United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
States that no device shall be used to abridge or deny the equal right of citizens whose primary language is other than English to vote in any election. Provides that whenever the Director of the Census, upon suggestion of the Attorney General, finds that over 7 percent of the voting age population residing in a particular State or political subdivision thereof are persons whose primary language is other than English, and that less than 50 percent of those persons so residing, though citizens, were registered to vote in the last election through which electors for President of the United States were chosen, the Attorney General may apply to the appropriate district court of the United States for orders: (1) that special Federal registrars who speak and understand the primary language of such citizens be appointed under the supervision of the Attorney General to facilitate the registration for voting by such citizens according to the lawful qualifications for voters established by the authority of the State in whose jurisdiction such citizens reside; and (2) that special Federal election officials who speak and understand the primary language of such citizens be appointed under the supervision of the Attorney General to facilitate the voting by such citizens in elections in such State or political subdivision thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Eliminates the limitation on the use of Federal funds for social service programs under the Social Security Act whereby no more than 10% of amounts alloted to States could be expended for services to individuals who were not recipients of or applicants for aid or public assistance under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Highways and Related Transportation Systems Improvement Act - Sets forth findings that highway congestion, air pollution, and related safety problems are impairing the efficiency of the highway system; and declares that the level of efficiency can be improved by developing related systems, and that both highways and related systems can best be improved by giving States and local communities greater flexibility in the use of Federal Highway funds. Revises the present authorizations of $4,000,000,000 for the Interstate System of Highways to $3,250,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make 1974 and 1975 Interstate System apportionments using the factors set forth in Table 5 of House Public Works Committee Print 92-29. Extends the time for completing the Interstate System by three years, from June 1976 to June 1979. Requires the Secretary to continue to report to Congress the cost of completing the Interstate System every second year, using the estimate shown therein for making apportionments for the subsequent two-year-period, upon approval of Congress. Authorizes additional mileage for the Interstate System to be used in making modifications or revisions in the Interstate System. Provides that upon joint request of the local governments the Secretary may withdraw his approval of any route or portion thereof on the System within a State if he determines that such route is not essential to the completion of a unified and connected Interstate System. States that after the Secretary has withdrawn his approval the mileage of such route and the additional mileage authorized by this Act shall be available to the State to provide the essential connection of the Interstate System in lieu of the route or portions thereof which were withdrawn. Extends the ten percent penalty, applicable to Federal-aid highway funds appropriated to a State, for failure to control outdoor advertising displays and devices which can be seen from the nearest roadway for the period after January 1, 1973. Extends the appropriations for carrying out the outdoor advertising program as follows: $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated for control of junkyards in areas adjacent to the Interstate System and Federal-aid primary system highways, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; and $7,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to apportion money from the Highway Trust Fund to assist States and local governments to operate, maintain, and improve highways and other transportation services, including public transit, if sufficient funds are not available from other Federal sources. Authorizes to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund the following amounts: $2,750,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $3,250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. Provides that ninety percent of these amounts are to be appropriated in accordance with a prescribed formula, and the remaining ten percent shall be available to the Secretary as a discretionary fund. States that unwarranted reductions of allocations by States to local governments for transportation purposes may result in a reduction of a like amount of Federal funds to the State concerned. Provides for removal of segments of the Interstate System which the States do not intend to construct. Requires each State to have a comprehensive State and local transportation plan, subject to approval by the Secretary of Transportation. States that such a plan must reflect transportation needs of the State and its communities and take into consideration the social and environmental impact of the alternate means available. Provides that it must be administered by a single State agency with full authority for executing the State's plan. Grants the consent of Congress to the States to enter into appropriate agreements between the States in order to realize the full benefit of the provisions of the Act. States that local governments shall develop an areawide plan incorporating long-range plans for highway and related transportation systems, with a schedule of projects to be undertaken annually. Provides that the local plan is to be developed by the local transportation planning agency, and shall be submitted to the Governor of the State and to the Secretary of Transportation for review. Provides that where a State or metropolitan plan is rejected by the Secretary, the State or local unit shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing. Limits planning and administrative costs of State or local units to three percent of the respective allocation. Provides for recordkeeping, audits, and reports. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe rules, regulations, and standards in implementing the highway and related transportation services improvement chapter. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and Congress on the developments and effectiveness of these activities. Specifies that no Federal contribution in addition to funds herein allocated shall be provided for relocation payments and assistance for those replaced by transportation activities. Provides that nothing in this chapter shall diminish the requirements respecting the establishment by States of highway safety programs approved by the Secretary of Transportation. Requires the Secretary to take such action as may be necessary to insure that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors in the performance of construction work financed with the assistance of loans or grants under this Act shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended. Provides that the Secretary shall not approve any such loan or grant without first obtaining adequate assurance that required labor standards will be maintained upon the construction work. Defines funds made available under this Act as Federal financial assistance within the meaning of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and provides that no personnel on the ground of sex shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal assistance. (Adds 23 U.S.C. 323)
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Provides that no sentence of death shall be imposed upon any person convicted of any criminal offense punishable under provision of law of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, and that no unexecuted sentence of death shall be carried into execution after the enactment of this Act. Reduces all sentences of death to life imprisonment. Directs the Attorney General to transmit to Congress appropriate amendments substituting a sentence of life imprisonment in all provisions of law which relate to the imposition of a sentence of death.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Economic Opportunity Amendments - Prohibits the impoundment of funds appropriated by Congress for economic opportunity programs and exempts the Office of Economic Opportunity from the provisions of the Federal Anti-deficiency Act. Provides for the continuation of Community Action Programs. Provides that a vacancy occurring in the positions of Director, Deputy Director, or Assistant Director may be filled temporarily for not more than 30 days. Suspends the President's authority to authorize the Director to delegate any of his powers or functions, or programs administered under this Act unless he complies with the requirements for executive reorganizations. Prohibits the Director from disposing of property belonging to the Office of Economic Opportunity that would have the effect of reducing the Office's powers, functions or programs. Provides that the Director shall not transfer funds to other Federal agencies for the performance of Office of Economic Opportunity functions delegated after January 31, 1973, if the President has not complied with the requirements of the Executive Reorganization Act of 1949 as provided in this Act. Provides that any unexpended funds so transferred prior to January 31, 1973, shall be returned to the Office of Economic Opportunity. Provides procedures for a full and fair hearing before financial assistance may be suspended under any title of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Provides that there shall be adopted regulations governing the implementation of titles I, IV-A, IV-B, X, XIV, and XVI of the Social Security Act which shall be consistent with the following model regulations. States that Federal financial participation is available for expenditures under a State plan approved under any of the previously mentioned titles. Requires a single organizational unit, within the single State agency, at the State and local level which is responsible for the furnishing of family services, WIN (Work Incentive Program), support services, and child welfare services. Requires the establishment of an advisory committee on social service programs at the State and local level. Requires the