United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President submit to the Congress a plan for: (1) maintaining close watch over investigations of nursing home abuses; (2) reporting to local, State and Federal law enforcement and health care officials on possible linkages between scandals or problems in or among the States or localities; and (3) developing better care and cost controls. Establishes a mulitagency task force to implement the plan and to report regularly to the Congress upon its progress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Establishes a temporary select committee of the Senate comprised of 12 members to conduct a thorough study of the Senate committee system. Provides the committee with the powers necessary to carry out the study. Authorizes the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $900,000. Requests the select committee to submit interim reports and a final report with recommendations by February 28, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
National Biomedical Heart, Lung, Blood, Blood Vessel, and Research Training Act - Title I: National Heart and Lung Institute - Directs the Director of the Institute to prepare in consultation with the National Heart and Lung Advisory Council and submit to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for transmittal to the President and the Congress simultaneously an annual report on the activities, progress, and accomplishments under the National Heart, Blood Vessel, Lung and Blood Disease program during the preceding year and a plan for the next five years, including projections of the staff required and recommendations for appropriations. Redesignates the Assistant Director for Health Information Programs as the Assistant Director for Prevention and Education. Authorizes $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, for heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood disease prevention and control programs. Authorizes cardiovascular, lung, and blood disease prevention programs to be carried out in chronic lung disease research and demonstration centers. Limits payments under the Act to heart, blood vessel, lung and blood disease centers to $5,000,000 for any year. Authorizes the Advisory Council to approve areas or research in heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases to be supported by the awarding of contracts and approve the percentage of the budget of the Institute which may be expended for such contracts. Excludes indirect costs in determining the maximum amount of research and training grant authorized by the National Heart and Lung Act. Authorizes $475,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for carrying out the programs of such Act. Title II: National Research Service Awards - Authorizes the awarding of National Research Awards for biomedical and behavioral research at Federal institutions. Authorizes $207,947,000 for the National Research Service Awards program for fiscal years 1975 and 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Title I: Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Checks - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish procedures for expedited payment of monthly benefits. Requires the Secretary, within one day after the date an individual files for late payment of benefits, to cause such monthly insurance benefits to be paid. Title II: Expediting of Hearings and Determination - States that in administration of the programs established by titles II, (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) XVI, (Grants to States for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled), and XVIII (Medicare) 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 will be held within a reasonable period of time after 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, 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 full in favor of such individual. Title III: Expedited Payment of Black Lung Benefits; and Expedited Hearings and Determinations Respecting Such Benefits - Provides for expedited payments of black lung benefits under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting hearings and determinations on claims for such benefits. Title IV: Limitation of Benefit Reduction to Compensate for Benefit Overpayment - Limits to 25 percent the reduction that may be made in an individual's Social Security benefit check for any month because of any previous overpayment of monthly benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1975
Expresses the sense of the Senate that discrimination in international commerce against individuals or institutions on religious, racial or ethnic grounds should not be tolerated. Urges action to be taken to end such discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Occupational Safety and Health Amendments - Requires the Secretary of Labor to compile and publish a report of the classes of violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 most often occurring in specified periods, classified by industry and occupation. Provides for the furnishing of copies of such report without charge to any trade association or labor organization. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to conduct initial onsite inspections and investigations under such Act to facilitate compliance with the provisions of such Act, without the requirement for the setting of a penalty for any infractions discovered thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act - Directs the Administrator of General Services to (1) acquire and utilize space in suitable buildings of historic or architectural significance, (2) give preference to the purchase and use of space in other existing buildings, (3) encourage the location of commercial, cultural, educational, and recreational facilities and activities within or near public buildings, (4) provide facilities which encourage pedestrian traffic around, into, and through public buildings, and (5) encourage the public use of public buildings. Requires that whenever the Administrator undertakes a survey of the public buildings needs of the Federal Government within a geographical area, he shall contract with the Chairman of the National Trust for Historic Preservation to identify any existing buildings within such geographical areas which are of architectural or historical interest and which would be suitable, whether or not in need of repair, alteration, or addition, for acquisition or purchase to meet the public buildings needs of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1975
