United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1974
Small Business Amendments - Makes technical changes to the Small Business Act in terms of program funding, repayments to revolving funds, and program ceilings, transferring to the Small Business Act authority previously embodied in title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Removes loans under title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act as permissible loans from the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Limits the amount of loans, guarantees, and other obligations of the Small Business Administration that may be outstanding at one time. Empowers the Small Business Administration to make or guarantee loans, with particular emphasis on the preservation or establishment of small business concerns located in urban or rural areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals or owned by low-income individuals. Provides that in the case of loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the Small Business Act, for purpose of which the participating institution has made a valid demand under the terms of the guarantee, a rate of interest not to exceed that charged by the institution may continue to be charged by the SBA for the remaining term of the outstanding indebtedness. Empowers the Administrator of the Administration to make such investigations as he deems necessary to determine whether a recipient of or participant of any assistance under this Act or any other person has engaged or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitue or will constitue a violation of any provision of this Act, or of any rule or regulation under this Act. Creates within the Treasury, under the Small Business Investment Act, separate funds for guarantees which shall be available to the Administrator without fiscal year limitation as revolving funds for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the funds from time time in such amounts not to exceed $10,000,000 for the lease fund and $35,000,000 for the surety bond fund to provide capital for the fund. Authorizes Administration loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis) to assist, or refinance the existing indebtedness of, any small business concern seriously and adversely affected by a shortage of fuel, electrical energy, or energy-producing resources, or by a shortage of raw or processed materials resulting from such shortages. Directs the Administrator to designate an individual within the Administration to be known as the Chief Counsel for Advocacy and to perform the following duties: (1) serve as a focal point for the receipt of complaints, criticisms and suggestions concerning the policies and activities of the Administration and any other Federal agency which affects small businesses; (2) counsel small businesses on how to resolve questions and problems concerning the relationship of the small business to the Federal Government; and (3) represent the views and interests of small businesses before other Federal agencies whose policies and activities may affect small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1974
Shepaug River Act - Adds the Shepaug River in the State of Connecticut to the enumeration of designated rivers constituting potential additions to the national wild and scenic rivers system under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1276)
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Housing and Urban Development Act - Title I: Community Development Block Grants - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States and Units of general local government to help finance Community Development Programs. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations for such grants of up to $8,050,000,000 until July 1, 1977. Authorizes $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for grants to general local government units for urgent community development needs. Requires grant applicants to: (1) formulate community development programs and housing assistance plans; (2) operate such programs in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Public Law 90-284 (relating to fair housing); and (3) inform affected citizens of the various aspects of the program. Requires an annual review and audit to determine if grantees are carrying out their programs as required by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to release funds for projects to applicants who assume all of the responsibilities of environmental review, decision making, and action pursuant to the Environmental Policy Act that would otherwise apply to the Secretary. States that community development programs approved under this title may include: (1) acquisition of real property that is deteriorating or useful for public purposes; (2) installation of public works facilities; (3) rehabilitation of buildings; and (4) provisions for health, social, counseling and training services under activities within this title. Prescribes the allocation of grant funds under this title, including a ratio to determine amounts for individual cities which relates to poverty and housing overcrowding in the city. Requires that 80 percent of the non-urgent grant funds go to metropolitan areas. Prescribes the full "hold-harmless" amount of a metropolitan city or urban county under this title. Preserves a discretionary grant fund for special projects, including new communities, United States territories, and diaster-caused development needs. Authorizes the guarantee of notes or other obligations of general local government units for acquisition of real property for community development programs. Prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, or sex under programs funded by this title. Sets wage standards for labor performed under contracts funded by this title. Requires the termination or reduction of funds to grantees failing to comply with this title. Allows judicial review of such actions. Allows 20 percent of the urgent-need grants to be applied toward the payment of principal and interest on temporary loans made to a local government unit under the Housing Act of 1949. Permits continuance of local building codes (where assistance is sought under this Act) whose standards are as high or higher than those required by this Act. Provides for the employment of low-income persons under programs approved by this title. Title II: Assisted Housing - Authorizes assistance, under the United States Housing Act of 1937, to low-income families. Allows public housing agencies to make assistance payments for the use of existing dwelling units. Allows assistance payments for contracts with owners or prospective owners who construct or rehabilitate housing which will be used at least in part for low-income families. Allows the Secretary to enter into contracts with public housing agencies by which they may assist owners or prospective owners of units over which such agencies assume management. Requires such assistance contracts to set a maximum monthly rent, according to prescribed guidelines. Disallows material differences in rents for assisted housing and comparable unassisted housing. Sets forth a time limit on such contracts for assistance payments. Reserves all ownership, management, and maintenance responsibilities in the owners. Requires 30 percent of families assisted under this title to be "very low-income" families. Requires the Secretary to insure that special projects for the handicapped authorized under the United States Housing Act of 1937 provide quality services and management consistent with the needs of the occupant. Prohibits the approval of a housing assistance plan under the United States Housing Act of 1937, the National Housing Act, or the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 unless the general local government unit certifies that such assistance is consistent with a housing assistance plan approved under title I of this Act. Requires the allocation of assistance under provisions of the above-mentioned laws according to rates of poverty, overcrowding, and