United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1974
Provides that all insurance on vessels paid construction-differential subsidy or operating-differential subsidy under provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 shall be placed with marine insurance companies authorized to write marine insurance under the laws of the United States, or any State, territory, district or possession.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1974
Coal Research Laboratory and Energy Research Fellowship Act - Title I: University Coal Research Laboratories - Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, after consultation with the National Academy of Engineering, to designate five institutions of higher education at which university coal research laboratories will be established and operated. States that, in making designations under this Act, the Director shall consider the following criteria: (1) the institution of higher education shall be located in a State with abundant coal reserves; (2) the institution of higher education shall have experience in coal research, expertise in several areas of coal research, and currently active, outstanding programs in coal research; and (3) the institution of higher education has the capacity to establish and operate the coal laboratories to be assisted under this title. Provides that not more than one coal laboratory established pursuant to this title shall be located in a single State. Specifies information to be included in applications by institutions of higher education desiring to be designated under this title. Authorizes the Director to make grants to any designated institution of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of establishing and maintaining a coal laboratory. States that no institution of higher education may receive more than $4,000,000 for the construction of its coal research laboratory, including initially installed fixed equipment, nor may it receive more than $1,500,000 for initially installed movable equipment, nor may it receive more than $500,000 for new program startup expenses. Provides that no institution of higher education may receive more than $1,500,000 per year from the Federal Government for operating expenses. Establishes an Advisory Council on Coal Research. Stipulates that the Advisory Council shall advise the Director with respect to the general administration of this title, and furnish such additional advice as he may request. Authorizes appropriations of not to exceed $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 (including the cost of construction, equipment, and startup expenses) and $7,500,000 beginning with the fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter through the fiscal year ending June 30, 1980, to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Energy Resource Graduate Fellowships - Authorizes the Director to award under the provisions of this title not to exceed one thousand five hundred fellowships for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and each of the five succeeding fiscal years. States that fellowships shall be awarded under the provisions of this title for graduate study and research in those areas of applied science and engineering that are related to the production, conservation, and utilization of fuels and energy. Provides that fellowships shall be awarded to students in programs leading to master's degrees. States that such fellowships may be awarded for graduate study and research at any institution of higher education, library, archive, or any other research center approved by the Director after consultation with the Commissoner of Education. Provides that recipients of fellowships under this title shall be: (1) persons who have been accepted by an institution of higher education for graduate study leading to an advanced degree or for a professional degree; and (2) persons who plan a career in the field of energy resources, production, or utilization. States that each person awarded a fellowship under this title shall receive a stipend of $4,000 for each academic year of study, and an additional amount of $500 for each such calendar year of study shall be paid to such person on account of each of his dependents. Authorizes appropriations of $11,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1974
Provides that the transcript of the proceedings in the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of September 24, 1974, incident to the presentation of a portrait of the Honorable Leonor K. Sullivan to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries be printed as a House document with illustrations and suitable binding. Provides that in addition to the usual number, there shall be printed 1500 copies of such document for the use of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1974
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any interception of communication, other than electronic surveillance, surreptitious entry, mail opening, or the inspection of and procuring of the records of telephone, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions, of any individual without a court order issued upon probable cause that a crime has been or is about to be committed, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Provides that whoever, being an officer, agent, or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof willfully: (1) searches any private dwelling used and occupied as a dwelling without a warrant directing such search or maliciously and without reasonable cause searches any other building or property without a search warrant; (2) procures or inspects the records of telephone calls, bank, credit, medical, or other business or private transactions of any individual without a search warrant or the consent of the individual; (3) opens any foreign or domestic mail not directed to him without a search warrant directing such opening or without the consent of the sender or addressee of such mail; or (4) intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept any wire or oral communication except as authorized by law; shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Requires that within 30 days after the date of an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication (or each extension thereof) entered under authority of law, or the denial of an order approving an interception, the person seeking such order shall