United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance), that increases in monthly insurance benefits (whether occurring by reason of increases in the cost of living or enacted by law) shall not be considered as annual income for purposes of the following benefit programs: dependency and indemnity compensation to parents of a deceased veteran, pension for non-service-connected disability or death or for service, and the Veterans' Pension Act of 1959.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for reductions in Social Security taxes relating to the rate of tax on self-employment income for purposes of old-age, survivors, and disability insurance. States that such reductions shall apply in the case of taxes imposed with respect to self-employment income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974, and with respect to wages paid or received during calendar years after 1974. Provides for Federal participation in the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act. Increases the earnings counted for benefit and tax purposes under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Designates specified lands in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Carolina within the National Wildlife Refuge System as wilderness areas. Designates specified lands in California and Montana within the National Forest System as wilderness areas. Provides that all primitive area classifications of areas herein designated as wilderness are abolished. Provides that the wilderness areas designated by this Act shall be goverened by the appropriate provisions of the Wilderness Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Internal Revenue Commission Act - Establishes an independent commission to be known as the Internal Revenue Commission, the principal office of which shall be in the District of Columbia. Provides that all the functions with respect to the administration and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 which, immediately prior to the date that this Act takes effect, were performed by the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, or any other officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury are transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission. Provides that the transfer of functions under this Act shall not affect any act done or any right accruing or accrued before such transfer. States that so much of the positions, personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Department of the Treasury which, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, were employed, held, used, or available or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred by this Act shall be transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Provides that every person or body politic including the District of Columbia who subjects any person under the jurisdiction of the United States to the deprivation of any Constitutional right, privilege, or immunity, shall be liable to the party injured.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Provides that such borad shall be composed of four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the director of the center ex officio. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Includes, under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, breast prosthesis among the items and services for which payment may be made under the present supplementary medical insurance program of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Prohibits sterilizations which are financed by Federal funds on any person who is under eighteen years of age unless such sterilization is indispensable to prevent a serious threat to a patient's physical health.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop ground propulsion systems which are energy conserving, have clean emission characteristics, and are capable of being produced in large numbers at a reasonable mass production per unit cost. Requires that such ground propulsion systems must meet or better all air quality standards set by or under the National Emission Standards Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Air Quality Act of 1967, while substantially reducing per mile energy consumption. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act not to exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate for the fiscal years 1974 through 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 4 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 · 30 January 1974
Disallows, under the Internal Revenue Code, percentage depletion deductions on foreign oil and gas wells, tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs for foreign oil or gas wells, and tax credits for income, war profits, or excess profits tax paid or accrued which is attributable to income from foreign oil or gas wells. Allows a tax deduction for excess profits taxes imposed by foreign countries to the extent a credit is denied for such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Authorizes increased production of petroleum from the Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve at a rate to help insure that the needs of national defense are met, but not to exceed the maximum efficient rate in accordance with sound engineering and economic principles. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the production herein authorized by means of sales effected by competitive bid. Provides that full and equal opportunity for acquisition of the oil shall be accorded to all interested companies, including major and independent oil refineries alike. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account. States that funds in the Account shall be available for the expenses of: (1) production, including preparation for production, as authorized by this resolution and as may hereafter be authorized; (2) all capital costs necessary for facilities both within and outside the reserve incident to production and delivery of crude petroleum; and (3) exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum and shale oil reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act - States that, within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, each county shall elect whether it wishes to proceed under the terms of this Act to receive payments from the Federal Government equal to the real property taxes otherwise due from public lands within such county, or to continue to receive whatever payments such county is entitled to receive under any existing applicable Federal law providing for Federal payments for such county similar to those available under this Act or for payment to such county of part of the