United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
Child Development and Abuse Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish the National Center on Child Development and Abuse Prevention in order to gather information with respect to the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public agencies or nonprofit private organizations for demonstration programs designed to prevent, identify, and treat child abuse and neglect. Establishes a National Commission on Child Abuse and Neglect to investigate the effectiveness of existing child abuse and neglect reporting laws and the proper role of the Federal Government in assisting State and local public and private efforts to prevent child abuse. Directs the Commission to transmit to the President and to the Congress not later than one year after the first meeting of the Commission a final report containing a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1973
Veterans Housing Act - Authorizes increases in the amount limitations of veterans home loan programs. Eliminates specific provisions pertaining to dormant farm and business loans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1973
Federal Correctional Ombudsman Act - Establishes an office of the United States Correctional Ombudsman. Provides that the Chief Ombudsman shall have the authority to investigate in such manner as he sees fit, either upon complaint or upon his own initiative, any administrative act of the Bureau of Prisons or the Board of Parole, pertaining to the treatment of any Federal prisoner or parolee, or the conditions in any Federal penal or correctional institution. Provides that if, after any investigation, the chief ombudsman finds that any administrative act is: (1) contrary to law; (2) unreasonable, unfair, oppresive, or unnecessarily discriminatory; (3) based on mistaken ascertainment of fact; (4) based on improper or irrelevant grounds; (5) performed in an inefficient manner; (6) unclear or inadequately explained when reasons should have been revealed; or (7) otherwise objectionable; he shall consult with the appropriate official or employee in order to make a satisfactory disposition of the matter. States that if the Chief Ombudsman believes that an administrative act has been dictated by laws whose results are unfair or otherwise objectionable, he shall notify the appropriate committees of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Provides that no information disclosed to any ombudsman or to any staff or employee of the Office in connection with an investigation under this Act shall be disclosed to any other person except to the extent the Chief Ombudsman determines necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires the Chief Ombudsman to report annually to the Congress on the operations of the Office.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce, and the equitable interests of participants in private pension plans and their beneficiaries, by improving the scope, administration and operation of such plans, by requiring pension plans to vest benefits in employees after equitable periods of service, by establishing minimum standards of fiduciary conduct, and by providing more appropriate and adequate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the courts. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Organization - Provides that the Secretary of Labor shall have the responsibility to promote programs and plans for the establishment, administration, and operation of employee benefit plans. Requires the registration of such plans with the Secretary upon compliance with requirements set forth in this title. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake appropriate studies relating to pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress covering his activities under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out his duties under this Act. Provides that within the Department of Labor, there shall be an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Adminstration to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor, appointed by the President, with Senate advice and consent, to exercise power and authority delegated the Secretary of Labor for the administration and enforcement of the Act. States that, unless exempt, the provisions of this Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Provides that this Act shall not apply to plans administered by Federal or State governments, plans administered by religious organizations, plans for the self-employed, plans covering not more than 25 participants, plans established outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States for citizens of other countries, certain plans for key executives and plans for members of labor organizations which are financed exclusively from the members' dues. Provides that the Secretary shall require by regulation that each plan furnish a vested participant, upon his termination of service with the plan, with a certificate reciting the benefits due the participant and the location of the entity responsible for payment and the date when payment shall begin. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - States that pension or profit-sharing-retirement plans may require as a condition for eligibility in the plan a period of service longer than 12 months or an age greater than 21, whichever occurs later. Requires all pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to vest rights in participants with respect to service on or after the effective date of the title at the rate of a 30 percent vested interest commencing with eight years of service, and increasing by 10 percent each year thereafter in order that 100 percent vesting is attained after 15 years of service. Provides that no more than three of the eight years required to qualify for a 30 percent vested right need be continuous years of service, but that service prior to the age of 21 may be ignored in determing eligibility for a vested right unless the participant or his employer has made contributions to the plan with respect to service prior to age 21. Provides that every pension plan filed for registration under this Act shall provide for funding, in accordance with the provisions of this title, which is adequate to provide for payment of all pension benefits which may be payable under the terms of the plan. Requires such plans to be received every five years by certified actuaries. Requires all funds of terminated pension plans to be distributed as follows: (1) first, to retirees or persons eligible to retire on the date of plan termination; (2) to participants who have vested rights under the plan but who have not reached retirement age; and (3) to other participants. Provides that an existing plan subject to this title may elect, pursuant to regulations, to divide the plan and its trust into two separate plans and trusts or within the same plan and trust, into two separate plan and trust accounts as follows: (1) the continuing plan or plan and trust account which shall be a continuation of the plan as it existed immediately before the effective date of this title and which shall cover those participants who have credited service under such plan as of such date and who elect to remain covered by the provisions of such plan; and (2) the new plan or new plan and trust account which shall cover all new participants and all participants who would be eligible to continue coverage under the continuing plan but who elect to waive such coverage and to participate instead in the new plan. Authorizes the Secretary to grant an initial delay of up to three years to comply with the vesting or funding requirements of the Act where initial compliance with these requirements would be unduly burdensome, impractical, or would otherwise adversely affect the interests of employees. States that upon a showing that an employer cannot make the required annual contribution to the plan, the Secretary is authorized to permit the deficiency to be funded over a period of five years, provided that the Secretary is satisfied that such a waiver will not adversely affect the interests of employees and will not impair the financial position of the plan termination insurance fund. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program for protability of vested pension credits. Provides that the program will be administered by and under the Secretary's direction and designed to facilitate the voluntary transfer of vested credits between registered plans. States that plans registered under the Act may voluntarily apply for membership in the program and upon approval be issued a certificate of membership by the Secretary. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Provides that the Secretary shall be the trustee of the fund, and shall administer the fund and report to the Congress annually on the fund's operations and fiscal status. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the 'Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program' which shall be administered by and under the direction of the Secretary. Provides that such program shall insure participants in a plan against losses of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the coverage under such program is limited to 50 percent of the highest monthly wage of a participant earned over a five yar period or $500 per month. Provides that upon registration with the Secretary, each plan shall pay a uniform assessment to the insurance program to cover the administrative costs of such program. States that no plan insured under this title shall terminate without approval of the Secretary. Provides that where employers in terminated plans are not insolvent, such employers shall be liable to reimburse the insurance program to the extent provided under this title. Creates the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title. Title V: Disclosure and Fudiciary Standards - Provides that annual reports required by the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. States that plan descriptions under the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be comprehensive and written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average participant. Sets forth provisions which a plan's annual financial report shall include. States that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to such Act shall file a copy of the plan description and each annual report with the Secretary. Provides that every three years each participant in the plan shall receive a revised summary of the plan's important provisions and major amendments thereto. Expands the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to 21 members (now 13) and adds as permanent categories of membership the fields of actuarial counseling, investment counseling and accounting. Provides that every employee benefit funds established to provide for the payment of benefits shall be established pursuant to a duly executed trust agreement which shall set forth the purpose or purposes for which such fund is established and the detailed basis on which payments are to be made into and out of such fund. States that such fund shall be deemed a trust for the exclusive purpose of (1) providing benefits to participants in the plan and their beneficiaries and (2) defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan. Provides that a fiduciary shall discharge his duties with respect to the fund: (1) with the care under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent man acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims; and (2) in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the fund insofar as is consistent with this Act. Sets forth in detail the restrictions on and the extent of the obligations, responsibilities and duties of a fiduciary under this Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition any district court of the United States having jurisdiction to require a pension or profit-sharing plan to comply with the requirements of this Act or to recover the payment of required monies. Provides that civil actions by plan participants against violations of the fiduciary requirements of this Act may be instituted in Federal or State courts. Allows a fiduciary or administrator of a plan to obtain judicial review of the actions of the Secretary. Declares to be the express intent of Congress the the provisions of this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall supersede any and all laws of the States and of political subdivisions thereof insofar as they may now or hereafter relate to the subject matters regulated by this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) exempt or relieve any employee benefit plan not subject to this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act from any law of any State which regulates insurance, banking, or securities or to prohibit a State from requiring that there be filed with a State agency copies of reports required by this Act to be filed with the Secretary; or (3) alter, amend, modify, invalidate, impair, or supersede any law of the United States other than the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act or any rule or regulation issued under any law except as specifically provided in this Act. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1973
Expands, under the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act, the definition of "developmental disability" to include autism. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 2691)
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1973
Budget Information Allocation Act - Requires the annual budget submitted by the President to set forth: (1) the amount proposed for expenditure in each State and each congressional district therein under each program proposed in the budget; (2) the amount by which Federal expenditures for each program would increase or decrease the previous fiscal years total amount or allocation in each State and each congressional district; and (3) the extent to which any function or activity of a Federal program would be expanded or restricted in each State or congressional district pursuant to any change from the previous fiscal year. Directs the President, through the Office of Management and Budget, to develop and implement projects for the improved gathering, compiling, analyzing, publishing, and disseminating of statistical information by the various agencies in the executive branch of the Government. Provides for a semiannual report to Congress by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget describing the requests made for budgetary information and summary data tables. Authorizes the Comptroller General to review the State and congressional budget estimates required under this Act. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in his role of assisting any Congressional committee having jurisdiction over revenue or appropriations, to furnish the Congress such suppporting information as may be necessary to correct inaccurate State and congressional district allotments in the budget. ((Amends 31 U.S.C. 11(a)(2), 11(b), 18b; 31 U.S.C. 1153(b), 1154(c), 20(b))
