United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any creditor, card issuer or other person against any person on account of sex or marital status in connection with approval or denial of credit. Provides that any credit card issuer or other person who discriminates against any person on account of sex or marital status shall be civilly liable to the aggrieved person for money and punitive damages. Grants jurisdiction, concurrent with that of State courts, to Federal district courts to hear actions to enforce the liability created by this Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Comprehensive Child Development Act - States the finding of Congress that: (1) millions of children are suffering from lack of child development services; (2) comprehensive child development programs should be available to all children; (3) priority be given to preschool children with the greatest economic and social needs; (4) no mother may be forced to work in order for children to receive services; and (5) such programs should be undertaken as a partnership of parents, community, and local government. States it to be the purpose of this Act to establish and expand comprehensive child development programs, building on the Headstart experience, with emphasis on economically disadvantaged individuals and including children of working mothers and single parents, involving parents and community groups in the decision-making process, and establishing the legislative framework for eventual universally available child development programs. Title I: Comprehensive Child Development Programs; Direction to Establish Program - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to direct programs under this title. Lists activities for which funds can be provided, including: planning and development of programs; establishing, maintaining, and operating comprehensive programs with a broad range of activities; design, acquisition, construction, alteration, renovation or remodeling of facilities including mobile facilities; training programs for professionals, paraprofessionals, parents, older family members and prospective parents; public information activities; child advocate staff; and administrative expenses. Authorizes any State, city, county, combination of units of local government, or federally recognized Indian reservation to serve as prime sponsors. Permits the Secretary to designate such prime sponsor upon receipt of an application which: (1) establishes a Child Development Council (CDC) to plan, conduct, coordinate, andd monitor programs; (2) establishes Local Policy Councils (LPC's) elected by parents of eligible children to serve appropriate subdivisions within the prime sponsorship area; and (3) delegates administrative responsibility to an appropriate local agency. Authorizes a public or private non-profit agency or organization to become a prime sponsor if the appropriate unit of local government has not submitted an application or is out of compliance, or if the Secretary determines such prime sponsor is necessary to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged children. Provides an opportunity for a State to comment on all applications for designation, notice and hearing before the Secretary makes any adverse decision on any designation, and for judicial review of the Secretary's final action. Requires submission by a prime sponsor and the Secretary's approval of a Comprehensive Child Development Plan before a governmental prime sponsor may receive financial assistance under this title. Requires that each such plan must: (1) identify needs and goals and describe purposes for which funds will be used; (2) meet the needs of children in the area including infant care and before and after school programs including 24 hour child care services; (3) give priority to economically disadvantaged children by reserving funds equal to funds expended in the prime sponsorship area under Headstart and Title IV of the Social Security Act in fiscal year 1972 and then reserving the following percentages; 65 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, 60 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and 55 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975; (4) give priority thereafter to children of single parents and working mothers; (5-6) provide free services for economically disadvantaged children and fees on a sliding scale for others; (7) require cooperative arrangements of State and local agencies serving the handicapped; (8) provide jobs and training in so far as possible for residents of the community; (9) provide in so far as possible for socioeconomic mixture in centers; (10-11) provide for special needs of minority, bilingual migrant and Indian children in the area; (12) assure benefits for children in nonpublic preschool and school programs; (13) coordinate programs so family members relate to each other during the day; (14) provide for parental participation in plans and programs; (15) provide for paraprofessional and volunteers, including parents, senior citizens, students, other children, and those preparing for child development careers; (16) provide for dissemination of program information in language of parents; (17) eliminate barriers pertaining to State teacher certification standards; (18-20) assure coordination with schools and other child development programs in the community; and (21) provide that emphasis will be given to continued funding of on-going projects. Requires such a plan to assure payment of the non-Federal share, to provide for fiscal control and fund accounting procedures, to provide for continuing evaluation and analysis of needs and reports to the Secretary to emphasize on-going programs, and to provide adequate staff and administrative expenses of LPCs. Provides the opportunity for comment by a Governor, Mayor or community action agency, Headstart agency or educational agency; and provides for notice and hearing before an adverse decision is made on a plan by the Secretary. Authorizes funding by a prime sponsor of a qualified public or private agency which submits an application to run a child development program, which provides comprehensive services for children served, assures adequate personnel, and meets the appropriate provisions of the Comprehensive Child Development Plan. Authorizes funding by the Secretary of a non-governmental prime sponsor which submits a project application. Allows construction only of facilities essential to provide child development services, where use of existing facilities is shown to be not practicable. Provides for 20 year use of facilities for child development programs or for return of a proportionate value of the facility to the Federal Government. Authorizes the