report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representatives: (1) the fact that an order or extension was applied for; (2) the kind of order or extension applied for; (3) the fact that the order or extension was granted as applied for, was modified, or was denied; (4) the period of interceptions authorized by the order, and the number and duration of any extensions of the order; (5) the names of all parties to the intercepted communications; (6) the offense specified in the order or application; (7) the identity of the investigative or law enforcement officer and agency making the application and the person authorizing the application to be made; (8) a copy of the court order authorizing, approving, or denying such interception; and (9) the nature of the facilities from which or the place where communications were intercepted. Specifies that reports be made within 90 days after the date of an order approving the interception of a wire or oral communication on the disposition of all records of any such interception and the identity of and action taken by all individuals who had access to any such interception. Sets forth reporting requirements in the case of warrants issued authorizing the opening of mail.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Removes the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 which make flood insurance coverage and community participation in the national flood insurance program prerequisites for approval of any financial assistance in a flood hazard area.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dogfights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Specifies punishments for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dogfights if any one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48)
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1974
Permits the transportation, mailing, and broadcasting of advertising, information and materials concerning lotteries authorized by law and conducted by a State, the District of Columbia, or any territory or possession of the United States. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1307; Amends 18 U.S.C. 1953, 39 U.S.C. 3005)
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1974
Provides that nothing in the National Traffic and Motor Safety Act, or regulations pursuant thereto, shall require any motor vehicle to be equipped with any starter interlock system, or any buzzer, light, or other warning system, associated with seatbelts or upper torso restraints, or any similar system requiring the use of such belts or restraints in order to start or operate the vehicle or producing a buzzing, light, or other warning signal if such belts or restraints are not used. Requires standards to be promulgated by the Secretary within sixty days of enactment of this Act to require that such a starter interlock system, and such a warning sytem, be made available with any new motor vehicles at the option of the purchaser.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1974
Authorizes the printing of the proceedings in the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries incident to the unveiling of the portrait of the Honorable Leonor K. Sullivan. Provides that in addition to the usual number, there shall be printed 1500 copies of such document for the use of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1974
Directs the Veterans Administration to treat the Nicaraguan campaign (August 27, 1926 to January 2, 1933) as a period of war for the purposes of providing benefits and pensions to veterans of such campaign and to their wives and children.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Federal Communications Commission take immediate steps to prevent the telecast of the death leap of Evel Knievel in order to preserve the safety and lives of certain impressionable youth of America.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1974
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1974
Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, the Architect of the Capitol, and the Librarian of Congress (with respect to the employees of the United States Botanic Garden) to enter into agreements with Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia for the withholding of State or District of Columbia income tax in the case of each Member and employee who is subject to such income tax and who voluntarily agrees to such withholding. States that such agreement shall be subject to review by the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1974
Declares that all foreign troops currently involved in Cyprus be withdrawn immediately so that the United Nations may be permitted to restore peace to the island and the Cypriot people guaranteed the right to determine their own destiny.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1974
Federal Aid Highway Act - Authorizes appropriations for the construction of specified highways in the United States. Sets forth regulations governing the erection and maintenance along the Interstate and primary highway systems of outdoor advertising signs, displays, and devices which are more than six hundred and sixty feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way, located outside of cities and villages, visible from the main traveled way of the system, and erected with the purpose of their message being read from such main traveled way. States that such signs shall be limited to: (1) directional and official signs and notices, which signs and notices may include, but not be limited to, signs and notices pertaining to information in the specific interest of the traveling public, such as, but not limited to, signs and notices pertaining to rest stops, camping grounds, food services, gas and automotive services, and lodging, and shall include signs and notices pertaining to natural wonders, scenic and historical attractions, which are required or authorized by law, which shall conform to national standards hereby authorized to be promulgated by the Secretary hereunder, which standards shall contain provisions concerning lighting, size, number, and spacing of signs, and such other requirements as may be appropriate to implement this section; (2) signs, displays, and devices advertising the sale or lease of property upon which they are located; and (3) signs, displays, and devices advertising activities conducted on the property on which they are located. Specifies that the Secretary of Transportation, during the implementation of State laws enacted to comply with the Federal-Aid Highway Act, shall encourage and assist the States to develop sign controls and programs which will assure that necessary directional information about facilities providing goods and services in the interest of the traveling public will continue to be available to motorists. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for projects for the construction, reconstruction, and improvement of any off-system road (including, but not limited to, the replacement of bridges, the elimination of high hazard locations, and roadside obstacles.) Sets forth the formula to be followed by the Secretary in alloting the sums authorized to be appropriated among the various States. Directs the Secretary to carry out various specified demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or reconstruct access highways to public recreation areas on lakes in order to accommodate present and projected traffic density.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1974
Comprehensive Right to Privacy Act - Requires that any organization of Federal, State, or local government maintaining an information system that includes personal information shall: (1) collect, maintain, use, and disseminate only personal information necessary to accomplish a proper purpose of the organization; (2) collect information to the greatest extent possible from the data subject directly; (3) maintain information in the system with accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and pertinence as necessary to assure fairness in determinations relating to a data subject; (4) make no dissemination to another system or any individual other than the data subject without specifying requirements for security and the use of information exclusively for the purpose set forth in the notice required under this Act; (5) maintain a complete and accurate record, including identity purpose, and date, of every access to any personal information in a system by persons or organizations not having regular access authority; and (6) collect no personal information concerning the political or religious beliefs, affiliations, and activities of data subjects maintained by any government agency unless expressly authorized by statute. Prohibits any Federal agency from requiring individuals to disclose for statistical purposes any personal information unless such disclosure is required by a constitutional provision or Act of Congress, and the individual is so informed. Requires any organization maintaining or proposing to establish an information system for personal information to: (1) give notice of the existence and character of each existing system once a year to the Federal Privacy Board; (2) give public notice of the existence and character of each existing system each year; and (3) assure that such public notice specifies the categories of data maintained, and the categories of all information sources, a description of types of use made of information, and the procedures whereby an individual can gain access to such information and contest its accuracy and the necessity for its retention. Requires any organization maintaining personal information to inform an individual asked to supply personal information whether he is legally required, or may refuse, to supply the information requested, and also of any specific consequences, which are known to the organization, of providing or not providing such information. Permits data subjects who dispute information about themselves to have such disputed information noted as being disputed when such information about him is disseminated. Requires, upon request, corrections in information to be sent to past recipients of information. Directs organizations maintaining information to inform, within two years and each year thereafter, individuals on whom data is stored of its content and where a copy of such data may be obtained. Allows the head of a Federal agency maintaining such information to exempt his agency from requirements of this Act in the interest of national defense. Makes it unlawful for any organization to require an individual to disclose or furnish his social security account number, for any purpose in connection with any business transaction unless the disclosure or furnishing of such number is specifically required by Federal law. Establishes the Federal Privacy Board whose five members shall be appointed by the President. Directs the Board to: (1) publish an annual Data Base Directory of the United States containing the name and characteristics of each personal information system covered by this Act; (2) make rules to assure compliance with this Act; (3) upon the determination of a violation of a provision of this Act or regulation promulgated under the Act, and after opportunity for a hearing, order the organization violating such provision to cease and desist such violation; and (4) conduct open, public hearings on all petitions for exceptions or exemptions from provisions, application, or jurisdiction of this Act. States that any individual or organization or responsible officer of an organization who willfully: (1) keeps an information system without having notified the Federal Privacy Board; or (2) issues personal information in violation of this Act; or (3) solicits, uses, or otherwise acquires information in violation of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 in each instance or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Provides that any person, system, or agency which violates the provisions of the Act, or any rule, regulation, or order issued thereunder, shall be liable to any person aggrieved thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Authorizes the Governor of the Canal Zone to nominate the daughters and sons of residents of the Canal Zone and of the personnel of the United States Government and Panama Canal Company residing in the Republic of Panama as candidates to fill two vacancies each year at the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York (presently limited to sons of such individuals). (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1126(b))
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1974
Provides for the termination of the Airlines Mutual Aid Agreement as being adverse to the public interest. Provides that such termination shall be effective as of February 1, 1973. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1382).
