United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1974
Establishes within the Departments of Agriculture and Interior the Youth Conservation Corps, consisting of youth from 15-18 who may be employed, without regard to civil service or classification laws or regulations, for developing or preserving lands and waters of the United States. Limits service in the Corps during any year to 90 days. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to determine hours, pay, and subsistence for Corps personnel. Allows for contracting with public and private nonprofit agencies for operation of any Corps project. Provides for grants to States to assist in Corps projects on non-Federal lands. Authorizes appropriations of up to $60,000,000 each year for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1974
Title I: Home Maintenance and Improvement Loans for Low-and Middle-Income Families - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans as provided in this Act to low and middle-income individuals and families owning and occupying one, two, or three-family residential structures to assist in financing the necessary maintenance or improvements of such structures through qualified repairs. Provides that such loans shall bear interest at 3 percent. Defines "low and middle-income individuals and families" for purposes of this Act. Defines "qualified repairs" for purposes of this Act. Requires the reservation of 15 percent of such loans for elderly homeowners. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act. Title II: Audits of Federal Housing Programs by General Accounting Office - Directs the Comptroller General to annually audit housing and related programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sets forth requirements for such audits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) it most strongly condemns all acts of terrorism in the Middle East; (2) the President and the Secretary of State should and are hereby urged and requested to (a) call upon all governments to condemn this inhuman act of violence against innocent victims; and (b) strongly urge the governments who harbor these groups and individuals to take appropriate action to rid their countries of those who subvert the peace through terrorism and senseless violence; and (3) the President should request the American Ambassador to the United Nations to take appropriate action before that body in order to have introduced a Security Council resolution condemning this brutal act of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1974
Designates for study specified rivers in California, Michigan, Alabama, Wyoming, Colorado, Minnesota, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Wisconsin as potential additions to the national wild and scenic rivers system.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1974
Provides cost-of-living adjustments in retirement pay, calculated with respect to the Consumer Price Index, for Federal judges in territories and possessions of the United States. States that in no case shall the salary as increased under this Act exceed the salary of a United States district court judge in active service.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1974
Special Unemployment Compensation Act - Provides that each State which enters into an agreement with the Secretary of Labor, pursuant to which it makes payments of special unemployment compensation, shall be paid by the United States such amounts as are deemed necessary by the Secretary of Labor to carry out the provisions of this Act in the State. States that an individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of special unemployment compensation or waiting period credit with respect to a week of unemployment occurring during and subsequent to a special unemployment compensation period in accordance with the provisions of this Act if the individual meets the specified requirements, including the exhaustion of all rights to compensation under all State unemployment compensation and other laws. Provides for the periods of time to be covered by special unemployment compensation under this Act. States that a special unemployment compensation period shall commence in an area designated by the Secretary with the third week after the first week for which there is an "on" indicator for such area, and shall terminate with the third week after the first week for which there is an "off" indicator for such area. Provides that no special unemployment compensation period shall have a duration of less than 13 weeks. Sets forth the criteria for establishing "on" and "off" indicators. Prescribes the calculations to be followed in determining the weekly amount of special unemployment benefits and sets maximum benefit amounts. Empowers the Secretary to promulgate rules necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Defines the terms used in this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1974
States that the Congress fully recognizes the principle of government by consent and authorizes the people of the Virgin Islands to organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption. Authorizes the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the people of the Virgin Islands. Stipulates that such constitution shall provide a republican form of government and shall include a bill of rights. Directs members of the constitutional convention to consult with the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives to obtain the comments of such committees concerning the draft of the constitution prior to submitting such draft to the voters of the Virgin Islands. States that the constitution drafted by the constitutional convention shall be submitted to the voters of the Virgin Islands who may approve it by a majority vote of the voters participating.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1974
Provides for the elimination of the copyright expiration date of January 1, 1975, for a limited copyright in sound recordings for the purpose of protecting against unauthorized duplication and piracy of sound recordings. Sets forth increased criminal penalties for piracy and counterfeiting of sound recordings, and for the knowing and fradulent transportation, sale, or receipt of phonograph records bearing forged or counterfeit labels.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1974
