United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Authorizes the President to enter into an agreement with the Republic of the Philippines providing for hospital care and medical services to be furnished Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts for service-connected disabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 for any one year ending before fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Requires that veterans receiving hospital care from the Veterans' Administration for non-service-connected disabilities be charged for such care to the extent that they have health insurance or similar con- tracts with respect to such care. Prohibits the future exclusion of such coverage from insurance policies or contracts.
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 · 13 March 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that gross income does not include amounts received as compensation for service as a full-time law enforcement officer in the employ of the United States, the District of Columbia, a State or political subdivision thereof, to the extent that the aggregate of such amounts does not exceed $5,000 in the taxable year. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 124)
United States · United States Congress · 13 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 · 13 March 1973
Veterans' Administration Accountability Act - Modifies those powers exercised by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs with respect to readjustment of the schedule of ratings for the disabilities of veterans. Requires that notice of closing must be given to Congress in writing before the closing of a hospital or domiciliary facility over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. Prohibits the sale or transfer of Government property under the jurisdiction of the Veterans' Administration unless notice of such transfer or sale is first given to congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Health Care Insurance Act - Provides, under the Social Security Act, for medical, dental, and hospital care through a system of voluntary health insurance financed in whole for low-income groups through issuance of certificates, and in part for all other persons through allowance of tax credits. Adds to the Social Security Act a new title entitled Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Provides that, for the purpose of providing assistance on behalf of the individuals and their dependents whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical, dental, and hospital services, there is established a program of hospital, dental, and medical benefits for any eligible beneficiary and his dependents through the issuance of health insurance certificates, in full payment of allowable premium on a qualified health care insurance policy of his choice. Asserts that health insurance certificiates of entitlement will be redeemable by the carrier by payment from the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Includes as eligible beneficiaries under this title any husband and wife both under age 65 and living together and any unmarried person under age 65 who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child of an eligible beneficiary receiving more than 50 percent of his support from the eligible beneficiary, which child is under 21, or if a student, under age 23. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary whose income results in no individual income tax liability during his base year, whose dependent beneficiaries have no such liability for their taxable years which end during his base year, and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement. Asserts that such certificates shall be applicable in full payment of allowable premiums for a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Requires that such policy or plan shall provide protection for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a 12-month period beginning during his benefit year against the expenses of health care, including catastrophic expenses of illness. Allows tax credits for health care insurance. Asserts that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary who has not elected, where eligible, to receive benefits under the provisions for fully-paid health care insurance for the low-income group and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be allowed at his election a credit against his income tax liability for his taxable year which ends during his base year; or a health insurance certificate of entitlement acceptable by a qualified carrier in payment toward a premium, under a qualified health care insurance policy. Specifies the amount of the tax credit or the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate on the basis of allowable premiums. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare upon application to him by an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Specifies that a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier which has been registered by a State Agency and which provides basic institutional and medical coverage and catastrophic expense coverage. Declares that each such qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be noncancellable and guaranteed renewable so long as the carrier continues to offer to the public one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans, shall provide protection against the expense of health care without regard to any pre-existing conditions, and shall provide for payment under this title of usual and customary charges for services covered under the policy or plan. Stipulates what costs shall be included under basic coverage and under catastrophic expense coverage. Establishes deductibles for each of the two types of coverage. Creates a Health Insurance Advisory Board which shall consist of eleven persons including the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Directs that the remaining members, not otherwise in the employ of the Government, shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointment in the competitive service. Asserts that the Secretary of HEW shall serve as Chairman. Provides that the members shall be selected from persons who are specifically qualified to serve on such Board by virtue of their education, training, or experience. Provides that the Health Insurance Advisory Board shall perform such functions as: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the tax credit program and file an annual report. Grants the States the power to decide which carriers are qualified. Forbids any Federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over the practice of medicine or dentistry or the manner in which medical or dental services are provided, or over the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer or employee or any institution, agency, or person providing health services; or to exercise any supervision or control over the administration or operation of any such institution, agency, or person. Creates in the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund to consist in part of an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Extends until July 1, 1976 (presently July 1, 1972) the provision under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 requiring a Federal agency to pay 100 percent of the first $25,000 of relocation payments required for a State to furnish real property incident to a Federal program. Extends until July 1, 1974, the provision requiring 100 percent Federal payment of costs resulting from the transfer of real property to a State. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4627) Authorizes the head of a Federal agency, until June 30, 1973, to pay such sums in excess of the first $25,000 of cost as necessary to a State not in compliance with the Act. Makes provisions for non-approval of grants to the State and for deductions from Federal funds after that date. Provides that whenever the acquisition of real property for a program or project, to be undertaken by a person or State agency furnished pursuant to a grant, contract, or agreement, will result in the forced displacement of any person on or after the effective date of this Act, the head of the Federal agency furnishing such financial assistance shall provide: (1) fair and reasonable relocation payments and assistance to or for such displaced persons; (2) relocation assistance programs; and (3) decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwellings to such displaced persons. Provides that no Government agency administering any Federal program shall, for the purpose of assuring compliance with the Act, impose any limitation on the removal of vacant improvements located on real property acquired in connection with such a Federally assisted project.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Flood Control Act - Authorizes specified works of improvement for the benefit of navigation and the control of destructive floodwaters to be prosecuted by the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers. Provides that as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act and at least once each year thereafter, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall review and submit to the Congress a list of those authorized projects which have been authorized for at least eight years and which he determines should no longer be authorized. Requires the Secretary to obtain the views of interested parties and of the Governor of each wherein such projects would be located. States that a project on such list shall no longer be authorized at the end of a period of 180 days of continuous session of Congress after the date such list is delivered to it. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to cooperate with any State in the preparation of comprehensive plans for the development, utilization, and conservation of the water and related resources of drainage basins located within the boundaries of such States and to submit to Congress reports and recommedations with respect to appropriate Federal participation in carrying out such plans. Authorizes appropriations of not to exceed $2,000,000 annually to carry out this section. Authorizes specified projects and studies for flood protection in designated areas. Designates the Trotlers Shoals Dam and Lake, Savannah River, Georgia and South Carolina, as the Richard B. Russell Dam amd lake. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area in the States of Kentucky and Tennessee for the purpose of conserving and interpreting an area containing unique cultural, historical, geologic, fish, and wildlife, archaeolgic, scenic and recreational values. Shoreline Erosion Control Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish and conduct a five year national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Provides that the program shall consist of planning, construction, operating, evaluating, and demonstrating prototype shoreline erosion control devices, both engineered and vegetative. States that such projects shall be undertaken at not less than two sites on the shoreline of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts, at no less than one site on the Great Lakes, and at locations of serious erosion along the shore of the Delaware Bay. Establishes a Shoreline Erosion Advisory Panel which shall consist of fifteen members appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Panel. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual program progress report, including therein contributions of the Panel to the chairman of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Public Works. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974 and for the succeding four fiscal years $6,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to plan and construct projects for the control of streambank erosion in the United States and its possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademark licensing contract or agreement for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a trademarked food product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in free and open competition with products of the same general class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 41)
United States · United States Congress · 27 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 · 27 February 1973
