United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Population Affairs to be directed by an Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs. Sets forth the duties of the Assistant Secretary. Establishes within the Department an Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Creates within the Administration a National Center for Family Planning Services, headed by a Director, which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Public information, program planning and evaluation, manpower development and training, supervision of field services, and grants management. Establishes within the Administration, a National Institute for Research on Human Reproduction and Population Change which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Reproductive physiology research, contraceptive development and evaluation, operational research, social science research, public information, manpower development and training, and grants management. Establishes a National Family Planning Services Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Center for Family Planning Services. Establishes a National Population Sciences Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Institute for Research on Human Reporduction and Population Change. Sets forth the functions of the Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year such amounts as may be necessary to meet the administrative expenses of the Administration. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit a report to Congress on each January 1 for the five years following the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1974-1976 for the following: (1) special project grants for family planning services; (2) formula grants for family planning, public health services; (3) manpower development and program planning and evaluation; (4) research grants and contracts; (5) grants for support of population sciences, research centers; and (6) planning and population growth information distribution and educational materials development.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, substance, or ingredient of any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage; and (2) shall not require a warning label on any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Opportunities Industrialization Assistance Act - Authorizes $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purposes of this Act. Provides that appropriations not obligated in one fiscal year may be obligated in the next fiscal year and that obligated funds may be expended for two years after obligations. Directs the Secretary of Labor to assist the States in the establishment and operation of opportunities industrialization centers designed to provide comprehensive employment services and job opportunities for low-income persons who are unemployed or underemployed. Requires assurances that residents of the area to be served participate in the planning and operation of the center and that local businessmen will be consulted as to its development and operation. Gives priority to programs in the inner-city areas with high unemployment or underemployment. Authorizes the Secretary to establish criteria for the equitable distribution of money to the States. Limits federal financial assistance to 90 percent of the program costs. Permits contributions in excess of this percentage if the Secretary determines that this is necessary in furtherance of the objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to assure that these programs are operated in a manner designed to best fulfill the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to include, in the annual Department of Labor report, information as to activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration; to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of H.E.W. under titles I through III of this Act. Creates within such administration a Division of Research, Training and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title III of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in appropriations for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $660,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $710,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped invididuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for fiscal years 1974-76 to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or non-profit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Provides for a special study by the Secretary of the needs of severely handicapped persons who would otherwise be ineligible for services under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to establish national centers for spinal cord injuries. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals consisting of twenty members appointed by the Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance for construction projects under this title. Title III: Research and Training - Provides that the commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title IV: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving stated goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Provides for a study of the role of sheltered workshops in the rehabilitation and employment of handicapped individuals. Title V: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title such sums as necessary. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate problems of handicapped persons in the areas of architecture and transportation, and to make legislative recommendations to the President and the Congress. Requires any contract in excess of $2500 entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provision requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Allows a deduction from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code, for social agency, legal, and related expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child by the taxpayer. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 219)
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to purchase from one or more life insurance companies a policy or policies of mortgage protection life insurance on a group basis for veterans unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a substandard rate because of a service-connected disability. Sets forth the maximum amount of insurance under a policy provided under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to deduct insurance premiums from any compensation or other cash benefits payable to veterans by the Veterans' Administration, and to pay such premiums to the insurers. Provides that the United States shall bear all of the cost of the insurance provided under this Act, except the amount of premium rates. States that any amount of insurance in force under this Act on the date of death of an insured veteran shall be paid only to the holder of the mortgage loan on the veteran's home as a credit toward loan indebtedness. Requires each policy purchased under this Act to provide for the following: (1) reinsurance with other insurers which meet the Administrator's criteria; (2) that the Administrator may discontinue a whole policy, or exclude from coverage loans made after a date fixed by him; (3) issuance to each insured veteran of a certificate setting forth the benefits to which he is entitled; (4) any other provisions necessary to carry out this Act; and (5) an annual accounting to the Administrator of the amount of premiums paid, the total of all mortality and other claim charges incurred, and the amount of the insurer's expenses and risk charges. States that insurance under this Act shall terminate upon whichever of the following events first occurs: (1) satisfaction of the veteran's indebtedness under the loan upon which the insurance is based; (2) the veteran's 70th birthday; (3) termination of the veteran's ownership of the property securing the loan; (4) discontinuance of payment of premiums by the veteran; or (5) discontinuance of the entire contract or agreement. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 791-95)
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Exempts from the provisions of Federal law prohibiting the importation, manufacture, distribution, and storage of explosive materials: (1) commercially manufactured black powder; and (2) percussion caps, safety and pyrotechnic fuses, quick and slow matches, and friction primers. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 845)