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments - Provides that the prohibition in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 shall be limited to individuals who are forty years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Revises the provisions of title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act by increasing the increment in old-age benefits payable to individuals who delay their retirement beyond age 65.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Japan-United States Friendship Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide for the use of part of the sums to be paid by Japan to the United States in connection with the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese administration in order to enhance the understanding and support of the close friendship and mutuality of interest between our two nations. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Japan-United States Friendship Trust Fund. Requires such amounts in the fund to be used for the promotion of scholarly, cultural, and artistic activities between Japan and the United States. Provides that amounts in the fund may also be used to pay administrative expenses of the Japan-United States Friendship Commission. Establishes such Commission and authorizes it to develop and carry out programs for the promotion of scholarly, cultural and artistic activities by Japan and the United States, and to make grants to carry out such programs. Makes administrative provisions to enable the Commission to carry out its functions under this Act. States that the Japan-United States Friendship Trust Fund shall consist of: (1) 10 percent of the funds paid to the United States pursuant to the agreement between Japan and the United States concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands; (2) any other amounts received by the fund by way of gifts and donations; and (3) interest and proceeds credited to it from portions of the fund invested by the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides that such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1975
Authorizes the payment of educational assistance benefits to disabled veterans who served for a period of less than 18 months of active duty, and who received a medical discharge because of service-connected disabilities. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661(a))
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1975
Open Government Act - Requires each lobbyist to file a notice of representation with the Federal Election Commission not later than fifteen days after becoming a lobbyist. States that the notice of representation shall be in such form and contain such information as the Commission shall prescribe, including: (1) an identification of the lobbyist; (2) an identification, so far as practicable of each person on whose behalf the lobbyist expects to perform services as a lobbyist; (3) a description of the financial terms and conditions, including contingent fee arrangements or other conditions, under which the lobbyist is employed or retained by any person, and the identification of that person; (4) each aspect of the policymaking process which the lobbyist expects to seek to influence, including any committee, department, or agency, or any Federal officer or employee, to whom a communication is to be made, the form of communication is to be used, and whether the communication is to be for or against a particular measure or action; and (5) an identification of each person who, as of the date filing, is expected to be acting for such lobbyist and to be engaged in lobbying. Requires each lobbyist to maintain such financial and other records of lobbying activity as the Commission shall prescribe. Provides that such records shall be preserved for a period of not less than two years after the date of the activity. Requires that such records shall be available to the Commission for inspection and shall include the following information: (1) the total income received by the lobbyist, and the amount of such income attributable to lobbying; (2) the identification of each person from whom income for lobbying is received and the amount received. Requires each lobbyist, not later than fifteen days after the last day of a quarterly filing period in which such lobbyist engaged in lobbying, to file a report with the Commission covering the lobbyist's activities during that period. Provides for the content of such reports. Grants powers to the Federal Election Commission. Provides that the Commission has the power for the purposes of this Act: (1) to require, by special or general orders, any person to submit in writing such reports, records, and answers to questions as the Commission may prescribe relating to the execution of its duties; and such submission shall be made within such a reasonable period of time and under oath or otherwise as the Commission may determine; (2) to administer oaths or affirmations; and (3) to require by subpena, signed by the chairman or the vice chairman, the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all documentary evidence relating to the execution of its duties. Sets forth the duties of the Commission under this Act. Provides that any lobbyist who fails to comply with the notice and record-keeping requirements of this Act shall be fined not more than $1,000 and be required to fully comply, retroactively or otherwise, with such requirements. Provides that any lobbyist who knowingly and willfully violates such requirements of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than two years. Provides that any person who knowingly and willfully falsifies all or part of any notice of representation or report which he files with the Commission under this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both. Directs the Commission to transmit reports to the President of the United States and to each House of the Congress no later than March 31 of each year. Requires that each such report shall contain a detailed statement with respect to the activities of the Commission in carrying out its duties under this Act, together with recommendations for such legislative or other action as the Commission considers appropriate. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1975
Increases from thirteen to twenty-six the maximum number of weeks for which an individual may receive emergency compensation under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. Requires that amounts established by States for individuals in emergency compensation accounts must equal the lesser of (1) 100 percent (presently 50 percent of the total amount of regular compensation payable to the individual with respect to the benefit year on the basis of which he most recently received regular compensation, or (2) 26 times (presently 13 times) his average weekly benefit amount for his benefit year. (Amends U.S.C. 3304m.)
