United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that the recommendations of the President transmitted to the Congress under the Federal Salary Act of 1967 (relating to salaries of members of Congress and certain members of the executive and judicial branches of the Federal government) shall become effective at the beginning of the first pay period which begins after the first period of thirty calendar days of continuous session following the transmittal of such recommendations, unless there has been enacted into law a statute which establishes rates of pay other than those proposed by all or part of such recommendations, or unless between the date of transmittal and the end of the thirty day period either House adopts a resolution disapproving all or part of such recommendations. Provides that if the Committee, to which a resolution has been referred disapproving the recommendations of the President. Provides that the House has not reported the resolution after ten calendar days, it is in order to discharge the committee from further consideration of the resolution. Directs that such motion to discharge may be made only by an individual favoring the resolution and debate thereon is limited to not more than one hour divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. Directs that the motion to discharge may not be renewed, nor may another motion to discharge the committee be made with respect to any other resolution concerning the same recommendations. Specifies that when the committee has reported, or has been discharged from the further consideration of such resolution, it is in order to proceed to the consideration of the resolution. Stipulates that such motion is not debatable and may not be amended. Limits debate on the resolution to not more than two hours to be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. Provides that motions to postpone, motions to proceed to the consideration of other business and appeals from the decisions of the chair shall be decided without debate. Authorizes any part of the recommendations of the President, in accordance with express provisions of such recommendations, to be made operative on a date later than a date on which such recommendations otherwise are to take effect. (Amends 2 U.S.C. 359)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for participation by the Federal Government with State and local governments, private individuals, and other interested persons in a comprehensive program to prevent further damage to the lands, waters, and natural resources of the Nation from unregulated or inadequately regulated surface and underground coal mining operations, to stabilize lands damaged by surface coal mining, to promote an effective continuing conservation land-use and management program for the coal mining industry, and to assist any worker adversely affected by this Act. Provides that this Act shall be administered by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Provides that each coal mining operation, the products of which enter interstate commerce, or the operations or products of which indirectly or directly affect interstate commerce, and each operator of such mining operation, shall be subject to this Act. Title I: Environmental Protection Coal Mining Limitation - Provides that no surface coal mining shall hereafter be conducted in any area of the national wildlife refuge system, the national park system, or the national forest system. States that no underground coal mining shall be permitted in any designated wilderness area or in any area under study as a wilderness area. Provides that no operator shall begin or renew any surface coal mining operation in any State on or after the effective date of this Act. States that no operator shall conduct contour surface coal mining operations in any State on and after the effective date of this Act. Provides that any operator who, on the effective date of this Act, is actively carrying out surface coal mining operations, other than contour surface coal mining, may continue to do so as provided in this Act if such operator obtains a permit under this title within six months after such date, and if the Administrator determines that such mining is not in violation of, or will not result in any violation of, any provision of the Clean Air Act, and does not cause, or will not result in, irrevocable or lasting injury to the public health or welfare, or damaging, flooding, or destruction of agricultural land, or dislocation or disturbance of surface or subsurface streams, or destruction of, or damange to, historic values, or destruction or damage to valuable recreational or wildlife areas, or destruction or damage of contiguous areas. States that, within two months after the effective date of this Act, no operator shall engage in surface or underground coal mining operations if he has not applied for a permit under the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the requirements for obtaining such permits. Provides that no permit application shall be approved unless the Administrator finds that the applicable requirements of this title and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder will be observed, and that, in the case of a surface coal mining application, there is probable cause to believe that the stabilization of the area of affected land can be achieved. Provides that a stabilization plan shall accompany every application for a permit for surface coal mining and be made available to the public and be approved in the same manner as a permit. Provides that after a permit application has been approved for surface coal mining but before such a permit is issued, the applicant shall file with the Administrator a bond for performance payable to the United States and conditioned on the operator faithfully performing all the requirements of this Act. Creates in the Department of the Treasury a revolving fund to be known as the Coal Mine Lands Stabilization Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund initially the sum of $100,000,000, and such other sums as may thereafter be appropriated by the Congress. Provides that moneys in the fund may be expended by the Chief of the Corps of Engineers to acquire by purchase, donation, exchange, or otherwise land which has been affected by surface coal mining operations, has not been fully stabilized prior to the effective date of this Act, and has been abandoned or is declared inactive as determined by him. Authorizes the Chief of the Corps of Engineers to stabilize directly or by contract the lands so acquired. Provides for renewal of licenses issued under this Act. Requires every surface coal mining operator to stabilize the land affected by his mining. Sets forth the required standards for such stabilization. Restricts dumping