United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Provides hospital and medical care to members of the armed forces of Poland or Czechoslovakia who participated in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States during World War I or World War II, and who has been a citizen of the United States for not less than 10 years. Provides that such hospital and medical care shall be available to the same extent as if such service had been performed in the Armed Forces of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1974
Authorizes the diversion and withdrawal of additional water from Lake Michigan into the Illinois Waterway. Requires the Chief of Enginers, Department of the Army, to at all times have direct control and supervision of the amounts of water directly diverted from Lake Michigan under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides for the expansion of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in monthly social security benefits which result from the enactment of Public Law 92-336 or any subsequent cost-of-living increase under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply for annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for reductions in Social Security taxes relating to the rate of tax on self-employment income for purposes of old-age, survivors, and disability insurance. States that such reductions shall apply in the case of taxes imposed with respect to self-employment income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974, and with respect to wages paid or received during calendar years after 1974. Provides for Federal participation in the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act. Increases the earnings counted for benefit and tax purposes under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1974
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States delegation to the European Security Conference should not agree to the recognition by the European Security Conference of the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and it should remain the policy of the United States not to recognize in any way the annexation of the Baltic nations by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President of the United States direct the Secretary of the State to bring to the immediate attention of the Soviet Government the concern of U.S. citizens over the imprisonment of a Lithuanian seaman who unsuccessfully sought asylum aboard a United States Coast Guard ship and to urge his release from prison and return to his family.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Makes it the sense of the House that, during the period pending consideration and action by the Senate upon the bill H.R. 10710, as introduced in the first session of the Congress, cited as the "Trade Reform Act of 1973" and as amended and passed by the House, no loan, guarantee, insurance, or credit shall be extended by the Export-Import Bank of the United States to any nonmarket economy country (other than any such country whose products are eligible for column 1 tariff treatment on the date of the enactment of this resolution), and no such country shall participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Increases the rates of disability compensation for disabled veterans. Enables the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to adjust administratively, consistent with the increases authorized by this Act, the rates of disability compensation payable to persons receiving benefits on December 31, 1958, who are not in receipt of compensation payable for service connected disability or death. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 314, 315)
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1974
Provides that dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid to a widow, based on the pay grade of her deceased husband. Sets forth the monthly rates to be paid. Provides that the dependency and indemnity compensation paid monthly to the widow shall be increased by $25 for each child, below the age of eighteen, of a deceased veteran. Makes an additional compensation of $63 monthly to the widow if she is (1) a patient in a nursing home or (2) helpless or blind, or so nearly helpless or blind as to need or require the regular aid and attendence of another person. Makes provisions for compensation for children of a deceased veteran whenever there is no widow entitled to such compensation. Increases other rates of compensation included in Veterans' Benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1973
Authorizes the House Administration Committee to produce a film on the strengths, problems, accomplishments and potential of the legislative process, to be shown without charge to visitors to the Nation's Capital.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Commercial Demonstration Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate and support basic and applied research relating to geothermal energy development. Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate and carry out commercial demonstrations, research, and development in geothermal energy technology. Provides that the Administration shall dispose of, by sublease or otherwise, all projects undertaken under this Act. Directs the Administration to assure the protection of the environment, persons, and property in projects undertaken pursuant to this Act. Requires the Administration to report to the Congress and the President every six months on the progress made under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for six fiscal years of $80,000,000 to carry out programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1973
Provides that the accounts of Federal and State officials having custody of public funds shall be insured for the full amount of such accounts in the case of depositors under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, insured members under the National Housing Act, and depositors and members under the Federal Credit Union Act. Increases from $20,000 to $50,000 the amount of deposit insurance for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, and insured credit unions allowed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the National Housing Act, and the Federal Credit Union Act, respectively.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate, support and carry out basic and applied research and development in solar heating and cooling technologies. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings under the monitoring of the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Bureau of Standards and in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Defense. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas (not less than three) in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate, support and carry out basic and applied research and development in solar heating and cooling technologies. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings under the monitoring of the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Bureau of Standards and in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Defense. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas (not less than three) in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Provides that the accounts of Federal and State officials having custody of public funds shall be insured for the full amount of such accounts in the case of despositors under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, insured members under the National Housing Act, and depositors and members under the Federal Credit Union Act. Increases from $20,000 to $40,000 the amount of deposit insurance allowed under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the National Housing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Declares it to be the sense of the House that the President, acting in accordance with the announced policy of the United States Government to maintain Israel's deterrent strength, and under existing authority, should continue to transfer to Israel the Phantom aircraft and other equipment in the quantities needed by Israel to repel the attack and to offset the military equipment and supplies furnished to the Arab States by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1973
Pollution Control Facility Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make loans to finance projects within eligible areas for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of a certified pollution control facility. States that such loans shall not exceed 65 percent of the aggregate cost to the applicant of the project. Establishes a revolving fund in the Treasury for making such loans. Authorizes an appropriation of $750,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that the President should take immediate and determined steps to: (1) impress upon the Soviet Government the grave concern of the American people with the intimidation of those within the Soviet Union who do not adhere to prevailing ideology; (2) call upon the Soviet Government to permit the free expression of ideas and free emigration by all its citizens in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and (3) use the medium of current negotiations with the Soviet Union as well as informal contacts with Soviet officials in an effort to secure an end to repression of dissent.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Provides a basic $5,000 exemption from income tax under the Internal Revenue Code in the case of an individual or a married couple, for amounts received as annuities, pensions, or other retirement benefits. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 72a)
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1973
Directs the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to permit any Member of Congress to examine any file or other record maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and indexed or identifiable to such Member of Congress, upon the request of such Member, unless such file is exempt from such examination. Requires the Director to destroy such file promptly, without divulging its contents of such file, whether or not such examination takes place or is requested. Provides that no file shall be subject to the examination of a Member of Congress or destruction if such file is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a part of an investigation into the alleged violation by such Member of Congress of a specific criminal law for the purposes of prosecution. Provides that the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall, in the case of each file so maintained, give notice not later than six months after the commencement of the maintenance of that file to the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the President pro tempore of the Senate of the fact that such file is being maintained. Provides that no file shall be subject to the examination of a Member of Congress or destruction if such file is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a part of an investigation into the background of such Member of Congress to assist in the consideration of such Member for any appointive position in the executive or judicial branches of the Federal Government. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to, in the case of each file so maintained, give prompt notice to the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the President pro tempore of the Senate of the fact that such file is being maintained and of what appointive office is involved.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Extends for a 10 year period (until October 2, 1978) the time for which the Federal Power Commission may not receive or approve the construction of any water insurance projects on rivers designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Increases the appropriations for acquisition of lands and interest under the Act to $37,600,000.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Energy Reorganization Act - Establishes a Department of Energy, to be headed by a Secretary appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senator, Provides that within the Department there shall be an Office for Research and Development; an Office of Fuels; an Office of Energy Conservation, Environmental Protection, and Health and Safety; an Office of National Energy Planning and Development; and an Office of Energy Distribution Systems. Provides that each Office so established shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the Department of Energy appropriate responsibilities from other Federal departments and agencies. Requires the Secretary to undertake a study to identity and describe the national energy system to determine at what key points in the system statistical and other information should be routinely collected. Renames the Atomic Energy Commission as the Nuclear Energy Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Provides that such board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the director of the center ex officio. Authorizes the centers to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce, and the equitable interests of participants in private pension plans and their beneficiaries, by improving the scope, administration and operation of such plans, by requiring pension plans to vest benefits in employees after equitable periods of service, by establishing minimum standards of fiduciary conduct, and by providing more appropriate and adequate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the courts. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Organization - Provides that the Secretary of Labor shall have the responsibility to promote programs and plans for the establishment, administration, and operation of employee benefit plans. Requires the registration of such plans with the Secretary upon compliance with requirements set forth in this title. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake appropriate studies relating to pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress covering his activities under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out his duties under this Act. Provides that within the Department of Labor, there shall be an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Adminstration to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor, appointed by the President, with Senate advice and consent, to exercise power and authority delegated the Secretary of Labor for the administration and enforcement of the Act. States that, unless exempt, the provisions of this Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Provides that this Act shall not apply to plans administered by Federal or State governments, plans administered by religious organizations, plans for the self-employed, plans covering not more than 25 participants, plans established outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States for citizens of other countries, certain plans for key executives and plans for members of labor organizations which are financed exclusively from the members' dues. Provides that the Secretary shall require by regulation that each plan furnish a vested participant, upon his termination of service with the plan, with a certificate reciting the benefits due the participant and the location of the entity responsible for payment and the date when payment shall begin. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - States that pension or profit-sharing-retirement plans may require as a condition for eligibility in the plan a period of service longer than 12 months or an age greater than 21, whichever occurs later. Requires all pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to vest rights in participants with respect to service on or after the effective date of the title at the rate of a 30 percent vested interest commencing with eight years of service, and increasing by 10 percent each year thereafter in order that 100 percent vesting is attained after 15 years of service. Provides that no more than three of the eight years required to qualify for a 30 percent vested right need be continuous years of service, but that service prior to the age of 21 may be ignored in determing eligibility for a vested right unless the participant or his employer has made contributions to the plan with respect to service prior to age 21. Provides that every pension plan filed for registration under this Act shall provide for funding, in accordance with the provisions of this title, which is adequate to provide for payment of all pension benefits which may be payable under the terms of the plan. Requires such plans to be received every five years by certified actuaries. Requires all funds of terminated pension plans to be distributed as follows: (1) first, to retirees or persons eligible to retire on the date of plan termination; (2) to participants who have vested rights under the plan but who have not reached retirement age; and (3) to other participants. Provides that an existing plan subject to this title may elect, pursuant to regulations, to divide the plan and its trust into two separate plans and trusts or within the same plan and trust, into two separate plan and trust accounts as follows: (1) the continuing plan or plan and trust account which shall be a continuation of the plan as it existed immediately before the effective date of this title and which shall cover those participants who have credited service under such plan as of such date and who elect to remain covered by the provisions of such plan; and (2) the new plan or new plan and trust account which shall cover all new participants and all participants who would be eligible to continue coverage under the continuing plan but who elect to waive such coverage and to participate instead in the new plan. Authorizes the Secretary to grant an initial delay of up to three years to comply with the vesting or funding requirements of the Act where initial compliance with these requirements would be unduly burdensome, impractical, or would otherwise adversely affect the interests of employees. States that upon a showing that an employer cannot make the required annual contribution to the plan, the Secretary is authorized to permit the deficiency to be funded over a period of five years, provided that the Secretary is satisfied that such a waiver will not adversely affect the interests of employees and will not impair the financial position of the plan termination insurance fund. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program for protability of vested pension credits. Provides that the program will be administered by and under the Secretary's direction and designed to facilitate the voluntary transfer of vested credits between registered plans. States that plans registered under the Act may voluntarily apply for membership in the program and upon approval be issued a certificate of membership by the Secretary. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Provides that the Secretary shall be the trustee of the fund, and shall administer the fund and report to the Congress annually on the fund's operations and fiscal status. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the 'Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program' which shall be administered by and under the direction of the Secretary. Provides that such program shall insure participants in a plan against losses of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the coverage under such program is limited to 50 percent of the highest monthly wage of a participant earned over a five yar period or $500 per month. Provides that upon registration with the Secretary, each plan shall pay a uniform assessment to the insurance program to cover the administrative costs of such program. States that no plan insured under this title shall terminate without approval of the Secretary. Provides that where employers in terminated plans are not insolvent, such employers shall be liable to reimburse the insurance program to the extent provided under this title. Creates the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title. Title V: Disclosure and Fudiciary Standards - Provides that annual reports required by the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. States that plan descriptions under the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be comprehensive and written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average participant. Sets forth provisions which a plan's annual financial report shall include. States that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to such Act shall file a copy of the plan description and each annual report with the Secretary. Provides that every three years each participant in the plan shall receive a revised summary of the plan's important provisions and major amendments thereto. Expands the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to 21 members (now 13) and adds as permanent categories of membership the fields of actuarial counseling, investment counseling and accounting. Provides that every employee benefit funds established to provide for the payment of benefits shall be established pursuant to a duly executed trust agreement which shall set forth the purpose or purposes for which such fund is established and the detailed basis on which payments are to be made into and out of such fund. States that such fund shall be deemed a trust for the exclusive purpose of (1) providing benefits to participants in the plan and their beneficiaries and (2) defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan. Provides that a fiduciary shall discharge his duties with respect to the fund: (1) with the care under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent man acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims; and (2) in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the fund insofar as is consistent with this Act. Sets forth in detail the restrictions on and the extent of the obligations, responsibilities and duties of a fiduciary under this Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition any district court of the United States having jurisdiction to require a pension or profit-sharing plan to comply with the requirements of this Act or to recover the payment of required monies. Provides that civil actions by plan participants against violations of the fiduciary requirements of this Act may be instituted in Federal or State courts. Allows a fiduciary or administrator of a plan to obtain judicial review of the actions of the Secretary. Declares to be the express intent of Congress the the provisions of this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall supersede any and all laws of the States and of political subdivisions thereof insofar as they may now or hereafter relate to the subject matters regulated by this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) exempt or relieve any employee benefit plan not subject to this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act from any law of any State which regulates insurance, banking, or securities or to prohibit a State from requiring that there be filed with a State agency copies of reports required by this Act to be filed with the Secretary; or (3) alter, amend, modify, invalidate, impair, or supersede any law of the United States other than the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act or any rule or regulation issued under any law except as specifically provided in this Act. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1973
Shale Oil Development Corporation Act - Declares it to be the policy of the Federal Government to bring into being the technology for commercial development of shale oil as quickly as possible by establishing a Government-industry program jointly managed and funded to demonstrate commercial methods of producing environmentally acceptable fuels from shale oil. Establishes the Shale Oil Development Corporation. Provides a nine-member Board of Directors for the Corporation. Makes it the function of the Corporation to select, on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more most technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for producing a syncrude from shale oil. Authorizes the Corporation to design, construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical, environmental, and economical feasibility thereof. Provides that the Corporation shall make available, by license or otherwise, on a nonexclusive royalty free basis without territorial limitation the use of any patent obtained by the Corporation under any law of the United States or any foreign country for or with respect to any invention made in the performance of any activity conducted pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, the sum of $5,000,000, and for each of the next seven succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to fund basic and applied research related to energy in support of the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1973
Coal Liquefaction Corporation - Declares the findings of Congress and states that it is the policy of the Federal Government to develop coal liquefaction processes by establishing a Government-industry program to demonstrate commercial methods of producing synthetic liquid petroleum products from coal. Establishes the Coal Liquefaction Corporation and details the composition of its Board of Directors and their compensation. Provides that it is the function of the Corporation to (1) select the two or more technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for producing synthetic liquid petroleum products from coal; (2) design, construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration facility for each such method selected to determine its feasibility; and (3) if the method is feasible for producing synthetic liquid petroleum from coal on commercial scale, to construct a commercial-size facility. Sets forth additional authorities conferred on the Corporation. States that on or before the expiration of twelve years the Board of Directors shall dissolve the Corporation. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for fiscal year 1974, $7,500,000, and, for each of the next eleven succeeding fiscal years, such sums as may be necessary. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to fund basic and applied research related to energy in support of the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1973
