United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any creditor, card issuer or other person against any person on account of sex or marital status in connection with approval or denial of credit. Provides that any credit card issuer or other person who discriminates against any person on account of sex or marital status shall be civilly liable to the aggrieved person for money and punitive damages. Grants jurisdiction, concurrent with that of State courts, to Federal district courts to hear actions to enforce the liability created by this Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1973
Federal Grand Jury Reform Act - Provides for a hearing and the right to counsel at such for witnesses who refuse to testify before a grand jury. Sets a limit of time for confinement in a Federal correctional institution for failure to testify. Permits a person to be admitted to bail during an appeal from such confinement. Permits an attorney or defendent to challenge the members of a grand jury if not representative of a fair cross section of the community. States that no person summoned shall be required to testify before any grand jury it, upon hearing, the court finds that: (1) the appearance would impose a hardship on the person or his family because of the venue of the grand jury; (2) a primary purpose is to secure information about a person already under indictment; or (3) compliance would be unreasonable, oppressive, or punitive. Permits a motion for relief form a court order to testify before a grand jury to be made at any time. Requires the court hearing an appeal from a grand jury subpena to take into account the burdens imposed on the witness, the significance of the overt acts alleged, the existence of related investigations and proceedings, and changed circumstances since the summons. Authorizes a motion to dismiss the indictment to be based on objections to the array or on the lack of legal qualifications of an individual juror. Permits attorneys for the witness under examination to be present at grand jury proceedings, and to advise such person but not participate in the proceedings. Prohibits disclosure by such attorney of grand jury deliberations. Requires grand jury proceedings to be recorded, and entitles a witness and his attorney to a transcript of the witness' testimony. States that a grand jury subpena shall contain information sufficient to notify such witness of his right to counsel. Prohibits any information derived from a violation of an individual's constitutional rights to be received by the grand jury. Extends protective safeguards to individuals granted immunity from prosecution for grand jury testimony. Provides that in the case of any individual who has been called to testify, the U.S. district court may issue an order granting immunity and requiring such individual to give testimony which he refuses to give on the basis of his privilege against self-incrimination, except that no such order shall be issued unless: (1) the investigation is authorized by law; (2) the investigation relates to an offense for which an immunity order may be sought; (3) the information sought is relevant to the investigation and the subject matter of the immunity order; and (4) a summary of the evidence relating to the witness has been certified and submitted to the court. Requires an annual report by the Attorney General to the Congress and to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts of: (1) the number of grand jury proceedings with a description of the investigation undertaken during the preceding year; (2) the number of requests for orders compelling testimony and the number of applications for immunity; (3) the number of instances in which witnesses were held in contempt and confined; (4) the number of arrests and convictions resulting from testimony obtained under orders granting immunity; (5) a description of data banks and other procedures by which grand jury information is stored and used by the Department of Justice; and (6) other appropriate information concerning grand jury activity during such year. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 1826; 18 U.S.C. 3323, 3325, 3326, 6002; adds 18 U.S.C. 3329-3330a, 6006-6007)
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that no person who shall have reached the age of twenty-two years shall be disqualified to be a Representative on account of age. Provides no person who shall have reached the age of twenty-seven years shall be disqualified to be a Senator on account of age.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1973
Provides for the issuance of a special immigrant visa without fee, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, to any Vietnamese who has been orphaned by abandonment by one or both parents, one of which is a United States citizen.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Provides that such board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the director of the center ex officio. Authorizes the centers to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1973
Prohibits the importation of Rhodesian chrome into the United States, in conformity with a resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations urging an international boycott of such chrome.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1973
Environmental Protection Act - Declares that each person is entitled to the protection, preservation and enhancement of his environment. Establishes the right of any person to maintain a judicial action for declaratory or equitable relief, either individually or in behalf of a class of persons, without regard to the amount in controversy, to protect the environment or public trust from pollution, impairment or destruction which results from or reasonably may result from any activity and such action for relief constitutes a case or controversy. Provides that complaints in such actions shall be supported by affidavits of at least two technically persons affirming that the defendant's activities damage or reasonably may damage the environment. Prescribes various judicial procedures and standards which are to govern the administration of this Act by the courts. Grants the courts authority to provide declaratory relief, temporary and permanent equitable relief, or to impose conditions on the defendant's operations which are required for the protection of the air, water, land from unreasonable pollution, impairment or destruction. Provides that the act shall be supplementary to existing administrative and regulatory procedures provided by law and grants the court authority to remand the parties to such procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the granting of appropriate interim equitable relief to protect the rights recognized under this Act for as long as is necessary. Provides that any person entitled to maintain an action under the Act may intervene as a party in all such administrative and regulatory procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the maintenance of an action to protect rights recognized in the Act where the court finds existing administrative or regulatory procedures to be inadequate for the protection of such rights. Provides that at the initiation of any person entitled to maintain an action under this act, such procedures shall be reviewable in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent necessary to protect the rights recognized in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1973
Increases the rates of incentive pay for the performance of hazardous duty by members of the uniformed services in specified pay grades and for warrant officers. Increases incentive pay for qualified enlisted members and submarine and undersea exploration crew members. Provides that officers entitled to incentive pay on the day before the effective date of this Act are entitled, if otherwise qualified, to monthly incentive pay at specified rates dependent upon the number of years of aviation and active service.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1973
Environmental Protection Act - Declares that each person is entitled to the protection, preservation and enhancement of his environment. Establishes the right of any person to maintain a judicial action for declaratory or equitable relief, either individually or in behalf of a class of persons, without regard to the amount in controversy, to protect the environment or public trust from pollution, impairment or destruction which results from or reasonably may result from any activity and such action for relief constitutes a case or controversy. Provides that complaints in such actions shall be supported by affidavits of at least two technically persons affirming that the defendant's activities damage or reasonably may damage the environment. Prescribes various judicial procedures and standards which are to govern the administration of this Act by the courts. Grants the courts authority to provide declaratory relief, temporary and permanent equitable relief, or to impose conditions on the defendant's operations which are required for the protection of the air, water, land from unreasonable pollution, impairment or destruction. Provides that the act shall be supplementary to existing administrative and regulatory procedures provided by law and grants the court authority to remand the parties to such procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the granting of appropriate interim equitable relief to protect the rights recognized under this Act for as long as is necessary. Provides that any person entitled to maintain an action under the Act may intervene as a party in all such administrative and regulatory procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the maintenance of an action to protect rights recognized in the Act where the court finds existing administrative or regulatory procedures to be inadequate for the protection of such rights. Provides that at the initiation of any person entitled to maintain an action under this act, such procedures shall be reviewable in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent necessary to protect the rights recognized in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1973
