United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Water Resources Research and Technology Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, under the Water Resources Research Act, to make grants and finance contracts with institutions, local, State, and Federal agencies, and individuals to research water resource problems. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a water resources technology development program to develop methods and techniques which can be adopted for practical application to problems of national interest. Enumerates the activities in which the Secretary may participate in order to carry out the water resources research and technology development programs. Authorizes to be appropriated sums to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to make generally available information concerning water related research accomplishments and to take such other actions as are necessary to assure that programs under this Act are not duplicated. Repeals the Saline Water Conservsion Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1975
Federal Transportation Improvement Act - Title I: Revision of Title 23, United States Code - Declares it to be in the national interest to accelerate construction of Federal-aid highway systems, including the Interstate System. Provides that the Interstate System shall not exceed 41,000 miles in length, plus 2,000 miles for making revisions in the system under this Act. Revises the methods for determining the Federal share of costs and estimating the total cost of Federal- aid highways. Provides for the apportionment of Federal funds in specified proportions between the Federal-aid rural, urban, and Interstate systems, and between the States. Revises the standards to be applied by the Secretary of Transportation in determining whether or not to accept a plan for projects on any Federal-aid system from the Governor of the relevant State. Specifies the terms and conditions of the letting of contracts, determination of wage rates, construction, and maintenance of highways. States the procedures to be followed in paying the States for construction, necessary relocation of utility facilities, emergency relief for damage to Federal-aid highways, and removal of hazards of railway- highway crossings. Authorizes the placement of limitations on vehicle weight and width and on outdoor advertising with respect to Federal-aid systems. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the States in developing efficient and effective transportation systems, improving urban area traffic operations, controlling of junkyards, and constructing of fringe and corridor parking facilities. Makes provision for the preservation of parklands, assurances from States of equal employment opportunities, and coordination of public mass transportation programs with respect to construction of highways under this Act. Provides a formula based on population for the allocation of urban system funds within each State. Provides for projects and programs for the construction of preferential truck lanes, high-hazard locations, elimination of roadside obstacles, and creation of incentives to use carpools in urban areas. Provides for the setting of a uniform national maximum speed limit of up to 55 miles per hour. Authorizes appropriations of Federal funds for forest highways, forest development roads and trails, park roads and trails, parkways, Indian reservation roads, public lands highways, and defense access roads. Provides for the construction of the Inter-American Highway in cooperation with the American Republics in Central America, a road from San Benito to Rama in the Republic of Nicaragua under specified conditions, a Darien Gap Highway in Panama and Colombia to interconnect the Inter-American Highway, and reconstruction of an Alaska Highway from the Alaskan border to Haines Junction in Canada and the Haines Cutoff Highway from Haines Junction in Canada to the south Alaska border. Provides for the development and improvement of bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways. Provides that all highways constructed under the provisions of this Act shall be free from tolls. Authorizes the use of funds under this Act for archeological and paleontological salvage, mapping, research and planning (including civil defense considerations), relief of employees of the Federal Highway Administration engaged in hazardous work, landscaping and scenic enhancement, and the construction of bridges on Federal dams. Directs the Secretary to establish and operate a National Highway Institute to develop and administer a program of instruction for employees engaged in Federal-aid system work on the Federal, State, or local level. Requires each State to have a highway safety program meeting uniform standards promulgated by the Secretary and approved by him. Establishes the National Highway Safety Advisory Committee. Authorizes appropriations for a Federal-aid safer roads demonstration program for fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976. Title II: Termination of Highway Trust Fund - Terminates the Highway Trust Fund effective after September 30, 1976, covering the funds assets and obligations into the general fund of the Treasury. Title III: Amendments to Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 - Revises the requirements for projects for the elderly and handicapped receiving financial assistance under such Act. Prohibits the purchase of buses with funds provided pursuant to such Act unless the buses meet Federal air and noise emission standards.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Small Business Emergency Relief Act - Authorizes the head of any executive agency to terminate for the convenience of the Government any fixed-price contract between that agency and a small business concern encountering significant and unavoidable difficulties during performance because of the energy crisis or rapid and unexpected escalations of contract costs. Specifies the documentation and certification required of a small business concern to support such a request for relief. Gives to the term "small business concern" the same meaning for the purpose of this Act as such term has for purposes of the Small Business Act. States that the authority conferred by this Act shall terminate December 31, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1975
Revises the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 by authorizing the Administrator of General Services to enter into multiyear contracts through use of the automatic data processing fund and to incur or authorize obligations in excess of the amount available in the fund, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1975
Provides for the appointment by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate of an additional permanent district judgeship for the district of Connecticut (raising to five the number of judges).