establishment of an advisory committee on day care services. Makes provisions for a fair hearing under which applicants and recipients may appeal denial of or an exclusion from a service program. Requires a State plan to specify how the services will be provided and, in the case of provision by other public agencies, identify the agency and the service to be provided. States that, if a State elects to provide services for additional groups of families or individuals, the state plan must identify such groups and specify the services to be made available to each group. Provides that services to individuals must be in accord with plans developed in cooperation with the individual, be responsive to the needs of the individual applicant, and be related to one or more of the specific goals described in this Act. Defines the term "services" to include chore services, day care services for adults, child care services, educational services, employment services, family planning services, adult services, foster care services for adults, foster care services for children, services to meet health needs, home delivered or congregate meals, homemaker services, home management and other functional educational services, housing improvement services, legal services, community planning, protective services for adults and children, special services for the blind, and transportation services. Sets forth requirements a State plan must meet before it can authorize the provision of services by purchase from other State or local public agencies, from nonprofit or proprietary private agencies or organizations, or from individuals. Provides that the total amount of Federal funds paid to any State shall not exceed an amount which bears the same ratio to $2,500,000,000 as the population of all the States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Bill of Rights for the Mentally Retarded - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish standards which assure the humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded in residential facilities, and to improve the system for the provision of services to the mentally retarded through the encouragement of and support for the planning and development of strategies to implement such standards, minimize inappropriate admissions to residential facilities and stimulate the development of regional and community programs integrating such residential facilities which conform to such standards. Provides for a new title to the Public Health Service Act: Title XI: Support of Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to aid them with the cost of bringing existing residential facilities into compliance with the standards established under this Act, and to improve existing residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 ($15,000,000 for each program) for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years, for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of assisting States in meeting the expenses for bringing publicly operated facilities and publicly assisted facilities into conformity with the standards established by this Act. Stipulates that any State desiring to receive such a grant shall submit a plan to the Secretary setting forth a schedule for compliance with such standards. Provides that the total of the grants with respect to any such project bringing facilities into conformity with the standards imposed by this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the necessary cost thereof as determined by the Secretary. Requires, within five years after the date of enactment of this Act, that no residential facility for the mentally retarded shall be eligible to receive payments either directly or indirectly under any Federal law, unless such facility meets the standards promulgated under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private non-profit agency, organization or institution to meet the costs of development, improvement, extension, or expansion of community resources and community living situations for the mentally retarded other than live-in-residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Standards for Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed in the implementation of the standards established under this Act; (2) study and evaluate such standards authorized by this Act; and (3) recommend to the Secretary any changes, revisions, modifications, or improvements in the standards established under this Act. Provides that the ultimate aim of the residential facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Requires such facilities to be located within, and conveniently accessible to, the population served, so as to have access to necessary generic community services. Provides that the facility and the surrounding community should be encouraged to share their services and resources on a reciprocal basis. Provides that residents of the facility should be integrated to the greatest possible extent with the general population. Provides that the facility shall have a written outline of the philosophy, objectives, and goals it is striving to achieve. Requires such outline to be available for distribution to staff, consumer representatives, and the interested public. Provides that the governing body of the facility shall exercise general direction and shall establish policies concerning the operation of the individuals served. Provides that the administration of the facility shall provide for effective staff and resident participation and communication. Requires the facility to designate a percentage of its operating budget for self-renewal purposes. Provides that the facility shall have a description of services for residents that is available to the public. Provides that the facility shall provide for meaningful and extensive consumer-representative and public participation. Provides that a public education and information program should be established that utilizes all communication media, and all service, religious and civil groups, to develop attitudes of understanding and acceptance of mentally retarded persons in all aspects of community living. Provides that admission and release procedures shall: (1) encourage voluntary admission; (2) give equal priority to persons of comparable need; (3) facilitate emergency, partial, and short-term residential care; and (4) utilize the maximum feasible amount of voluntariness in each individual case. Authorizes the residential facility to admit only residents who have had a comprehensive evaluation. Provides that all admissions to the residential facility shall be considered temporary. Provides that there shall be a regular, at least annual, joint review of the status of each resident by all relevant personnel. Provides that at the time of permanent release or transfer there shall be recorded a summary of findings, progress, and plans for protective supervision and other followup services in the resident's new environment. Provides that the performance of each employee of the facility shall be evaluated at least annually. Provides that staffing shall be sufficient so that the facility is not dependent upon the use of residents or volunteers for productive services. Provides that food services shall recognize and provide for the physiological, emotional, and cultural needs of each resident, through provision of a planned, nutritionally adequate diet. Provides that each resident shall have an adequate allowance of neat, clean, fashionable, and seasonable clothing. Provides that residents shall be trained to exercise maximum independence in health, hygiene, and grooming practices. Provides that living unit components or groupings shall be small enough to insure the development of meaningful interpersonal relationships among residents and between residents and staff. Requires dental services to be provided all residents in order to maximize their general health by maintaining an optimal level of daily oral health, through preventive measures and correcting existing oral diseases. Provides that educational services, defined as deliberate attempts to facilitate the intellectual, sensorimotor, and affective development of the individual, shall be available to all residents, regardless of chronological age, degree of retardation, or accompanying disabilities or handicaps. Provides that food and nutrition services shall be provided in order to: (1) insure optimal nutritional status of each resident, thereby enhancing his physical, emotional, and social well-being; and (2) provide a nutritionally adequate diet, in a form consistent with developmental level, to meet the dietary needs of each resident. Makes library services, which include the location, acquisition, organization, utilization, retrieval, and delivery of materials in a variety of media, available to the facility, in order to support and strengthen its total habilitation program by providing complete and integrated multimedia information services to both staff and residents. Provides that medical services shall be provided in order to: (1) achieve and maintain an optimal level of general health for each resident; (2) maximize normal function and prevent disability; and (3) facilitate the optimal development of each resident. Provides that residents shall be provided with nursing services, in accordance with their needs, in order to: (1) develop and maintain an environment that will meet their total health needs; (2) foster optimal health; (3) encourage maximum self-care and independence; and (4) provide skilled nursing care. Provides that, where appropriate to the facility, there shall be a pharmacy and therapeutics committee, that includes one or more pharmacists, to develop policy on drug usage in the facility, and to develop and maintain a current formulary. Provides that physical and occupational therapy services shall be provided in order to: (1) prevent abnormal development and further disability; (2) facilitate the optimal development of each resident; and (3) enable the resident to be a contributing and participating member of the community in which he resides. Requires psychological services be provided in order to facilitate, through the application of psychological principles, techniques, and skills, the optimal development of each resident. Provides that recreation services should provide each resident with a program of activities that: (1) promotes physical and mental health; (2) promotes optimal sensorimotor, cognitive, affective, and social development; (3) encourages movement from dependent to independent and interdependent functioning; and (4) provides for the enjoyable use of leisure time. Make religious