United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1973
Requires prior congressional approval of any action by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to change the location of, consolidate, or discontinue any Coast Guard shore establishment. (Adds 14 U.S.C. 93(a))
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 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 · 10 May 1973
Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act - Title I: Findings, Declarations, and Definitions - Sets forth Congressional findings, declaration of purpose and the definitions of the terms used in this Act. Title II: Disaster Assistance Administration - Provides that all requests for disaster assistance from the Federal Government under this Act shall be made by the Governor of the affected State. Authorizes the President to coordinate, in such manner as he may determine, the activities of all Federal agencies providing disaster assistance. Authorizes any Federal agency charged with the administration of a Federal assistance program, if so requested by the applicant State or local authorities, to modify or waive, for the duration of a major disaster, such administrative procedural conditions for assistance as would otherwise prevent the giving of assistance under such programs if the inability to meet such conditions is a result of the disaster. Provides that the Federal Government shall not be liable for any claim based upon the exercise or performance of or the failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function or duty on the part of a Federal agency or an employee of the Federal Government in carrying out the provision of this Act. Provides that any individual willfully violating any order or regulation under this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both for each violation. States that any individual who violates any order or regulation under this Act shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation. Provides that whoever wrongfully misapplies the proceeds of a loan or other cash benefit obtained under any section of this Act shall be civilly liable to the Federal Government in an amount equal to one and one-half times the original principal amount of the loan or cash benefit. Title III: Emergency Assistance - Sets forth the presidential authority in providing emergency disaster assistance. States that emergency work or services for purposes of this Act shall not extend beyond thirty days following the President's initial determination that emergency services are required, except that this limitation may be waived by the President where he deems extraordinary circumstances warrant such waiver. Title IV: Disaster Loans - Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to individuals, business concerns, and other legal entities in a major disaster area to replace, restore, or repair private property damaged or lost in the disaster, to the extent it is not covered by insurance. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee loans to small business concerns for working capital and operating expenses, to the extent that a major disaster has created a need for such loans. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to any industrial, commercial, agricultural, governmental, or other enterprise that has constituted a major source of employment in an area suffering a major disaster and is no longer in substantial operation as a result of such disaster. Authorizes the President to make disaster loans to any local government that demonstrates a need, as a result of a major disaster, of financial assistance in order to perform its governmental functions. States that the amount of any such disaster loan shall be based on need, and shall not exceed 10 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such loans. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund which shall be available to the President without fiscal year limitation as a revolving fund for the purpose of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be necessary for the fund. Title V: Disaster Grants for Needy Families - Authorizes the President to make a grant to any State in a major disaster area for the purpose of assisting the State in indemnifying the uninsured property losses of needy families, and thereafter, to aid such families in meeting such other extraordinary disaster-related expenses as the State may recognize. States that the amount of such grant shall be determined by the President on the basis of evidence supplied by the Governor of the affected State as to the number of low-income families affected by the disaster; but the grant to the State shall not exceed an amount equal to $3,000 per low-income family. Provides that the actual disbursement of the funds made available to the State under this Act shall be made by the Governor or his designated representative according to eligibility requirements to be determined by the Governor or his designated representative. States that no family shall receive payments under this Act in excess of $4,000. Title VI: Grants to States - Authorizes the President to make grants to States for the benefit of persons or parties adversely affected by a major disaster, for the following purposes: (1) provision of essential human needs and services, including but not limited to food, communications, water, clothing, utility services, and public transportation; (2) replacement, restoration, repair, or construction of specified facilities; and (3) debris and timber removal from public or private lands and waters, when in the public interest. States that the amount of funds to be granted under this Act shall be based upon 75 percent of the estimated cost of relief for losses sustained as a result of the major disaster in the categories of assistance specified in this Act. Sets forth the administrative operation for such grants. Title VII: Disaster Preparedness Assistance - Authorizes the President to establish a program of disaster preparedness that utilizes services of all appropriate agencies. States that upon application by the States, the President is authorized to make grants, not to exceed $250,000, for the development of plans, programs, and capabilities for disaster preparedness. Provides that such grants shall be available for a period of one year from the date of enactment. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that as a condition of any disaster loan or grant made under the provisions of this Act, the recipient shall agree that any repair or construction to be financed therewith shall be in accordance with applicable standards of safety, decency, and sanitation and in conformity with applicable codes, specifications, and standards, and shall furnish such evidence of compliance with this Act as may be required by regulation. Provides where an existing timber sale contract between the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior and a timber purchaser does not provide relief from major physical change not due to negligence of the purchaser prior to approval of construction of any section of specified road or of any other specified development facility and, as a result of a major disaster, a major physical change results in additional construction work in connection with such road or facility by such purchaser with an estimated cost, as determined by the appropriate Secretary, (1) of more than $1,000 for sales under one million board feet, (2) of more than $1 per thousand board feet for sales of one to three million board feet, or (3) of more than $3,000 for sales over three million board feet, such increased construction cost shall be borne by the United States. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1973
Menominee Restoration Act - Provides for the repeal of the Act of June 17, 1954 which terminated Federal supervision of the Menominee Tribe. States that as soon as practicable the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a membership role of the tribe which shall include all members listed on the final 1954 role who are still living on the date of enactment of this Act and all descendants of persons listed on the 1954 role if such descendants have at least one-quarter Menominee blood. Provides that all persons on the membership role shall be eligible to receive all Federal services furnished American Indians because of their status as Indians. States that subject to the approval of the Secretary the tribe shall organize a governing body for the tribe's common welfare and shall adopt an appropriate constitution and bylaws. States that subject to the approval of the shareholders as required by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, the board of Directors of Menominee Enterprises Incorporated shall transfer to the Secretary all assets held by such corporation. Provides that such assets shall be held in trust by the Secretary, on behalf of the United States for the tribe. Provides that this Act shall reinstitute all, and shall not abrogate any, water, hunting, fishing, and trapping rights or privileges, and any other rights and privileges of the tribe enjoyed under Federal treaty or otherwise. Authorizes the Secretary to make such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1973
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide interpretive transportation services for visitors within the District of Columbia, and within Federal areas, including the Mall, the Ellipse, the National Visitor Center, the Kennedy Center, and East and West Potomac Park.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1973
Authorizes the President to proclaim June 17, 1973, as a day of commemoration of the opening of the upper Mississippi River by Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet in 1673.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1973
Requires the President, when he impounds funds appropriated or otherwise obligated for a specific purpose or project, within ten days thereafter, to transmit to the Senate and the House of Representatives a special message specifying: (1) the amount of funds impounded; (2) the specific projects or governmental functions affected thereby; and (3) the reasons for the impounding of such funds. Requires the President to cease the impounding of funds set forth in each special message within sixty calendar days of continuous session after the message is received by the Congress unless the specific impoundment shall have been disapproved by the Congress by passage of a concurrent resolution in accordance with the procedure under this Act. Directs any resolution introduced with respect to a special message to be referred to the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives or the Senate. Directs the Committee to make a motion to proceed to consideration of the resolution, and forbids amendments to this motion. Limits debate on the resolution to not more than two hours, divided equally between those in favor and and those opposed to the resolution. Forbids amendment to the resolution, debate on motions to postpone and motions to proceed to consideration of other business, and all appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate or House of Representatives to the procedure relating to any resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1973
Enables domestic growers or canners of seasonal fruits or vegetables or of fruit juices, fruit nectars, or fruit drinks prepared from such seasonal fruits, which were packed in hermetically sealed containers and sterilized by heat, to secure an adjudication of specified claims for losses in the Court of Claims.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Provides, under titles I, X, XIV, XVI, part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, that specified regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in effect January 1, 1973, relating to grants to States for aid to the blind, aged and disabled shall remain in full force and effect. States that any regulation promulgated by the Secretary after January 1, 1973, shall be invalid if inconsistent with the above specified regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 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 · 11 April 1973
Authorizes an additional appropriation for an International Center for Foreign Chanceries, to be located in the District of Columbia, in the amount of $2,200,000.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Exempts private aircraft entering or departing from the United States and Canada at night or on Sunday or a holiday from provisons requiring payment to the United States for overtime services of customs officers and employees. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1451)