Defines the term "inclusive tour charter trip", for purposes of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, to mean a charter trip which combines air transportation, pursuant to a contract between an air carrier or foriegn air carrier and a person authorized by the Civil Aeronautics Board to sell inclusive tours, and land arrangements at one or more points of destination, sold to members of the public at a price which is not less than the just and reasonable fare for charter air transportation plus a compensatory charge for land arrangements, and subject to such other requirements not inconsistent herewith as the Board shall by regulation prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Service, Employment, and Redevelopment (SER) Assistance Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that the unmet needs of the unemployed and underemployed Spanish-speaking population of the United States makes it essential to the welfare of all Americans that action be taken by the United States Government to provide funds for bilingual manpower training, job placement, counseling, remedial education, and other related services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such services under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make financial assistance available under this Act for the establishment and operation in any State of service, employment, and redevelopment centers which shall include education classes specifically designed to assist the disadvantaged Spanish-speaking clients who are unemployed or underemployed. Limits the Federal financial assistance to any such program to 90 percent of the cost of such program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
Social Security Tax Reduction Act - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that the tax rate for old-age, survivors', and disability insurance shall be reduced to the 1972 level of 4.6 percent. Reduces (1) the hospital insurance rate to the 1972 level of .60 percent and (2) the rate of self-employment tax for old-age, survivors' and disability insurance to the 1972 level. Provides a reduction for individuals with limited income. Sets forth the computation for determining the amount of such deduction. Provides for a credit or refund for excess withholding of Social Security taxes. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund amounts equal to the amounts by which the taxes imposed by specified sections of the Internal Revenue Code are less than the amounts which would have been received if this Act had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
States that the Oil Policy Committee and the Office of Oil and Gas, Department of the Interior, shall establish by regulation specified formal procedures for review of applications filed by refiners for fee-paid licenses prior to the issuance of such licenses, including consideration of the quantities and prices of crude oil which such refiners are making and intend to make available to small independent refiners and consideration of the quantities and prices of gasoline, fuel oil, diesel fuel, or kerosene which such refiners are making and intend to make available to independent marketers of such products. Provides that any fee-paid license issued to a refiner for imports of crude oil, unfinished oils, and finished products into Districts I-IV, District V, and Puerto Rico shall require that refiners supply to small independent refiners and independent marketers crude oil, unfinished oils, and finished products in reasonable quantities and at reasonable prices based on past supply relationships.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Independent Oil Marketers Supply Act - Provides that no refiner who during the period October 1, 1971 to September 30, 1972, was in the business of furnishing any petroleum product to controlled marketers for resale or sale to the public shall fail to offer to supply that product to independent marketers at reasonable prices in reasonable quantities, so long as he continues to furnish that product to controlled marketers. States that violations of this Act shall be deemed to be an unfair act or practice in commerce under the provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to report to the Congress within six months of the date of enactment of this Act whether any additional legislation is required to prevent acts or practices in commerce which adversely affect any independent marketers as defined in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
States that no funds shall be expended for the conduct of bombing missions or other combat operations in Cambodia or Laos, without prior, specific authorization from Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1973
Provides, under the Interstate Commerce Act, for enforcement of motor carrier safety regulations by employees who believe their employer has violated such safety regulations. Allows employees to request an investigation by giving written and signed notice of the violation to the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a citation to the violator upon the finding of a violation. Sets forth the form of such citation, including the assessment of a civil penalty of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 for the first violation. Permits a violator to contest the citation within 15 days. Provides for a hearing before the National Transportation Safety Board on the citation, and review of any adverse order from the Board by the United States court of appeals. Specifies the procedures for pleadings, testimony and objections before the appellate court. Provides that the Secretary may enforce any final order of the Board or any uncontested citation by filing for relief in the United States court of appeals. Empowers the Secretary to order a carrier of explosives and other dangerous articles to cease operation of motor vehicles in interstate commerce for up to sixty days when he finds the operations create an unreasonable risk of accident, injury or death. States the procedure for the Secretary to follow in issuing such a cease and desist order. Provides that no person shall discharge or discriminate against any employee for (1) filing a motor carrier safety violation complaint; (2) refusing to operate equipment because of his apprehension of death or serious injury to himself or the public due to the unsafe condition of such equipment; or (3) refusing to operate equipment in violation of regulations respecting hours of service. Entitles an employee so discharged or discriminated against (1) to reinstatement in his employment; (2) to be made whole for his losses; (3) to exemplary damages; and (4) to costs of suit and reasonable attorney's fees.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1973
Environmental Protection Act - Declares that each person is entitled to the protection, preservation and enhancement of his environment. Establishes the right of any person to maintain a judicial action for declaratory or equitable relief, either individually or in behalf of a class of persons, without regard to the amount in controversy, to protect the environment or public trust from pollution, impairment or destruction which results from or reasonably may result from any activity and such action for relief constitutes a case or controversy. Provides that complaints in such actions shall be supported by affidavits of at least two technically persons affirming that the defendant's activities damage or reasonably may damage the environment. Prescribes various judicial procedures and standards which are to govern the administration of this Act by the courts. Grants the courts authority to provide declaratory relief, temporary and permanent equitable relief, or to impose conditions on the defendant's operations which are required for the protection of the air, water, land from unreasonable pollution, impairment or destruction. Provides that the act shall be supplementary to existing administrative and regulatory procedures provided by law and grants the court authority to remand the parties to such procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the granting of appropriate interim equitable relief to protect the rights recognized under this Act for as long as is necessary. Provides that any person entitled to maintain an action under the Act may intervene as a party in all such administrative and regulatory procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the maintenance of an action to protect rights recognized in the Act where the court finds existing administrative or regulatory procedures to be inadequate for the protection of such rights. Provides that at the initiation of any person entitled to maintain an action under this act, such procedures shall be reviewable in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent necessary to protect the rights recognized in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1973