services available to residents, in accorance with their basic right to freedom of religion. Provides that all social services shall be available to all residents and their families in order to foster and facilitate: (1) maximum personal and social development of the resident; (2) positive family functioning; and (3) effective and satisfying social and community relationships. Provides that speech pathology and audiology services shall be available, in order to: (1) maximize the communications skills of all residents; and (2) provide for the evaluation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of those residents with speech, hearing and/or language handicaps. Requires each facility to provide all its residents with rehabilitation services, which include the establishment, maintenance, and implementation of those programs that will ensure the optimal development or restoration of each resident physically, psychologically, socially and vocationally. Provides that volunteer services shall be provided in order to enhance opportunities for the fullest realization of the potential of each resident by: (1) increasing the amount, and improving the quality, of services and programs; and (2) facilitating positive relationships between the facility and the community which it serves. Provides that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habitation program; (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to his habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Provides that the administration of the facility shall make provision for the design and conduct, or the supervision, of research that will objectively evaluate the effectiveness of program components and contribute to informed decisionmaking in the facility. Provides that the requirements of the Secretary shall be met, with specific reference to the following: (1) provision of adequate and alternate exits and doors; (2) provision of exit ramps, with nonskid surface and slope not exceeding one foot in twelve; and (3) provision for handrails on stairways. Provides that there shall be records that document strict compliance with the sanitation, health, and environmental safety codes of the State or local authorities having primary jurisdiction over the facility. Provides that adequate, modern administrative support shall be provided to efficiently meet the needs of, and contribute to, program services for residents, and to facilitate attainment of the goals and objectives of the facility. Provides that funds shall be budgeted and spent in accordance with the principles and procedures of program budgeting. Provides that there shall be written purchasing policies regarding authority and approvals for supplies, services, and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1973
Federal Conflict of Interest Act - Declares the purpose of the Act to be: (1) to circumscribe the Government activities of persons whose prior employment was with a regulated group; (2) to permit judicial enforcement by private persons of the provisions of this Act; and (3) to establish an independent mechanism for the purpose of monitoring the enforcement of existing conflict of interest statutes. Provides that no officer or employee in the executive branch of the Federal Government, whose rate of pay is equal to or greater than the rate established for level GS-16 in the General Schedule or who occupies a professional or technical position with duties of a nature that the employee could cause an economic advantage for or handicap against a special interest in the discharge of his official duties and responsibilities or who occupies a management, administrative, or investigative position, in either regulatory or management echelons, where his actions are likely to have a significant impact on special interest enterprises, shall: (1) participate in any Federal regulatory action or policy decision which involves any special interest in which such officer or employee had a substantial economic involvement any time during a period of two years prior to the commencement of the term of office or employment of such officer or employee; or (2) participate in any Federal regulatory action or policy decision involving any subject matter concerning which such officer or employee has been involved or participated personally for or represented a special interest. Requires any such individual, within thirty days of the commencement of any Federal office or employment, to submit to the head of the agency or entity in connection with which such office or employment is held a detailed statement of such officer's or employee's former substantial economic involvement with any special interests. Requires such statement to include the dates and a comprehensive description of such substantial economic involvement, including all work done for such special interest in connection with the Federal Government. Makes it the duty of every officer and employee of the United States having the authority to do so to dismiss any other officer or employee who takes or holds office or employment in violation of this Act, and any person may by action in the nature of mandamus compel any office or employee of the United States to execute the duty imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Provides, under the Freedom of Information Act, that each agency, upon a request under the Act that records be made available to the public, shall: (1) determine within ten days after the receipt of any such request whether to comply with such request and immediately notify the person making such request of such determination and the reasons therefor; (2) in the case of a determination not to comply with any such request, immediately notify the person making such request that such person has a period of twenty days within which to appeal such determination to such agency; and (3) make a determination with respect to such appeal within twenty days after the receipt of such appeal. Permits the district court, to examine the contents of agency records in camera to determine if such records shall be exempted from disclosure. Provides that in the case of an action in the United States district court to enjoin an agency from withholding agency records and to order the production of any agency records improperly withheld, the United States or an officer or agency thereof shall serve an answer to any complaint made in such action within twenty days after the service upon the United States Attorney of the pleading in which such complaint is made. Provides that the court may assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in such action in which the United States or an officer or agency thereof has not prevailed. Provides that such disclosures under the Act may be obtained in the case of investigatory records for law enforcement purposes to the extent that such records are scientific tests, reports, or data, inspection reports of any agency which relates to health or safety, or records which serve as a basis for any public policy statement made by any agency or officer or employee of the United States or which serves as a basis for rulemaking by any agency. Provides that each Agency shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate which include statistics on the request and appeal procedures of the Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552)
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Economic Opportunity Amendments - Prohibits the impoundment of funds appropriated by Congress for economic opportunity programs and exempts the Office of Economic Opportunity from the provisions of the Federal Anti-deficiency Act. Provides for the continuation of Community Action Programs. Provides that a vacancy occurring in the Office of the Director may be filled temporarily for not more than 30 days. Suspends the President's authority to authorize the Director to delegate any of his powers or functions or programs administered under this Act unless he complies with the terms of the Executive Reorganization Act. Prohibits the Director from disposing of property belonging to the Office of Economic Opportunity that would have the effect of reducing the Office's powers, functions or programs. Provides that the Director shall not transfer funds to other Federal agencies for the performance of Office of Economic Opportunity functions delegated after January 31, 1973, if the President has not complies with the requirements of the Executive Reorganization Act of 1949 as provided in this Act. Provides that any unexpended funds so transferred prior to January 31, 1973 be returned to the Office of Economic Opportunity. Provides procedures for a full and fair hearing before financial assistance may be suspended under any title of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Directs the Attorney General to furnish the House of Representatives, within ten days after the adoption of this resolution, the following information: (1) the basis of the venue in the Northern District of Texas of the present grand jury investigation before which Kenneth Tierney, Thomas Laffey, Matthias Reilly, Paschal Morahan, and Daniel Crawford have been summoned; (2) a listing of any other districts which were considered by the Department of Justice as sites for the said grand jury investigation, together with the basis of venue for each such district; and (3) whether the said jury investigation has been completed.