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Highway Trust Fund Extension Act - Extends from October 1, 1977, to October 1, 1980, the Highway Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to consult with the Secretary of the Treasury to consult with the Secretary of Transportation (rather than the Secretary of Commerce) prior to his annual report to the Congress on the financial condition of the Highway Trust Fund. Extends until July 1, 1981, the requirement that gasoline taxes for specified nonhighway uses be transferred from the land and Water Conservation Fund to the general fund of the Treasury. Postpones the reduction of specified excise taxes relating to motor vehicles and gasoline from October 1, 1977, to October 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Provides for a separate agency within the Department of Labor to be known as the Veterans' Employment Service. Sets forth the duties of such service. Authorizes the appointment of an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
Federal-Aid Highway Act - Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of expediting the construction, reconstruction, or improvement, inclusive of necessary bridges and tunnels, of the Interstate System, including extensions thereof through urban areas, the additional sum of $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, the additional sum of $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and the additional sum of $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the highway provisions of Federal law the following sums: (1) for the Federal-aid system outside urban areas, the Federal-aid secondary system, the priority primary system outside urban areas, and economic growth center development highways outside urban areas, $1,200,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $1,200,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and (2) for the Federal-aid urban system, the extensions of the Federal-aid primary system in urban areas, the priority primary system inside urban areas, and the special urban high density traffic program, $1,200,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $1,200,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $1,200,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Stipulates that for each of the fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, no State shall receive less than one-half of 1 percent of the total apportionment for the Interstate System. Authorizes to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund for such purposes sums not to exceed $200,000,000 for each of fiscal year 1979. Stipulates that no more than 5 percent of the funds apportioned to a State shall be available for maintenance activities on routes on the Interstate System. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of enabling the States to replace unsafe and important bridges $100,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979. Extends from June 30, 1974, to September 30, 1976, the date by which shall identify projects on all public roads in such State, including projects to eliminate roadside obstacles, to correct high-hazard locations, to eliminate hazards at railroad-highway grade crossings, and to improve highway marking and signing. Authorizes to be appropriated for such projects $200,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the State highway departments, to undertake a program of research and demonstration into the most effective and economical methods, inducements, and equipment to prevent the discarding of litter and for the removal of such litter under varying roadside conditions with highway rights-of-way. Authorizes to be appropriated for such program $1,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Emergency Unemployment Health Benefits Act - Includes a new title under the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Health Benefits Act establishing an emergency health benefits program for the unemployed. Declares all unemployed individuals who: (1) are entitled to receive State or Federal unemployment benefits and; (2) would, if their employment had not been discontinued, be covered under an employer-sponsored health insurance plan to be eligible for health insurance benefits of the type provided by their previous employer. Extends such benefits to the dependent spouse and the dependent children of such eligible individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into arrangements with carriers and State agencies to carry out this Act. Stipulates that no health insurance benefits may be provided under this Act after June 30, 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Provides, under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, for the payment of subsidies of operating expenses for mass transportation projects located in areas other than urbanized areas. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States and private mass transportation operators to provide fellowships for training of personnel employed in the urban mass transportation fields. Declares it to be the national policy that elderly and handicapped persons have the same right as other persons to utilize mass transportation facilities and services. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to insure that any project receiving Federal financial assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 have facilitaties accessible to elderly and handicapped persons. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Council on Accessibility of Mass Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to States and local public bodies for the specific purpose of providing mass transporation services to meet the special needs of elderly and handicapped persons. Allows the Secretary to convert equipment and facilities loans made pursuant to the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and the Housing Amendments of 1955, to grants, under conditions stipulated, to mass transportation projects. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on or before February 1, l976, a detailed estimate of the cost of grants to be made for providing public mass transportation service for each fiscal year from 1977 to 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Returnable Beverage Container Act - Provides that no person shall manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce in interstate commerce any beverage container other than a returnable beverage container. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish such regulations as are necessary for the purpose of this Act. Sets forth penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months imprisonment for violation of provisions of this Act. Directs that the provisions of this Act shall be applicable, one year after passage, to metal cans with attached opening devices and to all other nonreturnable containers three years after passage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Emergency Public Service Employment Extension Act - Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the emergency jobs program under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Child and Family Service Act - Title I: Child and Family Service Programs - Provides that the Secretary shall take all necessary action to coordinate child and family service programs under his jurisdiction and that, to this end, he shall establish and maintain within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Child and Family Services administered by a Director appointed by the President with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that such office shall assume the responsibility of the Office of Child Development and shall be the principal agency of the Department for the administration of this Act. Establishes a Child and Family Services Coordinating Council, consisting of the Director of the Office of Child and Family Services (who shall serve as chairperson), and representatives from the Federal agencies administering the Social Security Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and from the appropriate Federal agencies. Requires the Department of Labor, and other appropriate agencies, to meet on a regular basis, as they may deem necessary, in order to assure coordination of child and family service activities under their respective jurisdictions so as to assure maximum use of available resources through the prevention of duplication of activities; and to structure the activities related to the purposes of this Act. States that funds available for this title may be used (in accordance with approved applications and plans) for planning and developing child and family service programs; establishing, maintaining, and operating child and family service programs, which may include: (1) part-day or full-day child care programs, which provide educational, health, nutritional, and social services directed toward enabling participating children to attain their maximum potential; (2) other health, social, recreational, and educational programs designed to meet the special needs of children and families including before- and after- school and summer programs; (3) social services to help families determine the appropriateness of child and family services and the possibility of alternative plans; (4) prenatal, post partum and other medical care, including services to expectant mothers who cannot afford such services, designed to help reduce handicapping conditions among the newborn; (5) programs designed to meet the special needs of ethnic groups and to meet the needs of all children to understand the history and cultural backgrounds of ethnic groups and the role of members of such groups in the history and cultural development of the Nation and the region in which they reside; (6) food and nutritional services; (7) diagnosis, identification, and treatment, and special activities designed to ameliorate physiological, mental, psychological, and emotional barriers to full participation in child and family service programs; (8) programs designed to extend child and family service gains (particularly parent participation) into the kindergarten and early primary grades, in cooperation with local educational agencies; (9) other such services and activities as the Secretary deems appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this Act; (10) rental, lease or lease-purchase, mortgage amortization payments, renovation, acquisition and maintenance of necessary equipment and supplies, and to the extent authorized by this Act, construction or acquisition of facilities, including mobile facilities; (11) preservice and inservice education and training for professional and paraprofessional personnel, including parents and volunteers, especially education and training for career development and advancement; (12) staff and other administrative expenses of child and family service councils and of project policy committees established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and (13) dissemination of information in the functional language of those to be served to assure that parents are well informed of child and family service programs available to them and may participate in such programs. Provides that a State, locality, or combination of localities may be designated by the Secretary as a prime sponsor for the purpose of entering into arrangements to carry out programs under this title. Enumerates the requirements which must be met by States and localities submitting prime sponsorship applications. States that each prime sponsor shall establish and maintain a Child and Family Service Council of specified composition. States that such Council shall be responsible for approving child and family service plans, basic goal, policies, procedures, overall budget policies and project funding, and the selection or establishment and annual renewal of an administering agency or agencies and will be responsible for annual and ongoing evaluation of child and family service programs according to criteria established by the Secretary. States that financial assistance under this title may be provided by the Secretary for fiscal year 1976 and any subsequent fiscal year to a prime sponsor only pursuant to a child and family service plan which is submitted by such prime sponsor and approved by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this title. Specifies the elements to be contained in such plans, and the procedure including opportunity for airing of views with respect to such plan, for approval or disapproval of the plan. States that funds may be provided by the prime sponsor for carrying out any program under such prime sponsor's comprehensive child and family service plan only to a qualified public or private agency or organization, including but not limited to an educational agency or institution, a community action agency, single-purpose Headstart agency, community development corporation, parent cooperative, organization of migrant agricultural workers, organization of Indians, organization interested in child care, employer or business organization, labor union, or employee or labor management organization, or by any other public or private agency whose project application is approved by the Child and Family Service Council of the prime sponsorship. Provides for special grants to States for necessary expenses incident to the operation of programs authorized by this Act in such States, and, in addition to the conditions which must be met for such grants, requires that grants for construction or acquisition of facilities may be made only if such construction or acquisition is essential to the provision of adequate child care services. Title II: Standards, Enforcement, And Evaluations - Provides that, within six months after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate a common set of program standards which shall be applicable to all programs providing child care services under this or any other Federal Act, to be known as the Federal Standards for Child Care. Provides that the Secretary shall, within sixty days of the enactment of this Act, appoint a Special Committee on Federal Standards for Child Care to participate in the development of Federal Standards for child care and modifications thereof. Provides for the development of a minimum code for child and family service facilities to be addressed to the health, safety, and physical comfort of the children participating in such programs. Provides for the withholding of grants where prime sponsors fail to conform with their approved plans or applicable standards and regulations. Title III: Research and Demonstrations - States that it is the purpose of this title to assist and encourage the provision of urgently needed facilities for child care and comprehensive child services programs. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is authorized to insure any mortgage (including advances on such mortgage during construction) in accordance with the provisions of this title upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe and make commitments for insurance of such mortgage prior to the date of its execution or disbursement thereon. Provides that the mortgage shall be executed by a mortgagor approved by the Secretary, and that such mortgages shall involve in principal obligation of up to $250,000 and not to exceed 90 percent of the estimated replacement costs of properties or projects when the proposed improvements are completed. Creates a Child and Family Services Facility Insurance Fund which shall be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund for carrying out all the insurance provisions of this title, including mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, or other arrangements to carry out a program of research and demonstration projects, which shall include but not be limited to: (1) research to develop techniques to measure and evaluate child and family services, and to develop standards to evaluate professional and paraprofessional child and family service personnel; (2) research to test preschool programs emphasizing reading and reading readiness; (3) preventive medicine, techniques, and technology to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases and learning disabilities of pre-school children; (4) research to test alternative methods of providing child and family service; (5) evaluation of research findings and the development of these findings and the effective application thereof; (6) dissemination and application of research and development efforts and demonstration projects to child and family service programs and early childhood education programs; (7) production of informational systems and other resources necessary to support the activities authorized by this Act; and (8) a study of the need on a nationwide basis for child and family services programs and of the resources, including personnel, which are available to meet this need. Title IV: Training of Personnel for Child and Family Services - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to enable individuals employed or preparing for employment in child and family services programs assisted under this Act to participate in preservice or inservice training programs for professional and nonprofessional personnel. Title V: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Provides for nutrition services to be provided to child and family service programs under the National School Lunch Act of 1946 and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that there shall be a national policy recognizing the right of all citizens to the full development of their economic, social and personal potential regardless of their physical disabilities. Directs that there be a mobilization of private and public resources to remove barriers from the man-made environment. Expresses as a goal the integration of handicapped people into their communities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides that no part of any appropriation and no local currency owned by the United States shall be available for payment of any expenses, nor shall transportation be provided by the United States, in connection with travel outside the fifty states (including the District of Columbia) of the The United States of: (1) any Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Member of the House of Representatives; or (2) any Member of the Senate unless such individual is reelected or elected as a Member of, Delegate to, or Resident Commissioner in the House of Representatives for the suceeding Congress, or is reelected or elected as a Member of the Senate for a term beginning at noon on January 3 following the date of such general election.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Congressional Election Financing Act - Adds to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 a Title V: Public Financing of Congressional Elections. Sets forth the definitions of terms to be used in this Act. States that to be eligible to receive payments under this title, a candidate for election to Federal Office shall agree: (1) to obtain and to furnish to the Commission any evidence it may request about his campaign expenditures and contributions; (2) to keep and to furnish to the Commission information it may request; (3) to permit an audit and examination by the Commission and to pay any amounts required; and (4) to furnish statements of campaign expenditures and proposed campaign expenditures. Enumerates the eligibility certification requirements to be met by every candidate prior to receiving payments under this Act. Provides that every eligible candidate is entitled to payments in connection with his primary election campaign in an amount which is equal to the amount of contributions he accepts for that campaign. Describes the amounts which major party and minor party candidates are entitled to receive. Requires th Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit in the Account the amount available after payments for Presidential elections and nominating conventions have been set aside plus such additional amounts as may be authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title. Directs the Secretary to pay to candidates from this Account the amounts certified by the Federal Elections Commission. Requires that, after each congressional election, the Commission shall conduct a thorough examination and audit of the campaign expenditures of all candidates who received payments under this title. Provides for repayment of funds to the Account in the case of excess payments, the failure to make expenditures of any portion of the payments received, or the expenditure of such payments for purposes other than campaign expenses. Directs every candidate to furnish a detailed statement of expenditures and proposed expenditures whenever the Commission so requires, and directs the Commission to make available for public inspection summaries of all such statements. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report to Congress setting forth the expenditures of each candidate who received payments, the amounts certified for payment to each, and any amount required to be returned by a candidate. States that each such report submitted shall be printed as a Senate document. Imposes for violation of this title a fine of not more than $50,000, or not more than five years imprisonment, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Authorizes each Senator serving on a committee to hire staff to assist him in his duties as a member of each committee on which such Senator serves. Allows each Senator serving as chairman of any subcommittee or ranking minority member of any subcommittee to hire staff to assist him in his duties. States that individuals so appointed shall be in addition to employees otherwise authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance, or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1975
