United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Extends eligibility for coverage under Servicemen's Group Life Insurance to: (1) a person who volunteers for assignment to the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service and is assigned to a unit or position in which he may be required to perform active duty; (2) a person assigned to the Retired Reserve of a uniformed service who has not received the first increment of retirement annuities or has not yet reached 61 years of age and has completed at least 20 years of satisfactory service creditable for retirement purposes; and (3) a member, cadet, or midshipman of the Reserve Officers Training Corps while attending field training or practice cruises. Provides that an insurance policy for a member of the Ready Reserve shall cease 120 days after separation or release from such assignment unless on the date of separation the member is totally disabled, or has completed 20 years of service creditable for retirement purposes. Continues the insurance policy of a member of the Retired Reserve until such time as the member receives the first increment of retirement annuity, or the member's sixty-first birthday, whichever occurs earlier. Makes provisions for the conversion of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance following termination to a policy with a participating life insurance company. Provides for the payment of premiums by a deduction from the pay of a member of the Reserve or Ready Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Air Force, as the case may be, to allow a member of the National Guard who is not on active duty to make allotments from his pay for the payment of premiums under a group life insurance program sponsored by the military department of the State in which such member holds his National Guard membership or by the National Guard Association of such State. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 765-771; Adds 37 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to assist elementary and secondary schools to carry on programs to teach moral and ethical princples. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1972, and for each of the two succeeding years, to carry out this Act.
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 · 19 March 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Spessard L. Holland National Seashore in Florida for public outdoor recreation use and enjoyment of the scenic, historic, and scientific values of shoreline lands and waters. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire any lands and waters within the boundaries of the seashore at the fair market value of the property at the date of acquisition. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Prohibits the transportation and sale in interstate commerce and importation into the United States of noxious aquatic plans, including water hyacinth plants, water chestnut plants, and alligator grass, except for purposes conducive to the public interest. Provides penalties for the violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Veterans' Administration Accountability Act - Modifies those powers exercised by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs with respect to readjustment of the schedule of ratings for the disabilities of veterans. Requires that notice of closing must be given to Congress in writing before the closing of a hospital or domiciliary facility over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. Prohibits the sale or transfer of Government property under the jurisdiction of the Veterans' Administration unless notice of such transfer or sale is first given to congress.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1973
Authorizes funds not to exceed $694,000 for the expenses of the investigations and studies authorized by H. Res. 130, 93rd Congress for the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 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
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Market-Sharing Act - Declares it to be the policy of Congress that access to the United States market for foreign-produced fresh fruit and vegetables should be established on an equitable and orderly market-sharing basis consistent with the maintenance of a strong and expanding United States production of fresh fruits and vegetables and designed to avoid the disruption of United States markets and the unemployment of United States agricultural workers. Authorizes the President to undertake negotiations with other governments for the purpose of consummating agreements to provide orderly trade in fresh fruits and vegetables including the quantitative limitation of imports of any fresh fruit or vegetables into the United States. Provides that when agreements exist which cover a significant portion of the United States imports of any fresh fruit or vegetable, the President shall by proclamation limit the quantity of such commodity which may be entered from any country or countries not parties to such agreements. Authorizes the President by proclamation to increase the amount of such products which may be imported if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that a shortage of such products exists in any one import year. Provides that the President may issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Establishes in the State of Florida the Egmont Key National Park. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Deletes from the National Labor Relations Act the exception to the right-to-work provisions which authorizes agreements requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment. (Amends 29 U.S.C. 157, 158)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademark licensing contract or agreement for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a trademarked food product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in free and open competition with products of the same general class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 41)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides that no changes or readjustments in the schedule for rating disabilities made by the Administrator of Veteans' Affairs shall be effective unless: (1) such proposed damage or readjustment is first submitted to Congress, and (2) neither House of Congress, prior to the expiration of ninety calendar days of continuous session of Congress following the date of submission of the proposed change or readjustment, has adopted a resolution stating in substance that that House does not favor the proposed change or readjustment. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 355)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Provides that, effective from January 3, 1973, the expenses of the investigations and studies to be conducted pursuant to H. Res. 130, by the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, acting as a whole or by subcommittee, not to exceed $1,078,000, including expenditures for the employment of investigators, attorneys, individual consultants or organizations thereof, and clerical, stenographic, and other assistants, shall be paid out of the contingent fund of the House on vouchers authorized by such committee, signed by the chairman of such committee, and approved by the Committee on House Administration. Provides that not to exceed $50,000 of the amount provided by this resolution may be used to procure the temporary or intermittent services of individual consultants or organizations thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Act for Freedom of Emigration in East-West Trade - States that after October 15, 1972, products from any nonmarket economy country shall not be eligible to receive most-favored-nation treatment, such country shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly, and the President of the United States shall not conclude any commercial agreement with any such country during the period beginning with the date on which the President determines that such country: (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration or on the visas or other documents required for emigration, for any purpose or cause whatsoever; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of the desire of such citizen to emigrate to the country of his choice. Provides that, before any of the aforementioned commercial agreements are entered into with any foreign country, the President shall submit to the Congress a report indicating that such country is not in violation of any of the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 5 February 1973
Provides that in any hearing before the Federal Communications Commission involving an application for renewal of a broadcasting license, under the Communications Act of 1934, if the applicant for renewal makes a prima facie showing that: (1) its broadcasting service during the preceding license period has reflected a good-faith effort to serve, and demonstrated a responsiveness to, the needs and interest of its area; and (2) the operation of the station has not otherwise been characterized by serious deficiencies, then the burden of proof with respect to any petition to deny such application or any other application for the same broadcasting service shall be upon the petitioner or competing applicant to show that it would not be in the public interest, convenience, and necessity to grant the application for renewal. Provides that the Commission shall give expeditious treatment to all proceedings involving an application for renewal of a broadcasting license and shall provide that any hearing shall be structured so as to proceed as expeditiously as possible. Provides that such licences may be renewed for a term of not to exceed five years if the Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data. Extends coverage to all Federal and federally assisted or licensed programs which alter the terrain and potentially cause loss of scientific, prehistorical, historical or archeological data. Directs Federal agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior if in their operations archeological or other scientific data is revealed or threatened. Provides that whenever any Federal agency finds or is made aware by a responsible authority that its operations in connection with any Federal, federally assisted, or federally licensed activity or program affects or may affect adversely significant scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data, such agency may request the Secretary to undertake protection measures, or may itself expend program or activity funds for the recovery, protection, and preservation of such data (including preliminary survey, analysis, and publication) and shall provide the Secretary with appropriate information concerning the project and the investigation. Provides that the Secretary shall keep the responsible agency notified at all times of the progress of any survey or other investigation made under this Act, or of any work undertaken as a result of such survey, in order that there will be as little disruption or delay as possible in the carrying out of the functions of such agency. Provides that the Secretary in the administration of this Act shall: (1) accept and utilize funds transferred to him by any Federal agency; (2) enter into contracts or make cooperative agreements with any Federal or State agency, any educational or scientific organization, or any institution, corporation, association, or qualified individual; (3) obtain the services of experts and consultants or organizations thereof; and (4) accept and utilize funds made available for salvage archeological purposes by any private person or corporation. Authorizes such appropriations as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Forestry Incentives Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and carry out a forestry incentives program to encourage the protection, development and management of small nonindustrial private lands and non-Federal public forest lands. Provides that the Secretary shall share up to 50 percent of the cost of forest practices on non-Federal public lands and small nonindustrial private lands. Provides that no private forest landowner shall receive cost sharing under this Act in excess of $2,500 in any one fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to cooperate with local associations or groups of nonindustrial forest owners, and to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of manpower, equipment, planting stock and other materials required to carry out essential forest management practices. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize the services of State and local committees established under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Sets forth factors to consider prior to the distribution of funds under this Act. Provides that Federal funds may be allocated for cost sharing on a bid basis with priority accorded landowners contracting to carry out approved forestry practices for the smallest Federal cost share. States that the Secretary shall consult with the State forester or other appropriate official of each State in the conduct of the forestry incentives program provided for in this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall coordinate the administration of this Act with other related programs. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $25,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Veterans Health Care Expansion Act - Title I: Hospital, Domicilliary, and Medical Care Benefits - Extends the definition of "private facilities" for which the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs contracts in order to provide hospital care to include facilities for the wife or child of a veteran who has a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from a service connected disability, and the widow or child of a veteran who died from such a disability. Includes in the term "hospital care" mental health services, consultation, professional counseling, and training of a veteran or dependent, or survivor if the veteran has no dependents, as may be necessary or appropriate to the effective treatment and rehabilitation of such individual. Adds home health services which the Administrator deems appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability of a veteran, or dependent, or survivor, to the definition of the term "medical services." Extends to all veterans hospital or nursing home care if such veteran is unable to defray the expenses of the necessary care. Allows the Administrator to furnish hospital or nursing home care to the wife or child of a veteran who has a total disability, permanent in nature from a service connected disability, and the widow or child of a veteran who died from such a disability. Permits the Administrator to furnish medical services for any disability on an outpatient or ambulatory basis to persons already described in this act and to any veteran who has a service connected disability rated at eighty percent or more. Authorizes the Administrator, under such regulations as he might prescribe, to reimburse veterans entitled to hospital care as medical services for the reasonable value of such care or services for which such veterans have made payment from sources other than the Veterans' Administration. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 628) Authorizes the President to assist the Republic of the Philippines in providing medical care and treatment for Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts under certain conditions. (Amend 38 U.S.C. 631) Provides that the President may authorize the Administrator to enter into a contract with the Veterans Memorial Hospital, with the approval of the appropriate department of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines under which the United States: (1) will pay for hospital care in the Republic of the Philippines, or for medical services which shall be provided either in Veterans' Administration facilities, or by contract, or otherwise, by the Administrator in accordance with the conditions and limitations applicable generally to beneficiaries under this title, for Commonwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator to be in need of such hospital care or medical services for service-connected disabilities; (2) will pay for hospital care at the Veterans Memorial Hospital for Commonwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator to need such care for non-service-connected disabilities if they are unable to defray the expenses of necessary hospital care; and (3) will pay for hospital care, determined by the Administrator to be necessary, at the Veterans Memorial Hospital for new Philippine Scouts for service-connected disabilities and for non-service-connected disabilities, if they are unable to defray the expenses of necessary hospital care. Provides that the total of the payments authorized shall not exceed $2,000,000 for any one fiscal year ending before 1978. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year ending with fiscal year 1978, $100,000 to be used for the education and training of health service personnel at the hospital, and for the upgrading of equipment and in rehabilitating the physical plant and facilities of such hospital. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 632) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a comprehensive program providing sickle cell anemia screening, counseling, and treatment and to carry out research and research training in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of sickle cell anemia based upon such screening examinations and treatment. Requires the Administrator to include such information in his annual report to Congress. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 651-654) Title II: Amendments to Chapter 73 of Title 38, United States Code Relating to the Department of Medicine and Surgery - Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a major program of recruitment training, and employment of veterans with various medical military occupation specialties in order to provide a complete medical and hospital service for the medical care and treatment of veterans and to assist in providing an adequate supply of health manpower to the nation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4101(b)) Establishes pay schedules for Assistant Chief Medical Directors, physicians and dentists, and nurses. Provides criteria on which nurses are to receive additional compensation. Enumerates restrictions on physicians, dentists, and nurses, including requirements that no such person may: (1) assume responsibility for the medical care of any patient other than a patient admitted for treatment at a Veterans' Administration facility, except in those cases where the individual, upon request and with the approval of the Chief Medical Director, assumes such responsibilities to assist communities or medical practice groups to meet medical needs which would not otherwise be available for a period not to exceed one hundred and eighty calendar days, which may be extended by the Chief Medical Director for additional periods not to exceed one hundred and eighty calendar days each; (2) teach or provide consultative services at any affiliated institution if such teaching or consultation will, because of its nature or duration, conflict with his responsibilities under this title; and (3) perform, in the course carrying out his responsibilities under this title, professional services for the purpose of generating money for any fund or account which is maintained by an affiliated institution for the benefit of such institution, or for his personal benefit, or both. Provides that temporary full-time appointments of personnel, other than physicians, dentists, and nurses, shall not exceed one year. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4114(a)(3)(A)) Provides that the Administrator may contract with one or more hospitals, medical schools, or medical installations having hospital facilities and participating with the Veterans' Administration in the training of interns or residents to provide for the central administration of stipend payments, provision of fringe benefits, and maintenance of records for such interns and residents by the designation of one such institution to serve as a central administrative agency for this purpose. Permits the Administrator to pay to such designated agency, without regard to any other law or regulation governing the expenditure of Government moneys either in advance or in arrears, all amount to cover the costs for the period such intern or resident serves in a Veterans' Administration hospital. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 4114(b) (2)) Title III: Amendments to Chapter 81 of Title 38, United States Code _ Acquisition and Operation of Hospital and Domicilliary Facilities; Procurement and Supply - Requires the Administrator to provide for no less than an average of 98,500 operating beds in Veterans' Administration Hospitals and to maintain an average daily patient census in such beds of no less than 85,500 in any fiscal year. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and operate not less than eight thousand beds for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 5001(a)) Requires the Administrator to appoint an Advisory Committee on Structural Safety of Veterans' Administration Facilities to advise him on all matters of structural safety in the construction and remodeling of Veterans' Administration facilities. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 5001(b)) Title IV: Miscellaneous Amendments to Title 38 United States Code - Specifies certain miscellaneous amendments to title 38 of the United States Code. Title V: Effective Dates - Specifies the dates on which the provisions of this Act shall become effective.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
National Cemeteries Act - Establishes within the Veterans' Administration a National Cemetery System consisting of all cemeteries of the United States in which veterans of any war or conflict or of service in the Armed Forces may be buried. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials to advise and consult with the Administrator with respect to the administration of the cemeteries. Specifies that the following persons are eligible for interment in any open national cemetery: (1) any veteran; (2) any reservist, whose death occurs under honorable conditions, while undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States for injury or disease contracted while acting within the scope of his reservist duties; (3) any ROTC member whose death occurs under honorable conditions during his training period; (4) any U.S. citizen, who served in the Armed Forces of an allied government and such service terminated honorably; (5) the wife, surviving spouse, minor child, and the unmarried adult child of the above-mentioned persons; and (6) such other persons as may be designated by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to make all rules and regulations and conduct whatever business is necessary to establish and maintain such cemeteries. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to acquire needed additional land by purchase, gift, condemnation, transfer from other Federal agencies, or otherwise as he determines to be in the best interest of the United States. Directs the Administrator to conduct a comprehensive study and to submit his recommendations to the 93d Congress within six months after such Congress convenes, concerning the criteria which should govern the development and operation of the National Cemetery System, including the concept of regional cemeteries; the relationship between that system to other Federal burial benefits provided servicement and veterans; and the steps to be taken to conform the existing System to the recommended criteria. Authorizes the Administrator to make necessary rules for the governing of property under his control, and to fix penalties for violations. Provides for the payment of burial costs (up to $250) when an eligible veteran or veteran's relative dies in a VA facility. Stipulates that if the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery or other cemetery under the jurisdiction of the United States, the Administrator, in his discretion, having due regard to the circumstances in each case, may pay a sum not exceeding $150 as a plot or interment allowance to such person as he prescribes. Transfers to the Administrator from the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force the functions and responsibilities of such Secretaries with respect to cemeteries under their jurisdiction. Repeals specified provisions of law dealing with national cemeteries and payment of veterans' burial expenses. Authorizes the burial of an unknown soldier from the Vietnam Conflict at Arlington National Cemetery after the United States has concluded its participation in hostilities in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Authorizes the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to conduct full and complete studies and investigations and to make inquiries within its jurisdiction, as set forth in the Rules of the House of Representatives, including: (1) water resources planning and research programs of the Department of the Interior; (2) national outdoor recreation plans and land use planning; (3) long-range domestic minerals and energy programs affecting mining interests generally and the mineral resources of the public lands; and (4) the environmental impact of laws and programs within its jurisdiction. Provides that the committee shall submit to the House, not later than January 2, 1975, a report of its activities during the 93d Congress.