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Sets forth restrictions on the procurement or instigation of an investigative consumer report. States that a person may not procure or cause to be prepared a consumer report on any consumer unless it is clearly and accurately disclosed to the consumer that such a report may be made. Entitles the consumer to a copy of such report. Provides that any consumer reporting agency which negligently or maliciously publishes any untrue statement or representation with respect to a consumer shall be liable to such consumer for: (1) actual damages, but not less than liquidated damages of $1,000; (2) punitive damages; and (3) a reasonable attorney's fee and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Directs the President to establish a Board of Consumer Investigation Examiners. Provides that the Board shall promulgate such rules and procedures, as it deems necessary or appropriate in order to regulate the examining, licensing, and practices of individuals who investigate consumers for the purpose of preparing or aiding in the preparation of investigative consumer reports. Establishes procedures and guidelines for granting or revoking licenses granted individuals to prepare or aid in the preparation of investigative consumer reports. Provides for judicial review in an appropriate United States district court for any individual aggrieved by any final decision of the Board denying, revoking, or suspending a license. Makes it unlawful for any individual: (1) to investigate any consumer for the purpose of preparing or aiding in the preparation of any investigative consumer report without a license issued to such individual by the Board; or (2) to violate the terms of any license issued to him by the Board. Provides that any individual who violates the above paragraph shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Consumers' Information and Counsel Act - Title I: Consumers' Counsel for Regulated Services - Establishes, within the executive branch of the Government, an independent agency to be known as the Office of Consumers' Counsel for Regulated Services. Provides that such agency shall be headed by a Consumers' Counsel appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of five years. Sets forth the functions of the Consumers' Counsel. Provides that such functions shall include: (1) the promulgation of rules to carry out the functions of the Office; (2) representing the interests of consumers before Federal or State agencies or courts in accordance with this Act; (3) disseminating information to the public which he considers desirable for the protection of consumers; (4) making grants to State and local governments which are involved in specified consumer interest programs; and (5) preparing model laws in the area of consumer protection. Title II: Public Information and Reports - Requires every regulated company to furnish to the consumers' specified information and counsel such other information as the counsel may deem necessary to obtain, compile, and disseminate to inform consumers of regulated companies. Provides penalties for the protection of any of the provisions or regulations issued under this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires Federal agencies to make full use of automatic date processing in preparing the information required under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration and to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of H.E.W. under titles I through IV of this Act. Creates within such administration a Division of Research, Training and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title IV of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in appropriations for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $975,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title and under title II of this Act. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped individuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to establish offices in ten to twenty geographically dispersed regions for client assistance pilot projects to provide counselors to inform and advise all clients and client applicants in the project area of all available benefits under this Act and to assist them in their relationships with projects, programs, and facilities providing services to them under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist the several States in developing and implementing continuing plans for meeting the current and future needs of handicapped individuals for whom a vocational goal is not possible or feasible authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for grants to carry out the purposes of this title. Specifies the formula to be utilized in alloting such funds to the States. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies or organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for research and demonstration and training which hold promise of making a substantial contribution to the solution of problems related to the rehabilitation of individuals under this title. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage on the construction of facilities for programs for handicapped individuals. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used by the Commissioner as a revolving fund for carrying out the insurance provisions of this part. Provides that the total amount of outstanding mortgages shall not exceed $250,000,000. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for initial capital for such Fund. Authorizes the Commissioner to make annual interest grants to assist States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants in accordance with this part. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects or demonstrations for the provision of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicappped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families who are with them. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making grants under this part, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for construction, $800,000 for operations for fiscal year 1973, $1,200,000 for operations for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for operations for fiscal year 1975, for establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $4,000,000 for fiscal 1974, and $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for making grants and contracts for the expansion and improvement of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services for deaf and blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of establishing and operating National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated, for providing services for the treatment of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) provide policy advice and consultation to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Commissioner; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act; and (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000 for each of fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the functions of the Council. Title IV: Research and Training - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for the purpose of planning and conducting research, demonstrations, and related activities, which bear directly on the development of methods, procedures, and devices to assist in the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps. Authorizes to be appropriated for such research activities $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public and nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals and in performing other functions necessary to the development of such services. Authorizes to be appropriated for such training grants $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Provides that, in carrying out his duties under this Act, the Commissioner shall: (1) cooperate with, and render technical assistance to States in matters relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals; (2) provide short-term training and instruction in technical matters relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services; and (3) disseminate information relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services, and otherwise promote the cause of the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and their greater utilization in gainful and suitable employment. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) prepare a long-range projection for the provisions of comprehensive services to handicapped individuals; (2) analyze program operations; (3) encourage coordinated and cooperative planning; (4) provide assistance to other committees advising the Secretary; (5) develop means of promoting scientific research to bring about the full integration of handicapped individuals into all aspects of society; and (6) provide a central clearinghouse for information and resource availability for handicapped individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated for purposes of this title $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Provides that the Vocational Rehabilitation Act is repealed ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees to insure the adequacy of hiring, placement, and advancement practices with respect to handicapped individuals by each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to identify and eliminate transportation barriers that impede the mobility of handicapped individuals and aged handicapped individuals, and to prepare plans and proposals for such further action as may be necessary to the goals of adequate transportation and housing for handicapped individuals. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, and attitudinal barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $1,250,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the duties and functions of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that Guam shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct a number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of the delegation of Guam to the Congress, but in no event more than the least populous State. Provides that the Virgin Islands shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct a number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of the delegation of the Virgin Islands to the Congress, but in no event more than the least populous State. Requires the electors appointed by Guam and the Virgin Islands under the provisions of this amendment to be in addition to those appointed by the States, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a State, and they shall meet in such places in Guam and the Virgin Islands, respectively, as the Congress shall designate and perform their duties under the twelfth article of amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Permits persons who are aged, blind, or disabled and receiving assistance under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Aid and Medical Assistance to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) to participate in specified food stamp and surplus commodities programs. (Repeals Sec. 411 of Pub. 92-603)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Provides an additional income tax exemption for a taxpayer supporting a dependent who is mentally retarded. Defines the term "mentally retarded" as used in this Act. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 151(f))