revenue derived from such public land. Establishes procedures for the appraisal of public lands. Provides that when any county within a State has elected to proceed under the terms of this Act, there shall be established for that State a State board of appraisal appeal. Provides that each board shall consider and decide any appeal from a county within the State relating to the appraisal of public land within such county. States that decisions of the board shall not be subject to judicial review unless arbitrary or capricious. States that, begining in the first complete fiscal year after the acceptance of such appraisal by both the county involved and the Administrator, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to pay annually to the State in which such county is located an amount equivalent to the State, county, and local real property taxes on public lands within such county, based on the tax rate applicable to similar private lands at the value arrived at under the appraisal conducted under this Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall interfere with the right of State or local governments to levy possessory interests taxes on private owners of improvements made by private users on public lands. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to administer this Act and to make the payments authorized by it.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Makes it the sense of the House that, during the period pending consideration and action by the Senate upon the bill H.R. 10710, as introduced in the first session of the Congress, cited as the "Trade Reform Act of 1973" and as amended and passed by the House, no loan, guarantee, insurance, or credit shall be extended by the Export-Import Bank of the United States to any nonmarket economy country (other than any such country whose products are eligible for column 1 tariff treatment on the date of the enactment of this resolution), and no such country shall participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act - Title I: Programs Downstream from Imperial Dam - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to proceed with a program of works of improvement for the enhancement and protection of the quality of water available in the Colorado River for use in the United States and the Republic of Mexico, in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to construct, operate, and maintain a desalting complex, including: (1) a desalting plant to reduce the salinity of drain water from the Wellton-Mohawk division of the Gila project, Arizona, (2) the necessary appurtenant works including the intake pumping plant system, product waterline, power transmission facilities, and permanent operating facilities; (3) the necessary extension of the existing bypass drain to carry the reject stream from the desalting plant and other drainage waters to the Santa Clara Slough in Mexico, subject to arrangements made pursuant to this Act; (4) replacement of the metal flume in the existing main outlet drain extension with a concrete siphon; (5) reduction of irrigation return flows through acquisition of lands to reduce the size of the division, and irrigation efficiency improvements to limit return flows; and (6) regulation of Gila River floodwaters entering the division, including possible acquisition of private lands above Painted Rock Dam in Arizona. Provides that the desalting plant shall be designed to reduce the salinity of approximately one hundred and twenty-nine million gallons a day of drain water by a membrance process using advanced technology commercially available. Requires that the Secretary shall use sources of electric power supply for the desalting complex that will not diminish the supply power to preference customers from Federal power systems operated by the Secretary. Authorizes the appropriation of $153,500,000 to accomplish the purposes of this title. Title II: Measures Upstream from Imperial Dam - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the salinity control policy adopted for the Colorado River in the "Conclusions and Recommendations" published in the Proceedings of the Reconvened Seventh Session of the Conference in the Matter of Pollution of the Interstate Waters of the Colorado River and Its Tributaries in the States of California, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, held in Denver, Colorado, on April 26-27, 1972, under the authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $121,200,000 to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Oil Shale Mining and Energy Corporation Act - Creates the "Oil Shale Mining and Energy Corporation" to establish and administer on Federal land a national program of oil shale exploration and development. Provides that the Corporation shall have a Board of Directors appointed by the President with Senate approval, such board to direct the exercise of all the powers of the Corporation. Provides that the Corporation: (1) may make contracts to carry out its functions under this Act: (2) may purchase, lease, or dispose of such property as it deems necessary; (3) shall have the power to exercise the right of eminent domain; (4) shall have such power as may be necessary for the exercise of the powers specifically conferred in this Act; (5) shall have the power to acquire or dispose of real property except for oil or gas exploration and development; (6) shall have the power to explore for oil shale on Federal lands, to develop and sell oil and gas and other oil shale products produced on Federal lands, and to build and operate all those facilities necessary for the development or sales of such resources, as authorized by this Act; (7) shall have the power to explore, develop, acquire or sell oil and gas and other oil shale products alone or on a joint or cooperative basis with any private or public entity; (8) shall have the power to engage in research directed toward the development and utilization of oil shale deposits on Federal lands, and may build, own, and operate research testing, or demonstration facilities, alone or on a joint or cooperative basis with any private or other public entity; (9) shall have the power to obtain and operate facilities necessary for the production, sale, transportation, or delivery of oil, gas, or other shale products; and (10) shall have the power to sell commercially valuable minerals which may be obtained incidental to the production of oil shale products on Federal lands. Authorizes the President of the United States to transfer to the Corporation the use, possession, and control of such other Federal land or personal property of the United States as he may from time to time deem