Clean Elections Act - Title I: Federal Elections Commission - Creates a six-member independent Federal Elections Commission: 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 2 members appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, and 2 members appointed by the President. Specifies that the Commission shall have full legal powers. Authorizes the Commission to use the personnel and facilities of the General Accounting Office. Requires the Commission to submit its budget directly to Congress along with any recommendations it may have for legislation. Transfers specified functions of the Secretary of the Senate, the GAO and the Clerk of the House to the Commission. Requires each candidate for Federal office to have a central campaign committee through which all reports must pass. Requires the central committee to file its report with the Commission. Specifies that reports contain all contributions in excess of $100 and that cash contributions of $2,500 or more be reported within 24 hours. Requires a financial report to be filed 10 days before an election. Title II: Federal Matching Payment Entitlement Fund - Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States the Federal Matching Payment Entitlement Fund to remain available for expenditure without fiscal year limitation. Entitles candidates for Federal office or an official national party committee or an official congressional campaign committee to payments from the fund, during any calendar year, in an amount equal to the cmount of each contribution received by such candidate or committee not in excess of $50. Requires that the candidate or committee submit matching payment entitlement vouchers including the full name of the contributor together with the date, the exact amount of the contribution, and the complete address of the contributor. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall make a payment from the fund to the candidate or the treasurer of the committee in the amount certified by the Commission. Sets forth the limitations on certification by the Commission. Title III: Limitations on Political Contributions - Declares a limitation on contributions, made by an individual and expenditures of not more than $2,500 in the case of a candidacy for President or Vice President or not more than $1,000 in a congressional campaign. Title IV: Tax Incentives for Contributions to Candidates for Public Office - Allows a maximum credit for a taxable year for contributions to candidates for public office of $50 ($100 for a joint return). Title V: Voter's Time - Provides for a schedule of televised political broadcasts by candidates for Federal office. Requires the television networks to make prime time available to the candidates at roles not exceeding the prevailing unit charge of the station for the same amount of program time in the same time period. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay fully all certified bills for Voter's Time not more than 10 days following receipt from the Registry of Election Finance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1973
Environmental Protection Act - Declares that each person is entitled to the protection, preservation and enhancement of his environment. Establishes the right of any person to maintain a judicial action for declaratory or equitable relief, either individually or in behalf of a class of persons, without regard to the amount in controversy, to protect the environment or public trust from pollution, impairment or destruction which results from or reasonably may result from any activity and such action for relief constitutes a case or controversy. Provides that complaints in such actions shall be supported by affidavits of at least two technically persons affirming that the defendant's activities damage or reasonably may damage the environment. Prescribes various judicial procedures and standards which are to govern the administration of this Act by the courts. Grants the courts authority to provide declaratory relief, temporary and permanent equitable relief, or to impose conditions on the defendant's operations which are required for the protection of the air, water, land from unreasonable pollution, impairment or destruction. Provides that the act shall be supplementary to existing administrative and regulatory procedures provided by law and grants the court authority to remand the parties to such procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the granting of appropriate interim equitable relief to protect the rights recognized under this Act for as long as is necessary. Provides that any person entitled to maintain an action under the Act may intervene as a party in all such administrative and regulatory procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the maintenance of an action to protect rights recognized in the Act where the court finds existing administrative or regulatory procedures to be inadequate for the protection of such rights. Provides that at the initiation of any person entitled to maintain an action under this act, such procedures shall be reviewable in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent necessary to protect the rights recognized in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Consumer Product Warranties and Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act - Title I: Consumer Product Warranties - Provides that any supplier warranting a consumer product in writing shall fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of such warranty pursuant to any rules issued by the Federal Trade Commission in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe rules for determining the manner and form in which information with respect to any written warranty of a consumer product shall be clearly and conspicuously presented or displayed so as not to mislead the reasonable, average consumer, when such information is contained in advertising, labeling, point-of-sale material, or other representations in writing. Provides that no warrantor of a consumer product may condition his warranty of such product on the consumer's using, in connection with such product, any article or service which is directly or indirectly identified by brand, trade, or corporate name. States that, in order to incorporate the Federal minimum standards for warranty, a supplier warranting a consumer product in writing must, as a minimum, undertake the repair or replacement, within a reasonable time and without charge, of such consumer product in the case of a breach of such written warranty. Provides that the warrantor shall not impose any duty other than notification upon any consumer as a condition of securing repair or replacement of any consumer product which does not conform to the written warranty unless the warrantor can demonstrate that such a duty is reasonable. Provides that nothing in this title shall prohibit the selling of a consumer product which has both full and limited warranties if such warranties are clearly and conspicuously differentiated. States that nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent a supplier from selling a service contract to the consumer in addition to or in lieu of a warranty in writing if such contract fully and conspicuously discloses in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of the service contract. Provides that there shall be no express disclaimer of implied warranties to a consumer if any express warranty of a consumer product is made by a supplier to a consumer in writing. Declares it to be the policy of Congress to encourage warrantors to establish procedures whereby consumer disputes are fairly and expeditiously settled through informal dispute settlement mechanisms. Provides that it shall be a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any person subject to the provisions of this title to fail to comply with any requirement imposed on such person by or pursuant to this title or to violate any prohibition contained in this title. Allows any person damaged by the failure of a supplier to comply with any obligations assumed under an express or implied warranty or service contract with respect to a consumer product to bring suit in an appropriate U.S. district court or in any court of competent jurisdiction in any State or the District of Columbia. Provides that nothing contained in this title shall be construed to repeal, invalidate, or supersede the Federal Trade Commission Act or any statute defined therein as an antitrust act or any remedies otherwise available under State law. Title II: Federal Trade Commission Improvements - Extends the definition of unfair methods of competition under the Federal Trade Commission Act to mean activities "in or affecting commerce." (Amends 15 U.S.C. 45) Increases to $10,000 the civil penalty for violating an order of the commission. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 45 (L)) Provides that the Commission shall have the power to classify corporations and to issue procedural rules, and rules defining with specificity acts or practices which are unfair or deceptive to consumers. Provides that when making such rules the Commission shall: (1) issue an order of proposed rulemaking stating with particularity the reason for the proposed rule; (2) allow interested persons to comment on the proposed rule in writing and make all such comments publicly available; (3) hold an informal hearing at which interested persons may comment orally on the proposed rule; and (4) promulgate, if appropriate, a final rule together with a statement of basis and purpose based on the information and comments compiled in accordance with clauses (1), (2), and (3). States that any violation of such rules promulgated shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes judicial review of such rules in a United States court of appeals on petition by a person adversely affected. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 46 (g)) Provides that whenever the Commission has reason to believe: (1) that any person, partnership, or corporation is engaged in, or is about to engage in, any act or practice which is unfair or deceptive to a consumer; and (2) that the enjoining thereof pending the issuance of a complaint by the Commission, and until such complaint is dismissed by the Commission or set aside by the court on review, or until the order of the Commission made thereon has become final; the Commission may bring a suit in a district court of the United States to enjoin any such act or practice. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 53)
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1973
Interstate Recycling Expansion Act - Sets forth the purposes and definitions of the Act. Title I: Establishment of Nondiscriminatory Rates and Charges for the Transportation of Recyclable and Recycled Solid Waste Materials in Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission to investigate all freight rate discriminations against recyclable commodities and within two years to enter appropriate orders terminating all such unreasonable discrimination in transportation charges. Title II: Expansion of Recycling Through Federal Procurement - Directs all Federal procurement agencies to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency in the establishment of new rules and procedures to maximize the procurement of recyclable materials and products which contain recycled materials. Title III: Modifications of Other Federal Impediments to Expanded Recycling in Commerce - States that labels under the Wool Products Labeling Act shall use the term recycled rather than reused or reprocessed. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Provides that the Act shall be effective on the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1973
