United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1974
Extends the appropriations provisions of the Public Works and Economic Development Act through fiscal year 1976. Deletes the provisions of such Act regarding additional grants to areas of substantial unemployment during the preceding year from title I (Grants for Public Works and Development Facilities) of such Act. Limits the amount of loans for public works and development facilities and for business and business loan guarantees to $60,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976. Authorizes financial aid within a redevelopment area for the purcahse or development of land and facilities for industrial or commercial usage, and for any industrial or commercial activity. Authorizes grants to State, or sub-State economic adjustment planning organizations for administrative and planning activities. Authorizes appropriations of $60,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976 for technical assistance, research and information activities under this Act. Requires economic development districts under such Act to provide copies of their overall economic development programs to the appropriate regional commissions. Extends through fiscal year 1976 appropriations authorization for economic development centers and increases grants for redevelopment area projects. Extends appropriations authorization through fiscal year 1976 for supplements to Federal grant-in-aid programs. Requires coordination between the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and such regional commissions in making grants and loans and providing technical assistance under this Act. Extends through fiscal year 1976 the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any eligible recipient which has experienced, or may reasonably be foreseen to be about to experience, a special need to meet an expected rise in unemployment, or other economic adjustment problems (including those caused by any action or decision of the Federal Government) and which submits a plan meeting the requirements of this Act. Allows such grants to be used for: (1) public facilities, public services, business development, planning, research, and technical assistance; (2) redistribution by the eligible recipient in loans and loan guarantees to private profitmaking entities; and (3) redistribution by the eligible recipient in payments to individuals for unemployment assistance as described in this Act and for training or relocation assistance. Authorizes appropriation for such grants of an amount per fiscal year not to exceed 20 percent of the amount appropriated for the purposes of titles I through V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Increases the credit against tax for retirement income for the elderly under the Internal Revenue Code and coordinates it with the maximum social security retirement benefits. Provides that this Act is to become effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1972. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 37)
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
States that no motor vehicle offered for sale in any State in any fiscal year in which such State is eligible to receive an incentive grant under law shall be required under any provision of law to be equipped with a warning system or with a starter or other interlock system designed to warn of failure to operate the seatbelts or other upper torso restraining systems, and to prevent the operation of the motor vehicle unless the seatbelts or other restraining systems are in operation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Prohibits the exportation of fertilizer from the United States until the Secretary of Agriculture determines that an adequate domestic supply of fertilizer exists.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance), that increases in monthly insurance benefits (whether occurring by reason of increases in the cost of living or enacted by law) shall not be considered as annual income for purposes of the following benefit programs: dependency and indemnity compensation to parents of a deceased veteran, pension for non-service-connected disability or death or for service, and the Veterans' Pension Act of 1959.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Economic Adjustment Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to extend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 for one year in order to provide an orderly transition to an economic adjustment assistance program to help States and local governments to deal more effectively with problems resulting from changes in economic conditions. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: Transition - Authorizes transitional appropriations under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Title II: Economic Adjustment Assistance Program - Enumerates the objectives of this title and the purposes for which funds provided by this title may be used, including: (1) for assistance for public facilities, public services, business development, planning, research, technical assistance, and such other economic adjustment purposes; and (2) by public entities, private profitmaking and nonprofit enterprises, organizations, and individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and such sums as may be necessary for the four succeeding fiscal years. Provides for the allocation of such funds among the States. Provides that funds allocated shall be obligated to the State upon submission by the Governor of the State, and approval by the Federal regional administrator, of a State plan or plans which contains specified elements, including: (1) an identification of the area or areas selected within the State for economic adjustment; (2) the criteria used in the selection of the areas; (3) a statement of economic adjustment objectives; and (4) a description of the types of assistance for which funds obligated under this title shall be expended. Requires that, within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, States shall submit a report to the appropriate Federal regional administrator, including specified information on the progress made toward the objectives of the approved plan; how the funds were used; reasons for substantive variations from the approved plans; and corrective actions taken. Prescribes procedures for hearings, evaluation, and termination, reduction, or limitation of obligations for a State's unsatisfactory compliance with the plan. Provides for judicial review of such proceedings. Provides that the consent of Congress is hereby given to any two or more States to negotiate and enter into agreements or compacts for cooperative efforts in pursuing the objectives of this Act. Title III: General Provisions - Directs the President to appoint a Federal regional administrator for each Federal region established pursuant to this Act. Provides that Federal regions shall be established and shall conform with the standard Federal regions established by the President for administration of Federal programs. Provides that no person shall, on the ground of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or age be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available under title II. Sets forth labor standard wage requirements for laborers and mechancis employed on federally assisted projects under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the Federal expenses of administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Prohibits the sale of grain produced in the United States to any country participating in any oil embargo of the United States. Establishes a fine of not more than $25,000, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for any person who violates this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Excludes motor vehicles offered for sale within a State awarded an incentive grant to meet the Secretary of Transportation's safety standards from the requirement of having a starter interlock system or related devices associated with seatbelts or upper torso restraints. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 402(j))