States that the House of Representatives salutes Henry Aaron as an "All-American Good Guy" and extends to him the congratulations, esteem, and affection of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1974
Title I: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Provides for increases in appropriation ceilings for the acquisition of specified units of the National Park System. Title II: Development Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for development of specified units of the National Park System. Title III: Boundary Changes - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise the boundaries of specified units of the National Park System. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by donation, purchase, or exchange and to develop specified National Park lands. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary up to $100,000 to conduct studies to determine the cause and extent of the damage to the foundation of the historic structures of the San Juan National Historic Site. Authorizes to be appropriated up to $8,400,000 in addition to available funds, for moving costs, relocation benefits, and other expenses incurred pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Provides that whenever an owner of property, to be acquisitioned to the National Park System, elects to retain a right of use and occupancy, such owner shall be deemed to have waived the relocation benefits and displaced person status accorded by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1974
Food Program Technical Amendment - Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture shall use specified funds, including stocks of the Commodity Credit Corporation, to purchase agricultural commodities and products to maintain the traditional level of assistance for food assistance programs, including school lunch, institutions, supplemental feeding, and disaster relief distribution. Authorizes the Secretary to administer a food stamp program at the request of any tribal government of native Americans to provide eligible households with an opportunity to participate in the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to pay a tribal governments 100 percent of the costs for administration of food stamp programs on Indian reservations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Provides for the expansion of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Home Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1974
Bicentennial Advanced Technology Transportation System Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make a comprehensive study of a high-speed ground transportation system between Washington, District of Columbia, and Annapolis, Maryland, and a high-speed marine vessel transportation system between the Baltimore-Annapolis area in Maryland and the Yorktown-Williamsburg-Norfolk area in Virginia. Authorizes the construction of such system if such study demonstrates their feasibility. Authorizes appropriations of $300,000 for carrying out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1974
Virgin Islands Unemployment Compensation Amendments - Provides for the extension of the Federal-State unemployment compensation program to the Virgin Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of a national park, recreation area, or wilderness area in the Ridgelands east of the San Francisco Bay in the State of California. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1974
Increases the authorization of appropriations for the Land and Water Conservation Fund from a minimum of $300,000,000 to a minimum of $900,000,000 for each fiscal year hereafter through 1989. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 460l-5)
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1974
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to initiate the establishment of a national program of basic and applied research and development with respect to all environmentally acceptable energy sources and utilization technologies. Defines the term "Administrator" as (1) the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Agency upon the creation of such agency by law; (2) the head of any other agency created for the purpose of designing and implementing the Federal nonnuclear energy research and development program; or (3) an individual appointed by the President to administer the program. Directs the Administrator to: (1) aggresively pursue research and development programs in a wide range of nonnuclear energy technologies; (2) develop the technology and information base necessary to support development of the widest possible range of options available for future energy policy decisions; (3) investigate the option of energy self-sufficiency for the United States; (4) pursue the development of new energy sources in such a way as to encourage the fullest possible private participation; (5) examine and, if feasible, implement methods by which Federal nonnuclear research and development expenditures authorized by this Act are utilized to broaden the base of ownership of energy industry capital; (6) conduct Federal nonnuclear energy research and development authorized by this Act, in such a way that such research and development will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in those industries with which such research and development is directly involved; and (7) to the degree feasible provide for a program for the international exchange of energy-related technologies. Provides that Federal involvement in energy research, development, and commercial application shall be limited, to the greatest extent possible, to those areas where there is the least likelihood that the private sector will achieve the desired goal without Federal assistance. Sets forth duties of the Administrator. Provides that the Administrator shall, in awarding contracts for the performance of research and development under this Act and for the purpose of centralizing the contracting function, contract solely with the Atomic Energy Commission or its successor in interest. Provides that in developing