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) continue in operation the Office of Economic Opportunity administering and supervising the important programs and activities entrusted to that Office under the provisions of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, utilizing fully funds appropriated by the Congress for such purposes; and (2) submit a revised budget request for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, requesting appropriations for the Office of Economic Opportunity and its administration of programs and activities entrusted to it under and in accordance with the provisions of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code of not more than $750 for ordinary and necessary expenses paid during the taxable year for the repair or improvement of property used by the taxpayer as his principal residence. Permits any person who is the owner of rental housing and who rehabilitates or restores such housing to deduct the cost of such restoration, with respect to the amortization of the adjusted basis of such housing as so restored, based on a period of 60 months. Entitles any person who acquires rehabilitated or restored rental housing from a taxpayer who elected the amortization deduction and who did not discontinue the amortization deduction, to a deduction with respect to the adjusted basis of such facility based on the remaining amount of the 60 month period taken by the person who rehabilitated the house. Provides procedures for the election and termination of the amortization deduction and defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1973
Authorizes funds not to exceed $1,519,700 for the expenses of the investigation and study authorized by H. Res. 228, 93rd Congress for the House Committee on Public Works.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Consumer Protection Agency Act - Title I: Office of Consumer Affairs - Creates an Office of Consumer Affairs within the Executive Office of the President. Provides that the office shall be headed by a Director and a Deputy Director, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Director powers to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Director to transmit to Congress and the President in January of each year a report of the activities of the Office during the preceding year including a summary of consumer complaints and recommendations for additional legislation deemed necessary to protect the interests of U.S. consumers. Provides that it shall be the function of the Office to: (1) coordinate the programs and activities of all Federal agencies relating to the interests of consumers in order to achieve effectiveness, avoid duplications and inconsistencies, and to promote the purposes of this title; (2) encourage and assist in the development and implementation of consumer programs and activities in the Federal Government; (3) assure that the interests of consumers are taken into consideration by appropriate Federal agencies both in the formulation of policies with respect to consumers and in the operation of programs that may affect consumer interests; (4) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Administrator of the Consumer Protection Agency in carrying out its functions under title II of this Act; (5) advise and make recommendations to all Federal agencies with respect to general policy matters concerning the effectiveness of programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers; (6) submit recommendations to the Congress and the President on the means by which programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers can be improved; (7) conduct conferences and surveys concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (8) encourage, initiate, coordinate, and participate in consumer education and counseling programs (including credit counseling); (9) cooperate with and give technical assistance to State and local governments in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (10) cooperate with and assist private enterprise in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (11) publish and distribute in a Consumer Register material which will include notice of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules and orders, and other useful information, translated from its technical form into language which is understandable by the public; and (12) keep the appropriate committees of the Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities. Title II: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government the Consumer Protection Agency, headed by an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Agency powers to carry out the objective of this Act. States that the functions of the Agency shall be to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this title; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the consumer interest; (4) publish and distribute material developed pursuant to carrying out its responsibilities under this Act which will inform consumers of matters of interest to them; (5) conduct conferences, surveys, and investigations, including economic surveys, concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (6) keep the appropriate committees of Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities; and (7) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Director of the Office in the carrying out of his functions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, substance, or ingredient of any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage; and (2) shall not require a warning label on any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Water Bank Act, to enter into agreement with landowners in important migratory waterfowl nesting and breeding areas for the conservation of water on specified farm, ranch, or other wetlands identified in a conservation plan developed in cooperation with the Soil and Water Conservation District in which the lands are located, under such rules and regulations as the Secretary may prescribe. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1302)
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 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 · 1 March 1973
Provides that no license granted for the operation of a broadcasting station under the Communications Act of 1934 shall be for a longer term than five years. Provides for renewal of such license where the Federal Communications Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served. Provides that an applicant for renewal who is legally, financially and technically qualified shall be awarded the license if such applicant shows that its broadcast service during the preceding license period has reflected a good-faith effort to serve the needs and interests of its area as represented in its immediately preceding and pending license renewal application and if it has not demonstrated a callous disregard for law or the Commission's regulations.
