United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1974
Disallows, under the Internal Revenue Code, percentage depletion deductions on foreign oil and gas wells, tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs for foreign oil or gas wells, and tax credits for income, war profits, or excess profits tax paid or accrued which is attributable to income from foreign oil or gas wells. Allows a tax deduction for excess profits taxes imposed by foreign countries to the extent a credit is denied for such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1974
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government the Consumer Protection Agency. States that the Agency shall be headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a report which shall include a comprehensive statement of the activities and accomplishments of the Agency during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and such recommendations for additional legislation as he may determine to be necessary or desirable to protect the interests of consumers within the United States. Directs the Agency, in the performance of its functions, to advise the Congress and the President as to matters affecting the interests of consumers; and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services made available to them through the trade and commerce of the United States. States that the functions of the Agency shall be to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; and (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance for public inspection and copying which the Agency has received, arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken by it. Directs the Agency to investigate and report to Congress on the desirability and feasibility of establishing a National Consumer Information Foundation which would administer a voluntary, self-supporting, information tag program. Authorizes the Administrator to propose to any Federal agency, for submission to specified persons, written interrogatories or requests for reports and other related information, within such agency's authority. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be required to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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 · 12 March 1974
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States invites the International Olympic Committee to select Lake Placid, New York, as the site of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1974
Directs the Secretary of State to keep the appropriate committees of Congress fully and currently imformed of the ongoing status of any negotiations with any foreign government, regarding the cancellation, renegotiation, rescheduling, or settlement of any debt owed to the United States Government by such foreign governments under any program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Provides for the establishment of the Clara Barton National Historic Site, Maryland; John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon; Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, North Dakota; Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Massachusetts; Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, Alabama; and Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, New York.
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 · 28 February 1974
Authorizes additional educational assistance allowance payments to eligible veterans to partially defray the cost of tuition in an amount representing such cost which exceeds $419 for an ordinary school year, but not exceeding $600. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1682)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Provides, under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled, or for such Aid and Medical Assistance for the Aged), for emergency Federal assistance grants to aged, blind, or disabled individuals whose supplemental security income checks (or the proceeds thereof) are lost, stolen, or undelivered.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Provides that every individual who is engaged, or wishes to engage, in an organized professional team sport in or affecting interstate commerce has the right to enter into a contract with any person for the purpose of engaging in such sport with a particular team without agreeing to permit that person to control his right, upon the expiration of his contract, to enter into a contract with any other person for such purpose, or agreeing to perform under any such contract for an unreasonable period of time. Makes any contract provision contrary to the provisions of this Act unenforcable. States that any person who deprives, or conspires with any other person to deprive, an individual of his rights under this Act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $50,000, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that accurate and complete data on imports of oil and oil products into the United States, oil and oil products inventories in the United States or under the control of companies owned by United States citizens, and distribution of oil and oil products within and from out of the United States are essential to the national security of the United States, the safety of its citizens, and the proper conduct of its domestic and international commerce. Authorizes the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of the importing, inventorying, and disposition of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Provides that notwithstanding any law or rule of law, any information or evidence in the possession of any officer of the United States, including attorneys for the Government responsible for conduct of proceedings against persons charged with offenses against the United States, which may be relevant to the conduct of an investigation into whether grounds exist for impeachment of the President or Vice President of the United States, shall be available to any committee of the House of Representatives assigned jurisdiction to conduct such investigation.
