United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration; to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of H.E.W. under titles I through III of this Act. Creates within such administration a Division of Research, Training and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title III of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in appropriations for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $660,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $710,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped invididuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for fiscal years 1974-76 to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or non-profit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Provides for a special study by the Secretary of the needs of severely handicapped persons who would otherwise be ineligible for services under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to establish national centers for spinal cord injuries. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals consisting of twenty members appointed by the Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance for construction projects under this title. Title III: Research and Training - Provides that the commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title IV: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving stated goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Provides for a study of the role of sheltered workshops in the rehabilitation and employment of handicapped individuals. Title V: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title such sums as necessary. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate problems of handicapped persons in the areas of architecture and transportation, and to make legislative recommendations to the President and the Congress. Requires any contract in excess of $2500 entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provision requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Fish Disease Control Act - States that communicable fish diseases constitute a major threat to the fish resources of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to issue such regulations as deemed appropriate to prohibit or control the movement in interstate and foreign commerce of diseased fish or articles, and to specify by regulation those fish diseases and species of fish which pose a threat to the fish resources of the United States. Authorizes the Secretaries to create advisory panels to assist them in promulgating regulations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, in order to develop an effective, coordinated fish disease control program for the protection of fishery resources, to enter into cooperative agreements with the appropriate agencies of the States. Makes provisions for such agreements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to order the owner of any fish or article specified as diseased to destroy, disinfect, or quarantine such fish or article, and to compensate the owner for any fish destroyed. Prescribes a fine not exceeding $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year for persons receiving or delivering for the transport in interstate or foreign commerce any fish or article infected or contaminated by a disease. Authorizes, with or without a warrant, the arrest of any person violating this Act, and the search and seizure of any fish or article taken in connection with a violation of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $3,000,000 for the two succeeding fiscal years and $4,000,000 for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, substance, or ingredient of any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage; and (2) shall not require a warning label on any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Provides for the inclusion of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition in the catagories of ammunition for which persons holding a Federal license to do business as a firearms or ammunition importer, manufacturer, or dealer need not keep records on purchasers. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 4182(c))
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Exempts from the provisions of Federal law prohibiting the importation, manufacture, distribution, and storage of explosive materials: (1) commercially manufactured black powder; and (2) percussion caps, safety and pyrotechnic fuses, quick and slow matches, and friction primers. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 845)
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Provides that Army and Air Force National Guard technicians shall not be required to wear the military uniform while performing their duties in a civilian status. (Amends 32 U.S.C. 709(d))
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Federal Employees Freedom of Choice Act - Specifies that each employee of the Federal Government shall have the right, freely and without fear of penalty or reprisal, to form, join and assist a labor organization or to refrain from any such activity, and shall be protected in the exercise of this right.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
Makes it the sense of the House of Representatives that should United States gold be offered for public sale, the sale of such gold must be restricted to the domestic market and American citizens for a period of 30 days before being offered on the world market.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Oil Pollution Act Amendments - Adds to the list of definitions of actions covered by the Oil Pollution Act of 1961. Defines the term "instantaneous rate of discharge of oil content" as meaning the rate of discharge of oil in liters per hour at any instant divided by the speed of the ship in knots at the same instant. Defines the term "an oily mixture" as meaning a mixture with any oil content. Defines the meaning of distance from the nearest land for purposes of actions in the vicinity of Australia. Provides for construction requirements of ships covered by the Act which are built in the United States. Provides for a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation by any person who willfully discharges oil or an oily mixture from a ship in violation of this Act. (Amends 33 U.S.C. 1001-1015)