National Energy Research and Development Policy Act - Title I: Declares it to be the policy of the Congress to establish a national program of scientific research and applied technology adequate to meet enumerated objectives, including: (1) to develop the technology base necessary to support development of options for future energy policy decisions; (2) to formulate policies for the conservation of present energy resources; and (3) to promote research and development of adequate energy systems to support essential needs. Establishes an Energy Research Management Project to be composed of specified officials, including the Director of the National Science Foundation, who shall serve as Chairman. Provides that the Management Project shall have an Administrator who shall also serve as the Staff Director. Directs the Management Project to: (1) formulate a comprehensive energy research and development strategy for the Federal Government; (2) utilize the funds authorized by this Act to advance the energy research and development strategy through specified means; (3) identify opportunities to accelerate the commercial application of new energy technologies; and (4) establish procedures for periodic consultation with representatives of science, industry, and environmental organizations, who have special expertise in the areas of energy research. Prescribes the priorities which the Management Project shall follow in evaluating and undertaking research. Provides that where a participant in an energy research and development project holds background patents, trade secrets, or proprietary information which will be employed in and are requisite to the proposed research and development project, the Management Project shall enter into an agreement which will provide equitable protection to the participants' rights. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to fund basic and applied research related to energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Directs the Administrator to keep the Congress fully and currently informed of all of the Management Project's activities and submit to the Congress an annual report. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 annually for the administrative expenses of the Management Project. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and, subject to annual congressional authorizations, $800,000,000 for each of the four following fiscal years to carry out the provisions of this Act relating to the advancement of energy research and development. Title II: Declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government to bring the resources of technology to commercial development by establishing a Government-industry corporation jointly managed and funded to work in conjunction with the Energy Research Management Project created by title I of this Act. Establishes the Energy Research Management Project Corporation. Provides for a Board of Directors and President of such Corporation. Makes it the function of the Corporation, on the basis of the research programs established by the Energy Research Management Project, to construct demonstration-type facilities in order to determine the environmental, economical, and technical feasibility thereof. States that energy produced by such commercial facilities shall be disposed of in such manner and under such terms and conditions as the Corporation shall prescribe. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for fiscal year 1974, $6,000,000, and for each of the next nine succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1973
Coal Gasification Development Corporation Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that it is the policy of Federal Government to bring technology to commercial development as quickly as possible by establishing a Government-industry program, jointly managed and funded, to demonstrate commercial scale methods of producing substitutes for natural gas. Establishes the Coal Gasification Development Corporation. Provides for the appointment of the members of the Board of Directors for such Corporation and sets their rates of compensation. Provides that it is the function of the Corporation to select, on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more most technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods of manufacturing substitute natural gas from coal. Authorizes the Corporation to construct and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical, environmental, and economical feasibility thereof. Provides that if the method demonstrated is feasible, the Corporation is authorized to construct, a full-scale, commercial-size facility to manufacture substitute natural gas from coal. Directs the Corporation to make available on a nonexclusive royalty free basis without territorial limitation, the use of any patent obtained by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to transmit annual reports to the President and the Congress detailing its operations. Provides for the dissolution of the Corporation on or before the expiration of ten years. Enumerates disposal procedures for physical facilities of the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to procure the services of experts and consultants without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for fiscal year 1974, $6,000,000, and for each of the next nine succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to fund basic and applied research related to energy in support of the objectives of this Act to support the new energy technologies under development by the joint Federal-industry corporation established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1973
Geothermal Energy Development Corporation Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that the Nation is currently suffering a critical shortage of environmentally acceptable forms of energy and that the development of geothermal resources, fostered by Federal financial assistance, offers possibilities of process energy and other nonelectric applications. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to fund research related to energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Establishes the Geothermal Energy Development Corporation. Creates a Board of Directors for such Corporation, setting forth the composition and compensation of the Board. Empowers the Administrator of General Services to enter into contracts with private entities agreeing to join in organizing industrial participation in the purposes and functions of the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to select sites for two or more demonstration installations to develop technologies for the generation of steam and electric power from geothermal resources. Requires the Corporation to make available the use of any patent obtained by theCorporation with respect to any invention made in connection with activities conducted under this Act. Requires the Corporation to transmit reports to the President and Congress annually. Provides that on or before the expiration of fifteen years following the date of enactment of this Act, the Board shall take action to dissolve the Corporation. Authorizes appropriations of $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next fourteen fiscal years such sums as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1973