Environmental Protection Act - Declares that each person is entitled to the protection, preservation and enhancement of his environment. Establishes the right of any person to maintain a judicial action for declaratory or equitable relief, either individually or in behalf of a class of persons, without regard to the amount in controversy, to protect the environment or public trust from pollution, impairment or destruction which results from or reasonably may result from any activity and such action for relief constitutes a case or controversy. Provides that complaints in such actions shall be supported by affidavits of at least two technically persons affirming that the defendant's activities damage or reasonably may damage the environment. Prescribes various judicial procedures and standards which are to govern the administration of this Act by the courts. Grants the courts authority to provide declaratory relief, temporary and permanent equitable relief, or to impose conditions on the defendant's operations which are required for the protection of the air, water, land from unreasonable pollution, impairment or destruction. Provides that the act shall be supplementary to existing administrative and regulatory procedures provided by law and grants the court authority to remand the parties to such procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the granting of appropriate interim equitable relief to protect the rights recognized under this Act for as long as is necessary. Provides that any person entitled to maintain an action under the Act may intervene as a party in all such administrative and regulatory procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the maintenance of an action to protect rights recognized in the Act where the court finds existing administrative or regulatory procedures to be inadequate for the protection of such rights. Provides that at the initiation of any person entitled to maintain an action under this act, such procedures shall be reviewable in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent necessary to protect the rights recognized in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Independent Regulatory Agencies Act - Provides that the term "independent regulatory agency" means the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other agency which the Congress by law provides is an independent regulatory agency for purposes of this Act. Provides that the President shall appoint the chairmen of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission from among the members of such bodies by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that each such member shall serve in such capacity until the expiration of his term on such body. Revokes the power of the President to remove for inefficiency a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the President to remove for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office a member of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Federal Power Commission to act in its own name and through its own attorneys in any civil action and to supervise and conduct litigation in any civil action to which the Commission is a party. Provides that any communication to Congress respecting legislation, by any independent regulatory agency, whether transmitted in its annual report or otherwise, shall not be submitted to or be subject to clearance by the Office of Management and Budget or any other authority. Provides, under the Budget and Accounting Act, that the President's budget as submitted to Congress shall set forth the text of the original submission to the Office of Management and Budget by each independent regulatory agency of the estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations necessary in the judgment of the agency for its support, and any agency comments which accompanied such submission. Provides that an independent regulatory agency may not conduct or sponsor the collection of information upon identical items, from ten or more persons, other than Federal employees, unless in advance of adoption or revision of any forms to be used in such collection the agency invites comment from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Provides for access to information held by such independent regulatory agencies by specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall elect two Senators and the number of Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State. Requires Each Senator or Representative to be an inhabitant of the District and to possess the same qualifications as to age and citizenship and have the same rights, privileges, and obligations as a Senator or Representative from a State.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that the designation of payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund shall be made on the front page of the taxpayer's income tax return form. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to give extensive publicity to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund from January 1 to April 15 of each year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to use the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for the purpose of making loans for housing and buildings on farms in the amounts specified in appropriation Acts for such purpose. Provides that 10 percent of such funds shall be used to grant low interest rate loans to low and moderate income persons and families. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 1487(c))
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
Health Programs Extension Act - Title I: Amendments to Public Health Service Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Health Service Act: (1) health services research and development, (2) national health surveys and studies, (3) public health training, (4) migrant health (5) comprehensive health planning and services (6) assistance to medical libraries (7) Hill-Burton programs for construction of medical library facilities (8) training in the allied health professions, (9) regional medical programs, and (10) population research and family planning. Title II: Amendments to the Community Mental Health Centers Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Community Mental Health Centers Act: (1) construction assistance for mental health centers, (2) staffing assistance for mental health centers, (3) alcoholism programs (4) drug abuse programs, (5)consultation services, and (6) mental health of children. Title III: Amendments to the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for construction, services, and planning under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act. Title IV: Funding Assurances - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for programs under the Medical Facilities Construction and Modernization Amendment of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Requires that the Office of Economic Opportunity continue to provide financial assistance to agencies providing legal services, under the Economic Opportunity Act, which were receiving such assistance in December 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Provides, under the Interstate Commerce Act, for enforcement of motor carrier safety regulations by employees who believe their employer has violated such safety regulations. Allows employees to request an investigation by giving written and signed notice of the violation to the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a citation to the violator upon the finding of a violation. Sets forth the form of such citation, including the assessment of a civil penalty of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 for the first violation. Permits a violator to contest the citation within 15 days. Provides for a hearing before the National Transportation Safety Board on the citation, and review of any adverse order from the Board by the United States court of appeals. Specifies the procedures for pleadings, testimony and objections before the appellate court. Provides that the Secretary may enforce any final order of the Board or any uncontested citation by filing for relief in the United States court of appeals. Empowers the Secretary to order a carrier of explosives and other dangerous articles to cease operation of motor vehicles in interstate commerce for up to sixty days when he finds the operations create an unreasonable risk of accident, injury or death. States the procedure for the Secretary to follow in issuing such a cease and desist order. Provides that no person shall discharge or discriminate against any employee for (1) filing a motor carrier safety violation complaint; (2) refusing to operate equipment because of his apprehension of death or serious injury to himself or the public due to the unsafe condition of such equipment; or (3) refusing to operate equipment in violation of regulations respecting hours of service. Entitles an employee so discharged or discriminated against (1) to reinstatement in his employment; (2) to be made whole for his losses; (3) to exemplary damages; and (4) to costs of suit and reasonable attorney's fees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1973
