United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Provides that in the determination of the annual income of recipients of vetetans' pensions and dependency and indemnity compensation the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall not reduce the amount of such pension or compensation because of increases in monthly social security benefits under Public law 92-336. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 415(g)(4) 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - Title I: Fiduciary Responsibility and Disclosure - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, or by any industry or activity affecting commerce. Provides that the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall cause to be published in accordance with this Act to each participant or beneficiary covered thereunder a description of the plan and an annual financial report. States that such description shall be published within 120 days after such plan is established and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. Provides that an annual report shall be published with respect to any employee beneift plan to which this title applies. Sets forth the information that shall be contained in such report. Provides that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this Act shall file with the Secretary of Labor a copy of the plan description. States that the Secretary may reject any such filing after notice, hearing, and determination by the Secretary that such filing is incomplete for the purpose of this title. Requires the administrator of an employee pension benefit plan to furnish to any plan participant at least once each year a statement indicating: (1) whether or not such person has a nonforfeitable right to receive a benefit; (2) the amount of the benefits which have become nonforfeitable, or an estimate; and (3) the number of the priority under which such benefits would be distributed in the event of termination of the plan. Provides that the contents of the descriptions and regular annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this title shall be public information. Provides for the bonding of persons who have fiduciary responsibilities under this title and of persons who handle funds or other property of an employee benefit plan. Sets forth the fiduciary responsibilities of the administrators of plans covered by this Act. Provides for the distribution of net assets of a pension benefit plan in the case of a plan's termination. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of this funcions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or by such employer together with an employee organization representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or if such plan is established or maintained by any employer or by any employer together with any employee organization if, in the course of its activities, such plan, or indirectly, uses any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or the mails. Excludes from the coverage of this title any employee pension benefit plan if: it is administered by the Federal Government or by an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States; or it provides contributions or benefits for a sole proprietor or, in the case of a partnership, a partner who owns more than 10 percent of either the capital interest or the profits in such partnership. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 1 year or age higher than 25 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits. Stipulates that in computing the period of service under a plan, the employee's entire service with the contributing employer must be considered, except in specified instances. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excluded from coverage, in addition to those plans excluded under title II, any plan which has a fixed contribution rate and does not provide an amount expected to be paid as a fixed benefit and any plan which is a profit-sharing plan providing benefits at or after retirement. Requires pension plans subject to this title to provide for contributions to the plan in amounts necessary to meet an amount equal to the normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs and to maintain a minimum ratio of assets to vested liabilities according to a schedule. Provides that when the contribution to a pension plan fall below the necessary amount, the administrator shall take such steps as are necessary to bring the level of funding into conformity with the benefits offered by the plan. States that no pension plan may merge, consolidate with, or transfer its assets to any other plan unless participants in both plans would receive a termination benefit immediately after such action which is equal to or greater than the termination benefit he would receive immediately before such action. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program which shall be administered by the Secretary of Labor. Requires every plan subject to this title to maintain plan termination insurance to cover unfunded vested liabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such insurance. Provides that the insurance program shall insure participants and beneficiaries of those plans registered under this Act against loss of benefits derived from vested rights which arise from the termination of such plans. States that, upon registration with the Secretary, each plan shall pay a uniform assessment to the insurance program as prescribed by the Secretary to cover the administrative costs of the insurance program. Requires each registered pension plan to pay an annual premium for insurance at uniform rates established by the Secretary based upon the amount of unfunded vested liabilities subject to insurance. Sets limits for such premium for three years and allows discretion to the Secretary in determining it subsequently. Requires notice to the Secretary of plan termination and allows him to prescribe how funds of the plan shall be wound up and liquidated. States that persons who terminate a plan with intent to avoid the purposes of this act or in violation of this Act shall be personally liable for losses incurred thereby to the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund. Establishes a separate fund for pension benefit insurance to be known as the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title. Requires the Secretary to administer the fund. Title V: General Provisions - Establishes a Variation Appeals Board which shall hear and determine appeals from decisions denying grants of variations in accordance with procedures promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to regulation. Directs the Secretary to undertake research studies relating to pension plans. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress covering his administration of this Act for preceding year. Makes it unlawful for any person to discharge, fine, suspend, expel, discipline, or discriminate against a participant or beneficiary for exercising any right to which he is entitled under the provisions of the plan or this Act; or for any person through the use of fraud, force, or violence, or threat of the use of force or violence, to restrain, coerce, intimidate, or attempt to restrain, coerce, or intimidate any participant or beneficiary for the purpose of interfering with or preventing the exercise of any right to which he is or may become entitled under the plan, or this Act. Requires every administrator of a pension plan to which title II or III applies shall file with the Secretary an application for registration of such plan. States that if at any time the Secretary determines that a plan required to qualify under this title is not qualified or is no longer qualified for registration under this title, he shall notify the administrator, setting forth the deficiency or deficiencies in the plan or in its administration or operations and provide a reasonable time within which to remove such deficiency or deficiencies. If the Secretary thereafter determines that the deficiency or deficiencies have been removed, he shall issue or continue in effect the certificate, as the case may be. Provides that if he determines that the deficiency or deficiences have not been removed, he shall enter an order denying or canceling the certificate of registration. States that the Secretary may petition any district court of the United States for an order requiring the employer or other person responsible for the administration of such plan to comply with the requirements of this Act as will qualify such plan for registration or compel or recover the payment of required contributions, assessments, premiums, fees, or other moneys. Declares it to be the express intent of Congress that the provisions of titles II and III shall supersed any and all laws of the States as they may relate to the vesting of participant's benefits in employee benefit plans, the funding requirements for employee benefit plans or the adequacy of financing of employee benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
Provides for the addition of the Secretaries of Defense and Transportation and the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to the Cabinet Committee on Opportunities for Spanish Speaking People. Requires the Committee to meet semiannually. Requires a group of fourteen, in addition to the chairman, each representing one of the members, to meet at least six times a year. Requires the Committee to advise and assist Spanish-speaking and Spanish surnamed people in receiving assistance available by law. Provides that the chairman and vice chairman of the Advisory Council on Spanish-speaking Americans shall be designated by the President. Requires the chairman of the Committee to call a meeting of the Advisory Council at least quarterly. Provides that no part of any funds authorized to carry out this Act shall be used to finance any activities designed to influence the outcome of any election to Federal office or any voter registration activity, or to pay the salary of the Chairman or any employee of the Committee after the date on which such persons engage in such activity. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974 the amount of $1,500,000 and for fiscal year 1975 for a period ending December 30, 1974, the amount of $750,000, to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires at least 50 per-cent of the amount of any funds to be expended for salaries of employees in regional offices of the Committee located outside Washington, District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating October 7-13, 1973, as "Newspaper Week" and designates October 13, 1973, as "Newspaper Carrier Day".