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Makes it unlawful for any oil company: (1) to acquire any coal or uranium asset; or (2) to own or control any coal or uranium asset after the expiration of 3 years after the enactment of this Act. Requires each oil company which presently owns or controls any coal or uranium asset to file a report with the Attorney General within 120 days of enactment. Authorizes the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief in the appropriate district court for violations of this Act, and prescribes penalties for such violations. States that a violation of this Act by a corporation shall be deemed to be also a violation by the individual directors, officers, receivers, trustees, or agents of such corporation who shall have authorized or done any of the acts constituting the violation in whole or in part. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 18)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Community Land Grant Act - Asserts that the purpose of this Act is to fulfill the United States' obligations undertaken in the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1848. Creates Commission of 3 members to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that any ten or more descendants of former Mexican citizens prior to the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, which citizens became United States citizens within ten years subsequent to the effective treaty date of May 30, 1848, pursuant to the terms of said treaty, and which citizens are all descendants of the same Community Land Grant may, within four years of the date of this Act, file a petition seeking the benefits of this Act with the Commission on behalf of themselves and all other descendants of the Community Land Grant. Directs the Commission to hold a hearing on such petitions, with all persons possessing an interest in the land having a right to appear as a party. Provides that after such a hearing, the Commission shall render a decision on the petition. Authorizes appropriations as follows: $2,500,000 for Commission expenses; $5,000,000,000 for land acquisition proceedings; and $5,000,000 for the financing of legal and professional assistance for petitioners.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Prisoner Rights Act - Prohibits the inhumane treatment of any person held under authority of any enactment of Congress. Requires the immediate discharge of any officer or employee of the United States who knowingly and willfully engages in such treatment. Defines the term "inhumane treatment" as meaning: (1) striking, whipping, or otherwise imposing physical pain upon a prisoner as a measure of punishment; (2) any use of physical force by an employee except that which may be necessary for self-defense, to prevent or stop assault by one prisoner upon another person, and for prevention of riot or escape; (3) sexual or other assaults; (4) any punitive or restrictive measure taken in retaliation for the assertion of rights; (5) any measure intended to degrade such person, including insults and verbal abuse; and (6) any invidiously discriminatory treatment based upon race, religion, nationality, or political beliefs. Sets forth restrictions upon the use of solitary confinement in facilities covered by this Act. Directs the Attorney General to establish a grievance procedure to which all persons covered by this Act shall have access. Directs the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to establish rules permitting attorneys of record, relatives, and friends to visit and talk in private with any person covered by this Act. Authorizes civil actions against the authorities of any penal institution or facility who prevent visits permitted under this Act. Provides that any penal institution or facility may be visited at any time by any Member of Congress or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to Congress. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 4012, 4013)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Prohibits any court, legislature, or administrative body from requiring persons connected with or employed by the news media or press to disclose before the Congress or any Federal court or agency any information or the source of any information procured for publication or broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
War Resisters Exoneration Act - Grants general amnesty, notwithstanding any other provision of law, to any person for violation of laws involving the following prohibited acts during the period between August 4, 1964, and the date of enactment: draft evasion, draft evasion abetting, and draft card destruction; advising another to desert the Armed Forces; deserting from the Armed Forces; missing the movement of a ship, aircraft, or unit with which it is required in the course of duty to move; using contemptuous words against various executive and State officials where present as a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces; concealing or assising any person who has deserted from the Armed Forces; and attempting to cause insubordination by any member of the military or naval forces of the United States, with the intent to interfere with the loyalty or discipline of the military or naval forces of the United States. Makes the effect of such general amnesty to restore to the grantee all civil, political, citizenship and property rights which have been or might be lost, suspended, or otherwise limited as a consequence of such violation. Includes within this general amnesty the granting of an honorable discharge to any person who received a less than honorable discharge because of such violations. Establishes an Amnesty Commission composed of five members to grant general amnesty to individuals whose violation of the above laws was in substantial part motivated by the individual's opposition to, or protest against, the involvement of the United States in Indochina; and who was not personally responsible for any significant property damage or substantial personal injury to others in the course of his violation of such law. Gives the Commission jurisdiction to hear and determine applications from individuals entitled to automatic amnesty by this Act and aggrieved by the refusal of the military board to grant an honorable discharge to him. Makes provisions for applications for amnesty, and for judicial review of a decision by the Commission. Provides that, upon petition to any U.S. district court, the United States citizenship of any former citizen solely or partly because of disapproval of the involvement of the United States in Indochina shall be fully and unconditionally restored. Gives the district courts of the United States jurisdiction without regard to the amount in controversy to hear actions brought to redress the deprivation of rights that are restored by this act, and to grant such legal and equitable relief as may be appropriate. Authorizes such appropriations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that if any provision or application of this Act is held invalid, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected thereby. Makes this Act effective upon the date of cessation of United States military operations in Indochina, which date shall be proclaimed by the President and shall not be later than three months after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1973
States that no device shall be used to abridge or deny the equal right of citizens whose primary language is other than English to vote in any election. Provides that whenever the Director of the Census, upon suggestion of the Attorney General, finds that over 7 percent of the voting age population residing in a particular State or political subdivision thereof are persons whose primary language is other than English, and that less than 50 percent of those persons so residing, though citizens, were registered to vote in the last election through which electors for President of the United States were chosen, the Attorney General may apply to the appropriate district court of the United States for orders: (1) that special Federal registrars who speak and understand the primary language of such citizens be appointed under the supervision of the Attorney General to facilitate the registration for voting by such citizens according to the lawful qualifications for voters established by the authority of the State in whose jurisdiction such citizens reside; and (2) that special Federal election officials who speak and understand the primary language of such citizens be appointed under the supervision of the Attorney General to facilitate the voting by such citizens in elections in such State or political subdivision thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1973
Comprehensive Older Americans Services Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Objectives - States that the general purpose of this Act is to make available comprehensive health, education, and social service programs to our older citizens. Title II: Administration on Aging - Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Administration on Aging to carry out this Act. Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Administration. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource Clearing House for the Aging to collect, review, operate, publish, and disseminate information and data related to the particular problems caused by aging, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting such problems. Establishes the Federal Council on the Aging to advise and assist the President as he may direct on matters relating to the special needs of Older Americans: to assist the Commissioner on Aging in carrying out his functions under this Act; to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government; and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress on policies and programs for the aged. Provides that, not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a complete report on the activities carried out under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs to concentrate resources in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development or comprehensive systems to serve older persons, to include services designed to assist older Americans in avoiding institutionalization. Authorizes appropriations totalling $600,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Provides that the Commissioner shall not finally disapprove any State plan, or any modification thereof, without first affording the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Title IV: Training and Research - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for the purpose of: (1) publicizing available opportunities for careers in the field of aging; (2) encouraging qualified persons to enter or re-enter the field of aging; (3) encouraging persons from other professions to undertake assignments on a parttime bais in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct a study of the transportation problems of older Americans, with emphasis upon solutions that are practicable and can be implemented in a timely fashion. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for purposes of such transportation studies and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of: (1) establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; (2) conducting basic research on the problem of the aged; (3) providing consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and (4) creating opportunities for research projects with respect to aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to, and training personnel in, the field of aging; and for research and development projects. Authorizes appropriations for $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology. Title V: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to units of general purpose local government or other public or nonprofit private agencies to pay not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of leasing, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Establishes standards to be followed by the Commissioner in making such grants and authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the provisions of this section. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure mortgages on multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making grants to meet the costs of compensation of professional and technical personnel for the initial operation of multipurpose senior centers. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Program - Provides that no compensation paid to individual volunteers under the Retired Senior Volunteer Program under the Older Americans Act shall be considered income for any purposes. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amount of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the continuation of the Foster Grandparent Program under the Older Americans Act. Title VII: Nutrition Programs - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation may donate specified products acquired by them to a recipient of a grant or contract for providing nutritional services for the elderly. Title VIII: Amendments to Other Acts - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States which have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for library services for older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions in planning, developing, and carrying out programs specifically designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies for educational programs for elderly persons whose ability to speak and read the English language is limited and who live in an area with a culture different from their own. Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older Americans - Older Americans Community Service Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an older American community service program in order to promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons 55 years old or older who have poor employment prospects. Makes provisions for allotment of funds to State, local, and private organizations to further the purposes of the program. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 to carry out this title. Title X: Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training - Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, through the Manpower Administration, to make loans and grants for manpower training, including on-the-job, institutional, residential, and other training, designed to upgrade the work skills and capabilities of middle-aged and older persons. Authorizes the Secretary to make such studies, rules and provisions as necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out this title in fiscal year 1973 from funds otherwise available for similar programs. Authorizes appropriations in fiscal year 1974 of $100,000,000 for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1973
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of all proposals contained in the budget of the United States Government for the fiscal year 1974 with respect to the delegation to other agencies of the Government of functions of the Office of Economic Opportunity.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Extends until July 1, 1976 (presently July 1, 1972) the provision under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 requiring a Federal agency to pay 100 percent of the first $25,000 of relocation payments required for a State to furnish real property incident to a Federal program. Extends until July 1, 1974, the provision requiring 100 percent Federal payment of costs resulting from the transfer of real property to a State. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4627) Authorizes the head of a Federal agency, until June 30, 1973, to pay such sums in excess of the first $25,000 of cost as necessary to a State not in compliance with the Act. Makes provisions for non-approval of grants to the State and for deductions from Federal funds after that date. Provides that whenever the acquisition of real property for a program or project, to be undertaken by a person or State agency furnished pursuant to a grant, contract, or agreement, will result in the forced displacement of any person on or after the effective date of this Act, the head of the Federal agency furnishing such financial assistance shall provide: (1) fair and reasonable relocation payments and assistance to or for such displaced persons; (2) relocation assistance programs; and (3) decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwellings to such displaced persons. Provides that no Government agency administering any Federal program shall, for the purpose of assuring compliance with the Act, impose any limitation on the removal of vacant improvements located on real property acquired in connection with such a Federally assisted project.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Community School Center Development Act - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide recreational, educational, and a variety of other community and social services through the establishment of a community school as a center for such activities in cooperation with other community groups. Title I: Community Education Center Grants - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to institutions of higher education to develop and establish programs in community education which will train people as community school directors. Provides that each application to the Commissioner for such grants shall: (1) provide that the programs and activities for which assistance is sought will be administered by or under the supervision of the applicant; (2) describe the programs and activities for which assistance is sought; (3) set forth fiscal control and fund accounting procedures; and (4) provide for reports in such form and containing such information as the Commissioner may reasonably require. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the title. Title II: Grants for Community Schools - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to local educational agencies for the establishment of new community school programs and the expansion of existing ones and for the training and salaries of community school directors as well as actual and administrative and operating expenses. Establishes standards for the apportionment of project grants available to each State. Provides that grants shall be made to the respective State educational agencies for payment to the appropriate local educational agencies. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the title. Title III: Community School Promotion - Directs the Commissioner to accumulate and disseminate pertinent information to local communities, to appoint twenty-five teams of not more than four individuals each to assist communities contemplating the adoption of a community school program, and to establish a program of permanent liaison between the community school districts and the Commissioner. Establishes in the office of the Commissioner a Community Schools Advisory Council, the members to be appointed by the President for two-year terms. Directs the Commissioner to make available to the Council such information, staffs and other assistance as it may require to carry out its activities. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the title. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any department or agency to exercise control over the curriculum, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution or school system. Authorizes any State or local educational agency displeased with the Commissioner's final action with respect to the approval of applications to seek judicial review of the action in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals. Allows the Commissioner to delegate any of his functions under this Act, except the making of regulations, to any officer or employee of the Office of Education. Requires the Commissioner to transmit to the President and to the Congress annually a report of activities under this Act, including the name of each applicant and the number and amount of grants.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Provides that a charitable organization shall be denied exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code where amounts paid or incurred by such organization during each taxable year to influence legislation, including an attempt to affect the opinion of the general public, normally exceeds five percent of the yearly expenditures; or where such amounts exceed twenty percent of the yearly expenditures in any attempt to influence legislation, on a matter which directly affects any purpose for which the organization is organized, through communication with its own members or with any member or employee of a legislative body, or with any other government official or employee who may participate in the formulation of the legislation. Defines charitable organization for purposes of this Act, and designates certain activities which are not included within the term "influence legislation". Provides that no income tax deduction shall be allowed for a contribution to a charitable organization if the contribution is made for the purpose of influencing legislation. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 501, 170)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Includes as creditable service for civil service retirement purposes service as an enrollee of the Civilian Conservation Corps. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8332(b))