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1975
Provides under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individual's earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Railroad Revenue Act - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of this Act, including to organize a nonprofit corporation to acquire, rehabilitate, and modernize, the rail lines. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires every rail carrier to provide the Secretary of Transportation, the Rail Services Planning Office, and the Interstate Railroad Corporation with specified information on time tables, slow orders, restrictions, and speeds authorized on every rail line for freight and passenger trains at all times since January 1, 1935. Provides that the initial Interstate Railroad System shall consist of all rail lines operated within the United States by domestic railroad companies which as of the date of enactment of this Act are subject to traffic usage of at least 10 million gross ton-miles per year per mile of rail line. Provides for hearings and recommendations by the Interstate Commerce Commission on the System, and subsequently, for final designation of such System. Requires the prescribing of maintenance standards for the System. Enumerates procedures for modification of the System. States that within two years after enactment of this Act the Secretary and the Corps of Engineers, United States Army, shall jointly carry out a study of the long-term capital needs for modernization and major upgrading of the Interstate Railroad System, including high density passenger corridors. Title III: Interstate Railroad Corporation - Authorizes to be created an Interstate Railroad Corporation to rehabilitate, maintain, and modernize the rail lines of the Interstate Railroad System so as to develop the potential of modern rail service in meeting the transportation requirements of the Nation. Sets forth the processes of organization, board of directors, general powers, and bookkeeping, recordkeeping and reporting aspects of the Corporation. Title IV: Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Maintenance of Rail Lines by Corporation and States - Provides for the conveyance of rights, titles and interest in rail lines to the Corporation. Authorizes to be appropriated during each fiscal year for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury to State and local governments an amount equivalent to the State and local property taxes which railroad companies are relieved of responsibility for payment of in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth Corporation responsibilities with respect to operations of the rail lines, liability, operations of rail freight carriers, and operations of rail passenger carriers. Provides that rail carriers operating over rail lines of the Corporation or any State shall pay to the Corporation or State, a user charge of $1 per thousand gross ton-miles of locomotive and train operation. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary during each of the six fiscal years following enactment of this Act such sums as may be necessary to be disbursed in accordance with an application by the Corporation or any State for the following purposes: (1) rehabilitation of Corporation rail lines; and (2) rehabilitation of State rail lines in accordance with the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970. Establishes a State maintenance assistance fund. Title V: Maintenance of and Access to Rail Lines of Railroad Companies - Provides for the maintenance of rail lines in accordance with standards issued under this Act. Provides for access to rail lines under provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act. Title VI: Protection of Employees - Provides for a contracting out limitation on rehabilitation or maintenance work. Provides for a guarantee of the prevailing wage for projects financed under this Act. Requires protective arrangements in specified transactions. Title VII: Oversight and Enforcement - Imposes penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary for administration and enforcement of this Act, not to exceed $10,000,000 in any one fiscal year. Title VIII: Railroad Rehabilitation Fund - Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code, upon the amount paid for the transportation of property within the United States by rail, motor vehicle, or water, a tax equal to 1 percent of the amount so paid. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth antitrust, evidential and separability provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Antitrust Enforcement Authorization Act - States that it is the purpose of Congress in this Act to support and invigorate a national antitrust enforcement program authorizing sufficient appropriations to the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice to permit vigorous and effective enforcement of the antitrust laws. Authorizes to be appropriated to both the Commission and the Justice Department, in addition to such sums as are authorized by any other provisions of law, sums not to exceed $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; not to exceed $6,250,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1976; not to exceed $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and not to exceed $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, such sums to remain available until expended for the purposes authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1975
Interstate Railroad Act - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Defines the terms in this Act. Sets forth the findings of Congress in regard to the present railroad system in the United States. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires all rail carriers to provide the Secretary of Transportation with copies of all current restrictions on train operations, including employees' operating timetables and all "sloworders". Designates all rail lines operated by domestic railroad companies subject to traffic usage of at least twenty million gross ton-miles per year as part of the initial Interstate Railroad System. Sets forth procedures for final designation of the Interstate Railroad System. Authorizes appropriations for use of the Secretary of Transportation and the Rail Services Planning Office. Title III: Rehabilitation, Maintenance, and Modernization of Rail Lines - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe standards for maintenance of all rail lines. Provides that rail lines included within the System shall be maintained for smooth and dependable operation of freight trains at speeds up to sixty miles an hour. Provides that all rail lines shall be in compliance with the standards prescribed in accordance with this title on or before the expiration of 3 years following enactment of this Act. Provides that no rail line shall contract out any project for rehabilitation or maintenance work required by this Act of a value of over $450 per month in labor and materials which is normally performed by employees in any bargaining unit covered by a labor agreement between the rail line and any labor organization. Authorizes the Secretary to make rehabilitation assistance grants for the purpose of enabling railroad companies to comply with the provisions of this title. Sets forth criteria for such grants and the application procedures for obtaining them. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1975-77 to carry out the "grants" provisions of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee any lender against loss of principal and interest on securities, obligations, or loans issued to finance rehabilitation work required by this Act. Sets forth application procedures for such guarantees. Authorizes the appropriation of such amounts as are necessary to discharge obligations to honor loan guarantees made under this Act. Provides that any railroad company may apply to the Secretary for a grant to reconstruct railroad lines which have been damaged or destroyed by unforeseeable disaster outside the control of the applicant. Authorizes the appropriation of not in excess of $10,000,000 per year for such purpose. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 in each of the fiscal years 1975-77 for the Secretary to undertake a continuing program of research and development into improving the stability, ride quality, longevity, and maintenance economies of railroad track and roadbed. Directs the Secretary and the Corps of Engineers to jointly undertake and carry out a study of the long-term capital needs for modernization and upgrading of the Interstate Railroad System. Sets forth the prescribed content of such study and the reporting requirements for the study. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for the purpose of carrying out such study. Title IV: Access to Rail Lines and Facilities - Authorizes the Interstate Commerce Commission to order access for use of any rail line or other facility by a rail carrier. Sets forth procedures for the modification of existing arrangements with respect to access to rail lines. Requires the rail carrier whose employees will be affected by rail lines access arrangements to protect individual employees against a worsening of their positions with respect to their employment. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to consider and determine the extent to which a rail carrier has availed itself of the provisions of this title to effect economies and efficiencies in its operations, when passing upon any application by such carrier for increased freight rates, increased division of revenues, or other financial relief. Title V: Records, Reports, Administration, and Enforcement - Provides for public inspection of records relating to this Act and sets forth reporting requirements for the Secretary of Transportation with respect to activities under this Act. Establishes an advisory committee composed of one representative from each of the following organizations: (1) National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners; (2) National Governors Conference; (3) Association of American Railroads; (4) National Railroad Passenger Corporation; (5) Congress of Railway Unions; (6) Railway Labor Executives Association; (7) National Industrial Traffic League; and (8) National Association of Railroad Passengers. Requests the committee to monitor the activities of the Secretary of Transportation pursuant to this Act and submit an annual report evaluating the effectiveness of this Act to the Secretary, the Congress, and the public. Authorizes the Secretary to perform such acts as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth penalties for the violation of any provision of this Act by any railroad company. Authorizes the appropriation to the Secretary of Transportation such sums as are necessary for the administration and enforcement of this Act, not to exceed $10,000,000 in any one fiscal year. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Relieves all persons contracting for the joint use of railroad tracks and facilities from all prohibitions of existing law, including the antitrust laws of the United States, with respect to such contracts.