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Newmen's Privilege Act - Provides definitions of "agency of the United States," "confidential information," "confidential source," "court of the United States," "newsman," and "Federal grand jury," for purposes of this Act. Provides that no person called to testify whether by subpeona or otherwise, before any agency of the United States, or before either House of Congress, a joint committee of the two Houses, a committee or subcommittee of either House, or a Federal grand jury, shall be required to disclose any information or the source thereof which is received by him in his capacity as a newsman. Provides that no person called to testify (whether by subpeona or otherwise) in any civil or criminal action in any court of the United States shall be required to disclose any confidential information or the source if it was received by him in his capacity as a newsman, unless the court finds that the party seeking the information or identity has established by clear and convincing evidence that such information or identity is relevant to a significant issue in the action and cannot be obtained by alternative means. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1841-43)
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to construct and provide shoreside facilities for the education and convenience of visitors to the United States Ship Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and to transfer responsibility for their operation and maintenance to the National Park Service. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,500,000 for the planning, construction, equipping, and furnishing of such facilities, such sum to be in addition to the regular budgetary appropriations for the Department of the Navy.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
Provides that recipients of aid or assistance under the various Federal-State public assistance and medicaid programs, under the Social Security Act, recipients of assistance under the veterans' pension and compensation programs, recipients of assistance under the Federal Food Stamp program, or any other Federal or federally assisted program will not have the amount of such aid or assistance reduced because of increases in monthly social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Bill of Rights for the Mentally Retarded - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish standards which assure the humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded in residential facilities, and to improve the system for the provision of services to the mentally retarded through the encouragement of and support for the planning and development of strategies to implement such standards, minimize inappropriate admissions to residential facilities and stimulate the development of regional and community programs integrating such residential facilities which conform to such standards. Provides for a new title to the Public Health Service Act: Title XI: Support of Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to aid them with the cost of bringing existing residential facilities into compliance with the standards established under this Act, and to improve existing residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 ($15,000,000 for each program) for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years, for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of assisting States in meeting the expenses for bringing publicly operated facilities and publicly assisted facilities into conformity with the standards established by this Act. Stipulates that any State desiring to receive such a grant shall submit a plan to the Secretary setting forth a schedule for compliance with such standards. Provides that the total of the grants with respect to any such project bringing facilities into conformity with the standards imposed by this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the necessary cost thereof as determined by the Secretary. Requires, within five years after the date of enactment of this Act, that no residential facility for the mentally retarded shall be eligible to receive payments either directly or indirectly under any Federal law, unless such facility meets the standards promulgated under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private non-profit agency, organization or institution to meet the costs of development, improvement, extension, or expansion of community resources and community living situations for the mentally retarded other than live-in-residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Standards for Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed in the implementation of the standards established under this Act; (2) study and evaluate such standards authorized by this Act; and (3) recommend to the Secretary any changes, revisions, modifications, or improvements in the standards established under this Act. Provides that the ultimate aim of the residential facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Requires such facilities to be located within, and conveniently accessible to, the population served, so as to have access to necessary generic community services. Provides that the facility and the surrounding community should be encouraged to share their services and resources on a reciprocal basis. Provides that residents of the facility should be integrated to the greatest possible extent with the general population. Provides that the facility shall have a written outline of the philosophy, objectives, and goals it is striving to achieve. Requires such outline to be available for distribution to staff, consumer representatives, and the interested public. Provides that the governing body of the facility shall exercise general direction and shall establish policies concerning the operation of the individuals served. Provides that the administration of the facility shall provide for effective staff and resident participation and communication. Requires the facility to designate a percentage of its operating budget for self-renewal purposes. Provides that the facility shall have a description of services for residents that is available to the public. Provides that the facility shall provide for meaningful and extensive consumer-representative and public participation. Provides that a public education and information program should be established that utilizes all communication media, and all service, religious and civil groups, to develop attitudes of understanding and acceptance of mentally retarded persons in all aspects of community living. Provides that admission and release procedures shall: (1) encourage voluntary admission; (2) give equal priority to persons of comparable need; (3) facilitate emergency, partial, and short-term residential care; and (4) utilize the maximum feasible amount of voluntariness in each individual case. Authorizes the residential facility to admit only residents who have had a comprehensive evaluation. Provides that all admissions to the residential facility shall be considered temporary. Provides that there shall be a regular, at least annual, joint review of the status of each resident by all relevant personnel. Provides that at the time of permanent release or transfer there shall be recorded a summary of findings, progress, and plans for protective supervision and other followup services in the resident's new environment. Provides that the performance of each employee of the facility shall be evaluated at least annually. Provides that staffing shall be sufficient so that the facility is not dependent upon the use of residents or volunteers for productive services. Provides that food services shall recognize and provide for the physiological, emotional, and cultural needs of each resident, through provision of a planned, nutritionally adequate diet. Provides that each resident shall have an adequate allowance of neat, clean, fashionable, and seasonable clothing. Provides that residents shall be trained to exercise maximum independence in health, hygiene, and grooming practices. Provides that living unit components or groupings shall be small enough to insure the development of meaningful interpersonal relationships among residents and between residents and staff. Requires dental services to be provided all residents in order to maximize their general health by maintaining an optimal level of daily oral health, through preventive measures