United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1974
Combined Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Income Tax Reporting Amendments - Title I: Amendments to Title II of the Social Security Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make available specified tax returns to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Empowers the Secretary of HEW and the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement for the processing of information contained in such returns. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide to the Secretary of HEW any documents they agree are necessary for such processing. Directs the Managing Trustee of the Trust Funds, including the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, to pay into the Treasury the amounts he and the Secretary of HEW estimate will be expended from the general fund of the Treasury by the Departments of HEW and Treasury for the administration of (1) titles II, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and (2) specified chapters and subchapters of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of HEW to apportion (between each trust fund and the general fund in the Treasury) the costs of administrating titles II, XVI and XVIII of the Social Security Act and its costs in carrying out specified functions of this Act. Provides that average monthly wage, quarters of coverage, and coverage credits derived from self-employment income for taxable years beginning before 1974 are to be determined on a basis of income credited to calendar quarters. Limits quarters coverage to quarters occuring before 1974 and makes additional modification to taxation of self-employed persons. Allocates, under the Social Security Act, coverage credits for earnings before 1974 based on quarters of coverage and after 1973 on the basis of earnings during the calendar year. Provides that a person will satisfy the requirements prerequisite to a determination of disability if he has 20 or more coverage credits which were credited to the period ending on the day the disability arose and consisting of that part of the current calendar year up until the day the disability began and the nine prior calendar years. Redefines a "fully insured individual" in terms of coverage credits rather than quarters of coverage. States that any person upon attaining the age of 62 with the proper number of coverage credits is fully insured. Provides that specified benefits be paid to individuals not citizens of the United States who amassed sufficient coverage credits. Title II: Amendments Preserving Relationship Between Railroad Retirement and Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Provides, under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, that in the calucalation of an employee's "average monthly remumeration" after calendar year 1974 an individual employee shall obtain the benefit of full allowable coverage credits, irrespective of whether particular quarters of coverage were otherwise available for calculation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) it most strongly condemns all acts of terrorism in the Middle East; (2) the President and the Secretary of State should and are hereby urged and requested to (a) call upon all governments to condemn this inhuman act of violence against innocent victims; and (b) strongly urge the governments who harbor these groups and individuals to take appropriate action to rid their countries of those who subvert the peace through terrorism and senseless violence; and (3) the President should request the American Ambassador to the United Nations to take appropriate action before that body in order to have introduced a Security Council resolution condemning this brutal act of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1974
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop a system for the payment, on a staggered or cyclical basis during each month, of old-age, survivors and disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Act. Requires that such system shall take effect not later than July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1974
Requires reports accompanying each bill or joint resolution in the House of Representatives of a public character (except revenue measures) reported by a committee to contain estimates of the costs, to both public and nonpublic sectors, of carrying out the measure reported.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1974
Requires reports accompanying each bill or joint resolution in the House of Representatives of a public character (except revenue measures) reported by a committee to contain estimates of the costs, to both public and nonpublic sectors, of carrying out the measure reported.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1974
Housing and Urban Development Act - Title I: Community Development Block Grants - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States and units of general local government to help finance Community Development Programs. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations for such grants of up to $8,050,000,000 until July 1, 1977. Authorizes $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for grants to general local government units for urgent community development needs. Requires grant applicants to: (1) formulate community development programs and housing assistance plans; (2) operate such programs in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Public Law 90-284 (relating to fair housing) and (3) inform affected citizens of the various aspects of the program. Requires annual reviews and audits to determine if grantees are carrying out their programs as required by this Act. States that community development programs approved under this title may include: (1) acquisition of real property that is deteriorating or useful for public purposes; (2) installation of public works facilities; (3) rehabilitation of buildings; and (4) provisions for health, social counseling, and training services under activities within this title. Prescribes the allocations of grant funds under this title, including a ratio to determine amounts for individual cities which relates to poverty and housing overcrowding in the city. Requires that 80 percent of the non-urgent grant funds go to metropolitan areas. Prescribes the full "hold-harmless" amount of a metropolitan city or urban county under this title. Prescribes a discretionary grants fund for special projects, including new communities, United States territories, and disaster-caused development needs. Authorizes the guarantee of notes or other obligations of general local government units for acquisition of real property for community development programs. Prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, or sex under programs funded by this title. Sets wage standards for labor performed under contracts funded by this title. Requires the termination or reduction of funds to grantees failing to comply with this title. Allows judidical review of such actions. Allows 20 percent of the urgent-need grants to be applied toward the payment of principal and interest on temporary loans made to a local government unit under the Housing Act of 1949. Provides for the employment of low-income persons under programs approved by this title. Title II: Assisted Housing - Authorizes assistance, under the United States Housing Act of 1937, to low-income families. Allows public housing agencies to make assistance payments for the use of existing dwelling units. Allows assistance payments for contracts with owners or prospective owners who construct or rehabilitate housing which will be used at least in part for low-income families. Requires such assistance contracts to set a maximum monthly rent, according to prescribed guidelines. Sets forth