Secretary to establish interests rates for construction loans, with a 3 percent minimum rate. Provides grants and loans for construction limited to 50 percent of the total cost except for private nonprofit groups, and limits construction to 15 percent of total allotment to a prime sponsor and limits grants for construction to 7 1/2 percent of the total. Provides for the Federal Government to share 80 percent (with allowance for Secretary to pay up to 100 percent if necessary to provide services) of the costs to prime sponsors of programs for economically disadvantaged children; 50 percent Federal share of cost to prime sponsors of programs for children not economically disadvantaged; and 100 percent Federal share of migrant and Indian programs. Provides that the non-Federal share may be in cash or kind including fees paid by parents. Provides open-ended authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1973 and each succeeding fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this title. Reserves for the Secretary funds for migrant and Indian programs at a ratio equal to the ratio of such children to the total number of economically disadvantaged children in the nation; 5 percent for the Secretary's discretionary use, with the remainder apportioned among the States as follows: (1) 50 percent according to the ratio of economically disadvantaged children in the State, (2) 25 percent according to the ratio of children through age 5; and (3) 25 percent according to the ratio of children of working mothers and single parents. Allots State's apportionments among prime sponsors according to the same formula. Provides for reallotment of unused funds among prime sponsors and among States. Prohibits any State or local government from reducing its expenditures for child development or day care. Establishes an Office of Child Development (OCD) to be the principal agency to administer this Act. Provides for the promulgation of Federal Standards of Child Development Services, applicable to all programs receiving assistance under this Act. Provides for the promulgation of a Minimum Uniform Code for Facilities, which shall replace State and local standards for all facilities which receive assistance under this Act or in which programs which receive assistance under this Act are operated. Provides for maximum utilization of existing Federal, State, and local public facilities, including school buildings, for child development programs. Repeals, consolidates, and coordinates existing child development programs, effective July 1, 1973. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $3,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and $4,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Facilities for Child Development Programs - Authorizes a program of mortgage insurance for child development facilities, administered by the Secretary of HEW, to provide a source of funds in addition to the direct grants and loans authorized in Title I for the construction of such facilities. Title III: Training of Child Development Personnel - Authorizes $20,000,000 for programs to train professional child development personnel and for programs to train paraprofessional child development personnel under the Higher Education Act. Authorizes National Defense Education Act loans for the training of full-time teachers in child development programs. Authorizes training grants to individuals and child development programs. Authorizes a $5,000,000 annual appropriation for such grants. Title IV: Federal Government Child Development Programs - Authorizes direct grants to establish and operate programs for children of Federal employees. Authorizes $5 million in fiscal year 1974 and for each fiscal year thereafter to operate such program. Title V: Evaluation and Technical Assistance - Authorizes the Office of Child Development to evaluate Federal involvement in child development and to provide technical assistance to prime sponsors and project applicants. Authorizes such funds as necessary to carry out such activities. Title VI: National Center For Child Development and Education - Establishes a National Center for Child Development and Education within the Office of Child Development to conduct, coordinate, and disseminate research on child development. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to operate the Center. Title VII: General Provisions - Provides for advance appropriations and advance funding of programs. Assures public information, without charge. Prohibits federal control of programs under this Act. Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits sex discrimination in the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Flexible Hours Employment Act - States that it is the policy of the United States Government that, unless adjudged impossible by the Secretary of Labor, at least 10 percent, over a five year period, of the positions at each and all levels in all executive agencies shall be available on a flexible hours employment basis for persons who cannot work or do not desire to work fill time. Requires each executive agency to adopt and maintain procedures, continuously conduct activities and projects, and undertake such other efforts as may be appropriate to carry out the policy of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the procedures, activities, projects, and other efforts undertaken to carry out the policy of 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 Congress that the President should take immediate and determined steps to: (1) impress upon the Soviet Government the grave concern of the American people with the intimidation of those within the Soviet Union who do not adhere to prevailing ideology; (2) call upon the Soviet Government to permit the free expression of ideas and free emigration by all its citizens in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and (3) use the medium of current negotiations with the Soviet Union as well as informal contacts with Soviet officials in an effort to secure an end to repression of dissent.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that the President should request the Government of Chile to undertake the following: (1) to ensure protection of human rights of all individuals, Chilean and foreign, as provided in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention and Protocol relating to the status of refugees and other relevant international legal instruments guaranteeing the granting of asylum, safe conduct and humane treatment of prisoners as provided in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and the Declaration of Territorial Asylum; and (2) to publish as soon as possible the names of those being held in custody and the charges against them.