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
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
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 · 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 · 22 February 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 · 22 February 1973
Provides new pension rates for veterans with non-service-connected disabilities with respect to annual income for years after 1972, provided the monthly pension rate is not less than that which would have been received under the formula used prior to 1973. Prescribes new pension rates for widows of veterans with respect to annual income for years after 1972. Excludes from a veteran's annual income, payments made to a spouse under any public or private retirement, annuity, endowment program if such payments are based on the earnings of the spouse. Takes into account cost-of-living increases in the computation of pension rates. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 521(b),(f), 541(b))
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce and the interests of participants in employee benefit plans and their beneficiaries, by requiring the disclosure and reporting to participants and beneficiaries of financial and other information with respect thereto, by establishing standards of fiduciary conduct, responsibility, and obligation upon all persons who exercise any powers of control, management, or disposition with respect to employee benefit funds or have authority or responsibility to do so, or have authority or responsibility in the administration of employee benefit plans, and by providing for appropriate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the Federal courts. Title I: Fiduciary Responsibility and Disclosure - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, or by any industry or activity affecting commerce. participate, or both. Provides that the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall cause to be published in accordance with this Act to each participant or beneficiary covered thereunder a description of the plan and an annual financial report. States that such description shall be published within ninety days after such plan is established and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. Provides that an annual report shall be published with respect to any employee benefit plan to which this title applies. Sets forth the information that shall be contained in such report. Provides that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this Act shall file with the Secretary of Labor a copy of the plan description and each annual report. States that the Secretary may reject any such filing after notice, hearing, and determination by the Secretary that such filing is incomplete for the purpose of this title. Sets forth criminal penalties for intentional violations of this title. Provides that civil actions may be brought under this title by a participant or beneficiary: (1) for personal liability to such participant or beneficiary for failure to provide information required under this Act; or (2) to recover benefits due him under the terms of his plan or to clarify his rights to future benefits. Authorizes such actions by: (1) the Secretary, or by a participant, beneficiary or fiduciary, for appropriate relief under the fiduciary responsibility provisions of this Act; or (2) by the Secretary to enjoin any act or practice which appears to him to violate any provision of this title. Provides that the contents of the descriptions and regular annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this title shall be public information. Provides for the bonding of persons who have fiduciary responsibilities under this title and of persons who handle funds or other property of an employee benefit plan. Sets forth the fiduciary responsibilities of the administrators of plans covered by this Act. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of his functions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension benefit plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce or by such employer together with any employee organization representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or if such plan is established or maintained by any employer or by any employer together with any employee organization and if, in the course of its activities, such plan, directly or indirectly, uses any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or the mails. Excludes from the coverage of this title any employee pension benefit plan if: it is administered by the Federal Government or by an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States; or it provides contributions or benefits for a sole proprietor or, in the case of a partnership, a partner who owns more than 10 percent of either the capital interest or the profits interest in such partnership. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 2 years or age higher than 30 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits. Stipulates that in computing the period of service under a plan, the employee's entire service with the contributing employer must be considered, except in specified instances. Allows the Secretary to require a certificate of approval with respect to the vesting provisions of any pension plan. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excludes from coverage, in addition to those plans excluded under title II, any plan which has a fixed contribution rate and does not provide an amount expected to be paid as a fixed benefit and any plan which is a profit-sharing plan providing benefits at or after retirement. Requires pension plans subject to this title to provide for contributions to the plan in amounts necessary to meet an amount equal to the normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs and to maintain a minimum ratio of assets to vested liabilities according to a certain schedule. Requires the administrator of a plan to, at certain intervals, file with the Secretary a statement containing the following information: (1) the amount of normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs; (2) the total amount of the plan's vested liabilities at the close of its preceding fiscal year; (3) the assets held by the plan as of the close of its preceding fiscal year valued at market value or by any other method approved by the Secretary pursuant to regulation; (4) the number of years the plan has been in effect; (5) a statement of the amount, if any, by which the assets held by the plan either exceed or fall below the amount of assets required in order for the plan to meet the required funding