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
Authorizes the apportionment of funds for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways for fiscal years 1974 and 1975, based on the factors contained in table 5, House Committee Print numbered 92-29.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Designates specified lands, including the following, as wilderness, in furtherance of the provisions of the Wilderness Act: (1) certain lands in the Bankhead National Forest, Alabama; (2) certain lands in the Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas; (3) certain lands in the Ozark National Forest, Arkansas; (4) certain lands in the Appalachicola National Forest, Florida; (5) certain lands in the Chattahooche and Cherokee National Forests, Georgia and Tennessee; (6) certain lands in the White Mountain National Forest, Maine; (7) certain lands in the Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (8) certain lands in the White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire; (9) certain lands in the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests, North Carolina and Tennessee; (10) certain lands in the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia; (11) certain lands in the George Washington National Forest, Virginia and West Virginia; (12) certain lands in the Jefferson National Forest, Virginia; (13) certain lands in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky; (14) certain lands in the Sumter National Forest, South Carolina; (15) certain lands in the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont; (16) certain lands in the Chequamegon National Forest, Wisconsin; (17) certain lands in the Clark National Forest, Missouri; and (18) certain lands in the Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Authorizes the establishment of the Florida Frontier Historic Riverway. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that all meetings of any Government agency at which any official action is considered or discussed shall be open to the public. Provides that the above provision shall not apply to that portion of any meeting in which the action or proposed action to be taken, considered, or discussed by an agency: (1) relates to a matter affecting the national security; (2) relates solely to the internal management of such agency; (3) might tend to reflect adversely on the character or reputation of any individual who is subject to any proposed or potential sanction by such agency; or (4) might divulge matters required to be kept confidential under specific statutory provisions. Requires each agency subject to the requirements of this Act to establish, through publication in the Federal Register, procedures for providing public notice of meetings required by this Act to be open to the public. Revises the Legislative Reorganization Act to bring the procedures of the Congress into substantial conformity with the above standards. (Amends 2 U.S.C. 190a). Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have original jurisdiction of actions to render declaratory judgments or to enforce, by injunction or otherwise, the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Correctional Services Improvement Act - Title I: Correctional Centers and Services - Authorizes the Attorney General to plan, construct, operate, and transfer correctional centers as described in this Act. Provides that all such centers shall provide a broad range of services and correctional programs, including educational, vocational, and recreational programs, medical, psychiatric, and dental care, and counseling. Authorizes the Attorney General to contract with appropriate State and local authorities of the region in which a center is constructed pursuant to this chapter to make available the facilities, services, and programs of such center for commitment or treatment of accused persons confined or released on bail and awaiting trial, persons convicted, persons commited for indeterminate periods, and persons on probation or parole under the laws of the States, or political subdivisions thereof, located in such region. Provides that the Attorney General, after consultation with appropriate State and local authorities, is authorized to prescribe minimum standards concerning the construction, operation, personnel training, and programs of jails and other correctional facilities and of correctional services (including probation, parole, counseling, medical, psychiatric, and vocational rehabilitation services) owned or operated by a State, or a political subdivision thereof, and in or by means of which persons accused or convicted under laws of the United States are or may be confined or treated. Authorizes appropriations for the correctional systems and services, and for the construction, operation, and personnel training of correctional facilities. Title II: Coordination of Federal Correctional Activities - Creates a Federal Corrections Coordinating Council composed of four United States judges designated by the Chief Justice of the United States, a physician designated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and ex officio, the Chairman of the Board of Parole, the Chairman of the Youth Division of the Board of Parole, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Asserts that the judges first appointed to the Council shall continue in office for terms of one, two, three, and four years, respectively, the term of each to be designated by the Chief Justice at the time of his appointment. Provides that the Council shall meet at least semiannually and at such other sessions which the Chairman is hereby authorized to call. Asserts that the Chairman shall call such sessions of the Council as may be necessary or appropriate in order that all of the members of the Council may fully and effectively perform their duties and exercise their powers. Provides that a meeting may be called upon the request of any three members of the Council. Provides that the Council shall consider problems of treatment and correction of persons convicted of offenses against the United States and shall issue guidelines for the operation of the Bureau of Prisons, the Board of Parole, the Youth Division of the Board of Parole, and the Division of Probation of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to improve the administration of criminal justice and assure coordination and integration of policies respecting the disposition, treatment, and correction of all persons convicted of crime, and shall review, evaluate, and issue guidelines concerning correctional personnel standards and training. Title III: Federal Corrections Institute - Establishes a Federal Corrections Institute to provide a coordinating center for the collection and dissemination of useful data regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders and to provide training for representatives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers, judges and judicial personnel, probation and parole personnel, correctional personnel, welfare workers, and other persons, including lay personnel, connected with the treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders. Authorizes