necessary. Specifies, with respect to the Corporation, procedures for maintaining accounts, entering into contracts, and providing annual financial statements and reports. Provides for audit, by the Comptroller General, of the transactions of the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to lease, purchase, or construct transmission pipelines within transmission distance from the place where oil and gas products from oil shale on Federal lands are produced and to interconnect with other systems. Authorizes and directs the Board of Directors of the Corporation,, in order to render financial assistance to States and local governments within whose jurisdiction the Corporation has acquired properties previously subject to State and local taxation, to pay to such State and local governments percentages of the gross proceeds derived from the operation of the Corporation. Provides that such payments are in lieu of taxation and that the Corporation, its property, franchises, and income are expressly exempted from taxation in any manner by any State or local government. Authorizes the Corporation to issue and sell bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness in order to assist in financing its oil shale resources exploration and development program and to fund such bonds. Provides criteria for setting of rates for sale of oil shale products by the Corporation. Provides that all net proceeds (over expenses) of the Corporation for each fiscal year shall be deposited in the American Indian Fund, such Fund to be created in the Treasury of the United States. Provides for the allocation of such Fund to eligible Indian tribes by the Secretary of Interior under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act. Directs that, prior to the initiation of any program of exploration or the construction of any major facility under this Act, the Corporation shall prepare an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, such statement to be made public. Provides that hearings be held to allow interested persons to submit comments on the statement. Prohibits the Corporation from using surface mining techniques for the exploration or development of oil shale resources. Authorizes the appropriation to the Corporation for each fiscal year of all sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Requires the Secretary of Defense to take such action as is necessary to insure that any member of the Armed Forces who is discharged shall receive a discharge certificate which shall indicate that such member was so discharged and which shall not bear any indication of the conditions under which such separation occured. States that the reason why such member was so separated (other than by reason of discharged dismissal pursuant to a sentence of a general or special court-martial) and all other records or documents pertaining to such reason or reasons shall be treated as confidential and shall not be made known to or otherwise released to any private person or any public agency (whether Federal, State, or local) without the prior written consent of the member concerned. Sets forth the conditions under which an enlisted member of the Armed Forces may be discharged under other than honorable conditions. Establishes procedures for military review panels in considering the dishonorable discharge of enlisted personnel. Requires military review panels to conduct hearings which afford the enlisted member concerned an opportunity to: (1) appear before the panel and present evidence in his own behalf; (2) be represented by counsel; (3) confront the witnesses against him; and (4) examine documentary and real evidence against him. States that the recommendation of a review panel appointed under the provisions of this Act for separation under other than honorable conditions may be appealed to an appeal board established by the Judge Advocate General concerned, or the General Counsel of the Department of Transportation, as appropriate. Authorizes the Secretaries concerned to prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretaries concerned, after consultation with the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, to establish such number (but not less than ten) of regional boards of review throughout the United States. States that the function of the regional boards shall be to reveiw the discharge or dismissal (other than a discharge or dismissal by a general or special court-martial) of any former member of an Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the military department concerned. Provides that if a request for the review of a discharge or dismissal of any person who was discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces within the fifteen-year period immediately preceding the effective date of this subsection was filed before such effective date and such review resulted in no change to the discharge or dismissal, or no new discharge was issued, another request for review of that discharge or dismissal pursuant to this section may be filed and such review shall be acted upon without prejudice, if such request for reveiw is filed with the appropriate regional board of review within the one-year period immediately following such effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1973
Solar Energy Act - Requires that the Secretary of Commerce shall conduct research into how solar energy can be used to heat and cool buildings and shall collect appropriate weather data for the various climatic regions of the United States for the purpose of determining the extent to which reliance upon solar energy is feasible in each region. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and test new building designs and construction methods which involve the utilization of solar energy equipment; and (2) prescribe standards and specifications for such building designs and construction methods. States that in determining the maximum dollar amount of a mortgage which may be insured under the National Housing Act, with respect to any dwelling or residence which involves a building design or construction methods which meet the standards prescribed by the Secretary, he may increase the maximum amount of a mortgage which may be insured with respect to such dwelling or residence by the amount by which the cost of using such building design or construction methods exceeds the cost of using conventional building design and construction methods.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Geneva Protocal of 1925 should be immediately ratified and that a comprehensive review of this Nation's national security and international policies regarding chemical warfare should be undertaken.