a time limit on such contracts for assistance payments. Preserves all ownership, management, and maintenance responsiblilities in the owners. Requires 30 percent of families assisted under this title to be "very low-income" families. Requires the Secretary to insure that special projects for the handicapped authorized under the United States Housing Act of 1937 provide quality services and management consistent with the needs of the occupant. Prohibits the approval of a housing assistance plan under the United States Housing Act of 1937, the National Housing Act, or the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 unless the general local government unit certifies that such assistance is consistent with a housing assistance plan approved under title I of this Act. Requires the allocation of assistance under provisions of the above-mentioned laws according to rates of property, overcrowding, and substandard housing. Makes public housing agencies eligible as mortgagors under the National Housing Act's provisions relating to housing for moderate income and displaced families. Specifies minimum rentals for low-rent housing under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires the establishment of sound management practices by public housing agencies. Increases the annual contribution to public housing to maintain low rents to $400,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $965,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. Extends the home ownership, cooperative and rental mortgage provisions of the National Housing Act until June 30, 1975. Title III: Mortage Credit Programs - Extends the regular FHA insurance programs and the interest rate authority for veterans' home loans. Increases the maximum mortgage amounts under the FHA one to four-family and multifamily mortgage insurance programs. Makes changes in downpayment requirements for regular FHA one to four-family mortgages. Increases the amounts and time limits on home improvement loans. Permits the co-insurance of any mortgage, advance, or loan in addition to co-insurance otherwise provided by this Act. Prohibits the issuance of such insurance until it is determined that such co-insurance demonstration program will not disrupt the mortgage market or reduce the availability of mortgage credit to borrowers who depend upon mortgage insurance under this Act. Prohibits the purchase of mortgages by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation if the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage at the time of purchase exceeds 80 percent of the value of the property, with specifed exceptions. Eliminates the provisions of Federal law concerning the retirement of common and preferred stock in FNMA. Prohibits sex discrimination in Federal mortgage assistance payments under this title. Title IV: Rural Housing - Allows loans for the repair and improvement of rural dwellings to make them safe and sanitary (where the borrower does not otherwise qualify) of up to $500. Extends veterans preference to rural housing programs under the Housing Act of 1949. Authorizes funds for loan programs for rural housing programs. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide condominium housing for low-and moderate-income families in rural areas. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that it is the purpose of this part to encourage the formation of State development agencies which have broad and flexibile authority to carry out development activities designed to: (1) provide housing and related facilities for persons and families of low and moderate income, (2) promote the sound growth and development of neighborhoods through the revitalization of slum and blighted areas, and (3) increase and improve employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed through the development and redevelopment of industrial, manufacturing, and commercial facilities. Permits the guarantee of bonds, debentures, notes and other obligations issued by State development agencies to finance development activities described in the purposes of this title. Establishes a revolving fund to provide for timely payment of liabilities incurred as a result of such guarantees. Allows supplementary grants for projects assisted by the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities. Includes waste disposal facilities among eligible land improvements. Authorizes appropriations for comprehensive urban planning.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1974
Expands the meaning of "subdivision," under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to include land "in any State or in a foreign country." Extends the revocation period, relating to qualified land contracts, of 48 hours as provided in the Act to 72 hours. Adds industrially and commercially zoned property to the list of property exempt from the Act when enumerated conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1974
Federal Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Act - Title I: General Provisions - States that it is the purpose of the Act to establish an independent agency to receive, hold, and disburse moneys contributed to candidates for Federal elective office. Title II: Creation and Organization - Establishes as an agency of the United States an Office of Federal Campaign Contributions and Expenditures. States that the Office shall be under the control of the Federal Elections Commission. Defines the composition of the Federal Elections Commission. States how each member shall be chosen. Title III: Powers and Responsibilities - Sets forth the powers and responsibilities of the Office with regard to campaign funds. Title IV: Prohibitions and Penalties - Requires written authorization from the Office of Federal Campaign Contributions before a candidate may make any expenditure. Title V: Miscellaneous - Defines the duties, powers, and functions of the Comptroller General with regard to Federal elections.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1974
Requires reports accompanying each bill or joint resolution in the House of Representatives of a public character (except revenue measures) reported by a committee to contain estimates of the costs, to both public and nonpublic sectors, of carrying out the measure reported.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1974
Federal Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Act - Title I: General Provisions - States that it is the purpose of the Act to establish an independent agency to receive, hold, and disburse moneys contributed to candidates for Federal elective office. Title II: Creation and Organization - Establishes as an agency of the United States an Office of Federal Campaign Contributions and Expenditures. States that the Office shall be under the control of the Federal Elections Commission. Defines the composition of the Federal Elections Commission. States how each member shall be chosen. Title III: Powers and Responsibilities - Sets forth the powers and responsibilities of the Office with regard to campaign funds. Title IV: Prohibitions and Penalties - Requires written authorization from the Office of Federal Campaign Contributions before a candidate may make any expenditure. Title V: Miscellaneous - Defines the duties, powers, and functions of the Comptroller General with regard to Federal elections.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1974
Economic Opportunity Act Amendments - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the Office of Economic Opportunity. States that the Office shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the administration of the Office shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides for the extension of specified programs under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, including urban and rural community action programs, day care projects, and programs for community economic development. Authorizes appropriations of $1,440,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1975, and 1976, and 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1974