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
States that on or after the date of enactment of this provision no television broadcast licensee, network television broadcast organization, or cable television system shall perform or otherwise carry out a contract, arrangement, or other understanding, express or implied, under which such station, network, or system is prevented from broadcasting or carrying the home games of any professional football, baseball, basketball, or hockey teams when tickets for admission to such games are no longer available for purchase by the general public forty-eight hours or more before the scheduled beginning time of such games.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1973
Authorizes the establishment of the Ohio and Erie Canal National Historical Park in the State of Ohio. Authorizes to be appropriated sums necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission to require that radios shipped in interstate commerce or imported for sale or resale to the public, and designed to receive and amplify amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) broadcasts be technically capable of receiving both AM and FM broadcasts. Provides that the Commissioner may exempt from coverage under this Act such apparatus as it claims necessary and appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Respiratory Disease Benefits Act - Title I: General Provisions - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide assistance, in cooperation with the States, to workers who are totally disabled due to a respiratory disease (other than pneumoconiosis contracted as a result of employment in one or more coal mines) arising out of their employment in a health-hazard industry (other than a coal mine) and to the surviving dependents of workers whose death was due to such disease or who were totally disabled by such disease at the time of their deaths. Sets forth definitions to be used in this Act. Title II: Claims for Benefits Filed on or Before December 31, 1976 - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare shall, in accordance with the provisions of this title and the regulations promulgated by him under this title, make payments of benefits in respect of total disability of any worker due to a respiratory disease arising out of his employment in a health-hazard industry, and in respect of the death of any worker whose death was due to such disease or who at the time of his death was totally disabled by such disease. Provides for the dispersal of benefit payments by the Secretary. Provides for payment of such benefits to the worker in case of total disability and, in the case of death, to the widow, surviving child or children and the dependent parent or parents under a specified schedule. States that benefit payments under this Act to a worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister shall be reduced, on a monthly or other appropriate basis, by an amount equal to any payment received by such worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister under the workmen's compensation, unemployment compensation, or disability insurance laws of his State on account of the disability of such worker, and the amount by which such payment would be reduced on account of excess earnings of such worker under the Social Security Act. Title III: Claims for Benefits After December 31, 1976 - Provides that on and after January 1, 1976, any claim for benefits for death or total disability due to a respiratory disease arising out of a worker's employment in a health-hazard industry shall be filed pursuant to the applicable State workmen's compensation law, except that during any period when such workers or their surviving widows, children, parents, brothers, or sisters, as the case may be, are not covered by a State workmen's compensation law which provides adequate coverage for such disease, they shall be entitled to claim benefits under this title. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide a list of adequate state workmen's compensation laws. States that the Secretary of Labor shall by regulation establish standards, which may include appropriate presumptions, for determing whether any particular respiratory disease arose out of employment by any particular employer. Permits the Secretary by regulation to establish standards for apportioning liability for benefits under this title among more than one employer, where such apportionment is appropriate. Provides the authorization for appropriations and directs annual reports to be made by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare as well as the Secretary of Labor to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Creates a six-member independent Federal Elections Commission appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Authorizes the Commission to use the personnel of the Department of Justice and the General Accounting Office. Authorizes the Commission to report, at the end of each fiscal year, to the Congress and the President on matters within its jurisdiction and to make recommendations for further legislation if necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Program Infromation Act - Exempts this Act from any activities related to the collection or evaluation of national security information. Requires the President to transmit to Congress each year a catalog of Federal domestic assistance programs designed to assist the potential beneficiary to identify all Federal domestic assistance programs wherever administered, and to supply information for each program so that the particular assistance or benefits might be available to him for the purposes he wishes. Requires the catalog to contain detailed information of each Federal domestic assistance program with a detailed index designed to assist the potential beneficiary to identify all Federal domesitic assistance programs related to a particular need. Requires it to be concise, clear, and understandable. Requires the President to revise the catalog quarterly. Provides for the publication and distribution of the catalog.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Cuyahoga Valley National Historical Park and Recreation Area between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire necessary land, and to administer the park. Establishes the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Recreation Commission to assist the Secretary in his responsibilities under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration; 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 III 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 III 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. 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 $660,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $710,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, 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. 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 invididuals; (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 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: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for fiscal years 1974-76 to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. 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 $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or non-profit 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. 