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 · 30 November 1973
Emergency National Maximum Highway Speed Limit Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to refuse approval of Federal funding of specified projects in any State which has (1) a maximum speed limit on any public highway within its jurisdiction in excess of 55-miles-per-hour, and (2) a speed limit other than 55-miles-per-hour on any portion of any public highway within its jurisdiction which had a speed limit of 55 miles, or more, per hour on November 1, 1973, and (3) maximum speed limits which are not uniformly applicable to all types of motor vehicles using a highway, except that a different speed limit may be established for any vehicle operating under a special permit because of any weight or dimension of such vehicle, including any load thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1973
Freedom of Access for the Elderly and Handicapped Act - Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code, a deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1973
Directs the Administrator of General Services to insure that design criteria for new Federally funded buildings provide for the best practicable use and conservation of energy. Provides that the Administrator shall consider: (1) features that make use of sunlight; (2) insulation and elimination of excessive fenestration; (3) energy expended in the manufacture and transportation of building materials; and (4) new techniques for energy supply, generation, and transmission. Provides that the Administrator of General Services shall examine existing buildings to determine what improvements can be made to insure the conservation of energy. Authorizes appropriations of $1,500,000 for carrying out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserves can only be mined by underground methods. States that the purpose of the Act is to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Control of Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires surface coal mining operations to comply with the following requirements: (1) on steep slopes no debris or soil may be placed on the downslope, except soil from the initial cut, provided that the soil is shaped and graded to prevent slides, erosion, and water pollution, and is revegetated; (2) preservation of topsoil after excavation; (3) stabilization of mine wastes, including safety in retention of water wastes; and (4) minimal disturbance of the hydrologic balance at the minesite. Requires compliance with such standards 90 days after enactment for mines where overburden hasn't been removed. Requires, within 150 days of enactment, Federal enforcement of such standards until State standards are accepted, such enforcement to include mine inspection. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 24 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, state laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, six months after approval of a State program, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for five years, has been issued. States that permit applications must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act, assurance that reclamation can be achieved, and that post-mining land use will be compatible with surrounding uses; and that permits won't be issued for land within 300 feet of occupied dwelling or within a park. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Allows renewal of permits. Establishes general performance standards requiring: (1) extraction of coal sufficient to prevent future need for re-excavating the land; (2) restoration of the land to a condition to which it can support previous uses; (3) keeping reclamation current with mining operations; (4) restoration of approximate original contour of the land; (5) safety measures in dam construction and non-degradation of water quality in streams below dams; (6) restoration of topsoil and vegetation; and (7) limitations and mandatory notices on use of explosives. Differentiates standards for steep-slope and flat terrain mining. Authorizes only one-year permits for steep-slope mining. Allows exceptions to reclamation standards where a post mining use of the land differs from previous use, is appropriate, and begins within three years. Calls for regulations of underground coal mining that requires: (1) backfilling all mine wastes and tailings into mine voids, where possible; (2) permanent underground mine support; (3) sealing of entrances; (4) contouring and revegetation of wastes and tailings; and (5) safety standards in dam construction. Directs mine operators to have remedial programs to eliminate polluting discharge. Requires permit applicants to give notice to public bodies in the local area of their plans, and for such bodies to make public their comments. Gives any person with a valid legal interest the right to object to a proposed surface mining and reclamation operation. Allows public hearings on such objections. Establishes procedures for such hearings. Demands that permit applicants, whose permits have been approved, post performance bonds to assure that the requirements of this Act are met. States that such bonds shall not be less than $10,000. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Prohibits suspension or revocation of a permit except with time for permitee to correct his violations and public hearing, if requested, provided that emergency threats to public health or the environment may justify suspension of permit subject to determination later if violation has occurred. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Allows, where State regulatory authorities don't exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of violations of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Requires civil penalties upon violators of this Act or regulations under it. Permits any person to bring civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Empowers district courts to require the regulatory authority to enforce nondiscretionary duties under the Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Authorizes grants to Indian tribes to assist in development and administration of a mining control program for tribal lands. Allows an Indian tribe to have the Secretary administer its program under this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet certain criteria, including some long-existing and especially deep mines. Title III: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands, for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines, and for the Secretary of Agriculture to use in entering agreements with landowners and tenants providing for control and prevention of erosion. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land and to transfer it the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining use of reclaimed land. Title IV: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title V: A Program for Non-Coal Mine Environmental Impact Control - Requires States to implement programs for designation of lands unsuitable for mining minerals other than coal. Title VI: Appropriation Authorization; Definitions; and General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; $40,000,000 initially to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; and for research and demonstration projects, $5,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and for each fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes grants to States for developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Gives the President power to suspend for 90 days any requirement of this Act concerning surface mining reclamation operations if a national emergency exists. Requires written permission of landowners, where different from underlying mineral owners, to mine or reclaim land. Title VII: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute, center, or equivalent agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation each year of $5,000,000 for the next seven fiscal years for specific projects in such institutes. Authorizes appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and a sum increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year thereafter for grants and contracts for other research into aspects of mining and mineral resources problems. Calls for the Secretary to appoint an advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Rape Prevention and Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of specified areas, including: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; (4) the causes of rape; and (5) sexual assaults in correctional institutions. Provides that the Center shall compile and publish annually a summary of its findings. Directs the Center to develop an information clearinghouse with regard to enumerated materials regarding rape and rehabilitation of offenders. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Provides that the Secretary, through the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape, shall make grants to community mental health centers, nonprofit private organizations, and public agencies for the purpose of conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him on matters relating to rape prevention and control.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate the Mulholland National Scenic Parkway in the State of California. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
Escrow Account System Improvement Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act, recognizing that the escrow system is a valuable asset to borrowers, lenders, and local taxing authorities alike, to preserve and strengthen such system to the maximum extent possible while eliminating the inequities and abuses which have too often kept it from being fully effective. Requires an escrow account to be established in connection with any federally related mortgage loan if, at the time the loan is made or at any time thereafter, either the borrower or the lender requests it. States that any such account shall be continuously maintained (without any right on the part of the borrower to withdraw any part thereof) until the borrower has fully discharged his obligation under the loan. Provides that whenever the borrower in connection with a federally related mortgage loan has acquired an equity of at least 20 percent in the property covered by the loan and enters into an agreement to maintain a savings account with a balance equal to assessments, and hazard insurance premiums: (1) the lender shall no longer have the right to require the establishment of an escrow account in connection with such loan, and (2) the borrower shall have the right to terminate any escrow account theretofore established in connection with such loan. States that on each deposit in an escrow account which is made, in connection with a federally related mortgage loan, to a bank, interest shall be paid from the date of deposit to the date of withdrawal at a rate not less than the rate then prevailing for loans by Federal Reserve banks to member banks in the district where the property involved is situated. Sets forth limitations on requirements by lenders of advance deposits in escrow accounts of taxes and insurance premiums. Provides that payments of taxes and insurance premiums by the lender from any escrow account in connection with a federally related mortgage loan shall be made at such times and in such manner as will insure that the borrowers receive the maximum benefit of any discounts and other financial considerations which may be allowed or provided in the jurisdiction where the escrow account is being held.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate, support and carry out basic and applied research and development in solar heating and cooling technologies. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings under the monitoring of the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Bureau of Standards and in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Defense. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas (not less than three) in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
National Fuels and Energy Conservation Act - Title I: Declares that it is in the national interest for, and shall be the continuing policy of, the Federal Government to foster and promote comprehensive national fuels and energy conservation programs and practices in order to slow the rate of growth of energy consumption, assure adequate supplies of energy and fuels for necessary uses, reduce energy waste, preserve natural resources, and protect the environment. Title II: Establishes in the Department of the Interior an Office of Energy Conservation to be headed by a Director appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) review and appraise the various programs, policies, and activities of the Federal Government in the light of the policy set forth in title I of this Act, for the purpose of determining the extent to which such programs and activities are contributing to the achievement of such policy, and to make recommendations to the President with respect thereto; (2) in cooperation with the Council on Environmental Quality, develop and recommend to the President national policies to foster and promote a national policy of energy conservation as set forth in title I of this Act; (3) make and furnish such studies and recommendations with respect to matters of policy and legislation as the President may request; (4) gather and present authoritative data concerning current and prospective energy use, analyze such information for the purpose of determining