United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate, support and carry out basic and applied research and development in solar heating and cooling technologies. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings under the monitoring of the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Bureau of Standards and in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Defense. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas (not less than three) in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Treatment Act - Title I: The National Center on Child Neglect and Abuse - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the Office of Human Development, the National Center on Child Neglect and Abuse. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $1,000,000 for each of the two succeeding fiscal years. Title II: State Plans for Child Neglect and Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs - Directs the Secretary, through the center, to make grants to a designated State agency for the purpose of assisting the States and their political subdivisions in developing, strengthening, and carrying out child neglect abuse prevention and treatment programs. Defines the term child neglect and abuse. Authorizes to be appropriated $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976 for the purposes of this title. Sets forth a formula for the Secretary to follow in allocating such funds among the States. States that in order for the designated State agency of a State to qualify for assistance under this title, such State must have a plan approved by the Secretary which embodies a program for preventing and treating cases of child neglect and abuse in all political subdivisions of the State. Directs the Secretary to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this title. Title III: Grants for Research, Training, and Demonstration Projects - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public agencies and/or nonprofit private agencies and organizations for the purpose of: (1) funding research programs designed to further the knowledge of how to prevent, identify, and treat instances of child neglect and abuse; (2) developing and establishing training programs for professional and paraprofessional personnel who are engaged in, or intend to work in, the field of prevention and/or treatment of child neglect and abuse; and (3) funding innovative projects which show promise of being successful in the prevention and/or treatment of child neglect and abuse cases. Authorizes to be appropriated for purposes of this title $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $5,000,000 for each of the two succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
National Fuels and Energy Conservation Act - Title I: Declares that it is in the national interest for, and shall be the continuing policy of, the Federal Government to foster and promote comprehensive national fuels and energy conservation programs and practices in order to slow the rate of growth of energy consumption, assure adequate supplies of energy and fuels for necessary uses, reduce energy waste, preserve natural resources, and protect the environment. Title II: Establishes in the Department of the Interior an Office of Energy Conservation to be headed by a Director appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) review and appraise the various programs, policies, and activities of the Federal Government in the light of the policy set forth in title I of this Act, for the purpose of determining the extent to which such programs and activities are contributing to the achievement of such policy, and to make recommendations to the President with respect thereto; (2) in cooperation with the Council on Environmental Quality, develop and recommend to the President national policies to foster and promote a national policy of energy conservation as set forth in title I of this Act; (3) make and furnish such studies and recommendations with respect to matters of policy and legislation as the President may request; (4) gather and present authoritative data concerning current and prospective energy use, analyze such information for the purpose of determining whether such conditions and trends are interfering, or are likely to interfere with the achievement of the purposes and policy of this Act, and compile and submit to the President studies relating to such conditions and trends; (5) conduct investigations, studies, surveys, research, and analyses concerning amounts and patterns of energy consumption, and current and potential means for energy conservation; (6) cooperate with private industry in developing energy conservation programs in industry; (7) provide assistance to State governments in developing State energy conservation programs; (8) conduct educational programs to foster public awareness of the need for and opportunities for energy conservation; and (9) prepare an annual report to the President and the Congress on his activities and the activities of other Federal agencies in implementing the purposes and objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
Requires the United States Olympic Committee to hold public proceedings before it may alter its constitution. Requires arbitration of specified amateur athletic disputes.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Provides that in case of death, resignation, or inability of both the President and Vice-President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (or President Pro tempore of the Senate if the Speakership is vacant) shall act as President until such inability is removed or a President is elected. Provides that in the case where both the Presidency and Vice Presidency are vacant, the Secretary of State shall notify the chief executives of the States and electors shall be chosen in each State on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November to elect a new President.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Foreign Investors Limitation Act - Restricts persons under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 who are not citizens of the United States from acquiring more than 35 per centum of the nonvoting securities or more than 5 per centum of the voting securities of any issuer whose securities are registered under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Election Campaign Espionage Act - Provides that whoever, being an employee of any candidate or political committee, provides any personal service to any other candidate or any political committee supporting any other candidate, with the intent of interfering with any election activity, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. States that whoever uses any contribution or campaign funds to aid in the commission of any offense against the United States or any State, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. Penalizes the concealment of violations of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 614)
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Emergency Rural Housing Act - Declares the finding of Congress that there are millions of substandard dwelling units in rural areas, that existing agencies operating under existing authorities could not meet the needs of millions of the rural poor, and that there is a need for emergency action in rural housing programs. Establishes an Emergency Rural Housing Administration, the management of which shall be vested in an Administrator appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Makes it the duty of the Administrator to provide minimal housing facilities for eligible persons in rural areas and small communities. Forbids the duties and powers of the Administration to be transferred to any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to eligible persons to finance the acquisition of land and the construction thereon of minimal housing facilities, or to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing facilities in accordance with minimum housing facilities standards. Provides that at least 50 percent of the principal amount of any loan made shall be amortized over a period of not more than forty years, shall bear interest at a rate of not less than one percent per year, and shall be secured by a first mortgage. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire land and engage in the development of housing projects to be sold under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to finance all or part of the acquisition, and maintenance of: (1) minimal housing facilities in rural areas and small communities to be rented by eligible persons; (2) water and sewer facilities for such housing; and (3) related community facilities for such housing. Provides that the Administrator may enter into area responsibility agreements with any local agency. Forbids the Administrator to require, as a condition of assistance under this Act, the relocation of any eligible person in order to engage in or to facilitate the economic development of any area. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the operation of this Act. Establishes a Rural Housing Investment Fund which shall be used by the Administration for carrying out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administration to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Provides for a special election for the office of President and the office of Vice President in the case of vacancies in both offices. States that if there is one year or more remaining in the present term, then electors shall be appointed or chosen in the several States and they shall elect a President or Vice President for the unexpired portion of the then current Presidential term.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Sets forth procedures providing for an election for the office of President and the office of Vice President in the case of a vacancy in both the office of President and the office of Vice President. Provides that in case of removal, death, resignation, or inability of both of the President and Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives or, in the case of a vacancy in the office of Speaker, such other officer as the Congress may declare, shall act as President until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. Provides that in cases where there is one year or more remaining in the then current Presidential term, each State shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors for President and Vice President equal to the number of Senators and Representatives to which the State is entitled in the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1973
Authorizes Congressional Committees to report a privileged concurrent resolution prohibiting the payment of salaries to the heads of departments, agencies, and other organizational units of the executive branch of the United States Government who do not comply with requests of committees of Congress for specified types of information.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Social Services Amendments - Outlines the objectives to be achieved under this Act, including: (1) the goal of self-support; (2) the goal of family care or self-care; (3) the goal of community-based care; and (4) the institutional care goal. Provides, under the Social Security Act, for maximum freedom for each State to determine which services will be made available, the persons eligible for such services, the manner in which such services are provided, and any limitations on the receipt of such services. Requires that social services to be offered at the option of the States to all eligible persons shall include: (1) day care services for children; (2) day care services for children with special needs; (3) service for children in foster care; (4) protective services for children; (5) family planning services; (6) protective services for adults; (7) services for adults in foster care; (8) homemaker services for individuals in their own homes; (9) chore services; (10) home delivered or congregate meals; (11) day care services for adults; (12) health related services; (13) home management and other functional education services; (14) housing improvement services; (15) a full range of legal services; (16) transportation services necessary to travel to and from community facilities or resources for receipt of services; (17) educational and training services; (18) employment services; (19) information, referral, and determination of eligibility and the need for services, without regard to individual eligibility criteria; (20) special services for the mentally retarded, or special adaptations of generic services; (21) special services for the blind; (22) services for alcoholism and drug addiction; (23) special services for the emotionally disturbed as defined by the State; (24) special services for the physically handicapped as defined by the State; and (25) any other proposed services at the request of a State. Provides that States are entitled to Federal financial participation for the delivery of mandatory and optional social services under the State plan to the extent of the appropriations allocated by the Congress. Requires that State plans submitted with respect to the services program shall contain a provision for a fair hearing, under which applicants and recipients may appeal exclusion from a service program. Provides that State plans shall provide for the establishment of a social services advisory committee, to include members representative of recipients of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1973
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on the Handicapped within two years of enactment in order to develop recommendations for further research and action in the field of the handicapped, and to further the policies set forth in this joint resolution. Provides that such conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with the cooperation and assistance of such other Federal departments and agencies, including the assignment of personnel, as may be appropriate. Require a final report of the White House Conference on the Handicapped to be submitted to the President not later than 120 days following the date on which the conference is called, and the findings and recommendations included therein to be made available immediately to the public. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after the submission of such report, to transmit to the President and the Congress his recommendations for the administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the recommendations contained in such report. Gives the Secretary administrative powers to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on the White House Conference on the Handicapped composed of 28 members, of whom not less than 15 shall be handicapped or parents of handicapped persons. Provides that such Advisory Committee shall cease to exist 90 days after the submission of the final report required by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1973
Authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000, $175,000,000, and $200,000,000 for fiscal years 1975-1977, respectively for the nutrition program for the aged under title VII of the Older American Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
National Landloard-Tenant Act - Title I: National Landlord and Tenant Commission - Establishes the National Landlord and Tenant Commission. States that the Commission shall: (1) conduct and commission a study of landlord and tenant problems in the United States and review the implementation of the provisions of this Act; (2) submit to the President and to Congress such interim and final reports it deems appropriate; (3) publish the results of the investigations, studies, and research conducted under authority of this title; (4) make grants to the States for the establishment and maintenance of housing courts, and develop regulations concerning a review system for such grants; (5) develop model lease and rental agreement forms for use in transactions between the landlord and the tenant; and (6) establish rules and guidelines for the purpose of implementing and enforcing this Act. Requires the Commission to the extent practicable, to utilize the services of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and all other Government agencies dealing with housing problems. Title II: Housing Courts - Authorizes the National Landlord-Tenant Commission to make grants to the States for the purpose of establishing and operating housing courts. Directs the Commission, within one hundred eighty days after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate standards for landlord-tenant dispute settlement procedures. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1974, and June 30, 1975 in order to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title III: Landlord-Tenant Act - States that this Act applies to, regulates, and determines rights, obligations, and remedies under a rental agreement, applicable to all rental units in the United States. Provides that housing courts of the States and all other appropriate courts of general jurisdiction may exercise jurisdiction over any landlord or tenant within their jurisdiction with respect to any conduct governed by this Act or with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to this Act. Title IV: Provisions of the Rental Agreement - States that a landlord and a tenant may include in a rental agreement terms and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law, including rent, term of the agreement, and other provisions governing the rights, obligations, and remedies of the parties. Provides that in the absence of agreement or legislation fixing the amount of rent the tenant shall pay pursuant to this Act, the tenant shall pay as rent the fair rental value for the use and occupancy of the dwelling unit. Title V: Landlord Obligations - Requires every landlord to: (1) comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes; (2) make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition; (3) keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; (4) provide and maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, locks, and other existing facilities such as elevators, steps, and fire safety equipment supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord; (5) provide and maintain appropriate and convenient receptacles for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for its removal; and (6) supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat based on geographic location. Requires the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his behalf to disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy the name and address of: (1) the person authorized to manage the premises, and (2) the owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for the purpose of service of process and for the purpose of receiving and receipting complaints, notices, and demands. Title VI: Tenant Obligations - States that the tenant shall: (1) comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building and housing codes; (2) Keep that part of the premises that he occupies and uses as clean and safe as the condition of the premises permit; (3) keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or those used by the tenant as clean as their condition permits; (4) use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances including elevators on the premises; (5) not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises or knowingly permit any person to do so; (6) regularly dispose from his dwelling unit all ashes, rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and safe manner; and (7) conduct himself and require other persons on the premises with his consent to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb his neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of the premises. Title VII: Landlord Remedies - Sets forth landlord's remedies for: (1) tenant's nonpayment of rent; (2) tenant's refusal to allow lawful access; and (3) tenant's abandonment. Makes provisions for landlord's remedies after the termination of the rental agreement. Title VIII: Tenant Remedies - Establishes tenant remedies for the landlord's: (1) violation of housing codes or the rental agreement; (2) failure to deliver possession; and (3) abuse of access. Title IX: Procedures for Contesting Allegations of Breach - Establishes procedures for both the landlord and the tenant to contest any allegations of a breach of the provisions of this Act or the rental agreement. Title X: Miscellaneous - States that if any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or application of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should reappoint Archibald Cox as Special Prosecutor, and renominate Elliot Richardson as Attorney General, and renominate William Ruchelshaus as Deputy Attorney General.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
Federal Election Campaign Financing Reform Act - Title I: Board of Elections and Ethics - Establishes the Board of Elections and Ethics which shall have the power: (1) to require any person to submit in writing, within such reasonable period and under oath or otherwise as the Board may determine, such reports and answers to questions as the Board may determine are necessary to assist the Board in executing its duties; (2) to administer oaths; (3) to require by subpena, signed by the President, his delegate, or the Vice Chairman, the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents relating to the execution of its duties; (4) in any proceeding or investigation, to order testimony to be taken by deposition before any person who is designated by the Board and has the power to administer oaths, and, in such instances, to compel testimony and the production of documents; (5) to pay witnesses the same fees as are paid in like circumstances in the courts of the United States; and (6) to initiate (through civil proceedings for injunctive relief and through presentations to Federal grand juries), prosecute, defend, or appeal any court action in the name of the Board for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act, through the General Counsel of the Board. Provides that the Board shall appoint a General Counsel and a Director. Title II: Federal Election Campaign Bank - Establishes the Federal Election Compaign Bank. Requires every political committee and every candidate for Federal office, within a reasonable time after becoming a candidate, to establish an account at the Bank. Requires any contribution received by or on behalf of any candidate for Federal office or any political committee to be deposited in the account of such candidate or political committee at the Bank within a reasonable time after the receipt of such contribution. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Study by Board of Elections and Ethics - Provides that the Board shall conduct a study of the following: (1) the establishment and maintenance of uniform accounting systems with respect to contributions to and expenditures on behalf of candidates for Federal office and political committees, with a view toward insuring an effective monitoring of such contributions and expenditures; (2) the general problem of conflicts of interest with respect to the President, the Vice President, and other officers and employees of the executive branch of the Federal Government, officers and employees of the judicial and legislative branches of the Federal Government, Members of the Congress, and judges of the courts of the United States: (3) ways in which the Board may function in an advisory capacity with respect to problems concerning conflicts of interest of such officers and employees, Members of the Congress, and judges; (4) procedures through which the Board may monitor and review fund-raising and other financial activities of persons holding Federal office; and (5) methods and procedures through which any such conflicts of interest may be monitored, controlled, and eliminated. Requires the Board to, within one year after the appointment of its members, report to the Congress on such study. States that the study shall contain a detailed statement of the Board's findings, together with recommendations for any legislative or other action which the Board deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