substandard housing. Makes public housing agencies eligible as mortgagors under the National Housing Act's provisions relating to housing for moderate income and displaced families. Specifies minimum rentals for low-rent housing under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires the establishment of sound management practices by public housing agencies. Increases the annual contribution to public housing to maintain low rents to $400,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $965,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. Extends the home ownership, cooperative and rental mortgage provisions of the National Housing Act until June 30, 1975. Makes special provision for housing assistance to American Indians, the elderly and handicapped, and to areas where assistance is otherwise unavailable. Title III: Mortgage Credit Programs - Extends the regular FHA insurance programs and the interest rate authority for veterans' home loans. Increases the maximum mortgage amount under the FHA one-to four-family and multifamily mortgage insurance programs. Makes changes in downpayment requirements for regular FHA one-to four-family mortgages. Provides for FHA insured financing on resale of cooperative dwellings. Increases the amounts and time limits on home improvement loans. Permits the co-insurance of any mortgage, advance, or loan in addition to co-insurance otherwise provided by this Act. Prohibits the issuance of such insurance until it is determined that such co-insurance demonstration program will not disrupt the mortgage market or reduce the availability of mortgage credit to borrowers who depend upon mortgage insurance under this Act. Prohibits the purchase of mortgages by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation if the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage at the time of purchase exceeds 80 percent of the value of the property. Eliminates the provisions of Federal law concerning the retirement of common and preferred stock in FNMA. Prohbits sex discrimination in Federal mortgage assistance payments under this title. Adds osteopathic and podiatric facilities to the provisions of the National Housing Act regarding mortgage insurance for group practice facilities. Title IV: Rural Housing - Allows loans for the repair and improvement of rural dwellings to make them safe and sanitary (where the borrower does not otherwise qualify) of up to $5,000. Extends veterans preference to rural housing programs under the Housing Act of 1949. Authorizes funds for loan programs for rural housing programs. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide condominium housing for low-and moderate-income families in ruarl areas. Permits the Secretary to make loans to public or private nonprofit organizations for the acquisition and development of land as building sites to be subdivided and sold to families, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and cooperatives. Allows borrowers, under provisions of the Housing Act of 1949, to prepay taxes and insurance to the Secretary, who will hold such payments in escrow and pay them out at the appropriate time. Provides for contracts with public or private nonprofit organizations to provide information and technical assistance, provided such private nonprofit organizations are sponsored by a State or local government entity. States that such information and assistance shall relate to construction, rehabilitation, and operation of low-and moderate-income housing, as well as counseling on household management and budgeting. Authorizes loans and insurance for rental or cooperative housing for persons and families of low income in multifamily housing projects, as well as assistance payments to owners of such rental housing to make available to such persons such housing at rates not exceeding 25 percent of their incomes. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that it is the purpose of this part to encourage the formation of State development agencies which have authority to carry out development activities designed to: (1) provide housing and related facilities for persons and families of low and moderate income; (2) promote the sound growth and development of neighborhoods through the revitalization of slum and blighted areas; and (3) increase and improve employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed through the development and redevelopment of industrial, manufacturing, and commercial facilities. Permits the guarantee of bonds, debentures, notes and other obligations issued by State development agencies to finance development activities described in the purposes of this title. Establishes a revolving fund to provide for timely payment of liabilities incurred as a result of such guarantees. Allows supplementary grants for projects assisted by the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities. Includes waste disposal facilities among eligible land improvements. Authorizes appropriations for comprehensive urban planning. Title VI: Consumer Home Mortgage Assistance - Consumer Home Mortgage Assistance Act - States that savings and loan associations are authorized to invest an amount, not exceeding the greater of the sum of its surplus, undivided profits, and reserves or 5 percent of its assets, in loans or in interests therein the principal purpose of which is to provide financing with respect to what is or is expected to become primarily residential real estate within one hundred miles of their home office or within the State in which such office is located. Increase the amount that may be loaned by such associations on single family dwellings from $45,000 to $55,000. Permits any national banking association to make real estate loans secured by liens upon unimproved real estate, upon improved real estate, including improved farmland and improved business and residential properties, and upon real estate to be improved by a building or buildings to be constructed or in the process of construction, in an amount which when added to the amount unpaid upon prior mortgages, liens, encumbrances, if any, upon such real estate does not exceed the respective proportions of appraised value as provided in this title. States that the amount of any such loan hereafter made shall not exceed 66 2/3 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is unimproved, 75 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is improved by offsite improvements such as as streets, water, sewers, or other utilities, 75 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is in the process of being improved by a building or building to be constructed or in the process of construction, or 90 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is improved by a building or buildings. Allows national banking associations to make real estate loans secured by liens upon forest tracts with are properly managed in all respects. Limits the amount that Federal Credit Unions may loan to it directors and members of it supervisory credit committee to $2,500 without approval of the board of directors. Allows such credit unions to establish two-member investment committees. Prescribes meeting frequencies and procedures for credit committees of such credit unions. Provides termination procedures for insured credit unions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Revises the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 by increasing the period of time during which interested members of the public may comment on proposed preliminary railway system plans. Increases the time limit within which the United States Railway Association shall submit a final railway system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1974
Authorizes the President to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to prohibit the importation into the United States of products from foreign countries conducting fishing operations which adversely affect international fishery conservation programs, or to state his reasons for not doing so to the Congress.