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Unified Transportation Assistance Act - Title I: Amendments to Title 23, United States Code: Urban, Small Urban, and Rural Highway Programs - Authorizes appropriations as follows for the Federal-aid system, out of the Highway Trust Fund, $800,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977; for the extensions of the Federal-aid primary and secondary system in urbanized areas, out of the Highway Trust Fund, $300,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 1976, and June 30, 1977; for the Federal-aid primary system in rural areas, out of the Highway Trust Fund, $700,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977; and for the Federal-aid secondary system in rural areas, out of the Highway Trust Fund, $400,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require that any bus or other mass transportation rolling stock acquired, or any mass transportation station, terminal, or other passenger loading facility improved or constructed after June 30, 1974, with Federal financial assistance under this title, and the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, be designed with practical and reasonable features which allow their utilization by physically handicapped persons and elderly persons with limited mobility. States that in order to encourage the development, improvement, and use of public mass transportation systems operating vehicles on highways for transportation of passengers in small urban and rural areas, the Secretary may, beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, approve as a project on the Federal-aid primary or secondary systems, for payment from sums apportioned under this title, the purchase of buses. Authorizes to be appropriated $75,000,000 for the three-fiscal-year period ending June 30, 1977, of which $50,000,000 shall be out of the Highway Trust Fund, to the Secretary of Transportation to carry out demonstration projects for public mass transportation on highways in such areas. Title II: Amendments to the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 - Provides that, in order to finance grants and loans under the Urban Mass Transportation Act, the Secretary is authorized to incur obligations on behalf of the United States in the form of grant agreements or otherwise in amounts aggregating not to exceed $7,400,000,000. Requires the Secretary to apportion, from such sum, to the Governors of the fifty States, Puerto Rico and to the Mayor of the District of Columbia $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $900,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes to be appropriated for liquidation of the obligations incurred under this title not to exceed an aggregate of $1,260,000,000 prior to July 1, 1974, not to exceed an aggregate of $1,860,000,000 prior to July 1, 1975, and not to exceed an aggregate of $7,400,000,000 thereafter. Provides an apportionment formula for funds authorized under such Act to the Governors. States that the Federal share payable on account of any project financed with funds made available under this title shall not exceed 80 percent of the cost of the project. Requires Governors to submit to the Secretary for his approval such surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates for each proposed project under this title as the Secretary may require. Requires the Secretary to assure that possible adverse economic, social, and environmental effects relating to any proposed project have been fully considered in developing such project, and that the final decisions on the project are made in the best overall public interest, taking into consideration the need for fast, safe, and efficient transportation, public services, and the costs of eliminating or minimizing such adverse effects. Permits the Secretary, from time to time as the work progresses, to make payments to a Governor for costs of construction incurred by him on a project. Title III: Amendments to Title 23, United States Code: Unified Transportation Assistance Programs - Allows the Secretary to discharge any of his responsibilities relative to highway and mass transportation projects on Federal-aid systems, except the Interstate System, under this title, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Department of Transportation Act, upon the request of any Governor, by accepting a certification by the Governor if the Secretary finds, after consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, that: (1) such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws, regulations, directives, and standards establishing requirements at least equivalent to those contained in, or issued pursuant to, such Acts, and (2) with respect to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Department of Transportation Act, the Governor has an agency suitably equipped and organized to carry out to the satisfaction of the Secretary the duties under these Acts. Sets forth percentages of apportionment for the Federal aid-urban system which may be used for operating expenses incurred as a result of improving mass transportation service. Authorizes appropriations for the Federal-aid urban system of $2,000,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 1978, June 30, 1979, and June 30, 1980; and for the urban mass transportation capital grant program of $700,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 1978, June 30, 1979, and June 30, 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations on behalf of the United States in the form of grant agreements or otherwise for highway relocation projects. Authorizes appropriations for highway relocation projects not to exceed $200,000,000 prior to July 1, 1978, which amount may be increased to not to exceed an aggregate of $400,000,000 prior to July 1, 1979, and not to exceed an aggregate of $2,100,000,000 thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist Governors and local public bodies in financing the acquisition, construction, and improvement of facilities and equipment for use, by operation