whether such conditions and trends are interfering, or are likely to interfere with the achievement of the purposes and policy of this Act, and compile and submit to the President studies relating to such conditions and trends; (5) conduct investigations, studies, surveys, research, and analyses concerning amounts and patterns of energy consumption, and current and potential means for energy conservation; (6) cooperate with private industry in developing energy conservation programs in industry; (7) provide assistance to State governments in developing State energy conservation programs; (8) conduct educational programs to foster public awareness of the need for and opportunities for energy conservation; and (9) prepare an annual report to the President and the Congress on his activities and the activities of other Federal agencies in implementing the purposes and objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Provides that a committee be appointed to go before the Senate and impeach President Richard Nixon of high crimes and misdemeanors. Sets forth articles in maintenance and support of such impeachment, including the following: (1) that he has not complied with an order by the U.S. Court of Appeals to relinguish custody of certain tapes, documents, and other materials; and (2) that with the intent to obstruct the process of justice he ordered Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox removed from his position.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Social Services Amendments - Outlines the objectives to be achieved under this Act, including: (1) the goal of self-support; (2) the goal of family care or self-care; (3) the goal of community-based care; and (4) the institutional care goal. Provides, under the Social Security Act, for maximum freedom for each State to determine which services will be made available, the persons eligible for such services, the manner in which such services are provided, and any limitations on the receipt of such services. Requires that social services to be offered at the option of the States to all eligible persons shall include: (1) day care services for children; (2) day care services for children with special needs; (3) service for children in foster care; (4) protective services for children; (5) family planning services; (6) protective services for adults; (7) services for adults in foster care; (8) homemaker services for individuals in their own homes; (9) chore services; (10) home delivered or congregate meals; (11) day care services for adults; (12) health related services; (13) home management and other functional education services; (14) housing improvement services; (15) a full range of legal services; (16) transportation services necessary to travel to and from community facilities or resources for receipt of services; (17) educational and training services; (18) employment services; (19) information, referral, and determination of eligibility and the need for services, without regard to individual eligibility criteria; (20) special services for the mentally retarded, or special adaptations of generic services; (21) special services for the blind; (22) services for alcoholism and drug addiction; (23) special services for the emotionally disturbed as defined by the State; (24) special services for the physically handicapped as defined by the State; and (25) any other proposed services at the request of a State. Provides that States are entitled to Federal financial participation for the delivery of mandatory and optional social services under the State plan to the extent of the appropriations allocated by the Congress. Requires that State plans submitted with respect to the services program shall contain a provision for a fair hearing, under which applicants and recipients may appeal exclusion from a service program. Provides that State plans shall provide for the establishment of a social services advisory committee, to include members representative of recipients of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1973
Authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000, $175,000,000, and $200,000,000 for fiscal years 1975-1977, respectively for the nutrition program for the aged under title VII of the Older American Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
National Landloard-Tenant Act - Title I: National Landlord and Tenant Commission - Establishes the National Landlord and Tenant Commission. States that the Commission shall: (1) conduct and commission a study of landlord and tenant problems in the United States and review the implementation of the provisions of this Act; (2) submit to the President and to Congress such interim and final reports it deems appropriate; (3) publish the results of the investigations, studies, and research conducted under authority of this title; (4) make grants to the States for the establishment and maintenance of housing courts, and develop regulations concerning a review system for such grants; (5) develop model lease and rental agreement forms for use in transactions between the landlord and the tenant; and (6) establish rules and guidelines for the purpose of implementing and enforcing this Act. Requires the Commission to the extent practicable, to utilize the services of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and all other Government agencies dealing with housing problems. Title II: Housing Courts - Authorizes the National Landlord-Tenant Commission to make grants to the States for the purpose of establishing and operating housing courts. Directs the Commission, within one hundred eighty days after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate standards for landlord-tenant dispute settlement procedures. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1974, and June 30, 1975 in order to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title III: Landlord-Tenant Act - States that this Act applies to, regulates, and determines rights, obligations, and remedies under a rental agreement, applicable to all rental units in the United States. Provides that housing courts of the States and all other appropriate courts of general jurisdiction may exercise jurisdiction over any landlord or tenant within their jurisdiction with respect to any conduct governed by this Act or with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to this Act. Title IV: Provisions of the Rental Agreement - States that a landlord and a tenant may include in a rental agreement terms and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law, including rent, term of the agreement, and other provisions governing the rights, obligations, and remedies of the parties. Provides that in the absence of agreement or legislation fixing the amount of rent the tenant shall pay pursuant to this Act, the