Schoolbus Safety Act - Authorizes, under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, safety design standards for schoolbuses. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish safety standards for schoolbuses. Requires the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate schoolbus accidents.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a National Population Sciences and Family Planning Services Administration. Establishes, within the Administration, a National Center for Family Planning Services, to carry out a public information services program for planning and development, manpower development and training, supervision of field services, and grants management. Establishes, within the Administration, a National Institute for Population Sciences to carry out reproductive physiology research, contraceptive development and evaluation, operational research, social science research, and grants mangement. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare shall utilize the Administration to administer programs and research related to population 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. Directs the Secretary, on January 1 after the Act, to make a report to the Congress setting forth a plan to be carried out over a period of 5 years for extention of family services, for research programs in reproductive physiology, contraceptive development and evaluation, the social sciences and operational research, for training of necessary manpower for services and research, and for carrying out the other purposes set forth in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make, through the Administration, grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations and institutions to assist in the establishment and operation of voluntary family planning projects. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State health agencies to assist the States in planning, establishing, maintaining, coordinating, and evaluating family planning services. Provides that no funds appropriated under this system shall be used in a program where abortion is a method of family planning. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1974 through fiscal year 1978 to enable the Secretary to carry out the provisions of the two foregoing programs. Authorizes appropriations for manpower development and program planning and evaluation for fiscal year 1974 through fiscal year 1978 in order to implement the aforementioned family planning programs. States that, in order to promote research in the biomedical, contraceptive development, social science and operational research fields related to population and family planning the Secretary is authorized to make grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations and institutions, and to enter into contracts with groups, associations, institutions, individuals, or corporations for the conduct of such research. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1974 through fiscal year 1978 for the purpose of making grants and contracts under this section. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1974 through fiscal year 1978 for project grants to assist in meeting the cost of construction and operation of centers for research relating to human reproduction, sterility, contraception, effectiveness of service delivery, population trends, and other aspects of, or factors which affect, population dynamics. States that applications for grants under this section shall be approved by the Secretary only if the applicant is an institution of higher education or other public or private nonprofit institution which the Secretary determines is competent to engage in the type of research necessary. Provides that the total of the grants with respect to such project shall not exceed 75 percent of the cost of the project. States that if within twenty years after completion of any construction for which funds have been paid under this section: (1) the applicant or other owner of the facility shall cease to be a public or private nonprofit institution; or (2) the facility shall cease to be used for the purposes for which it was constructed, unless the Secretary determines, in accordance with the promulgated regulations, that there is good cause for releasing the applicant or other owner from the obligation to do so, the United States shall be entitled to recover from the applicant or other owners of the facility amount bearing the same ratio to the value of the participation bore to the cost of the construction of the facility. Authorizes the Secretary to make project grants and to enter into contracts with public agencies and nonprofit organizations and institutions to assist in developing and making available family planning and population growth information to all persons desiring such information or materials. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for the fiscal years 1974 through 1978 for the purpose of making grants or entering into contracts under this section.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Authorizes establishment of the Big Thicket National Biological Reserve in the State of Texas. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
Hobby Protection Act - Makes unlawful, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, the manufacture or importation, for introduction into commerce, items which (1) purport to be or are reproductions or original political or numismatic items; and (2) are not plainly and permanently marked with the year of manufacture or, in the case of numismatic items, are not marked "copy". Provides for injunctive relief restraining violations of this Act by any interested persons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
Changes the name of the United States Merchant Marine Academy to the United States Maritime Academy. Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the mission of the United States Maritime Academy shall be expanded to include the instruction and preparation of selected persons to serve the United States as merchant marine officers and in the marine sciences and related maritime industries. Provides that in addition to an undergraduate program the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to establish at the Academy graduate-level programs of study and training.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Eliminates the limitation on the use of Federal funds for social service programs under the Social Security Act whereby no more than 10% of amounts alloted to States could be expended for services to individuals who were not recipients of or applicants for aid or public assistance under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Provides that there shall be adopted regulations governing the implementation of titles I, IV-A, IV-B, X, XIV, and XVI of the Social Security Act which shall be consistent with the following model regulations. States that Federal financial participation is available for expenditures under a State plan approved under any of the previously mentioned titles. Requires a single organizational unit, within the single State agency, at the State and local level which is responsible for the furnishing of family services, WIN (Work Incentive Program), support services, and child welfare services. Requires the establishment of an advisory committee on social service programs at the State and local level. Requires the establishment of an advisory committee on day care services. Makes provisions for a fair hearing under which applicants and recipients may appeal denial of or an exclusion from a service program. Requires a State plan to specify how the services will be provided and, in the case of provision by other public agencies, identify the agency and the service to be provided. States that, if a State elects to provide services for additional groups of families or individuals, the state plan must identify such groups and specify the services to be made available to each group. Provides that services to individuals must be in accord with plans developed in cooperation with the individual, be responsive to the needs of the individual applicant, and be related to one or more of the specific goals described in this Act. Defines the term "services" to include chore services, day care services for adults, child care services, educational services, employment services, family planning services, adult services, foster care services for adults, foster care services for children, services to meet health needs, home delivered or congregate meals, homemaker services, home management and other functional educational services, housing improvement services, legal services, community planning, protective services for adults and children, special services for the blind, and transportation services. Sets forth requirements a State plan must meet before it can authorize the provision of services by purchase from other State or local public agencies, from nonprofit or proprietary private agencies or organizations, or from individuals. Provides that the total amount of Federal funds paid to any State shall not exceed an amount which bears the same ratio to $2,500,000,000 as the population of all the States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Motor Vehicle Safety Amendments - Authorizes, for the purpose of carrying out the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the appropriation of not more than $70,000,000 per fiscal year for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to require the manufacturer to notify persons of the manufacturer's obligation to remedy the defect or failure. Authorizes the Secretary to order the manufacturers to remedy the defect without charge to the owner of the motor vehicle. States that, unless the Secretary extends the period for repairs for good cause and publishes his reasons in the Federal Register, the repair shall not exceed the reasonable period of 60 days. Authorizes the Secretary, if the repairs cannot be adequately made in a reasonable period, to require the replacement with a new or equivalent vehicle or item of equipment without charge or the refunding of the purchase price in full, less depreciation. Permits the manufacturer, in the case of a tire, to charge for replacement if the tire is presented for remedy more than 60 days after the owner receives notice or replacement tires become available, whichever is later. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt manufacturers from the requirements of the Act for inconsequential defects. Requires making public any information that indicates the existence of a defect and allows the Secretary to determine what other information is disclosed. Prohibits the removal by the manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or motor vehicle repair business of devices installed in compliance with an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard. Raises the maximum civil penalty to $800,000 and establishes a criminal penalty of a $1,000 fine for each violation or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct inspections or investigations, including impoundment with compensation to the owner, to enforce the Act and directs the Secretary to furnish the Attorney General and, when appropriate, the Secretary of the Treasury any information indicating noncompliance with the Act. Requires any manufacturers opposing an action of the Secretary on the ground of increased cost to submit cost information to properly evaluate the manufacturer's statement. Allows any interested person to file with the Secretary a petition requesting the commencement or completion of a proceeding and futher allows the commencement of a civil action in a United States district court.