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 · 25 September 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that the President should take immediate and determined steps to: (1) impress upon the Soviet Government the grave concern of the American people with the intimidation of those within the Soviet Union who do not adhere to prevailing ideology; (2) call upon the Soviet Government to permit the free expression of ideas and free emigration by all its citizens in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and (3) use the medium of current negotiations with the Soviet Union as well as informal contacts with Soviet officials in an effort to secure an end to repression of dissent.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1973
Energy Industry Competition Act - Makes it unlawful for any person engaged in commerce in the business of extracting, refining, marketing, or transporting by pipeline any resources product to acquire any assets of the other three aforementioned businesses. Requires the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to simultaneously and independently examine the relationship of persons now engaged in one or more branches of the energy industry. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to institute suits in the district courts of the United States requesting the issuance of such relief as is appropriate under this Act. States that any person who knowingly violates any provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished, in the case of an individual, by a fine of not to exceed $500,000 or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed ten years, or both. Stipulates that the penalty for violation of this Act by a corporation shall be a fine not to exceed $5,000,000 or a suspension of the right to do business in interstate commerce for a period not to exceed ten years, or both.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1973
States that all moneys received from the sale of stamps, under the Duck Stamp Act, shall be available until expended, and no action of any kind may be taken to withhold, delay, or otherwise preclude the obligation or expenditure of such moneys except to the extent specifically authorized or required by law on the basis of circumstances or considerations having particular application to such moneys. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 718d)
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Declares that effective international cooperation is necessary to put an end to the illicit production, smuggling, trafficking in, and abuse of dangerous drugs. Directs the President to embargo trade and investment with any nation when the President determines that the government of such nation has failed to take adequate steps to prevent narcotic drugs and other controlled substances produced or processed, in whole or in part, in such nation, or transported through such nation, from entering the United States unlawfully.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Provides that future appointments to the offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of law heretofore or hereafter enacted permitting an expenditure to be accounted for solely on the certificate of the head of a department or establishment because of the confidential or other special nature of the expenditure, the Comptroller General shall be furnished such information relating to such expenditure as he may request and access to all necessary books, documents, papers, and record, relating to such expenditure in order that he may determine whether the expenditure was, in fact, of such confidential or other special nature.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Water Resources Development Act - Title I: Water Resources Development - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to undertake the design, construction, repair, improvement, and modification of specified public works on rivers and harbors for navigation, flood control and other enumerated purposes. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such projects. Shoreline Erosion Control Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary to conduct, for a period of five fiscal years, a national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Provides for the establishment of a Shoreline Erosion Advisory Panel. Sets forth the duties of such Panel. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 per year for construction of such projects. Directs the Secretary of the Army to conduct navigational and flood-control projects on specified public works. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such projects. River Basin Monetary Authorization Act - Title II: River Basin Monetary Authorizations - Authorizes specified amounts to be appropriated for the prosecution of development plans of enumerated river basins. States that such sums shall not exceed $764,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 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 · 11 September 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any creditor, card issuer or other person against any person on account of sex or marital status in connection with approval or denial of credit. Provides that any credit card issuer or other person who discriminates against any person on account of sex or marital status shall be civilly liable to the aggrieved person for money and punitive damages. Grants jurisdiction, concurrent with that of State courts, to Federal district courts to hear actions to enforce the liability created by this Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1973
Provides that whoever contributes more than $5,000 to the political campaign of a Presidential candidate shall be ineligible to serve as an ambassador, minister, head of an executive department, or a member of an independent regulatory body while such candidate is President.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1973