proposals pursuant to this Act the Administrator may utilize various forms of Federal assistance and participation including: (1) joint Federal-industry experimental, demonstration, or commercial corporations; (2) contractual agreements or grants to non-federally owned facilities; (3) contracts for the construction and operation of federally owned facilities; (4) Federal purchases or guaranteed price of the products of demonstration plants or activities; and (5) Federal loans to conduct demonstrations of new technologies. Sets forth regulations with respect to the operation of a joint Federal-industry corporations. Sets forth regulations for competitive systems of price supports proposed pursuant to this Act. Sets forth Congressional reporting requirements for the Administrator. Sets forth regulations regarding patents derived through programs in which there is Federal participation under this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to convey to any individual, corporation, or other business organization immunity from civil or criminal liability, or to create defenses to actions, under the antitrust laws. Authorizes and directs the Council on Environmental Quality to carry out a continuing analysis of the conduct of research and development of energy technologies in regard to environmental quality. Directs the Water Resources Council to undertake assessments of water resource requirements and water supply availability for any energy technology and any probable combinations of energy technologies which are the subject of research and development efforts authorized by this Act. Authorizes the appropriations (1) to carry out the purposes of this Act, in fiscal year 1975, $1,300,000,000 and in fiscal year 1976, $1,800,000,000; and (2) for expenses incurred in administering this Act, such funds as may be necessary in each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Energy Emergency Employment Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that it is the purpose of this Act to detect unemployment and underemployment as a result of the "energy crisis", to provide workers with assistance to return workers to employment; and to provide areas with particularly heavy energy related joblessness special employment assistance. Title I: Energy Emergency Employment Board - Establishes within the Department of Labor an Energy Emergency Employment Board, consisting of five private members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and two "ex officio" members: the Director of the Federal Energy Office and the Secretary of Labor, who will also serve as Chairman. Enumerates the functions of the Board, including to: (1) oversee the implementation of the energy emergency employment programs authorized in this Act; (2) recommend programs that will return persons unemployed or underemployed, as a result of the energy emergency, to productive full-time employment as rapidly as possible, (3) develop an early unemployment warning system; and (4) undertake manpower planning projects to estimate long and short term energy emergency related employment trends. Requires the Board to make reports to the Congress and the President. Title II: Energy Emergency Employment Opportunity Program - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into arrangements with public service employers in order to make financial assistance available for the purpose of providing employment opportunities, particularly for persons who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the energy emergency, in jobs providing needed public services. Sets forth the procedure and requirements to be met by applications for financial assistance for the purpose of carrying out a public service employment program under this Act. Provides that the amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act for any fiscal year shall be allocated by the Secretary in such manner as prescribed by the Board. Provides that 80 per cent of such amount shall be apportioned among the States in that proportion which the total number of persons underemployed or unemployed in each such State bears to such total number of such persons, respectively, in the United States, and the remainder shall be available to carry out a special Energy Emergency Area Employment Assistance Program. States that the Secretary shall not provide financial assistance for any program or activity under this Act unless he determines that specified critera are met, including that the program: (1) will result in an increase in employment opportunities over those which would otherwise be available; (2) will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers; (3) will not impair existing contracts for services or result in the substitution of Federal for other funds in connection with work that would otherwise be performed; and (4) will not substitute public service jobs for existing federally assisted jobs. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a program of incentives to private industry to hire, and train if necessary, persons unemployed or underemployed as a result of the energy emergency. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out this title. Title III: Energy Emergency Employment Assistance - Provides that any person unemployed or underemployed as a result of the energy emergency may file an application with the Secretary for economic adjustment assistance provided under this title. States that economic adjustment assistance under this title consists of: (1) readjustment allowances; (2) training and counseling benefits; (3) relocation allowances; and (4) health benefits. Prescribes the requirements to be met by an adversely affected worker before readjustment allowances will be paid. Provides that payment of readjustment allowances shall not be made for more than twenty-six weeks, unless upon application to the Secretary for extension, that proof of a good faith effort to attain employment has been made, in which case one additional 26 week extension shall be allowed. Sets forth the qualifying requirements for relocation allowances and health benefits. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act, including "adversely affected worker" and "unemployed or underemployed person."