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Prohibits persons from loading or transporting any radiological, chemical or biological warfare agent, except as authorized by a permit, for the purpose of dumping it into ocean waters. Specifies, under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, what constitutes "material" whose dumping into ocean waters is prohibited. Allows for the issuance of dumping permits by the Administrator of Environmental Protection Agency when such dumping will not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, or amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities. Provides that it is the policy of the Congress that the President seek effective international action to ensure the implementation of the proposals of the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Provides, under the Freedom of Information Act, that each agency, upon a request under the Act that records be made available to the public, shall: (1) determine within ten days after the receipt of any such request whether to comply with such request and immediately notify the person making such request of such determination and the reasons therefor; (2) in the case of a determination not to comply with any such request, immediately notify the person making such request that such person has a period of twenty days within which to appeal such determination to such agency; and (3) make a determination with respect to such appeal within twenty days after the receipt of such appeal. Permits the district court, to examine the contents of agency records in camera to determine if such records shall be exempted from disclosure. Provides that in the case of an action in the United States district court to enjoin an agency from withholding agency records and to order the production of any agency records improperly withheld, the United States or an officer or agency thereof shall serve an answer to any complaint made in such action within twenty days after the service upon the United States Attorney of the pleading in which such complaint is made. Provides that the court may assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in such action in which the United States or an officer or agency thereof has not prevailed. Provides that such disclosures under the Act may be obtained in the case of investigatory records for law enforcement purposes to the extent that such records are scientific tests, reports, or data, inspection reports of any agency which relates to health or safety, or records which serve as a basis for any public policy statement made by any agency or officer or employee of the United States or which serves as a basis for rulemaking by any agency. Provides that each Agency shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate which include statistics on the request and appeal procedures of the Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552)
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Sets forth restrictions on the procurement or instigation of an investigative consumer report. States that a person may not procure or cause to be prepared a consumer report on any consumer unless it is clearly and accurately disclosed to the consumer that such a report may be made. Entitles the consumer to a copy of such report. Provides that any consumer reporting agency which negligently or maliciously publishes any untrue statement or representation with respect to a consumer shall be liable to such consumer for: (1) actual damages, but not less than liquidated damages of $1,000; (2) punitive damages; and (3) a reasonable attorney's fee and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Directs the President to establish a Board of Consumer Investigation Examiners. Provides that the Board shall promulgate such rules and procedures, as it deems necessary or appropriate in order to regulate the examining, licensing, and practices of individuals who investigate consumers for the purpose of preparing or aiding in the preparation of investigative consumer reports. Establishes procedures and guidelines for granting or revoking licenses granted individuals to prepare or aid in the preparation of investigative consumer reports. Provides for judicial review in an appropriate United States district court for any individual aggrieved by any final decision of the Board denying, revoking, or suspending a license. Makes it unlawful for any individual: (1) to investigate any consumer for the purpose of preparing or aiding in the preparation of any investigative consumer report without a license issued to such individual by the Board; or (2) to violate the terms of any license issued to him by the Board. Provides that any individual who violates the above paragraph shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Toxic Substances Control Act - Provides that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that testing of a chemical substance in accordance with a test protocol for such substance is necessary to protect against unreasonable risk to health or the environment, he may, by rule: (1) prescribe a test protocol for such substance; and (2) require one or more persons connected with such substance to perform the test called for in such protocol. Provides criteria from which the Administrator shall determine the need for a test protocol. Permits those persons connected with the substance to designate one or more of their members or a qualified independent third party to perform the required tests and share the costs of such tests. Authorizes the Administrator, if those persons connected with the substance can not agree on a designee or if the designee is unacceptable to the Administrator, to designate one or more of those connected with the substance or a third party to perform the required tests and require those connected to contribute to the costs of the tests. Authorizes the Administrator upon receipt of the test results to promptly publish in the Federal Register, the test data, the intended uses of the substances, and the nature of the tests. Directs the Administrator within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act to, by rule, identify and publish in the Federal Register a list of chemical substances which the Administrator finds pose or are likely to pose substantial danger to the health or environment. Prohibits the use of a substance which has been listed by the Administrator as dangerous or possibly dangerous for a new use unless at least 90 days prior to such manufacture or distribution, the person intending to manufacture or distribute the chemical substance for such new use makes application to the Administrator to manufacture or distribute such substance for such new use and submits test data which shows the intended new use safe. Provides that a chemical substance listed as dangerous or potentially dangerous by the Administrator that has not been produced or distributed in commerce prior to its listing may not be produced or distributed unless application is made to the Administrator as outlined above. Provides that if no test protocol has been prescribed for a chemical substance which has been listed by the Administrator, the manufacturer or distributor may make tests sufficient to show the substance's safety or petition the Administrator to develop an adequate test protocol. Authorizes the Administrator, upon a finding that a chemical substance is dangerous or potentially dangerous, to prescribe rules to: (1) prohibit the manufacture or distribution of a substance or limit the amount which may be produced or distributed; (2) prohibit particular use or uses of such a substance; and (3) require an adequate warning with regard to the use or disposal to the substance. Provides the Administrator with criteria for formulating and promulgating such rules. Permits the Administrator to formulate quality control rules if he has good cause to believe processing or manufacturing permits or causes dangerous adulteration of a chemical substance. Provides that the Administrator shall conduct hearings to determine if quality control rules are necessary. Provides that the Administrator may file an action for temporary or permanent relief in a U.S. district court against an imminently hazardous chemical substance for its seizure or against any person who is a manufacturer, processor or distributor of such chemical substance. Authorizes the Administrator, by rule, to require reports of all manufacturers and importers of chemical substances where appropriate to ascertain the nature, quantity and uses of substances produced. Prohibits the Administrator from taking action under this Act if any risks to health or environment could be prevented by employing existing Federal Law. Establishes in the Environmental Protection Agency a Chemical Substances Board consisting of twelve scientifically qualified members. Directs the Administrator to appoint eleven members to this Board from a list recommended to him by the National Academy of Sciences and the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to appoint one from whatever source he desires. Directs the Administrator to refer all proposed rules to this Board to prepare a report. Permits the Administrator to inspect any factory, warehouse, or other premises to verify records and reports. Requires the Administrator to designate officers for such purposes who will enter with appropriate credentials and a valid administrative warrant. Provides that this Act shall not apply to any chemical substance which is to be used solely for export from the United States. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury shall refuse entry into the United States of any chemical substance or article containing such substance offered for entry which fails to conform with rules promulgated under this Act. Provides that all information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, the Administrator or his representative which contains or relates to trade secrets shall be considered confidential. Makes it unlawful to fail or refuse to comply with any provision of this Act or any rule promulgated under the authority of this Act. Provides a $25,000 a day civil penalty for each day of violation and a criminal penalty of $25,000 a day or imprisonment not to exceed one year or both in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty. Authorizes the U.S. districts courts to exercise jurisdiction over such cases. Provides that any interested and adversely affected person may commence a civil action for injunctive relief on his own behalf against any person including the United States. Provides for judicial review by the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia of any rule promulgated under this Act. Authorizes total appropriations of $29,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1974-1976.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1973