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 · 27 February 1974
Comprehensive School Health Education Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to encourage the provision of comprehensive programs in elementary and secondary schools with respect to health education and health problems by establishing a system of grants for teacher training, pilot and demonstration projects, and the development of comprehensive health education programs. Empowers the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State educational agencies and institutions of higher education for teacher training with respect to the provision of comprehensive health education programs in schools. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $12,500,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, to carry out such grants. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other public or private nonprofit education or research organizations to support pilot demonstration projects in elementary and secondary schools with respect to health education and health problems. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. States that the Commissioner may make grants to State educational agencies for the development of comprehensive programs in elementary and secondary schools with respect to health education and health problems. Provides for the apportionment of funds appropriated for such purposes. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Sets forth the requirements for receiving grants under this Act, including the application procedures. Directs the Commissioner to, when requested, render technical assistance to local educational agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education in the development and implementation of education programs with respect to health and health problems.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Prohibits the exportation of fertilizer from the United States until the Secretary of Agriculture determines that an adequate domestic supply of fertilizer exists.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides that the bonus value of food stamps is to be included in the "hold harmless" amount guaranteed to recipients of supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Amendments of 1972. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe regulations for the adjustment of an individual's monthly supplemental security income payment in accordance with any increase to which such individual may be entitled under this Act provided, that such adjustment in monthly payment, together with the remittance of any prior unpaid increments to which such individual may be entitled under this Act, shall be made no later than the first day of the first month beginning more than sixty days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Creates, as an independent agency in the executive branch, the Federal Zoological and Aquarium Board. States that the Board shall consist of fifteen members to be chosen by the President from specified agencies and associations, the Director of the National Zoological Park, and the Comptroller General of the United States. States that the Board shall establish standards for the national accreditation of zoos and aquariums. Authorizes the Board to provide technical and financial assistance, including loans the aggregate value of which shall not exceed $25,000,000, to aid any zoo or aquarium in complying with such accreditation standards. Authorizes the Board to make grants to any nonprofit zoo or aquarium, agency, or organization for humane research and pilot projects which would serve as models for zoos or aquariums, and for the establishment of survival centers for the breeding, care and perpetuation of endangered species.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that if an individual files his return for a taxable year before March 1 and if the refund of any overpayment of such tax is not made within 30 days after filing then interest shall be allowed on such overpayment for the period beginning on the date he filed such return and ending on whichever of the following is the earlier: (1) the date the refund check is mailed, or (2) the first date on which interest on such overpayment is allowed. Requires that whenever any refund is made to a taxpayer, the taxpayer shall be notified of: (1) the tax and the taxable period to which such refund is attributable, and (2) the reason for making such refund.
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 · 20 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 · 20 February 1974
States that, under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act, mandatory allocation by amounts shall not apply to the first sale of crude oil produced in the United States from any lease whose average daily production of crude oil for the preceding calendar year does not exceed ten barrels per well. States that, in such case, mandatory allocation by price shall apply. Provides, under the Mineral Leasing Act, as amended, that the first sale of crude oil and natural gas liquids produced from any lease whose average daily production of such substances for the preceding calendar month does not exceed ten barrels per well shall not be subject to any allocation program with respect to allocation by amounts for fuels or petroleum established pursuant to any Federal law for allocation of fuels or petroleum.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Interfuel Competition Act - Makes it unlawful for any oil company: (1) to acquire any coal, oil shale, tar sands, uranium, geothermal steam, and solar energy asset after the enactment of this Act; or (2) to own or control any coal, oil shale, tar sands, uranium, geothermal steam, and solar energy asset after the expiration of three years after the enactment of this Act. Requires that each oil company which owns or controls any such energy asset shall file with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission such reports respecting its energy assets. Directs the Attorney General and/or the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to commence a civil action for appropriate relief whenever any person violates the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Oil Shale Mining and Energy Corporation Act - Creates the "Oil Shale Mining and Energy Corporation" to establish and administer on Federal land a national program of oil shale exploration and development. Provides that the Corporation shall have a Board of Directors appointed by the President with Senate approval, such board to direct the exercise of all the powers of the Corporation. Provides that the Corporation: (1) may make contracts to carry out its functions under this Act: (2) may purchase, lease, or dispose of such property as it deems necessary; (3) shall have the power to exercise the right of eminent domain; (4) shall have such power as may be necessary for the exercise of the powers specifically conferred in this Act; (5) shall have the power to acquire or dispose of real property except for oil or gas exploration and development; (6) shall have the power to explore for oil shale on Federal lands, to develop and sell oil and gas and other oil shale products produced on Federal lands, and to build and operate all those facilities necessary for the