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1974
Provides, under the Rules of the House of Representatives, for the broadcasting of meetings, in addition to hearings, of House committees which are open to the public. (Amends House Rule XI, clause 33)
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Entitles the Delegates in Congress from Guam and the Virgin Islands, under the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to make 2 nominations each for appointments to the Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for reductions in Social Security taxes relating to the rate of tax on self-employment income for purposes of old-age, survivors, and disability insurance. States that such reductions shall apply in the case of taxes imposed with respect to self-employment income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974, and with respect to wages paid or received during calendar years after 1974. Provides for Federal participation in the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act. Increases the earnings counted for benefit and tax purposes under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1974
Expresses the sense of Congress that in any allocation of energy supplies or other actions by Federal departments and agencies to alleviate the energy shortage, proper consideration should be given to the provision of adequate energy supplies to all elements of the tourism industry.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1974
Establishes the National Institute of Aging in the Public Health Service to conduct and support research on the aging process, on preventive measures with respect to health problems of the aged, and on treatment and cures for such problems. Establishes the Natonal Advisory Council on Aging to advise on programs relating to the aged and monitor the Institute. Provides traineeships and fellowships for the study of health problems of the aged.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with private or public nonprofit agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance to prepare volunteers to provide tax counseling assistance for elderly individuals in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns. Provides for the Secretary to utilize the services of volunteers and to establish the qualifications required and the terms and conditions of service as a volunteer. States that service as a volunteer under this Act shall not be considered service as an employee of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the attention of elderly individuals to pertinent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Emergency Property Tax Relief Act - Provides that where the Secretary of the Treasury has determined that a jurisdiction has established a real property tax relief program which affords low and moderate income households a credit or other payment against the real property tax imposed by such jurisdiction, he shall reimburse said jurisdiction for one-half of the qualifying revenue losses attributable to such program. Requires a jurisdiction desiring to qualify for payments under this Act to make an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulations. Provides that whenever the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing to a jurisdiction which has had an application approved, finds that such jurisdiction no longer has a qualifying property tax relief program, he shall notify such jurisdiction that it will not be eligible to receive payments until he is satisfied that the jurisdiction has a qualifying property tax relief program. Permits a jurisdiction dissatisfied with the Secretary's decision to petition for review of that action within sixty days after notice of such action in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the jurisdiction is located.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Public Service Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide unemployed and underemployed persons with employment in jobs providing needed public services and appropriate training and related services. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums as Congress determines necessary for each fiscal year ending prior to fiscal year 1978. Provides that the Secretary of Labor shall enter into arrangements with applicants for the purpose of providing financial assistance to public and private nonprofit agencies and institutions for the creation of jobs providing employment for unemployed or underemployed persons in carrying out needed public services. Provides that such eligible applicants shall be: (1) States, counties, cities, and other units or combinations of units of general local government which have established public service employment councils; and (2) other public and private agencies and institutions when government units of services are inadequate or nonexistent. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with eligible applicants, using 25 percent of the funds authorized under this Act, for the purpose of providing employment, for unemployed and underemployed persons residing in areas of substantial unemployment, in jobs providing needed public services, which shall be carried out to the maximum practicable extent within such areas. Provides for the establishment of a public service employment council. Provides that the Secretary shall not provide financial assistance for any program or activity under this Act unless he determines that: (1) the program will result in an increase in employment opportunities over those which would otherwise be available, will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers, will not impair existing contracts for services or result in the substitution of Federal for other funds in connection with work that would otherwise be performed, and will not substitute public service jobs for other federally assisted jobs; (2) persons employed in public service jobs assisted under this Act shall be paid wages which shall not be lower than whichever is the highest minimum wage which would be applicable to the employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the State or local minimum wage for the most nearly comparable covered employment, or the prevailing rates of pay for persons employed in similar public occupations by the same employer; (3) funds under this Act will not be used to pay persons employed in public service jobs under this Act at a rate in excess of $12,000 per year; (4) all persons employed in public service jobs assisted under this Act will be assured of workmen's compensation, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and other benefits at the same levels and to the same extent as other employees of the employer and to the same working conditions and promotional