Advanced Power Cycle Development Corporation Act - Establishes the Advanced Power Cycle Development Corporation. States that the function of the Corporation shall be to select, on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more most technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for producing electricity at high efficiencies using advanced power cycles with minimum adverse environmental impact using coal. Provides that, after selection of such methods, the Corporation is authorized to design, construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each method selected in order to determine the technical and economical feasibility thereof. Stipulates that if, on the basis of the operation of each such demonstration facility, the Corporation determines the method so demonstrated is a technically, environmentally, and economically feasible method for producing electricity from coal on a commercial scale and at appreciably greater efficiencies than conventional means, the Corporation is authorized to design, construct, operate, and maintain, for each such method demonstrated, a full-scale commercial-size facility to produce electricity from coal by such method. States that electric energy produced by such commercial facilities shall be disposed of in such a manner and under such terms and conditions as the Corporation shall prescribe. Provides that, in the disposal of such electric energy as shall represent the Federal interest in the costs of the Corporation, preference shall be given to Federal agencies, public bodies, and cooperatives. Provides that all revenues received by the Corporation from the sale of such energy shall be available to the Corporation for use by it in defraying expenses incurred in connection with carrying out its functions under this Act. Requires the Corporation to transmit to the President of the United States and the Congress an annual report of its operations, activities, and accomplishments under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, the sum of $6,500,000, and for each of the nine suceeding fiscal years, such sums as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce, and the equitable interests of participants in private pension plans and their beneficiaries, by improving the scope, administration and operation of such plans, by requiring pension plans to vest benefits in employees after equitable periods of service, by establishing minimum standards of fiduciary conduct, and by providing more appropriate and adequate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the courts. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Organization - Provides that the Secretary of Labor shall have the responsibility to promote programs and plans for the establishment, administration, and operation of employee benefit plans. Requires the registration of such plans with the Secretary upon compliance with requirements set forth in this title. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake appropriate studies relating to pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress covering his activities under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out his duties under this Act. Provides that within the Department of Labor, there shall be an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Adminstration to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor, appointed by the President, with Senate advice and consent, to exercise power and authority delegated the Secretary of Labor for the administration and enforcement of the Act. States that, unless exempt, the provisions of this Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Provides that this Act shall not apply to plans administered by Federal or State governments, plans administered by religious organizations, plans for the self-employed, plans covering not more than 25 participants, plans established outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States for citizens of other countries, certain plans for key executives and plans for members of labor organizations which are financed exclusively from the members' dues. Provides that the Secretary shall require by regulation that each plan furnish a vested participant, upon his termination of service with the plan, with a certificate reciting the benefits due the participant and the location of the entity responsible for payment and the date when payment shall begin. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - States that pension or profit-sharing-retirement plans may require as a condition for eligibility in the plan a period of service longer than 12 months or an age greater than 21, whichever occurs later. Requires all pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to vest rights in participants with respect to service on or after the effective date of the title at the rate of a 30 percent vested interest commencing with eight years of service, and increasing by 10 percent each year thereafter in order that 100 percent vesting is attained after 15 years of service. Provides that no more than three of the eight years required to qualify for a 30 percent vested right need be continuous years of service, but that service prior to the age of 21 may be ignored in determing eligibility for a vested right unless the participant or his employer has made contributions to the plan with respect to service prior to age 21. Provides that every pension plan filed for registration under this Act shall provide for funding, in accordance with the provisions of this title, which is adequate to provide for payment of all pension benefits which may be payable under the terms of the plan. Requires such plans to be received every five years by certified actuaries. Requires all funds of terminated pension plans to be distributed as follows: (1) first, to retirees or persons eligible to retire on the date of plan termination; (2) to participants who have vested rights under the plan but who have not reached retirement age; and (3) to other participants. Provides that an existing plan subject to this title may elect, pursuant to regulations, to divide the plan and its trust into two separate plans and trusts or within the same plan and trust, into two separate plan and trust accounts as follows: (1) the continuing plan or plan and trust account which shall be a