United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Title I: Nurse Training Act - Nurse Training Act - Provides for appropriations authorizations in the areas of construction assistance under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes assistance under such Act in the expanding of the capacities of nursing schools to provide graduate training. Extends the Financial Distress Grant Program under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to assist public or nonprofit private schools of nursing which are in serious financial straits to meet operational costs required to maintain quality educational programs or which have special need for financial assistance to meet accreditation requirements. Provides that any such grant may be made upon such terms as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and necessary, including requirements that the school agree: (1) to disclose any financial information or data deemed by the Secretary to be necessary to determine the sources or causes of that school's financial distress; (2) to conduct a comprehensive cost analysis study in cooperation with the Secretary; and (3) to carry out appropriate operational and financial reforms on the basis of information obtained in the course of the comprehensive cost analysis study or on the basis of other relevant information. Requires the Secretary to consult with the National Advisory Council on Nurse Training in acting upon applications for grants under this title. Authorizes appropriation for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to meet the costs of advanced nurse training programs. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Extends the Student Loan Program under the Act. Directs the Secretary to determine on a continuing basis: (1) the supply of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses with advanced training or graduate degrees, as well as other nursing personnel; (2) their distribution; and (3) the current and future requirements for such nurses. Title II: Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services: - Special Health Revenue Sharing Act - Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants under the Public Health Service Act to State health and mental health authorities to assit in meeting the costs of providing comprehensive public health services. Family Planning and Population Research Act - Extends the appropriations authorizations for the Family Planning Programs under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes grants for research in the biomedical, contraceptive development, behavioral, and program implementation fields related to family planning and population. Authorizes grants for planning community mental health center programs. Authorizes financial distress grants for the operation of community mental health centers. Directs the Secretary to establish within the National Institute of Mental Health a National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Directs the Secretary to provide for a continuing study and investigation of: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State, and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; and (4) the causes of rape. Directs the Secretary to assist community mental health centers and other entities in conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Community Mental Health Centers Act - Requires the Secretary to formulate a five-year plan for the extension of mental health services. Revises provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to the establishment of migrant health centers, providing highest priority for assistance in areas where the largest migratory worker populations reside. Enumerates the criteria for applications for migrant health center grants and authorizes appropriations for such grants. Defines the term "community health center" as used in this title. States that such term means an entity which, either through its staff and supporting resources or through contracts or cooperative arrangements with other public or private entities, provides: (1) primary health services; (2) as may be appropriate for particular centers, supplemental health services necessary for the adequate support of primary health services; (3) referral to providers of supplemental health services and payment, as appropriate and feasible, for their provision of such services; (4) as may be appropriate for particular centers, environmental health services, and (5) information on the availability and proper use of health services. Provides for grants for projects to plan and develop community health centers which will serve medically underserved populations and authorizes appropriations for such grants. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Committee on Mental Health and Illness of the Elderly to make a study of and recommendations respecting: (1) the future needs for mental health facilities, manpower, research, and training to meet the mental health care needs of elderly persons, (2) the appropriate care of elderly persons who are in mental institutions or who have been discharged from such institutions, and (3) proposals for implementing the recommendations of the 1971 White House Conference on Aging respecting the mental health of the elderly. Directs the Secretary to establish a temporary commission to be known as the Commission for the Control of Epilepsy and Its Consequences. Enumerates the duties of the Commission including to: (1) make a comprehensive study of the state of the art of medical and social management of epilepsy in the United States; and (2) investigate and make recommendations concerning the proper roles of Federal and State Governments and national and local public and private agencies in research, prevention, identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with epilepsy. Directs the Secretary to establish a temporary commission to be known as the Commission for the Control of Huntington's Disease and Its Consequences. Makes it the duty of the Commission to: (1) make a comprehensive study of the state of the art of medical and social management of Huntington's disease in the United States; (2) investigate and make recommendations concerning the proper roles of Federal and State Governments and national and local public and private agencies in research, prevention, identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with Huntington's disease; (3) develop a comprehensive national plan for the control of Huntington's disease and its consequences based on the most thorough, complete, and accurate data and information available on the disorder; and (4) transmit to the President and the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives, not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act a report detailing the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with recommendations for legislation and appropriations, as it deems advisable. Provides for the establishment of comprehensive hemophilia diagnostic and treatment centers and blood-separation centers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides for the coverage of clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance benefits program established by title XVIII (Medicare) Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
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