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Elderly and Handicapped Americans Transportation Services Act - Authorizes, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, free or reduced rate transportation to handicapped persons and persons who are sixty-five years of age or older. Authorizes, under the Interstate Commerce Act, free or reduced rate transportation for persons who are sixty-five years of age or older. Authorizes grants for special transportation planning, research and demonstration projects for the handicapped and the elderly. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1973
Creates a non-legislative Select Committee on Aging, consisting of fifteen members of the House of Representatives, and directs the Committee to conduct a full investigation on all matters pertaining to problems of older people, including problems of maintaining health, of assuring adequate income, of finding employment, of engaging in productive retirement activity, of securing proper housing, and when necessary, of assuring adequate care or assistance. Authorizes such committee to hold hearings and subpena witnesses and the production of records in carrying out its duties. Directs the Committee to report to the House the results of its study, together with legislative recommendations, as soon as practicable during the 93rd Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Provides that whoever robs any pharmacy of any narcotic drug shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than twenty years or both. Provides that whoever, in commiting or attempting to commit any offense described above, assaults any person, or puts in jeopardy the life of any person by the use of a dangerous weapon or device, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than twenty-five years or both. Provides that whoever, in commiting or attempting to commit any such offense, kills any person shall be imprisoned for not less than ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Establishes within the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture a Youth Conservation Corps. Specifies that the Corps shall consist of young men and women between the ages of 15 and 19 whom the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture may employ without regard to civil service classification regulations for the purpose of developing, preserving, and maintaining the lands and waters of the United States. Outlines the functions of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture under this Act. Provides for a program of grants to the States to assist them in meeting the costs of this Act. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to prepare a joint report to be annually submitted to the President and Congress. Authorizes the sum of $150,000,000 for each fiscal year to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code to an individual for tuition paid by him to any private nonprofit elementary or secondary school during the taxable year for the elementary or secondary education of any dependent. Provides that the amount allowable for the taxable year with respect to any dependent shall not exceed the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of the tuition paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the elementary or secondary education of such dependent, or (2) $400. Reduces the aggregate amount which would be allowable by an amount equal to $1 for each full $20 contained in the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer (or, if the taxpayer is married, the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer and his spouse) for the taxable year exceeds $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1973
Expresses the sense of the House that the President exercise his authority under the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 by freezing retail food prices and that the President establish a commission to investigate the cost and availability of food.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to assist veterans with a permanent and total service-connected diability due to the loss or loss of use of two or more extremities to acquire specially adapted housing. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 801(1)
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Provides that compensation received by a veteran for a service-connected wartime disability shall not be taken into account in determining his eligibility for Federal housing assistance or the amount or extent of such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Provides that specified disabled veterans will be accorded preference in the purchase of any automobile or other conveyance which is being sold by the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Provides that the basic administrative workweek of each firefighter of an executive agency shall be 336 hours within each period of 3 consecutive biweekly pay periods. Provides that the hours of work within the workweek shall be performed in 14 workshifts of 24 hours each. Provides that the rate of pay of each firefighter for the regular hours of duty of his basic workweek shall consist of his rate of basic pay plus an amount of premium pay which is not less than the highest amount of such premium pay payable with respect to any equal amount of basic pay immediately prior to the effective date of this Act. Provides that for all hours of duty by a firefighter in excess of the regular hours of duty of his basic workweek, such firefighter is entitled to pay in accordance with applicable provisions of law relating to overtime, night, Sunday, and holiday pay. Provides that, for purposes of this Act, the term "firefighter" means a civilian employee of any executive agency whose principal duty is to supervise or perform work in the prevention, control, and extinguishment of fires, in the driving or operation of fire protection vehicles and equipment, in the operation of fire alarm equipment, or in the dispatching of firefighting staff and equipment. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 6101a)