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of all proposals contained in the budget of the United States Government for the fiscal year 1974 with respect to the delegation to other agencies of the Government of functions of the Office of Economic Opportunity.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Securities Exchange Act Amendments - Title I: Selection and Administration of the Securities and Exchange Commission - Provides that any commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission may be removed by the President for neglect of duty or misfeasance in office, but for no other cause. Sets forth procedures for the appointment of a Commission chariman. Authorizes the Commission to conduct its own civil litigation, including litigation in the Supreme Court. Requires the Commission to submit any budget request to the Congress concurrently with transmittal to the Office of Management and Budget. Provide that when the Commission transmits any legislative recommendations, testimony, or comment on legislation to the Executive, it shall concurrently transmit a copy to the Congress. Title II: Regulation of Exchanges and Associations - Includes within the term "member," for purposes of the Act, any person who agrees to be regulated by an exchange and with respect to whom the exchange undertakes to enforce the Federal securities laws and the exchange rules. Makes registered national securities exchanges and associations subject to identical regulatory provisions. States that any registered broker or dealer meeting applicable captial or competency requirements must be allowed to join any registered national securities exchange. Requires at least half of the governing body of every such exchange to be composed of "public representatives," and requires the exchange to provide adequate resources to permit the public representatives to employ staff or retain professional personnel independent of the exchange staff. Prohibits registered national securities exchanges from imposing any schedule of prices or fixing rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other charges subject to a statutory timetable for the elimination of the current fixed minimum commission rate system. Gives persons denied membership on an exchange the right to seek review of such denial by the SEC and the courts. Permits members disciplined by an exchange to appeal such action to the SEC and to the courts. Provides that any proposed change in exchange rules must be filed with the SEC, which must publish such proposed change and allow interested persons a reasonable opportunity for comment thereon. States that the proposed change shall take effect sixty days after publication by the SEC unless the SEC disapproves it. Allows registered national securities exchanges, with the concurrence of the SEC, to share the cost, functions and responsibility of the conduct of examinations and inspections of members, and to furnish copies of any reports of inspections or examinations to each other. Establishes new procedures to be followed by the Commission in compelling exchanges and registered associations to change their rules, and in regulating off-floor trading by exchange members. Provides for a ban on transactions with "affiliated persons," as defined by this Act, to be effective on February 1, 1974. Gives the SEC the authority to suspend or expel exchange members who have violated exchange rules. Directs the Commission to take such steps as are within its power to establish a national market system for securities transactions by February 1, 1975, and to report annually to the Congress its progress in such an undertaking. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing their members from executing transactions for customers in other markets whenever those markets offer a better price to such customers. Requires the SEC to adopt rules to assure that customers are getting best price from their brokers. Prohibits national securities exchanges and national securities associations from preventing its members from participating in any registered clearing agency or securities depository. Gives the SEC authority to investigate and bring injunctive actions for violations of National Association of Securities Distributors rules and exchange rules, and to bring injunctive actions to compel a registered national securities exchange or association to enforce compliance with the rules of such exchange or association. Title III: Financial Responsibility; Regulation of Brokers,-Dealers and Members; Reports and Examinations - Broadens existing prohibitions on improper hypothecation of securities by brokers, dealers and members to embrace improper lending of such securities. Requires all members of a registered national securities exchange to register with the SEC. Requires persons registering as brokerdealers to file certified financial statements with their application, (rather than verified statements). Requires the Commission to order effective an application for registration as a broker-dealer. Requires that, within six months of the granting of an application for registration, the Commission, or an exchange or the NASD as designated by the Commission, examine the new broker-dealer to determine whether it is operating in conformity with the Federal securities laws. Adds armed robbery and grand larceny to the list of statutory offenses which bar a person from becoming a broker-dealer. Requires the Commission, in cooperation with the exchanges and the NASD, to devise and administer a uniform examination which, with respect to partners, officers, and supervisory employees shall include questions relating to enumerated matters. Directs the SEC, by no later than January 1, 1974, to establish minimum capital requirements, providing for ample, liquid and permanent capital for brokers, dealers and members. Authorizes the Commission to classify brokers, dealers and members for purposes of establishing such requirements. Prohibits the SEC from exempting from such requirements any broker, dealer or member. Requires registered national securities exchanges to furnish copies of documents to the SEC upon request. Requires registered brokers, dealers and members to supply their customers with certified comparative balance sheets and income statements. Authorizes the Commission to adopt rules concerning a consolidated transactional tape and a composite quotation system and to prescribe uniformity in accounting procedures and systems of brokers and dealers and members. Title IV: Security Processing - Authorizes the Commission to make rules applicable to brokers or dealers regulating the time and method of making settlements, payments and deliveries and closing of accounts. Provides that, in the exercise of this rulemaking authority, the Commission shall not affect the authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to regulate securities credit. Requires clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents to register with the SEC, and establishes appropriate procedures. Sets forth procedures under which the Commission must grant or deny applications for registration of clearing agencies and securities depositories. Authorizes the Commission to establish terms and conditions under which a clearing agency, securities depository or transfer agent may withdraw from registration. Gives the SEC direct rulemaking power over clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Empowers the SEC to review clearing agency or securities depository action in the areas of disciplinary action or denial of admission to a participant. Grants the Commission disciplinary powers with respect to clearing agencies, securities depositories and transfer agents. Directs the SEC to, on or before December 31, 1976, take appropriate steps to eliminate the use of the stock certificate as a means of settlement of securities transactions between brokers and dealers. Authorizes the Commission to grant confidential treatment to material filed with it only under very limited conditions, including a finding that disclosure is not in the public interest. Empowers the Commission to prescribe rules with respect to the form or format of securities issued by companies, any class of whose securities is registered under the Act, or which would be required to be so registered except for the exemption from registration provided for securities of registered investment companies or insurance companies under certain conditions. Directs every issuer whose securities are registered on a national securities exchange to consolidate in a single person the functions of transfer agent and registrar. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct a study to consider the public policy implications of the growing practice of registering securities in "street name" and to determine whether steps can be taken to facilitate communications between corporations and their shareholders while, at the same time, retaining benefits of such registration. Prohibits the imposition of state or local taxes on securities, or on the transfer of securities, solely because the facilities of a registered clearing agency or securities depository are physically located in the taxing jurisdiction. Requires registered national securities exchanges, associations, brokers, dealers, clearing agencies and securities depositories to: (1) report information about missing, lost or stolen securities to the SEC or such person as the SEC designates; and (2) require the fingerprinting of partners, directors, officers, and employees and the submittal of such fingerprints to the Attorney General of the United States for identification and appropriate processing. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires the SEC to include in its annual report to Congress certain designated information concerning the Commission's administration of the Freedom of Information Act. Raises the amount of the registration fee every national securities exchange must pay to the SEC from 1/500th of one percent to 1/100th of one percent of the dollar amount of sales of securities (other than certain Governmental obligations) transacted on that exchange. Requires the SEC to order the registration of an investment adviser effective (rather than, as presently, allowing such registration to take effect by the passage of time). (Amends 15 U.S.C. 78d-78w)
