and to stimulate and expedite repair and rehabilitation of the Nation's rail transportation network. Authorizes appropriations of $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into arrangements with eligible applicants in order to make financial assistance available for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed and underemployed persons in transitional jobs for improvement of railway lines and facilities, and training and manpower services related to such employment. Requires that preference be given to unemployed persons who are either ineligible for or have exhausted their unemployment insurance benefits. Sets forth provisions governing approval of applications for assistance under the provisions of this Act. Limits the average Federal financial assistance for each public service job to $10,000 per year. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds on an equitable basis, taking into account the severity of unemployment in particular areas and the recommendations of the Secretary of Transportation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to certify to the Secretary particular railroad lines and facilities which are in special need of maintenance, upgrading, or improvement and which can be substantially completed within twelve months after financial assistance is made available. Limits the Federal share of programs funded under this Act to 70 percent. Requires any State or local or regional transportation authority receiving financial assistance under this Act to contribute at least 30 percent of the cost of the program for which Federal assistance is provided. Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to execute an agreement with the eligible applicant which will describe the work to be done, the timetable, and which will provide a mechanism for insuring that the National Railroad Passenger Corporation will receive a reasonable portion of the benefit of the value added to the rail lines or facilities involved.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1975
Provides, under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, that the sale of competitive food in food service facilities during the time of service of food under such Act or the National School Lunch Act may be prohibited even though proceeds from such sales will inure to the benefit of the schools. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make cash grants to the education department of each State for the purpose of providing funds to local school districts and private nonprofit school systems for the establishment of courses in nutrition education. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as the Congress considers necessary to carry out such purpose. Allows the Secretary to distribute funds directly to the school systems when the State education agency is unable to do so. Directs the Secretary to withhold not less than one percent of such funds in order to carry out research and development projects in nutritional information.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Sets forth the definition of "mine" under this Act. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standards Amendments - Revises title I of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. Establishes the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of this Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Provides that the Secretary may by rule promulgate, modify, or revoke any health and safety standard. Provides that the Secretary may request the recommendations of an advisory committee whenever he determines that a rule should be promulgated. Sets forth the time period for the reporting of any recommendations by the Committee. Prescribes procedures for publication and public hearings with respect to any rule proposed by the Secretary prior to its issuance. Requires the Secretary, in promulgating standards, to set the standard which assures miners will not suffer impairment of health, functional capacity, or diminished life expectancy even if regularly exposed to hazards throughout their working lives. Directs the Secretary to consider (1) the latest available scientific data in the field; (2) the feasibility of the standards; and (3) experience gained under this and other health and safety statutes. Provides that any standard promulgated must prescribe the use of labels or other warnings necessary to ensure that miners are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure. Sets forth additional factors which must be prescribed in specified instances. Requires that no safety or health standard promulgated under this Act shall reduce the protection afforded miners below that provided by any safety or health standard previously in effect. States that where the Secretary determines that miners are potentially subjected to physical or mental impairment from exposure to toxic substances, he may promulgate an emergency standard. Sets forth the procedures for promulgation of such emergency standard. Allows operators to apply to the Secretary for a temporary order permitting limited non- compliance with a standard. Specifies the circumstances under which such order shall be originally granted and renewed. Allows an operator to apply for a variance from a standard. Permits persons adversely affected by a standard to challenge its validity, within 60 days of its promulgation, in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Empowers the Secretary to appoint advisory committees to assist and advise him. Sets forth the composition and compensation of the members of any such committee. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act, and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. States that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Sets forth rules regarding the maintenance of records by operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and all accidents, except specified roof falls. Provides that if any miner or their representative believes that a standard violation exists that threatens physical harm or that an imminent danger exists, he may request an inspection by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide a minimum of one spot inspection of all or part of a mine during every five working days at irregular intervals, if the mine contains some especially hazardous conditions. Provides that if, upon inspection or investigation, the Secretary or his representative believes an operator has violated any standard, he shall issue a citation to the operator, describing the nature of the violation, and fixing a reasonable time for the violation's abatement. Prescribes rules governing (1) gross violations of standards; (2) follow-up inspections; and (3) withdrawal from the area of unabated violations of all but specified personnel. Requires the Secretary to notify, within a reasonable time, an operator issued a citation of any penalty to be assessed, and that the operator has 15 working days to notify the Secretary that he wishes to contest the citation or proposed penalty. Prohibits