Freedom from Military Surveillance Act - Restricts the actions of any civil officer of the United States or any member of the Armed Forces of the United States in using the Armed Forces of the United States to exercise surveillance of civilians or to execute the civil laws. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive group practice organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provices that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for particiaption meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not dsicriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Voard finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a group practice organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits an individual practice organization sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these instititions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a group practice organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Authorizes to be appropriated under the development fund part of this Act $200,000,000 beginning the fiscal year when this Act is enacted and $400,000,000 for the succeeding fiscal year. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chariman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and rasises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000,000 or, if higher 150 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part of all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 2.5 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commission shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Seucrity. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consulation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen, and Indians and Alaskan natives, and veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President. Provides that each voter shall cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. States that the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President having the greatest number of votes shall be elected President and Vice President, if such number be at least 40 percent of the total number of votes cast. Stipulates that if, after such election, none of the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President is elected, the Congress shall assemble in special session and choose immediately, from the two pairs of persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President who received the highest numbers of votes cast in the election, one such pair by ballot. States that the Congress may by law provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice-President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides under the Standing Rules of the Senate, that if at any time a motion signed by sixteen Senators, to bring to a close the debate upon any measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate, or the unfinished business, is presented to the Senate, the Presiding Officer shall at once state the motion to the Senate, and one hour after the Senate meets on the following calendar day but one, he shall lay the motion before the Senate and direct that the Secretary call the roll, and upon the ascertainment that a quorum is present, the Presiding Officer shall, without debate, submit to the Senate by a yea-and-nay vote the question of whether it is the sense of the Senate that the debate shall be brought to a close. States that if that question be decided in the affirmative by three-fifths of the Senators present and voting, then said measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate, or the unfinished business, shall be the unfinished business to the exclusion of all other business until disposed of.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1974
Securities Investor Protection Act Amendments - Excludes from membership in the Securities Investor Protection Corporation those persons whose head office is located, and whose principal business is conducted, outside the United States. Grants additional power to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and bylaws of the Corporation to its Board of Directors. Provides that matters relating to the determination of dollar volume of trading on exchanges shall no longer be subject to the by laws of the Corporation. Revises the procedure for the promulgation of rules by the Securities Exchange Commission as filed by the Corporation. States that the minimum assessment imposed upon each member of the Corporation shall be $25 per year for the 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Securities Investor Protection Corporation to maintain confirmed lines of credit outside of the balance of its Fund, but allows disbursement of amounts received from such lines of credit as though they were a part of the Fund. Expands the term "gross revenues from the securities business" (for purposes of determining assessments to be paid by its members to the Corporation) to include specified fees as a result of services rendered by such dealer. Authorizes self-regulatory organizations to take such actions in liquidation proceedings instituted by brokers or dealers in securties as it deems appropriate to protect the interests of customers of such broker or dealer. Authorizes a court of competent jurisdiction to issue a protective decree if it finds the debtor to be bankrupt within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Act or not able to comply with financial responsibility rules or regulations. Provides for the appointment and compensation of disinterested third parties as attorneys and trustees for the parties to such actions. Defines the term "disinterested" for the purposes of this Act. Revises the provisions relating to the purposes of liquidation proceedings, and enumerates the powers and duties of the trustee in such proceedings. Makes special provision with respect to customer-related property and the purchase of securities by the trustee. States that, in order to provide for prompt payment and satisfaction of net equities of customers of the debtor, SIPC shall advance to the trustee such moneys as may be required to pay or otherwise satisfy claims for the amount by which the net equity of each customer exceeds his ratable share of customer property but only to the extent that the amount of such excess shall not exceed $100,000 for such customer, except in specified circumstances. Provides for a direct payment procedure in lieu of a liquidation proceeding where the SIPC determines that any member has failed or may fail to meet its obligations to its customers and that the aggregate of such obligations is less than $250,000. Provides that each self-regulatory organization shall act as collection agent for SIPC to collect assessments payable to SIPC. Makes it unlawful for any member of SIPC who fails to pay his assessment to engage in business as a dealer or broker. Provides that whoever defrauds or attempts to defraud the SIPC by any means shall be fined up to $50,000, imprisoned up to five years, or both.
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
States that the Senate of the United States: (1) expresses its support for the broad purposes of the agreement in principle reached at Vladivostok on November 24, 1974, as a step forward both in furthering arms control and improving the relations between the United States and the Soviet Union; and (2) expresses its firm belief that this agreement in principle must lead to further arms limitations and reductions and that both the United States and the Soviet Union should make every effort to halt the continuing competition in strategic arms by excercising restraint in the deployment of additional nuclear weapons systems beyond current levels. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should make every possible effort to negotiate further nuclear arms limitation and reduction measures as part of the final accord carrying out the Vladivostok agreement. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the specific accord concluded on the basis of the Vladivostok agreement between the President of the United States and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics should be in the form of a treaty and submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1974