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1974
Provides, under the Canal Zone Code, that the Governor, or his designee, may adjust and pay claims for injury to, or loss of, property or personal injury or death arising from the activities of the Canal Zone Government. States that any such award shall be payable out of any moneys appropriated for or made available to the Canal Zone Government and that the acceptance by the claimant shall constitute a complete release of his claim against the United States, except that the Governor may make an interim partial award for humanitarian or compassionate reasons in a sum not exceeding $1,000. Provides that these provisions do not apply to specified claims cognizable under the Tort Claims Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1974
Federal Boxing Control Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a Federal Boxing Commission with adequate authority to exercise continuing surveillance over professional boxing matches which are broadcast by televsion or radio (otherwise than as part of bona fide news broadcasts) or which are disseminated by wire in interstate or foreign commerce either to be received on home receivers or in theaters, arenas, or other places of assembly, whether such broadcast or dissemination involves on-the-spot coverage or delayed coverage by means of film, tape, or some other means of recording. Authorizes the Commission to issue licenses authorizing participation in covered boxing matches or the coverage thereof in such capacities as are required to be licensed under this Act or regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Provides that, in issuing any such license, the Commission shall give due regard to character, conduct, background, reputation, experience, and such other factors as the Commission deems relevant in determining the fitness of any person to act in the capacity for which the license is to be issued. Stipulates that any such license shall be effective for such period not exceeding one year as the Commission may determine by regulation or otherwise at the time of issuance, unless sooner revoked or suspended in accordance with this Act. Specifies that no person may participate in any covered boxing match or the coverage thereof in any of the following capacities unless such person holds a currently effective license therefor: (1) as a boxer, (2) as a boxing promoter, (3) as an agent of a boxer, (4) as a fight manager, (5) as a matchmaker, (6) as a referee, (7) as a judge, (8) as a person providing coverage in any capacity which is specified in the regulations of the Commission, except that a license shall not be required under this paragraph for any person licensed under the Communications Act of 1934, and (9) in any other capacity which the Commission by regulation prescribes. Stipulates that the Commission may, after appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing, by order prohibit the holding or coverage or both of any proposed covered boxing match if it finds that such prohibition is in the public interest. Authorizes the Commission to make investigations as it deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation thereunder. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Interim Fisheries Zone Extension and Management Act - Extends the jurisdiction of the United States over specified ocean areas and fish for purposes of protecting the domestic fishing industry. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research in order to promote the conservation of fish originating in the United States territorial sea and contiguous fisheries zone. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Designates the premises occupied by the Chief of Naval Operations as the official residence of the Vice President, effective upon the termination of service of the incumbent Chief of Naval Operations. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide for the care, maintenance, repair, improvement, alteration, and furnishing of the official residence and grounds. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary from time to time to carry out the foregoing purposes. Expresses the sense of Congress that living accommodations, generally equivalent to military services, should be provided for the Chief of Naval Operations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1974
Extends the appropriations provisions of the Public Works and Economic Development Act through fiscal year 1976. Deletes the provisions of such Act regarding additional grants to areas of substantial unemployment during the preceding year from title I (Grants for Public Works and Development Facilities) of such Act. Limits the amount of loans for public works and development facilities and for business and business loan guarantees to $60,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976. Authorizes financial aid within a redevelopment area for the purcahse or development of land and facilities for industrial or commercial usage, and for any industrial or commercial activity. Authorizes grants to State, or sub-State economic adjustment planning organizations for administrative and planning activities. Authorizes appropriations of $60,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976 for technical assistance, research and information activities under this Act. Requires economic development districts under such Act to provide copies of their overall economic development programs to the appropriate regional commissions. Extends through fiscal year 1976 appropriations authorization for economic development centers and increases grants for redevelopment area projects. Extends appropriations authorization through fiscal year 1976 for supplements to Federal grant-in-aid programs. Requires coordination between the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and such regional commissions in making grants and loans and providing technical assistance under this Act. Extends through fiscal year 1976 the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any