discharging, discriminating against, or interfering with the exercise of statutory rights by any mine employee or applicant for employment because he filed a complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act or testified or is about to testify for himself or others. Provides that if an operator notifies the Secretary that he intends to contest a citation, the Secretary shall immediately advise the Commission, which must then provide an opportunity for a hearing and issue an order affirming, modifying, or vacating the Secretary's order. Permits any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order of the Commission to obtain review of such order in any appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals and specifies the procedures to be followed after a petition for review is filed. Provides procedures for counteracting dangerous conditions, including: (1) issuance of withdrawal orders barring all except specified persons from an area, and (2) issuance of notices where less than imminent dangers exist and an investigation is being conducted into such conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to institute civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, in any appropriate United States district court whenever an operator or his agent: (1) violates or does not comply with any order or decision issued under this Act; (2) hinders the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or their representatives in carrying out the provisions of this Act; (3) refuses to admit such representatives to the mine; (4) refuses to permit the inspection of the mine, or the investigation of an accident or occupational disease related to such mine; (5) refuses to furnish any information or report requested in furtherance of this Act's provisions; or (6) refuses to permit access to and copying of such records as are necessary in carrying out provisions of this Act. Imposes penalties for violation of this Act. Provides that if a mine is closed by an order issued under this Act, all miners working during the shift when the order was issued who are idled shall be entitled to full compensation at their regular rates of pay for the period they are idled, but not more than the balance of the shift. Authorizes the Secretary to administer this Act through the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Authorizes the appropriation of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Relationship to Occupational Safety and Health Program - Provides that nothing in this Act applies the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1972 to the working conditions in the mines. Increases the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission from three to five members appointed by the President with the Senate's consent. Sets forth the duties and procedure for operation of the Commission. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules of procedures for its review of decisions in cases under this Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which shall meet specified standards. Authorizes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research related to the development of safety and health standards under this Act. Provides that the Secretary, in carrying out his functions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, shall include accurate statistics on the work injuries and illnesses occurring in the mines. States that nothing in this Act prohibits the application of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to sand and gravel mines. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Federal Metallic and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966 to the Secretary of Labor, except those expressly transferred to the Commission by this Act. Provides that the mandatory and advisory standards relating to mines which are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act shall remain in effect as mandatory standards under title I of this Act until the Secretary issues new or revised standards. Establishes in the Labor Department a Mine Administration for Safety and Health to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, with the Senate's advice and consent. Provides that research activities relating to mine health will be carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Secretary's research activities relating to safety are extended to all mines now covered by this Act. Extends to all mines covered by this Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare's authorization to conduct studies and research involving the protection of life and prevention of diseases relating to certain non-miners who work with or around mine products. Provides that any State law or regulation providing for health and safety standards applicable to any mine now covered by this Act and that (1) is more stringent than Federal law, or (2) applies to any area not covered by Federal law, shall not be held to be in conflict with this Act. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Open Communications Act - States that each agency official of the Federal Government shall prepare a record of communications maintained for summary disclosure for each oral or written communication initiated by persons outside the agency during the pre-adjudicative stages of an agency proceeding or pertaining to a substantive policy matter before the agency, except any such communication from informants or members of the working press. Provides for public filing of such communications within 5 days of receipt. Provides criminal penalties for officials of agencies who violate the filing requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Drug Utilization Improvement Act - Title I: National Center for Clinical Pharmacology - Establishes, under the Public Health Service Act and within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Center for Clinical Pharmacology to provide support in the nature of grants for the study of clinical pharmacology. Enumerates the nature and general provisions of such grants. Provides for the collection of data regarding drug experiences and adverse drug reactions. Directs a study to be conducted on the inappropriate prescribing of drugs and on whether controls are needed for such inappropriate prescribing. Requires all organizations receiving assistance under this Act to review the prescribing and administering of all drugs in the course of delivery of health care. Authorizes to be appropriated $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $9,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for grants and projects. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the collection of data regarding drug experience. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the study of inappropriate prescription of drugs. Title II: Promotional Practices - Prohibits the transfer of any gift, product, premium, prize, or other thing of value, to any individual if the purpose of such transfer is to influence the prescribing, administering, or dispensing of such drug. Prohibits the transfer of any free drug, including any sample, to any individual by any person engaged in manufacturing except pursuant to a written request of a practitioner licensed by law to prescribe and administer such drugs. Prohibits the inspection of any written prescription or evidence of any oral prescription without the express consent of the prescribing physician and of the individual for whom the prescription was given. Prohibits the use by any person of any information contained in such files for any purpose. Requires that information regarding the price at which such drug is available to various classes of purchasers be included in advertisements concerning such drug. Prohibits the Secretary from exempting any advertisement with respect to specified required information. Prohibits anyone engaged in the manufacture or distribution of any drug to promote its use to any individual engaged in the delivery of health care unless certified by the Secretary under this Act. Directs every person engaged in the manufacture or distribution of any drug to register with the Secretary a list of employees, agents, or other representatives engaged in the promotion of any drug. Directs the Secretary to appoint at least one advisory committee to advise him in the certification of programs. Title III: Drug Quality - Requires the Secretary to establish requirements for proof of therapeutic equivalence to assure reasonably uniform therapeutic performance among chemically equivalent drug formulations for each drug or class of drugs subject to this Act. Revises the standard for determining whether or not a drug or device shall be deemed to be adulterated to require that such drug conform to current good manufacturing practice as determined by regulations of the Secretary, and to require that its label bear the date beyond which the drug should not be used. Empowers the Secretary to provide for batch by batch certification of drugs, whenever the protection of the public health cannot be adequately assured without such certification. Requires any person subject to registration to establish and maintain such records and make such reports to the Secretary as the Secretary may by regulation require to assist him in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Title IV: National Drug Compendium - Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a drug compendium which shall list all drugs requiring prescription that are lawfully available in the United States. States that such drugs shall be arranged by the therapeutic classification. Requires the Secretary to include in such compendium the proprietary names or designations under which a drug is listed in the compendium. Establishes in the Department an advisory committee consisting of persons qualified in pharmacology, safety, efficacy, and relative therapeutic value of drugs, appointed by the Secretary, to advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to the compendium. Empowers the Secretary in order to prepare the compendium to obtain from any person in drug commerce any information available for such compendium, and to require such persons to establish and maintain such records, and permit access to such records as the Secretary by regulation may require. Grants the district courts of the United States jurisdiction to issue orders requiring compliance with a Secretary's order, and to punish as contempt the failure to obey such order. Title V: Consumer Drug Information - Requires that drugs subject to the Act bear a label containing the established name, and in the case of a drug fabricated from two or more active ingredients, a list of the active ingredients of such drug by their established name. Directs the Secretary to establish by regulation a uniform code of symbols representing: (1) manufacturer; (2) the identity of the drug; (3) the identity of the final packager of the drug; (4) the dosage form and strength of the drug; and (5) the number of drug units. Declares a drug to be misbranded whose label does not contain such code. Prohibits the doing of any act which causes a drug to be misbranded, and permits any drug that is misbranded to be proceeded against on libel of information. Requires every person who owns or operates a pharmacy or other establishment subject to applicable local law, and which regularly dispenses drugs upon prescription of practitioners, to display a list of those drugs most frequently sold in the area, the professional services associated with the dispensing of such drugs, and the charges of such pharmacy to the public for such services.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Extends through fiscal year 1976 the program of financial assistance to States, under the Education of the Handicapped Act, for initiating, expanding, and improving programs and projects for the education of handicapped children at preschool, elementary, and secondary school levels.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accredition of education institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and for education institutions conducting programs for the training of medical and dental practitioners, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Provides that the Secretary shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists, and such other advice and assistance as he deems necessary. Provides that State and local governments shall be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to potentially hazardous radiation from all sources. Provides for procedures for the adoption of such standards by the States. Provides that the Secretary may make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the purposes of this Act. Declares it to be unlawful to conduct activities contrary to this Act. Provides that any violation of this Act by an individual applying radiaiton to human beings for diagnositc or therapeutic purposes shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more $1,000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Telecommunications Facilities and Demonstration Act - States that the purposes of this Act are: (1) to assist (through matching grants) in the construction of noncommercial educational television or radio broadcasting facilities; (2) to demonstrate (through grants or contracts) the use of telecommunications technologies for the distribution and dissemination of health, education, and other social service information; and (3) to promote the development of nonbroadcast telecommunications facilities and services for the transmission, distribution, and delivery of health, education, and social service information. Authorizes appropriations of $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for the four succeeding fiscal years, for the payment of grants for the above purposes upon approval of applications submitted to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to acquire lands and establish a national cemetery in the State of Vermont. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary sums to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1975