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act - Provides that, for the purposes of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, there is a State "emergency on" indicator for a week if there is a State or National "emergency on" indicator for such a week. Provides, for the same purposes, that there is a State "emergency off" indicator for a week if there is both a State and National "emergency off" indicator for such week. States that, with respect to the period which begins January 1, 1975, no emergency compensation shall be payable after a specified time pursuant to the provisions of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 relating to the payment of extended compensation. Changes the rate of insured unemployment definitive of a national "on" indicator from 4.5 to 4 percent for all States. Provides that there shall be paid to the States 100 percent of the sharable extended compensation and sharable regular compensation paid to individuals under State law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1974
Title I: Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration to carry out this Act. Provides, under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, for the extension of authorization of appropriations for: (1) vocational rehabilitation services; (2) research and training; (3) grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities; (4) vocational training services for handicapped individuals; (5) special projects and demonstrations; (6) the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults; (7) program and project evaluation; (8) secretarial responsibilities; and (9) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Title II: Randolph-Sheppard Act Amendments - Randolph-Sheppard Act Amendments - Expresses the findings of Congress, including that after review of the blind vending stand program authorized under the Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936, the program has not been developed in the manner and spirit in which Congress intended. Authorizes the operation of such vending facilities on any Federal property, stating that priority shall be given to blind persons licensed by a State agency as provided in this Act. Enumerates new Federal and State responsibilities for carrying out the Randolph-Sheppard Act. Provides that after January 1, 1975, no department of the United States shall undertake to acquire any building unless such building includes a site for the location of a vending facility by a blind person, with enumerated exceptions relating to a limited number of people using the property. Makes provisions throughout the Randolph-Sheppard Act for changing the word "stand" to "facility". States that any blind licensee dissatisfied with any action arising from the operation of the vending facility program may request a hearing from the State licensing agency. Provides for arbitration panels to hear such grievances, setting forth their composition and duties. Provides that no limitation shall be imposed on income from vending machines which are maintained, serviced, and operated by a blind licensee. Directs the Secretary to assign to the Office for the Blind and Visually Handicapped of the Rehabilitation Services Administration ten additional personnel to administer the Randolph-Sheppard Act. Enumerates additional staff responsibilities, and required standards, studies and reports. Title III: White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals - White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals Act - Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals to assess problems and suggest solutions to such problems facing individuals with handicaps. Establishes a National Planning and Advisory Council to provide guidance for the Conference, detailing seventeen factors to which the Council shall give special consideration in leading up to the White House Conference. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in meeting the costs of participation of the Conference. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title and such additional sums as necessary to carry out the provisions relating to the State grants.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1974
Tax Reform and Relief Act - Title I: Tax Relief for Low-and Middle-Income Taxpayers - States that at the election of the taxpayer, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974, there shall be allowed, as a credit, an amount equal to $175 multiplied by the number of exemptions to which the taxpayer is entitled under section 151 of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires that such credit shall not exceed the tax imposed for the taxable year. Sets forth a special rule for exemptions for the taxable year 1974. Provides that there shall be allowed to a taxpayer who is an eligible individual as a credit an amount equal to a specified percentage of the social security taxes imposed on him and his employer with respect to wages received by the taxpayer during that year. States that the amount of the credit allowable to a taxpayer shall not exceed an amount equal to 10 percent of so much of his wages as does not exceed $4,000 received by that individual during that year with respect to employment, and that the amount of the credit shall be reduced by one-fourth of the amount by which a taxpayer's income exceeds $4,000. Provides that a taxpayer may receive an advance refund of the credit allowable to him not more frequently than quarterly by filing an election for such refund with the Secretary. States that if the taxpayer elects to base his claim for refund on social security taxes imposed on him, his spouse, and their employers, the election shall be a joint election signed by the taxpayer and his spouse. Title II: Amendments to Increase Revenues - Provides for the termination of special tax treatment for a Domestic International Sales Corporation (DISC). Imposes an excise tax on the windfall profits from domestic crude oil removed from the premises on every person entitled to a deduction for depletion with respect to the crude oil. States that each person liable for such tax shall be allowed, as a credit against such tax, an amount equal to such person's plowback investment for such taxable period. Defines "windfall profit" as the excess of the removal price over the adjusted base price. Sets forth provisions and regulations governing the imposition and collection of the windfall profits tax on crude oil. Provides, for a gradual phaseout of the percentage depletion allowance for domestic oil and natural gas production. Specifies special rules governing the taxation of foreign oil and gas income. Title III: Increases Incentive for Expanded Investment - Provides for an increase in the investment tax credit for expanded investment. Defines "expanded investment" as the amount by which the qualified investment of the taxpayer for such year exceeds the average amount of qualified investment of the taxpayer per taxable year, as determined on the 3 most recent previous taxable years, determined without regard to investment credit carryovers and carrybacks.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Extends until December 1, 1975, the time for submission of two studies (on: (1) the interrelationship of benefit programs for the elderly; and (2) the impact of taxes on the elderly), with recommendations, to the Congress by the Federal Council on Aging, as required under the Older Americans Act. (Amends P. L. 93-29).