and the use of explosives on operations authorized under this Act. Requires each mining operator to report to the Administrator on the amount of coal produced, the number of employees, the days worked, the number and location of acres of land mined, number and location of acres of the land stabilized, and a description of the progress made toward the completion of the reclamation plan. Sets forth conditions for the release of bonds filed under this Act. Provides for the periodic inspection of operations authorized under this Act. Allows any person to commence a civil action on his own behalf: (1) against any person, including the United States, and any other governmental instrumentality or agency, who is alleged to be in violation of this title; or (2) against the Administrator and the Chief of the Corps of Engineers where there is alleged a failure of the Administrator or the Chief to perform any act or duty under this title which is not discretionary with the Administrator or the Chief. Provides that no Federal agency may enter into any contract for the procurement of goods, materials, and services with any operator who is convicted of any offense under this title to perform such contract at any coal mining operation at which the violation which gave rise to such conviction occurred. States that no person shall discharge or in any other way discriminate against or cause to be discharged or discriminated against any employee of a surface mine or any authorized representative thereof by reason of the fact that such employee or representative has: (1) notified the Administrator or his authorized representative of any alleged violation or danger, (2) has filed instituted, or caused to be filed, or (2) instituted, any proceeding under this Act, or (3) testified or is about to testify in any proceeding resulting from the administration or enforcement of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to apply to the appropriate United States district court for injunctions restraining or enforcing compliance with the provisions of this title. Authorizes actions for damages (including attorney fees) by persons injured by violations of this title. Provides for a civil penalty of not to exceed $10,000 for each violation of this title. Prohibits States from enacting mining standards that are less stringent than those established by this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this title. Title II: Assistance to Workers - Provides that payment of a readjustment allowance shall be made to a worker adversely affected by this Act who applies for such allowance for any week of unemployment which begins after the thirtieth day after the date of the enactment of this Act. Provides that such allowance shall be an amount equal to 90 percent of his average weekly wage or to 90 percent of the average weekly manufacturing wage, whichever is greater. Provides for a diminishing of such allowance to the extent that it is supplied through other provisions of law. States that adversely affected workers shall be afforded, where appropriate, the testing, counseling, training, and placement services provided for under any Federal law. Provides for a relocation allowance for any adversely affected worker who is the head of a family and who has been totally separated. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Establishes an Institute for Continuing Studies of Juvenile Justice to serve as a coordinating center for the collection and dissemination of information in the field of juvenile delinquency and control, including comparisons and analysis of State and Federal laws and model laws and recommendations designed to promote effective and efficient systems of juvenile justice; and as a training center for representatives of all levels of government who are connected with the treatment and control of juvenile offenders. Provides that the Institute shall be under the supervision of a Director, appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who will supervise the staff, faculty, and administrative personnel necessary to the Institute's functioning. Gives the Institute powers to carry out the objectives of this Act. Creates an Advisory Commission to design a curriculum for the Institutes enrollees and to supervise the overall policy and operations of the Institute. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 5041-5048)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Imposes on the taxable income of every individual, other than an estate and trust, a tax determined in accordance with the table set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. Allows a married individual who does not make a single return jointly with his spouse to allocate amounts received for services performed by that spouse into the account by the spouse who performed the services and not into the account by the other spouse. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 1, 2)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Allows, under the Tariff Schedules of the United States, the importation of upholstery regulators, upholsterer's regulating needles, and upholsterer's pins free of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that all meetings of any Government agency at which any official action is considered or discussed shall be open to the public. Provides that the above provision shall not apply to that portion of any meeting in which the action or proposed action to be taken, considered, or discussed by an agency: (1) relates to a matter affecting the national security; (2) relates solely to the internal management of such agency; (3) might tend to reflect adversely on the character or reputation of any individual who is subject to any proposed or potential sanction by such agency; or (4) might divulge matters required to be kept confidential under specific statutory provisions. Requires each agency subject to the requirements of this Act to establish, through publication in the Federal Register, procedures for providing public notice of meetings required by this Act to be open to the public. Revises the Legislative Reorganization Act to bring the procedures of the Congress into substantial conformity with the above standards. (Amends 2 U.S.C. 190a). Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have original jurisdiction of actions to render declaratory judgments or to enforce, by injunction or otherwise, the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Endangered Species Conservation Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to provide a program for the conservation, protection, restoration, or propagation of species and subspecies of fish and wildlife and flora that are threatened with extinction, or are likely within the foreseeable future to become threatened with extinction. Sets forth the procedure by which the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce (as defined by this Act) shall determine if a species or subspecies of fish or wildlife or flora shall be regarded as an endangered species. Lists the following factors to be considered in determining if a species or subspecies is threatened with extinction or will likely become threatened with extinction: (1) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (2) overutilization for commercial, sporting, scientific, or educational purposes; (3) disease or predation; (4) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (5) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. Provides that the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, not less than annually, a list by scientific and common name or names of species and subspecies determined to be endangered. Provides that the Secretary may, from time to time, by regulation revise such list. Provides that the Secretary shall utilize the land acquisition and other authorities of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, as amended, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as appropriate, to carry out a program in the United States of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating those species and subspecies of fish and wildlife that he lists as endangered species pursuant to this Act. Provides that, in carrying out the program authorized by this Act, the Secretary shall cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the several States. States that such cooperation shall include consultation before the acquisition of any land for the purpose of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating any endangered species. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate to a State the authority to regulate the taking by any person of endangered species or subspecies when he determines that such State maintains an adequate and active endangered species program consistent with the policies and purposes of this Act. Provides that any person who: (1) imports into or exports from the United States, receives or causes to be so imported, received, or exported; or (2) takes or causes to be taken within the United States, the territorial sea of the United States, Federal lands, or upon the high seas; or (3) ships, carries, or receives by any means in interstate commerce; any species or subspecies which is listed as an endangered species shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Allows exceptions from the prohibitions contained in this Act to permit the taking of an endangered species for scientific purposes and for the propagation of such fish and wildlife in captivity for preservation purposes. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that any person who engages in business as an importer of fish and wildlife must register with the Secretary of the Treasury his name and address of each place of business at which, and all trade names under which, he conducts such business. Requires each such person to keep such records as will fully and correctly disclose each importation of fish and wildlife made by him and the subsequent disposition of such fish and wildlife. States that the Secretary, through the Secretary of State, shall seek the convening of an international ministerial meeting on fish and wildlife prior to July 1, 1973, to assure the world wide conservation of endangered species and to avoid unnecessary harm to affected United States industries. Provides that, whenever the Secretary determines that a species of fish or wildlife is an endangered species, the Secretary of Agriculture may use all authorities available to him with respect to research, investigations, conservation, protection, control and management of such endangered species.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that on or after June 30, 1973, no import quota or other nontariff trade restriction shall be imposed by or pursuant to law with respect to the importation into the United States of petroleum and petroleum products. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1862)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Repeals provisions relating to the interstate transportation of petroleum products, which provisions are for the purpose of protecting interstate commerce from burdens caused by contracts of oil and of encouraging the conservation of crude oil deposits. (Repeals 15 U.S.C. 715-715m)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Directs the President to establish national defense petroleum reserves which shall have a petroleum producing capacity sufficient to protect the United States against a continuous one year interruption of the importation of petroleum from foreign countries not contiguous to the United States, which the President has determined to be insecure sources. Provides that, to the extent deemed necessary, the President may treat existing petroleum reserves established under other laws as part of the national reserves and is authorized to acquire lands adjacent to such existing reserves and to enter into contracts to protect or increase the capacity of these existing reserves. Provides that nothing in this act shall require or authorize the cancellation or termination of any existing lease, or the taking of lands or use thereof, which have been set aside for purposes of recreation, conservation or public use. Requires the President to submit a quarterly report to the Joint Committee on Defense Production.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Repeals provisions relating to the interstate transportation of petroleum products, which provisions are for the purpose of protecting interstate commerce from burdens caused by contracts of oil and of encouraging the conservation of crude oil deposits. (Repeals 15 U.S.C. 715-715m)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that no depreciation deduction shall be allowed in the case of rental housing for any taxable year in which a housing code violation existed for which the owner of such property or his agent was convicted by a court of law. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 167)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides for the preservation and promotion of the Connecticut River Valley through the establishment of a Connecticut Historic Riverway. Establishes the Mount Holyoke Riverway Committee to consult with the Secretary of the Interior on the development and administration of the valley. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that, in the absence of a declaration of war by the Congress, the President of the United States is authorized to commit Armed Forces of the United States to military hostilities only: (1) to repel any attack against the United States, its territories, or possessions; (2) to repel any attack against the Armed Forces of the United States on the high seas, in the air, or lawfully stationed on foreign territory; (3) to protect the lives of United States nationals abroad; and (4) to comply with a national commitment resulting from treaty, convention, or legislative enactment specifically intended to give effect to such commitment. Establishes a Joint Committee on National Security which shall meet within twenty-four hours after the initiation of such hostilities. Directs the President to report the initiation of such hostilities to the joint committee, together with a full account of the circumstances bearing on the necessity for the initiation of such hostilities. Provides that the joint committee shall not have authority to report legislation to the floor of either House, but it shall transmit information under this Act together with its recommendation for legislation to be considered or adopted. States that military hostilities by the Armed Forces of the United States shall not be continued for more than thirty days from the date such hostilities are initiated unless the authority to continue such hostilities for more than thirty days is contained in enabling legislation enacted by the Congress, including a declaration of war.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1969 which place a limitation on the capital gains treatment in the case of total distributions from qualified employees' trusts and annuities are hereby repealed. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 402, 403)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
National Corrections Academy Act - Establishes a National Corrections Academy. Establishes a Coordinating Council for National Corrections Training which shall be composed of fifteen members. Sets forth the terms of office of the members of the Council. Authorizes the Academy to offer the following instruction: (1) executive workshops and seminars ; (2) a correctional staff college to provide educational experience for middle-level personnel who have experience in corrections; (3) a basic course of instruction for persons seeking initial employment as corrections officers; (4) specialist training to offer instruction to full - and part-time support personnel including but not limited to chaplains, doctors, dentists, nurses, business managers, food service personnel, recreation workers, counselors, psychiatrists, vocational instructors, and social workers; (5) extensive background training for in-service staff personnel; and (6) community based programs to develop meaningful and organized efforts to successfully re-integrate the ex-offender into society. Provides that the overall policy and operations of the Academy shall be under the supervision of the Council. Provides that the Council shall report annually to the Congress on its operation and the activities of the Academy and recommend to the Congress further legislative action which may appear desirable. States that the authorized number of students shall be determined each year by the Council. Provides that reasonable efforts shall be made to insure that students are admitted so that geographic regions will be fairly represented on the basis of population and need. Provides that every student shall sign an agreement that, unless separated, he will complete the term of the course of instruction for which he has been accepted. States that following his term of education each student shall serve for a period of not less than two years in an appropriate function in the corrections field. States that every student shall receive during the period of instruction such reasonable stipends and allowances as the Council determines to be necessary. Requires each student to repay 50 percent of such stipends and allowances if the student voluntarily terminates his course of instruction or terminates his service prior to the end of the two year period. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and such sums thereafter as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Congressional Spending Power Act - Prohibits the President from impounding any funds appropriated by law unless he transmits to both the House of Representatives and the Senate a special message specifying: the amount of funds to be impounded; the specific projects affected thereby; and the reason for the impounding of such funds. Requires the Congress to approve or consider the specific impounding of funds within sixty calendar days of continuous session after the special message is received by the Congress or the impounding of funds shall be deemed to have been refused. Specifies procedures for the consideration by the Congress of the President's special message.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Title I: Organization - Establishes within the Department of Labor an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent. Provides that the functions, records and personnel of the Office of Labor Management Services Administration necessary for the administration of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act are transferred to the Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration. Requires that, unless exempt, the provisions of the 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. Requires administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to file applications with the Secretary of Labor for registration of such plans. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - Requires that no pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan may require, as a condition of eligibility to participate in the plan, a period of service longer than one year or an age greater than 25, whichever occurs later, except that any plan which provides 100 percent immediate vesting upon entry into the plan may restrict participation to those who have attained age 30, or three years of service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes the Secretary to defer, in whole or in part, applicability of the vesting provisions for a period not to exceed five years from the effective date of such requirements where a plan makes a showing that the vesting requirements would increase the employer's costs or contributions to the plan to an extent that substantial economic injury would result to the employer and to the interests of the participants. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing funding of multi-employer plans that cover a substantial portion of the industry or employees in a specific geographic area to assure that such plans are provided with sufficient assets to cover benefits under the plan. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program known as the Voluntary Portability Program for portability of vested pension credits. Requires that, plans which are members of this program are required to pay, to a central portability fund administered by the Secretary, monies representing the value of the participant's vested rights when he is separated from the plan prior to retirement. 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. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance Program Established - Establishes a Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program administered by the Secretary, which requires plans to insure unfunded vested liabilities incurred prior to enactment of the Act, as well as after enactment of the Act. Requires the insurance program to insure participants against loss of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the Secretary shall make arrangements with employers on equitable terms for the reimbursement of insurance paid. Title V: Disclosure and Fiduciary Standards - Requires that annual reports filed are required to be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. Restructures the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans so that it will serve as an advisory council for both the WPPDA and the Retirement Income Security for Employees Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition the Federal courts to compel a pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan to comply with the Act or effect recoveries of moneys which may be due under the Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for interference with the rights of a pensioner or his beneficiary. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for the provisions in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Soviet Jews Relief Act - Authorizes to be issued 30,000 special immigrant visas to residents of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics who are listed on their Soviet internal passport as citizenship Soviet, nationality Jewish, and who are seeking admission to the United States to avoid religious prosecution. States that the spouse and children of any such alien, if accompanying or following to join him, may be issued special immigrant visas notwithstanding such numerical limitation. Provides that visas authorized under this Act may be issued by consular officers in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and without the fees specified in that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Prohibits the expenditure of funds, subject to the provisions of this Act, heretofore or hereafter appropriated for longer than thirty days after enactment of this Act to support the deployment of United States Armed Forces or any other military or paramilitary personnel under the control of the United States in the conduct of military or paramilitary operations in or over the Republic of Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos. Provides that funds appropriated may not be expended after the date of enactment of this Act to conduct offshore naval bombardment of, or to bomb (including the use of napalm, other incendiary devices, or chemical agents), rocket, or otherwise attack by air, from any type aircraft, any target whatsoever within Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, or the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Provides that funds appropriated may not be expended after the date of enactment of this Act to conduct offshore naval bombardment of, or to bomb (including the use of napalm, other incendiary devices, or chemical agents), rocket, or otherwise attack by air, from any type aircraft, any target whatsoever within the Republic of Vietnam unless the President determines any such bombardment of air operation clearly is necessary to provide for the immediate safety of United States Armed Forces during their withdrawal from the Republic of Vietnam, and submits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House for immediate transmission to the respective bodies of the Congress, within forty-eight hours of each such bombardment or operation (or if the Congress is not in session, as soon thereafter as it may return), a written report setting forth the time, place, nature, and reasons for conducting such bombardment or operation. Provides that if, by twenty days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and other adversary forces in Indochina holding American prisoners of war have not made arrangements for the release and repatriation by such date of all such prisoners: (1) such date shall be extended for thirty days; and (2) the Congress may by joint resolution authorize such further action as is recommended by the President to secure the release and repatriation of American prisoners of war. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the authority of the President to arrange asylum or other means of protection for individuals who might be physically endangered by the withdrawal of United States military or paramilitary personnel from the Republic of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos, or to arrange for the return of United States equipment or stores from the Republic of Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that on or after June 30, 1973, no import quota or other nontariff trade restriction shall be imposed by or pursuant to law with respect to the importation into the United States of petroleum and petroleum products. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1862)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that on or after June 30, 1973, no import quota or other nontariff trade restriction shall be imposed by or pursuant to law with respect to the importation into the United States of petroleum and petroleum products. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1862)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Repeals provisions relating to the interstate transportation of petroleum products, which provisions are for the purpose of protecting interstate commerce from burdens caused by contracts of oil and of encouraging the conservation of crude oil deposits. (Repeals 15 U.S.C. 715-715m)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
State Technical Services Amendments - Makes municipal governments eligible for technical services under the State Technical Services Act and extends the Act through fiscal year 1976 by authorizing appropriations of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish a nationwide information system to provide data concerning each State technical services program and the establishment of regional offices to facilitate communications between States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Revises the conditions governing eligibility of blind persons to receive disability insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance).