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Consumer Product Warranties and Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act - Title I: Consumer Product Warranties - Provides that any supplier warranting a consumer product in writing shall fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of such warranty pursuant to any rules issued by the Federal Trade Commission in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe rules for determining the manner and form in which information with respect to any written warranty of a consumer product shall be clearly and conspicuously presented or displayed so as not to mislead the reasonable, average consumer, when such information is contained in advertising, labeling, point-of-sale material, or other representations in writing. Provides that no warrantor of a consumer product may condition his warranty of such product on the consumer's using, in connection with such product, any article or service which is directly or indirectly identified by brand, trade, or corporate name. States that, in order to incorporate the Federal minimum standards for warranty, a supplier warranting a consumer product in writing must, as a minimum, undertake the repair or replacement, within a reasonable time and without charge, of such consumer product in the case of a breach of such written warranty. Provides that the warrantor shall not impose any duty other than notification upon any consumer as a condition of securing repair or replacement of any consumer product which does not conform to the written warranty unless the warrantor can demonstrate that such a duty is reasonable. Provides that nothing in this title shall prohibit the selling of a consumer product which has both full and limited warranties if such warranties are clearly and conspicuously differentiated. States that nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent a supplier from selling a service contract to the consumer in addition to or in lieu of a warranty in writing if such contract fully and conspicuously discloses in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of the service contract. Provides that there shall be no express disclaimer of implied warranties to a consumer if any express warranty of a consumer product is made by a supplier to a consumer in writing. Declares it to be the policy of Congress to encourage warrantors to establish procedures whereby consumer disputes are fairly and expeditiously settled through informal dispute settlement mechanisms. Provides that it shall be a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any person subject to the provisions of this title to fail to comply with any requirement imposed on such person by or pursuant to this title or to violate any prohibition contained in this title. Allows any person damaged by the failure of a supplier to comply with any obligations assumed under an express or implied warranty or service contract with respect to a consumer product to bring suit in an appropriate U.S. district court or in any court of competent jurisdiction in any State or the District of Columbia. Provides that nothing contained in this title shall be construed to repeal, invalidate, or supersede the Federal Trade Commission Act or any statute defined therein as an antitrust act or any remedies otherwise available under State law. Title II: Federal Trade Commission Improvements - Extends the definition of unfair methods of competition under the Federal Trade Commission Act to mean activities "in or affecting commerce." (Amends 15 U.S.C. 45) Increases to $10,000 the civil penalty for violating an order of the commission. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 45 (L)) Provides that the Commission shall have the power to classify corporations and to issue procedural rules, and rules defining with specificity acts or practices which are unfair or deceptive to consumers. Provides that when making such rules the Commission shall: (1) issue an order of proposed rulemaking stating with particularity the reason for the proposed rule; (2) allow interested persons to comment on the proposed rule in writing and make all such comments publicly available; (3) hold an informal hearing at which interested persons may comment orally on the proposed rule; and (4) promulgate, if appropriate, a final rule together with a statement of basis and purpose based on the information and comments compiled in accordance with clauses (1), (2), and (3). States that any violation of such rules promulgated shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes judicial review of such rules in a United States court of appeals on petition by a person adversely affected. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 46 (g)) Provides that whenever the Commission has reason to believe: (1) that any person, partnership, or corporation is engaged in, or is about to engage in, any act or practice which is unfair or deceptive to a consumer; and (2) that the enjoining thereof pending the issuance of a complaint by the Commission, and until such complaint is dismissed by the Commission or set aside by the court on review, or until the order of the Commission made thereon has become final; the Commission may bring a suit in a district court of the United States to enjoin any such act or practice. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 53)
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1973
Adult Education Amendments - Provides that not more than l5 percent of funds appropriated under this Act shall be reserved for special projects. Provides that State plans desiring an allotment of Federal funds under this Act shall provide for cooperation with manpower development and training programss and occupational education program and shall provide that the State agency will make available not to exceed 25 percent of the State's allotment for programs of high school equivalency certificates. Permits any State which receives assistance under this Act to establish and maintain a State advisory council which shall be appointed by the Governor. Sets forth the functions of such Council. Authorizes to be appropriated $225,000,000 for each of the next six fiscal years to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1973
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1973
Eliminates the present restrictions under law on the rights of officers and employees of the Postal Service to strike against the United States, and to be a member of an organization of employees of the Government which asserts the right to strike against the Government of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, substance, or ingredient of any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage; and (2) shall not require a warning label on any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Cuyahoga Valley National Historical Park and Recreation Area between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire necessary land, and to administer the park. Establishes the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Recreation Commission to assist the Secretary in his responsibilities under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Cuyahoga Valley National Historical Park and Recreation Area between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire necessary land, and to administer the park. Establishes the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Recreation Commission to assist the Secretary in his responsibilities under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Provides, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individuals' earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