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Extends to forty-five months (presently thirty-six) the maximum number of school months covered by veterans' educational benefits for eligible veterans and for specified dependents. ( Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661 )
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Rice Act - Title I: Rice - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, to establish for each of the 1975 through 1977 crops of rice a national acreage allotment which shall be the number of acres which will produce an amount of rice equal to the estimated domestic consumption and exports (less imports) of rice for the marketing year beginning in the year in which the crop is to be produced, adjusted to maintain adequate supplies or to prevent excessive carryover stocks. Requires that the national acreage allotment shall not be less than two million acres. Directs the Secretary to allocate the national acreage allotment on the basis of the rice allotments established for the preceding crops, as equitably adjusted. Provides for reserving a portion of the rice allotment for apportionment to new rice farms and new rice producers. Sets forth criteria for reducing the rice allotment. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer for any year because of natural disaster all or a part of such rice acreage for any farm in the county or in any other nearby county on which one or more producers on the farm from which the transfer is to be made will be engaged in the production of rice and will share in the proceeds in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to permit the owner and operator of any farm for which a farm acreage allotment has been established to sell or lease all or any part to any other owner or operator of a farm in the same State, or to transfer all or any part of such allotment to any other farm owned or controlled by him in the same State. Title II: Rice Research - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out regional and national research programs with respect to rice for specified purposes, including: (1) to reduce fertilizer and herbicide usage in excess of production needs; (2) to develop varieties of rice more susceptible to complete fertilizer utilization; and (3) to improve the resistance of rice plants to disease and to enhance their conservation and environmental qualities. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out such research. Title III: Miscellaneous - Provides, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, that for the 1975 through 1977 crops of rice, a cooperator shall be a producer on a farm on which a farm acreage allotment has been established or to which a producer acreage allotment has been allocated, who has set aside the acreage required under such act and who complies with the conditions of eligibility prescribed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Interior shall offer oil and gas leases pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act only in accordance with the following specified criteria, including: (1) the Council on Environmental Quality, with the concurrence of the Review Panel of the National Academy of Sciences, has specified and evaluated all necessary environmental research for any areas to be leased; and (2) the adjacent coastal States have established or are establishing coastal zone management programs to prevent or ameliorate environmental and socioeconomic impacts from activities resulting from leasing.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1974
Social Services Amendments - Authorizes necessary appropriations each fiscal year for payments to States for provision of social services directed toward the goal of: (1) achieving or maintaining economic self-support to prevent, reduce, or eliminate dependency; (2) preventing or remedying neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children and adults unable to protect their own interests, or preserving, rehabilitating, or reuniting families; (3) preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based care, home-based, or other forms of less intensive care, or; (4) securing referral or admission for institutional care when other forms of care are not appropriate. Requires that 50 percent of such payments to States be for provision of services to individuals who are receiving (or are eligible to receive) aid under the Aid to Needy Families with Children, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act. Prohibits payments to States for aid to individuals with incomes above specified levels. Requires that expenditure by States under this Act for child day care services be for day care services which meet the Federal interagency day care requirements as approved by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Office of Economic Opportunity. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, State expenditures under this Act for services to individuals living in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, prisons, or foster homes. Prohibits such expenditures for services to individuals eligible for Medicare aid. Requires that States participating in the programs established under this Act report annually on the results of specified evaluations and audits of their participation. Allows suspension of payments to States failing to meet requirements under this Act. Requires States to provide hearings for individuals whose claims to services under this Act are denied, to restrict disclosure of information obtained on individuals pursuant to this Act, and to refrain from imposing durational residency or citizenship requirements upon individuals as a condition to participation in programs under this Act. States that comprehensive plans must be published by States setting forth their programs under this Act which will be pursued in the ensuing year. Requires that such plan include descriptions of objectives, individuals and geographic areas to be served, descriptions of implementation procedures, estimated expenditures, and services to be rendered. Requires annual evaluations of the programs under this Act by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1974
Emergency Public Service Employment Act - Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 such sums as are necessary to carry out public service employment programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. Makes $500,000,000 available for obligation by the Secretary of Labor when the average national rate of unemployment exceeds 4 1/2 percent for three consecutive months during any 12 month period; an additional $500,000,000 if such rate exceeds 5 percent for three consecutive months in any twelve month period; another $1,000,000,000 if such rate exceeds 5 1/2 percent under the same circumstances; and an additional $2,000,000,000 if such rate exceeds 6 percent. Provides for the allocation of funds under this Act to areas in proportion to the number of unemployed persons in such areas as compared to the number of all such persons in all areas under the jurisdiction of the applicant. Authorizes the Secretary to make such reallocations as he deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the well-being of the world and all of its people is gravely threatened by exorbitant or rigged foreign oil prices. States that it is further the sense of the Senate that Congress and the American people support President Ford and Secretary Kissinger in their call to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to lower the price of petroleum.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dogfights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Specifies punishments for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dogfights if any one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48)
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
National Emergencies Act - Title I: Terminating Existing Declared Emergencies - States that all powers and authorities conferred by law upon the President, any other officer or employee of the Federal Government, or upon any department, agency, independent establishment, or any other body of the Federal Government, and all powers and authorities conferred by any Executive Order pursuant to law as a result of the existence of any national emergency in effect immediately prior to the two hundred and seventy-first day after the date of enactment of this Act, are terminated on such two hundred and seventy-first day. Title II: Future National Emergencies - Provides that in the event the President finds that the proclamation of a national emergency is essential to the preservation, protection, and defense of the Constitution, and is essential to the common defense, safety, or well-being of the territory and people of the United States, the President is authorized to proclaim the existence of a national emergency. Title III: Declarations of War by Congress - Stipulates that whenever Congress declares war, any provisions of law conferring powers and authorities to be exercised during time of war or a national emergency shall be effective from the date of such declaration and remain in effect only in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Title IV: Future National Emergencies - Provides that when the President declares a national emergency, or Congress declares war, any provisions of law conferring powers and authorities to be exercised during such a national emergency or during a war declared by the Congress shall be effective and remain in effect with respect to such emergency or war only in accordance with this Act. States that when the President declares a national emergency, no powers made available by statute for use in the event of an emergency shall become operative unless and until the President specifies by Executive Order the specific provisions of law under which he proposed that he, or other officers of the executive branch, will act. Provides that any national emergency declared by the President in accordance with this title shall terminate 180 days after the date the national emergency was declared unless Congress, by concurrent resolution, provides otherwise. Title V: Miscellaneous - Provides that when the President declares a national emergency, or Congress declares war, the President shall be responsible for maintaining a file, and an index thereof, of all Executive Orders issued by the President. Directs the President to transmit to the House of Representatives and the Senate and to the appropriate committees of the Congress the texts of each order, rule, or regulation, by whatever name called, promulgated by any executive department, administration, independent establishment, board, commission, official, group of officials, or other rulemaking authority. Title VI: Repeal of Certain Emergency Power Statutes - Provides for the repeal of specified provisions of law dealing with emergency powers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) act to relieve immediate threats of famine where it exists and assist food-short nations in increasing food production; (2) attempt to achieve an international agreement on a food reserve to be used in emergencies; (3) assist in social and economic growth and in population control (as requested) in underdeveloped nations; and (4) support the efficient use and equitable distribution of food worldwide.