Women's Educational Equity Act - Establishes within the Office of Education a Council on Women's Educational Programs to help provide educational equity for women in the United States. States that funds shall be available to such Council to make contracts and engage in activities: (1) to encourage the development of new and improved curriculums; (2) to demonstrate the use of such curriculums in model educational programs and to evaluate the effectiveness thereof; (3) to provide support for the initiation and maintenance of programs concerning women at all levels of education (preschool through adult education); (4) to disseminate instructional materials and other information for use in educational programs throughout the Nation; (5) to provide for the planning of women's resource centers; (6) to provide improved career, vocational, and physical education programs, and to provide for community education programs; (7) to provide programs on the status, roles, and opportunities for women in this society; and (8) to provide for the preparation and dissemination of materials for use in mass media. Authorizes the Council to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare concerning the administration of, preparation of, general regulations for, and operations of, programs assisted under this Act. Sets forth requirements for programs and for applications for financial assistance under this Act. Provides that the Secretary, in cooperation with the heads of other agencies with relevant jurisdiction, shall, upon request, render technical assistance to local educational agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, institutions at all levels of education, agencies of State, local and Federal governments and other agencies deemed by the Secretary to affect the status of women in this society. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for planning and carrying out community-oriented education programs or projects on women in American society for the benefit of interested and concerned adults, young persons, ethnic and cultural groups, community and business leaders, and other individuals and groups within a community. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any creditor, card issuer or other person against any person on account of sex or marital status in connection with approval or denial of credit. Provides that any credit card issuer or other person who discriminates against any person on account of sex or marital status shall be civilly liable to the aggrieved person for money and punitive damages. Grants jurisdiction, concurrent with that of State courts, to Federal district courts to hear actions to enforce the liability created by this Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 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 · 5 September 1973
Foreign Dairy Quality Act - States that no dairy product shall be imported into the United States unless it has been inspected and found to be wholesome and unless the foreign farms and plants in which such products were produced, manufactured, or processed comply with all the inspection, grading and other standards comparable to domestic standards that are prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Provides for a certificate issued by the exporting country assuring compliance with prescribed standards as to the quality of the milk form, plant facilities, equipment, and procedures used in the production and transportation of milk, and the production, manufacture, and processing of all imported dairy products. Requires all imported dairy products, after entry into the United States, to be subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and other dairy product inspection Acts. Provides for cooperation between the Secretary and foreign governments as well as other executive departments in carrying out this Act, and authorizes necessary inspections and investigations. Prescribes a fine of not more than $1000 and imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Provides that the Natural Gas Act and the jurisdiction of the Federal Power Commission will not apply to a small new producer contract, which is a contract adding gas reserves or acreage to an existing contract and allowing a natural gas producer to take no more than 10,000 Mc.f. per day. Requires all other contracts adding gas reserves or acreage to an existing contract to be filed by the producer with the Commission, which may then approve, conditionally or unconditionally, or disapprove the contract. Specifies that once approved by the Commission, the contract is no longer subject to change by the Commission, except where price increases are concerned. Provides for stoppage of deliveries where a contract is disapproved. Allows deliveries under a contract to commence upon the filing of a contract and pending review by the Commission. Provides that, in deciding whether to approve a contract, the Commission shall, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determine whether the contract is just and reasonable, is required by the public convenience and necessity, and is not unduly discriminatory or preferential. Specifies that, in making such determination, the Commission shall consider the entire pricing structure, including escalation clauses, and all other terms and conditions of the contract, give due recognition to the length of the contract term for which the reserves are dedicated, and consider the present and future requirements of consumers for natural gas. Forbids the acceptance of a contract for filing if it does not specify a termination time or if it includes: the 'two-party favored-nation clause' under the terms of which the price of the natural gas is or may be increased in event the purchaser shall pay or offer a higher price for natural gas; the 'third-party favored-nation clause' under the terms of which the price of the natural gas is or may be increased in the event some person not a party to the contract shall pay or offer a higher price for natural gas; the 'better market clause' or 'price redetermination clause' under the terms of which the price of the natural gas is or may be increased in the event the average of two or more prices which are paid by purchasers is greater; and the 'spiral escalation clause' under the terms of which the price of the natural gas is or may be increased in the event the resale rates of the purchaser under the contract are increased.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Extends the duties of the Executive Protective Service to include the protection of the United Nations buildings in New York City. Increases the maximum number of officers of the Executive Protective Service from 850 to 920.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