Student Loan Amendments - Provides for the elimination of the defense of infancy with respect to non-payment of federally insured student loans made pursuant to the Higher Education Act of 1965. Authorizes students who have elected to repay student loans in less than 5 years to, at any time prior to completion of repayment, extend the repayment period to 5 years. Provides for a minimum annual payment of $360 for married couples both of whom have loans outstanding. Provides that lenders may be paid interest on the aggregate amount of multiple disbursements to a student from the time the first disbursement is made for the particular period of enrollment. Mandates the availability to eligible educational institutions of the latest known address of the student borrower. Provides that defaulting students shall be ineligible for future student assistance. Eliminates proprietary institutions as eligible lenders under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides that educational loans be dischargeable in bankruptcy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Lister Hill Scholarship Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for additional medical scholarships to be known as Lister Hill Scholarships for award to those who agree to practice family medicine in depressed urban or rural areas. Authorizes appropriations for such scholarships.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Increases the aggregate gross compensation which may be paid to employees in the office of a Senator. States that such aggregate compensation shall range from $417,298 in the office of a Senator representing a State with fewer than 2,000,000 population to $792,980 in the office of a Senator representing a State with a population of 17,000,000 or more. Permits such funds to be used to purchase or lease mechanical office equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Developmentally Disabled Assistance Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares the purpose of the Act to be improvement of services to persons with developmental disabilities through grants, training programs, and other activities. Establishes the Federal share of any project under title II to be 70 percent. Establishes the Federal share under title III to be 70 percent for fiscal year 1975, 60 percent for fiscal year 1976, and 50 percent for fiscal year 1977. Requires each recipient of a grant or contract under this Act to fully disclose any necessary information needed for an effective audit by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or the Comptroller General. Title II: Demonstration and Training Grants for University - Affiliated Facilities - Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1975 and each of the two succeeding fiscal years $4,250,000 for the purpose of making grants for developmental disability facilities. Permits the Secretary to make such grants to cover costs of administering interdisciplinary training programs and other demonstration training programs for personnel who are serving persons with developmental disabilities. Requires that applicants for grants be a college or university, or a public or nonprofit private agency or organization operating a developmental disability facitity. Title III: Grants for Planning, Provisions Of Services, and Construction and Operation of Facilities for Persons with Developmental Disabilities - Authorizes to be appropriated $30,875,000 for fiscal year 1975 for the purpose of making grants under this title. Stipulates that such sums appropriated pursuant to this title be allotted to the several States on the basis of: (1) population, (2) the extent of need for services and facilities and (3) the financial need of the respective States. Permits States to divide such sums allotted between various State agencies, or to combine such sums with those allotted to other States in futhering the purposes of this title. Directs the Secretary to administer the grants under this title in accordance with policies used generally within the Department. Continues the National Advisory Council on Services and Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled. Requires the Secretary to appoint twenty members to the Council, none of which may be in the regular full-time employ of the United States. Sets the term of office at four years. Makes it the duty of the Council to advise the Secretary with respect to evaluation of programs authorized by this Act. Requires States in each year in which an application is made to participate in the programs under this Act to submit a plan setting forth the goals of its developmental disabilities program. Requires such State plan, in order to be approved by the Secretary, to set forth: (1) a provision for a State planning council which will submit all reports to the Secretary, and the State agency or agencies which will have the responsibility of administering the State plan, (2) the quality and scope of the services being provided or to be provided, (3) how funds allotted will augment services now available, (4) policies and procedure for expenditure of funds under the plan, (5) the stipulation that services and facilities furnished will be in accordance with standards prescribed by regulations of the Secretary, (6) the provision that special financial and technical assistance shall be given to areas of urban or rural poverty, (7) the maximum amount of the State allotment which is devoted to construction, or renovation, (8) a provision for an opportunity for hearing before the State agency to every applicant for a construction project and (9) any such additional information as the Secretary may determine to be necessary. Prohibits the Secretary from disapproving any State plan unless he provides to the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Permits the Secretary to withhold any payments for any project under this Act after determining that any such State agency is not complying with any pertinent requirements or is not providing enough funds. Directs the Secretary to prescribe general regulations applicable to all States for purposes of carrying out this Act. Requires the Secretary with the National Council to develop by February 1, 1977, a system for evaluation of services provided to persons with developmental disabilities, and a time phased plan which will specify a minimal evaluation system to be implemented by all States. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the evaluation system design by February 1, 1977. Authorizes to be appropriated $18,500,000 for the fiscal year 1975 and the two succeeding fiscal years to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies for the payment of part or all of the cost of special projects and demonstrations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Increases the value of exemptions for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
![Official portrait of Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000776_200.jpg)