Provides that no changes or readjustments in the schedule for rating disabilities made by the Administrator of Veteans' Affairs shall be effective unless: (1) such proposed damage or readjustment is first submitted to Congress, and (2) neither House of Congress, prior to the expiration of ninety calendar days of continuous session of Congress following the date of submission of the proposed change or readjustment, has adopted a resolution stating in substance that that House does not favor the proposed change or readjustment. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 355)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides that, beginning one year after enactment of this Act, no law enforcement grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 will be made to State and local governments unless these units of government have instituted a law enforcement officer's grievance system and have enacted into law a "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights" which will cover all law enforcement officers in the States. Declares that this Bill of Rights shall provide law enforcement officers statutory protection for certain rights enjoyed by other citizens. Requires the bill of rights to provide, at a minimum, the following: (1) law enforcement officers shall not be prohibited from engaging in political activity, except when on duty or acting in an official capacity; (2) when an officer is subject to an investigation that could lead to disciplinary action or criminal charges: (a) the investigation shall be conducted at a reasonable hour, preferably while the officer is on duty, (b) the investigation shall occur at the office of the investigating officer or at the precinct where the incident occurred, (c) there shall be one interrogator asking all questions to the officer and the names of all investigating officers shall be known by him, (d) the officer shall know the nature of the investigation and the names of complainants, (e) all civilian complaints must be duly sworn to before an official authorized to administer oaths, (f) interrogating sessions shall be of reasonable length, (g) the officer under investigation shall not be subject to abuse or threats, (h) all interrogations shall be recorded, (i) if the officer is to be placed under arrest, he shall be fully informed of his rights before interrogation, and (j) the officer shall have a right to counsel who shall be present during any interrogations dealing with the officer's continued fitness for law enforcement service; (3) citizen review boards having porportionate police representation; (r) law enforcement officers shall have recourse to civil actions for damages suffered or for abridgement of their civil rights arising out of the performance of official duties; (5) financial disclosures shall not be required unless obtained under legal procedures or there is evidence of a conflict of interests; (6) notice of and reasons for all disciplinary action is required; and (7) no officer shall be disciplined or discriminated against in any way by reason of his exercise of these rights. Establishes in each State and unit of local government a law enforcement officers grievance commission composed of an equal number of governmental representatives, law enforcement officers, and members of the general public which shall have the authority to receive, investigate, and determine complaints and grievances arising from claimed infringement of rights of any law enforcement officer. Allows employee organizations to act on the officer's behalf, at his request, regarding any complaint before the commission. Permits certified employee organizations to initiate actions on behalf of their members. Provides that, in addition to this grievance procedure, law enforcement officers may institute a civil action for redress of the grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Permits duty performed for training to be counted as active duty for purposes of entitlement to veterans' educational benefits if at any time subsequent to such training such eligible veteran has served on active duty for a consecutive period of one year or more. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661)
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Authorizes the President to enter into an agreement with the Republic of the Philippines providing for hospital care and medical services to be furnished Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts for service-connected disabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 for any one year ending before fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Increases from fifty to sixty-five the percentage of the total cost which may be granted to a State for assistance in remodeling, modifying, or alterating existing hospital or domiciliary facilities in State homes providing care and treatment for veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Provides that the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs may contract with one or more hospitals, medical schools, or medical installations having hospital facilities and participating with the Veterans' Administration in the training of interns or residents to provide for the central administration of stipend payments, provision of fringe benefits, and maintenance of records for such interns and residents by the designation of one such institution to serve as a central administrative agency for this purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or any other regulation, no State shall receive a lesser allocation of water pollution control funds in fiscal year 1973 or fiscal year 1974 than it received in fiscal year 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
To amend title 38, United States Code, to stabilize and "freeze" as of January 1, 1973, the Veterans' Administration Schedule for Rating Disabilities, 1945 edition, and the extension thereto.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments or grants of other aid to agricultural producers, including tenants and sharecroppers, in an aggregate amount equal to the sums appropriated therefor during the year with respect to which such payments or grants are made for agricultural conservation programs. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 590h (b))
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Forestry Incentives Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and carry out a forestry incentives program to encourage the protection, development and management of small nonindustrial private lands and non-Federal public forest lands. Provides that the Secretary shall share up to 50 percent of the cost of forest practices on non-Federal public lands and small nonindustrial private lands. Provides that no private forest landowner shall receive cost sharing under this Act in excess of $2,500 in any one fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to cooperate with local associations or groups of nonindustrial forest owners, and to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of manpower, equipment, planting stock and other materials required to carry out essential forest management practices. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize the services of State and local committees established under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Sets forth factors to consider prior to the distribution of funds under this Act. Provides that Federal funds may be allocated for cost sharing on a bid basis with priority accorded landowners contracting to carry out approved forestry practices for the smallest Federal cost share. States that the Secretary shall consult with the State forester or other appropriate official of each State in the conduct of the forestry incentives program provided for in this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall coordinate the administration of this Act with other related programs. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $25,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides that the exemption from antitrust laws to agreements covering the telecasting of sports contest shall not apply if any member club and any other person enter into any arrangement which permits the telecasting of all or a substantial part of any professional football game on any Friday after 6 P.M. or an any Saturday during the period beginning on the second Friday in September and ending on the the second Saturday in December in any year from any telecasting station located within seven-five miles of the game site of any intercollegiate or interscholastic football contest scheduled to be played on such a date if: (1) such intercollegiate football contest is between institutions of higher learning both of which confer degrees upon students following completion of sufficient credit hours to equal a four-year course, or (2) in the case of an interscholastic football contest, such contest is between secondary schools, both of which are accredited or certified under the laws of the State or States in which they are situated and offer courses continuing though the twelfth grade of the standard school curriculum, or the equivalent, and (3) such intercollegiate or interscholastic football contest and such game site were announced through publication in a newspaper of general circulation prior to August 1 of such year as being regularly scheduled for such day and place. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1293)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed (presently "empowered") to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)
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 · 26 January 1973
Provides that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis developing a 10 percent or more degree of disability within seven years after a veteran's separation from active service during a period of war shall be presumed to be service-connected. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 312 (4))
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Increases the period of presumption of service connection for cases of multiple sclerosis from seven to ten years after a veteran's separation from the Armed Forces. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 312 (a) (4))
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
National Cemeteries Act - Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to plan and maintain a system of national cemeteries, and to establish a program of existing cemeteries and creation of additional cemeteries. Provides that each grave in each national cemetery shall be marked with a small headstone bearing the name of the person buried in such grave. Specifies the persons to be buried in national cemeteries, including: (1) any veteran who served on active duty (other than for training) and whose last such service terminated honorably; (2) any member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, and any member of the Army National Guard, whose death occurs under honorable conditions while he is on active duty, authorized inactive duty training, or in a hospital at the expense of the United States. (3) any member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force whose death occurs under honorable conditions while he is attending an authorized training camp or undergoing hospital treatment at the expense of the United States; (4) any citizen of the United States who served in the Armed Forces of any U.S. ally in a war in which the United States was engaged and whose last service terminated honorably; and (5) the wife, husband, surviving spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child of any of the persons listed in paragraphs (1) through (4). States that no person who on the date of his death was a member of a Communist-elected organization shall be buried in any national cemetery. Provides that the Administrator shall set aside, when applicable, suitable plots in national cemeteries to honor the memory of members of the Armed Forces missing in action. Authorizes the Administrator to furnish, when requested, appropriate Government headstones or markers for the graves of: (1) soliders of the Union and Confederate Armies of the Civil War; (2) members of the Armed Forces dying in the service and veterans whose last service terminated honorably; (3) persons buried in cemeteries and national cemeteries; and (4) persons specified in provisions (2) and (3) in the above section on eligibility. Requires superintendents of national cemeteries to be selected from among trustworthy veterans with a service- connected disability. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire additional lands as needed and to convey approach roads to national cemeteries to State and local authorities. Prescribes a fine of between $25 and $100, or imprisonment of between 15 and 60 days, for defacing a national cemetery, and authorizes the superintendent to arrest a person engaged in committing such act. Authorizes to the Administrator to send annual recommendations to Congress with respect to the memorials to be erected, and the remains of deceased members of the Armed Forces to be entombed in the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater, Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Transfers jurisdiction and responsibility for any cemetery under the jurisdiction of the Secretaries of the Interior and the Army to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 218, 951-58)
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Provides that a psychosis developing a 10 percent degree of disability or more within two years after separation from active service during a period of war shall be presumed to be service connected. (Amends 38 USC 312)
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Provides a three-year presumptive period of service connection of malignant tumors of cancer which develops within three years from the date of a veteran's separation from active service. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 312 (6))