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. Provides for a special study by the Secretary of the needs of severely handicapped persons who would otherwise be ineligible for services under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to establish national centers for spinal cord injuries. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals consisting of twenty members appointed by the Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance for construction projects under this title. Title III: Research and Training - Provides that the commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary 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. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title IV: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving stated goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Provides for a study of the role of sheltered workshops in the rehabilitation and employment of handicapped individuals. Title V: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title such sums as necessary. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate problems of handicapped persons in the areas of architecture and transportation, and to make legislative recommendations to the President and the Congress. Requires any contract in excess of $2500 entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provision requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Cuyahoga Valley National Historical Park and Recreation Area between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire necessary land, and to administer the park. Establishes the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Recreation Commission to assist the Secretary in his responsibilities under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Authorizes claims to be presented for reimbursement of memorial service expenses for members of the Armed Forces whose remains are not recovered on the date such member of the Armed Forces is ruled dead. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1482(e))
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government immediately should require the Forest Service to offer for sale, for domestic use only, greater amounts of lumber grown on lands owned by the United States. Provides that such amounts shall not exceed the allowable cut which has been determined as consistent with good forest management and the maintenance of a proper ecologic balance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Increases the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations by four members, to include elected school board officials and elected town and township officials.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish and operate a National Museum and Repository of Black History and Culture at or near Wilberforce, Ohio. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Increases the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations by four members, to include elected school board officials and elected town and township officials.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish and operate a National Museum and Repository of Black History and Culture at or near Wilberforce, Ohio. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Provides educational assistance to children of civilian employees of the United States killed abroad as a result of war, insurgence, mob violence, or similar hostile action. States that the Civil Service Commission shall administer the educational benefits authorized under this Act. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 9001-9003)
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Program Information Act - Exempts this Act from any activities related to the collection or evaluation of national security information. Requires the President to transmit to Congress each year a catalog of Federal domestic assistance programs designed to assist the potential beneficiary to identify all Federal domestic assistance programs wherever administered, and the supply information for each program so that the potential beneficiary can determine whether paricular assistance or benefits might be available to him for the purposes he wishes. Requires the catalog to contain detailed information of each Federal domestic assistance program with a detailed index designed to assist the potential beneficiary to identify all Federal domestic assistance programs related to a particular need. Requires it to be concise, clear, and understandable. Requires the President to revise the catalog quarterly. Provides for the publicaton and didstribution of the catalog.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Permits noncommercial broadcast stations under the Communications Act of 1934 to deny, under specified circumstances, access to their facilities by candidates for Federal elective office. (Amends 47 U.S.C. 312 (a)(7)
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish and operate a National Museum and Repository of Black History and Culture at or near Wilberforce, Ohio. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Allows a credit, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, against the individual income tax for tuition paid for the elementary or secondary education of dependents. Limits such tax credit to 50 percent of education expenses or $400, whichever is less. Provides for a reduction of this tax credit in an amount equal to $1 for every $20 by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $25,000. Defines tuition expenses allowable and educational institutions eligible under this Act. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 42)
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Increases the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations by four members, to include elected school board officials and elected town and township officials.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Cedar Swamp National Monument in the state of Ohio. Authorizes to be appropriated such seems as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 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 · 6 February 1973
Requires, under Rule XXI, the Committee on Appropriations, to the maximum extent practicable, to take such action as may be necessary to report all general appropriation measures for each fiscal year to the House for its consideration before the beginning of that fiscal year as will permit the enactment of all such measures into law before the beginning of that fiscal year. Provides that after June 15th of each calendar year appropriations measures providing funds for the operation of any branch of the Federal Government or its independent agencies for the ensuing year shall be in order for consideration notwithstanding the provisions of House Rules.