and correcting existing oral diseases. Provides that educational services, defined as deliberate attempts to facilitate the intellectual, sensorimotor, and affective development of the individual, shall be available to all residents, regardless of chronological age, degree of retardation, or accompanying disabilities or handicaps. Provides that food and nutrition services shall be provided in order to: (1) insure optimal nutritional status of each resident, thereby enhancing his physical, emotional, and social well-being; and (2) provide a nutritionally adequate diet, in a form consistent with developmental level, to meet the dietary needs of each resident. Makes library services, which include the location, acquisition, organization, utilization, retrieval, and delivery of materials in a variety of media, available to the facility, in order to support and strengthen its total habilitation program by providing complete and integrated multimedia information services to both staff and residents. Provides that medical services shall be provided in order to: (1) achieve and maintain an optimal level of general health for each resident; (2) maximize normal function and prevent disability; and (3) facilitate the optimal development of each resident. Provides that residents shall be provided with nursing services, in accordance with their needs, in order to: (1) develop and maintain an environment that will meet their total health needs; (2) foster optimal health; (3) encourage maximum self-care and independence; and (4) provide skilled nursing care. Provides that, where appropriate to the facility, there shall be a pharmacy and therapeutics committee, that includes one or more pharmacists, to develop policy on drug usage in the facility, and to develop and maintain a current formulary. Provides that physical and occupational therapy services shall be provided in order to: (1) prevent abnormal development and further disability; (2) facilitate the optimal development of each resident; and (3) enable the resident to be a contributing and participating member of the community in which he resides. Requires psychological services be provided in order to facilitate, through the application of psychological principles, techniques, and skills, the optimal development of each resident. Provides that recreation services should provide each resident with a program of activities that: (1) promotes physical and mental health; (2) promotes optimal sensorimotor, cognitive, affective, and social development; (3) encourages movement from dependent to independent and interdependent functioning; and (4) provides for the enjoyable use of leisure time. Make religious services available to residents, in accorance with their basic right to freedom of religion. Provides that all social services shall be available to all residents and their families in order to foster and facilitate: (1) maximum personal and social development of the resident; (2) positive family functioning; and (3) effective and satisfying social and community relationships. Provides that speech pathology and audiology services shall be available, in order to: (1) maximize the communications skills of all residents; and (2) provide for the evaluation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of those residents with speech, hearing and/or language handicaps. Requires each facility to provide all its residents with rehabilitation services, which include the establishment, maintenance, and implementation of those programs that will ensure the optimal development or restoration of each resident physically, psychologically, socially and vocationally. Provides that volunteer services shall be provided in order to enhance opportunities for the fullest realization of the potential of each resident by: (1) increasing the amount, and improving the quality, of services and programs; and (2) facilitating positive relationships between the facility and the community which it serves. Provides that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habitation program; (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to his habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Provides that the administration of the facility shall make provision for the design and conduct, or the supervision, of research that will objectively evaluate the effectiveness of program components and contribute to informed decisionmaking in the facility. Provides that the requirements of the Secretary shall be met, with specific reference to the following: (1) provision of adequate and alternate exits and doors; (2) provision of exit ramps, with nonskid surface and slope not exceeding one foot in twelve; and (3) provision for handrails on stairways. Provides that there shall be records that document strict compliance with the sanitation, health, and environmental safety codes of the State or local authorities having primary jurisdiction over the facility. Provides that adequate, modern administrative support shall be provided to efficiently meet the needs of, and contribute to, program services for residents, and to facilitate attainment of the goals and objectives of the facility. Provides that funds shall be budgeted and spent in accordance with the principles and procedures of program budgeting. Provides that there shall be written purchasing policies regarding authority and approvals for supplies, services, and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Omnibus Fire Research and Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to develop and carry out a comprehensive fire research and training program designed to provide more effective measures of protection against the hazards of death, injury, and damage to property resulting from fire by the widest possible use of new approaches and improvements in fire prevention and control. Establishes, within the Department of Commerce as a part of the National Bureau of Standards, a Fire Research and Safety Center which shall provide additional scientific and technical knowledge applicable to the prevention and reduction of fires; conducting medical research aimed at improving the performance of men in fighting fires and at the healing of victims of fires; and in the operating of a comprehensive fire data and information system. Provides that the Director of the Center shall perform studies into the operational and managerial aspects of fire departments and services using quantitive techniques, including operations research, management economics, and cost effectiveness studies. Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, as part of the National Bureau of Standards, a United States Fire Academy which shall advance the professional development of fire service personnel; and conduct such development, testing, and demonstration projects as are deemed necessary to introduce new technological standards, operating methods, command techniques, and managerial systems into use in the fire services of the nation. Authorizes the Academy to conduct courses and programs of training and education in the basic techniques of fire prevention, fire inspection, firefighting and the administration and management of fire departments and fire services. Provides for the education and training of local fire units and departments, state and local governments, and private institutions through the establishment of fire training courses and programs in fire engineering at junior colleges and universities. Provides for the inclusion of fire prevention and detection technology and practices in the education and professional practice of architects, builders, city planners engaged in the design and planning affected by fire safety problems. Provides that the Superintendent shall admit to the Academy individuals who are members of the firefighting forces with due regard to an adequate geographic representation. Authorizes the provision stipends to students attending Academy courses and programs in amounts not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of attendance. Authorizes the Superintendent to make payments to institutions of higher education for loans to individuals enrolled on a full-time basis in recognized undergraduate or graduate programs in fire research or engineering not to exceed $2,500 per academic year for any individual. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a 12 member Board of Visitors to the United States Fire Academy to review annually the program of the Academy consisting of two members of the Senate, two members of the House of Representatives, and eight individuals designated by the Secretary from persons representative of the fire service community. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974 to establish the Academy. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 278g)