National Catastrophic Disaster Insurance Act - Establishes a program of Federal insurance against catastrophic natural disasters and other such disasters utilizing the private insurance industry, particularly risk-sharing pools of insurance companies, while preserving State regulation. Establishes, within the office of the Federal Insurance Administrator in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the position of Assistant Insurance Administrator for Disaster Insurance, who shall head an office of Federal Disaster Insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to: (1) impose and collect an insurance premium surcharge which may not exceed 5 percent and may vary on a statewide regional, country wide basis, or any combination of these; (2) determine and prescribe the terms, conditions, and limitations of the catastrophic disaster insurance program as provided under this Act; (3) purchase reinsurance to the extent deemed appropriate and available; (4) make such disbursements from a special fund established in the U.S. Treasury for operations under this Act in order to reimburse insurance companies in full for claims paid by them for covered losses under the Act's program and for other operating expenses incurred by such companies under the program; and (5) make other disbursements and take other actions necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act. Extends as mandatory the coverage of castatrophic disasters in each property insurance policy now in effect or hereafter issued, other than motor vehicle insurance policies. Establishes in U.S. Treasury a fund to be used by the Secretary for operating and capital expenses under this Act. Forbids coverage of new catastrophic disaster insurance where in violation of State or local laws or where the Secretary determines an area to be of special catastrohpic disaster risk. Prohibits the duplications of benefits where loss is covered by a valid claim paid under catastrophic disaster insurance under this Act. Provides for the termination of the Act's program no later than June 30, 1975 if catastrophic disaster insurance equal or increased coverage is provided by private insurance companies.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Makes it the sense of Congress that it shall be the policy of the United States to require repayment of the longstanding debts which are delinquent in nature. Makes it the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury submit to the Congress within ninety days of passage of this resolution a list and report on the extent of such indebtedness on the part of foreign nations. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury, through the appropriate departments and agencies, should, immediately after the filing of this report, begin consultations with foreign governments involved for the purpose of making arrangements for the prompt repayment of those longstanding debts which are delinquent.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Extends eligibility for coverage under Servicemen's Group Life Insurance to: (1) a person who volunteers for assignment to the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service and is assigned to a unit or position in which he may be required to perform active duty; (2) a person assigned to the Retired Reserve of a uniformed service who has not received the first increment of retirement annuities or has not yet reached 61 years of age and has completed at least 20 years of satisfactory service creditable for retirement purposes; and (3) a member, cadet, or midshipman of the Reserve Officers Training Corps while attending field training or practice cruises. Provides that an insurance policy for a member of the Ready Reserve shall cease 120 days after separation or release from such assignment unless on the date of separation the member is totally disabled, or has completed 20 years of service creditable for retirement purposes. Continues the insurance policy of a member of the Retired Reserve until such time as the member receives the first increment of retirement annuity, or the member's sixty-first birthday, whichever occurs earlier. Makes provisions for the conversion of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance following termination to a policy with a participating life insurance company. Provides for the payment of premiums by a deduction from the pay of a member of the Reserve or Ready Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Air Force, as the case may be, to allow a member of the National Guard who is not on active duty to make allotments from his pay for the payment of premiums under a group life insurance program sponsored by the military department of the State in which such member holds his National Guard membership or by the National Guard Association of such State. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 765-771; Adds 37 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Mobile Teachers' Retirement Assistance Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that the transfer of teachers between State schools is impeded by the possibility of forfeiture of retirements, and that the resulting immobility hinders the growth of new communities. Sets forth the terms and definitions of this Act. Specifies the requirements which a State retirement system must meet to receive Federal financial benefits under this Act. Provides that the Federal contribution to each qualified State system for each retiring teacher's out-of-State service shall be 50 percent of the total cost, as determined by the retirement system at such teacher's age on date of retirement. Contributes to the State retirement system an additional 2 percent of the Federal amount under this Act for the costs of administration. Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal year 1974 and succeeding years for the amounts necessary to effectuate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
Health Programs Extension Act - Title I: Amendments to Public Health Service Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Health Service Act: (1) health services research and development, (2) national health surveys and studies, (3) public health training, (4) migrant health (5) comprehensive health planning and services (6) assistance to medical libraries (7) Hill-Burton programs for construction of medical library facilities (8) training in the allied health professions, (9) regional medical programs, and (10) population research and family planning. Title II: Amendments to the Community Mental Health Centers Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Community Mental Health Centers Act: (1) construction assistance for mental health centers, (2) staffing assistance for mental health centers, (3) alcoholism programs (4) drug abuse programs, (5)consultation services, and (6) mental health of children. Title III: Amendments to the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for construction, services, and planning under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act. Title IV: Funding Assurances - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for programs under the Medical Facilities Construction and Modernization Amendment of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Provides veterans with a 10-year delimiting period (presently 8-year period) for completing education programs under title 38 (Veterans' Benefits) of the United States Code. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to purchase from one or more life insurance companies a policy or policies of mortgage protection life insurance on a group basis for veterans unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a substandard rate because of a service-connected disability. Sets forth the maximum amount of insurance under a policy provided under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to deduct insurance premiums from any compensation or other cash benefits payable to veterans by the Veterans' Administration, and to pay such premiums to the insurers. Provides that the United States shall bear all of the cost of the insurance provided under this Act, except the amount of premium rates. States that any amount of insurance in force under this Act on the date of death of an insured veteran shall be paid only to the holder of the mortgage loan on the veteran's home as a credit toward loan indebtedness. Requires each policy purchased under this Act to provide for the following: (1) reinsurance with other insurers which meet the Administrator's criteria; (2) that the Administrator may discontinue a whole policy, or exclude from coverage loans made after a date fixed by him; (3) issuance to each insured veteran of a certificate setting forth the benefits to which he is entitled; (4) any other provisions necessary to carry out this Act; and (5) an annual accounting to the Administrator of the amount of premiums paid, the total of all mortality and other claim charges incurred, and the amount of the insurer's expenses and risk charges. States that insurance under this Act shall terminate upon whichever of the following events first occurs: (1) satisfaction of the veteran's indebtedness under the loan upon which the insurance is based; (2) the veteran's 70th birthday; (3) termination of the veteran's ownership of the property securing the loan; (4) discontinuance of payment of premiums by the veteran; or (5) discontinuance of the entire contract or agreement. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 791-95)
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Establishes, under the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970, a Food Price Control Commission. Grants such Commission the authority to stabilize and otherwise control the wholesale and retail level of food prices at levels prevailing on October 31, 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Provides that when an individual under age 62 retires from covered employment after 30 years or more years of service under an employees pension benefit plan, the period after such retirement and before his attainment of such age shall be excluded in determining the amount of his social security benefits if the period would increase the amount of such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1973
Small Business Pollution Abatement Loan Assistance and Worker's Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Assistance to Small Business - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make: (1) planning grants of up to $100,000 or 100 percent of the cost of meeting pollution requirements, whichever is less, to small business firms; and (2) loans of up to $500,000 or 100 percent of the costs for meeting the costs of compliance with State or Federal laws, rules or regulations relating to pollution abatement, whichever is less. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to small businesses for purposes of tying into municipal waste treatment facilities. Provides that no such loan shall exceed $500,000 in amount. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $4,000,000,000 to carry out this title. Title II: Assistance to Workers - Authorizes the Secretary to pay a readjustment allowance to adversely affected workers meeting the qualifying requirements set out in this title who have been totally or partially separated from their jobs after the date or enactment of this Act on account of the enforcement of State or Federal pollution abatement measures. Provides that the readjustment allowance authorized under this title for a week of unemployment may be an amount equal to his average weekly wage over the last 6 months of his employment. Provides for reductions in such allowance based upon the amount of unemployment insurance the worker is receiving. Sets forth time limitations on such allowance payments. Provides for training of workers covered by this Act in accordance with such workers capabilities and prospective employment opportunities. Provides for relocation allowances for such workers. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the functions authorized in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that the designation of payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund shall be made on the front page of the taxpayer's income tax return form. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to give extensive publicity to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund from January 1 to April 15 of each year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Establishes the Select Committee on the Cost and Availability of Food, to be composed of twelve Members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker, to conduct a full and complete investigation of all matters affecting, influencing, and pertaining to the cost and availability of food to the American consumer. Requires the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation and study, together with such findings, conclusions, and recommendations as it deems advisable. Grants the committee various powers to carry out the objectives of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to construct and provide shoreside facilities for the education and convenience of visitors to the United States Ship Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and to transfer responsibility for their operation and maintenance to the National Park Service. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,500,000 for the planning, construction, equipping, and furnishing of such facilities, such sum to be in addition to the regular budgetary appropriations for the Department of the Navy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Establishes, under the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970, a Food Price Control Commission. Grants such Commission the authority to stabilize and otherwise control the wholesale and retail level of food prices at levels prevailing on October 31, 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Authorizes each executive agency, under the Federal Property and Administration Services Act of 1949, to furnish excess property to any grantee under a program established by law and for which funds are appropriated by the Congress if the head of that executive agency determines that the use of excess property by that grantee will: (1) expand the ability of that grantee to carry out the purposes for which the grant was made; (2) result in a reduction in the cost to the Government of the grant; or (3) result in an enhancement in the product or benefit from the grant.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Omnibus Fire Research and Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to develop and carry out a comprehensive fire research and training program designed to provide more effective measures of protection against the hazards of death, injury, and damage to property resulting from fire by the widest possible use of new approaches and improvements in fire prevention and control. Establishes, within the Department of Commerce as a part of the National Bureau of Standards, a Fire Research and Safety Center which shall provide additional scientific and technical knowledge applicable to the prevention and reduction of fires; conducting medical research aimed at improving the performance of men in fighting fires and at the healing of victims of fires; and in the operating of a comprehensive fire data and information system. Provides that the Director of the Center shall perform studies into the operational and managerial aspects of fire departments and services using quantitive techniques, including operations research, management economics, and cost effectiveness studies. Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, as part of the National Bureau of Standards, a United States Fire Academy which shall advance the professional development of fire service personnel; and conduct such development, testing, and demonstration projects as are deemed necessary to introduce new technological standards, operating methods, command techniques, and managerial systems into use in the fire services of the nation. Authorizes the Academy to conduct courses and programs of training and education in the basic techniques of fire prevention, fire inspection, firefighting and the administration and management of fire departments and fire services. Provides for the education and training of local fire units and departments, state and local governments, and private institutions through the establishment of fire training courses and programs in fire engineering at junior colleges and universities. Provides for the inclusion of fire prevention and detection technology and practices in the education and professional practice of architects, builders, city planners engaged in the design and planning affected by fire safety problems. Provides that the Superintendent shall admit to the Academy individuals who are members of the firefighting forces with due regard to an adequate geographic representation. Authorizes the provision stipends to students attending Academy courses and programs in amounts not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of attendance. Authorizes the Superintendent to make payments to institutions of higher education for loans to individuals enrolled on a full-time basis in recognized undergraduate or graduate programs in fire research or engineering not to exceed $2,500 per academic year for any individual. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a 12 member Board of Visitors to the United States Fire Academy to review annually the program of the Academy consisting of two members of the Senate, two members of the House of Representatives, and eight individuals designated by the Secretary from persons representative of the fire service community. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974 to establish the Academy. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 278g)
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Bill of Rights for the Mentally Retarded - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish standards which assure the humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded in residential facilities, and to improve the system for the provision of services to the mentally retarded through the encouragement of and support for the planning and development of strategies to implement such standards, minimize inappropriate admissions to residential facilities and stimulate the development of regional and community programs integrating such residential facilities which conform to such standards. Provides for a new title to the Public Health Service Act: Title XI: Support of Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to aid them with the cost of bringing existing residential facilities into compliance with the standards established under this Act, and to improve existing residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 ($15,000,000 for each program) for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years, for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of assisting States in meeting the expenses for bringing publicly operated facilities and publicly assisted facilities into conformity with the standards established by this Act. Stipulates that any State desiring to receive such a grant shall submit a plan to the Secretary setting forth a schedule for compliance with such standards. Provides that the total of the grants with respect to any such project bringing facilities into conformity with the standards imposed by this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the necessary cost thereof as determined by the Secretary. Requires, within five years after the date of enactment of this Act, that no residential facility for the mentally retarded shall be eligible to receive payments either directly or indirectly under any Federal law, unless such facility meets the standards promulgated under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private non-profit agency, organization or institution to meet the costs of development, improvement, extension, or expansion of community resources and community living situations for the mentally retarded other than live-in-residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Standards for Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed in the implementation of the standards established under this Act; (2) study and evaluate such standards authorized by this Act; and (3) recommend to the Secretary any changes, revisions, modifications, or improvements in the standards established under this Act. Provides that the ultimate aim of the residential facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Requires such facilities to be located within, and conveniently accessible to, the population served, so as to have access to necessary generic community services. Provides that the facility and the surrounding community should be encouraged to share their services and resources on a reciprocal basis. Provides that residents of the facility should be integrated to the greatest possible extent with the general population. Provides that the facility shall have a written outline of the philosophy, objectives, and goals it is striving to achieve. Requires such outline to be available for distribution to staff, consumer representatives, and the interested public. Provides that the governing body of the facility shall exercise general direction and shall establish policies concerning the operation of the individuals served. Provides that the administration of the facility shall provide for effective staff and resident participation and communication. Requires the facility to designate a percentage of its operating budget for self-renewal purposes. Provides that the facility shall have a description of services for residents that is available to the public. Provides that the facility shall provide for meaningful and extensive consumer-representative and public participation. Provides that a public education and information program should be established that utilizes all communication media, and all service, religious and civil groups, to develop attitudes of understanding and acceptance of mentally retarded persons in all aspects of community living. Provides that admission and release procedures shall: (1) encourage voluntary admission; (2) give equal priority to persons of comparable need; (3) facilitate emergency, partial, and short-term residential care; and (4) utilize the maximum feasible amount of voluntariness in each individual case. Authorizes the residential facility to admit only residents who have had a comprehensive evaluation. Provides that all admissions to the residential facility shall be considered temporary. Provides that there shall be a regular, at least annual, joint review of the status of each resident by all