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Provides that, in determining the annual income of any individual for veterans' pension and compensation purposes, the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall disregard any increase in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) brought about by Public Law 92-336 to which a veteran might be entitled, or any subsequent cost-of-living increase in such benefits occurring pursuant to the Social Security Act. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 415(g)(4), 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Makes the restriction of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 against taking into account for subsidy accounting purposes any salary for personal services in excess of $25,000, inapplicable to operators whose operating differential subsidy contracts terminated within 12 months prior to October 21, 1970. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1173 ut)
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 · 27 February 1973
Endangered Species Conservation Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide a program for the conservation, protection, restoration, or propagation of species and subspecies of fish and wildlife, including migratory birds, that are threatened with extinction, or are likely within the foreseeable future to become threatened with extinction. Sets forth the procedure by which the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce (hereinafter "Secretary") shall determine if a species or subspecies of fish or wildlife shall be regarded as an endangered species. Lists the following factors to be considered in determining if a species or subspecies is threatened with extinciton or will likely become threatended with extinction: (1) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (2) overutilization for commercial, sporting, scientific, or educational purposes; (3) disease or predation; (4) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (5) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. Provides that the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, a list by scientific and common name or names of species and subspecies determined to be endangered. Provides that the Secretary may, from time to time, by regulation revise such list. States that until such republication an endangered species already listed shall be considered an endangered species presently threatened with extinction pursuant to this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall utilize the land acquisition and other authorities of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, as amended, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as appropriate, to carry out a program in the United States of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating those species and subspecies of fish and wildlife that he lists as endangered species pursuant to this Act. States that it is unlawful for any person to: (1) import into or export from the United States, receive or cause to be so imported, received, or exported; or (2) take or cause to be taken within the United States, the territorial sea of the United States, Federal lands, or upon the high seas; or (3) ship, carry or receive by any means in interstate commerce; or (4) sell or offer for sale any species or subspecies which is listed as an endangered species. Provides that any State law or regulation is void to the extent that it would effectively permit or prohibit imports, exports or transactions in interstate or foreign commerce in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this Act. Allows exceptions from the prohibitions contained in this Act to permit the taking of an endangered species for scientific purposes and for the propagation of such fish and wildlife in captivitiy for preservation purposes. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purpose of this Act. Provides that the Secretary may require any person importing or exporting fish and wildlife to file a declaration stating such information as he deems necessary to facilitate enforcement of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promulgate such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that the Secretary, through the Secretary of State, shall encourage foreign countries to provide for the protection, conservation and propagation of fish and wildlife, and shall encourage bilateral and multi-lateral agreements with such countries for these purposes. Provides that, in carrying out the program authorized by this Act, the Secretary shall cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the several States. States that such cooperation shall include consultation before the acquisition of any land for the purpose of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating any endangered species. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with the States for the administration and management of any area established for the conservation, protection, restoration, and propagation of endangered species. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Federal Animal Damage Abatement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a program of research which shall concern the control and conservation of predatory and depredating animals and the abatement of damage caused by such animals. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to any State which may annually propose to administer a program for the control of predatory animals. Lists the qualifications for such assistance to the States. Authorizes to be appropriated for such financial assistance such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that no person shall: (1) make field use of any chemical toxicant on any Federal lands for the purpose of killing predatory animals; or (2) make field use on such lands of any chemical toxicant which causes any secondary posioning effect for the purpose of killing other mammals, birds, or reptiles. Provides that any person convicted of any violation of this section, or of any regulation promulgated under this Act, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