ratio; and (6) such other information determined by the Secretary by regulation to be necessary for adequate disclosure of a plan's funding status. Provides that when the contributions to a pension plan fall below amounts necessary to meet the normal cost of the plan plus interest on past costs, the Secretary shall require by order, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the administrator take necessary steps to guarantee that the rights of each participant to benefits or to the amounts credited to his account are nonforfeitable in the event of the participant's termination. Provides that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the funding ratio required, the plan's vested liabilities shall not be increased by an amendment until the plan's required ratio is attained. Specifies that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the required ratio for 5 consecutive years, the Secretary shall require that the administrator take steps to suspend further accumulation of vested liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Authorizes the committee on Public Works, acting as a whole or by subcommittee, effective January 3, 1973, to conduct full and complete studies and investigations and to make inquiries within its jurisdiction. Grants the Committee various powers to carry out the studies under the Resolution. Requires the committee to submit to the House, not later than January 2, 1975, a report on the activities of that committee during the Congress ending at noon on January 3, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Act for Freedom of Emigration in East-West Trade - States that after October 15, 1972, products from any nonmarket economy country shall not be eligible to receive most-favored-nation treatment, such country shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly, and the President of the United States shall not conclude any commercial agreement with any such country during the period beginning with the date on which the President determines that such country: (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration or on the visas or other documents required for emigration, for any purpose or cause whatsoever; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of the desire of such citizen to emigrate to the country of his choice. Provides that, before any of the aforementioned commercial agreements are entered into with any foreign country, the President shall submit to the Congress a report indicating that such country is not in violation of any of the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 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 · 6 February 1973
Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations to specified highway safety programs and highway safety research and development programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $225,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Authorizes the appropriation of $225,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $450,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for bridge construction and replacement. Establishes special pavement marking programs and appropriates $125,000,000 for both fiscal 1974 and 1975 to be available until expended to carry out such programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out safety research on the following subjects: (1) the relationship between the consumption and use of drugs and their effect upon highway safety and drivers of motor vehicles; and (2) driver behavior research. Authorizes to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975 the sum of $100,000,000 to eliminate or reduce the hazards at specific locations or sections of highways which have high accident experiences or high accident potentials, such study to be conducted by the Federal Highway Administration. Provides that two-thirds of such funds authorized and expended in any fiscal year shall be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund. Requires each State to report to the Secretary not later than September 30, 1974, and every September 30 of each year thereafter, on the progress being made to implement projects for high-hazard locations and the effectiveness of such improvements. Directs the Secretary to conduct a full and complete investigation of the use of the mass media and other techniques for informing the public of means and methods for reducing the number and severity of highway accidents. Directs the Secretary to conduct an investigation of ways and means for encouraging greater citizen participation and involvement in the traffic enforcement process. Directs the Secretary to make a study of the feasibility of establishing a National Center for Statistical Analysis of Highway Operations designed to acquire, store, and retrieve highway accident data and standardize the information and procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress his findings and recommendations not later than January 1, 1975. Authorizes the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of pedestrian safety and report his findings and recommendations to the Congress no later than January 31, 1975. Provides that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of all funds authorized to be appropriated for highway safety. Allows the Secretary to make incentive grants to states which have attained above average results in carrying out safety programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Provides that additional funds be made available under the Land and Water Conservation Act, to acquire additional public lands in northern Minnesota. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 577h)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed (presently "empowered") to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Midwest States Fuel Oil Act - Title I: - Sets forth the Congressional findings that: (1) a major cause of inadequate supplies of home heating oil in the upper Midwest States is the limitation on imports of petroleum and petroleum products established by Presidential Proclamation 3279, as amended (the oil import program); and (2) the special supply and demand problems relating to home heating oil in the Midwest States requires creation of a separate import control system for that area. Defines Midwest States as North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Provides that after the effective date of this Act, no quantitative limitations or other import restrictions shall be imposed on the importation of home heating oil into the Midwest States. Title II: - Makes provisions for the duty-free entry into the United States of specified petroleum products. Title III: - Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into negotiations with the Government of Canada for establishment of a "northcentral regional oil area" consisting of central Canada and Midwest States, and intended to eliminate all restrictions on trade in petroleum and petroleum products between the United States and Canada so as to provide furnished petroleum products at a reasonable cost, consistent with the national security. Requires an annual report to the Congress on the progress and results of such negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed (presently "empowered") to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the rural environmental assistance program pursuant to the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 590h(b))