or lease or otherwise, in mass transportation service in urbanized areas and in coordinating such service with highway and other transportation in such areas. Directs the Secretary to take such action as may be necessary to insure that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction work financed with the assistance of grants under this chapter shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Repeals, under the Social Security Act, the provisions for the establishment of Professional Standards Review Organizations to review services covered under the medicare and medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Directs the President to exercise his authority under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act and under the Economic Stabilization Act to specify ceiling prices for sales of crude oil, refined petroleum products, residual fuel oil, and for goods and services directly related to their production, refining, and transportation, produced in or imported into the United States, which avoid price increases resulting from the current energy emergency. Requires that such ceiling prices shall provide for no more than: (1) a passthrough for crude petroleum production cost increases actually incurred; and (2) a passthrough at any level of supply or distribution for refined petroleum products or residual fuel oil of crude oil, refining, transportation, and marketing costs actually incurred.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1973
Establishes the ratio for allocation of treatment works construction grant funds, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, for fiscal years 1975 and 1976 on the basis of table I of House Public Works Committee Print Numbered 93-28 and one-half on the basis of table II of such print, except that no State shall receive an allotment less than that which it received for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1972, as set forth in table III of such print. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require, or to authorize grants under this Act for construction of treatment works.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Provides for the designation of the United States Courthouse and Federal Office Building at 110 Michigan Street, N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the "Gerald R. Ford Federal Office Building".
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1973
Directs the President to halt all exports of gasoline, number 2 fuel oil, and propane gas until he determines that no shortage of such fuels exists in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Emergency National Maximum Highway Speed Limit Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to refuse approval of Federal funding of specified projects in any State which has (1) a maximum speed limit on any public highway within its jurisdiction in excess of 55-miles-per-hour, and (2) a speed limit other than 55-miles-per-hour on any portion of any public highway within its jurisdiction which had a speed limit of 55 miles, or more, per hour on November 1, 1973, and (3) maximum speed limits which are not uniformly applicable to all types of motor vehicles using a highway, except that a different speed limit may be established for any vehicle operating under a special permit because of any weight or dimension of such vehicle, including any load thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Authorizes increased production of petroleum from the Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve at a rate to help insure that the needs of national defense are met, but not to exceed the maximum efficient rate in accordance with sound engineering and economic principles. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the production herein authorized by means of sales effected by competitive bid. Provides that full and equal opportunity for acquisition of the oil shall be accorded to all interested companies, including major and independent oil refineries alike. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account. States that funds in the Account shall be available for the expenses of: (1) production, including preparation for production, as authorized by this resolution and as may hereafter be authorized; (2) all capital costs necessary for facilities both within and outside the reserve incident to production and delivery of crude petroleum; and (3) exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 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 · 31 October 1973
Election Campaign Espionage Act - Provides that whoever, being an employee of any candidate or political committee, provides any personal service to any other candidate or any political committee supporting any other candidate, with the intent of interfering with any election activity, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. States that whoever uses any contribution or campaign funds to aid in the commission of any offense against the United States or any State, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. Penalizes the concealment of violations of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 614)
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - Title I: Fiduciary Responsibility and Disclosure - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, or by any industry or activity affecting commerce. Provides that the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall cause to be published in accordance with this Act to each participant or beneficiary covered thereunder a description of the plan and an annual financial report. States that such description shall be published within 120 days after such plan is established and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. Provides that an annual report shall be published with respect to any employee beneift plan to which this title applies. Sets forth the information that shall be contained in such report. Provides that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this Act shall file with the Secretary of Labor a copy of the plan description. States that the Secretary may reject any such filing after notice, hearing, and determination by the Secretary that such filing is incomplete for the purpose of this title. Requires the administrator of an employee pension benefit plan to furnish to any plan participant at least once each year a statement indicating: (1) whether or not such person has a nonforfeitable right to receive a benefit; (2) the amount of the benefits which have become nonforfeitable, or an estimate; and (3) the number of the priority under which such benefits would be distributed in the event of termination of the plan. Provides that the contents of the descriptions and regular annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this title shall be public information. Provides for the bonding of persons who have fiduciary responsibilities under this title and of persons who handle funds or other property of an employee benefit plan. Sets forth the fiduciary responsibilities of the administrators of plans covered by this Act. Provides for the distribution of net assets of a pension benefit plan in the case of a plan's termination. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of this funcions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or by such employer together with an employee organization representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or if such plan is established or maintained by any employer or by any employer together with any employee organization if, in the course of its activities, such plan, or indirectly, uses any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or the mails. Excludes from the coverage of this title any employee pension benefit plan if: it is administered by the Federal Government or by an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States; or it provides contributions or benefits for a sole proprietor or, in the case of a partnership, a partner who owns more than 10 percent of either the capital interest or the profits in such partnership. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 1 year or age higher than 25 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits. Stipulates that in computing the period of service under a plan, the employee's entire service with the contributing employer must be considered, except in specified instances. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excluded from coverage, in addition to those plans excluded under title II, any plan which has a fixed contribution rate and does not provide an amount expected to be paid as a fixed benefit and any plan which is a profit-sharing plan providing benefits at or after retirement. Requires pension plans subject to this title to provide for contributions to the plan in amounts necessary to meet an amount equal to the normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs and to maintain a minimum ratio of assets to vested liabilities according to a schedule. Provides that when the contribution to a pension plan fall below the necessary amount, the administrator shall take such steps as are necessary to bring the level of funding into conformity with the benefits offered by the plan. States that no pension plan may merge, consolidate with, or transfer its assets to any other plan unless participants in both plans would receive a termination benefit immediately after such action which is equal to or greater than the termination benefit he would receive immediately before such action. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program which shall be administered by the Secretary of Labor. Requires every plan subject to this title to maintain plan termination insurance to cover unfunded vested liabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such insurance. Provides that the insurance program shall insure participants and beneficiaries of those plans registered under this Act against loss of benefits derived from vested rights which arise from the termination of such plans. States that, upon registration with the Secretary, each plan shall pay a uniform assessment to the insurance program as prescribed by the Secretary to cover the administrative costs of the insurance program. Requires each registered pension plan to pay an annual premium for insurance at uniform rates established by the Secretary based upon the amount of unfunded vested liabilities subject to insurance. Sets limits for such premium for three years and allows discretion to the Secretary in determining it subsequently. Requires notice to the Secretary of plan termination and allows him to prescribe how funds of the plan shall be wound up and liquidated. States that persons who terminate a plan with intent to avoid the purposes of this act or in violation of this Act shall be personally liable for losses incurred thereby to the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund. Establishes a separate fund for pension benefit insurance to be known as the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title. Requires the Secretary to administer the fund. Title V: General Provisions - Establishes a Variation Appeals Board which shall hear and determine appeals from decisions denying grants of variations in accordance with procedures promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to regulation. Directs the Secretary to undertake research studies relating to pension plans. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress covering his administration of this Act for preceding year. Makes it unlawful for any person to discharge, fine, suspend, expel, discipline, or discriminate against a participant or beneficiary for exercising any right to which he is entitled under the provisions of the plan or this Act; or for any person through the use of fraud, force, or violence, or threat of the use of force or violence, to restrain, coerce, intimidate, or attempt to restrain, coerce, or intimidate any participant or beneficiary for the purpose of interfering with or preventing the exercise of any right to which he is or may become entitled under the plan, or this Act. Requires every administrator of a pension plan to which title II or III applies shall file with the Secretary an application for registration of such plan. States that if at any time the Secretary determines that a plan required to qualify under this title is not qualified or is no longer qualified for registration under this title, he shall notify the administrator, setting forth the deficiency or deficiencies in the plan or in its administration or operations and provide a reasonable time within which to remove such deficiency or deficiencies. If the Secretary thereafter determines that the deficiency or deficiencies have been removed, he shall issue or continue in effect the certificate, as the case may be. Provides that if he determines that the deficiency or deficiences have not been removed, he shall enter an order denying or canceling the certificate of registration. States that the Secretary may petition any district court of the United States for an order requiring the employer or other person responsible for the administration of such plan to comply with the requirements of this Act as will qualify such plan for registration or compel or recover the payment of required contributions, assessments, premiums, fees, or other moneys. Declares it to be the express intent of Congress that the provisions of titles II and III shall supersed any and all laws of the States as they may relate to the vesting of participant's benefits in employee benefit plans, the funding requirements for employee benefit plans or the adequacy of financing of employee benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that nothing contained in the U.S. Constitution shall abridge the right of persons lawfully assembled, in any public building which is supported in whole or in part through the expenditure of public funds, to participate in voluntary prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Water Resources Development Act - Title I: Water Resources Development - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to undertake the design, construction, repair, improvement, and modification of specified public works on rivers and harbors for navigation, flood control and other enumerated purposes. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such projects. Shoreline Erosion Control Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary to conduct, for a period of five fiscal years, a national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Provides for the establishment of a Shoreline Erosion Advisory Panel. Sets forth the duties of such Panel. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 per year for construction of such projects. Directs the Secretary of the Army to conduct navigational and flood-control projects on specified public works. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such projects. River Basin Monetary Authorization Act - Title II: River Basin Monetary Authorizations - Authorizes specified amounts to be appropriated for the prosecution of development plans of enumerated river basins. States that such sums shall not exceed $764,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1973
Increases to $200,000 (formerly $100,000) the amount authorized to be expended for any one project to provide facilities along the border for the enforcement of the customs and immigration laws. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 68)
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1973
Eliminates transactions entered into for agricultural purposes from the definition of a consumer credit transaction under the Truth in Lending Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1602(n))
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
Clean Elections Act - Title I: Federal Elections Commission - Creates a six-member independent Federal Elections Commission: 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 2 members appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, and 2 members appointed by the President. Specifies that the Commission shall have full legal powers. Authorizes the Commission to use the personnel and facilities of the General Accounting Office. Requires the Commission to submit its budget directly to Congress along with any recommendations it may have for legislation. Transfers specified functions of the Secretary of the Senate, the GAO and the Clerk of the House to the Commission. Requires each candidate for Federal office to have a central campaign committee through which all reports must pass. Requires the central committee to file its report with the Commission. Specifies that reports contain all contributions in excess of $100 and that cash contributions of $2,500 or more be reported within 24 hours. Requires a financial report to be filed 10 days before an election. Title II: Federal Matching Payment Entitlement Fund - Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States the Federal Matching Payment Entitlement Fund to remain available for expenditure without fiscal year limitation. Entitles candidates for Federal office or an official national party committee or an official congressional campaign committee to payments from the fund, during any calendar year, in an amount equal to the cmount of each contribution received by such candidate or committee not in excess of $50. Requires that the candidate or committee submit matching payment entitlement vouchers including the full name of the contributor together with the date, the exact amount of the contribution, and the complete address of the contributor. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall make a payment from the fund to the candidate or the treasurer of the committee in the amount certified by the Commission. Sets forth the limitations on certification by the Commission. Title III: Limitations on Political Contributions - Declares a limitation on contributions, made by an individual and expenditures of not more than $2,500 in the case of a candidacy for President or Vice President or not more than $1,000 in a congressional campaign. Title IV: Tax Incentives for Contributions to Candidates for Public Office - Allows a maximum credit for a taxable year for contributions to candidates for public office of $50 ($100 for a joint return). Title V: Voter's Time - Provides for a schedule of televised political broadcasts by candidates for Federal office. Requires the television networks to make prime time available to the candidates at roles not exceeding the prevailing unit charge of the station for the same amount of program time in the same time period. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay fully all certified bills for Voter's Time not more than 10 days following receipt from the Registry of Election Finance.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1973
Provides that the United States courthouse and Federal office building under construction in New Orleans, Louisiana be designated as the "Hale Boggs Federal Building".
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1973
Expresses the finding of Congress that an adequate supply of pure, safe human blood is essential to the welfare of the Nation. Establishes the National Blood Bank program within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to perform enumerated duties to assure an adequate supply of blood throughout the Nation. Establishes an Advisory Council to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding: (1) policy goals of the program; (2) motivation and recognition of blood donors; (3) reciprocal transactions between national blood bank systems; and (4) removal of blood purchasing costs from health insurance plan coverage. Declares that only class A blood banks may maintain blood deposit or pledge programs in advance of their needs. Provides criminal penalties for persons violating the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1973
Directs the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard to develop and issue rules and regulations governing the movement and anchorage of vessels and barges in a specified portion of the Ohio River. Provides for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for violations of the regulations issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1973