relevant personnel. Provides that at the time of permanent release or transfer there shall be recorded a summary of findings, progress, and plans for protective supervision and other followup services in the resident's new environment. Provides that the performance of each employee of the facility shall be evaluated at least annually. Provides that staffing shall be sufficient so that the facility is not dependent upon the use of residents or volunteers for productive services. Provides that food services shall recognize and provide for the physiological, emotional, and cultural needs of each resident, through provision of a planned, nutritionally adequate diet. Provides that each resident shall have an adequate allowance of neat, clean, fashionable, and seasonable clothing. Provides that residents shall be trained to exercise maximum independence in health, hygiene, and grooming practices. Provides that living unit components or groupings shall be small enough to insure the development of meaningful interpersonal relationships among residents and between residents and staff. Requires dental services to be provided all residents in order to maximize their general health by maintaining an optimal level of daily oral health, through preventive measures and correcting existing oral diseases. Provides that educational services, defined as deliberate attempts to facilitate the intellectual, sensorimotor, and affective development of the individual, shall be available to all residents, regardless of chronological age, degree of retardation, or accompanying disabilities or handicaps. Provides that food and nutrition services shall be provided in order to: (1) insure optimal nutritional status of each resident, thereby enhancing his physical, emotional, and social well-being; and (2) provide a nutritionally adequate diet, in a form consistent with developmental level, to meet the dietary needs of each resident. Makes library services, which include the location, acquisition, organization, utilization, retrieval, and delivery of materials in a variety of media, available to the facility, in order to support and strengthen its total habilitation program by providing complete and integrated multimedia information services to both staff and residents. Provides that medical services shall be provided in order to: (1) achieve and maintain an optimal level of general health for each resident; (2) maximize normal function and prevent disability; and (3) facilitate the optimal development of each resident. Provides that residents shall be provided with nursing services, in accordance with their needs, in order to: (1) develop and maintain an environment that will meet their total health needs; (2) foster optimal health; (3) encourage maximum self-care and independence; and (4) provide skilled nursing care. Provides that, where appropriate to the facility, there shall be a pharmacy and therapeutics committee, that includes one or more pharmacists, to develop policy on drug usage in the facility, and to develop and maintain a current formulary. Provides that physical and occupational therapy services shall be provided in order to: (1) prevent abnormal development and further disability; (2) facilitate the optimal development of each resident; and (3) enable the resident to be a contributing and participating member of the community in which he resides. Requires psychological services be provided in order to facilitate, through the application of psychological principles, techniques, and skills, the optimal development of each resident. Provides that recreation services should provide each resident with a program of activities that: (1) promotes physical and mental health; (2) promotes optimal sensorimotor, cognitive, affective, and social development; (3) encourages movement from dependent to independent and interdependent functioning; and (4) provides for the enjoyable use of leisure time. Make religious services available to residents, in accorance with their basic right to freedom of religion. Provides that all social services shall be available to all residents and their families in order to foster and facilitate: (1) maximum personal and social development of the resident; (2) positive family functioning; and (3) effective and satisfying social and community relationships. Provides that speech pathology and audiology services shall be available, in order to: (1) maximize the communications skills of all residents; and (2) provide for the evaluation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of those residents with speech, hearing and/or language handicaps. Requires each facility to provide all its residents with rehabilitation services, which include the establishment, maintenance, and implementation of those programs that will ensure the optimal development or restoration of each resident physically, psychologically, socially and vocationally. Provides that volunteer services shall be provided in order to enhance opportunities for the fullest realization of the potential of each resident by: (1) increasing the amount, and improving the quality, of services and programs; and (2) facilitating positive relationships between the facility and the community which it serves. Provides that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habitation program; (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to his habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Provides that the administration of the facility shall make provision for the design and conduct, or the supervision, of research that will objectively evaluate the effectiveness of program components and contribute to informed decisionmaking in the facility. Provides that the requirements of the Secretary shall be met, with specific reference to the following: (1) provision of adequate and alternate exits and doors; (2) provision of exit ramps, with nonskid surface and slope not exceeding one foot in twelve; and (3) provision for handrails on stairways. Provides that there shall be records that document strict compliance with the sanitation, health, and environmental safety codes of the State or local authorities having primary jurisdiction over the facility. Provides that adequate, modern administrative support shall be provided to efficiently meet the needs of, and contribute to, program services for residents, and to facilitate attainment of the goals and objectives of the facility. Provides that funds shall be budgeted and spent in accordance with the principles and procedures of program budgeting. Provides that there shall be written purchasing policies regarding authority and approvals for supplies, services, and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Veterans' Administration Accountability Act - Modifies those powers exercised by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs with respect to readjustment of the schedule of ratings for the disabilities of veterans. Requires that notice of closing must be given to Congress in writing before the closing of a hospital or domiciliary facility over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. Prohibits the sale or transfer of Government property under the jurisdiction of the Veterans' Administration unless notice of such transfer or sale is first given to congress.
![Official portrait of Rep. Carney, Charles J. [D-OH-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000164_200.jpg)