Rail Passenger Service Amendments - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to establish rail passenger service on such extensions of the basic system as are necessary to provide the following: (A) by July 1, 1975, through service to every standard metropolitan statistical area in the contiguous 48 States exceeding 1,000,000 in population; (B) by July 1, 1976, through service to every such standard metropolitan statistical area exceeding 500,000 in population; (C) by July 1, 1978, through service to every such standard metropolitan statistical area exceeding 250,000 in population; and (D) by July 1, 1976, adequate service between all standard metropolitan statistical areas exceeding 500,000 in population which are between 100 and 300 miles apart. States that the Corporation may preliminarily exclude an extension upon a preliminary finding by the Secretary of Transportation that the public convenience and necessity does not require such extension, or that establishment of such service is unnecessary or impracticable. Authorizes appropriations for the benefit of the Corporation of $10,000,000 in fiscal year 1976, $25,000,000 in fiscal year 1977, and 25,000,000 in fiscal year 1978. Directs the Corporation to initiate not less than two experimental routes each year, such routes to be designated by the Corporation on the sole basis of the demonstrated need and probable use of such service, and to operate such routes for not less than two years. Requires the Corporation to study the need for and potential use of routes between major centers of population and heavily used recreation areas 100 to 300 miles from such population centers. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase evidences of indebtedness and to make loans to any State or to any local or regional agency for purposes of capital construction, acquisition, and improvement cost of rail lines and facilities to recreation areas. Directs the Secretary to study the need for and potential use of routes between urbanized population centers and airports serving those population centers and the estimated initial costs of each such route. Provides that not later than January 1, 1976, he shall report to the Congress on the results of this study along with his recommendations as to whether the Corporation should provide any or all such service.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Full Employment and Job Development Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the implementation of a full employment policy. Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government a Federal Full Employment Board, to consist of five members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Board to perform specified functions, including the following: (1) recommend to the President and the Congress by January 20 of each year (beginning January 20, 1976) a program to achieve full employment in each fiscal year and alternative means of attaining that objective; (2) review and make recommendations with respect to monetary, fiscal, income, and other governmental policies in terms of the impact of such policies upon achieving full employment; (3) review and make recommendations with respect to decisions made by public and private employers and establish appropriate procedures for the collection of information, from such employers, necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the powers and authority of the Board. Directs the Board to transmit annually to the Congress a report, to be known as the Full Employment Report, setting forth a program to achieve full employment for the following fiscal year, and alternative means of attaining that objective, as required under the provisions of this Act, together with a statement of the Board's activities for the following fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1975, and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years for the activities of the Board.
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
Eliminates the earnings limitation under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act for all workers age sixty-five and over (presently age 72).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Repeals, under the Sherman Antitrust Act and under the Federal Trade Commission Act, exemptions in the antitrust laws relating to fair trade laws (also known as resale price maintenance or quality stabilization laws) which agreements prescribe minimum or stipulated prices for the resale of brand-name commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Increases to $4,800 the amount of outside earnings permitted each year without deductions from benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Joint Committee on Intelligence Oversight Act - Establishes the Joint Committee on Intelligence Oversight, consisting of seven members from each House, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of the activities of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Secret Service, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and all other departments and agencies insofar as their activities pertain to intelligence gathering. Prohibits the appropriation of funds for intelligence activities unless such funds have been specifically authorized by legislation enacted after enactment of this Act. Requires that legislation pertaining to intelligence activities be reported from such joint committee. Grants subpena power to the chairman of such joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Provides that no new tariff, fee or other charge, no increase in existing tariffs, fees or other charges, and no new quota or other limitation on imports of crude oil or petroleum products other than those in effect on January 1, 1975, may be imposed unless: (1) such action is specifically authorized by law enacted after the date of enactment of this joint resolution; or (2) the specific action proposed to be taken is submitted to both Houses of the Congress. States that if such action is disapproved by either House within the thirty-day review period, no officer or agency shall have authority to take any action inconsistent with the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1975
Authorizes, under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, the Secretary of Interior to approve the use of up to 25 percent of the total amount annually allocated to a State under such Act for the planning and development of sheltered facilities for recreation activities normally pursued outdoors. Enumerates the conditions for the Secretary's consideration in granting such approval.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1975