development or sales of such resources, as authorized by this Act; (7) shall have the power to explore, develop, acquire or sell oil and gas and other oil shale products alone or on a joint or cooperative basis with any private or public entity; (8) shall have the power to engage in research directed toward the development and utilization of oil shale deposits on Federal lands, and may build, own, and operate research testing, or demonstration facilities, alone or on a joint or cooperative basis with any private or other public entity; (9) shall have the power to obtain and operate facilities necessary for the production, sale, transportation, or delivery of oil, gas, or other shale products; and (10) shall have the power to sell commercially valuable minerals which may be obtained incidental to the production of oil shale products on Federal lands. Authorizes the President of the United States to transfer to the Corporation the use, possession, and control of such other Federal land or personal property of the United States as he may from time to time deem necessary. Specifies, with respect to the Corporation, procedures for maintaining accounts, entering into contracts, and providing annual financial statements and reports. Provides for audit, by the Comptroller General, of the transactions of the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to lease, purchase, or construct transmission pipelines within transmission distance from the place where oil and gas products from oil shale on Federal lands are produced and to interconnect with other systems. Authorizes and directs the Board of Directors of the Corporation,, in order to render financial assistance to States and local governments within whose jurisdiction the Corporation has acquired properties previously subject to State and local taxation, to pay to such State and local governments percentages of the gross proceeds derived from the operation of the Corporation. Provides that such payments are in lieu of taxation and that the Corporation, its property, franchises, and income are expressly exempted from taxation in any manner by any State or local government. Authorizes the Corporation to issue and sell bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness in order to assist in financing its oil shale resources exploration and development program and to fund such bonds. Provides criteria for setting of rates for sale of oil shale products by the Corporation. Provides that all net proceeds (over expenses) of the Corporation for each fiscal year shall be deposited in the American Indian Fund, such Fund to be created in the Treasury of the United States. Provides for the allocation of such Fund to eligible Indian tribes by the Secretary of Interior under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act. Directs that, prior to the initiation of any program of exploration or the construction of any major facility under this Act, the Corporation shall prepare an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, such statement to be made public. Provides that hearings be held to allow interested persons to submit comments on the statement. Prohibits the Corporation from using surface mining techniques for the exploration or development of oil shale resources. Authorizes the appropriation to the Corporation for each fiscal year of all sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Provides, under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled, or for such Aid and Medical Assistance for the Aged), for emergency Federal assistance grants to aged, blind, or disabled individuals whose supplemental security income checks (or the proceeds thereof) are lost, stolen, or undelivered.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Directs the President to halt all exports of gasoline, number 2 fuel oil, and propane gas until he determines that no shortage of such fuels exists in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Establishes the Energy Development and Supply Commission. States that the Commission may: (1) make such expenditures and enter into such contracts as it deems necessary; (2) promulgate regulations to carry out its functions; (3) procure the services of experts and consultants; (4) utilize the services of voluntary and uncompensated personnel who may be allowed transportation expenses, including per diem expenses, for individuals serving without pay; (5) purchase lands or interests therein; (6) purchase, rent, or lease office space; and (7) make grants with respect to any research program established or maintained under this Act. Directs the Commission to establish and maintain research, development, testing, and evaluation programs which shall seek to: (1) develop low-cost, environmentally sound energy sources and energy generation, transmission, and distribution processes for transportation, industrial, and residential use, and other areas, with primary emphasis on the development of all aspects of solar energy sources and new sources of energy for self-propelled vehicles; (2) develop processes and techniques of energy conservation for use in construction, transportation, and in the manufacture of consumer and capital goods; (3) eliminate the adverse environmental impact of energy generation, transmission, and distribution processes, especially the present fission technology of civilian nuclear programs; (4) increase the efficient generation, transmission, and distribution of energy; and (5) explore other areas related to energy generation, transmission, and distribution. Requires the Commission, in order to safeguard national security, to establish and maintain national defense petroleum reserves on public lands of the United States which shall have a petroleum-producing capacity sufficient to protect the United States against a continuous one-year interruption of importation of petroleum from all foreign countries (except those contiguous to the United States), which the Commission determines to be an insecure source of petroleum. Directs the Commission to prepare annually an inventory of mineral deposits in the Nation and shall submit such inventory to the Atomic Energy Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Secretary of the Interior in order to promote coordination among them regarding energy planning. Requires any prospector, mine operator, or well operator who makes any discovery of any substantial mineral deposit to provide specified information regarding such deposit to the Commission. Requires the Commission to submit an annual comprehensive report to the President concerning the provisions of this Act. Imposes an energy use excise tax on electricity, natural gas, and special distillate and residual fuel. Establishes additional petroleum and natural gas duties. Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Development and Supply Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Establishes a New Energy Sources Corporation. Provides that it shall be the function of the Corporation to select, the two most technically and economically feasible methods for manufacturing substitute natural gas from coal. Authorizes the Corporation to construct and operate a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected. States that if the Corporation determines that a method so demonstrated is technically and economically feasible on a commercial scale, the Corporation is authorized to construct and operate a full-scale, commercial-size facility to manufacture substitute natural gas from coal by such method. Makes it the funciton of the Corporation to evaluate proposed methods of development of oil shale and select at least two of the most feasible methods from a technical, economical, and environmental standpoint for manufacturing petroleum products from shale. Authorizes the Corporation to construct and operate demonstration-type facilities for underground mining techniques for restoring processes, for in situ processes, or for any other method deemed feasible to develop the oil shale resource. Authorizes the Department of the Interior to make availabe to the Corporation, any public domain lands presently withdrawn and known to be valuable for oil shale deposits. Makes it the function of the Corporation to select from the proposed methods of development of geothermal steam at least two of the most feasible methods to: (1) develop the technology of power generation from geothermal resources; and (2) develop the technology of by-product recovery. Authorizes the Corporation to construct and operate demonstration-type facilities to develop the resource. Directs the Corporation to evaluate proposed methods for the development of a synthetic crude from tar sands and select at least two of the methods for manufacturing petroleum products from tar sands. Authorizes the Corporation to construct and operate demonstration-type facilities to mine and extract (by either aboveground or in situ methods) the tar sand resources. Requires the Corporation to evaluate methods for the utilization of solar energy when such processes have reached the stage of development that they are ready to be demonstrated. Authorizes the Corporation to construct and operate such demonstration-type facilities that are required to prove the technical and economic feasibility of the processes selected. Provides that where Federal lands are required, the Department of the Interior is authorized to make available any public lands needed in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Corporation to make annual reports available to interested parties on the progress of its operations. Requires such reports to be in sufficient detail so that independent engineering and economic judgments can be made based on such reports. Authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1973, to permit initial organization of the Corporation, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, such sums as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Internal Revenue Commission Act - Establishes an independent commission to be known as the Internal Revenue Commission, the principal office of which shall be in the District of Columbia. Provides that all the functions with respect to the administration and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 which, immediately prior to the date that this Act takes effect, were performed by the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, or any other officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury are transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission. Provides that the transfer of functions under this Act shall not affect any act done or any right accruing or accrued before such transfer. States that so much of the positions, personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Department of the Treasury which, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, were employed, held, used, or available or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred by this Act shall be transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission.
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 · 19 February 1974
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1975, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use; all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1974
Requires, under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods covered by such Act shall disclose each of their ingredients in the order of their predominance and by their common name. Makes provisons for such labels to disclose changes in such ingredients.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1974
Provides that the States in supplementing the Federal benefits payable under the supplemental security income benefit program, under the Social Security amendments of 1972, shall use calendar year 1973 as the base period for measuring the hold-harmless limitation on such liability.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1974
Provides that the bonus value of food stamps is to be included in the "hold harmless" amount guaranteed to recipients of supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Amendments of 1972. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe regulations for the adjustment of an individual's monthly supplemental security income payment in accordance with any increase to which such individual may be entitled under this Act provided, that such adjustment in monthly payment, together with the remittance of any prior unpaid increments to which such individual may be entitled under this Act, shall be made no later than the first day of the first month beginning more than sixty days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1974
Provides for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on any resolution to impeach the President of the United States. Authorizes the Speaker to appoint a committee of five members to provide such arrangements as may be necessary in connection with such a broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Includes, under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, breast prosthesis among the items and services for which payment may be made under the present supplementary medical insurance program of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Provides for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on any resolution to impeach the President of the United States. Authorizes the Speaker to appoint a committee of five members to provide such arrangements as may be necessary in connection with such a broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Education for Exceptional Children Act - Defines "exceptional children" as handicapped children, children with specific learning disabilities, and particularly gifted children. Directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a National Clearinghouse on Exceptional Children which shall obtain and disseminate to the public information pertaining to the education of exceptional children. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974 and for each of the four succeeding years for the establishment and operation of the clearinghouse. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting the States in providing free appropriate public education for exceptional children at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Sets forth the basis on which funds will be allocated to the States. Provides that in order to receive funds under this Act a State must submit to the Commissioner of Education a State plan is required detailing the State program for free appropriate education for exceptional children. Provides that the State plan must contain such information as the Commissioner deems necessary. Sets forth the criteria needed to be met by a State in order to obtain approval of its plan. Authorizes the Commissioner to withhold payments under this Act from any State when it is found that there has been a failure to comply substantially with any provision of this Act. Provides a method for judicial review of the Commissioner's decision. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State educational agencies to provide training for personnel engaged or preparing to engage in educating exceptional children. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher learning to provide training for leadership personnel for the education of exceptional children. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct research relating to the education of exceptional children and to make grants to States, educational agencies, institutions of higher learning and other public or private nonprofit education or research agencies for such research. Directs the Commissioner to establish standards and procedures to determine which children are "exceptional children" within the meaning of this Act, such standards and procedures to be applied uniformly by all States submitting plans pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purpose 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
Denies a tax deduction for any expenditure of any oil company for advertising not directly related to the sale of products or services under the Internal Revenue Code States that this prohibition shall not be construed to apply to the allowance of a deduction for expenses incurred in appearances before the committees, or individual Members of Congress or of any body of a State.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
National Homestead Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to compile a catalog of all unoccupied single-family dwellings in urban and other areas within the United States which are owned by him or his Department, and which would be suitable for occupancy and rehabilitation by qualified low and moderate-income families. Requires the Secretary to take such steps as may be necessary to assure that the residents of each community or area in which any such dwelling is located will be fully and currently informed of the existence, nature, and location of such dwellings. States that an applicant is qualified, for the purposes of participation in the program under this Act with respect to any dwelling, only if he or she: (1) is eighteen years of age or older; (2) is the head of his or her household; (3) is a citizen of the United States; (4) has not previously participated in the program; (5) is not the owner of any other real property; and (6) possesses the financial, technical, and other resources which are necessary to rehabilitate such dwelling. Requires each applicant to enter into an agreement that, among other things, he or she will reside in the dwelling for a period of at least five years and will during such period rehabilitate and maintain the dwelling so that it satisfies all of the requirements of applicable State and local law. States that the conveyance of any dwelling to an applicant under this Act shall be made on a conditional basis, in return for the payment by such applicant of the aforementioned agreement. Provides that upon any material failure by the applicant to carry out his or her agreement entered into under this Act the conditional conveyance of title to such applicant shall be revoked. States that after the applicant has resided in the dwelling for the required five-year period and has rehabilitated and maintained it and otherwise complied with the terms of his or her agreement throughout such period, he shall be granted a fee simple title to such property.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop ground propulsion systems which are energy conserving, have clean emission characteristics, and are capable of being produced in large numbers at a reasonable mass production per unit cost. Requires that such ground propulsion systems must meet or better all air quality standards set by or under the National Emission Standards Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Air Quality Act of 1967, while substantially reducing per mile energy consumption. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act not to exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate for the fiscal years 1974 through 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should evaluate the commodity requirements of the domestic economy to determine which commodities should be designated as in short supply for purposes of taxation of Domestic International Sales Corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Requires Federal agencies, under the Freedom of Information Act, to maintain, promptly publish, and distribute (by sale or otherwise) copies of a current index providing identifying information for the public as to any matter, issued, adopted, or promulgated after July 4, 1967 and required by the Act to be made available or published. States that Federal agencies upon any request for records which reasonably describes such records, and is made in accordance with published rules stating the time, place, fees to the extent authorized by statute, and procedure to be followed, shall make the records promptly available to any person. Sets forth the procedure for Federal agencies to follow upon receipt of any request for records made under the Act. Permits a Federal district court to examine the contents of any agency records in camera to determine whether such records or any part thereof shall be withheld under any of the exemptions set forth in the Act. Provides that the United States or a Federal agency shall serve a responsive pleading to any complaint made under the Act within 20 days after the service upon the United States attorney of the pleading in which such complaint is made, unless the court otherwise directs for good cause shown. Allows the court to assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under the Act in which the United States has not prevailed. Exempts from provisions of the Act matters that are authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy. Requires each Federal agency on or before March 1 of each year to submit a report covering the previous year to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Government Operations and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552)
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Establishes a formula for income averaging under the Internal Revenue Code in the event of a downward fluctuation in income. Provides that if an eligible individual has reduced income for the computation year and the amount of such income exceeds $3,000, then the tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code for the computation year shall be the tax which would be imposed on 80 percent of the average base period income, minus five times the decrease in such tax which would result from subtracting 20 percent of reduced income from 80 percent of average base period income.
![Official portrait of Rep. Abzug, Bella S. [D-NY-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000018_200.jpg)