tenant shall pay as rent the fair rental value for the use and occupancy of the dwelling unit. Title V: Landlord Obligations - Requires every landlord to: (1) comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes; (2) make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition; (3) keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; (4) provide and maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, locks, and other existing facilities such as elevators, steps, and fire safety equipment supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord; (5) provide and maintain appropriate and convenient receptacles for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for its removal; and (6) supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat based on geographic location. Requires the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his behalf to disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy the name and address of: (1) the person authorized to manage the premises, and (2) the owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for the purpose of service of process and for the purpose of receiving and receipting complaints, notices, and demands. Title VI: Tenant Obligations - States that the tenant shall: (1) comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building and housing codes; (2) Keep that part of the premises that he occupies and uses as clean and safe as the condition of the premises permit; (3) keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or those used by the tenant as clean as their condition permits; (4) use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances including elevators on the premises; (5) not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises or knowingly permit any person to do so; (6) regularly dispose from his dwelling unit all ashes, rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and safe manner; and (7) conduct himself and require other persons on the premises with his consent to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb his neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of the premises. Title VII: Landlord Remedies - Sets forth landlord's remedies for: (1) tenant's nonpayment of rent; (2) tenant's refusal to allow lawful access; and (3) tenant's abandonment. Makes provisions for landlord's remedies after the termination of the rental agreement. Title VIII: Tenant Remedies - Establishes tenant remedies for the landlord's: (1) violation of housing codes or the rental agreement; (2) failure to deliver possession; and (3) abuse of access. Title IX: Procedures for Contesting Allegations of Breach - Establishes procedures for both the landlord and the tenant to contest any allegations of a breach of the provisions of this Act or the rental agreement. Title X: Miscellaneous - States that if any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or application of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Special Prosecution Conservancy Act - Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with supervisory jurisdiction to issue and enforce all orders necessary and appropriate to insure the integrity and inviolability of all files, notes, correspondence, memoranda, documents, physical evidence, and other records and work product compiled, obtained, or otherwise produced and maintained by the office of Special Prosecutor from the date of assumption of that office on May 24, 1973, until the appointment of a successor Special Prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court with authority to appoint a Special Prosecutor for the purposes and with the powers set forth in this Act, and to replace such officer only for extraordinary improprieties in the exercise of his responsibilities. Sets forth the authority and responsibilities of the Special Prosecutor. States that the prosecutor shall have exclusive authority to conduct all grand jury presentments and all other criminal proceedings arising from the following acts or transactions: (1) offenses arising out of the unauthorized entry into Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the Watergate; (2) offenses arising out of the 1972 Presidential election; (3) allegations of criminal offenses involving the President, members of the White House Staff, or other Presidential appointees; and (4) such other matters as bear a relation to the foregoing and which the Special Prosecutor consents to accept. Sets forth powers of the Special Prosecutor, including: (1) the power to determine whether and how far to contest the assertion of executive privilege or any other testimonial or evidentiary privilege, and (2) the power to decide whether or not to prosecute any person and how to conduct and argue any appeals or petitions arising out of his prosecutorial activities. Authorizes the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to extend the term of the Grand Jury of that Court which was impaneled on June 5, 1972, for additional periods of six months, until the court determines that the business of that Grand Jury has been completed. Authorizes to be appropriated to the office of the Special Prosecutor such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Directs the Committee on the Judiciary to inquire into and investigate whether grounds exist for the impeachment of Richard M. Nixon, and to report its findings to the House with such resolutions or articles of impeachment deemed proper.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
Provides that President Richard M. Nixon be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors under Article 2, section 4 of the Constitution. Sets forth articles maintaining the impeachment against him, including: (1) that he has defied an order of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to produce for inspection of the court certain tapes, documents, and other materials requested by Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox; (2) that he has invaded the first amendment rights of citizens of the United States by establishing within the White House a personal secret police, operating outside the restraints of the Law, which engaged in criminal acts including burglaries, wiretaps, espionage, and perjury; and (3) that he was either fully aware of or criminally negligent about violations of Federal law in the collection and illegal use of campaign funds to insure his reelection in November, 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
States that the increases in the monthly benefits and lump sum death payments under title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act shall be increased by 7 percent beginning January 1974 (presently increased by the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for June 1973 exceeds that for June 1972, beginning April 1974.)