eligible recipient which has experienced, or may reasonably be foreseen to be about to experience, a special need to meet an expected rise in unemployment, or other economic adjustment problems (including those caused by any action or decision of the Federal Government) and which submits a plan meeting the requirements of this Act. Allows such grants to be used for: (1) public facilities, public services, business development, planning, research, and technical assistance; (2) redistribution by the eligible recipient in loans and loan guarantees to private profitmaking entities; and (3) redistribution by the eligible recipient in payments to individuals for unemployment assistance as described in this Act and for training or relocation assistance. Authorizes appropriation for such grants of an amount per fiscal year not to exceed 20 percent of the amount appropriated for the purposes of titles I through V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) it most strongly condemns all acts of terrorism in the Middle East; (2) the President and the Secretary of State should and are hereby urged and requested to (a) call upon all governments to condemn this inhuman act of violence against innocent victims; and (b) strongly urge the governments who harbor these groups and individuals to take appropriate action to rid their countries of those who subvert the peace through terrorism and senseless violence; and (3) the President should request the American Ambassador to the United Nations to take appropriate action before that body in order to have introduced a Security Council resolution condemning this brutal act of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1974
Combined Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Income Tax Reporting Amendments - Title I: Amendments to Title II of the Social Security Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make available specified tax returns to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Empowers the Secretary of HEW and the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement for the processing of information contained in such returns. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide to the Secretary of HEW any documents they agree are necessary for such processing. Directs the Managing Trustee of the Trust Funds, including the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, to pay into the Treasury the amounts he and the Secretary of HEW estimate will be expended from the general fund of the Treasury by the Departments of HEW and Treasury for the administration of (1) titles II, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and (2) specified chapters and subchapters of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of HEW to apportion (between each trust fund and the general fund in the Treasury) the costs of administrating titles II, XVI and XVIII of the Social Security Act and its costs in carrying out specified functions of this Act. Provides that average monthly wage, quarters of coverage, and coverage credits derived from self-employment income for taxable years beginning before 1974 are to be determined on a basis of income credited to calendar quarters. Limits quarters coverage to quarters occuring before 1974 and makes additional modification to taxation of self-employed persons. Allocates, under the Social Security Act, coverage credits for earnings before 1974 based on quarters of coverage and after 1973 on the basis of earnings during the calendar year. Provides that a person will satisfy the requirements prerequisite to a determination of disability if he has 20 or more coverage credits which were credited to the period ending on the day the disability arose and consisting of that part of the current calendar year up until the day the disability began and the nine prior calendar years. Redefines a "fully insured individual" in terms of coverage credits rather than quarters of coverage. States that any person upon attaining the age of 62 with the proper number of coverage credits is fully insured. Provides that specified benefits be paid to individuals not citizens of the United States who amassed sufficient coverage credits. Title II: Amendments Preserving Relationship Between Railroad Retirement and Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Provides, under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, that in the calucalation of an employee's "average monthly remumeration" after calendar year 1974 an individual employee shall obtain the benefit of full allowable coverage credits, irrespective of whether particular quarters of coverage were otherwise available for calculation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1974
Revises the retirement provisions relating to Federal employees by: (1) redefining basic pay; (2) providing that an employee separated from service after attaining an age plus service aggregating at lease 80 years is entitled to an annuity; (3) stating that an employee who is separated from the service involuntarily, except by removal for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency; or (4) while his agency, or subdivision thereof, is undergoing a major reduction in force, after completing 25 years of service or after becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service is entitled to an annuity. Redefines annuity computation methods.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1974