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 · 10 March 1975
Small Business Emergency Tax Reduction Act - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for an increase from $10,000 to $15,000 in the dollar limitation on property eligible for an additional first-year depreciation allowance for small business. States that in the case of a husband and wife who file a joint return, the limitation shall be increased from $20,000 to $30,000. Removes the requirement that such eligible property have a useful life of six years or more. States that in the case of corporations, the normal tax on a corporation's taxable income shall be equal to 22 percent of the amount by which the taxable income exceeds the normal tax exemption for the taxable year. Provides that the normal tax exemption for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 1974, shall be $5,000, with specified exceptions. Increases the corporate surtax exemption from $25,000 to $100,000. Provides, in the case of a corporation other than a mere holding or investment company, for an increase in the minimum accumulated earnings credit from $100,000 to $150,000. States that in computing the taxable income of a partnership, there shall be allowed a deduction to the partnership for organizational expenses. Defines "organizational expenses" as any expense of a character which, if expended incident to the creation of a corporation having a limited life, would be amortizable over such life. Provides for an increase in the investment credit to 12 percent of so much of the qualified investment as does not exceed $20,000, plus 10 percent of so much of the qualified investment as exceeds $20,000 but does not exceed $50,000, plus eight percent of so much of the qualified investment as exceeds $50,000.
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 · 5 March 1975
Emergency Marine Fisheries Protection Act - Declares the policy of this Act. Establishes, for the duration of this Act, a fishery zone contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States. Requires that the United States excercise exclusive fishery management responsibility and authority within this contiguous fishery zone. States that the contigous fishery zone has as its inner boundary the outer limits of the territorial sea, and as its seaward boundary a line drawn so that each point on the line is 197 nautical miles from the inner boundary. Provides that the fishery management responsibility and authority of the United States within the contiguous fishery zone of the United Stated shall not include or be construed to extend to highly migratory species, except to the extent such species are not managed pursuant to bilateral or multilateral international fishery agreements. Provides that the fishery management responsibility and authority of the United States with respect to anadromous species, for the duration of this Act, extends to such species wherever found throughout the migratory range of such species. Requires that the United States manage and conserve, and have preferential rights to, fish within the contiguous fishery zone. Provides that the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of State, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, may authorize fishing within the contiguous fishery zone of the United States, or for anadromous species or both, by citizens of any foreign nation, in accordance with this Act, only if such nation has traditionally engaged in such fishing prior to the date of enactment of this Act. Requires that the allowable level of traditional foreign fishing shall be set upon the basis of the portion of any stock which cannot be harvested by citizens of the United States. Provides that traditional foreign fishing rights shall not be recognized unless any foreign nation claiming such rights demonstrates that it grants similar traditional fishing rights to citizens of the United States within the contiguous fishery zone of such nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish reasonable fees to be paid by the citizens of foreign nation engaged in exercising recognized foreign fishing rights. Provides that such fees shall be set in an shall be set in an amount sufficient to reimburse amount sufficient to reimburse the United States for administrative expenses incurred pursuant to this Act, and for an equitable share of the management and conservation expenses incurred by the United States in accordance with this Act, including the cost of regulation and enforcement. Establishes a Fisheries Management Council. Empowers such Council to: (1) provide information and expert assistance to States and local or regional fisheries authorities in marine fisheries management and conservation; (2) consult on an ongoing basis (A) with other Federal agencies and departments; (B) with officials of coastal States who are concerned with maring fisheries management and conservation planning; (C) with appropriate officials of other nations which are exercising traditional foreign fishing rights, through the offices of the Secretary of State; and (D) with owners and operators of fishing vessels; (3) to prepare a survey of fisheries subject to the emergency conservation and management authority granted to the United States by this Act, including, but not limited to, depleted stocks and stocks threatened with depletion; and (4) survey, study, and prepare a marine fisheries management plan setting forth the elements of a national management system to conserve and protect fish. Requires the Council submit the marine fisheries management plan adopted by the Council to the Senate Committee on Commerce and the Committee on Commerce and the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the House of Representatives not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of State, upon the request of and in cooperation with the Secretary, to initiate and conduct negotiations with any foreign nation which is engaged in , or whose citizens are engaged in, fishing in the contiguous fishery zone of the United States or for anadromous species. Provides that the Secretary of State, upon the request of and in cooperative with the Secretary, shall, in addition, initiate and conduct negotiations with any foreign nation in whose contiguous fishery zone or equivalent economic zone citizens of the United States are engaged in fishing or with respect to anadromous species as to which such nation asserts management responsibility and authority and for which citizens of the United States fish. Provides that the purpose of such negotiations shall be enter into international fishery agreements on a bilateral or multilateral basis to effectuate the purposes, policy, and provisions of this Act. Sets forth prohibitions and penalties under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1975
Open Windows Act - States the finding of the Congress that the projected demand for energy demonstrates the need for a national effort to conserve energy, yet air conditioning of buildings accounts for a substantial and rapidly growing consumption of energy, so that in order to conserve energy, buildings constructed by or for the Federal Government should be so designed and constructed as to permit the manual opening and closing of windows. Includes for purposes of this Act those buildings which are to be leased in whole or in part by the United States after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to prescribe such standards for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings as may be necessary to insure compliance with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Act Amendmends - Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal years subsequent to that of 1975 to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program of assistance to the States to initiate maintain, or expand nonprofit breakfast programs in schools. States that as a national nutrition and health policy it is the purpose and intent of the Congress that the school breakfast program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 be made available in all schools where it is needed to provide adequate nutrition for children in attendance. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with State agencies, to carry out a program of information to the schools in furtherance of this policy. Requires that within ninety days after the enactment of this legislation, the Secretary shall report to the committee of jurisdiction in the Congress his plans and those of cooperating State agencies, to bring about the needed expansion in the school breakfast programm. Sets forth the schedule of income limitations for reduced price lunches. Provides for the disbursement of funds under this Act to nonprofit private schools. Provides for the inclusion of specified commodities, such as cereal and shortening, in the food donations to the school lunch program covered by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Secretary to formulate and carry out a program to assist States through grants-in-aid and other means to initiate, maintain, or expand nonprofit food service programs for needy children in institutions providing child care. Sets forth requirements for the apportionment of funds under this Act to the States. Authorizes the use of funds under the National School Lunch Act for nonfood assistance for the special food service program. Establish a National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant, and Fetal Nutrition. Provides for the membership of such council. Makes it the function of the Council to make a continuing study of the operation of the special supplemental food program and any related Act under which diet supplementation is provided to women, infants, and children, with a view to determining how such programs may be improved. Directs the Council to submit to the President and and the Congress annually a written report of the results of its study together with such recommendations for administrative and legislative changes as it deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1975