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Provides that the fiscal year of the United States shall coincide with the calendar year, and makes provisions for the orderly transition by all Federal Government and District of Columbia agencies to the use of the new fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Creates in the Executive Office of the President a Council on Energy Policy. Requires the Council to develop a long range, comprehensive plan for energy utilization, and to provide assistance to any executive agency concerned with energy and power in the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers and functions of the Council. Provides for an annual Energy Report by the President to the Congress, including: (1) an estimate of energy needs for the ensuing ten year period; (2) an estimate of the domestic and foreign energy supply on which the United States will be expected to rely to meet such needs in an economical manner; (3) current and foreseeable trends in the quality, management, and utilization of energy resources; and (4) recommendations for the development and application of new technologics and practices required to meet these objectives. Authorizes to be appropriated $300,000 for fiscal year 1974, $750,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $1,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Health Care Insurance Act - Provides, under the Social Security Act, for medical, dental, and hospital care through a system of voluntary health insurance financed in whole for low-income groups through issuance of certificates, and in part for all other persons through allowance of tax credits. Adds to the Social Security Act a new title entitled Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Provides that, for the purpose of providing assistance on behalf of the individuals and their dependents whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical, dental, and hospital services, there is established a program of hospital, dental, and medical benefits for any eligible beneficiary and his dependents through the issuance of health insurance certificates, in full payment of allowable premium on a qualified health care insurance policy of his choice. Asserts that health insurance certificiates of entitlement will be redeemable by the carrier by payment from the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Includes as eligible beneficiaries under this title any husband and wife both under age 65 and living together and any unmarried person under age 65 who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child of an eligible beneficiary receiving more than 50 percent of his support from the eligible beneficiary, which child is under 21, or if a student, under age 23. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary whose income results in no individual income tax liability during his base year, whose dependent beneficiaries have no such liability for their taxable years which end during his base year, and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement. Asserts that such certificates shall be applicable in full payment of allowable premiums for a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Requires that such policy or plan shall provide protection for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a 12-month period beginning during his benefit year against the expenses of health care, including catastrophic expenses of illness. Allows tax credits for health care insurance. Asserts that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary who has not elected, where eligible, to receive benefits under the provisions for fully-paid health care insurance for the low-income group and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be allowed at his election a credit against his income tax liability for his taxable year which ends during his base year; or a health insurance certificate of entitlement acceptable by a qualified carrier in payment toward a premium, under a qualified health care insurance policy. Specifies the amount of the tax credit or the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate on the basis of allowable premiums. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare upon application to him by an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Specifies that a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier which has been registered by a State Agency and which provides basic institutional and medical coverage and catastrophic expense coverage. Declares that each such qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be noncancellable and guaranteed renewable so long as the carrier continues to offer to the public one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans, shall provide protection against the expense of health care without regard to any pre-existing conditions, and shall provide for payment under this title of usual and customary charges for services covered under the policy or plan. Stipulates what costs shall be included under basic coverage and under catastrophic expense coverage. Establishes deductibles for each of the two types of coverage. Creates a Health Insurance Advisory Board which shall consist of eleven persons including the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Directs that the remaining members, not otherwise in the employ of the Government, shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointment in the competitive service. Asserts that the Secretary of HEW shall serve as Chairman. Provides that the members shall be selected from persons who are specifically qualified to serve on such Board by virtue of their education, training, or experience. Provides that the Health Insurance Advisory Board shall perform such functions as: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the tax credit program and file an annual report. Grants the States the power to decide which carriers are qualified. Forbids any Federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over the practice of medicine or dentistry or the manner in which medical or dental services are provided, or over the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer or employee or any institution, agency, or person providing health services; or to exercise any supervision or control over the administration or operation of any such institution, agency, or person. Creates in the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund to consist in part of an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Consumer Protection Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services by establishing an independent Consumer Protection Agency. Declares it to be the purpose of the Consumer Protection Agency established by this Act to represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts, receive and transmit consumer complaints, develop and disseminate information of interest to consumers, and perform other functions to protect and promote the interests of consumers. Title I: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes the Consumer Protection Agency as an independent nonregulatory agency in the executive branch of the Government. Provides that such Agency shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that such appointment shall be for a term of four years coterminous with that of the President. Sets forth the functions of the Administrator. Provides that such functions shall include: (1) representing the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts in accordance with this title; (2) encouraging the adoption and expansion of effective consumer education programs; (3) receiving and transmitting complaints from consumers; (4) encouraging private enterprise in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (5) encouraging the development of informal dispute settlement procedures involving consumers; and (6) encouraging meaningful participation by consumers in the activities of the Agency. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Provides for the exemption from the provisions of this Act of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, and the national security or intelligence functions of any Federal agency.
![Official portrait of Rep. Brown, Clarence, Jr. [R-OH-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000910_200.jpg)