Export Priorities Act - Title I: General Provisions - Makes technical amendments to the Export Administration Act of 1969. Title II: Agricultural Export Controls - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, with thirty days after the beginning of the crop year for any agricultural commodity, to determine the quantity of the crop of such commodity, if any, that will be available for export and inform the Secretary of commerce thereof, who shall publicly announce such determination. States that no agricultural commodity may be exported to any foreign country unless the person exporting has been issued a license or unless the commodity has been exempted. States that the quantity of any commodity available for export shall be allocated among foreign countries by the Secretary. Specifies the basis for determining such allocation. Provides that the Secretary may reserve not more than 10 percent of a commodity for export in order to meet unexpected foreign demand resulting from natural disaster, crop failure, and changes in existing trading patterns in that commodity. Prescribes the procedures for: (1) issuance of export licenses; (2) administrative revision of quantities available for export; and (3) exports to developing countries. Confers authority on the Secretary to issue such rules or regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provision of this Act. States that fees collected by the Secretary on export licenses shall be deposited in a special account in the Treasury and shall be available to carry out the National School Lunch Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Food Stamp Act and the commondity distribution program of the Agricultural Act of 1949, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Creates the House Select Committee on Privacy composed of 9 members of the House of Representatives to conduct a study and investigation of the development and proliferation of technology in American society, plus the use of technology, drugs, surgery, and other scientific and medical advances which would claim to alter the basic personality of the individual. Directs the Committee to study the use of computers and other tecnnical instruments in gathering and centralizing information on individuals in data banks and the effect of such activity on human rights. Resolution creating a Select Committee on Privacy.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Declares it to be the sense of the House that the President, acting in accordance with the announced policy of the United States Government to maintain Israel's deterrent strength, and under existing authority, should continue to transfer to Israel the Phantom aircraft and other equipment in the quantities needed by Israel to repel the attack and to offset the military equipment and supplies furnished to the Arab States by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Expresses the admiration of the Congress for the courageous actions of Andrei Sakharov and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in defying totalitarian controls and defending the basic rights of the freedom of speech and the freedom of thought.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Metric Conversion Act - Establishes a National Metric Conversion Board to implement the change of the United States to the metric system by devising and carrying out a program of encouragement, coordination and public education. Requires the Board to consult with industry, commerce, science, consumers, engineering, education, labor, State and local governments, foreign governments, and such others as are deemed appropriate in carrying out its duties. Requires the Board, within 12 months after the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act, to develop and submit to the Secretary of Commerce, for transmittal to the President and Congress, a plan to convert to the metric system. Provides that such plan will be implemented within 60 days unless disapproved by Congress. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings and enter into contracts. Provides that an executive director shall be responsible for carrying out the Board's duties. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) seek to bring about an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East; (2) begin negotiations as soon as possible with countries supplying arms to the Middle East to seek an Arms Limitation Treaty; (3) work to end United States dependence on Arab oil; and (4) expedite the delivery of weapons already purchased by Israel but not yet delivered from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1973
States that the President of the United States should seek to end U.S. dependence on imported oil through reducing gasoline consumption by means of tax measures, and by encouraging less driving, reduced highway speeds, and the development of smaller, more efficient automobile engines. Provides that the President should emphasize research programs to assure the United States of sufficient energy from domestic sources not currently utilized.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 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 · 16 October 1973
Congressional Districting Act - Directs each State to establish a redistricting commission composed of 5 members appointed as follows: the majority and minority leaders of each house of the State legislature shall each appoint one member and the highest court in the State shall apoint one member. Directs each commission to formulate a plan for Congressional redistricting within 180 days of appointment of the commission. Calls for public hearings, publication of the plan in the Federal Register, adoption of the plan 60 days after publication, and appliciability of the plan until the next census. Provides that no district shall contain a number of persons which differs by more than one percent from the quotient obtained by dividing the population of the State by the number of representatives to which the State is entitled. Directs the Commission to provide for fair representation for all peoples, take cognizance of communities of interest, strive for district representation for the city, suburban and rural areas, and follow existing political subdivision boundaries to the maximum extent practicable. Provides for judicial review of commission decisions in the federal district courts. (Amends 2 U.S.C. 2)
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1973
Pollution Control Facility Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make loans to finance projects within eligible areas for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of a certified pollution control facility. States that such loans shall not exceed 65 percent of the aggregate cost to the applicant of the project. Establishes a revolving fund in the Treasury for making such loans. Authorizes an appropriation of $750,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1973
Directs the Postal Service to maintain a rural delivery service for the free delivery of mail serving, as nearly as may be practicable, the entire rural population of the United States and its territories and possessions. Provides for the conditions to be met in the providing of such service. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 403, 3661)
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protect against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and : (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Provides that a customer may authorize disclosure if he or those seeking disclosure furnish to the financial institution a signed and dated statement by which the customer: (1) authorizes such disclosure for a period not in excess of one year; (2) identifies the financial records which are authorized to be disclosed; and (3) specifies the purposes for which, and the agencies to which, such records may be disclosed. Requires the financial institution to keep a record of all examinations of the customer's financial records and to notify the customer that he has the right at any time to revoke any authorization of disclosure and to obtain a copy of the aforementioned record of examinations. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from requiring an institution to maintain financial records or to transmit reports on customers, unless such records are required by a supervisory agency or the Internal Revenue Service. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act. Provides for injunctive relief for persons aggrieved by violation or threatened violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Vietnam Era Veterans and Dependents Psychological Readjustment Assistance Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to initiate and carry out a special psychiatric, psychological, and counseling program for veterans of the Vietnam era, especially former prisoners of war and their dependents who are experiencing psychological problems as the result of the military service performed by such veterans. Provides that the participation of any veteran or dependent in such program shall be wholly voluntary and shall not be a prerequisite to eligibility for any other service or assistance. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 620A).