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 · 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
Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Title I: Geothermal Energy Coordination and Management Project - Establishes the Geothermal Energy Coordination and Management Project, which shall have responsibility for management and coordination of a national geothermal energy research, development, and demonstration program. States that such responsibility shall be carried out in cooperation with the Interior Department, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Atomic Energy Commission, and National Science Foundation. Directs the Project to explore and assess national geothermal resources and to identify promising areas for industrial exploration and development. Directs the Project to initiate a research and development program to resolve technical problems inhibiting commercial utilization of geothermal resources, including: (1) development of effective drilling methods; (2) development of methods for converting geothermal energy to useful forms; and (3) development of improved methods for controlling emissions and wastes from geothermal utilization. Directs the Project to initiate a program to design and construct geothermal demonstration plants, including design and construction of plants to produce electrical power and large scale production and utilization of useful byproducts. Title II: Loan Guarantees - Authorizes the guarantee of loans by financial institutions for commercial development of geothermal resources. Limits such loan guarantees to 75 percent of the project costs. Requires repayment of such loans in 30 years, and limits such loans for any project to $25,000,000. Authorizes the payment of the interest on such loans by an agency designated by the Project chairman if the borrower is unable to pay the interest and such payment is in the public interest. Establishes the Geothermal Resources Development Fund in the Treasury to carry out the loan guarantee and interest payment provisions of this title. Title III: General Provisions - Requires that activities under this Act shall not endanger persons or the environment. Requires semi-annual reports to the President and Congress on the progress of activities under this Act. Provides for the transfer of functions of the Project upon the establishment of a permanent Federal energy agency. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for fiscal year 1975 for research, development, and related activities, funded by it under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 each year to carry out the loan guarantee provisions of title II.
United States · United States Congress · 4 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 · 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 those available to the highest ranking officer on active duty in each of the other military services, should be provided for the Chief of Naval Operations. Repeals the Federal law authorizing the planning, design, construction, furnishing, and maintenance of an official residence for the Vice President of the United States.
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 · 7 May 1974
Geothermal Energy, Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Title I: Geothermal Energy Coordination and Management Project - Establishes the Geothermal Energy Coordination and Management Project, which shall have responsibility for management and coordination of a national geothermal energy research, development, and demonstration program. States that such responsibility shall be carried out in cooperation with the Interior Department, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Atomic Energy Commission, and National Science Foundation. Directs the Project to explore and assess national geothermal resources and to identify promising areas for industrial exploration and development. Directs the Project to initiate a research and development program to resolve technical problems inhibiting commercial utilization of geothermal resources; including: (1) development of effective drilling methods; (2) development of methods for converting geothermal energy to useful forms; and (3) development of improved methods for controlling emissions and wastes from geothermal utilization. Directs the Project to initiate a program to design and construct geothermal demonstration plants, including design and construction of plants to produce electrical power and large scale production and utilization of useful byproducts. Title II: Loan Guarantees - Authorizes the guarantee of loans by financial institutions for commercial development of geothermal resources. Limits such loans guarantees to 75 percent of the project costs. Requires repayment of such loans in 30 years, and limits such loans for any project to $25,000,000. Authorizes the payment of the interest on such loans by an agency designated by the Project chairman if the borrower is unable to pay the interest and such payment is in the public interest. Establishes the Geothermal Resources Development Fund in the Treasury to carry out the loan guarantee and interest payment provisions of this title. Title III: General Provisions - Requires that activities under this Act shall not endanger persons or the environment. Requires semi-annual reports to the President and Congress on the progress of activities under this Act. Provides for the transfer of the functions of the Project upon the establishment of a permanent Federal energy agency. Authorizes the appropriation of $300,000,000 to the National Science Foundation for fiscal years 1975-1980 for research, development, and demonstration projects funded by it under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 each year to carry out the loan guarantee provisions of Title II.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1974
Prohibits the Bureau of Labor Statistics from instituting any revision in the method of calculating the Consumer Price Index until such revision has been approved by resolution by either the Senate or the House of Representatives of the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1974
Revises the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 by setting forth the conditions under which taxes received by special districts which are not units of local government but which perform municipal services within cities and other units of local government shall be treated as adjusted taxes of the unit of local government.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1974
Authorizes the additional appropriation of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for research on the cause and treatment of diabetes under the Public Health Service 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 · 10 April 1974
Foreign Investment Control Act - Declares that the Congress finds that recent international economic and monetary changes have stimulated investment by foreign persons in industries and real property in the United States. Establishes the National Foreign Investment Commission. Specifies the duties, powers, and composition of the Commission. States that, within one hundred and eighty days after the date of enactment of this Act, and at the end of each six-month period thereafter, the Commission shall determine and notify each issuer which is substantially involved in any area essential to the United States national security and/or economic security, and each issuer which is substantially involved in any area important to the United States national security and/or economic security, as defined and described in this Act. Requires the Commission to publish in the Federal Register the names of all issuers so determined under this Act. Requires each such issuer to submit to the Commission (within sixty days after receiving notification from the Commission) the names and nationalities of all individuals not citizens of the United States, and the names of all persons other than individuals, who own voting securities of such issuers. States that such list shall also be transmitted to the Securities Exchange Commission which shall, in turn, require each broker, dealer, and bank registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1) not to sell to any individual who is not a citizen of the United States any right, title, or interest in any security of an issuer on the list which is substantially involved in any area essential to our national security and/or economic security; (2) to contact the Commission for approval before it sells to any person who is not an individual (or to any individual acting as an agent for such a person) any right, title, or interest in any security of an issuer on the list which is substantially involved in any area essential to our national security and/or economic security; and (3) to inform the Commission immediately after it sells to any person any right, title, or