continuation of the plan as it existed immediately before the effective date of this title and which shall cover those participants who have credited service under such plan as of such date and who elect to remain covered by the provisions of such plan; and (2) the new plan or new plan and trust account which shall cover all new participants and all participants who would be eligible to continue coverage under the continuing plan but who elect to waive such coverage and to participate instead in the new plan. Authorizes the Secretary to grant an initial delay of up to three years to comply with the vesting or funding requirements of the Act where initial compliance with these requirements would be unduly burdensome, impractical, or would otherwise adversely affect the interests of employees. States that upon a showing that an employer cannot make the required annual contribution to the plan, the Secretary is authorized to permit the deficiency to be funded over a period of five years, provided that the Secretary is satisfied that such a waiver will not adversely affect the interests of employees and will not impair the financial position of the plan termination insurance fund. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program for protability of vested pension credits. Provides that the program will be administered by and under the Secretary's direction and designed to facilitate the voluntary transfer of vested credits between registered plans. States that plans registered under the Act may voluntarily apply for membership in the program and upon approval be issued a certificate of membership by the Secretary. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Provides that the Secretary shall be the trustee of the fund, and shall administer the fund and report to the Congress annually on the fund's operations and fiscal status. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the 'Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program' which shall be administered by and under the direction of the Secretary. Provides that such program shall insure participants in a plan against losses of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the coverage under such program is limited to 50 percent of the highest monthly wage of a participant earned over a five yar period or $500 per month. Provides that upon registration with the Secretary, each plan shall pay a uniform assessment to the insurance program to cover the administrative costs of such program. States that no plan insured under this title shall terminate without approval of the Secretary. Provides that where employers in terminated plans are not insolvent, such employers shall be liable to reimburse the insurance program to the extent provided under this title. Creates the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title. Title V: Disclosure and Fudiciary Standards - Provides that annual reports required by the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. States that plan descriptions under the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be comprehensive and written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average participant. Sets forth provisions which a plan's annual financial report shall include. States that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to such Act shall file a copy of the plan description and each annual report with the Secretary. Provides that every three years each participant in the plan shall receive a revised summary of the plan's important provisions and major amendments thereto. Expands the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to 21 members (now 13) and adds as permanent categories of membership the fields of actuarial counseling, investment counseling and accounting. Provides that every employee benefit funds established to provide for the payment of benefits shall be established pursuant to a duly executed trust agreement which shall set forth the purpose or purposes for which such fund is established and the detailed basis on which payments are to be made into and out of such fund. States that such fund shall be deemed a trust for the exclusive purpose of (1) providing benefits to participants in the plan and their beneficiaries and (2) defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan. Provides that a fiduciary shall discharge his duties with respect to the fund: (1) with the care under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent man acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims; and (2) in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the fund insofar as is consistent with this Act. Sets forth in detail the restrictions on and the extent of the obligations, responsibilities and duties of a fiduciary under this Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition any district court of the United States having jurisdiction to require a pension or profit-sharing plan to comply with the requirements of this Act or to recover the payment of required monies. Provides that civil actions by plan participants against violations of the fiduciary requirements of this Act may be instituted in Federal or State courts. Allows a fiduciary or administrator of a plan to obtain judicial review of the actions of the Secretary. Declares to be the express intent of Congress the the provisions of this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall supersede any and all laws of the States and of political subdivisions thereof insofar as they may now or hereafter relate to the subject matters regulated by this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) exempt or relieve any employee benefit plan not subject to this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act from any law of any State which regulates insurance, banking, or securities or to prohibit a State from requiring that there be filed with a State agency copies of reports required by this Act to be filed with the Secretary; or (3) alter, amend, modify, invalidate, impair, or supersede any law of the United States other than the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act or any rule or regulation issued under any law except as specifically provided in this Act. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1973
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protect against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons and judicial subpenas. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may not require an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are required to be maintained by the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1973