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
County Government Environmental Control Demonstration Project Act - Authorizes the Council on Environmental Quality to enter into such arrangements as it may determine with the county commissioners of Bershire County, Massachusetts, for a three year demonstration project to provide a model for: (1) rejuvenating and strengthening county governments throughout the Nation in their ability to deal with environmental problems; (2) dealing with such environmental problems as waste of land, forest and wildlife resources, soil erosion and flood hazards; (3) solving such problems in cooperation with, and with the assistance of, the Federal and State and local governments; and (4) establishing priorities in solving county environmental problems. Provides that no funds shall be paid to such county pursuant to this Act until such county commissioners submit to the council a plan for carrying out such project which the council determines to be satisfactory for the purpose of this Act. Provides for the composition of the project commission required to administer such demonstration project subject to the supervision of the county commissioners. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $3,000,000 for payments to Berkshire County pursuant to this Act, and such sums as may be necessary for the administration of this Act by the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
National Cemeteries Act - Establishes in the Veterans' Administration a National Cemetery System consisting of all cemeteries of the United States in which veterans of any war or conflict or of service in the Armed Forces are or may be buried. Establishes an eleven-man Commission on American Battle Monuments and National Cemeteries which shall make reports and recommendations to the President concerning the administration of the National Cemetery System, the selection of cemetery sites, and the erection of appropriate memorials and monuments. Directs the Veterans' Administration to conduct a study of the planning criteria applicable to national cemeteries. Specifies who is eligible to be buried in national cemeteries and sets aside plots for memorials for servicemen missing in action. Specifies who is eligible for interment in overseas cemeteries and directs the Administrator to make all rules and regulations and conduct whatever business is necessary to establish and maintain such cemeteries. Authorizes the Administrator to dispose of inactive cemeteries, to acquire land for cemeteries, and to accept and maintain suitable memorials for the beautification of such cemeteries. Prescribes a penalty for defacing cemeteries of not less than $25 or more than $100 or imprisonment for not less than 15 days or more than 60 days. Designates when the Administrator shall furnish headstones and markers for unmarked graves. Repeals various provisions of law, except with respect to rights and duties that matured, penalties, liabilities, and forfeitures that were incurred and proceedings that were begun before the effective date of this Act, which deal with National Cemeteries and Monuments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that the head of any department or agency of the Federal Government shall establish regional small contract claims divisions of the Board of Contract Appeals of that department or agency for the consideration of a final decision of a contracting officer or procuring agent in contract disputes involving up to $50,000 in amount. Sets forth procedures to be followed by such divisions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Prohibits the use of the mails to sell or distribute to a minor: (1) any picture of a person or portion of the human body which depicts nudity, sexual conduct, or sado-masochistic abuse, in a manner designed to primarily appeal to the viewer's prurient interests; or (2) any book or sound recording which depects nudity, sexual conduct, or sado-masochistic abuse or which contains explicit and detailed verbal descriptions of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, or sado-masochistic abuse, and which is designed to primarily appeal to the listener's or reader's prurient interests. Prescribes a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, for the first such offense, and a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than 10 years, or both, for each such offense thereafter. Provides similar penalties for the use of the mails to make an unsolicited sale or distribution of the above material with knowledge of its content to any person who has a minor child residing with him. Defines the terms used in this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1466)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that no license granted for the operation of a broadcasting station under the Communications Act of 1934 shall be for a longer term than five years. Provides for renewal of such license where the Federal Communications Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served. Provides that an applicant for renewal who is legally, financially and technically qualified shall be awarded the license if such applicant shows that its broadcast service during the preceding license period has reflected a good-faith effort to serve the needs and interests of its area as represented in its immediately preceding and pending license renewal application and if it has not demonstrated a callous disregard for law or the Commission's regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Authorizes the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to make, under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, payments to police officers for programs of training or study conducted by institutions of higher education or by institutions offering programs suited to law enforcement. Provides that such payments will equal the compensation of the officer for one year, but no grant may exceed $12,000 for one year. Specifies that in order to obtain payment the officer must promise to continue to serve the law enforcement agency or correctional institution for a period specified by that institution or agency, except that such period may not exceed 2 years for each year of training; and he must be endorsed by the officer in charge of the agency or institution. Authorizes $12,000,000 for fiscal years 1972 and 1973 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Pure Foods Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to regulate the safe and efficient manufacturing, processing, and packing of food for sale in interstate commerce by establishing a system for registering and licensing food manufacturers, processors, and packers and authorizing recall and other emergency procedures. Provides for the registration and licensing by the Secretary of Commerce of all persons engaged in the manufacture, processing, or packing of any class of food distributed in interstate commerce. Authorizes the Secretary to license persons registered under this Act for a period of two years. Provides that the Secretary shall grant a license or a renewal of a license only after: (1) the applicant furnishes the Secretary with the name, location, and principle place of his business; (2) the applicant provides the Secretary with a complete list of all foods manufactured, processed, or packaged at his