States that the Senate disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority to carry out the comprehensive planning grants program under the Housing Act of 1954 as set forth in the special message transmitted by the President to the Congress on November 26, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
Consumer Protection Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to promote protection of consumers with respect to specified areas, including: (1) the safety, quality, purity, potency, healthfulness, durability, performance, repairability, effectiveness, dependability, availability, and cost of any real or personal property or tangible or intangible goods, services, or credit; and (2) the preservation of consumer choice and a competitive market. Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Advocacy. Directs the Administrator of the Agency to prepare and submit an annual report simultaneously to the Congress and the President, not later than April 1 of each year. Specifies the content of such report, including the Agency's activities and court actions affecting the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to advise the Congress and the President on matters affecting the interests of consumers and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services. Enumerates the functions of the Administrator, including the following: (1) to represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts; (2) to conduct and support research, studies, and testing; (3) to submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; and (4) to publish material developed in carrying out this Act to inform consumers of matters of interest to them. States that whenever the Administrator determines that the result of any Federal agency proceeding may substantially affect an interest of consumers, he may as of right intervene as a party or otherwise participate for the purpose of representing an interest of consumers. Provides that whenever the Administrator receives any complaint which discloses: (1) an apparent violation of law relating to an interest of consumers; or (2) a commercial, trade, or other practice which is detrimental to an interest of consumers; he shall transmit such complaint to any Federal, State, or local agency which has the authority to enforce any relevant law or to take appropriate action. Directs the Administrator to maintain a public document room containing, for public inspection and copying, an up-to-date listing of all consumer complaints of any significance which the Agency has received, as arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken in response thereto. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct studies, and to obtain data and information from persons engaged in a trade, business, or industry which substantially affects interstate commerce and whose activities he determines may substantially affect an interest of consumers. Stipulates that the Administrator shall not have the power to require the production or disclosure of any data or other information under this Act from any small business. Provides that, upon written request by the Administrator, each Federal agency is directed to furnish access to all documents which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Sets forth limitations on the disclosure of any information obtained pursuant to any authority conferred by this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that small business enterprises should have their varied needs considered by all levels of government in the implementation of the procedures provided for throughout this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, not to exceed $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and not to exceed $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Provides for the transfer of employees and property of the Consumer Product Information Coordinating Center in the General Services Administration to the Agency. Requires Federal agencies to issue standards governing public participation in agency proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
States that all tax returns made with respect to taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Code are confidential records, and that, except where provided otherwise, no return shall be open to inspection nor shall information contained therein be disclosed. Authorizes inspections of returns by the following persons: (1) the taxpayer or his representative; (2) officers and employees of the Departments of Justice, the Treasury, State agencies entrusted with carrying out the income tax laws, and the Internal Revenue Service solely for administration and enforcement of the income tax laws; and (3) the President of the United States. Authorizes the disclosure of statistical information to State and Federal agencies and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1975
States that the Senate of the United States: (1) commends the agreement in principle reached at Vladivostok on November 24, 1974; (2) expresses its firm belief that this agreement in principle must lead to further mutual arms limitations and reductions; and (3) expresses its understanding that the Vladivostok agreement establishes limits within which the United States and the Soviet Union may deploy strategic forces, but than any deployment of United States strategic nuclear weapons, up to the limits established by the Vladivostok agreement, should be based solely upon the actual needs of United States security. Expresses the advice of the Senate that the President should make every possible effort: (1) to complete the negotiations resulting from the Vladivostok agreement in principle; and (2) in addition, to reach further specified agreements regarding nuclear arms limitations. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Vladivostok agreement be submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent in accordance with the treaty provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Expresses the finding of Congress and makes it the policy of the United States to continue experimentation with satellite systems for the remote sensing of the Earth's resources, through January 1, 1980, unless a permanent operational system is established. Directs the President to: (1) take all practical steps to continue the availability of data on the satellite systems; (2) foster improvements in them; and (3) promote their widest possible use and understanding. Requires the President to transmit to Congress not later than April 15, 1975, a report containing recommendations for proposed actions to be taken to carry out the policy set forth in this Act and such revisions in the budget proposed by fiscal 1976 as the President deems necessary to do so. Requires the President to submit each year prior to 1980, as part of the Aeronautics and Space Report, a description of activities and evaluation of progress under this Act, and an evaluation of the desirability of establishing a permanent Earth resources satellite system.
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