interest in any security of an issuer on the list which is substantially involved in any area important to our national security and/or economic security. States that the Commission shall order (1) each individual whose name was submitted under this Act and (2) each person which the Commission determines is owned or controlled by a person not a citizen of the United States, who owns any right, title, or interest in any voting security of any issuer substantially involved in any area essential to our national security and/or economic security, to sell (within a period of sixty days after such order) all such securities to any citizen of the United States, or (with the Commission's prior approval) to any person not included in the prohibitions of this Act. Provides that, within a period of one hundred and eighty days after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall determine which minerals, fertile realty for agriculture, timber lands, and other resources are to be included in a list of resources which are strategic to the national security and/or economic security of the United States. States that after such list is so published, if any seller or lessor of real estate located in the United States, or his agent, knows or has reason to know that such real estate contains resources on such list in commercially exploitable amounts, he shall not sell or lease such real estate to any individual who is not a citizen of the United States, or to such individual's agent. States that whoever fails to comply with specified requirements of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 for each such failure.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Special Unemployment Compensation Act - Provides that each State which enters into an agreement with the Secretary of Labor, pursuant to which it makes payments of special unemployment compensation, shall be paid by the United States such amounts as are deemed necessary by the Secretary of Labor to carry out the provisions of this Act in the State. States that an individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of special unemployment compensation or waiting period credit with respect to a week of unemployment occurring during and subsequent to a special unemployment compensation period in accordance with the provisions of this Act if the individual meets the specified requirements, including the exhaustion of all rights to compensation under all State unemployment compensation and other laws. Provides for the periods of time to be covered by special unemployment compensation under this Act. States that a special unemployment compensation period shall commence in an area designated by the Secretary with the third week after the first week for which there is an "on" indicator for such area, and shall terminate with the third week after the first week for which there is an "off" indicator for such area. Provides that no special unemployment compensation period shall have a duration of less than 13 weeks. Sets forth the criteria for establishing "on" and "off" indicators. Prescribes the calculations to be followed in determining the weekly amount of special unemployment benefits and sets maximum benefit amounts. Empowers the Secretary to promulgate rules necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Defines the terms used in this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1974
Soviet Energy Investment Prohibition Act - Provides that no department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government may directly or indirectly provide assistance to finance or otherwise promote the export of any commodity, product, or service from the United States if the intended use of such commodity, product, or service involves energy research and development or energy exploration in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1974
Urban Transport Data Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the identification, collection, analysis, and reporting of comprehensive, comparable, objective, and reliable data and information about the current status and changing trends of mobility in urban areas, and the operating and financial conditions of urban passenger and freight properties and carriers. Establishes within the Department of Transportation an Urban Transport Data Board consisting of three members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the purposes of the Board as to assist Federal, State, and local governments to: (1) determine adequate quality, safety, and quantity of all urban transport systems and services in urban areas; (2) support Federal, State, and local evaluations of the efficient performance of urban transport operations and services; (3) provide information by which urban transport properties can comparatively analyze and evaluate their own properties and procedures; and (4) provide factual information to assist governments in deciding allocations of public funds for assisting urban transport systems and services. Authorizes the Board to establish such rules, regulations, and procedures as are necessary to the exercise of its functions and to carry out the purposes for which it is created. Provides that the Board shall have the same powers as are vested in the Secretary of Transportation to hold hearings, assign and issue subpoenas, administer oaths, examine witnesses, and receive testimony at any place in the United States it may designate. Authorizes the appropriation each year, without fiscal year limitation, an amount not to exceed the higher of: (1) $8,000,000, or (2) one-quarter of 1 per cent of the total Federal funds committed during the preceding year for assistance to all forms of urban transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Makes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development, construction of facilities, and research and program management.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1974
Authorizes the issuance of visas to Vietnamese children determined to have one alien parent and one parent who is a citizen of the United States and who are determined to be orphans because of abandonment by either or both parents.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1974
Expresses the sense of Congress that immediate steps be taken to comply with the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 by the issuing of a regulation which will lead to a decrease in the difference between the prices charged in the various sections of the United States for refined petroleum products, as defined in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1974
Energy Accounting Investigations Act - Declares that the Congress reiterates the continuing commitment of the United States to the goal of a free enterprise economy which functions fairly and efficiently with a minimum of Government interference. Defines the terms used in this Act. Defines the term "energy industries" as meaning the following lines of commerce: (1) production of mineral fuels; (2) refining or otherwise processing mineral fuels for use as a source of energy; (3) transportation of mineral fuels by rail, motor vehicle, water, pipeline, or otherwise; (4) electrical power generation and transmission; or (5) wholesale or retail distribution or sale of mineral fuels or electrical energy. Defines the term "production" as meaning the development of oil lands or oil shale lands within any State, the extraction of crude petroleum or oil shale, and the storage of crude petroleum on or in such lands. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine: (1) the extent to which competition among persons engaged in the provision of accounting services is abridged with relation to the provision of such services to the major oil companies; (2) the nature of the practices of persons engaged in the provision of accounting services to the major oil companies and the extent to which such practices work to the disadvantage of the general or investing public; (3) the extent to which those persons engaged in the provision of accounting services to the major oil companies fulfill their primary duty of "presenting fairly" the conditions of the firms they audit, as defined by the United States Court of Appeals; and (4) the nature and extent to which persons engaged in the provision of accounting services to the major oil companies serve as information conduits between persons involved in the energy industries. Requires that, no later than nine months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall prepare and submit to Congress and the President a report containing all information gathered under this Act, and such report shall be available for public inspection and for copying purposes. Declares that beginning one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall take such steps as shall be necessary to: (1) remove anticompetitive barriers existing in the fields of