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1973
Federal Election Campaign Fund Act - Sets forth the definitions of the terms used in this Act as it applies to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, a candidate of a political party in a federal election shall, in writing, agree to: (1) obtain and furnish to the Comptroller General such evidence as he may request of the qualified campaign expenses with respect to which payment is sought; (2) keep and furnish to the Comptroller General such records and books; (3) an audit; and (4) furnish statements of qualified campaign expenses. Prescribes additional requirements to be fulfilled and agreed to prior to eligibility of major and minor party candidates to receive payments from the fund. Sets forth the amounts to which eligible candidates are entitled. Provides that, on the basis of information furnished by the eligible candidates of a political party, the Comptroller General shall certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the payments to which candidates are entitled. Establishes a special fund to be known as the "Federal Election Campaign Fund." Directs the Secretary to transfer to the fund a specified amount, and such additional sums as Congress may appropriate. States that, after each federal election, the Comptroller General shall conduct a thorough examination and audit of the qualified campaign expenses of the candidates of each political party for federal office. Requires repayment of campaign expenses upon specified findings of the Comptroller General. States that if the Comptroller General determines that any amount of any payment made to an eligible candidate of a political party was used for any purpose other than: (1) to defray the qqualified campaign expenses with respect to which such payment was made, or (2) to repay loans the proceeds of which were used, or otherwise to restore funds, he shall notify such candidate of the amount so used, and such candidate shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to such amount. Requires a candidate of a political party for federal office in a federal election to furnish to the Comptroller General a detailed statement of the qualified campaign expenses incurred by him and the expenses which he and his authorized committees propose to incur. Directs the Comptroller General to, as soon as practicable after each federal election, submit a full report to the Senate and House of Representatives setting forth enumerated items. Authorizes the Comptroller General to appear in and defend against any action filed pursuant to this Act by attorneys employed in his office or by counsel whom he may appoint. Provides for judicial review of any certification, determination or other action by the Comptroller General taken pursuant to the provisions of this Act by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Collumbia upon petition filed in such court by any interested person. Makes it unlawful for an eligible candidate of a political party for federal office in a federal election or any of his authorized committees knowingly and willfully to incur qualified campaign expenses in excess of the aggregate payments to which the eligible candidates of a major party are entitled. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act, including: (1) the unlawful use of payments; (2) false statements to the Comptroller General; (3) kickbacks and illegal payments; (4) unauthorized expenditures and contributions; and (5) unauthorized disclosure of information. Establishes an Advisory board to be known as the Federal Election Campaign Fund Advisory Board to Counsel and assist the Comptroller General in the performance of the duties and functions imposed on him under the Federal Election Campaign Fund Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of the board members. Provides procedures for designation of inccome tax payments to the Federal Election Campaign Fund. States that every individual whose adjusted gross income for the taxable year is $2 or more may designate that $2 shall be paid over to the Federal Election Campaign Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President of the United States should take action to assure the continued operation of the Schoenau processing center for refugees in Austria.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1973
Federal Election Campaign Fund Act - Sets forth the definitions of the terms used in this Act as it applies to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, a candidate of a political party in a federal election shall, in writing, agree to: (1) obtain and furnish to the Comptroller General such evidence as he may request of the qualified campaign expenses with respect to which payment is sought; (2) keep and furnish to the Comptroller General such records and books; (3) an audit; and (4) furnish statements of qualified campaign expenses. Prescribes additional requirements to be fulfilled and agreed to prior to eligibility of major and minor party candidates to receive payments from the fund. Sets forth the amounts to which eligible candidates are entitled. Provides that, on the basis of information furnished by the eligible candidates of a political party, the Comptroller General shall certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the payments to which candidates are entitled. Establishes a special fund to be known as the "Federal Election Campaign Fund." Directs the Secretary to transfer to the fund a specified amount, and such additional sums as Congress may appropriate. States that, after each federal election, the Comptroller General shall conduct a thorough examination and audit of the qualified campaign expenses of the candidates of each political party for federal office. Requires repayment of campaign expenses upon specified findings of the Comptroller General. States that if the Comptroller General determines that any amount of any payment made to an eligible candidate of a political party was used for any purpose other than: (1) to defray the qqualified campaign expenses with respect to which such payment was made, or (2) to repay loans the proceeds of which were used, or otherwise to restore funds, he shall notify such candidate of the amount so used, and such candidate shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to such amount. Requires a candidate of a political party for federal office in a federal election to furnish to the Comptroller General a detailed statement of the qualified campaign expenses incurred by him and the expenses which he and his authorized committees propose to incur. Directs the Comptroller General to, as soon as practicable after each federal election, submit a full report to the Senate and House of Representatives setting forth enumerated items. Authorizes the Comptroller General to appear in and defend against any action filed pursuant to this Act by attorneys employed in his office or by counsel whom he may appoint. Provides for judicial review of any certification, determination or other action by the Comptroller General taken pursuant to the provisions of this Act by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Collumbia upon petition filed in such court by any interested person. Makes it unlawful for an eligible candidate of a political party for federal office in a federal election or any of his authorized committees knowingly and willfully to incur qualified campaign expenses in excess of the aggregate payments to which the eligible candidates of a major party are entitled. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act, including: (1) the unlawful use of payments; (2) false statements to the Comptroller General; (3) kickbacks and illegal payments; (4) unauthorized expenditures and contributions; and (5) unauthorized disclosure of information. Establishes an Advisory board to be known as the Federal Election Campaign Fund Advisory Board to Counsel and assist the Comptroller General in the performance of the duties and functions imposed on him under the Federal Election Campaign Fund Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of the board members. Provides procedures for designation of inccome tax payments to the Federal Election Campaign Fund. States that every individual whose adjusted gross income for the taxable year is $2 or more may designate that $2 shall be paid over to the Federal Election Campaign Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Synthetic Hydrocarbon Fuel Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares that it is the policy of the United States to develop as expeditiously as practicable commercially feasible processes for the conversion of coal to crude oil and other liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons in response to the public need for an adequate supply of energy. Title II: Federal Coordination, Planning, and Regulation - Directs the President to: (1) aid in the planning and development of processes for conversion of coal to crude oil; (2) provide review of all phases of the development of such processes; (3) coordinate the activities of governmental agencies in the field of energy conservation; and (4) take all necessary steps to reduce dependence on foreign sources of fuel. Directs the Office of Coal Research to cooperate in the development of a coal conversion process and provide such facilities as may be necessary for such development. Title III: Creation of a Synthetic Hydrocarbon Fuel Corporation - Creates a Synthetic Hydrocarbon Fuel Corporation for profit which will not be an agency of the United States. States that the President shall appoint the incorporators, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides for the establishment of a board of directors for the corporation. Authorizes the corporation to issue and have outstanding shares of capital stock, without par value, which shall carry voting rights and be eligible for dividends. Provides that such shares of stock initially offered shall be sold at a price not in excess of $100 per share. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase from time to time and hold for the United States up to 40 percent of the current outstanding stock of the corporation. States that at such time as the corporation shall have developed and licensed a commercial process or processes for the conversion of coal to oil and/or natural gas, the interest of the United States acquired pursuant to this Act shall be retired by the payment to the Secretary of the Treasury of 40 per centum of the proceeds from such royalties until the investment of the United States in the corporation shall have been returned in full. Sets forth the purposes and powers of the corporation. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the corporation to notify the Department of State whenever it enters into business negotiations with any international or foreign entity. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over alleged violations of the provisions of this Act by the corporation. Directs the President to transmit to Congress in January of each year a report which shall include a comprehensive description of the activities engaged in under this Act. Directs the corporation to transmit to the President and the Congress, annually and at such other times as it deems desireable, a comprehensive report of its operations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Menominee Restoration Act - Provides for the repeal of the Act of June 17, 1954 which terminated Federal supervision of the Menominee Tribe. States that as soon as practicable the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a membership role of the tribe which shall include all members listed on the final 1954 role who are still living on the date of enactment of this Act and all descendants of persons listed on the 1954 role if such descendants have at least one-quarter Menominee blood. Provides that all persons on the membership role shall be eligible to receive all Federal services furnished American Indians because of their status as Indians. States that subject to the approval of the Secretary the tribe shall organize a governing body for the tribe's common welfare and shall adopt an appropriate constitution and bylaws. States that subject to the approval of the shareholders as required by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, the board of Directors of Menominee Enterprises Incorporated shall transfer to the Secretary all assets held by such corporation. Provides that such assets shall be held in trust by the Secretary, on behalf of the United States for the tribe. Provides that this Act shall reinstitute all, and shall not abrogate any, water, hunting, fishing, and trapping rights or privileges, and any other rights and privileges of the tribe enjoyed under Federal treaty or otherwise. Authorizes the Secretary to make such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of 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 · 3 October 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - Title I: Fiduciary Responsibility and Disclosure - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, or by any industry or activity affecting commerce. Provides that the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall cause to be published in accordance with this Act to each participant or beneficiary covered thereunder a description of the plan and an annual financial report. States that such description shall be published within 120 days after such plan is established and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. Provides that an annual report shall be published with respect to any employee beneift plan to which this title applies. Sets forth the information that shall be contained in such report. Provides that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this Act shall file with the Secretary of Labor a copy of the plan description. States that the Secretary may reject any such filing after notice, hearing, and determination by the Secretary that such filing is incomplete for the purpose of this title. Requires the administrator of an employee pension benefit plan to furnish to any plan participant at least once each year a statement indicating: (1) whether or not such person has a nonforfeitable right to receive a benefit; (2) the amount of the benefits which have become nonforfeitable, or an estimate; and (3) the number of the priority under which such benefits would be distributed in the event of termination of the plan. Provides that the contents of the descriptions and regular annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this title shall be public information. Provides for the bonding of persons who have fiduciary responsibilities under this title and of persons who handle funds or other property of an employee benefit plan. Sets forth the fiduciary responsibilities of the administrators of plans covered by this Act. Provides for the distribution of net assets of a pension benefit plan in the case of a plan's termination. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of this funcions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or by such employer together with an employee organization representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or if such plan is established or maintained by any employer or by any employer together with any employee organization if, in the course of its activities, such plan, or indirectly, uses any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or the mails. Excludes from the coverage of this title any employee pension benefit plan if: it is administered by the Federal Government or by an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States; or it provides contributions or benefits for a sole proprietor or, in the case of a partnership, a partner who owns more than 10 percent of either the capital interest or the profits in such partnership. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 1 year or age higher than 25 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits. Stipulates that in computing the period of service under a plan, the employee's entire service with the contributing employer must be considered, except in specified instances. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excluded from coverage, in addition to those plans excluded under title II, any plan which has a fixed contribution rate and does not provide an amount expected to be paid as a fixed benefit and any plan which is a profit-sharing plan providing benefits at or after retirement. Requires pension plans subject to this title to provide for contributions to the plan in amounts necessary to meet an amount equal to the normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs and to maintain a minimum ratio of assets to vested liabilities according to a schedule. Provides that when the contribution to a pension plan fall below the necessary amount, the administrator shall take such steps as are necessary to bring the level of funding into conformity with the benefits offered by the plan. States that no pension plan may merge, consolidate with, or transfer its assets to any other plan unless participants in both plans would receive a termination benefit immediately after such action which is equal to or greater than the termination benefit he would receive immediately before such action. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program which shall be administered by the Secretary of Labor. Requires every plan subject to this title to maintain plan termination insurance to cover unfunded vested liabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such insurance. Provides that the insurance program shall insure participants and beneficiaries of those plans registered under this Act against loss of benefits derived from vested rights which arise from the termination of such plans. States that, upon registration with the Secretary, each plan shall pay a uniform assessment to the insurance program as prescribed by the Secretary to cover the administrative costs of the insurance program. Requires each registered pension plan to pay an annual premium for insurance at uniform rates established by the Secretary based upon the amount of unfunded vested liabilities subject to insurance. Sets limits for such premium for three years and allows discretion to the Secretary in determining it subsequently. Requires notice to the Secretary of plan termination and allows him to prescribe how funds of the plan shall be wound up and liquidated. States that persons who terminate a plan with intent to avoid the purposes of this act or in violation of this Act shall be personally liable for losses incurred thereby to the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund. Establishes a separate fund for pension benefit insurance to be known as the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title. Requires the Secretary to administer the fund. Title V: General Provisions - Establishes a Variation Appeals Board which shall hear and determine appeals from decisions denying grants of variations in accordance with procedures promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to regulation. Directs the Secretary to undertake research studies relating to pension plans. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress covering his administration of this Act for preceding year. Makes it unlawful for any person to discharge, fine, suspend, expel, discipline, or discriminate against a participant or beneficiary for exercising any right to which he is entitled under the provisions of the plan or this Act; or for any person through the use of fraud, force, or violence, or threat of the use of force or violence, to restrain, coerce, intimidate, or attempt to restrain, coerce, or intimidate any participant or beneficiary for the purpose of interfering with or preventing the exercise of any right to which he is or may become entitled under the plan, or this Act. Requires every administrator of a pension plan to which title II or III applies shall file with the Secretary an application for registration of such plan. States that if at any time the Secretary determines that a plan required to qualify under this title is not qualified or is no longer qualified for registration under this title, he shall notify the administrator, setting forth the deficiency or deficiencies in the plan or in its administration or operations and provide a reasonable time within which to remove such deficiency or deficiencies. If the Secretary thereafter determines that the deficiency or deficiencies have been removed, he shall issue or continue in effect the certificate, as the case may be. Provides that if he determines that the deficiency or deficiences have not been removed, he shall enter an order denying or canceling the certificate of registration. States that the Secretary may petition any district court of the United States for an order requiring the employer or other person responsible for the administration of such plan to comply with the requirements of this Act as will qualify such plan for registration or compel or recover the payment of required contributions, assessments, premiums, fees, or other moneys. Declares it to be the express intent of Congress that the provisions of titles II and III shall supersed any and all laws of the States as they may relate to the vesting of participant's benefits in employee benefit plans, the funding requirements for employee benefit plans or the adequacy of financing of employee benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Makes it the sense of the House that the United States Ambassador to Austria be withdrawn until the Austrian Government reinstates its policy permitting transit for Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Establishes a Federal Privacy Board. Directs the Board to prescribe rules for the regulation of automatically processed files identifiable to individuals. Provides that no data bank may be maintained except as provided in this Act. Provides for penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Provides that in the determination of the annual income of recipients of vetetans' pensions and dependency and indemnity compensation the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall not reduce the amount of such pension or compensation because of increases in monthly social security benefits under Public law 92-336. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 415(g)(4) 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1973