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Wilderness Study Act - Provides for a study of various lands enumerated in this Act to determine their suitability for designation as wilderness in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report the findings of such study to the President within five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Designates lands in the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, as the North Cohutta Wilderness Preserve.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Designates specified lands in the following national forests for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System including: (1) Bankhead National Forest, Alabama; (2) Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas; (3) Ozark National Forest, Arkansas; (4) Appalachicola National Forest, Florida; (5) Chattahooche and Cherokee National Forests, Georgia and Tennessee; (6) White Mountain National Forest, Maine; (7) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (8) White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire; (9) Natahala and Cherokee National Forests, North Carolina and Tennessee; (10) Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia; (11) George Washington National Forest, Virginia and West Virginia; (12) Jefferson National Forest, Virginia; (13) Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky; (14) Sumter National Forest, South Carolina, (15) Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont; (16) Chequamegon National Forest, Wisconsin; (17) Clark National Forest, Missouri, Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan; and (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Federal Animal Damage Control Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct directly or by agreement with qualified agencies or institutions, public and private, a program of research which shall concern the control and conservation of predatory and depredating animals and the abatement of damage caused by such animals. Authorizes to be appropriated for such program not to exceed $1,500,000 for each fiscal year occurring after fiscal year 1973. Authorizes the Secretary to provide annual financial assistance to any State which may propose to administer a program for the control of predatory and depredating animals. Provides that the Secretary may not, except in emergency situations, approve any State program which entails the field use of chemical toxicants for the purpose of killing predatory animals or the field use of any chemical toxicant which causes any secondary poisoning effect for the purpose of killing other mammals, birds, or reptiles. Directs the Secretary to conduct such operational programs for the control of predatory and depredating animals as he may deem necessary or desirable. Authorizes to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1973 and 1974, and $2,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year thereafter for control programs. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1973-74 for operational programs. Prohibits any person from making field use of any chemical toxicant on any Federal lands for the purpose of killing predatory animals, or making field use on such lands of any chemical toxicant which causes any secondary poisoning effect for the purpose of killing other mammals, birds, or reptiles. Provides that any person convicted of any violation of this part, or of any regulation promulgated under this Act, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act other than specific authorizations previously made.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
News Media Source Protection Act - States that the policy of the United States is to permit the flow of information from individuals through the media to the public with reasonable freedom from governmental intrusion, so that constitutional protection of a free flow of news is divested only when a compelling and overriding interest in the source of such information can be demonstrated. Sets forth the following procedural determinations needed prior to any consideration of compulsory disclosure of news media sources: (1) a demonstration that there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, and that the testimony sought is directly relevant to a central issue in that criminal allegation; and (2) a demonstration that no reasonable alternative for obtaining the testimony is available. Extends the protection of this Act to any legitimate member of the professional news media, including an individual regularly engaged in gathering, collecting, photographing, filming, writing, editing, interpreting, announcing, or broadcasting local, national, or worldwide events or other matters of public concern, or public interest, or affecting the public welfare, for publication or transmission through a news medium. Describes the sources of written, oral or pictorial information or communication to which protection under this Act is assured. Provides that no legitimate member of the professional news media shall be held in contempt, or adversely prejudiced, before any grand jury, agency, department, or commission of the United States or by either House of or any committee of Congress for refusing to disclose information or communication as to news media sources. States that where a person seeks disclosure of any news media information or communication from a person who is a legitimate member of the professional news media and who refuses to make such disclosure in a proceeding before any Federal court of the United States, such person seeking disclosure may apply to a United States district court for an order providing such disclosure. Requires such application to state in writing the name of any specific individual from whom disclosure is sought, the specific nature of the source or content of information sought, the direct relevance of such evidence, and any information demonstrating that such evidence is not reasonably available by alternative means. Allows appeals as a matter of rights, of any order entered pursuant to an application under this Act, and permits a stay of such order. Provides that an application for disclosure shall be granted when the applicant has established that the person seeking protection of a source is not a legitimate member of the professional news media, or that the information sought is not a news media information source, or information or communication affecting a news media source. Permits the granting of an application for disclosure when: (1) the applicant has established that the source to be disclosed is of substantial and direct relevance to a central issue of the action; (2) the applicant is able to demonstrate that the source is not reasonably available by alternative means; and (3) the action which is the subject of the court proceeding is murder, forcible rape, aggravated assault, kidnaping, airline hijacking, or when a breach of national security has been established. Allows a person to waive rights and protections afforded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, a depreciation deduction with respect to any certified byproduct or waste energy conversion facility. Provides that any capital improvements made after such property is placed in service shall be treated as separate property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Makes additional immigrant visas available for immigrants from any foreign State which had less than three-fourths of the average annual number of visas under the quota system during the ten-fiscal-year period beginning July 1, 1955. Directs that the additional number of visas be equal to the difference between the number of visas made to them and three-fourths of the average made to other immigrants under the quota system, but limits the total number of visas to any foreign State to 7,500 in any fiscal year. Directs the allocation of the additional visas. Provides that no alien shall be excused under the Act, nor have his status adjusted to that of a permanent resident after the expiration of the four-fiscal year period beginning with the first fiscal year commencing on or after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides for the granting of special visas equal to 25 percent of the fourth preference registration from a foreign State pending on July 1, 1964. Provides that these visas shall be issued each year based on estimates of the anticipated numbers of special visas. Provides that special visas not used will be assigned to other countries.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 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 · 28 February 1973