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Provides that if there is a collective-bargaining agreement in effect for postal service employees no party to such agreement shall terminate or modify such agreement unless the party desiring such termination or modification serves written notice upon the other party to the agreement of the proposed termination or modification not less than ninety days prior to the expiration date. Requires the party serving such notice to notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of the existence of a dispute within forty-five days of such notice, if no agreement has been reached by that time. Requires that if arbitration is selected by the parties and if they do not agree upon the procedures therefor, an arbitration board shall be established and its decisions shall be binding upon the parties. Provides that in the event the bargaining representatives agree to go on strike if an agreement cannot be reached during the forty-five-day period prior to the termination or modification, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service shall promptly communicate with the employer and the bargaining representatives and use the service's best efforts, by mediation and conciliation, to bring them into agreement, and shall continue to do so for a period of thirty days after the date of termination or modification of the agreement, during which period of time no lawful strike shall be engaged in. Prohibits reduction in rank or pay or removal from the Postal Service of postal employees because of union membership. States that in any lawful strike declared against the Postal Service by the employees thereof, the Postal Service and the bargaining representatives jointly may determine and agree upon, before the close of the third calendar day after the calendar day on which the strike becomes effective, the number of employees needed to accept, process, dispatch, and deliver specified necessary categories of mail, such as social security checks. Provides for a mandatory delivery of such mail during a strike if the parties cannot agree upon a strike-delivery method.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1974
Provides additional areas of compensation for work injuries to Government employees. Includes podiatrists' services and supplies among eligible benefits. Redefines "widower" and defines the terms "organ" and "United States medical officers and hospitals. Gives the Federal employee an option with regard to medical services and initial medical and other benefits. Provides that individuals directed to undergo vocational rehabilitation by the Secretary of Labor shall, while undergoing such rehabilitation, receive basic compensation and augmented compensation for dependents, less the amount of any earnings received from remunerative employment, other than employment undertaken pursuant to such rehabilitation. Includes the "loss of use" of a member or function of the body as a permanent disability entitling the employee to basic compensation for the disability. Adds to the compensation schedule for permanent loss or loss of use of any important external or internal organ of the body as determined by the Secretary, proper and equitable compensation not to exceed 312 weeks compensation for each organ so determined shall be paid in addition to any other compensation payable under this schedule. Includes a "husband" as a dependent if: (1) he is a member of the same household as the employee; (2) he is receiving regular contributions from the employee for his support; or (3) the employee has been ordered by a court to contribute to his support. Increases the following amounts of additional compensation the Secretary may pay an employee: from $300 to $500 a month for the service of an attendant and from $100 to $200 for vocational rehabilitation. Eliminates the Secretary's option to reduce monthly compensation after an employee attains 70 years of age. Excludes veterans' benefits and military retirement pay from limitations on the right to receive compensation. States that an employee is not entitled to compensation for the first 3 days of temporary disability except when the disability exceeds 14 days. Provides for the continuation of an employee's pay and the election to use annual or sick leave. States that notice of a death believed to be related to the employment shall be given by an eligible beneficiary or someone on his behalf. Requires a notice of injury or death to be given within 30 days after the injury or death. Extends from 1 year to 3 years the time within which an original claim for compensation for disability or death must be filed. Provides that no court, insurer, attorney, or other person shall pay or distribute to the beneficiary or his designee the proceeds of a suit or settlement without first satisfying or assuring satisfaction of the interest of the United States. Makes adjustments in the rates of compensation payable to the beneficiaries of a deceased employee. Declares that, notwithstanding any funeral and burial expenses paid, there shall be paid a sum of $200 to the personal representative of a deceased employee for reimbursement of the costs of termination of the decedent's status as an employee of the United States. Permits a lump-sum payment to a beneficiary if the monthly payment is less that $50 a month. Adjusts the computation of cost-of-living increases of compensation. States that in the event the individual resumes employment with the Federal Government, the entire time during which the employee was receiving compensation under this chapter shall be credited to the employee for the purposes of within grade step increases, annuity computation under the civil service retirement provisions, retention purposes, and other rights and benefits based upon length of service. Requires the United States Postal Service to pay, in addition to contributions required for the maintenance of the Employees' Compensation Fund, an additional amount for its fair share of the cost of administration as determined by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of the provisions of this Act and report the results to the Congress not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1974
States that the House of Representatives salutes Henry Aaron as an "All-American Good Guy" and extends to him the congratulations, esteem, and affection of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1974
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health maintenance organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000 or, if higher 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that, after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen, and Indians and Alaskan natives, and veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1974