establishment; (3) the applicant for a license informs the Secretary of the process which is employed in preparing foods to be shipped in interstate commerce; and (4) each establishment of the applicant for a license is inspected to insure that the applicant has established all necessary procedures for producing food which is not adulterated. Provides that a licensee shall be required: (1) to process any food he is licensed to produce in containers as required by the Secretary; (2) to retain processing records on all foods manufactured, processed, or packed for a period of not less than five years; (3) to set aside the lot or lots of any food which is believed to have been improperly manufactured, processed, or packed for further evaluation as to any potential health hazard and upon completion of such evaluation to report to the Secretary within seven days in advance of any distribution of the whole or any part of the lot involved; (4) to report to the Secretary any and all instances of manufacturing, processing, or packaging which may pose a potential public health hazard where any lot has in whole or in part entered the stream of interstate commerce; (5) to open all records to inspection; (6) to include as standard equipment on all processing machines adequate sterilizing equipment, temperature, and time control devices and any other equipment the Secretary deems appropriate and to establish warning devices which shall alert the licensee when such equipment is not properly functioning; (7) to meet any educational requirements set by the Secretary for persons working in such plants; (8) to establish a scheme of insuring itself against losses due to the improper manufacturing, processing, or packaging of food sold in interstate commerce as applicable regulation established by the Secretary; and (9) to follow each applicable regulation established by the Secretary under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke the license of any licensee for violation of the regulations or requirements of this Act according to due process and after a formal investigation. Requires the Secretary to coordinate his activities with those of the relevant State agencies, and to establish a program for the effective correlation and response to information submitted by the public. Provides, upon notification by a licensee or upon reasonable information of a violation involving food in interstate commerce, that the Secretary shall undertake an emmergency investigation to determine the potential public health hazard, and shall make known the results of his investigation to the manufacturers, processers, and packers involved, and also to the public. Authorizes the Secretary, upon determination of a significant potential public health hazard, to recall all or part of the hazardous shipment; embargo any food produced by the violators of the regulations; and suspend the license of any person responsible for the significant potential public health hazard. Increases criminal penalties and provides that any person violating any provision of this section shall be liable to a civil penalty to the United States of a sum which is not more than $10,000 for each such violation. (Amends 21 U.S.C. 344)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Prohibits discrimination by financial institutions or any other persons on the basis of sex or marital status in connection with federally related mortgage transactions. Requires all parties to any such transaction to submit appropriate reports thereon (containing specified information) for public inspection. Provides civil and criminal penalties for any person who violates this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Allows a business tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for expenses incurred for the care of one or more dependents if such care is for the purpose of enabling the taxpayer to carry on a trade or business, including the performance of services by the taxpayer as an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Prohibits discrimination by creditors under the Truth in Lending Act against consumers on the basis of sex or marital status with respect to the extension of credit.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any federally insured bank, savings and loan association, or credit union against any individual on the basis of sex or marital status in credit transactions and in connection with applications for credit. Provides civil and criminal penalties for persons violating this Act. Requires creditors subject to the provisions of this Act to annually prepare and file a report showing the extent of compliance with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Exempts child care services from the ceiling on the amount payable to States as grants for social services pursuant to the State and local Assistance Act of 1972. (Amends P.L. 92-512)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 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 · 3 January 1973
Designates August 26 of each year as "Women's Equality Day". Authorizes the President to issue an annual proclamation in commemoration of the day in 1920 on which women were first guaranteed the right to vote.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District of Columbia shall be the electors of the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names on the ballot. Allows each State to adopt less restrictive voting requirements for the offices of President and Vice President than for the Congressional offices from that State. Permits Congress to adopt uniform residence and age requirements for voting in such elections. Authorizes Congress to prescribe the qualifications for electors from the District of Columbia. Provides that persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President who shall have received the greatest number of votes shall be declared elected President and Vice President, if such number be at least 40 percent of the total number of votes certified. Provides that if none of the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President shall have at least 40 percent of the total number of votes certified, a runoff election shall be held between the two pairs joined as candidates for President and Vice President who shall have received the highest number of votes certified. Requires Congress to determine the days of such elections. Allows the States to determine the times, places, and manner of holding such elections. Authorizes Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Permits Congress to provide, by law, for the case of the death or withdrawal of any candidate or candidates, for the death of both the President-elect and Vice-President-elect, and for the case of a tie.