Provides that a charitable organization shall be denied exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code where amounts paid or incurred by such organization during each taxable year to influence legislation, including an attempt to affect the opinion of the general public, normally exceeds five percent of the yearly expenditures; or where such amounts exceed twenty percent of the yearly expenditures in any attempt to influence legislation, on a matter which directly affects any purpose for which the organization is organized, through communication with its own members or with any member or employee of a legislative body, or with any other government official or employee who may participate in the formulation of the legislation. Defines charitable organization for purposes of this Act, and designates certain activities which are not included within the term "influence legislation". Provides that no income tax deduction shall be allowed for a contribution to a charitable organization if the contribution is made for the purpose of influencing legislation. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 501, 170)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Includes land located in any State or foreign country within the definition of subdivision for the purposes of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act and defines the term interstate advertising for the purposes of the Act. Provides that a purchaser of a subdivision lot may revoke the contract for such purchase within 72 hours (formerly 48 hours) excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, where he received a property report less than 48 hours before he signed the contract. States that it shall be unlawful for any developer or agent to engage in interstate advertising. Provides that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit any communication, not otherwise illegal, between a developer or agent and any person who has initiated negotiations regarding the purchase of a lot or any lots in a subdivision. States that it shall be unlawful to sell or lease any lot in any subdivision unless the developer or agent gives bond to assure the completion (in substantial conformity with the estimated schedule) of the improvements to be installed by the developer as required. Provides that the expenses of every investigation of the affairs of any developer, broker, agent, or other person or organization, including any appraisal of its real property or of any real property on which it holds a mortgage, made pursuant to the authority conferred by any provision of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, shall be borne and paid by the developer or other person or organization so investigated.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides, for purposes of computing retired pay for members of the Armed Forces, an additional credit of service equal to all periods of time spent by any such member as a prisoner of war.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Makes inapplicable to the aged, blind and disabled the existing provision of the Social Security Act limiting to 10 percent the portion of the total amounts paid to a State as grants for social services which may be paid with respect to individuals who are not actually recipients of or applicants for aid or assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Authorizes each Member of the House of Representatives (including the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and each Delegate to the House) to hire and pay not more than two additional student congressional interns (to serve as such within or outside the District of Columbia).
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Establishes a contiguous fishery zone (197 mile limit) beyond the territorial sea of the United States. States that the United States shall exercise the same exclusive rights in respect to fisheries in the zone as it has in its territorial sea, subject to the continuation of traditional fishing by foreign states within this zone as may be recognized by the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, and in consultation with the affected foreign countries, to determine the extent to which foreign fisheries may be permitted to operate within the zone, including manner, species, and allowable annual catch.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, that blood donations shall be considered as charitable contributions deductible from gross income in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 170(i))
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Act for Freedom of Emigration in East-West Trade - States that after October 15, 1972, products from any nonmarket economy country shall not be eligible to receive most-favored-nation treatment, such country shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly, and the President of the United States shall not conclude any commercial agreement with any such country during the period beginning with the date on which the President determines that such country: (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration or on the visas or other documents required for emigration, for any purpose or cause whatsoever; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of the desire of such citizen to emigrate to the country of his choice. Provides that, before any of the aforementioned commercial agreements are entered into with any foreign country, the President shall submit to the Congress a report indicating that such country is not in violation of any of the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Comprehensive Older Americans Services Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Objectives - States that the general purpose of this Act is to make available comprehensive health, education, and social service programs to our older citizens. Title II: Administration on Aging - Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for carrying out this Act. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource Center for the Aging to collect, review, organize, publish, and disseminate information and data related to the particular problems caused by aging, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting such problems. Establishes the National Advisory Council on the Aging designated to advise and assist the President as he may direct on matters relating to the special needs of Older Americans; to assist the Commissioner on Aging in carrying out his functions under this Act; to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government with emphasis on identifying unsolved problems of older Americans; and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress for the establishment of new programs for the aged. Provides that not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a complete report on the activities carried out under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Area Programs - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development of comprehensive systems to serve older persons. Provides that the Commissioner shall not finally disapprove any State plan, or any modification thereof, without first affording the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Authorizes appropriations of $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 for grants to States for paying such percentage as each State agency determines, but not more than 75 percent of the cost of administering the State plan. Title IV: Training and Research - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for the purpose of: (1) publicizing available opportunities for careers in the field of aging; (2) encouraging qualified persons to enter or re-enter the field of aging; (3) encouraging persons from other professions to undertake assignments on a parttime basis in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; conduct basic research on the problem of the aged; provide consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and create opportunities for research projects with respect to aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to and training personnel in the field of aging. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing multidisciplinary centers or gerontology. Title V: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to units of general purpose local government or other public or nonprofit private agencies to pay not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of leasing, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Establishes standards to be followed by the Commissioner in making such grants and authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the provisions of this section. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be adminstered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure mortgages on multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making grants to meet the costs of compensation of professional and technical personnel for the initial operation of multipurpose senior centers. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Program - Provides that no compensation paid to individual volunteers under the Retired Senior Volunteer Program under the Older Americans Act shall be considered income for any purposes. Provides continuing appropriations for such program in the amount of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the continuation of the Foster Grandparent Program under the Older Americans Act. Title VII: Nutrition Programs - Provides under the Older Americans Act of 1965 that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation may donate specified products acquired by them to a recipient of a grant or contract for providing nutritional services for the elderly. Title VIII: Special Impact Programs - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to public or nonprofit private agencies for payment of part of the cost of any program designed to: (1) assist in meeting in special housing needs of older persons; (2) improve the transportation services available to older persons; (3) meet the needs of unemployed low-income older persons; (4) provide continuing education to older persons; and (5) provide retirement education and information to persons planning retirement. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for providing assistance under this title. Title IX: Amendments to other Acts - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States which have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for library services for older persons. Specifies that the Commissioner is authorized to make grants to institutions of higher education to assist such institutions in planning, developing, and carrying out programs specifically designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies for educational programs for elderly persons whose ability to speak and read the English language is limited and who live in an area with a culture different from their own. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3001,3011(b); 42 U.S.C. 3012(3), (4); 42 U.S.C. 3044; 42 U.S.C. 3044a, 3044b; Amends 20 U.S.C. 354, 355, 355nts; 20 U.S.C. 1504(a) (2); 20 U.S.C. 1505(a); 20 U.S.C. 1078; 20 U.S.C. 1209, 1210, 1211; 20 U.S.C. 954)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data. Extends coverage to all Federal and federally assisted or licensed programs which alter the terrain and potentially cause loss of scientific, prehistorical, historical or archeological data. Directs Federal agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior if in their operations archeological or other scientific data is revealed or threatened. Provides that whenever any Federal agency finds or is made aware by a responsible authority that its operations in connection with any Federal, federally assisted, or federally licensed activity or program affects or may affect adversely significant scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data, such agency may request the Secretary to undertake protection measures, or may itself expend program or activity funds for the recovery, protection, and preservation of such data (including preliminary survey, analysis, and publication) and shall provide the Secretary with appropriate information concerning the project and the investigation. Provides that the Secretary shall keep the responsible agency notified at all times of the progress of any survey or other investigation made under this Act, or of any work undertaken as a result of such survey, in order that there will be as little disruption or delay as possible in the carrying out of the functions of such agency. Provides that the Secretary in the administration of this Act shall: (1) accept and utilize funds transferred to him by any Federal agency; (2) enter into contracts or make cooperative agreements with any Federal or State agency, any educational or scientific organization, or any institution, corporation, association, or qualified individual; (3) obtain the services of experts and consultants or organizations thereof; and (4) accept and utilize funds made available for salvage archeological purposes by any private person or corporation. Authorizes such appropriations as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Bicycle Transportation Act - Makes funds authorized for Federal-aid highways available to finance the Federal share of the cost of projects for the construction of exclusive or preferential bicycle lanes or paths, bicycle traffic control devices, and shelters and parking facilities to serve bicycles and persons using bicycles. (Adds 23 U.S.C. 145)
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Federal Animal Damage Control Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct directly or by agreement with qualified agencies or institutions, public and private, a program of research which shall concern the control and conservation of predatory and depredating animals and the abatement of damage caused by such animals. Authorizes to be appropriated for such program not to exceed $1,500,000 for each fiscal year occurring after fiscal year 1972. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to any State which may annually propose to administer a program for the control of predatory and depredating animals. Provides that the Secretary may not, except in emergency situations, approve any State program which entails the field use of chemical toxicants for the purpose of killing predatory animals or the field use of any chemical toxicant which causes any secondary poisoning effect for the purpose of killing other mammals, birds, or reptiles. Directs the Secretary to conduct such operational programs for the control of predatory and depredating animals as he may deem necessary or desirable. Authorizes the Secretary to assist the States in their implementation of programs under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1973 and 1974, and $2,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year thereafter for such control programs. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each fiscal year occurring after fiscal year 1972 for operational programs and for assistance to States in the implementation of their programs. Prohibits any person from making field use of any chemical toxicant on any Federal lands for the purpose of killing predatory animals, or making field use on such lands of any chemical toxicant which causes any secondary poisoning effect for the purpose of killing other mammals, birds, or reptiles. Provides that any person convicted of any violation of this part, or of any regulation promulgated under this Act, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act other than specific authorizations previously made.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