Peace Act - Title I: Department of Peace - Establishes the Department of Peace within the Executive Department of the Government to promote the advancement of peace in this Nation and throughout the world. Provides for the appointment of a Secretary of Peace, Under Secretary, four Assistant Secretaries, and a General Counsel by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Department of Peace to make recommendations to the President for the pacific settlement of current international controversies in which the United States Government has or claims an interest. Provides for the transfer of functions of certain other agencies to the Department of Peace. Gives the Secretary powers to administer and carry out the provisions and objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to make an annual written report to the President for submission to the Congress on the activities of the Department for each year. Continues in effect all orders, determinations, rules, and proceedings, regulations, permits, contracts, etc., which are in effect at the time of this Act and transferred to the Department of Peace from another agency. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress within two years after the enactment of this Act a proposed codification of all laws which contain functions transferred to the Secretary. Title II: National Peace Academy - Establishes a "National Peace Academy" within the Department of Peace to furnish training and instruction to prepare U.S. citizens for service in positions in the field of international understanding and peace. Provides for the appointment of officers, staff, and instructors by the Secretary as the Academy may require. Creates a Board of Trustees consisting of 15 members to administer the operation of the Academy. Requires the Board to make an annual written report to the President of its action and recommendations pertaining to the Academy within 60 days after its annual visit to the Academy. Grants admission to the Academy to 150 students on the basis of merit who are U.S. citizens and have received a bachelor's degree from a college or university. Grants fellowships and travel and transportation allowances to students of the Academy. Requires each student selected for admission to sign an agreement to complete the course of instruction and to accept an appointment and service as an officer or employee of the United States or employment with an international peace organization. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Gives the Academy power to acquire and hold real and personal property. Title III: Joint Committee on Peace and International Cooperation - Establishes a Joint Committee on Peace composed of 14 members of Congress (7 from each House) to: (1) make a continuing study of matters relating to the Department of Peace, (2) study means of coordinating programs, and (3) file an annual report with Congress containing its findings and recommendations with respect to the Department of Peace. Gives the Joint Committee power to hold hearings. Authorizes an appropriation of $200,000 each fiscal year to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1973
Provides that the benefits provided under the public assistance provisions of the Social Security Act to provide that benefits thereunder (including supplemental security income benefits) shall be made available and financed in the case of Guam and the Virgin Islands on the same basis as in the case of other States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1973
Directs the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to permit any Member of Congress to examine any file or other record maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and indexed or identifiable to such Member of Congress, upon the request of such Member, unless such file is exempt from such examination. Requires the Director to destroy such file promptly, without divulging its contents of such file, whether or not such examination takes place or is requested. Provides that no file shall be subject to the examination of a Member of Congress or destruction if such file is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a part of an investigation into the alleged violation by such Member of Congress of a specific criminal law for the purposes of prosecution. Provides that the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall, in the case of each file so maintained, give notice not later than six months after the commencement of the maintenance of that file to the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the President pro tempore of the Senate of the fact that such file is being maintained. Provides that no file shall be subject to the examination of a Member of Congress or destruction if such file is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a part of an investigation into the background of such Member of Congress to assist in the consideration of such Member for any appointive position in the executive or judicial branches of the Federal Government. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to, in the case of each file so maintained, give prompt notice to the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the President pro tempore of the Senate of the fact that such file is being maintained and of what appointive office is involved.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1973
Title I: Nonimmigrants - Provides, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, for the issuance of nonimmigrant visas to aliens entering the United States to perform services or labor of a temporary or seasonal nature under specific contracts of employment. Sets forth specified standards to be followed in entering into and renewing such contracts of employment. Provides that the status of an alien admitted to the United States under this Act shall terminate when the employment with the petitioning employer of such alien ends. Requires such employer to notify the Attorney General in writing, within three days after the alien ceases such employment, that the employment of such alien has ended. Directs said employer to provide notification of termination to the alien at his last known address not less than two weeks prior to the termination date. States that any employer who fails to furnish written notice to the Attorney General, as required by this Act, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not to exceed $200 or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both. Title II: Immigrants - Requires an immigrant alien to maintain a permanent residence as a condition for entering and remaining as an immigrant of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
States that by reason of their traditional use as a thoroughfare and haven for fishermen and sea venturers, the necessity for them to be free and open in connection with shipping, navigation, salvage, and rescue operations, as well as recreation, Congress declares and affirms that the beaches of the United States are impressed with a national interest and that the public shall have free and unrestricted right to use them as a common to the full extent that such public right may be extended consistent with such property rights of littoral landowners as may be protected absolutely by the Constitution. Provides that no person shall create, erect, maintain, or construct any obstruction, barrier, or restraint of any nature which interferes with the free and unrestricted right of the public, individually and collectively, to enter, leave, cross, or use as a common the public beaches. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over legal actions connected with the provisions of this Act. States that it is desirable that the States and the Federal Government act in a joint partnership to protect the rights and interests of the people in the use of the beaches. Authorizes the Secretary of whatever department the Coast Guard is operating under to place at the disposal of the States such research facilities and information as may assist them in carrying out the provisions of this Act, to make grants, and to provide financial assistance for the development and maintenance of transportation facilities necessary in connection with the use of public beaches.