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to the States and to Federal departments and agencies having jurisdiction over Federal lands open to the public in order to develop highways throughout the Nation to satisfy the science and recreational needs of the people, and to prove the national feasibility of such a system throughdirect Federal participation in the improvement and construction of the Great River Road and attendant facilities and to further provide for Federal participation in the celebration of the tricentennial of the discovery of the Mississippi River. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish criteria for the location and construction or reconstruction of the Great River Road by the ten States bordering the Mississippi River. Stipulates that highways constructed or reconstructed pursuant to this Act shall be maintained by the appropraite State or local jurisdiction insofar as is consistent with this Act. Provides that the Federal share of the cost of any construction or reconstruction project shall be 80 percent. Authorizes to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund not to exceed $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975 for allocation to the States pursuant to the Act and not to exceed $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975 in order to enter into appropriate arrangements for necessary construction on Federal lands open to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Extends the authorizations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965: (1) grants for public works and development facilities; (2) public works and development facility loans; (3) technical assistance, research and information related to public works and development facilities; (4) financial assistance for projects in economic development districts; and (5) supplemental funds for Federal grants-in-aid programs for economic development regions. Provides that no area designated as a redevelopment area for purposes of the Act shall have such designation terminated or modified before June 1, 1974, unless the qualified local governing body of the county specifically requests the such action.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce and the interests of participants in employee benefit plans and their beneficiaries, by requiring the disclosure and reporting to participants and beneficiaries of financial and other information with respect thereto, by establishing standards of fiduciary conduct, responsibility, and obligation upon all persons who exercise any powers of control, management, or disposition with respect to employee benefit funds or have authority or responsibility to do so, or have authority or responsibility in the administration of employee benefit plans, and by providing for appropriate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the Federal courts. Title I: Fiduciary Responsibility and Disclosure - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, or by any industry or activity affecting commerce. participate, or both. Provides that the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall cause to be published in accordance with this Act to each participant or beneficiary covered thereunder a description of the plan and an annual financial report. States that such description shall be published within ninety days after such plan is established and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. Provides that an annual report shall be published with respect to any employee benefit plan to which this title applies. Sets forth the information that shall be contained in such report. Provides that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this Act shall file with the Secretary of Labor a copy of the plan description and each annual report. States that the Secretary may reject any such filing after notice, hearing, and determination by the Secretary that such filing is incomplete for the purpose of this title. Sets forth criminal penalties for intentional violations of this title. Provides that civil actions may be brought under this title by a participant or beneficiary: (1) for personal liability to such participant or beneficiary for failure to provide information required under this Act; or (2) to recover benefits due him under the terms of his plan or to clarify his rights to future benefits. Authorizes such actions by: (1) the Secretary, or by a participant, beneficiary or fiduciary, for appropriate relief under the fiduciary responsibility provisions of this Act; or (2) by the Secretary to enjoin any act or practice which appears to him to violate any provision of this title. Provides that the contents of the descriptions and regular annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this title shall be public information. Provides for the bonding of persons who have fiduciary responsibilities under this title and of persons who handle funds or other property of an employee benefit plan. Sets forth the fiduciary responsibilities of the administrators of plans covered by this Act. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of his functions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension benefit plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce or by such employer together with any employee organization representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or if such plan is established or maintained by any employer or by any employer together with any employee organization and if, in the course of its activities, such plan, directly or indirectly, uses any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or the mails. Excludes from the coverage of this title any employee pension benefit plan if: it is administered by the Federal Government or by an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States; or it provides contributions or benefits for a sole proprietor or, in the case of a partnership, a partner who owns more than 10 percent of either the capital interest or the profits interest in such partnership. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 2 years or age higher than 30 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits. Stipulates that in computing the period of service under a plan, the employee's entire service with the contributing employer must be considered, except in specified instances. Allows the Secretary to require a certificate of approval with respect to the vesting provisions of any pension plan. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excludes from coverage, in addition to those plans excluded under title II, any plan which has a fixed contribution rate and does not provide an amount expected to be paid as a fixed benefit and any plan which is a profit-sharing plan providing benefits at or after retirement. Requires pension plans subject to this title to provide for contributions to the plan in amounts necessary to meet an amount equal to the normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs and to maintain a minimum ratio of assets to vested liabilities according to a certain schedule. Requires the administrator of a plan to, at certain intervals, file with the Secretary a statement containing the following information: (1) the amount of normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs; (2) the total amount of the plan's vested liabilities at the close of its preceding fiscal year; (3) the assets held by the plan as of the close of its preceding fiscal year valued at market value or by any other method approved by the Secretary pursuant to regulation; (4) the number of years the plan has been in effect; (5) a statement of the amount, if any, by which the assets held by the plan either exceed or fall below the amount of assets required in order for the plan to meet the required funding ratio; and (6) such other information determined by the Secretary by regulation to be necessary for adequate disclosure of a plan's funding status. Provides that when the contributions to a pension plan fall below amounts necessary to meet the normal cost of the plan plus interest on past costs, the Secretary shall require by order, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the administrator take necessary steps to guarantee that the rights of each participant to benefits or to the amounts credited to his account are nonforfeitable in the event of the participant's termination. Provides that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the funding ratio required, the plan's vested liabilities shall not be increased by an amendment until the plan's required ratio is attained. Specifies that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the required ratio for 5 consecutive years, the Secretary shall require that the administrator take steps to suspend further accumulation of vested liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Extends the authorizations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965: (1) grants for public works and development facilities; (2) public works and development facility loans; (3) technical assistance, research and information related to public works and development facilities; (4) financial assistance for projects in economic development districts; and (5) supplemental funds for Federal grants-in-aid programs for economic development regions. Provides that no area designated as a redevelopment area for purposes of the Act shall have such designation terminated or modified before June 1, 1974, unless the qualified local governing body of the county specifically requests the such action.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations to specified highway safety programs and highway safety research and development programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $225,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Authorizes the appropriation of $225,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $450,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for bridge construction and replacement. Establishes special pavement marking programs and appropriates $125,000,000 for both fiscal 1974 and 1975 to be available until expended to carry out such programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out safety research on the following subjects: (1) the relationship between the consumption and use of drugs and their effect upon highway safety and drivers of motor vehicles; and (2) driver behavior research. Authorizes to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975 the sum of $100,000,000 to eliminate or reduce the hazards at specific locations or sections of highways which have high accident experiences or high accident potentials, such study to be conducted by the Federal Highway Administration. Provides that two-thirds of such funds authorized and expended in any fiscal year shall be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund. Requires each State to report to the Secretary not later than September 30, 1974, and every September 30 of each year thereafter, on the progress being made to implement projects for high-hazard locations and the effectiveness of such improvements. Directs the Secretary to conduct a full and complete investigation of the use of the mass media and other techniques for informing the public of means and methods for reducing the number and severity of highway accidents. Directs the Secretary to conduct an investigation of ways and means for encouraging greater citizen participation and involvement in the traffic enforcement process. Directs the Secretary to make a study of the feasibility of establishing a National Center for Statistical Analysis of Highway Operations designed to acquire, store, and retrieve highway accident data and standardize the information and procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress his findings and recommendations not later than January 1, 1975. Authorizes the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of pedestrian safety and report his findings and recommendations to the Congress no later than January 31, 1975. Provides that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of all funds authorized to be appropriated for highway safety. Allows the Secretary to make incentive grants to states which have attained above average results in carrying out safety programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations to specified highway safety programs and highway safety research and development programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $225,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Authorizes the appropriation of $225,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $450,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for bridge construction and replacement. Establishes special pavement marking programs and appropriates $125,000,000 for both fiscal 1974 and 1975 to be available until expended to carry out such programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out safety research on the following subjects: (1) the relationship between the consumption and use of drugs and their effect upon highway safety and drivers of motor vehicles; and (2) driver behavior research. Authorizes to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975 the sum of $100,000,000 to eliminate or reduce the hazards at specific locations or sections of highways which have high accident experiences or high accident potentials, such study to be conducted by the Federal Highway Administration. Provides that two-thirds of such funds authorized and expended in any fiscal year shall be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund. Requires each State to report to the Secretary not later than September 30, 1974, and every September 30 of each year thereafter, on the progress being made to implement projects for high-hazard locations and the effectiveness of such improvements. Directs the Secretary to conduct a full and complete investigation of the use of the mass media and other techniques for informing the public of means and methods for reducing the number and severity of highway accidents. Directs the Secretary to conduct an investigation of ways and means for encouraging greater citizen participation and involvement in the traffic enforcement process. Directs the Secretary to make a study of the feasibility of establishing a National Center for Statistical Analysis of Highway Operations designed to acquire, store, and retrieve highway accident data and standardize the information and procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress his findings and recommendations not later than January 1, 1975. Authorizes the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of pedestrian safety and report his findings and recommendations to the Congress no later than January 31, 1975. Provides that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of all funds authorized to be appropriated for highway safety. Allows the Secretary to make incentive grants to states which have attained above average results in carrying out safety programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Authorizes a survey of the East Two Rivers between Tower, Minnesota, and Vermilion Lake to investigate the feasibility of improving the channel to permit the movement of recreational craft.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Extends the authorizations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965: (1) grants for public works and development facilities; (2) public works and development facility loans; (3) technical assistance, research and information related to public works and development facilities; (4) financial assistance for projects in economic development districts; and (5) supplemental funds for Federal grants-in-aid programs for economic development regions. Provides that no area designated as a redevelopment area for purposes of the Act shall have such designation terminated or modified before June 1, 1974, unless the qualified local governing body of the county specifically requests the such action.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Creates an Atlantic Union delegation, composed of 18 eminent citizens, which is authorized to organize and participate in a convention made up of similar delegations from such North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies as desire to join in the enterprise, and other parliamentary democracies the convention may invite, to explore the possibility of agreement on: (1) a declaration that the goal of their peoples is to transform their present relationship into a more effective unity based on Federal principles; (2) a timetable for the transition by stages to this goal; and (3) a commission to facilitate advancement toward such stages. Requires the convention's recommendations to be submitted to the Congress. Provides that not more than half of the delegation's members shall be from one political party, and that 6 of the delegates shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, after consultation with the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, 6 by the President of the Senate, after consultation with the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and 6 by the President of the United States. Allows all members of the delegation to speak and vote individually in the convention. Authorizes the delegation in carrying out the purposes of this Act: (1) to seek to arrange an international convention and such other meetings and conferences as it may deem necessary; (2) to employ and fix the compensation within prescribed limits of such temporary professional and clerical staff as it deems necessary; and (3) to pay not in excess of $100,000 toward such expenses as may be involved as a consequence of holding any meetings or conferences authorized by this joint resolution. Authorizes not to exceed $200,000 to be appropriated to the Department of State to carry out the purposes of this resolution, payments to be made upon vouchers approved by the Chairman of the delegation subject to the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the obligation and expenditure of appropriated funds. Requires the delegation to make semiannual reports to Congress accounting for all expenditures and such other information as it deems appropriate. Provides that the delegation shall cease to exist at the expiration of the three-year period beginning on the date of the approval of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1973
Imposes on the taxable income of every individual, other than an estate and trust, a tax determined in accordance with the table set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. Allows a married individual who does not make a single return jointly with his spouse to allocate amounts received for services performed by that spouse into the account by the spouse who performed the services and not into the account by the other spouse. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 1, 2)
![Official portrait of Rep. Blatnik, John Anton [D-MN-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000550_200.jpg)