Expresses the finding of Congress that an adequate supply of pure, safe human blood is essential to the welfare of the Nation. Establishes the National Blood Bank program within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to perform enumerated duties to assure an adequate supply of blood throughout the Nation. Establishes an Advisory Council to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding: (1) policy goals of the program; (2) motivation and recognition of blood donors; (3) reciprocal transactions between national blood bank systems; and (4) removal of blood purchasing costs from health insurance plan coverage. Declares that only class A blood banks may maintain blood deposit or pledge programs in advance of their needs. Provides criminal penalties for persons violating the provisions of this Act. States that a Federal or District of Columbia employee may be excused from duty without loss of pay or deduction from annual leave for the time necessary for him to donate in blood collection programs carried out under the national blood bank program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1973
Repeals the postal law provision assuring each employee of the Postal Service the right to join or form a labor organization, or to refrain from such activity. (Repeals 39 U.S.C. 1209(c))
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1973
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Provides that postal officers and employees are exempted from the requirement that Federal employees sign an affidavit affirming that they do not advocate the overthrow of any constitutional form of government or assert the right to strike against the Government. Repeals the mandatory arbitration provisions previously applicable to postal employees. Makes employee-management relations in the Postal Service subject to the National Labor Relations Act. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 410).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1973
Establishes an arbitration board to settle disputes between supervisory organizations and the United States Postal Service, provided that only those disputes concerning policies that affect all or a substantial portion of supervisory personnel on a long-term or permanent basis can be referred to arbitration. Provides that the arbitration board shall consist of three members, one of whom shall be selected by the Postal Service, one by the recognized organization of supervisory personnel, and the third by the two thus selected. States that the costs of the arbitration board shall be shared equally by the Postal Service and the organization of supervisory personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1973
Establishes an arbitration board to settle disputes between supervisory organizations and the United States Postal Service, provided that only those disputes concerning policies that affect all or a substantial portion of supervisory personnel on a long-term or permanent basis can be referred to arbitration. Provides that the arbitration board shall consist of three members, one of whom shall be selected by the Postal Service, one by the recognized organization of supervisory personnel, and the third by the two thus selected. States that the costs of the arbitration board shall be shared equally by the Postal Service and the organization of supervisory personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1973
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the fourth Sunday of November of each year as "National Grandparents' Day". Calls upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Increases the appropriations authorized under the Small Business Act. Empowers the Small Business Administration to make disaster loans necessary to assist small business concerns in effecting plant alterations imposed pursuant to Federal law. States that the interest rate for such loans may not be lower than the rate for loans made in connection with physical disasters. Provides that the Small Business Administration may cancel $2,500 of specified loans, and/or reduce the interest rate, when such loans were made in connection with a disaster occurring between April 20, 1973, and July 1, 1975. Expands disaster loans to include loans: (1) to persons raising livestock who suffer substantial economic injury as a result of animal disease; (2) for erosion disasters; and (3) to assist small businesses who have suffered economic injury as the result of the closing by the Federal government of a major military institution, or as a result of a severe reduction in the scope of operations at a military installation. Requires the Small Business Administration to make an annual report to the President, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the state of small business. Provides that the Administrator shall not discriminate against any person or small business concern, nor discriminate in favor of any person or small business concern receiving assistance from the Small Business Administration based on race, color, creed or national origin.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
States that the Oil Policy Committee and the Office of Oil and Gas, Department of the Interior, shall establish by regulation specified formal procedures for review of applications filed by refiners for fee-paid licenses prior to the issuance of such licenses, including consideration of the quantities and prices of crude oil which such refiners are making and intend to make available to small independent refiners and consideration of the quantities and prices of gasoline, fuel oil, diesel fuel, or kerosene which such refiners are making and intend to make available to independent marketers of such products. Provides that any fee-paid license issued to a refiner for imports of crude oil, unfinished oils, and finished products into Districts I-IV, District V, and Puerto Rico shall require that refiners supply to small independent refiners and independent marketers crude oil, unfinished oils, and finished products in reasonable quantities and at reasonable prices based on past supply relationships.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Independent Oil Marketers Supply Act - Provides that no refiner who, during the period October 1, 1971 to September 30, 1972, was in the business of furnishing any petroleum product to controlled marketers for resale or sale to the public shall fail to offer to supply that product to independent marketers at reasonable prices in reasonable quantities, as long as he continues to furnish that product to controlled marketers. States that violations of this Act shall be deemed to be an unfair act or practice in commerce under the provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act.