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District of Columbia shall be the electors of the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names on the ballot. Allows each State to adopt less restrictive voting requirements for the offices of President and Vice President than for the Congressional offices from that State. Permits Congress to adopt uniform residence and age requirements for voting in such elections. Authorizes Congress to prescribe the qualifications for electors from the District of Columbia. Provides that persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President who shall have received the greatest number of votes shall be declared elected President and Vice President, if such number be at least 40 percent of the total number of votes certified. Provides that if none of the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President shall have at least 40 percent of the total number of votes certified, a runoff election shall be held between the two pairs joined as candidates for President and Vice President who shall have received the highest number of votes certified. Requires Congress to determine the days of such elections. Allows the States to determine the times, places, and manner of holding such elections. Authorizes Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Permits Congress to provide, by law, for the case of the death or withdrawal of any candidate or candidates, for the death of both the President-elect and Vice-President-elect, and for the case of a tie.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the official candidates of political parties for President shall be nominated at a primary election by direct popular vote. Requires each candidate for nomination to be a candidate of the party of his registered affiliation and his name shall be on that party's ballot in all States if he shall have filed a petition at the seat of the Government of the United States with the President of the Senate. Requires such petition to have been signed by at least one percent of the qualified voters in seventeen States who voted in the most recent presidential election. Recognizes a political party as one if the electors for candidates for President of such party received in any or all of the several States, an aggregate number of ten percent of the total number of votes cast in the most recent previous presidential election. Requires such primary day to be uniform throughout the United States and provides that unless Congress shall appoint a different day the primary shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August of the year preceding the expiration of the regular term of President. Provides that the person receiving the greatest number of votes in each party shall be the official candidate if the number be a plurality amounting to at least forty percent of the total votes cast. States that if no person receives forty percent then Congress shall provide for a runoff to be held on the 28th day after the primary between the two persons receiving the greatest number of votes in his party. Provides for nominating a Vice Presidential candidate in the same procedure. Provides that in the event of the death or resignation or disqualification of the official candidate of any political party for President, the person nominated by such political party for Vice President shall resign the vice-presidential nomination and shall be the official candidate of such party for President. Provides that in the event of the deaths or resignations or disqualifications of the official candidates of any political party for President and Vice President, a national committee of such party shall designate such candidates, who shall then be deemed the official candidates of such party, but in choosing such candidates the vote shall be taken by States, the delegation from each State having one vote. Provides that the places and manner of holding any such primary or runoff election shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations. Allows Congress to provide by appropriate legislation for cases in which two or more candidates receive an equal number of votes and controversy that may arise in the counting and canvassing of the votes cast in elections held in accordance with this amendment. Gives Congress the power to enforce this amendment by appropriate legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Directs the President and the Secretary of Defense to furnish the House of Representatives, within ten days after the adoption of this resolution, with full and complete information on the following: (1) the number of sorties flown by United States military airplanes, for bombing purposes, over North Vietnam during the period December 17, 1972 through January 3, 1973; (2) the tonnage of bombs and shells fired or dropped on North Vietnam during the period December 17, 1972 through January 3, 1973; (3) the number and nomenclature of airplanes lost by the United States over North Vietnam or its territorial waters during the period December 17, 1972 through January 3, 1973; (4) the number of American men killed, wounded, captured, and missing in action while participating in flights over North Vietnam during the period December 17, 1972 through January 3, 1973; (5) the best available estimate of casualties among the North Vietnamese during the period December 17, 1972 through January 3, 1973; (6) the cost of all bombing and shelling carried on by the United States in or over North Vietnam during the period December 17, 1972 through January 3, 1973; and (7) the extent of damage to any and all facilities struck by bombs, including "after action reports" and such other data as is available to the Defense Department.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
States that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 8606) to amend the Small Business Act, and all points of order against section 4, of said bill for failure to comply with the provisions of clause 4 rule XXI are hereby waived. Provides that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Banking and Currency, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Requires that at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous questions shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit. Stipulates that passage of H.R. 8606, the Committee on Banking and Currency shall be discharged from the futher consideration of the bill S.1672, and it shall then be in order in the House to move to strike out all after the enacting clause of the said Senate bill and insert in lieu thereof the provisions contained in H.R. 8606 as passed by the House.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Establishes a Committee on Environment in the House of Representatives, consisting of 25 members. Provides that such Committee shall deal with all measures relating to the quality of the physical environment of the United States and its possessions, including: (1) water quality; (2) air quality; (3) weather modification; (4) waste disposal and management; (5) pesticides and herbicides; and (6) acoustic problems.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Establishes the Joint Select Committee on Government Program Analysis and Evaluation to make a full and complete study and appraisal of all programs and activities of the U.S. Government and any other method, procedure, or proposal designed to secure the objectives enumerated in this resolution, to determine which proposal or combination of proposals may result in the most proper and beneficial evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of Federal programs and activities by objective, scientific, and empirical analysis and in the most practical, expeditious, efficient, and effective manner. Requires the committee to submit a comprehensive report of its study to the Congress.
![Official portrait of Rep. Conte, Silvio O. [R-MA-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000709_200.jpg)