States that no public funds may be used for the purpose of transporting chemical nerve agents to or from any military installation in the United States for storage or stockpiling purposes unless it is the sense of Congress to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Voters' Information Act - Requires the posting in a prominent place, of information in post offices with respect to registration, voting, and communicating with lawmakers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Authorizes reduced-fare transportation on airplanes, railroads, and motor buses on a space-available basis for persons who are sixty-five years of age or older. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1373(b), 22)
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to New York City, New York, the sum of $2,626,685.07, to assist it to defray the expenses it incurred in providing police protection and other services for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations in 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Provides that remarriage of the widow of a veteran after age 60 shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 103(d)
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that no Federal Agency may inspect any income tax return except upon an order of the President which identifies by name the person who filed such return. Makes it an offense to make unauthorized disclosures to divulge or publish any name, address or occupation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act - Title I: Short Title, Purposes, and definitions - Declares it to be the intention of Congress, subject to the retention by Congress of the ultimate legislative authority over the Nation's Capital which is granted by the Constitution, to grant to the Government of the District of Columbia the powers of local self-Government. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title II: Governmental Reorganization - Transfers the District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency to the District of Columbia Government. Provides that the National Capital Housing Authority shall be an agency of the District of Columbia Government. Establishes the National Capital Planning Commission as a Federal planning agency to review District plans affecting the Federal Establishment in the National Capital region. Transfers the Secretary of Labor's manpower service functions to the Commissioner of the District of Columbia. Title III: District Charter Preamble, Legislative Power, and Charter Amending Procedures - States that the charter for the District of Columbia set forth in this Act shall establish the means of governing the District following its acceptance by a majority of the registered qualified electors. Sets forth provisions for amending the Charter. Title IV: The District Charter - Establishes a 13 member Council of the District of Columbia, with a term of office of four years. Specifies the qualifications for holding office, and the compensation to be paid. Vests all legislative powers of the District of Columbia (subject to specified Congressional retention) in the Council. Sets forth procedures and responsibilities of the Council and of the Chairman of the Council. Establishes the Office of Mayor, and sets forth provisions for qualifications and compensation. Provides that all executive power of the District shall be vested in the Mayor. Grants the Mayor power to appoint all judges of the District of Columbia Courts, with the advice and consent of the Council from a list of persons nominated by the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission. Directs the Council to adopt a budget for each year, and sets forth appropriations, accounting, auditing, and borrowing measures to be followed. Exempts bonds and notes issued by the Council from all Federal and District taxations. Creates the following independent agencies for the District of Columbia: Board of Elections, Zoning Commission, Public Service Commission, Armory Board, and Board of Education. Provides procedures for recall of the Mayor, or any member of the Council or of the Board of Education. Title V: Federal Payment - Establishes in the Treasury the District of Columbia Federal Payment Trust Fund to help defray the costs of the District Government. Sets forth the duties of the Mayor, the Council, and the Office of Management and Budget in relation to the District's budget. Title VI: Reservation of Congressional Authority - Stipulates that the Council shall have no authority to: (1) impose taxes on United States property; (2) enact any regulation which permits the building of any structure in excess of the 1910 height limitations; or (3) enact any act relating to Federal courts in the District of Columbia. Title VII: Referendum; Sucession in Government; Temporary Provisions; Miscellaneous; Amendments to District of Columbia Election Act; Repeal of Certain Provisions of Law and Rules of Construction; and Effective Dates - Provides for a referendum within 5 months of enactment to determine whether the qualified electors of the District of Columbia accept the Charter (title IV). Transfers the functions of specified existing government agencies to the Council. Provides for the continuance of pending actions and proceedings of defunct agencies. Authorizes the President of the United States to take such action as necessary during the interim period to enable the Board of Elections properly to perform its functions under this Act. States that, for the purpose of preventing duplication, any Federal officer or agency may furnish services to the District Government and any District officer or agency may furnish services to the Federal Government. Provides for an independent annual postaudit by the General Accounting Office. Provides for advisory neighborhood councils to advise the District Government on matters of public policy. Makes conforming amendments to the District of Columbia Election Act concerning elections of the Mayor, the District Delegate, and the Council. Sets forth the effective dates of the titles of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Specifies under title IV of the Social Security Act (Grants for Aid to Needy Families with Children), that an individual who is not working because of a strike or other labor dispute will be considered unemployed for purposes of aid with respect to dependent children of unemployed fathers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Elementary