United States · United States Congress · 13 August 1974
Credit Allocation Incentive Act - Authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to require each member bank to hold additional reserves against nonpriority loans and investments, and grant a credit against these additional reserves for national priority loans and investments. Establishes the following as national priority loans and investments: (1) useful capital investments, particularly if capacity-adding, energy-conserving environment-enhancing, or productivity-increasing; (2) low- or middle-income housing; (3) State or local government facilities; and (4) small businesses and farms, permits the Board to establish other priority areas as the investment needs of the Nation change, provided it informs Congress at least 60 days in advance so that Congress may disapprove by concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 13 August 1974
Declares that all foreign troops currently involved in Cyprus be withdrawn immediately so that the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross may be permitted to restore peace to the island, and to guarantee the protection and civil rights of all persons and communities and the right of the Cypriot people working together to determine their own destiny.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1974
Requires the heads of the respective executive agencies to provide the Congress with advance notice of planned organizational and other changes or actions which would affect Federal civilian employment by the closing down of plants or the transfer of civilian employees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1974
Economic Opportunity and Community Partnership Act - Extends the authorization for appropriations of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, for an additional three year period through fiscal year 1977. Extends such Act for an additional three year period, through fiscal year 1978. Authorizes an aggregate of $1,548,000 for fiscal year 1975, $1,761,500 for fiscal year 1976, and $1,983,000 for fiscal year 1977. Provides for automatic extension of the authorizations beyond fiscal year 1977, unless the Congress passes or formally rejects extension of authorizations, or by concurrent resolution, provides that the automatic extension shall no longer apply. Establishes an independent "Community Services and Community Economic Development Administration," headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. States that "Community Services" would include continued direct funding for community action "local initiative" programs, "Community Partnership Agreements", and national emphasis anti-poverty activities such as Emergency Food and Medical Services, Senior Opportunities and Services, and other projects such as evaluation and demonstration activities. Provides for the continuation of the current legal services program. Stipulates that "local-initiative" programs would be continued under current authority. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes of $330,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, 330,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and such sums as may be necessary in succeeding fiscal years. States that the Federal share for such activities would be 80 percent. Provides that demonstration community partnership agreements would be funded by the Agency upon approval of an agreement entered into by a community action agency or similar public or private non-profit agency, and the public agency of a State or political subdivision of a State, or any combination, for local initiative type programs. Sets forth requirements concerning the use of funds. Stipulates that funds should not be used in substitution of local-initiative or other antipoverty programs. Establishes a National Intergovernmental Review Board on the Financing of Community Services to review community partnership agreements, as well as sources for funding of antipoverty efforts. States that the Board, appointed by the President, and subject to Senate confirmation, would consist of nine members, including three representives of State and local government, three of community action and similar agencies and the remainder from the private sector. Stipulates that community economic development programs would include "special impact" programs through community development corporations in rural and urban areas; special rural programs, including funding of rural cooperatives; developmental loans for community economic development programs including establishment of a model domestic development enterprise corporation; and training and technical assistance. Establishes an Interagency Community Economic Development Resource Committee to insure the maximum application of reasources of other agencies, such as the Small Business Administration, the Department of Houasing and Urban Development, and the Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration. Provides for a Joint Congressional study during the fiscal year ending June 30,1975, to provide for an appropriate administering agency to conduct the community economic development program in the future, including consideration of an independent community economic development agency.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1974
States that a court of appeals of the United States may appoint necessary legal assistants to positions authorized by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Provides that such legal assistants shall perform duties involving the preliminary processing of matters filed in the court. States that the approval of the Judicial Conference of the United States shall be required prior to the establishment of each such position. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 714)
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1974
Requires, under the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970, that before the National Railroad Passenger Corporation changes any schedule of, or increases any rate, fare, or charge for, rail passenger service, the Corporation shall hold a public hearing and make a finding that such change or increase is reasonable and in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1974
Emergency Health Professions Educational Assistance Act - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for Federal capital contributions into the student loan funds of health professions education schools.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1974
Economic Review Act - Title I: Establishes an Economic Review Board to review the factors in the present international and domestic economic situation that contribute to inflation and to discern the relative economic impact of each of these factors in fostering the current lack of price restraint. Title II: Productivity - States that the National Commission on Productivity and Work Quality shall establish regional and industry productivity councils to improve productivity in regions and industries. Title III: Authorizes to be appropriated up to $50,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1974