Local Rail Services Act - Restricts the termination of rail service over all or a portion of a line of railroad by carriers by railroad covered by the Interstate Commerce Act. Prohibits such rail service termination unless and until the Interstate Commerce Commission has issued a certificate declaring that the present or future public covenience and necessity permit such termination. Authorizes carriers by railroad, under conditions set forth in this Act, to enter into contracts for the joint ownership or joint use of spur, industrial, team, switching, or side tracks. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission, in its actions requiring carriers by railroad to provide adequate and efficient facilities for the performance of car service, to consider the expense involved therein. Requires carriers by railroad to submit to the Commission full and complete diagrams of their transportation systems. Requires that such diagrams identify any line of railroad which a carrier plans to seek authority to abandon or over which it plans to terminate service. Authorizes the provision of Federal financial assistance to eligible States for the purpose of rail service assistance. Limits the Federal share of such assistance to 70 percent of the total. Requires that States receiving such assistance under this Act establish suitable State rail transportation plans. Sets forth other requirements as to financial control and performance evaluation for purposes of a States' eligibility. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary, up to $100,000,000 for each of the eight fiscal years including and following the date of enactment of this Act, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1975
National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life Act - Title I: General Provisions - States that it is the purpose of this Act to consolidate in one governmental unit the responsibility to: (1) establish a national policy for short-term and long-term productivity growth and quality of working life in the United States; (2) correct those public and private structural imbalances which impede productivity, growth, improved quality of working life, and the effective performance of society and the economy; (3) identify ways and means for more effective collaborative joint efforts by labor and management to effect growth in productivity and improved quality of working life; (4) identify, encourage, and support development and implementation of all useful technologies, systems, incentives, methods, and techniques for enhancing growth of productivity and improving work quality in the public and private sectors of the United States; (5) maximize the contributions of the Federal Government to productivity growth and improved work quality in both the private and public sector, including the Federal Establishment; (6) increase public understanding of productivity and the quality of working life the ways in which productivity and the quality of working life can be improved, and the urgency of such improvement in all sectors of the economy; and (7) identify ways to eliminate or minimize the human costs of productivity change. Title II: National Center and Advisory Council for Productivity and Quality of Working Life - Establishes as an independent establishment of the executive branch the National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life to be under the general direction of a board of directors. Specifies the functions of the Center consonant with the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Executive Director of the Center to enter into contracts for research and demonstration programs or projects to effectuate the achievement of the purposes of this Act. Specifies limitations to be placed on the authority to make grants and contracts under this Act. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Productivity and the Quality of Working Life. Directs the National Council to, on a continuing basis, review and evaluate the administration, operation and performance of the Center in carrying out the functions and duties established pursuant to this title, including its effectiveness in improving the growth of productivity and the quality of working life. Directs the National Council to make recommendations for the improvement of this title and its administration and operation. Sets forth functions of the Center under this title. Establishes in the Department of Labor and in the Department of Commerce an Office of Productivity and Quality of Working Life. Makes each such office responsible for: (1) integrating, coordinating and centralizing all research and activities in its respective Department which pertain to matters of productivity organizational effectiveness, and the quality of working life; and (2) providing liaison with the Center in the formulation of new policies and programs pursuant to this Act, and consistent with the policy of the Center, so that programs developed by the Departments and the Center shall be mutually facilitating. Directs the Office of Productivity and Quality of Working Life in the Department of Labor to develop and apply a set of indicators of quality of working life in order to collect such data as may be required by the Secretary of Labor to analyze and evaluate the health, safety and general well-being of American workers and the quality of working life in America. Directs the Office of Productivity and Quality of Working Life in the Department of Commerce to be chiefly responsible for developing indicators of economic and organizational effectiveness and productivity in order to collect such data as may be required by the Secretary of Commerce and the Center to identify economic blocks to American productivity and to analyze and evaluate proposals for improving productivity. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that the duties, functions, and personnel of the National Commission on Productivity and Work Quality are transferred to the Center, and the Commission is abolished. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act specified sums for fiscal years 1976 through 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1975
Requests the President to express the concern of the United States Government for the safety and freedom of valentyn Moroz, historian, writer, and spokesman for the cultural integrity of the Ukrainian people.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments - Redefines "costal zone" under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, and defines, under such Act, "Outer continental shelf energy activity," "energy facilities," and "coastal energy activity. Makes changes in the Management Act, by adding the following requirements for the coastal zone management program which a State is to develop and maintain under the Act: (1) the program is to include a general plan for the protection of, and access to, public beaches and other coastal areas of environmental, recreational and historical, esthetic, ecological, and cultural value; and (2) the State coastal zone management program is to include a process for the planning for energy facilities likely to be located in the coastal zone and for the planning for, and management of, the anticipated impacts from any energy facility. Increases the maximum Federal share of the costs of the development phase of a coastal zone management program to 80 percent from the present 66 2/3 percent and extends, by one year, the time during which a coastal State may receive such grants for development of a program before it must have an approved program in order to continue to receive grants under the Act. Extends from June 30, 1977 to September 30, 1979, the authority to make such grants. Increases the maximum Federal share for administrative costs of the ongoing State program operation to 80 percent from the present 66 2/3 percent. Requires a coastal State to establish an effective coordination and consultative mechanism between a designated State coastal zone agency and local governments within such State. Requires States to consider any applicable interstate energy plans or programs in the planning for and siting of energy facilities in the coastal zone of such States. Requires each Federal lease to be submitted to each State with, an approved coastal zone management program for a determination by that State as to whether or not the lease is consistent with such State's program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation with the Executive Office of the President, to mediate the difference between a Federal agency and a State in the implementation of an approved State management program, in cases of serious disagreement. Requires such differences to be resolved through public hearings in the area concerned. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to administer and coordinate a coastal energy impact program. Requires pursuant to this program the provision of financial assistance to meet the needs of coastal States and local governments. Provides for formula grants to coastal States. Specifies the purposes for which such grants may be used. Requires the Secretary to make such grants if the Secretary finds that the coastal zone of such State is being, or is likely to be, significantly affected by the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of new or expended energy facilities. Requires the making of loans to assist any State or local unit of government to provide new or improved public facilities or public services required by coastal energy activity. Directs each coastal State to apportion any financial assistance granted to such State to units of local government on a basis of need. Establishes the Coastal Energy Impact Fund for the purpose of making payments under the coastal energy impact program. Encourages the coastal States to coordinate coastal zone planning in areas which are contiguous to areas within the coastal zone of other States and to study, plan, and/or implement unified coastal zone policies for such areas. Provides the coastal States with the consent of Congress to negotiate, and enter into interstate agreements and compacts for the development and administration of coordinated coastal zone planning, policies, and programs. Encourages, and provides for, Federal-State consultation procedures by the parties to interstate agreements and compacts and the Federal Government. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a program of research study and training to support development and implementation of State coastal receiving grants under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any coastal State to assist such State in carrying out research, studies, and training required in support of coastal zone management up to 80 percent of the cost. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to coastal States for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition of access to public coastal areas. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appointment within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of an Associate Administrator for Coastal Zone Management to implement and administer the Coastal Zone Management Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of the molluscan shellfish industry and to evaluate the impact upon such industry of Federal law concerning quality. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress the finding of this study. Coastal Zone Environment Act - Provides, under the Coastal Zone Management Act, that any applicant for a required license, lease, or permit for the development or production of energy resources in a coastal zone shall certify that the proposed activity complies with any approved State management program. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Coastal Impact Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make 100 percent annual grants from the Fund to those coastal States which the Secretary determines are likely to be significantly or adversely impacted by the development or energy resources or by the siting of energy facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish requirements for grant eligibility and lists circumstances under which the regulations shall provide that a State is eligible. States that the authorization of Congress is given two or more States to negotiate and enter into the interstate agreements for the purpose of study, planning, and implementation of unified coastal zone policies and for the coordination of such policies. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants for such purposes, provided they do not exceed 90 percent of the cost. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to the coastal States to develop a capability for carrying out short-term research, studies, and training required in support of coastal zone management. Requires the Secretary to submit additional information each year to the President for transmittal to Congress including: (1) a general description of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the development or production of energy resources or the siting of energy facilities affecting the coastal zone; and (2) a description and evaluation of interstate and regional planning mechanisms developed by the coastal States. Extends until 1980 the authority of the Secretary to make grants to the coastal States for the development of land and water resources management programs. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years for grants made from the Coastal Impact Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976-79 such sums, not to exceed $5,000,000 for interstate coordination grants to the coastal States. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1976-79 such sums, not to exceed $5,000,000 for coastal research assistance grants to the coastal States. Includes "islands" and "beach" within the definition of coastal zone under the Coastal Zone Management Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make annual grants to any coastal State for the purpose of assisting in the development of a management program, including plans for the protection of access to public beaches and other coastal areas.
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 · 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
Children and Youth Camp Safety Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop regulations on children and youth camp safety standards and submit such to the Senate Labor and Public Welfare Committee and the House Education and Labor Committee, whereupon either House may disapprove such proposals. Allows States which desire to assume responsibiltiy for development or enforcement of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan for such action. Requires such plans, in order to be approved by the Secretary, meet specified requirements, including: to designate a State agency for administering such plan; to provide for enforcement of camp safety standards; and to insure adequate legal authority and funds for such State agency. Directs the Secretary to annually review State plans for compliance with this Act. Sets forth procedures to be followed where there are noncomplying State plans. Allows grants of up to 80 percent of costs to States to assist them in carrying out such plans. Grants power to the Secretary to enter camps for inspection, power to inspect records of the camps, power to require testimony of witnesses and production of other evidence under oath. Requires camp operators to report annually on all accidents, deaths, injuries, and illnesses within the camp. Requires that the obtaining of information from camps under this Act be done with a minimum of burden upon such camps and camp operations. Directs the Secretary to withhold funds from States in which there is a pattern of violations of this Act. Provides for citation of camp operators and penalties of up to $2,500 in cases of violations of this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the Federal district courts to restrain imminent dangers arising from conditions and practices in camps. Establishes the Advisory Council on Children and Youth Camp Safety to advise and consult on matters relating to children and youth camp safety. Disavows any purpose in this Act to restrict, determine, or influence the curriculum, program, or ministry of any camp. Authorizes appropriations of $7,500,000 for the fiscal year 1975, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Foreign Investment Act - Requires notification under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by foreign investors of proposed acquisitions of more than 5 percent of the equity securities of United States companies and, if the assets of such company exceed $1,000,000, requires that such notification be given at least 30 days before acquisition. Authorizes the President to prohibit any such acquisition as appropriate for the national security, to further the foreign policy, or to protect the domestic economy of the United States. Requires issuers of registered securities to maintain and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a list of the names and nationalities of the beneficial owners of their equity securities. Confers on Federal district courts the jurisdiction to enjoin foreign investors, or to enforce compliance by such investors, with respect to the notification provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments - Title I: Purposes, Definitions, and National Policy for Managing the Resources of the Outer Continental Shelf - States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) establish policies and procedures for managing the oil and natural gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf in order to achieve national economic goals; (2) preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf; (3) encourage development of new and improved technology for energy resource production that will increase human safety and eliminate or reduce risk of evnironmental damage; and (4) assure that coastal States which are directly impacted by oil and natural gas exploration and development are provided with an opportunity to take part in policy and planning decisions. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Revises bidding and lease administration under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Provides for the orderly development of oil and gas leases and requires that no geological and geophysical exploration shall take place in the Outer Continental Shelf without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the oil and gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf. States that the Secretary shall, by regulation, establish procedures for determining the areas to be considered for exploratory drilling and potential leasing. Authorizes to be appropriated for such purposes $200,000,000 during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Requires the Secretary to transmit a leasing and development plan to Congress at least 90 calendar days prior to announcing the invitation to bid on each tract in which oil or gas is found in commercial quantities. Provides that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be considered the "lead agency" for purpose of complying with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act as such Act pertains to the implementation of this Act. Requires that the environmental impact statements include such information as: (1) the probable impact of the proposed exploration or development on the marine and coastal environments; and (2) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed exploration or development. Makes provisions for the development, promulgation, and enforcement of safety regulations for operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires that the Coast Guard make regular inspections and strictly enforce the safety regulations. States that any person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Allows citizen suits by persons having an interest which is, or may be, adversely affected. Permits civil actions against any person, including the United States, and against the Secretary of the Interior where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this Act which is not discretionary. Provides that any person in charge of any oil and gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf shall be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for mot more than one year, or both, for failure to immediately notify an appropriate agency of the U.S. Government of a discharge or spillage of oil. Authorizes, for the purpose of removing a discharge or spilling, the withdrawal of money available in the Offshore Oil Pollution Settlements Fund established pursuant to this Act. Imposes on each barrel of oil produced pursuant to any lease issued or maintained under this Act a fee of two and a half cents per barrel to pay costs of administration of this Act. Provides that collection of amounts for the fund shall cease when $100,000,000 has been accumulated, but shall be renewed when the accumulation in the fund falls below $85,000,000. Provides that immediately upon the date of enactment of this Act, there shall cease any additional leasing of tracts for the purpose of developing oil and gas under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in all regions and areas where there has been no previous development of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf or other areas where geological or environmental conditions make such development hazardous. States that such moratorium shall continue until a specified time. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and publish a report with recommendations for achieving an equitable system of lease sales while maximizing production and revenues from the leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands. Provides that the Secretary shall study the most appropriate means of developing a National Strategic Energy Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1975
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 · 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
Mandatory Gasoline Rationing Act - Requires the President, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, to promulgate a rule establishing a rationing system for the end-users of gasoline. Directs the President to order priorities among classes of users and to take such action as may be necessary to meet the needs of handicapped individuals who are unable to use public transportation. Provides that a user for whom rationing is established may petition for a review or modification of his ration, and allows the use of State and local officers or boards to perform such functions. Forbids the imposition of any tax, user fee, or tax credit system in regulations or orders under this Act. Provides that this Act shall terminate 12 months from the date of promulgation of the rule by the President.
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
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
Allows the Secretary of Commerce to grant exemption, under such terms as he may prescribe, to the Endangered Species Act to allow possession and sale of bones and teeth of marine mammals of the order cetacea, which were lawfully held within the United States on December 21, 1972. Provides that in actions brought for specified violations of the Endangered Species Act there shall be a rebuttable presumption that such presumption that such exemption does not apply, and that any person claiming the benefit of such exemption shall have the burden of overcoming the presumption.
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 · 16 January 1975
Requires the President and the Vice President, each Member of the Senate and the House of Representatives (including Resident Commissioners and Delegates), candidates for such offices, each civil or military officer of the executive branch of any department or agency thereof, each judge or justice of a court of the United States, and each employee of the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States or any department or agency thereof who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year to file annually with the Comptroller General a financial report. Requires such report to contain a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each item of reimbursement for any expenditure, and each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source which exceeds $100 in amount or value; (2) the value of each asset held by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, and the amount of each liability owned by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) all dealings in securities or commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year; and (4) all purchases and sales of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year. Provides that all reports filed under this Act shall be maintained by the Comptroller General as public records which, under such reasonable regulations as he shall prescribe, shall be available for inspection by members of the public. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Net Worth Disclosure Act - Requires the President, the Vice President, each Member of the Senate, each Member of the House of Representatives (including Delegates and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico), and each officer and employee of the United States within the executive and legislative branches of Government receiving compensation at an annual rate in excess of $30,000 to file annually with the Comptroller General of the United States a full and complete statement of net worth. Provides that such statement shall consist of: (1) a list of the identity and value of each asset held by him, or jointly by him and his spouse or by him and his child or children, and which has a fair market value in excess of $1,500 as of the end of the calendar year prior to that in which he is required to file a report under this Act; and (2) a list of the identity and amount of each liability owed by him, or jointly by him and his spouse or by him and his child or children, and which is in excess of $1,500 as of the end of the calendar year prior to that in which he is required to file a report under this Act. Provides penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - Title I: Congressional Procedures - Requires each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives, including meetings to conduct hearings, to be open to the public. Provides that a portion or portions of such meetings may be closed to the public if the committee or subcommittee determines by vote of a majority of a quorum of the members present that the matters to be discussed or the testimony to be taken: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign policy of the United States; (2) will relate solely to matters of committee staff personnel or internal staff management; or (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes, with specified limitations; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives to make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting at least one week before such meeting unless the committee or subcommittee determines by a vote of the majority of a quorum that committee business requires that such meeting be called at an earlier date, in which case the committee shall make public announcement of the date, place and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript shall be made of each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee. Provides that a copy of each such transcript shall be made available for public inspection within seven days and additional copies shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Provides that all the aforegoing requirements and exceptions applicable to the meetings of the committees and subcommittees of the House and Senate shall also be applicable to each meeting of a committee of conference. Establishes procedures to review and reverse any committee and subcommittee vote to close a meeting to the public or to delete from the publicly available copy a portion of a meeting transcript. Title II: Agency Procedures - Requires all meetings of any Federal agency to be open to the public unless a majority of the entire membership of an agency determines the meeting: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign policy of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and administration or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, any person, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose information pertaining to any investigation conducted for law enforcement purposes, with specified limitations; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each agency to make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting (whether open or closed to the public) at least one week before each meeting unless the agency determines by a vote of the majority of its members that agency business requires that such meetings be called at an earlier date, in which case the agency shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript, including a list of all persons attending and their affilations, shall be made of each meeting of each agency (whether open or closed to the public). Provides that a copy of each such meeting shall be made available to the public for inspection, and additional copies of any transcript shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Requires each agency to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this title. States that any citizen or person resident in the United States may bring a proceeding in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit: (1) to require an agency to promulgate such regulations if such agency has not done so within the time period specified herein; or (2) to set aside agency regulations that are not in accord with the requirements of this title and to require the promulgation of regulations that are in accord with such requirements. Gives the district courts of the United States jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this title by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Provides that such actions shall be brought in the district wherein the plaintiff resides, or has his principal place of business, or where the agency in question has its headquarters. Sets forth provisions governing ex parte communications in agency proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