Economic Stabilization Act Amendments - Expresses the findings of Congress, including findings relating to the need to control inflation in the health care industry. Provides for mandatory controls with respect to the health care sector of the economy after April 30, 1974. Makes technical amendments to the requirements and objectives of the Economic Stabilization Program. Authorizes the enforcement after April 30, 1974, of the Cost of Living Council orders issued on or before that date that limit price or wage behavior for specified periods of time. Authorizes the continuation of controls over wages and salaries paid to executives for the remainder of the control period. Empowers the President to prescribe regulations to provide for the disposition after April 30, 1974, of any price or wage matters relating to periods prior to May 1, 1974. Authorizes the President to collect through reports, audits, recordkeeping requirements and hearings, as well as from existing government sources, such business and economic information as may be necessary. Authorizes the delegation of authority under the Act to State officials as well as to Federal officials. Eliminates the provisions exempting the members of the Pay Board and Price Commission from the requirement of Senate confirmation while retaining that exemption for the appointed member of the Construction Industry Stabilization Committee. Eliminates "rents, interest rates, corporate dividends or similar transactions" from the list of matters for which public hearings are to be held when changes are likely to have a significantly large impact upon the national economy. Revises, under the Economic Stabilization Act, the five Executive Level positions authorized under the Act. Provides for economic impact review of Federal programs and activities by the head of an existing agency for the purpose of determining the extent to which those programs and activities are contributing to the achievement of the policy set forth in the Economic Stabilization Act. Extends the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 to the end of 1975. Provides continued authorization for the National Commission on Productivity through the end of 1975. Reduces the Commission's authorized funding from $10,000,000 to $5,000,000 under the Economic Stabilization Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Urban Transport Data Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the identification, collection, analysis, and reporting of comprehensive, comparable, objective, and reliable data and information about the current status and changing trends of mobility in urban areas, and the operating and financial conditions of urban passenger and freight properties and carriers. Establishes within the Department of Transportation an Urban Transport Data Board consisting of three members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the purposes of the Board as to assist Federal, State, and local governments to: (1) determine adequate quality, safety, and quantity of all urban transport systems and services in urban areas; (2) support Federal, State, and local evaluations of the efficient performance of urban transport operations and services; (3) provide information by which urban transport properties can comparatively analyze and evaluate their own properties and procedures; and (4) provide factual information to assist governments in deciding allocations of public funds for assisting urban transport systems and services. Authorizes the Board to establish such rules, regulations, and procedures as are necessary to the exercise of its functions and to carry out the purposes for which it is created. Provides that the Board shall have the same powers as are vested in the Secretary of Transportation to hold hearings, assign and issue subpoenas, administer oaths, examine witnesses, and receive testimony at any place in the United States it may designate. Authorizes the appropriation each year, without fiscal year limitation, an amount not to exceed the higher of: (1) $8,000,000, or (2) one-quarter of 1 per cent of the total Federal funds committed during the preceding year for assistance to all forms of urban transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1974
Increases, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance), the amount of outside earnings which (subject to further increases under the automatic adjustment provisions) is permitted each year without any deductions from benefits. Revises the method for determining such amount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should evaluate the commodity requirements of the domestic economy to determine which commodities should be designated as in short supply for purposes of taxation of Domestic International Sales Corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Urban Mass Transportation Amendments Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to incur obligations on behalf of the United States for urban mass transportation in the form of grant agreements or otherwise in amounts not to exceed $7,400,000,000. States that of this sum, the Secretary shall apportion to the Governors of the fifty States and Puerto Rico and to the Mayor of the District of Columbia $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $900,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Declares that these amounts shall become available upon the effective date of this Act and shall remain available until obligated. Authorizes sums to be appropriated for liquidation of the obligation incurred under this Act not to exceed $1,260,000,000 prior to July 1, 1974, not to exceed an aggregate of $1,860,000,000 prior to July 1, 1975, and not to exceed an aggregate of $7,400,000,000 thereafter. Provides that administration reservations for grants authorized under this Act shall not exceed $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Declares that on the first day of fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977, the Secretary shall apportion the authorized sums to the Governors in the ratio which the population in urbanized areas, or parts thereof, as designated by the Bureau of the Census, in each State bears to the total population in such urbanized areas, or parts thereof, in all the States as shown by the latest available Federal census. Sets forth an allocation formula for such funds. Provides that sums apportioned to any Governor under this Act, shall be available for obligation by that Governor for a period of two years after the close of the fiscal year for which such sums are apportioned, and any amounts so apportioned remaining unobligated at the end of such period shall lapse and shall be returned to the Treasury of the United States for deposits as miscellaneous receipts. States that the Secretary may approve as a project under this Act, on such terms and conditions as he may prescribe: (1) the acquisition, construction, and improvement of facilities and equipment for use, by operation or lease or otherwise, in mass transportation service, (2) the payment of operating expenses to improve such service, and (3) mass transportation related projects. Declares that the Federal share payable on account of any project financed with funds available under this Act shall not exceed 80 percent of the cost of the project. Provides that funds available for the payment of operating expenses to improve mass transportation service shall be supplementary to and not in substitution for the average amount of the State and local government funds expended on the operation of mass