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Declares it to be the sense of the House that the President, acting in accordance with the announced policy of the United States Government to maintain Israel's deterrent strength, and under existing authority, should continue to transfer to Israel the Phantom aircraft and other equipment in the quantities needed by Israel to repel the attack and to offset the military equipment and supplies furnished to the Arab States by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should undertake the immediate delivery of aircraft and other equipment to Israel. Provides for the delivery, on loan, of aircraft and other equipment to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Title I: Emergency Rural Housing Act - Presents the finding of the Congress that there are millions of substandard dwelling units in rural areas, that existing agencies operating under existing authorities could not meet the needs of millions of the rural poor, and that there is a need for emergency action in rural housing programs. Establishes an Emergency Rural Housing Administration, the management of which shall be vested in an Administrator appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Makes it the duty of the Administrator to provide minimal housing facilities for eligible persons in rural areas and small communities and to do so, to the extent possible, within a five-year period. Forbids the duties and powers of the Administration to be transferred to any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to eligible persons to finance the acquisition of land and the construction thereon of minimal housing facilities, or to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing facilities in accordance with minimum housing facilities standards. Provides that at least 50 percent of the principal amount of any loan made shall be amortized over a period of not more than forty years, shall bear interest at a rate of not less than one percent per year, and shall be secured by a first mortgage. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire land and engage in the development of housing projects to be sold under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to finance all or part of the acquisition, and maintenance of: (1) minimal housing facilities in rural areas and small communities to be rented by eligible persons; (2) water and sewer facilities for such housing; and (3) related community facilities for such housing. Provides that the Administrator may enter into area responsibility agreements with any local agency. Forbids the Administrator to require, as a condition of assistance under this Act, the relocation of any eligible person in order to engage in or to facilitate the economic development of any area. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the operation of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 per year, reduced by an amounts paid into the Treasury each such year on the loans made by the Administrator. Title II: Extends the provisions of the Rural Housing Program to the Island of Guam. Provides for the financing of indebtedness for specified eligible loan applicants under this Act. Authorizes loans to leasehold owners under the Housing Act's rural programs. Makes provisions for veterans preferences for veterans of the Vietnam Era under Housing Act. Provides for direct and insured loans for purpose providing housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas covered by this Act. Defines the terms rural area as applicable under this Act. Provides for direct and insured loans to provide condominium housing for low-and-moderate-income families in rural areas covered by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure titles to land which are otherwise uninsurable by private insurance companies because of remote outstanding claims or encumbrances to enable eligible persons holding such land to benefit from this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Expresses the sense of the House that there will be no action on the nomination for Vice President until such time as the President has complied with the final decision of the court system as it relates to the White House tapes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1973
States that, 90 days following enactment of this Act, amounts deposited in financial institutions in tax and loan accounts shall bear interest at the Federal funds interest rate.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine for each fiscal year the amount of taxes attributable to each State which are paid into the Highway Trust Fund during such fiscal year and to make such adjustments in the apportionments authorized as may be necessary to insure that no State shall be apportioned an aggregate amount for any fiscal year which is less than 80 percent of the amount of taxes attributable to such State and paid into the Highway Trust Fund during the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
States that the purpose of this Act is to authorize and provide for the construction and operation of deepwater port facilities. Prohibits any person from constructing or operating to such a facility without a license. Authorizes the Deepwater Port Facilities Licensing Commission to issue such licenses if: (1) applicants are financially able and willing to comply with applicable requirements; (2) the facility will not unreasonably interfere with international navigation; and (3) the facility will be constructed and operated to minimize or prevent any adverse significant environmental effetcts. Provides that licenses may be issued for 30 years with right to renew. Prohibits granting of a lincene over the objection of a governor of an adjacent State. Exempts such licenses from antitrust laws. Establishes the Deepwater Port Facilities Licensing Commission and lists its members. Provides that license applications must meet all requirements of law. Requires the Commission to notify, upon license application, governors of adjacent States, Federal agencies, and interested persons and groups. Provides for public hearings concerning licenses. Establishes methods of appeal from a license application decision made by the Commission. Establishes penalties for license violators and violators of this title. Permits States to fix reasonable fees, tolls, and charges for the use of adjacent deepwater port facilities.
![Official portrait of Rep. Burke, Yvonne B. [D-CA-28]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001102_200.jpg)