Child and Family Services Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that the purposes of this Act are to establish and expand children and family service programs, build upon the experience of Headstart, give special emphasis to preschool children and families with the greatest needs, and provide decision making with direct parent participation through a partnership of parents, State, local and Federal government. Authorizes to be appropriated $150 million for fiscal year 1975 and $200 million for fiscal year 1976 for training, planning, and technical assistance and $500 million in fiscal year 1976 and $1 billion in fiscal year 1977 for program operation. Title I: Child and Family Service Programs - Establishes the Office of Child and Family Services in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the principal agency for administration of this Act. Creates the Child and Family Services Coordinating Council with representatives from various federal agencies to assure coordination of federal programs in the field. Defines the purposes for which Federal funds can be used: (1) planning and developing programs, including pilot programs; (2) establishing programs, including child care in the home: after-school programs; family prenatal care; programs to meet special needs of minorities, Indians, migrants and bilingual children; food and nutrition services; and special activities for handicapped children within regular programs; (3) rental, renovation, acquisition or construction of facilities, including mobile facilities; (4) preservice and inservice training; (5) staff and administration expenses of councils and committees required by the Act; and (6) dissemination of information to families. Provides for the reservation of funds proportionately for handicapped children and for migrant and Indian children, and up to 5 percent for model programs. Allocates the remainder among the States and within the States, and within the States, 50 percent according to relative number of economically disadvantaged children, 25 percent according to relative number of children through age five, and 25 percent according to relative number of children of working mothers and single parents. Allows the use of up to 5 percent of a State's allocation for special State 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. Establishes performance criteria for prime sponsors, including coordination of all services for children within the prime sponsorship area and establishment of a Child and Family Service Council to administer and coordinate programs. Empowers the Secretary to directly fund an Indian tribe to carry out programs on a reservation and public or private nonprofit agencies to operate migrant programs, model programs, or programs where no prime sponsor has been designated or where a designated prime sponsor is not meeting certain needs. Provides for the Governor to comment on prime sponsorship applications and provides appeal procedures for applicants who are disapproved. Sets forth the composition, method of selection, and functions of Child and Family Service Councils to be established by each prime sponsor. Requires that at least one-third of the total membership of the Child and Family Service Council shall be persons who are economically disadvantaged. States that financial assistance under this title may be provided by the Secretary for fiscal year 1975 and any subsequent fiscal year to a prime sponsor only pursuant to a child and family service plan which is approved by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this title. Sets forth the conditions for such approval, requiring that any such program shall: (1) provide that programs or services under this title shall be provided only for children whose parents request them; (2) identifies child and family service needs and goals within the area and describes the purposes for which the financial assistance will be used; and (3) meets the needs of children and families in the prime sponsorship area, with priority for services to children who have not attained six years of age, and other enumerated criteria. Allows Federal funding for construction or acquisition only where no alternatives are practicable. Provides that no more than 15 percent of a prime sponsor's funds may be used for construction, and that no more than half of that may be in the form of grants rather than loans. Requires that the Federal Government and prime sponsors make available for child and family service programs, facilities they own and lease, when they are not fully utilized for other purposes. Provides a 100 percent Federal share for planning in the first year, 90 percent Federal share for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and 80 percent for subsequent fiscal years. Provides a 100 percent Federal share for programs for migrants and Indians, and allows waiver of part or all of the non-Federal share where necessary to meet needs of economically disadvantaged children. States that the non-Federal share may be in cash or in kind. Requires that revenues generated by fees may not be used as the non-Federal share but must be used as the non-Federal share but must be used by the prime sponsor to expand programs. Title II: Supportive Services and Special Activities - Requires a national committee on Federal standards, with one-half parent participation, to establish standards for all child care services programs funded by this or any other Federal act. Requires a committee to develop a uniform minimum code dealing with health and safety of children and applicable to all facilities funded by this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual evaluations and report to Congress on Federal child family services activities. Title III: Research and Demonstrations - Authorizes child and family services research and requires that the Office of Child and Family Services coordinate research by Federal agencies. Title IV: General Provisions - Defines terms used in this Act. Requires that procedures be established to assure adequate nutrition services in programs under this Act, including use of the special food service programs of the School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act. Sets forth an anti-crimination provision, including separate provisions on sex discrimination. Requires that programs meet the minimum wage. Prohibits the use of funds for constructing, operating, or maintaining facilities for sectarian instruction or religious worship. Provides that no child may be the subject of research or experimentation without parental approval, and that no child may be forced to undergo examination or treatment if parents object. Requires approval of the Secretary for child development programs for very young children. Requires that all applications, plans, and written material pertaining thereto be made available to the public without charge.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1974
Expresses the intent of Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System exercise the authority conferred by the Federal Reserve Act with respect to any obligation issued directly by a member bank or indirectly by an affiliate of a member bank or by other means, regardless of the stated use of the proceeds of the issue.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1974
Emergency Petroleum Allocation Extension Act - Provides for the extension of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 from February 28, 1975, to June 30, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1974