transportation service for the two Federal fiscal years preceding the fiscal year for which the project was intended. Sets forth the procedure for approving programs under this Act including surveys, plans, specifications estimates, and public hearings. Permits the Secretary to discharge any of his responsibilities under this Act for projects upon the request of any Governor, by accepting a certification by the Governor, or his designee, if he finds projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws, regulations, directives, and standards establishing requirements at least equivalent to those contained in, or issued pursuant to, this Act. Provides that as soon as practicable after the plans, specifications, and estimates for a specific project have been approved, the Secretary shall enter into a formal project agreement with the Governor. Declares that the development of projects under this Act shall be based upon a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive planning process covering all modes of surface transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Declares it to be the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the canal and zone, and should in no way cede, dilute, forfeit, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, power, authority, jurisdiction, territory, or property that are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere; (2) that there be no relinquishment or surrender of any presently vested United States sovereign right, power, or authority or property, tangible or intangible, except by treaty authorized by the Congress and duly ratified by the United States; and (3) that there be no recession to Panama, or other divestiture of any United States-owned property, tangible or intangible, without prior authorization by the Congress (House and Senate), as provided in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Foreign Drug Abuse Information Act - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretary of State, to prepare a pamphlet which shall include: (1) a summary of the drug abuse laws of each major foreign country; and (2) an explanation of the assistance or lack of assistance that the United States Government can provide to a United States citizen arrested for a violation of the drug abuse laws of a foreign country. States that every water carrier, air carrier, and foreign air carrier shall distribute a copy of the pamphlet to each passenger boarding a plane or vessel operated by such carrier for transportation from a point within the United States or its territories or possessions to a point within a foreign country. Imposes civil penalties on carriers who violate the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Provides for the designation of the United States Courthouse and Federal Office Building at 110 Michigan Street, N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the "Gerald R. Ford Federal Office Building".
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Declares it to be the sense of the House that the President, acting in accordance with the announced policy of the United States Government to maintain Israel's deterrent strength, and under existing authority, should continue to transfer to Israel the Phantom aircraft and other equipment in the quantities needed by Israel to repel the attack and to offset the military equipment and supplies furnished to the Arab States by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations within sixty days of the date of enactment of this Act prohibiting any motor vehicle from being equipped with any starter interlock system associated with seatbelts or upper torso restraints.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1973
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the taxable year of $10 for each ton of post-consumer waste paper processed in the United States by the taxpayer during the taxable year into new commercially marketable pulp, paper, paperboard or other similar products.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Provides that the Secretary of Labor shall with respect to the applicability of standards established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act to small business concerns consider: (1) the distinction between small and large business concerns; (2) the applicability of each such standard on an industry-by-industry basis; and (3) where feasible and appropriate on the basis of the type of activity in each such industry, exceptions for business concerns. Requires the Secretary to establish simplified requirements for small business concerns designed to eliminate unnecessary and duplicative recordkeeping and reporting. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to the Select Committee on Small Business of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the steps taken to assure that small business concerns are not unintentionally injured economically as a result of standards imposed under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to visit the workplace of any small employer with 25 or fewer employees in order to afford consultation and advice to such employer. Requires such a visit to be made only upon a valid request. Requires the Secretary, upon discovering violations while on a visit, to issue written notice of such violation to the employer to make corrections within a reasonable time.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Emergency Medical Services Systems Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects which include both studying the feasibility of establishing and operating an emergency medical services system, and planning the establishment and operation of such a system. Requires that the reports of the results of any study and planning project assisted under this Act shall be submitted to the Secretary and the Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for the establishment and initial operation of emergency medical services systems. Sets forth the standards for such grants and contracts. States that, in considering applications which demonstrate exceptional need for financial assistance, the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications submitted for emergency medical services systems for rural areas. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services systems, including the acquisition of equipment and facilities, the modernization of facilities, and other projects to expand and improve such systems. States that the amount of any grant or contract under this section for a project shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of that project. Stipulates that the Secretary may make grants to public or private nonprofit entities, and enter into contracts with private entities and individuals, for the support of research in emergency medical techniques, methods, devices, and delivery. States that no grant may be made or contract entered into under this section for amounts in excess of $35,000, unless the application therefore has been recommended for approval by an appropriate peer review panel designated or established by the Secretary. Sets forth general provisions with respect to grants and contracts authorized under this Act. Establishes specified requirements for emergency medical services systems. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for grants and contracts made pursuant to this Act for the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976. Directs the Secretary to establish an Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services to evaluate the adequacy and technical soundness of all Federal programs and activities which relate to emergency medical services. Directs the Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary respecting the administration of contracts under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit annually to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, and nursing and training centers for allied health professions, and other appropriate educational entities to assist in meeting the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing emergency medical services. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making payments pursuant to grants and contracts under this section.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Extends for one year the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development with respect to the insurance of loans and mortgages under the Federal Housing Administration Insurance Programs. Extends the authorizations pursuant to the following programs relating to housing and urban development: (1) urban renewal, (2) model cities, (3) open-space land, (4) neighborhood facility grants, (5) rehabilitation loans, (6) new community development, and (7) rural housing.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that it shall be the policy of the United States that the Government of the United States shall cease forthwith all consideration of aid, trade, diplomatic recognition, or any other form of communication, travel, or accomodation with the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam or the Viet Cong until such time as agreements relating to facilitating the location and care of graves of the dead, exhumation, and repatriation of the remains have been complied with to the fullest extent.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report to the Congress on whether there is any necessity for establishing maximum charges for real estate settlement services. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, to develop and prescribe a standard form for the statement of settlement costs which shall be used as the standard real estate settlement form in all transactions in the United States which involve federally related mortgage loans. Requires such form to conspicuously and clearly itemize the charges imposed upon both the borrower and the seller in connection with the settlement. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute special booklets to help persons borrowing money to finance the purchase of residential real estate to better understand the nature and costs of real estate settlement services. Requires lenders to provide the booklet to each person from whom it receives an application to borrow money to finance the purchase of residential real estate. Requires lenders agreeing to make a federally related mortgage loan to provide to the prospective borrower, and to any officer or agency of the Federal Government proposing to insure, guarantee, supplement, or assist such loan, at least ten days prior to settlement, an itemized disclosure in writing of each charge arising in connection with such settlement. Prohibits any person from giving and accepting any fee, kickback, or thing of value pursuant to any agreement or understanding, oral or otherwise, involving a federally related mortgage loan. Prescribes limits on the amounts a lender, in connection with a federally related mortgage loan, shall require the borrower or prospective borrower to deposit in any escrow account which may be established in connection with such loan for the purpose of assuring payment of taxes and insurance premiums with respect to the property. Prohibits a lender from making any commitment for a federally related mortgage loan unless it has confirmed that the specified information has been disclosed in writing by the seller or his agent to the buyer. Directs the Secretary to establish and place in operation on a demonstration basis in various areas of the United States, a model system or systems for the recordation of land parcels in a manner and form calculated to facilitate and simplify land transfers and mortgage transactions and reduce the cost thereof. Authorizes and directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to conduct a study of escrow accounts maintained by lenders in connection with mortgage loans which require borrowers to make periodic prepayment of taxes, insurance, and other items with respect to residential real property, in order to determine the feasibility of requiring lenders to pay interest on such accounts. Establishes specified penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Federal Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Act - Title I: States that it is the purpose of the Act to establish an independent agency to receive, hold, and disburse moneys contributed to candidates for Federal elective office. Title II: Creation and Organization - Establishes as an agency of the United States an Office of Federal Campaign contributions and Expenditures. States that the Office shall be under the control of the Federal Elections Commission. Defines the composition of the Federal Elections Commission. States how each member shall be chosen. Title III: Powers and Responsibilities - Sets forth the powers and responsibilities of the Office with regard to campaign funds. Title IV: Prohibitions and Penalties - Requires written authorization from the Office of Federal Campaign Contributions before a candidate may make any expenditure. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for the violation of the Act. Title V: Miscellaneous - Defines the duties, powers, and functions of the Comptroller General with regard to Federal elections. Defines a "candidate for Federal elective office".
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1973
Declares that the House of Representatives congratulates Hank Aaron for his accomplishments both on and off the playing field, and wishes him the greatest of success in his epic attempt to surpass Babe Ruth's historic home run mark.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1973
Housing and Urban Development Amendments - Title I: New Community Development - Changes the name of the Community Development Corporation under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to the New Community Development Corporation. Authorizes supplementary grants under such Act for projects consisting of the purchase, renovation, or construction of facilities, the purchase of land, or the acquisition of equipment or works of art assisted by contracts or grants under the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965. Provides for the inclusion of waste disposal facilities and community or neighborhood heating or airconditioning systems among the presently eligible land improvements authorized under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970. Title II: State Development Agencies - States that it shall be the purpose of this title to encourage the formation of State development agencies having broad and flexible authority to carry out development activities designed to (1) provide housing and related facilities for persons and families of low and moderate income, (2) promote the sound growth and development of neighborhoods through the revitalization of slum and blighted areas, and (3) increase and improve employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed through the development and redevelopment of industrial, manufacturing, and commercial facilities. Provides that a State development agency shall be eligible for assistance under this title only if the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines that it is fully empowered and has adequate authority, acting as a large-scale developer, to carry out the purposes of this Act, including the authority to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of its interest in projects undertaken by it in carrying out the purposes of this title, to participate in programs or projects carried on by Federal, State, or local governments, to provide for the relocation of persons, families, business concerns, and nonprofit organizations displaced in carrying out its development activities, to exercise its powers and functions through subsidiaries established by it, and to establish community advisory committees to advise it concerning its proposed activities in any area. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee, and enter into commitments to guarantee, the bonds, debentures, notes, and other obligations issued by State development agencies to finance development activities as determined by him to be in furtherance of the purpose of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make such guarantees and enter into such commitments upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe, except that no obligation shall be guaranteed under this title if the income from such obligation is exempt from Federal taxation. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any State development agency the obligations of which are guaranteed under this title in amounts estimated by him not to exceed the difference between the interest paid on such obligations and the interest (as estimated by him) which would be paid under the interest rate (decreased by one-half of 1 percent) on similar obligations the income from which is exempt from Federal taxation. Provides that the aggregate principal amount of the obligations which may be guaranteed under this title and outstanding at any one time shall not exceed $500,000,000. Title III: Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan - Restricts the present limitations applicable to mortgages insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the National Housing Act. Title IV: Prohibition Against Discrimination in Extension of Mortgage Assistance - Provides that no federally-related mortgage loan, or Federal insurance, guaranty, or other assistance in connection therewith, shall be denied to any person on account of sex; and every person engaged in making mortgage loans secured by residential real property shall consider without prejudice the combined incomes of both husband and wife for the purpose of extending mortgage credit in the form of a federally-related mortgage loan to a married couple or either member thereof. Title V: Miscellaneous - Makes increases in the maximum mortgage amounts authorized under Federal Housing Administration one- to four-family mortgage insurance programs. Provides for the sale of housing projects by the Secretary for cooperatives. Provides that in the case of the sale of a housing project by the Secretary to a cooperative which will operate it on a nonprofit basis and restrict permanent occupancy of its dwellings to members, the purchase money mortgage accepted by the Secretary may be in a principal amount equal to the sum of (1) the appraised value of the property at the time of purchase, which value shall be based upon a mortgage amount on which the debt service can be met from the income of the property when operated on a nonprofit basis after payment of all operating expenses, taxes, and required reserves, and (2) the amount of prepaid expenses and costs involved in achieving cooperative ownership. Authorizes the Secretary, prior to such disposition of a project, to expend funds for necessary repairs and improvements to make the housing suitable for cooperative ownership.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1973
States that nothing in the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 shall prevent local governments from using amounts freed by revenue sharing for tax reduction. (Amends P.L. 92-512)
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1973
Telephone Privacy Act - Prohibits the making of unsolicited commercial telephone calls to persons who have notified their telephone company that they do not wish to receive such calls. Prescribes a $1,000 fine and/or thirty days imprisonment where at least ten written complaints of violations by any person have been received by the United States attorney in the judicial district.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1973
Repeals specified regulatory provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to filled cheese. Provides that the following property is subject to forfeiture and may be seized by the United States: (1) articles of adulterated butter knowingly purchased or received by any person from any manufacturer or importer who has not paid the special tax thereon; and (2) packages of oleomargarine subject to tax that are found without the required stamps or marks.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Alaskan Petroleum Transmission Act - Finds that, since energy sources are in short supply, the Congress should act to hasten recovery of underground petroleum on the North Slope of Alaska. Declares it to be the national policy that no decision be made for recovery of petroleum from the North Slope of Alaska until Congress has opportunity to review such plans. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a thorough study of the two principal alternative routes for recovering petroleum reserves from the North Slope of Alaska. Outlines such routes as: (1) a trans-Alaska pipeline from the North Slope to Valdez, Alaska, and then by ocean-going oil tanker taken to the west coast of the United States; and (2) an overland pipeland from the North Slope across northeastern Alaska and through Canada to the midwest section of the United States. Directs the comptroller to report his findings and conclusions to the Congress no later than January 1, 1974. Specifies the considerations to be used in making the study. Authorizes the Comptroller to enter into contracts with the National Academy of Sciences in conducting the study, and to secure information from any Federal department, agency or instrumentality. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to enter into negotiations with Canada to determine the feasibility of a right-of-way across Canadian territory for petroleum transmission facilities from the North Slope of Alaska. Directs the Secretary to report the results of their negotiations to the Congress and the Comptroller no later than December 1, 1973. Requires all reports to the Congress under this Act be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate. Prohibits any order or rule of the Secretary of the Interior , or any other Federal agency or officer of the United States, granting a right-of-way, easement, or special land use permit on any Federal land for the construction and operation of a pipeline for the transmission of petroleum from the North Slope in Alaska from taking effect until the 60-day period beginning on the date the Comptroller files his final report. Allows the Secretary to grant such right-of-way or easements after the 60-day period as he deems necessary for construction of a petroleum transmission system along a route determined by the Comptroller to be the better of two principal alternative routes, unless Congress has disapproved such a route by concurrent resolution. Allows such rights-of-way or easements be granted for such width as the Secretary determines necessary without regard to the National Environmental Policy Act. Provides that action of the Secretary under this section shall not be reviewable by any court of the United States or in any State court. Outlines the congressional procedure in making a concurrent resolution concerning the proposed route and in referring the matter to committee. Limits debate on the resolution to no more than 10 hours. Authorizes necessary funds to carry out the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Requires that future appointments to the offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Executive Director of the Domestic Council, Executive Secretary of the National Security Council, and Executive