the Institute: (a) to serve as an information bank by collecting systematically the data obtained from studies and research by public and private agencies on criminal behavior and recidivisim, including, but not limited to, programs for prevention of crime and recidivism, training of corrections personnel, and rehabilitation and treatment of criminal offenders; (b) to publish data in forms useful to individuals, agencies, and organizations concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders; (c) to disseminate pertinent data and studies to individuals, agencies, and organizations concerned with prisoners, parolees, probationers, and other criminal offenders; (d) to devise and conduct, in various geographical locations, seminars and workshops providing continuing studes for persons engaged in working direclty with prisoners, parolees, probationers, and other criminal offenders; (e) to devise and conduct a training program of short-term instruction in the latest proven-effective methods of treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders and prevention of recidivism for law enforcement officers, judges and judicial personnel, probation and parole personnel, correctional personnel, welfare workers, and other persons, including lay personnel, connected with the treatment and rehabilitation of criminal offenders; and (f) to develop technical training teams to aid in the development of training programs within the several State and with the State and local agencies which work directly with prisoners, parolees, probationers, and other offenders. Places the overall supervision with regard to the policy and operations of the Institute in an Advisory Commission. Title IV: Eligibility For Parole; Youth Corrections Act Amendments - Provides that a Federal prisoner, other than a juvenile delinquent or a commited youth offender, wherever confined and serving a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, whose record shows that he has observed the rules of the institution in which he is confined, may be released on parole at such time as the Board of Parole may determine, except as provided in section 4208 of title 18, United States Code. Provides that a youth offender shall be conditionally released under supervision on or before the expiration of two-thirds of the maximum term authorized by law for the offense or offenses of which he stands convicted and shall be unconditionally discharged on or before the expiration of that maximum term, but in any event the conditional release shall occur within four years from the date of his conviction and the unconditional discharge within six years from the date of his conviction. Title V: Commitment of Dangerous Persons Found Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity - Provides that, whenever any person is found not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of the commission of the offense, the United States attorney, if he has reasonable cause to believe that such person if released unconditionally would constitute a danger to himself or others because of his mental condition, shall move for a judicial determination of the dangerousness of such person in the court in which the criminal proceedings were conducted.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Guana River National Park in the State of Florida. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Authorizes the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to make, under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, payments to police officers for programs of training or study conducted by institutions of higher education or by institutions offering programs suited to law enforcement. Provides that such payments will equal the compensation of the officer for one year, but no grant may exceed $12,000 for one year. Specifies that in order to obtain payment the officer must promise to continue to serve the law enforcement agency or correctional institution for a period specified by that institution or agency, except that such period may not exceed 2 years for each year of training; and he must be endorsed by the officer in charge of the agency or institution. Authorizes $12,000,000 for fiscal years 1972 and 1973 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Authorizes the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to send two members of such committee to attend the General Assembly of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property in Rome, Italy, during the period April 7 through 12, l973. Provides that local currencies owned by the United States shall be made available to the members of the Committee on Interior Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives engaged in carrying out their official duties pursuant to the authority to travel outside the United States as set forth in this resolution. Requires each member of such committee to make to the chairman of such committee an itemized report showing the number of days visited in each country whose local currencies were spent, the amount of per diem furnished, and the cost of transportation it furnished by public carrier, or if such transportation is furnished by an agency of the United States Government, the cost of such transportation, and the identification of the agency.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the Big Cypress National Fresh Water Reserve in the State of Florida. Provides for the maintenance of such area in accordance with the laws applicable to the national park system. Provides that owners of improved properties on the date of acquisition may retain the right of use and occupancy of their properties for noncommercial residential purposes for a term of not more than twenty-five years, or for a term ending upon the death of such owner or his spouse. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to permit hunting, fishing, and trapping in the area. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as necessary to carry out the Act not to exceed $156,000,000 for land acquisition purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides for the retirement of the public debt by setting aside the first 5 percent of the budget receipts of the United States for each fiscal year (except in time of war) for the sole purpose of retirement of obligations counted as part of the public debt. (Amends 31 U.S.C. 11)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Authorizes the establishment of the Florida Frontier Historic Riverway. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Makes it the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Canal Zone and Panama Canal and that the United States Government should in no way forfeit, cede, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, jurisdiction, territory, or property to any other sovereign nation or to any international organization, which rights, sovereignty, and jurisdiction are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the entire Western Hemisphere including the Canal and Panama.
![Official portrait of Rep. Haley, James A. [D-FL-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000041_200.jpg)