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Community Land Grant Act - Asserts that the purpose of this Act is to fulfill the United States' obligations undertaken in the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1848. Creates Commission of 3 members to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that any ten or more descendants of former Mexican citizens prior to the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, which citizens became United States citizens within ten years subsequent to the effective treaty date of May 30, 1848, pursuant to the terms of said treaty, and which citizens are all descendants of the same Community Land Grant may, within four years of the date of this Act, file a petition seeking the benefits of this Act with the Commission on behalf of themselves and all other descendants of the Community Land Grant. Directs the Commission to hold a hearing on such petitions, with all persons possessing an interest in the land having a right to appear as a party. Provides that after such a hearing, the Commission shall render a decision on the petition. Authorizes appropriations as follows: $2,500,000 for Commission expenses; $5,000,000,000 for land acquisition proceedings; and $5,000,000 for the financing of legal and professional assistance for petitioners.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Provides for increased immigration from Western Hemisphere Nations under the Immigration and Nationality Act by removing the "special immigrant" restrictions placed on such immigrants.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 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 · 28 February 1973
Flood Control Act - Authorizes specified works of improvement for the benefit of navigation and the control of destructive floodwaters to be prosecuted by the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers. Provides that as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act and at least once each year thereafter, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall review and submit to the Congress a list of those authorized projects which have been authorized for at least eight years and which he determines should no longer be authorized. Requires the Secretary to obtain the views of interested parties and of the Governor of each wherein such projects would be located. States that a project on such list shall no longer be authorized at the end of a period of 180 days of continuous session of Congress after the date such list is delivered to it. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to cooperate with any State in the preparation of comprehensive plans for the development, utilization, and conservation of the water and related resources of drainage basins located within the boundaries of such States and to submit to Congress reports and recommedations with respect to appropriate Federal participation in carrying out such plans. Authorizes appropriations of not to exceed $2,000,000 annually to carry out this section. Authorizes specified projects and studies for flood protection in designated areas. Designates the Trotlers Shoals Dam and Lake, Savannah River, Georgia and South Carolina, as the Richard B. Russell Dam amd lake. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area in the States of Kentucky and Tennessee for the purpose of conserving and interpreting an area containing unique cultural, historical, geologic, fish, and wildlife, archaeolgic, scenic and recreational values. Shoreline Erosion Control Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish and conduct a five year national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Provides that the program shall consist of planning, construction, operating, evaluating, and demonstrating prototype shoreline erosion control devices, both engineered and vegetative. States that such projects shall be undertaken at not less than two sites on the shoreline of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts, at no less than one site on the Great Lakes, and at locations of serious erosion along the shore of the Delaware Bay. Establishes a Shoreline Erosion Advisory Panel which shall consist of fifteen members appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Panel. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual program progress report, including therein contributions of the Panel to the chairman of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Public Works. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974 and for the succeding four fiscal years $6,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to plan and construct projects for the control of streambank erosion in the United States and its possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Includes land located in any State or foreign country within the definition of subdivision for the purposes of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act and defines the term interstate advertising for the purposes of the Act. Provides that a purchaser of a subdivision lot may revoke the contract for such purchase within 72 hours (formerly 48 hours) excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, where he received a property report less than 48 hours before he signed the contract. States that it shall be unlawful for any developer or agent to engage in interstate advertising. Provides that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit any communication, not otherwise illegal, between a developer or agent and any person who has initiated negotiations regarding the purchase of a lot or any lots in a subdivision. States that it shall be unlawful to sell or lease any lot in any subdivision unless the developer or agent gives bond to assure the completion (in substantial conformity with the estimated schedule) of the improvements to be installed by the developer as required. Provides that the expenses of every investigation of the affairs of any developer, broker, agent, or other person or organization, including any appraisal of its real property or of any real property on which it holds a mortgage, made pursuant to the authority conferred by any provision of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, shall be borne and paid by the developer or other person or organization so investigated.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
National Registration Rights Act - Establishes, within the Bureau of the Census, a National Voter Registration Administration. Directs the Administration to: (1) establish and operate a national voter registration program in accordance with the provisions of this Act; (2) collect, compile, and publish information concerning voter registration, voter participation, and election results; (3) compile, study, and publish copies and analyses of the various State registration and voting laws; (4) inform, cooperate with, and advise State and local registration and election officials concerning registration under the provisions of this Act; and (5) advise the President and the Congress with respect to voter registration and participation in elections throughout the United States, and make such recommendations for additional legislation as it deems appropriate for measures increasing voter registration and participation in elections and improving the election process. Authorizes the Administration to prepare and distribute forms for use by individuals wishing to register to vote. Provides for the distribution of such forms through the mails. Establishes guidelines for use by the States for Federal elections of registration through the National Voter Registration Program. Makes grants and other assistance available to States and local agencies for the cost of processing registration forms. Grants incentive awards to States that comply with standards for facilitating votes registration. Provides that, if any State, precinct, or district does not have 75 percent registration of those potentially eligible to vote in Federal elections within four years after the enactment of this title, the Administration shall (for Federal elections) further augment that area's voter registration so as to make reasonable efforts to achieve 85 percent registration. Requires each State to make provisions for the registration and voting in Federal elections for those of its eligible citizens who have writing, vision, or limb handicaps but who are otherwise eligible to register and vote. Provides that the Administration shall join with the States to make every effort to prevent fraudulent registration or voting by the careful processing of registration and voting records. Provides that whenever the Attorney General has reason to believe that a State or political subdivision is denying or attempting to deny any persons the right to vote in any election in violation of this Act, he shall institute for the United States a restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or such order as he deems appropriate. States that any person who deprives or attempts to deprive any other person of any right secured by this Act shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years or both. Grants individuals standing to seek injunction or redress of grievances committed in violation of rights secured by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides that no person contracting to insure another against any loss shall deny to the insured or otherwise limit the insurance normally written with respect to the risk of such loss solely because of the insured's sex. Prohibits refusals to contract for insurance where such a refusal is based upon the applicant's sex. Grants the courts of the United States the jurisdiction to give appropriate civil relief to any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Establishes an Institute for Continuing Studies of Juvenile Justice to serve as a coordinating center for the collection and dissemination of information in the field of juvenile delinquency and control, including comparisons and analysis of State and Federal laws and model laws and recommendations designed to promote effective and efficient systems of juvenile justice; and as a training center for representatives of all levels of government who are connected with the treatment and control of juvenile offenders. Provides that the Institute shall be under the supervision of a Director, appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who will supervise the staff, faculty, and administrative personnel necessary to the Institute's functioning. Gives the Institute powers to carry out the objectives of this Act. Creates an Advisory Commission to design a curriculum for the Institutes enrollees and to supervise the overall policy and operations of the Institute. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 5041-5048)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Metric Conversion Act - Establishes the international system of units called the "metric system" as the sole system of weights and measures in the United States, effective 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the President to take necessary action to convert all executive departments and agencies of the United States exclusively to the metric system within 10 years of enactment of this Act. Directs the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, to develop and carry out a program of public education to inform the public of such conversion and to assist the public in learning to utilize the Metric System. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to individuals, not exceeding $2,000 to each individual, to defray non-reimbursable expenses incurred for purposes of acquiring tools or instruments which are required as a result of the conversion to the metric system in their trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Requires all persons and officers of the Federal Government or its agents to immediately void and rescind all actions or orders which stop or impede the orderly funding or operation of programs or agencies authorized under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended. Requires any and all future stoppage or impedance, or major alteration of said programs or their funding to occur at only the direction of the Congress of the United States assembled, except: (1) in case of national emergency, or (2) in cases where persons or programs have made use or uses of funds not authorized by the Act, or (3) in the event appropriated funds for carrying out the provisions of the Act are depleted by uses authorized in the Act before the end of their authorized term.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Title I: Fund for Endangered Wildlife - Creates in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the Fund for Endangered Wildlife, to be administered by the Department of the Interior. Provides that moneys for this fund shall be obtained through the issuance of a stamp by the United States Postal Service, to be purchased at a cost of $3.50 annually which stamp shall permit persons to hunt, fish, and trap in areas under the jurisdiction of any Federal agency. Provides that two-thirds of the funds collected in each fiscal year less printing costs shall be used to carry out research and investigations with respect to threatened species of fish and wildlife. Provides that the remaining funds shall be apportioned among the States in the same ratio as the total land under Federal jurisdiction within each State open to hunting, or to carry out protection programs for endangered and threatened species of fish and wildlife. Establishes a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for violation of any provision of this Act. Title II: Protection of Hawks, Owls, and Other Haptors - Adds "raptors" as birds to be specially protected within the United States. Prescribes a fine and/or imprisonment for violations of this provision. Allows the possession or transportation of any protected raptor lawfully taken before the effective date of this Act. Permits the capture of bald and golden eagles and protected raptors for scientific propagation, exhibition, religious, and wildlife-protection purposes, whenever the Secretary of the Interior determines that it is compatible with their preservation and the Secretary has prescribed regulation for this purpose. Title III: Endangered Species Act Amendment - Provides a punishment for importing into the United States any threatened species of fish or wildlife, for slaughtering or capturing such animals through inhumane methods, and for using such animals to stock public or private game preserves for other than determined conservation purposes. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 668)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Authorizes the issuance of safety regulations under the Interstate Commerce Act for private carriers of passengers, including operators of schoolbuses, which operate without compensation and are designed to carry more than 16 passengers. (Adds 49 U.S.C. 303(a)(24))
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
National Legal Services Corporation Act - Declares that Congress should create a private, nonprofit corporation to encourage the availability of legal services and legal institutions to all citizens of the United States, free from extraneous interference and control. Establishes, under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, a National Legal Services Corporation, subject to the corporate laws of the District of Columbia, which shall not be an agency or establishment of the Federal Government. Establishes an incorporating trusteeship composed of: (a) the President and President-elect of the American Bar Association; (b) the Presidents of the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association; (c) the President of the American Association of Law schools; (d) the President of the American Trial Lawyers Association; and (e) the President of the National Bar Association. Directs the trustees to, within sixty days after enactment, establish an eleven member Clients Advisory Council from among persons recommended by the Boards of Directors of existing Legal Services Programs and who are representative of the client community. Directs the trustees, additionally, to establish a Project Attorneys Advisory Council to assist in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Clients and Project Attorneys Advisory Council to select three representatives to serve on the Corporation's Board of Directors. Establishes a nineteen-member Board of Directors. Enumerates the method of appointment of the Directors and their terms of office. Authorizes the Board to establish a Clients Advisory Council and a Project Attorneys Advisory Council subsequent to the original Councils constituted by this Act. Provides that each Council shall be composed of eleven-members whose duty it shall be to advise the President on, respectively, the needs of the members of the client community and on general policy relating to the furnishing of legal services to that community. Prescribes the activities and powers of the Corporation, includes among those functions an authorization to: (1) provide financial assistance to programs furnishing legal services to the client community; (2) carry out programs, including research, training, technical assistance, and law school clinical assistance, to improve the provision of services to the client community; (3) increase opportunity for legal education for individuals who are economically disadvantaged or members of minority groups; (4) coordinate activities in various parts of the country through information collection and dissemination; (5) assist and coordinate all Federal programs for the provision of legal services to the client community by reviewing and making recommendations upon grants and contracts concerning legal services and proposed legislative or executive action; (6) assure that attorneys paid in whole or in part by funds from the Corporation owe the same duty to clients and enjoy the same protection from interference as if the attorney was directly employed by the client; (7) establish policies which assure the professional quality of the attorneys and adherence to the Canons of Ethics; and (8) establish eligibility standards for clients with first priority on those whose means are least adequate to obtain private legal services. Prohibits the Corporation from making contributions to or supporting any political party or candidate for public office. Assures full access to Corporation records pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. Authorizes an annual audit by the General Accounting Office and requires the Comptroller General to make a report to Congress on any such audit. Prohibits Federal control over the Corporation or its employees. Provides for the orderly continuation of the existing Legal Services Program. Reserves and makes available to the Legal Services Corporation amounts, appropriated to the Office of Economic Opportunity for carrying out the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, not less than $80 million for fiscal year 1974, and $80 million for fiscal year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Makes inapplicable to the aged, blind and disabled the existing provision of the Social Security Act limiting to 10 percent the portion of the total amounts paid to a State as grants for social services which may be paid with respect to individuals who are not actually recipients of or applicants for aid or assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Authorizes each Member of the House to sue on behalf of the House in any appropriate court to obtain such relief as shall be necessary with respect to any program or project in such Member's district whose funding has been impounded by the President contrary to law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Authorizes each Member of the House of Representatives (including the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and each Delegate to the House) to hire and pay not more than two additional student congressional interns (to serve as such within or outside the District of Columbia).
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Provides that an individual may qualify for disability insurance benefits and the disability freeze under title II of the Social Security Act if he has enough quarters of coverage to be fully insured for old-age benefit purposes under such Act, regardless of when such quarters were earned.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Provides that the discriminatory treatment and outright persecution of Jews by the Governments of Iraq and Syria should be condemned as religious persecution and as violating fundamental human rights. Makes it the sense of the Congress that the President should issue a public statement of United States policy condemning the treatment of the Jewish population of Iraq and Syria by their Governments. Makes it the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should exercise his parole authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to facilitate entry into the United States by Jewish citizens of Iraq and Syria fleeing persecution in such countries.
![Official portrait of Rep. Abzug, Bella S. [D-NY-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000018_200.jpg)