opportunities as such other employees enjoy; (5) provisions of law relating to health and safety conditions shall apply to such program or activity; (6) the program will, to the maximum extent feasible, contribute to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants; (7) not to exceed 10 percent of the funds available for any program under this Act will be used for the acquisition or the rental or leasing of supplies, equipment, materials, or real property; and (8) every participant shall be advised prior to entering upon employment, of his rights and benefits in connection with such employment. Provides that the Secretary shall transmit at least annually a detailed report setting forth the activities conducted under this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall carry out a program of research and pilot projects into alternate ways and means to research full employment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance), that increases in monthly insurance benefits (whether occurring by reason of increases in the cost of living or enacted by law) shall not be considered as annual income for purposes of the following benefit programs: dependency and indemnity compensation to parents of a deceased veteran, pension for non-service-connected disability or death or for service, and the Veterans' Pension Act of 1959.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Designates specified lands in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Carolina within the National Wildlife Refuge System as wilderness areas. Designates specified lands in California and Montana within the National Forest System as wilderness areas. Provides that all primitive area classifications of areas herein designated as wilderness are abolished. Provides that the wilderness areas designated by this Act shall be goverened by the appropriate provisions of the Wilderness Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Energy Information Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Bureau of Energy Information - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Commerce a Bureau of Energy Information to be a main line component of the Social and Economic Statistics Administration, coequal with the Bureau of the Census. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to perform the duties conferred upon the Bureau by this title or delegate any of them. Provides that the Bureau shall be headed by a Director of Energy Information to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the principal function of the Bureau shall be to operate, maintain, and improve the National Energy Information System established by Title II of this Act. Enumerates the work priorities of the Bureau. Title II: National Energy Information System - Establishes a National Energy Information System, to be operated and maintained by the Bureau. Directs that the components of the System shall be: (1) a public library of energy information; (2) a confidential library of energy information for restricted governmental use; and (3) a secret library of energy information for use only in preparing anonymous statistics. Specifies the characteristics of the System. States that the purpose of the public library is to make available to the general public promptly and conveniently as much of the information in the System as can be released consistently with national security and reasonable competitive equities. States that the purpose of the secret library is to serve the Nation's need for accurate statistical information on mineral fuel reserves, natural energy resources, and energy industries. Directs the Director to place in the secret library information obtained under authority of this Act for which either the national security or reasonable competitive equities require that the information be wholly suppressed or be published only in statistical aggregations of a size and type sufficient to prevent any person from learning or inferring the data furnished by any particular establishment or individual. Prescribes the priorities for entry of information into the System. Enumerates the standards for entry of information into the public, confidential, and secret libraries. Imposes penalties on any employee of the Bureau or other employee who, having taken and subscribed the oath of office, publishes or communicates, without the written authority of the Secretary or the Director, any information coming into his possession by reason of his employment from or for entry in the confidential library or the secret library of the System. Penalizes refusal or neglect to provide information, and the providing of false information, under this Act. Title III: Energy Resources Inventories and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis an inventory of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources in the public lands of the United States, including the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifies the content of such compilation. Title IV: Information on Mineral Fuel Reserves and Natural Energy Resources - Makes it the duty of every substantial energy resources company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce to report annually to the Director full and complete details of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources which it, together with its affiliates, owns or controls anywhere in the world. Provides that all reports required by this title and title V shall be entered by the Director, immediately upon receipt, into one of the three libraries of the System. Title V: Information on the Energy Industries - Makes it the duty of every major energy company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce, to report annually to the Director on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Specifies the content of such reports. Authorizes the requiring of additional reports, at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce or the Director. Title VI: General Accounting Office Oversight - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to review and evaluate the procedures and activities of the Bureau. Title VII: Conformance of and with Other Statutes - Provides that whenever any of the information obtained from any major energy company under this Act is contained in any other report of such company, such report having been filed prior to the effective date of this Act, the Director may excuse such company from filing a report with him, containing the same information. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Reports Act. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Provides that if any provision of this Act or the applicability thereof is held invalid the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior such amounts, as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such Departments by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation and Educational Assistance Rate Adjustments - Increases the base figures for vocational rehabilitation and Educational assistance by eight per cent. Adjusts three-quarter and half-time rates to provide the same proportion as the amount of training taken. Provides increases for trainees pursuing farm-cooperative apprentice programs or other on the job training. Provides that veterans of the Vietnam era rated 10 percent disabled or greater shall automatically be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. Title II: Educational Assistance Program Adjustments - Extends the current 8-year delimiting date for veterans to complete their programs of education until educational assistance afforded to eligible veterans shall be used. Excludes in computing the delimiting date for those veterans and civilians held as prisoners of war in the Vietnam theater of operations, the period of time which they were detained plus any period of time which they were hospitalized immediately subsequent to their release. Provides those recently discharged from military service up to 6 months of educational assistance to pursue refresher training to update knowledge, skills, and technological advances occurring in their fields of employment during their period of active military service. Provides cost-of-living increases for veterans or eligible persons enrolled in apprenticeship or other on-the-job training. Title III: Veterans' Education Loan Programs - Establishes a veterans' education loan program. Prescribes the eligibility requirements, the amount and conditions, and interest rate of such loans. Requires that a fee shall be collected from each veteran obtaining a loan for the purpose of insuring against defaults on such loans. Title IV: Veterans, Wives, and Widows Employment Assistance and Preference and Veterans' Reemployment Rights - Extends job counseling, training, and placement services for veterans to include among those eligible to receive services, widows of veterans who have died of service-connected causes and wives of totally disabled veterans. Directs the Administrator of Veterans in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Civil Service Commission to establish an affirmative action plan for every Federal department and agency for the preferential employment of disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. Extends reemployment rights to those who were employed by State or local governments prior to entering the service. Title V: Effective Dates - Specifies the effective dates of the various titles of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Foreign Drug Abuse Information Act - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretary of State, to prepare a pamphlet which shall include: (1) a summary of the drug abuse laws of each major foreign country; and (2) an explanation of the assistance or lack of assistance that the United States Government can provide to a United States citizen arrested for a violation of the drug abuse laws of a foreign country. States that every water carrier, air carrier, and foreign air carrier shall distribute a copy of the pamphlet to each passenger boarding a plane or vessel operated by such carrier for transportation from a point within the United States or its territories or possessions to a point within a foreign country. Imposes civil penalties on carriers who violate the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Prohibits the sale of "Saturday Night Special" handguns in the United States as defined in this Act. Makes it unlawful for a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer to manufacture, assemble, or import, for the purpose of sale in the United States, any handgun, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe the basic structural components thereof are made: (1) of any material having a melting point (liquidus) of less than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, or (2) of any material having an ultimate tensile strength of less than 55,000 pounds per square inch, or (3) of any powered metal having a density of less than 7.5 grams per cubic centimeter.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct specified studies at the San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto Rico. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $100,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Community Mental Health Centers Amendments Act - Enumerates the comprehensive mental health services which shall be provided through a community mental health center. Directs that the provision of comprehensive mental health services through a center shall be coordinated with the provision of services by other health and social service agencies in the center's area. Sets forth the elements to be included in applications for Federal grants to community mental health centers, including assurance that the center will provide an adequate reporting system, provide services responsive to the needs of the local population, develop a plan for adequate financing when assistance under this Act is reduced or terminated, and provide a reasonable volume of services for persons unable to pay for them. Sets forth additional criteria for approval of the application by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private community mental health centers to assist them in meeting their costs of operation during the first five years after their establishment. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to any community mental health center for the costs of providing the consultation and education services described in this Act if the center received a staffing grant under this Act or other grants as provided by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out projects to develop community mental health center programs for areas designated by the Secretary as urban or rural poverty areas. Lists authorized appropriations for grants provided under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make financial distress grants for the operation of community mental health centers. Sets forth criteria for such grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 for such grants. Directs the Secretary to pay the Federal share of projects for: (1) the acquisition and/or remodeling of facilities for community mental health centers; (2) the leasing of facilities for such centers; (3) the construction of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities for community mental health centers; and (4) the initial equipment of a facility receiving financial assistance through these methods. Sets forth the method of computation of the Federal share. Directs the Secretary, for each fiscal year, to make allotments from the sums appropriated under this Act to the States on the basis of: (1) population; (2) the extent of the need for community mental health centers; and (3) the financial need of the respective States. Provides that such allotment may not be made to a State unless the State has submitted an approved State plan to the Secretary for community mental health centers. Sets forth the necessary elements to be contained in State plans. Provides for judicial review of any disapproval by the Secretary of projects under State plans. Provides for the recovery by the United States of any community mental health center facility remodeled, constructed, or acquired with funds provided under this Act, at any time within twenty years after completion, if such facility: (1) is transferred to any person or entity not qualified to file an application under this Act; or (2) ceases to be used by a community mental health center.