High Seas Fisheries Conservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations governing fishing in the fisheries zone and all high seas seaward of such zone by vessels of a party to an international fishery agreement with the United States, and by vessels documented under the laws of the United States, or otherwise registered under the laws of any State, for the purpose of fish conservation. States that such regulations may designate zones where, and establish periods when, no fishing shall be permitted; establish size and catch limits for any species of fish; prohibit the use of certain types of fishing gear, and prescribe such other measures as the Secretary deems appropriate to carry out such purposes. Sets forth rules governing the promulgation of such regulations. States that the provisions of this Act shall be deemed to be in addition to and not in contravention of the provisions of any existing international fishery agreement or any statute implementing the same. Provides that in the exercise of his powers the Secretary may at any time adopt as Federal regulations the regulations of any State or group of States regarding fishing adjacent to such State or States in the fisheries zone or in high seas adjacent to such zone. States that the Congress shall consent to any compact or agreement which is not in conflict with any law or treaty in force of the United States between any two or more states for the purpose of preparing regulations for submission to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary, and when appropriate, with the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, to engage in negotiations with any contracting party to the Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources of the High Seas in regard to measures for the conservation of the living resources of the high seas, when such negotiations are necessary to carry out the purposes of the Convention and with any contracting party to any other international fishery agreement. Requires that the Secretary of State shall, upon notification from the Secretary of the promulgation of regulations pursuant to this Act for waters of the high seas seaward of the fisheries zone, notify the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and any contracting party to the Convention whose nationals fish in the waters covered by such regulations of their contents. States that the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary, is authorized to enter into agreements with any contracting party to the Convention for the implementation of regulations adopted by the United States or by such contracting party pursuant to the aforesaid Convention in waters beyond the respective jurisdiction of any such contracting party. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Provides for enforcement of the provisions of this Act by the Secretary and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating. States that the Federal district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all cases arising under this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) restrict the authority of any State to regulate its citizens regarding fishery matters where such regulation is not contrary to regulations adopted pursuant to this Act; (2) extend the jurisdiction of the States to the natural resources beneath and in the waters beyond the territorial seas of the United States, or to diminish their jurisdiction to such resources beneath and in the waters of the territorial seas of the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
National Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act - Title I: Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining - Legislative Findings and Purpose - Sets for the findings of the Act. States that the purpose of this title is to provide standards for the qualification of agricultural cooperative organizations for bargaining; to define the mutual obligation of handlers and agricultural cooperative organizations to bargain with respect to the production, sale, and marketing of agricultural products; and to provide for the enforcement of such obligations. Sets forth definitions of terms relating to the title. Establishes in the Department of Agriculture a National Agricultural Bargaining Board, which shall administer the provisions of the Act. Provides that the Board shall consist of three members to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the qualifications of those associations of producers which shall be entitled to the benefits of this title. Requires an association of producers to file with the Board a petition for qualification. Directs the Board to hold a public hearing and qualify such association if it finds that specified requirements are met. Provides that after qualification the Board shall give notice of such qualification to all known handlers that in the ordinary course of business, purchase the agricultural commodities that such association represents. Requires a qualified association to file annually a report to the Board. Provides that bargaining, as used in this title, is the mutual obligation of a handler and a qualified association to meet at reasonable times and negotiate in good faith with respect to the price, terms of sale, compensation for commodities produced under contract, and other contract provisions relative to the commodities that such qualified association represents and the execution of a written contract incorporating any agreement reached if requested by either party. Provides that such obligation on the part of any handler shall extend only to a qualified association that represents producers with whom such handler has had a prior course of dealing, and states that such obligation does not require either party to agree to a proposal or to make a concession. Requires a handler to be deemed to have had a prior course of dealing with a producer if such handler has purchased commodities produced by such producer in any two of the preceding five years. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to prohibit a qualified bargaining association from entering into contracts with handlers to supply the full agricultural production requirements of such handlers. Makes it unlawful for a handler to negotiate with other producers of a product with respect to the price, terms of sale, compensation for commodities produced under contract, and other contract provisions relative to such product while negotiating with a qualified bargaining association able to supply all or a substantial portion of the requirements of such handler for such product. Makes it unlawful for a handler to purchase a product from other producers under terms more favorable to such producers than those terms negotiated with a qualified bargaining association for such product. Authorizes enforcement of orders and provides for judicial review in any United States Court of Appeals. Provides that the Board shall, at all reasonable times, have access to and the right to copy evidence relating to any person or action under investigation by it in connection with any refusal to bargain. Empowers the Board to administer oaths and to issue subpenas requiring the attendance of witnesses or the production of evidence. Provides that in case of a refusal to obey a subpena issued to any person, the district court, upon application by the Board, shall have jurisdiction to order such person to appear before the Board to produce evidence or to give testimony touching the matter under investigation, and any failure to obey such order may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof. Provides that no person shall be excused from attending and testifying or from producing books, records, correspondence, documents, or other evidence in obedience to the subpena of the Board, on the ground that the testimony or evidence required of him may tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture. Provides that no individual shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he is compelled, after having claimed his privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, except that such individual so testifying shall not be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying. Title II: Assignment of Association Fees - Provides that if any producer of a farm product voluntarily executes and causes to be delivered to a handler, either as a clause in a sales contract of other instrument in writing, a notice of assignment of dues or fees to a qualified association directly representing the specific product involved, by which the handler is directed to deduct a sum from the price to be paid for such product and to pay the same over to such association as dues or fees for the producer, then such handler shall deduct the amount authorized from the price to be paid for any farm product being sold by any such producer and pay said amount over to the qualified association as assignee. Provides that no provision which is inserted in any contract that is prepared by a handler which makes ineffective an assignment of the dues described in this title is valid. Provides that an assignment of dues or fees may not exceed 2 percent of the total value of the product which is delivered by the producer to the handler. Title III: Marketing Orders - Provides that notwithstanding any of the commodity, product, area, or approval exceptions or limitations, any agricultural commodity or product (except canned or frozen products) thereof, or any regional or market classification thereof, shall be eligible for an order, exempt from any special approval required by the preceding sections, if after a referendum of the affected producers of such commodity the Secretary finds that a majority of such producers voting in such referendum favor making such commodity or product thereof, or the regional or market classification thereof specified in the referendum, eligible for an order. Provides that such referendum shall not be required for any commodity or product for which an order otherwise is authorized and for which no special approval or area limitation is specified therein.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Makes it a Federal crime to kill or assault a fireman or law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of his duties when the offender travels in interstate commerce or uses any facility of interstate commerce for such purpose. Provides for imposition of a sentence for a term of years up to life or upon the recommendation of the jury, death for the killing of such persons. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1116)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Voluntary Military Special Pay Act - Sets forth special pay rates of officers of the Army or Navy in the Medical or Dental Corps, officers of the Air Force designated as medical officers or dental officers, and medical and dental officers of the Public Health Service. Authorizes a member of a uniformed service who has completed at least 21 months of active duty, who has a critical military skill, and who reenlists in the service to be paid an incentive amount, not to exceed six months of the basic pay to which he was entitled at the time of his discharge or release, multiplied by the number of years of additional obligated service, not to exceed 6 years, or $15,000, whichever is the lesser amount. Provides that a person who enlists in an armed force for a period of at least 3 years, or who extends his initial period of active duty in that armed force to a total of at least 3 years, may be paid an incentive amount of up to $3,000. Grants special incentive pay, not to exceed $12,000 annually, for officers of the uniformed services in critical health professions, who execute written agreements to remain on continuous active duty for a specified number of years. Requires an annual report on this special pay program to the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services. Authorizes special incentive pay, not to exceed $4,000 annually, for officers of armed forces who agree to serve on continuous active duty in a critical shortage specialty for a period of between one to six years. Provides for special incentive pay at specified rates for specified periods for participants in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of an armed force. Sets forth conditions participants must meet for eligibility. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 302, 308, 308a, 311, 313, 314)