and Secondary Drug Abuse Eradication Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide local educational agencies with the financial resources to bring services and programs to students who are users and potential users of drugs, so that the traffic in drugs in elementary and secondard schools may be eliminated. Directs the Commissioner of Education to carry out a program of making grants to local educational agencies to finance such programs. Sets forth the requirements to be met in applications for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $500,000,000 for each of the following four fiscal years to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that both the President and Congress should resolve the position of the United States on the status of herbicides and tear gas so that the Senate may move forward toward immediate ratification of the Geneva protocol of 1925. States that the Department of Defense should detoxify that amount of nerve gas stored at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver which was to have been destroyed by now.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Provides that whoever knowingly restricts the supply of petroleum or petroleum products, contrives or attempts to contrive the appearance of scarcity of such petroleum or petroleum products or natural gas, or conspires in restraint of trade or commerce to fix the price of such petroleum or petroleum products or natural gas or to use unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce with respect to such petroleum or petroleum products or natural gas shall be fined not more than $50,000, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Requires the Comptroller General to make, under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe, an audit for each fiscal year of the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve banks and their branches, the Internal Revenue Service, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Alien Property, the Trust Funds of the Smithsonian Institute, and the United States Soldiers' Home, Washington, District of Columbia. Directs the Comptroller General, at the end of six months after the end of the year, or as soon thereafter as may be practicable, to report to the Congress on the results of the audits required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Freedom from Surveillance Act - Provides that whoever being a civil officer of the United States or an officer of the Armed Forces of the United States employs any part of the Armed Forces of the United States or the militia of any State to conduct investigations into, maintain surveillance over, or record or maintain information regarding, the beliefs, associations, or political activities of any person not a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of any civilian organization, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. Excludes the provisions of this Act from the use of the Armed Forces of the United States or the militia of any State: (1) doing anything necessary or appropriate to enable such forces or militia to accomplish their mission after they have been actually and publicly assigned by the President to the task of repelling invasion or suppressing rebellion, insurrection, or domestic violence; or (2) investigating criminal conduct committed on a military installation or involving the destruction, damage, theft, unlawful seizure, or trespass of the property of the United States; or (3) determining the suitability for employment or for retention in employment of any individual actually seeking employment or employed by the Armed Forces of the United States or by the militia of any State, or by a defense facility; or (4) whenever the militia of any State is under the command or control of the chief executive of that State or any other appropriate authorities of that State. Allows any person aggrieved as a result of any act which is prohibited by this Act to bring a civil action for damages irrespective of the actuality or amount of pecuniary injury suffered. Allows any person who has reason to believe that a violation of this Act has occurred or is about to occur to bring a civil action on behalf of himself and others similarly situated against any civil officer of the United States or any military officer of the Armed Forces of the United States to enjoin the planning or implementation of any activity in violation of that section.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Anti-Architectural Barriers Act - Allows an income tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for the removal of architectural and transportational barriers, with respect to the aged and the handicapped, from trade or business facilities. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the U.S. Government and Sweden should restore their normal friendly relations, and confirm this return to normalcy by appointment and dispatching ambassadors to their respective capitols on an immediate basis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1973
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1974 for making grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Clara Barton House National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Maryland. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Flexible Hours Employment Act - States that it is the policy of the United States Government that, unless adjudged impossible by the Secretary of Labor, at least 10 percent, over a five year period, of the positions at each and all levels in all executive agencies shall be available on a flexible hours employment basis for persons who cannot work or do not desire to work fill time. Requires each executive agency to adopt and maintain procedures, continuously conduct activities and projects, and undertake such other efforts as may be appropriate to carry out the policy of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the procedures, activities, projects, and other efforts undertaken to carry out the policy of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Directs the Secretary of Defense to furnish the House of Representatives with data concerning the extent of the bombing of Cambodia and Laos from January 20, 1969, through April 30, 1970.
![Official portrait of Rep. Abzug, Bella S. [D-NY-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000018_200.jpg)