Director of the Council on International Economic Policy, shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Flood Disaster Protection Act - Title I: Expansion of National Flood Insurance Program - Increases, under the National Flood Insurance Act, to $35,000 the aggregate liability for any single-family dwelling, and to $100,000 for any residential structure containing more than one dwelling unit. Increases to $10,000 the aggregate liability per dwelling unit for any contents related to such unit. Increases to $100,000 the aggregate liability in the case of business properties which are owned, leased, and operated by small business concerns. Increases, in the case of any other properties which may become eligible for flood insurance coverage under the Act, to $100,000 the aggregate liability per unit for any contents related to such unit. Provides that no Federal office or agency shall approve any financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes for use in any area that has been identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as an area having special flood hazards and in which the sale of flood insurance is authorized under this Act, unless the building or mobile home and any personal property to which such financial assistance relates is, during the anticipated economic or useful life of the project, covered by flood insurance in an amount at least equal to its development or project cost or to the maximum limit of coverage authorized for the particular type of property under the Act, whichever is less. Removes the limit of outstanding notes and obligations that may be issued for purposes of financing the provisions of the Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4016) Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $10,000,000,000 the total authorized face amount of flood insurance outstanding and in force at any one time under the Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4026) Title II: Disaster Mitigation Requirements - Provides that no Federal officer or agency shall approve any financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes on and after July 1, 1975, for use in any area that has been identified by the Secretary as an area having special flood hazards unless the community in which such area is situated is then participating in the national flood insurance program. Provides that each Federal instrumentality responsible for the supervision, approval, regulation, or insuring of banks, savings and loan associations, or similar institutions shall by regulation prohibit such institutions on and after July 1, 1975, from making, increasing, extending, or renewing any loan secured by improved real estate or a mobile home located or to be located in an area that has been identified by the Secretary as an area having special flood hazards, unless the community in which such area is situated is then participating in the national flood insurance program. Repeals the disaster assistance penalty provision of the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes priority for establishment of conservation areas. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for consulting with appropriate local officials. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make special study on the improvement of land and facilities located in areas of special flood hazards. Title III: Appeals - Allows appeals to United States district courts of any community aggrieved by any action of the Secretary under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Provides that States may not have less strict standards with respect to marketing, labeling, packaging, and ingredient requirements than those made under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. (Amends 21 U.S.C. 678)
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
National Professions Foundation Act - Establishes the National Professions Foundation to promote progress in the professions. Establishes a National Endowment for the Professions administered by a chairman. Establishes the National Council on the Professions; headed by the Chairman and composed of the Chairman and twenty six other members. Provides that the Council shall advise the chairman and review applications for financial assistance under this Act. Establishes guidelines for selection of the Chairman and members of the National Council on the Professions, defines their duties, establishes their terms of office and determines their rates of compensation. Authorizes the following appropriation of funds to the Endowment: (1) for the fiscal year 1973, an amount not to exceed $2,500,000, (2) for the fiscal year 1974, an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 and (3) for the fiscal years 1975, 1976, 1977, an amount not to exceed $10,000,000. Authorizes for fiscal year 1978, and for each subsequent fiscal year, such sums as Congress may hereafter authorize to carry out the provisions of this Act relating to the chairman's functions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1973
Increases the limitation on the face amount of flood insurance coverage authorized to be outstanding under the Housing and Urban Development Act from $4,000,000,000 to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1973
Better Communities Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress and the purpose of this Act. Defines the terms used in the Act. Enumerates the community development activities for which a recipient may utilize shared Federal revenues provided under this Act. Requires the recipient, prior to receiving any funds, to prepare a final statement of community development objectives and projected use of funds for the fiscal year, and to provide the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development with a certification that the recipient is in full compliance with the public requirements and other provisions of this Act. Declares that within 60 days after the close of the fiscal year, the recipient shall make public and shall forward to the Secretary a report of the activities paid for during the fiscal year. Provides formulae for the allocation and distribution of funds. Permits loans to finance any community development activity. Prohibits, on the ground of race, color, national origin, or sex, discrimination under any program or activity funded under this Act, and provides the means of enforcement of this provision. Sets forth the labor standards to be observed. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate any urban renewel project being carrred out as soon as practicable after consultation with the agency carrying out the project and the chief executive of the locality in which it is located, and to effect a financial closeout as if the project had been fully completed on the termination date. Requires records, audits, and reports of revenues shared under this Act. Prohibits a Federal contribution, in addition to shared revenue funds, to recipients for costs incurred in providing relocation payments and assistance for those displaced by community development activities assisted under this Act. Includes remedies for noncompliance with this Act and authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations necessary to carry out the purposes and conditions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
National Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act - Title I: Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining - Legislative Findings and Purpose - Sets for the findings of the Act. States that the purpose of this title is to provide standards for the qualification of agricultural cooperative organizations for bargaining; to define the mutual obligation of handlers and agricultural cooperative organizations to bargain with respect to the production, sale, and marketing of agricultural products; and to provide for the enforcement of such obligations. Sets forth definitions of terms relating to the title. Establishes in the Department of Agriculture a National Agricultural Bargaining Board, which shall administer the provisions of the Act. Provides that the Board shall consist of three members to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the qualifications of those associations of producers which shall be entitled to the benefits of this title. Requires an association of producers to file with the Board a petition for qualification. Directs the Board to hold a public hearing and qualify such association if it finds that specified requirements are met. Provides that after qualification the Board shall give notice of such qualification to all known handlers that in the ordinary course of business, purchase the agricultural commodities that such association represents. Requires a qualified association to file annually a report to the Board. Provides that bargaining, as used in this title, is the mutual obligation of a handler and a qualified association to meet at reasonable times and negotiate in good faith with respect to the price, terms of sale, compensation for commodities produced under contract, and other contract provisions relative to the commodities that such qualified association represents and the execution of a written contract incorporating any agreement reached if requested by either party. Provides that such obligation on the part of any handler shall extend only to a qualified association that represents producers with whom such handler has had a prior course of dealing, and states that such obligation does not require either party to agree to a proposal or to make a concession. Requires a handler to be deemed to have had a prior course of dealing with a producer if such handler has purchased commodities produced by such producer in any two of the preceding five years. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to prohibit a qualified bargaining association from entering into contracts with handlers to supply the full agricultural production requirements of such handlers. Makes it unlawful for a handler to negotiate with other producers of a product with respect to the price, terms of sale, compensation for commodities produced under contract, and other contract provisions relative to such product while negotiating with a qualified bargaining association able to supply all or a substantial portion of the requirements of such handler for such product. Makes it unlawful for a handler to purchase a product from other producers under terms more favorable to such producers than those terms negotiated with a qualified bargaining association for such product. Authorizes enforcement of orders and provides for judicial review in any United States Court of Appeals. Provides that the Board shall, at all reasonable times, have access to and the right to copy evidence relating to any person or action under investigation by it in connection with any refusal to bargain. Empowers the Board to administer oaths and to issue subpenas requiring the attendance of witnesses or the production of evidence. Provides that in case of a refusal to obey a subpena issued to any person, the district court, upon application by the Board, shall have jurisdiction to order such person to appear before the Board to produce evidence or to give testimony touching the matter under investigation, and any failure to obey such order may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof. Provides that no person shall be excused from attending and testifying or from producing books, records, correspondence, documents, or other evidence in obedience to the subpena of the Board, on the ground that the testimony or evidence required of him may tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture. Provides that no individual shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he is compelled, after having claimed his privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, except that such individual so testifying shall not be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying. Title II: Assignment of Association Fees - Provides that if any producer of a farm product voluntarily executes and causes to be delivered to a handler, either as a clause in a sales contract of other instrument in writing, a notice of assignment of dues or fees to a qualified association directly representing the specific product involved, by which the handler is directed to deduct a sum from the price to be paid for such product and to pay the same over to such association as dues or fees for the producer, then such handler shall deduct the amount authorized from the price to be paid for any farm product being sold by any such producer and pay said amount over to the qualified association as assignee. Provides that no provision which is inserted in any contract that is prepared by a handler which makes ineffective an assignment of the dues described in this title is valid. Provides that an assignment of dues or fees may not exceed 2 percent of the total value of the product which is delivered by the producer to the handler. Title III: Marketing Orders - Provides that notwithstanding any of the commodity, product, area, or approval exceptions or limitations, any agricultural commodity or product (except canned or frozen products) thereof, or any regional or market classification thereof, shall be eligible for an order, exempt from any special approval required by the preceding sections, if after a referendum of the affected producers of such commodity the Secretary finds that a majority of such producers voting in such referendum favor making such commodity or product thereof, or the regional or market classification thereof specified in the referendum, eligible for an order. Provides that such referendum shall not be required for any commodity or product for which an order otherwise is authorized and for which no special approval or area limitation is specified therein.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Broadens the provisions of existing law relating to the care and treatment of animals to cover common carriers and retail pet stores, and to cover any bird when used in connection with a retail pet store. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2132(f) (g)) Provides that the standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture under such provisions of law for the humane treatment of animals shall apply with respect to the facilities of any person licensed under such provisions of law and also to terminal facilities used by any common carrier licensed thereunder. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2143)
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Allows a tax deduction from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 for expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child by the taxpayer. Limits such tax deduction to $750.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Congressional Spending Power Act - Prohibits the President from impounding any funds appropriated by law unless he transmits to both the House of Representatives and the Senate a special message specifying: the amount of funds to be impounded; the specific projects affected thereby; and the reason for the impounding of such funds. Requires the Congress to approve or consider the specific impounding of funds within thirty calendar days of continuous session after the special message is received by the Congress or the impounding of funds shall be deemed to have been refused. Specifies procedures for the consideration by the Congress of the President's special message.
![Official portrait of Rep. Brown, Garry E. [R-MI-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000917_200.jpg)