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Federal Act to Control Expenditures and Upgrade Priorities - Title I: Legislative Budget - Establishes a joint committee of the Congress which shall be known as the Joint Committee on the Budget. Provides that the joint committee shall be composed of nine members of the House of Representatives and nine members of the Senate. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. States that upon the submission of the Budget by the President for each fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 1974, the joint committee shall promptly review the budget for the purpose of formulating and submitting to the Senate and the House of Representatives, a legislative budget for that fiscal year. Provides that this budget must be submitted prior to the consideration of any bill or joint resolution appropriating or authorizing appropriations for any fiscal year. Title II: Five-Year Budget Projections - Provides that the Budget submitted by the President shall set forth estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations necessary in his judgement for the support of the Government for the ensuing fiscal year and the four years following the ensuing fiscal year. Requires the President to transmit to Congress during the first fifteen days of each regular session an alternative budget taking into account contingency plans in the event of major disasters or economic or strategic dislocations. Provides that the committee report accompanying each bill or resolution of a public character reported by any committee of the Senate or the House of Representatives (except the Committee on Appropriations of each House) shall contain: (1) an estimate, made by such committee, of the costs which would be incurred in carrying out such bill or joint resolution in the fiscal year in which it is to become effective and in each of the four fiscal years following such fiscal year, together with the basis for each such estimate; (2) a comparison of the estimate of costs made by any Federal agency; and (3) a list of existing and proposed Federal programs which provide or would provide financial assistance for the objectives of the program or programs authorized by the bill or joint resolution. Title III: Three-Year Limitation on Authorizations For Appropriations; Congressional Review of Major Expenditure Programs - Requires each committee of Congress which has jurisdiction to report legislation authorizing appropriations for a major expenditure program to conduct a major review of such program during the last fiscal year for which appropriations are authorized for such program and to submit a report thereon to the appropriate House of Congress. Includes in such report a cost-benefit analysis of the program and the committee's evaluation of the overall success or failure of the program. Title IV: Pilot Testing of New Major Expenditure Programs - Requires each bill or resolution which establishes a new major expenditure program to provide for a pilot test of such program which shall be conducted for at least two complete fiscal or calendar years. Provides that the results of such tests shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Provides that each such committee shall study the reports and submit a report thereon to the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be. u Title V: Requirement of Annual Appropriations - States that all provisions of law permanently appropriating moneys out of the Treasury (including trust funds) shall have no force or effect and moneys may be paid out of the Treasury to defray expenditures incurred in any fiscal year only pursuant to appropriation Acts enacted for that fiscal year. Title VI: Exercise of Rulemaking Power - Enacts specified sections of this Act as an exercise of the rulemaking powers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Title I: Wildlife Restoration Fund - Assigns the tax imposed on component parts of ammunition for pistols, revolvers, and other firearms to the Wildlife Restoration Fund for apportionment among the States. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 669c(b)) Title II: Tax on Sale of Firearms Parts and Ammunition Components - Establishes an 11 percent tax, under the Internal Revenue Code, on component parts of ammunition (including but not limited to, cartridge cases, primers, bullets, shot, and powders) for firearms (including pistols and revolvers). (Amends 26 U.S.C. 4181-82)
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, to make loans to associations of fishing vessel owners and operators organized to provide insurance against the damage or loss of fishing vessels or the injury or death of fishing crews. Sets forth requirements to be met by such associations in order to receive loans under this Act. Limits the amount of any such loan to 75 percent of an association's capital, surplus and other assets. Creates a Fishermen's Association Insurance Loan Fund to be used as a revolving fund to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 to the Loan Fund to provide initial capital. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Fishing Vessel Reinsurance Fund to provide a reinsurance service for carriers insuring commercial fishing vessels documented under the laws of the United States. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 to provide initial capital for such Reinsurance Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 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 · 11 January 1973
Designates the portion of the project for flood control protection on Chartiers Creek that is within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, as the "James G. Fulton Flood Protection Project".