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that a citizen of the United States otherwise eligible to hold the Office of President shall not be ineligible because such citizen is not a natural born citizen.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Food Allowance for Older Americans Act - Establishes, under the Social Security Act, a food allowance program under which qualified elderly persons shall be provided with an opportunity to obtain an adequate level of nutrition through the issuance to them, without charge or fee or condition of any kind, a food allowance of $50 for each month after December 1973 in the form of coupons that can be used only to purchase food from retail stores. States that an individual is eligible for a food allowance under this Act only if such individual is (1) sixty-five years of age or older, (2) the head of his or her own household, and (3) has an annual income which does not exceed $5,000. Provides for the issuance of coupons reduced in value to individuals whose annual income exceeds $5,000 by not more than $480 and who otherwise meet the conditions of eligibility. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
States that all returns made with respect to taxes imposed under the Internal Revenue Code are confidential and private records; but they may be opened to inspection by the following persons at such times and in such manner as the Commissioner of Internal Revenue by regulation may prescribe: (1) the taxpayer for whom the return was made or his attorney in fact; (2) officers and employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice for tax administration and economic stabilization purposes; (3) shareholders of record owning 1 percent or more of the outstanding stock of any corporation; (4) tax officials of the States; (5) the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the Finance Committee of the Senate, and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue and Taxation; (6) the Attorney General, Assistant Attorneys General, and United States attorneys; and (7) officers and employees of executive departments and other establishments of the Federal Government upon written request of the head of such department or establishment naming the taxpayer whose return is to be inspected and provided that the inspection is necessary in the enforcement of Federal statutes. States that whenever a return is open to the inspection of any person, a certified copy thereof shall, upon request, be furnished to such person under regulations prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue who may prescribe a reasonable fee for furnishing such copy. Provides that all regulations issued by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue pursuant to this Act must have written approval of the Chief of Staff of the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. States that this Act shall be effective upon enactment. Allows the Commissioner of Internal Revenue a period of ninety days after enactment to issue the regulations required herein.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, an individual tax credit for disaster evacuation expenses. Defines such expenses. States that in general the amount allowed for such a credit shall not exceed $200 for each natural disaster requiring evacuation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Solar Energy Act - Requires that the Secretary of Commerce shall conduct research into how solar energy can be used to heat and cool buildings and shall collect appropriate weather data for the various climatic regions of the United States for the purpose of determining the extent to which reliance upon solar energy is feasible in each region. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and test new building designs and construction methods which involve the utilization of solar energy equipment; and (2) prescribe standards and specifications for such building designs and construction methods. States that in determining the maximum dollar amount of a mortgage which may be insured under the National Housing Act, with respect to any dwelling or residence which involves a building design or construction methods which meet the standards prescribed by the Secretary, he may increase the maximum amount of a mortgage which may be insured with respect to such dwelling or residence by the amount by which the cost of using such building design or construction methods exceeds the cost of using conventional building design and construction methods.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1973
Authorizes the conveyance by the United States of specified submerged lands to the governments of Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Somoa. Provides that enumerated items shall be excluded from such transfer, including: (1) deposits of oil, gas and other minerals; (2) all lands acquired by the United States through eminent domain, purchase, exchange, or gift; and (3) all tracts of land containing structures or improvements constructed by the United States. States that the President retains the right to establish, when necessary for national defense, naval defensive sea and airspace reservations around and over the islands of Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. Conveys to the government of the Virgin Islands all right, title, and interest of the United States to property placed under control of the Virgin Islands which has not been reserved to the United States by the Secretary of the Interior within one hundred and twenty days after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserves can only be mined by underground methods. States that the purpose of the Act is to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Control of Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires surface coal mining operations to comply with the following requirements: (1) on steep slopes no debris or soil may be placed on the downslope, except soil from the initial cut, provided that the soil is shaped and graded to prevent slides, erosion, and water pollution, and is revegetated; (2) preservation of topsoil after excavation; (3) stabilization of mine wastes, including safety in retention of water wastes; and (4) minimal disturbance of the hydrologic balance at the minesite. Requires compliance with such standards 90 days after enactment for mines where overburden hasn't been removed. Requires, within 150 days of enactment, Federal enforcement of such standards until State standards are accepted, such enforcement to include mine inspection. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 24 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, state laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, six months after approval of a State program, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for five years, has been issued. States that permit applications must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act, assurance that reclamation can be achieved, and that post-mining land use will be compatible with surrounding uses; and that permits won't be issued for land within 300 feet of occupied dwelling or within a park. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Allows renewal of permits. Establishes general performance standards requiring: (1) extraction of coal sufficient to prevent future need for re-excavating the land; (2) restoration of the land to a condition to which it can support previous uses; (3) keeping reclamation current with mining operations; (4) restoration of approximate original contour of the land; (5) safety measures in dam construction and non-degradation of water quality in streams below dams; (6) restoration of topsoil and vegetation; and (7) limitations and mandatory notices on use of explosives. Differentiates standards for steep-slope and flat terrain mining. Authorizes only one-year permits for steep-slope mining. Allows exceptions to reclamation standards where a post mining use of the land differs from previous use, is appropriate, and begins within three years. Calls for regulations of underground coal mining that requires: (1) backfilling all mine wastes and tailings into mine voids, where possible; (2) permanent underground mine support; (3) sealing of entrances; (4) contouring and revegetation of wastes and tailings; and (5) safety standards in dam construction. Directs mine operators to have remedial programs to eliminate polluting discharge. Requires permit applicants to give notice to public bodies in the local area of their plans, and for such bodies to make public their comments. Gives any person with a valid legal interest the right to object to a proposed surface mining and reclamation operation. Allows public hearings on such objections. Establishes procedures for such hearings. Demands that permit applicants, whose permits have been approved, post performance bonds to assure that the requirements of this Act are met. States that such bonds shall not be less than $10,000. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Prohibits suspension or revocation of a permit except with time for permitee to correct his violations and public hearing, if requested, provided that emergency threats to public health or the environment may justify suspension of permit subject to determination later if violation has occurred. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Allows, where State regulatory authorities don't exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of violations of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Requires civil penalties upon violators of this Act or regulations under it. Permits any person to bring civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Empowers district courts to require the regulatory authority to enforce nondiscretionary duties under the Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Authorizes grants to Indian tribes to assist in development and administration of a mining control program for tribal lands. Allows an Indian tribe to have the Secretary administer its program under this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet certain criteria, including some long-existing and especially deep mines. Title III: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands, for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines, and for the Secretary of Agriculture to use in entering agreements with landowners and tenants providing for control and prevention of erosion. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land and to transfer it the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining use of reclaimed land. Title IV: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title V: A Program for Non-Coal Mine Environmental Impact Control - Requires States to implement programs for designation of lands unsuitable for mining minerals other than coal. Title VI: Appropriation Authorization; Definitions; and General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; $40,000,000 initially to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; and for research and demonstration projects, $5,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and for each fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes grants to States for developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Gives the President power to suspend for 90 days any requirement of this Act concerning surface mining reclamation operations if a national emergency exists. Requires written permission of landowners, where different from underlying mineral owners, to mine or reclaim land. Title VII: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute, center, or equivalent agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation each year of $5,000,000 for the next seven fiscal years for specific projects in such institutes. Authorizes appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and a sum increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year thereafter for grants and contracts for other research into aspects of mining and mineral resources problems. Calls for the Secretary to appoint an advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Authorizes the establishment of the Big Thicket National Preserve in the State of Texas. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, but not to exceed $63,812,000 for the acquisition of lands and interests in lands and not to exceed $7,000,000 for development.
![Official portrait of Del. de Lugo, Ron [D-VI-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000209_200.jpg)