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Increases the maximum annual income limitation governing payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the parent of a deceased veteran to $5,000, if the parent is an unremarried widow with a child. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4l5 (b) (1))
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Makes disabled veterans of World War I eligible for the automobile assistance allowance provided for veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1901 (a))
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Disregards specified amounts received as an annunity, under the Railroad Retirements Act of 1937, for purposes of determining a veteran's annual income and pension eligibility. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 503 (b))
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to reimburse employers of veteran trainees for unusual costs incurred in providing on-job training for such veterans. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1504 (c))
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Provides that a single break in the continuity of a veteran's total disability rating, for a period of less than one year, followed by restoration to the same or higher disability rating, shall not be considered as disrupting the running of the twenty-year period, for purposes of disability compensation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 110)
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Provides that veterans who were prisoners of war for more than 6 months during World War II or the Korean War shall be deemed to have a service-connected disability of 50 percent for purposes of entitlement to veterans' disability compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Provides that the Secretary of Transportation, under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, shall establish appropriate Federal motor vehicle safety standards for schoolbuses and schoolbus equipment. Provides that the Secretary shall procure experimental, prototype, and other schoolbuses for research and testing of safety standards. Requires the manufacturers or distributors of schoolbuses to certify that each such schoolbus was individually inspected and test driven for the purpose of determining its conformity to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Provides that the Secretary shall make rules and regulations governing notification, reporting and investigating of each accident involving a schoolbus which results in death to any person.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Strip Mine Control Act - Provides that no person shall engage in or carry out any activity with respect to the extraction of minerals from a surface mine subject to the provisions of this Act by strip mining methods, unless such person has first obtained a permit from the Secretary of the Interior. Provides that the application for such permit shall include a description and location of the land upon which the applicant proposes to engage in strip mining operations; the consent of the owner to reclamation within five years of the end of such operations; the name and address of the owners of all surface areas within five hundred feet of any part of the proposed area of affected land; a statement of the number, if any, of other permits held by the applicant; the name and address of every officer, partner, director, or person performing a function similar to a director, of the applicant; a statement as to whether the applicant or an associate has ever had a permit revoked; and a complete plan of reclamation for the area of land to be affected. Provides that the Secretary may deny such permit on a finding that the requirements of this Act, or standards and regulations adopted thereunder, will not be observed, that an area of critical environmental concern or historical value would be destroyed by the proposed strip mining, or that there is probable cause to believe that the reclamation of the area of affected land cannot be achieved. Provides that the Secretary may require the applicant to post a bond on the basis of the anticipated costs of carrying out the reclamation plan not in an amount less than $1,000 per acre to be reclaimed, and in no case less than $10,000 for any strip mine operation. Provides for the establishment of a Strip Mine Reclamation Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for such Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or otherwise, land which has been affected by strip mining and has not been reclaimed, and to prepare plans and specifications for the reclamation of such lands. Provides for the resale of reclaimed land at a fair price under such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate to insure that such lands are put to a proper use. Provides that the Secretary may direct that reclaimed land may be improved for water-based or other recreational purposes. Provides that the Secretary may revoke any permit, after a public hearing, if he determines that the operator has violated any provision of this Act or any standard or regulation issued pursuant to this Act. Provides that the operator shall submit to the Secretary detailed annual and semi-annual reports on the progress of the operation. Provides for the release of the operator's bond when the Secretary finds that the reclamation meets the requirement of this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall establish, along with the Strip Mining Advisory Commission, mandatory standards covering strip mining operations and reclamation programs. Provides that such standards must be published in the Federal Register to invite comment from interested persons before such standards may become finalized. Provides for the establishment of the Strip Mining Advisory Commission. Provides for a fine of not more than $50,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for those who knowlingly violate any provision of this Act. Provides for the delegation, under certain circumstances, of the enforcement powers of this Act to the State in which the alleged offense occurs. Provides that the Secretary shall report to Congress each year on the progress made in regulating strip mining and providing for reclamation during the preceding year, together with his recommendations for such legislative or administrative action he deems appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Veterans Health Care Expansion Act - Title I: Hospital, Domicilliary, and Medical Care Benefits - Extends the definition of "private facilities" for which