Prescribes a World War I Veterans' pension of $150 for married veterans or veterans with one child or $135 for unmarried veterans, and an extra $125 for those in need of regular attendance. Authorizes hospital, domiciliary, and medical care to such veterans for non-service-connected disabilities, and costs for medical services unavoidably incurred outside Veterans Administration facilities. Authorizes the payment of a pension to the widow of a World War I veteran if she is not otherwise entitled to a pension.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1974
Authorizes the Coast Guard, pursuant to international agreements, to establish and operate icebreaking facilities on, under, and over waters other than the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (Amends 14 U.S.C. 2)
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1974
Authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard: for the procurement of vessesl ($22,676,000), aircraft ($17,793,000), construction of shore and offshore establishments ($73,631,000), and bridge alterations ($6,800,000). Authorizes for the Coast Guard an end-year strength for active duty personnel of 37,748 and average military student loads for the fiscal year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1974
Revises the Intercoastal Shipping Act by eliminating the provision that nothing in the Act shall prevent the carriage, storage, or handling of property free or at reducted rates for the United States, States, municipal Governments, or for charitable purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1974
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for the following programs of the Department of Commerce: (1) $275,000,000 for shipbuilding or acquisition; (2) $242,800,000 for payment of obligations incurred for ship operating-differential subsidy; (3) $27,900,000 for expenses necessary for research and development activities; (4) $3,742,000 for reserve fleet expenses; (5) $10,518,000 for maritime training at the Merchant Marine Academy; and (6) $2,973,000 for financial assistance to State Marine Schools. Authorizes additional appropriations for the above programs for fiscal year 1975 as may be necessary for increases in salary, pay, retirement, or other employee benefits authorized by law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 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 · 5 February 1974
Suspends emissions controls on motor vehicles and engines in the continental United States except vehicles registered to residents of designated air quality regions until June 30, 1977, or sixty days after the President determines there is no significant shortage of petroleum fuels, whichever is later. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate, subject to the limitations of the Act, geographic areas of the United States in which there is significant auto emissions related air pollution. Provides that each State shall, not later than sixty days following enactment of this Act, submit to the Administrator a plan for implementing the Act. Provides that if a State fails to submit a plan under the Act or if the Administrator determines (after notice and opportunity for hearing) that such State is not adequately enforcing such a plan, then such State shall lose its entitlement to, and may not thereafter receive, any Federal grant or loan assistance under this Act or under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Declares that willful and deliberate violation of any provision of this Act shall be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Suspends emissions controls on motor vehicles and engines in the continental United States except vehicles registered to residents of designated air quality regions until June 30, 1977, or sixty days after the President determines there is no significant shortage of petroleum fuels, whichever is later. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate, subject to the limitations of the Act, geographic areas of the United States in which there is significant auto emissions related air pollution. Provides that each State shall, not later than sixty days following enactment of this Act, submit to the Administrator a plan for implementing the Act. Provides that if a State fails to submit a plan under the Act or if the Administrator determines (after notice and opportunity for hearing) that such State is not adequately enforcing such a plan, then such State shall lose its entitlement to, and may not thereafter receive, any Federal grant or loan assistance under this Act or under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Declares that willful and deliberate violation of any provision of this Act shall be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Extends the Federal program of assistance for the developmentally disabled under the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 to include the physically disabled. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 2691)
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Uniformed Services Retirement Pay Equalization Act - Provides that the retired pay of each retired officer of the Navy or Marine Corps shall be computed on the basis of rates of pay provided by law at the time of his retirement or subsequently for officers on the active list. Permits retired members of the uniformed service, who were retired by reason of physical disability and who are entitled to retired or retainer pay computed under the Career Compensation Act of 1949, to elect within the one-year period following the effective date of this Act, to receive disability retirement pay under this Act, in lieu of that retired or retainer pay to which they are otherwise entitled. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 6149)
![Official portrait of Rep. Clark, Frank M. [D-PA-25]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000431_200.jpg)