News Media Source Protection Act - States that the policy of the United States is to permit the flow of information from individuals through the media to the public with reasonable freedom from governmental intrusion, so that constitutional protection of a free flow of news is divested only when a compelling and overriding interest in the source of such information can be demonstrated. Sets forth the following procedural determinations needed prior to any consideration of compulsory disclosure of news media sources: (1) a demonstration that there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, and that the testimony sought is directly relevant to a central issue in that criminal allegation; and (2) a demonstration that no reasonable alternative for obtaining the testimony is available. Extends the protection of this Act to any legitimate member of the professional news media, including an individual regularly engaged in gathering, collecting, photographing, filming, writing, editing, interpreting, announcing, or broadcasting local, national, or worldwide events or other matters of public concern, or public interest, or affecting the public welfare, for publication or transmission through a news medium. Describes the sources of written, oral or pictorial information or communication to which protection under this Act is assured. Provides that no legitimate member of the professional news media shall be held in contempt, or adversely prejudiced, before any grand jury, agency, department, or commission of the United States or by either House of or any committee of Congress for refusing to disclose information or communication as to news media sources. States that where a person seeks disclosure of any news media information or communication from a person who is a legitimate member of the professional news media and who refuses to make such disclosure in a proceeding before any Federal court of the United States, such person seeking disclosure may apply to a United States district court for an order providing such disclosure. Requires such application to state in writing the name of any specific individual from whom disclosure is sought, the specific nature of the source or content of information sought, the direct relevance of such evidence, and any information demonstrating that such evidence is not reasonably available by alternative means. Allows appeals as a matter of rights, of any order entered pursuant to an application under this Act, and permits a stay of such order. Provides that an application for disclosure shall be granted when the applicant has established that the person seeking protection of a source is not a legitimate member of the professional news media, or that the information sought is not a news media information source, or information or communication affecting a news media source. Permits the granting of an application for disclosure when: (1) the applicant has established that the source to be disclosed is of substantial and direct relevance to a central issue of the action; (2) the applicant is able to demonstrate that the source is not reasonably available by alternative means; and (3) the action which is the subject of the court proceeding is murder, forcible rape, aggravated assault, kidnaping, airline hijacking, or when a breach of national security has been established. Allows a person to waive rights and protections afforded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Authorizes appropriations for construction of facilities and equipment for public mass transportation projects, including preferential bus lanes, highway traffic loading and parking facilities, construction of fixed rail facilities, and the purchase of passenger equipment, including rolling stock for fixed rail. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 142(b))
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Authorizes each Member of the House of Representatives and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and the Delegates from the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands to hire for two weeks, during the period May 1 to May 31, inclusive, each year, two additional employees to be known as "senior citizen interns" who will serve as such within the District of Columbia. Provides that no person shall be paid compensation as a senior citizen intern who does not have on file with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, at all times during the period of employment, a certificate that such intern is sixty-five years of age or older and a resident of the district which the employing Member or Commissioner or Delegate represents.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Act - Authorizes an urgent supplemental appropriation for the fiscal year 1973 of $1,800,000 for an additional amount for operating expenses for the national industrial reserve established by the National Industrial Reserve Act of 1948.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 23 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 · 23 January 1973
Increases payments in specified amounts to veterans under non-service-connected disability pension plans. Increases pension payments to widows of veterans who at the time of death were receiving compensation or retirement pay for a service-connected disability. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 521(b),(c); 541(b),(c))
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Voluntary Military Special Pay Act - Sets forth special pay rates of officers of the Army or Navy in the Medical or Dental Corps, officers of the Air Force designated as medical officers or dental officers, and medical and dental officers of the Public Health Service. Authorizes a member of a uniformed service who has completed at least 21 months of active duty, who has a critical military skill, and who reenlists in the service to be paid an incentive amount, not to exceed six months of the basic pay to which he was entitled at the time of his discharge or release, multiplied by the number of years of additional obligated service, not to exceed 6 years, or $15,000, whichever is the lesser amount. Provides that a person who enlists in an armed force for a period of at least 3 years, or who extends his initial period of active duty in that armed force to a total of at least 3 years, may be paid an incentive amount of up to $3,000. Grants special incentive pay, not to exceed $12,000 annually, for officers of the uniformed services in critical health professions, who execute written agreements to remain on continuous active duty for a specified number of years. Requires an annual report on this special pay program to the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services. Authorizes special incentive pay, not to exceed $4,000 annually, for officers of armed forces who agree to serve on continuous active duty in a critical shortage specialty for a period of between one to six years. Provides for special incentive pay at specified rates for specified periods for participants in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of an armed force. Sets forth conditions participants must meet for eligibility. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 302, 308, 308a, 311, 313, 314)
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1973
Removes the percentage limitations on the amount of urban mass transportation grant assistance which may be available in any one State under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964. (Repeals 49 U.S.C. 1611)
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1973
Title I: Railway Labor Act - Provides, under the Railway Labor Act, that when a dispute is not adjusted under the provisions of this Act, employees may selectively strike any of the carriers or carrier systems to whom their proposal was directed. Provides that whenever a selective strike or a strike of any combination of carriers occurs, such carriers and representatives of the employees on strike shall provide service and transportation for such persons and commodities as may be directed by the President, on a finding by the President, that such services or transportation cannot in any way be provided by alternate rail, truck, water, or air transportation, and that the termination of such services or transportation would immediately imperil the national health or safety. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any carrier to lock out any craft or class of its employees or any segment of any such class or craft unless such carrier is caused to diminish such service by a strike of all or some portion of its employees. Provides that any agreements affecting rates of pay, rules, or working conditions between employees and any carrier so selectively struck shall be immediately offered jointly, without change, to all carriers who have been jointly or concurrently involved in the previous handling of the dispute under this Act. Provides, under a new title III of the Railway Labor Act, that in the event a dispute is not settled under this Act, any changes in rate, pay, or working conditions made unilaterally subsequent to this Act shall be recinded and the original conditions reinstated, and any selective strike in progress under the provisions of this Act shall be terminated immediately, and for sixty days thereafter, and no change, except by agreement, shall be made by the parties to the controversy in the conditions out of which the dispute arose. Provides that the National Mediation Board shall recommend to the President specific actions which it deems most appropriate to the settlement of the dispute and the protection of the public interest. Provides that, during such sixty day period, the President may create a board to investigate and make, for transmittal to the parties in the dispute, a report respecting such dispute. Provides that if no resolution is reached at the end of such sixty days, and if the President finds that the dispute threatens substantially to interrupt interstate commerce to a degree such as to deprive any section of the country of essential transportation services, the President may: (1) order an additional sixty-day "cooling-off period" during which the parties shall continue collective bargaining under the National Mediation Board; or (2) permit the continuance of the selective strike under the limitations he deems necessary to protect the health or safety of the Nation or any region thereof; or (3) order the parties to submit final offers to the Secretary of Labor and submit such offers to a three-member panel for final settlement. Provides that such panel shall accept one of the final offers without compromise or alteration, except in the case of a settlement being reached by the parties through continued negotiation before such panel makes a final determination. Provides that the final offer selected by such panel shall be deemed to represent the contract between the parties and shall be conclusive unless found arbitrary and capricious. Title II: Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 - Broadens the powers of the President in labor disputes to cover situations which may imperil the health or safety of a substantial part of the Nation's population or territory (presently a threat to the national health or safety is required) and to cover situations which may deprive any section of the country of essential transportation services. Provides that the report of a Board of Inquiry appointed by the President shall contain the Board's recommendations for settlement. Provides that, upon receiving the report and until a final agreement to the labor dispute is reached, the President may issue an order for a specified period not to exceed thirty days that work shall resume or continue with no change in conditions, or he may issue an order for partial operation specifying the extent and condition of such operation. Provides that such orders shall be conclusive unless found arbitrary or capricious by a three-judge Federal district court (presently the President must direct the Attorney General to petition a district court for an injunction). Permits the President to modify his order upon notice to the parties. Requires the President to direct each party to submit a sealed final offer to the Secretary of Labor within five days. Permits each party to submit one alternative final offer. Deems the last offer of a party during previous negotiations to be the final offer if such party refuses to submit a final offer. Permits the parties within ten days to select a three-member panel composed of disinterested persons to act as a final offer selector. Provides that the President shall select the panel if the parties cannot agree. Provides that the Secretary shall transmit the final offers to the panel thirty days after its selection and requires the panel to select the most reasonable offer within five days thereafter. Sets forth factors which the panel may take into account in making its selection. Provides that the panel shall not alter the content of the offer selected. Directs the parties to undertake collective bargaining under the auspices of the Board of Inquiry throughout the period and provides that any complete agreement reached before the selection of a final offer shall be final and binding. Makes the final offer selected by the panel conclusive unless found arbitrary or capricious. Provides that members of the Board or panel shall receive compensation at the daily rate prescribed for the GS-18 level. Makes the provisions of this title enforceable upon suit by the Attorney General brought before a three-judge district court.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Establishes, under the Secretary of Commerce, the United States Metric Conversion Coordinating Commission consisting of nine members representing business, labor, education, science, and technology. Authorizes members of the Commission to be compensated at the rate of $100 a day. Charges the Commission with the responsibility of implementing with the voluntary participation of every interested sector in the United States the recommendations issued by the United States metric study including: (1) that the United States change to the metric system; (2) that such change be done through a coordinated program; (3) that there be established detailed plans and time tables be worked out; (4) that priority be given to educational programs in elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher learning designed to enable Americans to think in metric terms; (5) that appropriate representatives of American enterprise participate in international standards; (6) that changeover costs shall lie where they fall; and (7) that the target date for full conversion shall be January 1, 1984. Directs each agency of the Federal Government to convert to the international metric system and provides that such system shall be the sole and official system of weights in the United States by January 1, 1984. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Establishes, under the Secretary of Commerce, the United States Metric Conversion Coordinating Commission consisting of nine members representing business, labor, education, science, and technology. Authorizes members of the Commission to be compensated at the rate of $100 a day. Charges the Commission with the responsibility of implementing with the voluntary participation of every interested sector in the United States the recommendations issued by the United States metric study including: (1) that the United States change to the metric system; (2) that such change be done through a coordinated program; (3) that there be established detailed plans and time tables be worked out; (4) that priority be given to educational programs in elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher learning designed to enable Americans to think in metric terms; (5) that appropriate representatives of American enterprise participate in international standards; (6) that changeover costs shall lie where they fall; and (7) that the target date for full conversion shall be January 1, 1984. Directs each agency of the Federal Government to convert to the international metric system and provides that such system shall be the sole and official system of weights in the United States by January 1, 1984. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1973
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code of not more than $750 for ordinary and necessary expenses paid during the taxable year for the repair or improvement of property used by the taxpayer as his principal residence. Permits any person who is the owner of rental housing and who rehabilitates or restores such housing to deduct the cost of such restoration, with respect to the amortization of the adjusted basis of such housing as so restored, based on a period of 60 months. Entitles any person who acquires rehabilitated or restored rental housing from a taxpayer who elected the amortization deduction and who did not discontinue the amortization deduction, to a deduction with respect to the adjusted basis of such facility based on the remaining amount of the 60 month period taken by the person who rehabilitated the house. Provides procedures for the election and termination of the amortization deduction and defines the terms used in this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Coughlin, Lawrence [R-PA-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000807_200.jpg)