National Mass Transportation Assistance Act - Increases the number and type of facilities eligible for Federal assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964. Increases the authorization for the purpose of financing grants and loans under such Act from $6,100,000,000 to $15,600,000,000. States that the Secretary of Transportation shall not approve any project in an urbanized area after July 1, 1976, under this Act unless he finds that such project is based on a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on in a manner that will serve the States and local communities efficiently and effectively. Provides a formula under which the Secretary shall apportion the $5,000,000,000 made available to the States in the form of grants for emergency programs under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1975 through 1979 to liquidate the obligations incurred for the project costs of emergency programs under such Act. States that the Secretary may approve as a project under this Act: (1) the acquisition, construction, and improvement of facilities and equipment for use, by operation or lease or otherwise, in mass transportation service, and (2) the payment of operating expenses to improve or to continue such service by operation, lease, contract or otherwise. States that the Federal share payable on account of any project financed with funds made available under this Act shall not exceed 80 percent of the cost of the project. Provides that, in approving the plans, specifications, and estimates for any proposed project under this Act, the Secretary shall assure that possible adverse economic, social, and environmental effects relating to the proposed project have been fully considered in developing the project, and that the final decisions on the project are made in the best overall public interest, taking into consideration the need for fast, safe, and efficient transportation, public services, and conservation of environment and natural resources, and the costs of eliminating or minimizing any such adverse effects, including: (1) air, noise, and water pollution; (2) destruction or disruption of man-made and natural resources, esthetic values, community cohesion, and the availability of public facilities and services; (3) adverse employment effects, and tax and property value losses; (4) injurious displacement of people, businesses, and farms; and (5) disruption of desirable community and regional growth. Provides for the method of payment of State and Federal shares of project costs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist States and their political subdivisions in financing the construction and operation of facilities and equipment for use in providing public mass transportation service in rural areas. States that, in order to finance grants, the Secretary is authorized to incur obligations on behalf of the United States in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000,000. Provides that the Federal grant for any rural project assisted under this Act shall be in an amount not to exceed 80 percent of the cost of the project. Requires the Secretary to develop, test, and prescribe a reporting system to accumulate public mass transportation financial and operating information by uniform categories and a uniform system of accounts and records by January 10, 1977. Provides for the coordination of urban mass transit programs with model cities' programs. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate unsafe conditions in any facility or manner of operation financed under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and to withhold further financial assistance until a plan for correcting the unsafe facility is approved or implemented. Provides for the development, establishment, and operation of demonstration projects to determine the feasibility of fare-free urban mass transportation systems. Enumerates criteria according to which the Secretary shall select cities or metropolitan areas for such projects. Authorizes to be appropriated up to $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975 and 1976 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1974
Declares that the Senate commends the CBS television network for commemorating the birth of our Nation, and for providing a focus for Americans to foster a sense of deepened pride in their heritage.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1974
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Commerce to make a full and complete investigation and study for the purpose of determining a policy and role for the Federal Government on tourism in the United States which will most effectively enable the industry to realize fully its potential to contribute to the social well-being, the cultural understanding, and the economic prosperity of the United States. Provides that the chairman and ranking minority member of each of the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Agriculture and Forestry, Interior and Insular Affairs, Public Works, Foreign Relations, Government Operations, Labor and Public Welfare, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Judiciary, and the Select Committee on Small Business, or a member of such committees designated by each such chairman or ranking minority member to serve in his place, shall serve as ex officio members of the Committee on Commerce for purposes of this study. Directs the Committee on Commerce to report its findings, together with its recommendations for such legislation as it deems advisable, to the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1974
Authorizes and directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library. Provides that expenses incurred by the Joint Committee on the Library in carrying out this concurrent resolution, which shall not exceed $2,500, shall be paid out of the contingent fund of the Senate on vouchers approved by the chairman of the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Children and Youth Camp Safety Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to protect and safeguard the health and well-being of youth attending day camps, resident camps, and travel camps by providing for the establishment of Federal standards for the safe operation of youth camps. Confers upon the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Secretary for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed eighty percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to make the grants provided for in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect youth camps. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress at least once a year a comprehensive and detailed report on his administration under this Act. Authorizes civil penalties of up to $2,500 for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 1973 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1974
National Oil Recycling Act - Directs all Federal officials to act within their authority to encourage the use of recycled oil. States that this Act shall in no way preempt State regulation of recycled oil or used oil disposal whenever such regulation provides for stricter control of recycled oil or used oil than provided for by Federal law. States that the States should encourage the use of recycled oil in order to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Requires that in order to qualify for Federal grants under this Act, a State shall adopt laws, regulations, and administrative machinery which shall provide for, but not be limited to: (1) requiring that used oil collectors obtain a State permit prior to engaging in used oil collecting activities; (2) requiring that used oil recyclers obtain a State permit prior to engaging in recycling operations; (3) when recycled oil is available at prices competitive with new oil produced for the same purpose, using recycled oil for all automotive and industrial uses of the State government, and requiring all parties contracting with the State to use recycled oil in the performance of such contracts; (4) regulating the retail sales of automobile oil so as to encourage the recycling of used oil; (5) prohibiting the use of used oil as fuel oil or for the oiling of State roads, unless such oil has been processed to meet the minimum standards for such uses established by Federal and State pollution control laws; and (6) educating the public and private sectors of the State as to the merits of recycled oil, and the need for its use in order to reduce the drain on the Nation's oil reserves and minimize the disposal of used oil in ways harmful to the environment. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations with respect to the labeling of recycled oil in order to carry out the purpose of this Act. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring all containers of automotive and industrial oil, both new and recycled, to bear labels relating to the proper disposal of such oils after use. Makes it unlawful for any person to enter into any contract or agreement where the intent of such contract or agreement is to discourage the recycling of used oil. Provides for a fine of $50,000 for a violation of such prohibition, or imprisonment for a term of one year or less, or both. Requires records to be kept by parties covered by the provisions of this Act. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make annual reports to the Congress. Sets forth the contents of such reports. Provides that whenever the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that: (1) in implementing the provisions of this Act, a United States patent right not otherwise available is necessary to enable any person to comply with this Act; (2) there are no reasonable alternative methods to accomplish this Act's purposes; and (3) the inavailability of such patent right may result in a substantial lessening of competition or a tendency to create a monopoly in any line of the Nation's commerce; the Administrator, through the Attorney General, may so certify to a district court of the United States, which may order the person owning the patent to license it on such reasonable terms as the court, after hearing, may determine. Provides that any person violating any provision of this Act which does not provide for specific penalties or punishment thereunder shall upon conviction thereof be guilty of a misdemeanor which shall be punishable by a term of six months in prison for each violation, or a fine of not to exceed $25,000, or both. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974, and for each succeeding fiscal year, $25,000,000 for grants to the States to assist them in fulfilling the purposes and provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make allotments to the States, not to exceed 10 cents per capita for any State based on the latest national census, when he has determined that they are in compliance with this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974, and for each succeeding fiscal year through fiscal year 1977, $10,000,000 for the development of new processes and technology to be used in the economical and ecological recycling of used oil. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974, and for each succeeding fiscal year, through fiscal year 1977, $5,000,000 for the development of standards and testing methods to facilitate the comparison of recycled oil with new oil. Imposes a tax of 6 cents per gallon on specified oils other than recycled oils sold in the United States by the manufacturer or producer.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Harry S. Truman Memorial Scholarship Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that it is especially appropriate to honor former President Harry S. Truman through the creation of a perpetual educational scholarship program to develop increased opportunities for young Americans to prepare and pursue careers in public service. Establishes, as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States Government, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, to be subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees. Authorizes the Foundation to award fifty-one scholarships in any fiscal year beginning after June 30, 1973, for undergraduate study for persons who plan to pursue a career in public service. States that each recipient shall be known as a Truman scholar. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) the scholarship requirements; (2) the procedure for selection of Truman scholars; (3) stipends and institutional allowances; and (4) the scholarship conditions. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Harry S. Truman Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund. Prescribes the procedure for expenditures from the fund. Directs that there shall be an Executive Secretary of the Foundation, appointed by the Board, who shall be the chief executive officer and shall carry out the functions of the Foundation subject to the supervision and direction of the Board. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 to the fund. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for administrative expenses incident to carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1974
Authorizes the erection of a Children's Gift Bell memorial bell tower on the Capitol Grounds in honor of the bicentennial celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1974
Declares it to be the sense of the Senate that: (1) the contribution by the United States to the growing economic and human crisis in the developing world should be primarily in the form of food and the means and technology to produce it; (2) the President, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Agriculture and their advisors should give the highest priority to the immediate expansion of American food assistance and take such additional steps as might be necessary to expedite the transfer of American food commodities on concessional and donation terms to those nations most severely affected; (3) the United States should increase its matching pledge to the World Food Program for 1975-1976 and encourage other nations to do so; (4) the President and the Secretary of State should negotiate with other major food exporting nations to seek to obtain their participation in this emergency effort proportionate to their share of world food exports, and should strongly encourage oil exporting nations to contribute a fair share to these efforts to assist the most severely affected nations; (5) the United States should announce its desire to work with the oil exporting and other nations in a major effort to increase world fertilizer production with the possibility of including the offer of American technology and capital; and (6) the President should encourage the American people to reduce the non-critical, non-food-producing uses of fertilizer which now total nearly three million tons of nutrient a year, to make available increased fertilizer supplies for raising food production at home and in the developing world. Declares the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States and the Secretaries of State and Agriculture should, and are hereby urged and requested to: (1) maintain regular and full consultation with the appropriate committees of the Congress and (2) report to the Congress and the Nation at regular intervals on the progress toward formulating an American response in a cooperative framework to the world food crisis and the needs of the most severely affected developing countries.
![Official portrait of Sen. Williams, Harrison A., Jr. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000502_200.jpg)