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Sets forth the Congressional finding that the construction and operation of large-scale offshore structures, both fixed and floating, designed to be used as ports, terminals, powerplants, airports, research platforms, or for other purposes (1) are presently planned; (2) involve interstate and foreign commerce, fisheries and wildlife, and navigation; and (3) will affect U.S. citizens and the marine environment over a broad geographical area. Prohibits the construction or operation of such structure until the Secretary of Commerce shall have certified that the activity involved will not result in an unacceptably adverse compact on the marine environment, and that all possible precautions have been taken to minimize any adverse impact that may result. Sets forth criteria to be considered by the Secretary, in his evaluation including: (1) the need for siting such structure offshore; (2) the effect of such structure on human health and welfare, on fish and wildlife resources, on ocean patterns and shorelines, and on scientific study and navigation; (3) the dangers to such structure occasioned by waves and weather; and (4) such other considerations as deemed appropriate. Requires copies of any communications, reports, or information received or sent by any applicant for certification to be made available to the public upon identifiable request, and at reasonable cost, unless such information relates to a trade secret. States that in considering the effect of any proposed structure on navigation, the Secretary shall consult with and obtain the views of the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Provides that no action taken pursuant to this Act shall relieve or immunize any person from any other requirements imposed by Federal, State, or local laws. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act, and authorizes U.S. district courts to grant injunctive relief. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-1976 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Makes appropriations to carry out the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1073, of a total of $23,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
States that by reason of their traditional use as a thoroughfare and haven for fishermen and sea venturers, the necessity for them to be free and open in connection with shipping, navigation, salvage, and rescue operations, as well as recreation, Congress declares and affirms that the beaches of the United States are impressed with a national interest and that the public shall have free and unrestricted right to use them as a common to the full extent that such public right may be extended consistent with such property rights of littoral landowners as may be protected absolutely by the Constitution. Provides that no person shall create, erect, maintain, or construct any obstruction, barrier, or restraint of any nature which interferes with the free and unrestricted right of the public, individually and collectively, to enter, leave, cross, or use as a common the public beaches. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over legal actions connected with the provisions of this Act. States that it is desirable that the States and the Federal Government act in a joint partnership to protect the rights and interests of the people in the use of the beaches. Authorizes the Secretary of whatever department the Coast Guard is operating under to place at the disposal of the States such research facilities and information as may assist them in carrying out the provisions of this Act, to make grants, and to provide financial assistance for the development and maintenance of transportation facilities necessary in connection with the use of public beaches.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
States that by reason of their traditional use as a thoroughfare and haven for fishermen and sea venturers, the necessity for them to be free and open in connection with shipping, navigation, salvage, and rescue operations, as well as recreation, Congress declares and affirms that the beaches of the United States are impressed with a national interest and that the public shall have free and unrestricted right to use them as a common to the full extent that such public right may be extended consistent with such property rights of littoral landowners as may be protected absolutely by the Constitution. Provides that no person shall create, erect, maintain, or construct any obstruction, barrier, or restraint of any nature which interferes with the free and unrestricted right of the public, individually and collectively, to enter, leave, cross, or use as a common the public beaches. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over legal actions connected with the provisions of this Act. States that it is desirable that the States and the Federal Government act in a joint partnership to protect the rights and interests of the people in the use of the beaches. Authorizes the Secretary of whatever department the Coast Guard is operating under to place at the disposal of the States such research facilities and information as may assist them in carrying out the provisions of this Act, to make grants, and to provide financial assistance for the development and maintenance of transportation facilities necessary in connection with the use of public beaches.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Savings in Farm Subsidies Act - Reduces the limit on subsidy payments which an individual may receive under the wheat, cotton and feed grain programs under the Argiculture Act of 1970 from $55,000 to $20,000 annually for the 1974, 1975, and 1976 crop. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 1307) Digest to follow.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Title I: Anti-Hijacking Act - Expands the definition of the term "special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States" when used in the Federal Aviation Act to include the following aircraft while in flight: (1) any aircraft outside the United States that has an offense, as defined in the convention for the suppression of unlawful seizure of aircraft, committed aboard, if the aircraft lands in the United States with the alleged offender still aboard; and (2) other aircraft leased without crew to a lessee who has his principal place of business in the United States, or his permanent residence in the United States. Provides that whoever commits or attempts to commit aircraft piracy shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than twenty years or for more than life. Provides that whoever aboard an aircraft in flight outside the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States commits an offense, as defined in the convention for the suppression of unlawful seizure of aircraft, and is afterwards found in the United States shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 20 years or for more than life. Provides that whenever the President determines that a foreign nation is acting in a manner inconsistent with the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft, he may, without notice or hearing and for as long as he determines necessary to assure the security of aircraft against unlawful seizure, suspend the right of any air transportation and any persons to operate aircraft in foreign air commerce to and from that foreign nation and the right of any foreign air carrier to engage in foreign air transportation. foreign person to operate aircraft in foreign air commerce between the U.S. and any foreign nation which maintains air service between itself and that foreign nation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to suspend the operating authority of foreign air carriers when he finds that a foreign nation does not effectively maintain and administer prescribed security measures relating to transportation of persons or property or mail in foreign air transportation. Title II: Air Transportation Security Act - Directs the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to establish and maintain a coordinated national police effort to curb acts of aircraft piracy and destruction of aircraft or aircraft officials, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. States that the Director shall establish an air transportation security force, composed of agents of the Bureau and State and local law enforcement personnel. Provides that no person shall be searched unless he has been identified by a weapons detection device as a person who is reasonably likely to be carrying skyjacking paraphernalia and such identification has been made after he has been given an opportunity to remove metallic or similar devices from his person if such initially motivated a weapons detection device, and unless he consents to such search. States that if such person does not consent his flight reservation will be canceled and the cost of his ticket will be refunded. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Director of the FBI to submit semi-annual reports to Congress on the effectiveness of the programs instituted under this authority.
![Official portrait of Rep. Eckhardt, Bob [D-TX-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000035_200.jpg)