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Industrial Fisheries Development Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out directly or by contract, a three-year program to develop the industrial fisheries resources in the coastal waters of the United States and in areas of the high seas adjacent to such waters. Provides that the program shall be primarily concerned with exploration for fish species which are suitable for the manufacture of fish meal, fish oil, and fish protein concentrate, but shall also include gear development and the improvement of harvesting techniques. Requires a report to the President and the Congress not later than June 30, 1976, of the results of such activities. Authorizes an appropriation of $3,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that the amount used to carry out the purposes of this Act in the Pacific Ocean area, Atlantic Ocean Area, and the Gulf of Mexico area, may not exceed an amount which bears the same ratio to the total amount of funds that the average value of fish caught for industrial purposes by United States fishermen in such area during the period beginning January 1, 1959, and ending December 31, 1969, bears to the average value of fish caught for industrial purposes by United States fishermen in all three areas during such period.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Permits the President to restrict travel by citizens and nationals of the United States to, in, or through any country or area whose military forces are engaged in armed conflict with the military forces of the United States. Provides that travel to such restricted country or area by any person may be authorized by the President when he deems such travel to be in the national interest. Makes it unlawful for any citizen or national of the United States to willfully and without authorization to travel to such restricted country or area.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Exempts any nonmanufacturing business, or any business having twenty-five or less employees, in States having laws regulating safety in such businesses, from the Federal standards created under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 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 · 3 January 1973
Prohibits the feeding of migratory game birds during the fourteen day period before the opening of any hunting season for migratory birds or at any time during such season. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to terminate the migratory game bird hunting season within an area where he believes a violation is occurring. Provides penalties for any person, association, partnership, or corporation who: (1) knowingly violates these provisions, (2) in the exercise of due care should have known that such violation was being committed at the time, or (3) knowingly permits a violation of these provisions in any area controlled by such person, association, partnership or corporation. Increases the maximum penalty to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both; and provides that the violator may be prohibited by order of the court from taking wild migratory game birds in the land or water area concerned for a period of time not to exceed five years.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Endangered Species Conservation Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to provide a program for the conservation, protection, restoration, or propagation of species and subspecies of fish and wildlife and flora that are threatened with extinction, or are likely within the foreseeable future to become threatened with extinction. Sets forth the procedure by which the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce shall determine if a species or subspecies of fish or wildlife or flora shall be regarded as an endangered species. Lists the following factors to be considered in determining if a species or subspecies is threatened with extinction or will likely become threatened with extinction: (1) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (2) overutilization for commercial, sporting, scientific, or educational purposes; (3) disease or predation; (4) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (5) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. Provides that the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, not less than annually, a list by scientific and common name or names of species and subspecies determined to be endangered. Provides that the Secretary may, from time to time, by regulation, revise such list. Provides that the Secretary shall utilize the land acquisition and other authorities of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, as amended, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as appropriate, to carry out a program in the United States of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating those species and subspecies of fish and wildlife that he lists as endangered species pursuant to this Act. Provides that, in carrying out the program authorized by this Act, the Secretary shall cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the several States. States that such cooperation shall include consultation before the acquisition of any land for the purpose of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating any endangered species. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate to a State the authority to regulate the taking by any person of endangered species or subspecies when he determines that such State maintains an adequate and active endangered species program consistent with the policies and purposes of this Act. Provides that any person who: (1) imports into or exports from the United States, receives or causes to be so imported, received, or exported; or (2) takes or causes to be taken within the United States, the territorial sea of the United States, Federal lands, or upon the high seas; or (3) ships, carries, or receives by any means in interstate commerce any species or subspecies which is listed as an endangered species; shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Allows exceptions from the prohibitions contained in this Act to permit the taking of an endangered species for scientific purposes and for the propagation of such fish and wildlife in captivity for preservation purposes. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that any person who engages in business as an importer of fish and wildlife must register with the Secretary of the Treasury his name and address of each place of business at which, and all trade names under which, he conducts such business. Requires each such person to keep such records as will fully and correctly disclose each importation of fish and wildlife made by him and the subsequent disposition of such fish and wildlife. States that the Secretary, through the Secretary of State, shall seek the convening of an international ministerial meeting on fish and wildlife prior to July 1, 1973, to assure the worldwide conservation of endangered species and to avoid unnecessary harm to affected United States industries. Provides that, whenever the Secretary determines that a species of fish or wildlife is an endangered species, the Secretary of Agriculture may use all authorities available to him with respect to research, investigations, conservation, protection, control and management of such endangered species.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Federal Animal Damage Control Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct directly or by agreement with qualified agencies or institutions, public and private, a program of research which shall concern the control and conservation of predatory and depredating animals and the abatement of damage caused by such animals. Authorizes to be appropriated for such program not to exceed $1,500,000 for each fiscal year occurring after fiscal year 1972. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to any State which may annually propose to administer a program for the control of predatory and depredating animals. Provides that the Secretary may not, except in emergency situations, approve any State program which entails the field use of chemical toxicants for the purpose of killing predatory animals or the field use of any chemical toxicant which causes any secondary poisoning effect for the purpose of killing other mammals, birds, or reptiles. Directs the Secretary to conduct such operational programs for the control of predatory and depredating animals as he may deem necessary or desirable. Authorizes the Secretary to assist the States in their implementation of programs under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1973 and 1974, and $2,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year thereafter for such control programs. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each fiscal year occurring after fiscal year 1972 for operational programs and for assistance to States in the implementation of their programs. Prohibits any person from making field use of any chemical toxicant on any Federal lands for the purpose of killing predatory animals, or making field use on such lands of any chemical toxicant which causes any secondary poisoning effect for the purpose of killing other mammals, birds, or reptiles. Provides that any person convicted of any violation of this part, or of any regulation promulgated under this Act, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act other than specific authorizations previously made.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to administer the provisions of this Act. Provides that no person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States shall directly or indirectly develop any portion of the deep seabed except as authorized by license issued pursuant to this Act or by a reciprocating State. Authorizes the Secretary to issue fifteen year licenses recognizing rights to develop the deep seabed block designated in such license. Procides that a license shall be issued by the Secretary to the first qualified person who makes written application and tenders a fee of $5,000 for the block specified in the application. Provides that no license shall be issued under this Act for any portion of the deep seabed: (1) which has been relinguished by the applicant under license issued by any State within the prior three years; (2) which is subject either to a prior application for a license or an outstanding license under this Act or from a reciprocating State; (3) which if licensed would result in the applicant holding under licenses issued by any State or States more than 30 percent of that area of the deep seabed which is within any circle with a diameter of one thousand two hundred and fifty kilometers where the licensed area consists of surface blocks and one hundred twenty-five kilometers where the licensed area consists of subsurface blocks; or (4) which if licensed would result in the United States licensing more than 30 percent of such area. Requires the licensee to make minimum annual expenditures for the development of each licensed block until commercial recovery from such block is first achieved. Provides that the licenses shall relinquish 75 percent of such block within ten years of the date any block is licensed. Provides for the establishment of a fund for assistance to developing reciprocating States. Provides that licenses issued under this Act may be made subject to any international regime for development of the deep seabed hereafter agreed to by the United States. Requires the United States, on payment of a premium by the licensee, to guarantee to reimburse the licensee for certain losses caused through license infringement by another party. Provides that minerals recovered pursuant to this Act shall be deemed to have been recovered within the United States for purposes of the import and tax laws and regulations of the United States. Provides that any willful violation of the license protections of this Act shall be a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of $2,000, or both. Provides that the United States district court shall have jurisdiction to enforce the license rights under this Act, and the United States court of appeals shall have jurisdiction to review the rulings of the Secretary under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that nothing in the Constitution shall abridge the right of persons lawfully assembled in any public building to participate in nondenominational prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Establishes a Committee on Environment in the House of Representatives, consisting of 25 members. Provides that such Committee shall deal with all measures relating to the quality of the physical environment of the United States and its possessions, including: (1) water quality; (2) air quality; (3) weather modification; (4) waste disposal and management; (5) pesticides and herbicides; and (6) acoustic problems.