National Policy and Priorities for Science and Technology Act - Declares that it is the continuing policy and responsibility of the Federal Government to take appropriate measures directed toward achieving various goals, including: (1) a continuing Federal investment in science and technology adequate to the needs of the Nation; and (2) the strengthening of national capabilities for technological planning and policy formulation. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to promote the effective application of science and technology to the furtherance of national goals by: (1) establishing a Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in the Executive Office of the President to provide a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment to the President; (2) establishing an Intergovernmental Science and Technology Advisory Committee to foster the application of science and technology to State and regional needs; (3) establishing an Interagency Federal Coordinating Committee on Science and Technology to coordinate agency research and development efforts; and (4) having the President submit an annual Science and Technology Report to the Congress. Title I: Council of Advisors on Science and Technology - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Directs the Council to annually appraise progress in science and technology in relation to the needs of the Nation and, taking account of the state of the economy through consultation with the Council of Economic Advisors, to determine the desired level of Federal investment in science and technology for the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which such determination is made, and make appropriate recommendations to the President and Congress. States that the Council shall serve as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of science and technology of the Federal Government. Requires the President to transmit annually to the Congress, beginning October 15, 1976, a Science and Technology Report which shall set forth: (1) a review of development of national significance in science and technology; (2) the significant effects of current and foreseeable trends in science and technology on the social, economic, and other requirements of the Nation; (3) a review and appraisal of selected science and technology-related programs, policies, and activities of the Federal Government; (4) an inventory and projection of critical and emerging national problems the resolution of which might be substantially assisted by the application of science and technology; (5) the identification and assessment of scientific and technological measures that can contribute to the resolution of such problems, in light of the related social, economic, political, and institutional considerations; (6) the existing and projected scientific and technological resources, including specialized manpower, that could contribute to the resolution of such problems; (7) recommendations for legislation on science and technology-related programs and policies that will contribute to the resolution of such problems; and (8) recommendations with regard to Federal investment level and priorities in science and technology, as made by the Council pursuant to this Act. Title II: Federal Coordinating Committee for Science and Technology - Establishes the Federal Coordinating Committee for Science and Technology. States that the Committee shall consider problems and developments in the fields of science and technology and related activities affecting more than one Federal agency, and shall recommend policies and other measures: (1) to provide more effective planning and administration of Federal scientific and technological programs; (2) to identify research needs including areas of research requiring additional emphasis; (3) to achieve more effective utilization of the scientific and technological resources and facilities of Federal agencies, including the elimination of unnecessary duplication; and (4) to further international cooperation in science and technology. Abolishes the Federal Council for Science and Technology. Title III: National Science Foundation - Directs the National Science Foundation to recommend and encourage the pursuit of national policies designed to foster research and education in science and engineering, and the application of scientific and technical knowledge to the solution of national problems. Requires the Foundation to initiate an educational program of continuing education in science and engineering in order to enable scientists and engineers who have been engaged in their careers for at least five years to pursue courses of study designed to: (1) provide them with new knowledge, techniques, and skills in their special fields; or (2) acquire new knowledge, techniques, and skills in other fields which will enable them to render more valuable contributions to the Nation. Title IV: State and Regional Science and Technology Programs - Establishes, within the National Science Foundation, an Intergovernmental Science and Technology Advisory Committee. Provides that the Committee shall advise and assist the Foundation in: (1) identifying and defining civilian problems at the State, regional, and local levels and the environment in which solution to these problems ought to be provided; (2) identifying areas of highest priority for study, assessment, and development of policy alternatives by the Foundation under this title; and (3) identifying and fostering ways to facilitate the transfer and utilization of results of civilian research and development activities so as to maximize the application of science and technology to civilian needs. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to make grants not to exceed $100,000 to any State to pay a part of the cost of establishing an Office of State Science and Technology. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the various provisions and titles of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act - Expresses the Congressional declarations that it is necessary to: (1) require the uniform application of State and local residency requirements to secure the right of citizens residing in overseas to vote in Federal elections; and (2) establish standards relating to absentee registration and balloting by such citizens in Federal elections. Provides that no citizen outside the United States shall be denied the right to register for, and to vote by, an absentee ballot in any Federal election solely because he does not have a place of abode in a State or district, if he meets specified requirements. Requires each State to provide for the registration of and casting of absentee ballots by all citizens residing outside the United States and entitled to vote in a Federal election in such State. Provides that each State shall mail the following by airmail to such citizens: (1) an absentee ballot, (2) instructions concerning voting procedures, and (3) an airmail envelope for the mailing of such ballot. States that whoever deprives any person of any right secured by this Act shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Sets forth additional penalties for falsifying registration materials. Provides that the exercise of any right to register or vote by any citizen outside the United States shall not affect the determination of his place of residence or domicile for purposes of any tax imposed under Federal, State or local law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Housatonic River Act - Places a segment of the Housatonic River under the coverage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, such segment being that between the Massachusetts- Connecticut boundary and the confluence of the Shepaug River.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, at any time prior to January 1, 1980, from issuing or carrying out any order banning the use of lead shot for the hunting of waterfowl.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that the charge to a household for its food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the level established as of January 1, 1975, or (2) 25 percent of the household's income. Provide that effective July 1, 1975, households in which all members receive supplemental security income benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program of the Social Security Act, or households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or general assistance grant shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program under this Act. States that certification of all other households shall be based on the uniform national standards for eligibility required to be established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that all meetings of Senate committees shall be open to the public, unless the members of such committee determine by majority vote that the matters to be discussed or the testimony to be taken involve specified matters, including the following: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to matters of committee staff personnel or internal staff management or procedure; or (3) will tend to charge an individual with crime or misconduct, to disgrace or injure the professional standing of an individual, or otherwise to expose an individual to public contempt or obloquy, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1974
Prohibits the breeding, training, and interstate shipment of dogs intended to be used in dogfights for the purposes of sport, wagering or entertainment. Prohibits the manufacture, sale or movement of equipment to be used in shows involving dogfights, and the providing of facilities for such shows. Forbids the use of the Postal Service, telephone, telegraph, radio, and television for the purpose of promoting such shows. Provides a fine of not more than $25,000, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, and forfeiture of dogs and equipment involved, for violation of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48).