auditing, tax servicing, and consulting with and for the major oil companies; and (2) promote fair and ethical standards in the relationships between persons engaged in the provision of the accounting services and their clients in the energy industries. Requires all integrated major oil companies, beginning one year after enactment of this Act, to file on an annual basis with the Federal Trade Commission economic and financial reports for each of the levels of operation with which they may be involved. Provides for the enforcement of this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General of the United States or his designee to examine the activities of those persons engaged in the provision of accounting services as those services relate to the business of major oil companies. Provides that the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General of the United States or his designee, together or independently, shall institute suits in the district courts of the United States requesting the issuance of such relief as is appropriate under this Act to insure compliance with this Act. Provides for penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. States that a violation by a corporation shall also be deemed to be a violation by the individual directors, officers, receivers, trustees, or agents of such corporation who shall have authorized, ordered, or done any of the act constituting the violation in whole or part, or who shall have omitted to authorize, order, or do any acts which would terminate, prevent, or correct conduct violative of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Energy Emergency Employment Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that it is the purpose of this Act to detect unemployment and underemployment as a result of the "energy crisis", to provide workers with assistance to return workers to employment; and to provide areas with particularly heavy energy related joblessness special employment assistance. Title I: Energy Emergency Employment Board - Establishes within the Department of Labor an Energy Emergency Employment Board, consisting of five private members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and two "ex officio" members: the Director of the Federal Energy Office and the Secretary of Labor, who will also serve as Chairman. Enumerates the functions of the Board, including to: (1) oversee the implementation of the energy emergency employment programs authorized in this Act; (2) recommend programs that will return persons unemployed or underemployed, as a result of the energy emergency, to productive full-time employment as rapidly as possible, (3) develop an early unemployment warning system; and (4) undertake manpower planning projects to estimate long and short term energy emergency related employment trends. Requires the Board to make reports to the Congress and the President. Title II: Energy Emergency Employment Opportunity Program - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into arrangements with public service employers in order to make financial assistance available for the purpose of providing employment opportunities, particularly for persons who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the energy emergency, in jobs providing needed public services. Sets forth the procedure and requirements to be met by applications for financial assistance for the purpose of carrying out a public service employment program under this Act. Provides that the amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act for any fiscal year shall be allocated by the Secretary in such manner as prescribed by the Board. Provides that 80 per cent of such amount shall be apportioned among the States in that proportion which the total number of persons underemployed or unemployed in each such State bears to such total number of such persons, respectively, in the United States, and the remainder shall be available to carry out a special Energy Emergency Area Employment Assistance Program. States that the Secretary shall not provide financial assistance for any program or activity under this Act unless he determines that specified critera are met, including that the program: (1) will result in an increase in employment opportunities over those which would otherwise be available; (2) will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers; (3) will not impair existing contracts for services or result in the substitution of Federal for other funds in connection with work that would otherwise be performed; and (4) will not substitute public service jobs for existing federally assisted jobs. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a program of incentives to private industry to hire, and train if necessary, persons unemployed or underemployed as a result of the energy emergency. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out this title. Title III: Energy Emergency Employment Assistance - Provides that any person unemployed or underemployed as a result of the energy emergency may file an application with the Secretary for economic adjustment assistance provided under this title. States that economic adjustment assistance under this title consists of: (1) readjustment allowances; (2) training and counseling benefits; (3) relocation allowances; and (4) health benefits. Prescribes the requirements to be met by an adversely affected worker before readjustment allowances will be paid. Provides that payment of readjustment allowances shall not be made for more than twenty-six weeks, unless upon application to the Secretary for extension, that proof of a good faith effort to attain employment has been made, in which case one additional 26 week extension shall be allowed. Sets forth the qualifying requirements for relocation allowances and health benefits. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act, including "adversely affected worker" and "unemployed or underemployed person."
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Urban Transport Data Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the identification, collection, analysis, and reporting of comprehensive, comparable, objective, and reliable data and information about the current status and changing trends of mobility in urban areas, and the operating and financial conditions of urban passenger and freight properties and carriers. Establishes within the Department of Transportation an Urban Transport Data Board consisting of three members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the purposes of the Board as to assist Federal, State, and local governments to: (1) determine adequate quality, safety, and quantity of all urban transport systems and services in urban areas; (2) support Federal, State, and local evaluations of the efficient performance of urban transport operations and services; (3) provide information by which urban transport properties can comparatively analyze and evaluate their own properties and procedures; and (4) provide factual information to assist governments in deciding allocations of public funds for assisting urban transport systems and services. Authorizes the Board to establish such rules, regulations, and procedures as are necessary to the exercise of its functions and to carry out the purposes for which it is created. Provides that the Board shall have the same powers as are vested in the Secretary of Transportation to hold hearings, assign and issue subpoenas, administer oaths, examine witnesses, and receive testimony at any place in the United States it may designate. Authorizes the appropriation each year, without fiscal year limitation, an amount not to exceed the higher of: (1) $8,000,000, or (2) one-quarter of 1 per cent of the total Federal funds committed during the preceding year for assistance to all forms of urban transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Energy Information Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Bureau of Energy Information - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Commerce a Bureau of Energy Information to be a main line component of the Social and Economic Statistics Administration, coequal with the Bureau of the Census. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to perform the duties conferred upon the Bureau by this title or delegate any of them. Provides that the Bureau shall be headed by a Director of Energy Information to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the principal function of the Bureau shall be to operate, maintain, and improve the National Energy Information System established by Title II of this Act. Enumerates the work priorities of the Bureau. Title II: National Energy Information System - Establishes a National Energy Information System, to be operated and maintained by the Bureau. Directs that the components of the System shall be: (1) a public library of energy information; (2) a confidential library of energy information for restricted governmental use; and (3) a secret library of energy information for use only in preparing anonymous statistics. Specifies the characteristics of the System. States that the purpose of the public library is to make available to the general public promptly and conveniently as much of the information in the System as can be released consistently with national security and reasonable competitive equities. States that the purpose of the secret library is to serve the Nation's need for accurate statistical information on mineral fuel reserves, natural energy resources, and energy industries. Directs the Director to place in the secret library information obtained under authority of this Act for which either the national security or reasonable competitive equities require that the information be wholly suppressed or be published only in statistical aggregations of a size and type sufficient to prevent any person from learning or inferring the data furnished by any particular establishment or individual. Prescribes the priorities for entry of information into the System. Enumerates the standards for entry of information into the public, confidential, and secret libraries. Imposes penalties on any employee of the Bureau or other employee who, having taken and subscribed the oath of office, publishes or communicates, without the written authority of the Secretary or the Director, any information coming into his possession by reason of his employment from or for entry in the confidential library or the secret library of the System. Penalizes refusal or neglect to provide information, and the providing of false information, under this Act. Title III: Energy Resources Inventories and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis an inventory of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources in the public lands of the United States, including the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifies the content of such compilation. Title IV: Information on Mineral Fuel Reserves and Natural Energy Resources - Makes it the duty of every substantial energy resources company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce to report annually to the Director full and complete details of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources which it, together with its affiliates, owns or controls anywhere in the world. Provides that all reports required by this title and title V shall be entered by the Director, immediately upon receipt, into one of the three libraries of the System. Title V: Information on the Energy Industries - Makes it the duty of every major energy company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce, to report annually to the Director on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Specifies the content of such reports. Authorizes the requiring of additional reports, at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce or the Director. Title VI: General Accounting Office Oversight - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to review and evaluate the procedures and activities of the Bureau. Title VII: Conformance of and with Other Statutes - Provides that whenever any of the information obtained from any major energy company under this Act is contained in any other report of such company, such report having been filed prior to the effective date of this Act, the Director may excuse such company from filing a report with him, containing the same information. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Reports Act. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Provides that if any provision of this Act or the applicability thereof is held invalid the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior such amounts, as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such Departments by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Provides under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individual's earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Authorizes an additional five-year period to January 1, 1979, before States must begin repayment of outstanding advances to their unemployment compensation accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 12 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 · 27 February 1974
Prohibits the exportation of fertilizer from the United States until the Secretary of Agriculture determines that an adequate domestic supply of fertilizer exists.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that accurate and complete data on imports of oil and oil products into the United States, oil and oil products inventories in the United States or under the control of companies owned by United States citizens, and distribution of oil and oil products within and from out of the United States are essential to the national security of the United States, the safety of its citizens, and the proper conduct of its domestic and international commerce. Authorizes the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of the importing, inventorying, and disposition of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1974
Requires, under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods covered by such Act shall disclose each of their ingredients in the order of their predominance and by their common name. Makes provisons for such labels to disclose changes in such ingredients.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Disallows, under the Internal Revenue Code, percentage depletion deductions on foreign oil and gas wells, tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs for foreign oil or gas wells, and tax credits for income, war profits, or excess profits tax paid or accrued which is attributable to income from foreign oil or gas wells. Allows a tax deduction for excess profits taxes imposed by foreign countries to the extent a credit is denied for such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1974
Makes it the sense of the House that, during the period pending consideration and action by the Senate upon the bill H.R. 10710, as introduced in the first session of the Congress, cited as the "Trade Reform Act of 1973" and as amended and passed by the House, no loan, guarantee, insurance, or credit shall be extended by the Export-Import Bank of the United States to any nonmarket economy country (other than any such country whose products are eligible for column 1 tariff treatment on the date of the enactment of this resolution), and no such country shall participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Federal Oil and Gas Corporation Act - Directs the Federal Power Commission to establish a corporation to be known as the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation, administered by a Board of Directors consisting of five qualified individuals who shall be selected by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires that all members of the Board shall be individuals who believe and profess a demonstrable belief in environmental protection and the purposes of the antitrust and consumer protection laws of the United States. Requires that no member of the Board shall, during his term in office, be engaged in any other business, nor may he have any financial interest in any business entity which is engaged in the exploration, developemnt, production, transportation, or sale of natural gas or oil. Grants the Corporation power to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, foreign, or private lands; (2) develop and sell natural gas or oil discovered by exploration, or otherwise obtained by sale, lease, purchase, exchange, or contract, and to build and operate all those facilities necessary for the development or sales of such resources; and (3) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy, from whatever source. Requires any Federal agency or department having authority to lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of Federal lands, or rights to natural gas or oil which is or may be located on Federal lands, including offshore rights, shall, upon receipt of a request of the Corporation under this Act, grant the Corporation such right to develop without payment within 90 days after the receipt of such request. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, to the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to make sales of such oil in a manner which will promote competition among suppliers of crude oil; and to build, lease, or purchase transportation facilities for the natural gas or oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for delivery of such natural gas or oil in a manner which will promote competition among suppliers of natural gas or oil. Requires that sales of natural gas or oil by the Corporation shall be made at fair and reasonable prices designed to promote competition among suppliers of these energy resources. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and for each of the next ten succeeding fiscal years $50,000,000 to carry out its activities under this Act. Provides that all funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology and to provide for the development and demonstration within a five-year period of the practical use of combined heating and cooling technology. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate and carry out a program as provided in this Act for the development and demonstration of solar heating systems for use in residential dwellings and commercial buildings. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings, to be monitored by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to assure the full dissemination of information with respect to the activities conducted under this Act to Federal, State, and local authorities, the building industry and the public at large. Directs the Secretary to establish and operate a Solar Heating and Cooling Information Data Bank for collecting, reviewing, processing, and disseminating solar heating and cooling information in support of the objectives of this Act. Sets forth reporting requirements for agencies conducting activities under this Act. Provides for adjustment of the maximum dollar amount of any Federally-assisted mortgage loan or the maximum per-unit or other cost of any Federally-constructed housing if such structure is furnished with solar heating or combined solar heating and cooling equipment under the demonstration program established by this Act. Provides that within sixty days after creation of any permanent Federal organization having jurisdiction over the energy research and development functions of the United States, all research and development functions vested in other agencies by this Act, along with related records, documents, personnel, obligations and other items shall be transferred to the new organization. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1973
Freedom of Information Act Security Classification Amendments - Sets forth statutory provisions governing the administration of the Security Classsification System under the Freedom of Information Act. Establishes an independent Classification Review Commission, with regulatory and quasi-adjudicatory authority over the administration of the Security Classification System. Provides the Commission with responsibility for settling disputes between the Congress and the Executive branch over access to classified information requested by a majority of either House of Congress, by Congressional committees, or by the Comptroller General of the United States. States that decisions of the Commission in this field are subject to judicial review. Limits the authority of executive departments, agencies, and officials to classify documents. Provides for automatic declassification after 15 years of national defense information previously classified. Limits the classification period for "Top Secret" documents and information to three years, except for a category of highly sensitive national defense information. Provides for enforcement mechanisms to prevent classification of documents to hide incompetence, inefficiency, wrong doing, or embarrassment. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552(d))
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1973
Fire Prevention and Control Act - Title I: Establishes within the Department of Commerce a National Bureau of Fire Safety headed by a Director appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares the function of the Bureau to be to improve the nation's efforts in fire prevention and control through public education, advanced technology, training and education, improved statistics, and other relevant efforts. Requires the Director to undertake programs in public education for the further development of fire technology. States that the Director shall operate directly or through contracts an integrated, comprehensive national fire data program based on the collection, analysis, publication, and dissemination of fire information related to the prevention, occurrence, control, and results of fires of all types. Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, as part of the Bureau, a United States Fire Academy which shall have the mission of advancing the professional development of fire service personnel, civil defense personnel, and related fire safety personnel. States that the Academy shall be headed by a Superintendant. Sets forth the duties of the Superintendent. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Establishes within the Department of Commerce a Fire Research Center which shall perform and support basic and applied research on all aspects of fire with the aim of providing scientific and technical knowledge applicable to the prevention and reduction of fires. Requires such program to include investigations of (1) the physics and chemistry of combustion processes; (2) the dynamics of flame ignition, flame spread, and flame extinguishment; (3) the composition of combustion products developed by various sources and under various environmental conditions; (4) the unique aspects of fire hazards arising from the transportation and use in industrial and professional practices of combustible gases, fluids, and materials; and (5) design concepts for providing increased fire safety consistent with habitability, comfort, and human impact, in buildings and other structures. Directs the Center to conduct research on: (1) the biological and physiological effects of toxic substances encountered in fires; (2) the trauma, cardiac conditions, and other hazards resulting from exposure to fires; (3) the development of simple, reliable tests for the determination of the cause of death from fires; (4) improved methods of providing first aid to the victims of fires; (5) the psychological and motivational characteristics of persons who engage in arson, and the prediction and cure of such behavior; (6) the conditions of stress encountered by firefighters, their effects, and their alleviation or reduction; and (7) such other biological, physiological, and psychological effects of fire as may have significance for purposes of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for purposes of this title an amount not to exceed $3,500,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title III: Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institutes of Health, and expanded program of research on burns, treatment of burn injuries, and rehabilitation of victims of fires. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Provides that the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipient that are pertinent to its activities under this Act for the purpose of audit or to determine whether a proposed activity is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Fire Prevention and Control Act - Title I: Fire Research Center - Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, a Fire Research Center which shall perform and support basic and applied research on all aspects of fire with the aim of providing scientific and technical knowledge applicable to the prevention and reduction of fires. Enumerates specific areas of inquiry for the Fire Research Center, such inquiry to be conducted directly or through contracts or grants. Authorizes the appropriation of not in excess of $3,500,00 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 for the purposes of this title. Repeals Title I of the Fire Research and Safety Act of 1968. Title II: National Bureau of Fire Safety - Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, a National Bureau of Fire Safety, to improve the Nation's efforts in fire prevention and control through public education, advanced technology, training, and improved statistics. Provides that the Director of the National Bureau of Fire Safety shall undertake, in collaboration with existing public and private organizations, a continuing and extensive program of public education in fire prevention and fire safety. Provides that the Director shall conduct a program of continuing development, testing, and evaluation of equipment for use by the Nation's fire, rescue, and civil defense services with the aim of making available improved suppression, protective, auxiliary, and warning devices incorporating the latest technology. Enumerates activities which shall be included in such program. Provides that the Director shall operate directly or through contracts an integrated, comprehensive national fire data program based on the collection, analysis, publication, and dissemination of fire information related to the prevention, occurrence, control, and results of fires of all types in order to provide an accurate national picture of the fire problem, identify major problem areas and assist in setting priorities, determine possible solutions to problems, and monitor progress of programs to reduce fire losses. Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, as part of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Control, a United States Fire Academy which shall advance the professional development of fire service personnel, civil defense personnel, and related fire safety personnel. Authorizes the Superintendent of the Academy, in furtherance of the mission of the Academy, to conduct courses and programs of training and education in the techniques of fire prevention, fire inspection, firefighting, and fire and arson investigation for members of the firefighting forces of the Nation. Provides for the establishment of admission criteria, tuition fees, and scholarships for the Academy. Requires the Superintendent of the Academy to establish a Committee on Fire Training and Education which shall inquire into and make recommendations regarding the desirability of establishing a mechanism for accreditation of fire training and education programs and courses, and the role which the Academy should play if such programs are recommended. Authorizes each fire district or department that engages in the fighting of a fire on Federal property to file a report with the National Bureau of Fire Safety in order to receive compensation for the cost of fighting such fire. Sets forth the items to be contained in such report and the method of computation of the payment. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 for the purposes of this title. Title III: Victims of Fire - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish within the National Institutes of Health an expanded program of research on burns, treatment of burn injuries, and rehabilitation of victims of fires. Directs the National Institutes of Health to: (1) sponsor and encourage the establishment throughout the Nation of twenty-five additional burn centers, which shall comprise separate hospital facilities providing specialized burn treatment and including research and teaching programs, and twenty-five additional burn units, which shall comprise specialized facilities in general hospitals used only for burn victims; (2) provide training and continuing support of specialists to staff the new burn centers and burn units; (3) sponsor and encourage the establishment in general hospitals of ninety burn programs, which comprise staffs of burn injury specialists; (4) provide special training in emergency care for burn victims; (5) augment sponsorship of research on burns and burn treatment; (6) administer and support a systematic program of research concerning smoke inhalation injuries; and (7) sponsor and support other research and training programs in the treatment and rehabilitation of burn injury victims. Authorizes the appropriation of not in excess of $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 for the purposes of this title. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe, to make commitments to insure loans made by financial institutions to nursing homes and intermediate care facilities to provide for the purchase and installation of fire safety equipment necessary for compliance with the 1969 edition of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association. Title IV: Administrative and Related Provisions - Sets forth auditing, patent, and other administrative procedures pertinent to the activities provided for in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1973
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Commerce to prohibit the exportation of petrochemicals from the United States until such time as all price controls imposed under the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 with respect to petrochemicals are removed.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1973
Directs the President to halt export of gasoline, distillate fuel oil, and propane gas until such time as Congress determines that such a shortage no longer exists
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop ground propulsion systems which are energy conserving, have clean emission characteristics, and are capable of being produced in large numbers at a reasonable mass production per unit cost. Requires that such ground propulsion systems must meet or better all air quality standards set by or under the National Emission Standards Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Air Quality Act of 1967, while substantially reducing per mile energy comsumption. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act not to exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate for the fiscal years 1974 through 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
Escrow Account System Improvement Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act, recognizing that the escrow system is a valuable asset to borrowers, lenders, and local taxing authorities alike, to preserve and strengthen such system to the maximum extent possible while eliminating the inequities and abuses which have too often kept it from being fully effective. Requires an escrow account to be established in connection with any federally related mortgage loan if, at the time the loan is made or at any time thereafter, either the borrower or the lender requests it. States that any such account shall be continuously maintained (without any right on the part of the borrower to withdraw any part thereof) until the borrower has fully discharged his obligation under the loan. Provides that whenever the borrower in connection with a federally related mortgage loan has acquired an equity of at least 20 percent in the property covered by the loan and enters into an agreement to maintain a savings account with a balance equal to assessments, and hazard insurance premiums: (1) the lender shall no longer have the right to require the establishment of an escrow account in connection with such loan, and (2) the borrower shall have the right to terminate any escrow account theretofore established in connection with such loan. States that on each deposit in an escrow account which is made, in connection with a federally related mortgage loan, to a bank, interest shall be paid from the date of deposit to the date of withdrawal at a rate not less than the rate then prevailing for loans by Federal Reserve banks to member banks in the district where the property involved is situated. Sets forth limitations on requirements by lenders of advance deposits in escrow accounts of taxes and insurance premiums. Provides that payments of taxes and insurance premiums by the lender from any escrow account in connection with a federally related mortgage loan shall be made at such times and in such manner as will insure that the borrowers receive the maximum benefit of any discounts and other financial considerations which may be allowed or provided in the jurisdiction where the escrow account is being held.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Commodities Exchange Commission Act - Establishes a Commodity Exchange Commission, composed of five commissioners appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government. Transfers specified functions from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Commission and delegates enumerated housekeeping functions to the Chairman. Authorizes the employment of persons without regard to Civil Service laws. Provides, with regard to rules governing registration of Commission merchants and brokers, that if after requesting a contract market to make specified changes in its rules and practices, the contract market has not made the changes, the Commission may order the contract market to alter the rules of such contract market as necessary to effect changes in specified areas. Requires that contract markets serve an economic purpose. Prohibits orders by futures commission merchants for their own accounts. States that no member of a contract market shall execute any order for future delivery and on the same intentionally enter into any transaction for future delivery in such commodity for any account in which such member has trading discretion, with specified exceptions. Provides that if any contract market, director, officer or agent is not enforcing or is violating any of the provisions of this Act, the Commission may enter an order directing that such contract market, director, officer, agent, or employee cease and desist from such violation and assess a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each such violation. Increases the amount of specific penalties for violations of this Act. Empowers the Commission with injunctive authority to restrain potential violations of this Act. Penalizes, with treble damages, the use of confidential information in violation of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Cotter, William R. [D-CT-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000799_200.jpg)