the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs contracts in order to provide hospital care to include facilities for the wife or child of a veteran who has a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from a service connected disability, and the widow or child of a veteran who died from such a disability. Includes in the term "hospital care" mental health services, consultation, professional counseling, and training of a veteran or dependent, or survivor if the veteran has no dependents, as may be necessary or appropriate to the effective treatment and rehabilitation of such individual. Adds home health services which the Administrator deems appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability of a veteran, or dependent, or survivor, to the definition of the term "medical services." Extends to all veterans hospital or nursing home care if such veteran is unable to defray the expenses of the necessary care. Allows the Administrator to furnish hospital or nursing home care to the wife or child of a veteran who has a total disability, permanent in nature from a service connected disability, and the widow or child of a veteran who died from such a disability. Permits the Administrator to furnish medical services for any disability on an outpatient or ambulatory basis to persons already described in this act and to any veteran who has a service connected disability rated at eighty percent or more. Authorizes the Administrator, under such regulations as he might prescribe, to reimburse veterans entitled to hospital care as medical services for the reasonable value of such care or services for which such veterans have made payment from sources other than the Veterans' Administration. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 628) Authorizes the President to assist the Republic of the Philippines in providing medical care and treatment for Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts under certain conditions. (Amend 38 U.S.C. 631) Provides that the President may authorize the Administrator to enter into a contract with the Veterans Memorial Hospital, with the approval of the appropriate department of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines under which the United States: (1) will pay for hospital care in the Republic of the Philippines, or for medical services which shall be provided either in Veterans' Administration facilities, or by contract, or otherwise, by the Administrator in accordance with the conditions and limitations applicable generally to beneficiaries under this title, for Commonwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator to be in need of such hospital care or medical services for service-connected disabilities; (2) will pay for hospital care at the Veterans Memorial Hospital for Commonwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator to need such care for non-service-connected disabilities if they are unable to defray the expenses of necessary hospital care; and (3) will pay for hospital care, determined by the Administrator to be necessary, at the Veterans Memorial Hospital for new Philippine Scouts for service-connected disabilities and for non-service-connected disabilities, if they are unable to defray the expenses of necessary hospital care. Provides that the total of the payments authorized shall not exceed $2,000,000 for any one fiscal year ending before 1978. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year ending with fiscal year 1978, $100,000 to be used for the education and training of health service personnel at the hospital, and for the upgrading of equipment and in rehabilitating the physical plant and facilities of such hospital. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 632) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a comprehensive program providing sickle cell anemia screening, counseling, and treatment and to carry out research and research training in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of sickle cell anemia based upon such screening examinations and treatment. Requires the Administrator to include such information in his annual report to Congress. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 651-654) Title II: Amendments to Chapter 73 of Title 38, United States Code Relating to the Department of Medicine and Surgery - Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a major program of recruitment training, and employment of veterans with various medical military occupation specialties in order to provide a complete medical and hospital service for the medical care and treatment of veterans and to assist in providing an adequate supply of health manpower to the nation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4101(b)) Establishes pay schedules for Assistant Chief Medical Directors, physicians and dentists, and nurses. Provides criteria on which nurses are to receive additional compensation. Enumerates restrictions on physicians, dentists, and nurses, including requirements that no such person may: (1) assume responsibility for the medical care of any patient other than a patient admitted for treatment at a Veterans' Administration facility, except in those cases where the individual, upon request and with the approval of the Chief Medical Director, assumes such responsibilities to assist communities or medical practice groups to meet medical needs which would not otherwise be available for a period not to exceed one hundred and eighty calendar days, which may be extended by the Chief Medical Director for additional periods not to exceed one hundred and eighty calendar days each; (2) teach or provide consultative services at any affiliated institution if such teaching or consultation will, because of its nature or duration, conflict with his responsibilities under this title; and (3) perform, in the course carrying out his responsibilities under this title, professional services for the purpose of generating money for any fund or account which is maintained by an affiliated institution for the benefit of such institution, or for his personal benefit, or both. Provides that temporary full-time appointments of personnel, other than physicians, dentists, and nurses, shall not exceed one year. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4114(a)(3)(A)) Provides that the Administrator may contract with one or more hospitals, medical schools, or medical installations having hospital facilities and participating with the Veterans' Administration in the training of interns or residents to provide for the central administration of stipend payments, provision of fringe benefits, and maintenance of records for such interns and residents by the designation of one such institution to serve as a central administrative agency for this purpose. Permits the Administrator to pay to such designated agency, without regard to any other law or regulation governing the expenditure of Government moneys either in advance or in arrears, all amount to cover the costs for the period such intern or resident serves in a Veterans' Administration hospital. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 4114(b) (2)) Title III: Amendments to Chapter 81 of Title 38, United States Code _ Acquisition and Operation of Hospital and Domicilliary Facilities; Procurement and Supply - Requires the Administrator to provide for no less than an average of 98,500 operating beds in Veterans' Administration Hospitals and to maintain an average daily patient census in such beds of no less than 85,500 in any fiscal year. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and operate not less than eight thousand beds for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 5001(a)) Requires the Administrator to appoint an Advisory Committee on Structural Safety of Veterans' Administration Facilities to advise him on all matters of structural safety in the construction and remodeling of Veterans' Administration facilities. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 5001(b)) Title IV: Miscellaneous Amendments to Title 38 United States Code - Specifies certain miscellaneous amendments to title 38 of the United States Code. Title V: Effective Dates - Specifies the dates on which the provisions of this Act shall become effective.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Establishes the Department of Veterans' Affairs which shall be headed by a Secretary of Veterans' Affairs. Transfers to and vests in the Secretary all of the functions, duties, and powers vested by any statute, provision of law, reorganization plan, or Executive order in the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. Transfers to the Secretary all personnel, property, records, assets, contracts, obligations, and commitments of the Veterans' Administration and all unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, or other funds held, used, arising from, or available to, the Veterans' Administration. States that the Act shall take effect when specified by Executive order of the President, but not later than six months after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
National Cemeteries Act - Establishes within the Veterans' Administration a National Cemetery System consisting of all cemeteries of the United States in which veterans of any war or conflict or of service in the Armed Forces may be buried. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials to advise and consult with the Administrator with respect to the administration of the cemeteries. Specifies that the following persons are eligible for interment in any open national cemetery: (1) any veteran; (2) any reservist, whose death occurs under honorable conditions, while undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States for injury or disease contracted while acting within the scope of his reservist duties; (3) any ROTC member whose death occurs under honorable conditions during his training period; (4) any U.S. citizen, who served in the Armed Forces of an allied government and such service terminated honorably; (5) the wife, surviving spouse, minor child, and the unmarried adult child of the above-mentioned persons; and (6) such other persons as may be designated by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to make all rules and regulations and conduct whatever business is necessary to establish and maintain such cemeteries. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to acquire needed additional land by purchase, gift, condemnation, transfer from other Federal agencies, or otherwise as he determines to be in the best interest of the United States. Directs the Administrator to conduct a comprehensive study and to submit his recommendations to the 93d Congress within six months after such Congress convenes, concerning the criteria which should govern the development and operation of the National Cemetery System, including the concept of regional cemeteries; the relationship between that system to other Federal burial benefits provided servicement and veterans; and the steps to be taken to conform the existing System to the recommended criteria. Authorizes the Administrator to make necessary rules for the governing of property under his control, and to fix penalties for violations. Provides for the payment of burial costs (up to $250) when an eligible veteran or veteran's relative dies in a VA facility. Stipulates that if the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery or other cemetery under the jurisdiction of the United States, the Administrator, in his discretion, having due regard to the circumstances in each case, may pay a sum not exceeding $150 as a plot or interment allowance to such person as he prescribes. Transfers to the Administrator from the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force the functions and responsibilities of such Secretaries with respect to cemeteries under their jurisdiction. Repeals specified provisions of law dealing with national cemeteries and payment of veterans' burial expenses. Authorizes the burial of an unknown soldier from the Vietnam Conflict at Arlington National Cemetery after the United States has concluded its participation in hostilities in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Provides that in any case in which an incompetent veteran having neither wife nor child is being furnished hospital treatment, institutional or domiciliary care without charge or otherwise by the United States, or any political subdivision thereof, and his estate from any source equals or exceeds $2,000, further payments of pension, compensation, or emergency officers' retirement pay shall not be made until the estate is reduced to $1,000. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3203(b)(2))
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Provides that where a veterans death occurs in a State home, the Administrator shall pay the actual cost (not to exceed $250) of the burial and funeral, and transport the body to the place of burial in the same or any other State. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 903)
![Official portrait of Rep. Dorn, William Jennings Bryan [D-SC-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000434_200.jpg)