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1974
Taxpayer Audit Disclosure Act - Requires the establishment of formal procedures and criteria for the selection of individual income tax returns for audit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to provide any individual selected for auditing with a written notice which clearly specifies the reasons for and manner in which the return of such individual was selected for audit. Provides that the Secretary or his delegate shall furnish to such individual a written explanation which describes the audit procedure, the rights which a taxpayer may exercise during such procedure, the right of the taxpayer to make an administrative or judicial appeal from an adverse decision at the end of such procedure, and the right of the taxpayer to claim a refund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to submit to the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation before September 30 of each year a report setting forth: (1) the number of individuals whose returns were selected for audit during the previous 12-month period; (2) a classification of individuals whose returns were audited during the previous 12-month period by, among other factors, income levels, geographic distribution, and profession; (3) the number of individuals audited during the previous 12-month period who were found to have made underpayments or overpayments of tax, together with summary statistics reflecting the percentage of such number, by income category, who made underpayments or overpayments of certain ranges of amounts (to be determined by the Secretary or his delegate); and (4) such other information as may be requested by the joint committee in accordance with the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1974
Watergate Reorganization and Reform Act - Title I: Establishment of Government Offices - Establishes, as an independent establishment of the Government, the Office of the Public Attorney, under the direction of the Public Attorney, appointed by three retired courts of appeals judges designated by the Chief Justice of the United States. States that no individual may serve as Public Attorney unless agreeing not to occupy any popularly elected office under the United States or to accept any other employment in the Government for five years aftter termination of services as the Public Attorney. Directs the Public Attorney to investigate and prosecute: (1) allegations of corruption in the administration of the laws by the executive branch of the Government; (2) cases referred by the Attorney General because of actual or potential conflicts of interest; (3) criminal cases referred to him by the Federal Election Commission; and (4) allegations of violations of Federal laws relating to campaigns and elections for elective office. Requires the Public Attorney to notify the Attorney General of the initiation of an investigation or proceeding with respect to such matters. Limits the Attorney General's activities in any such matters without prior written approval and requires him to inform the Public Attorney of any investigation which falls udner the Public Attorney's jurisdiction. Enumerates the powers of the Public Attorney, including: (1) to issue appropriate instructions to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other domestic investigative agencies of the United States; (2) to receive appropriate national security clearances; and (3) to exercise all other powers as to the conduct of criminal investigations, prosecutions (including prosecutions for perjury committed in the course of any investigation or judicial or legislative hearing with respect to any matter within his jurisdiction), civil proceedings, and appeals within his jurisdiction that would otherwise be vested exclusively in the Attorney General and the United States attorney. Details the administrative powers of the Public Attorney. Makes unlawful the disclosure of specifiec confidential information to persons who are likely to or have become the subject of an investigation by the Public Attorney, with enumerated limitations, and imposes criminal penalties for so doing. Establishes within the Congress a Congressional Legal Service, under the direction of the Congressional Legal Counsel appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Enumerates the duties of the Congressional Legal Counsel, including: to render, upon request of either House of Congress, a joint committee of Congress, any committee of either House of Congress, at least three Senators, or twelve Members of the House of Representatives, legal opinions upon questions arising under the Constitution and laws of the United States. Authorizes to be appointed such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions relating to the Office of the Congressional Legal Counsel and such sums as may be necessary for the performance of the duties of the Congressional Legal Counsel under this title. Title II: Government Personnel - Requires an individual who holds the Office of President or Vice President at any time during the year to file a report with the Comptroller General, not later than May of the following year, containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount of each tax paid; (2) the amount and source of each item of income; (3) the identity of each asset held by him; (4) any transaction in securities of any business; (5) all transactions in commodities by him; (6) any purchase or sale, other than the purchase or sale of his personal residence, of real property; and (7) any expenditure made by another individual for the personal benefit of him or his spouse. Provides that all such reports filed shall be maintained by the Comptroller General as public records. Prohibits campaign solicitations by appointees confirmed by the Senate and executive office personnel. Provides that any individual employed by any agency of the Executive Office of the President, who is compensated from appropriated funds, shall not engage in any investigative or intelligence gathering activity concerning national or domestic security unless specifically authorized to do so by statute. Increases the penalties for interference with elections by Government employees. Requires an annual disclosure of requests from an officer, including the President, or employee of the Executive Office for information or an investigation on the tax liability of any taxpayer. Requires that all such requests from the Executive Office of the President be in writing. Title III: Congressional Activities - Provides that the District Court for the District of Columbia shall have original jurisdiction, without regard to the sum or value of the matter in controversy, over any civil action brought by either House of Congress, any committee or joint committee, to enforce or secure a declaration concerning the validity of any subpena or order issued by such House or committee, or by any subcommittee of such committee, to any officer, including the President and Vice President, or any employee of the executive branch of the United States Government to secure the production of information, documents, or other materials. Makes provisions governing perjury before Congressional committees and testimony before Senate committees. Title IV: Federal Election Campaign Activities, Contributions, and Criminal Sanctions - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to the deduction for contributions to candidates for public office. Provides that whoever embezzles, steals, or by fraud or deception obtains from any individual who has publicly declared his intent to seek nomination for election, or election, to any Federal office, any campaign materials, documents, or papers which are not available for public dissemination and which belong to any such person shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Imposes criminal penalties for: (1) the use of funds to finance violation of provisions of Federal election laws; (2) contributions by specified recipients of Federal funds; (3) the fraudulent infiltration of Federal election campaigns for espionage and sabotage purposes; (4) misrepresentations of a canditate for elective office; and (5) crimes affecting elections. Provides that whoever intentionally obstructs, impairs, or perverts the Government of the United States, or any department or agency thereof, in any manner, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1974
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act - Provides that, for the purposes of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, there is a State "emergency on" indicator for a week if there is a State or National "emergency on" indicator for such a week. Provides, for the same purposes, that there is a State "emergency off" indicator for a week if there is both a State and National "emergency off" indicator for such week. States that, with respect to the period which begins January 1, 1975, no emergency compensation shall be payable after a specified time pursuant to the provisions of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 relating to the payment of extended compensation. Changes the rate of insured unemployment definitive of a national "on" indicator from 4.5 to 4 percent for all States. Provides that there shall be paid to the States 100 percent of the sharable extended compensation and sharable regular compensation paid to individuals under State law.
![Official portrait of Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000253_200.jpg)