Authorizes the immediate retirement of Federal personnel employed in Veterans' Administration neuropsychiatric hospitals or facilities after attaining fifty years of age and completing twenty years of such service.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce and the interests of participants in employee benefit plans and their beneficiaries, by requiring the disclosure and reporting to participants and beneficiaries of financial and other information with respect thereto, by establishing standards of fiduciary conduct, responsibility, and obligation upon all persons who exercise any powers of control, management, or disposition with respect to employee benefit funds or have authority or responsibility to do so, or have authority or responsibility in the administration of employee benefit plans, and by providing for appropriate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the Federal courts. Title I: Fiduciary Responsibility and Disclosure - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, or by any industry or activity affecting commerce. participate, or both. Provides that the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall cause to be published in accordance with this Act to each participant or beneficiary covered thereunder a description of the plan and an annual financial report. States that such description shall be published within ninety days after such plan is established and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. Provides that an annual report shall be published with respect to any employee benefit plan to which this title applies. Sets forth the information that shall be contained in such report. Provides that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this Act shall file with the Secretary of Labor a copy of the plan description and each annual report. States that the Secretary may reject any such filing after notice, hearing, and determination by the Secretary that such filing is incomplete for the purpose of this title. Sets forth criminal penalties for intentional violations of this title. Provides that civil actions may be brought under this title by a participant or beneficiary: (1) for personal liability to such participant or beneficiary for failure to provide information required under this Act; or (2) to recover benefits due him under the terms of his plan or to clarify his rights to future benefits. Authorizes such actions by: (1) the Secretary, or by a participant, beneficiary or fiduciary, for appropriate relief under the fiduciary responsibility provisions of this Act; or (2) by the Secretary to enjoin any act or practice which appears to him to violate any provision of this title. Provides that the contents of the descriptions and regular annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this title shall be public information. Provides for the bonding of persons who have fiduciary responsibilities under this title and of persons who handle funds or other property of an employee benefit plan. Sets forth the fiduciary responsibilities of the administrators of plans covered by this Act. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of his functions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension benefit plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce or by such employer together with any employee organization representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or if such plan is established or maintained by any employer or by any employer together with any employee organization and if, in the course of its activities, such plan, directly or indirectly, uses any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or the mails. Excludes from the coverage of this title any employee pension benefit plan if: it is administered by the Federal Government or by an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States; or it provides contributions or benefits for a sole proprietor or, in the case of a partnership, a partner who owns more than 10 percent of either the capital interest or the profits interest in such partnership. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 2 years or age higher than 30 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits. Stipulates that in computing the period of service under a plan, the employee's entire service with the contributing employer must be considered, except in specified instances. Allows the Secretary to require a certificate of approval with respect to the vesting provisions of any pension plan. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excludes from coverage, in addition to those plans excluded under title II, any plan which has a fixed contribution rate and does not provide an amount expected to be paid as a fixed benefit and any plan which is a profit-sharing plan providing benefits at or after retirement. Requires pension plans subject to this title to provide for contributions to the plan in amounts necessary to meet an amount equal to the normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs and to maintain a minimum ratio of assets to vested liabilities according to a certain schedule. Requires the administrator of a plan to, at certain intervals, file with the Secretary a statement containing the following information: (1) the amount of normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs; (2) the total amount of the plan's vested liabilities at the close of its preceding fiscal year; (3) the assets held by the plan as of the close of its preceding fiscal year valued at market value or by any other method approved by the Secretary pursuant to regulation; (4) the number of years the plan has been in effect; (5) a statement of the amount, if any, by which the assets held by the plan either exceed or fall below the amount of assets required in order for the plan to meet the required funding ratio; and (6) such other information determined by the Secretary by regulation to be necessary for adequate disclosure of a plan's funding status. Provides that when the contributions to a pension plan fall below amounts necessary to meet the normal cost of the plan plus interest on past costs, the Secretary shall require by order, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the administrator take necessary steps to guarantee that the rights of each participant to benefits or to the amounts credited to his account are nonforfeitable in the event of the participant's termination. Provides that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the funding ratio required, the plan's vested liabilities shall not be increased by an amendment until the plan's required ratio is attained. Specifies that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the required ratio for 5 consecutive years, the Secretary shall require that the administrator take steps to suspend further accumulation of vested liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1973
Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce, and the equitable interests of participants in private pension plans and their beneficiaries, by improving the scope, administration, and operation of such plans; to prevent the loss of employees' earned credits resulting from change of or separation from employment; and to protect vested benefits of employees against loss due to plan termination. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a portability program for vested pensions to effect the transfer of vested credits between all employee plans. Requires employee plans to apply for membership in the portatiliby program. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a certificate of membership to approved plans. Creates a Protability Program Fund. Requires a member plan to pay, upon request of the participant, to the fund a sum of money equal to the current discounted value of the participant's vested rights under the plan, when such participant is separated from employment covered by the plan before the time prescribed for payments to be made to him or to his beneficiaries under the plan. Directs the Secretary of Labor to administer the fund and to report to the Congress not later than the first day of April of each year on the operation and the status of the fund during the preceding fiscal year and on its expected operation and status during the current fiscal year and the next two fiscal years. Requires the Secretary to review the general policies followed in managing the fund and to recommend changes in such policies, including the necessary changes in the provisions of law which govern the way in which the fund is to be managed. Directs the Secretary to establish an account in the fund for each participant. Provides that the Secretary shall give technical assistance to employers, employee organizations, trustees, and administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans in their efforts to provide greater retirement protection for individuals who are separated from employment covered under such plans. Title II: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program to insure participants and beneficiaries of those plans registered under this Act against loss of benefits derived from vested rights which arise from the termination of such plans. Enumerates conditions to insure the right to participants and beneficiaries of a registered pension plan. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe a uniform assessment to cover the administrative costs of the insurance program and to establish an annual premium for insurance at uniform rates based upon the amount of unfunded vested liabilities subject to insurance. Provides that no plan insured under this title shall terminate without the approval of the Secretary. Provides that where the employer or employers contributing to the terminating plan or who terminated the plan are not insolvent, such employer or employers shall be liable to reimburse the insurance program for any insurance benefits paid by the program to the beneficiaries of such terminated plan. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund for pension benefit insurance to be known as the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act - Title I: Findings, Declarations, and Definitions - Sets forth Congressional findings, declaration of purpose and the definitions of the terms used in this Act. Title II: Disaster Assistance Administration - Provides that all requests for disaster assistance from the Federal Government under this Act shall be made by the Governor of the affected State. Authorizes the President to coordinate, in such manner as he may determine, the activities of all Federal agencies providing disaster assistance. Authorizes any Federal agency charged with the administration of a Federal assistance program, if so requested by the applicant State or local authorities, to modify or waive, for the duration of a major disaster, such administrative procedural conditions for assistance as would otherwise prevent the giving of assistance under such programs if the inability to meet such conditions is a result of the disaster. Provides that the Federal Government shall not be liable for any claim based upon the exercise or performance of or the failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function or duty on the part of a Federal agency or an employee of the Federal Government in carrying out the provision of this Act. Provides that any individual willfully violating any order or regulation under this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both for each violation. States that any individual who violates any order or regulation under this Act shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation. Provides that whoever wrongfully misapplies the proceeds of a loan or other cash benefit obtained under any section of this Act shall be civilly liable to the Federal Government in an amount equal to one and one-half times the original principal amount of the loan or cash benefit. Title III: Emergency Assistance - Sets forth the presidential authority in providing emergency disaster assistance. States that emergency work or services for purposes of this Act shall not extend beyond thirty days following the President's initial determination that emergency services are required, except that this limitation may be waived by the President where he deems extraordinary circumstances warrant such waiver. Title IV: Disaster Loans - Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to individuals, business concerns, and other legal entities in a major disaster area to replace, restore, or repair private property damaged or lost in the disaster, to the extent it is not covered by insurance. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee loans to small business concerns for working capital and operating expenses, to the extent that a major disaster has created a need for such loans. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to any industrial, commercial, agricultural, governmental, or other enterprise that has constituted a major source of employment in an area suffering a major disaster and is no longer in substantial operation as a result of such disaster. Authorizes the President to make disaster loans to any local government that demonstrates a need, as a result of a major disaster, of financial assistance in order to perform its governmental functions. States that the amount of any such disaster loan shall be based on need, and shall not exceed 10 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such loans. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund which shall be available to the President without fiscal year limitation as a revolving fund for the purpose of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be necessary for the fund. Title V: Disaster Grants for Needy Families - Authorizes the President to make a grant to any State in a major disaster area for the purpose of assisting the State in indemnifying the uninsured property losses of needy families, and thereafter, to aid such families in meeting such other extraordinary disaster-related expenses as the State may recognize. States that the amount of such grant shall be determined by the President on the basis of evidence supplied by the Governor of the affected State as to the number of low-income families affected by the disaster; but the grant to the State shall not exceed an amount equal to $3,000 per low-income family. Provides that the actual disbursement of the funds made available to the State under this Act shall be made by the Governor or his designated representative according to eligibility requirements to be determined by the Governor or his designated representative. States that no family shall receive payments under this Act in excess of $4,000. Title VI: Grants to States - Authorizes the President to make grants to States for the benefit of persons or parties adversely affected by a major disaster, for the following purposes: (1) provision of essential human needs and services, including but not limited to food, communications, water, clothing, utility services, and public transportation; (2) replacement, restoration, repair, or construction of specified facilities; and (3) debris and timber removal from public or private lands and waters, when in the public interest. States that the amount of funds to be granted under this Act shall be based upon 75 percent of the estimated cost of relief for losses sustained as a result of the major disaster in the categories of assistance specified in this Act. Sets forth the administrative operation for such grants. Title VII: Disaster Preparedness Assistance - Authorizes the President to establish a program of disaster preparedness that utilizes services of all appropriate agencies. States that upon application by the States, the President is authorized to make grants, not to exceed $250,000, for the development of plans, programs, and capabilities for disaster preparedness. Provides that such grants shall be available for a period of one year from the date of enactment. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that as a condition of any disaster loan or grant made under the provisions of this Act, the recipient shall agree that any repair or construction to be financed therewith shall be in accordance with applicable standards of safety, decency, and sanitation and in conformity with applicable codes, specifications, and standards, and shall furnish such evidence of compliance with this Act as may be required by regulation. Provides where an existing timber sale contract between the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior and a timber purchaser does not provide relief from major physical change not due to negligence of the purchaser prior to approval of construction of any section of specified road or of any other specified development facility and, as a result of a major disaster, a major physical change results in additional construction work in connection with such road or facility by such purchaser with an estimated cost, as determined by the appropriate Secretary, (1) of more than $1,000 for sales under one million board feet, (2) of more than $1 per thousand board feet for sales of one to three million board feet, or (3) of more than $3,000 for sales over three million board feet, such increased construction cost shall be borne by the United States. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1973
Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act - Title I: Findings, Declarations, and Definitions - Sets forth Congressional findings, declaration of purpose and the definitions of the terms used in this Act. Title II: Disaster Assistance Administration - Provides that all requests for disaster assistance from the Federal Government under this Act shall be made by the Governor of the affected State. Authorizes the President to coordinate, in such manner as he may determine, the activities of all Federal agencies providing disaster assistance. Authorizes any Federal agency charged with the administration of a Federal assistance program, if so requested by the applicant State or local authorities, to modify or waive, for the duration of a major disaster, such administrative procedural conditions for assistance as would otherwise prevent the giving of assistance under such programs if the inability to meet such conditions is a result of the disaster. Provides that the Federal Government shall not be liable for any claim based upon the exercise or performance of or the failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function or duty on the part of a Federal agency or an employee of the Federal Government in carrying out the provision of this Act. Provides that any individual willfully violating any order or regulation under this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both for each violation. States that any individual who violates any order or regulation under this Act shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation. Provides that whoever wrongfully misapplies the proceeds of a loan or other cash benefit obtained under any section of this Act shall be civilly liable to the Federal Government in an amount equal to one and one-half times the original principal amount of the loan or cash benefit. Title III: Emergency Assistance - Sets forth the presidential authority in providing emergency disaster assistance. States that emergency work or services for purposes of this Act shall not extend beyond thirty days following the President's initial determination that emergency services are required, except that this limitation may be waived by the President where he deems extraordinary circumstances warrant such waiver. Title IV: Disaster Loans - Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to individuals, business concerns, and other legal entities in a major disaster area to replace, restore, or repair private property damaged or lost in the disaster, to the extent it is not covered by insurance. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee loans to small business concerns for working capital and operating expenses, to the extent that a major disaster has created a need for such loans. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to any industrial, commercial, agricultural, governmental, or other enterprise that has constituted a major source of employment in an area suffering a major disaster and is no longer in substantial operation as a result of such disaster. Authorizes the President to make disaster loans to any local government that demonstrates a need, as a result of a major disaster, of financial assistance in order to perform its governmental functions. States that the amount of any such disaster loan shall be based on need, and shall not exceed 10 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such loans. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund which shall be available to the President without fiscal year limitation as a revolving fund for the purpose of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be necessary for the fund. Title V: Disaster Grants for Needy Families - Authorizes the President to make a grant to any State in a major disaster area for the purpose of assisting the State in indemnifying the uninsured property losses of needy families, and thereafter, to aid such families in meeting such other extraordinary disaster-related expenses as the State may recognize. States that the amount of such grant shall be determined by the President on the basis of evidence supplied by the Governor of the affected State as to the number of low-income families affected by the disaster; but the grant to the State shall not exceed an amount equal to $3,000 per low-income family. Provides that the actual disbursement of the funds made available to the State under this Act shall be made by the Governor or his designated representative according to eligibility requirements to be determined by the Governor or his designated representative. States that no family shall receive payments under this Act in excess of $4,000. Title VI: Grants to States - Authorizes the President to make grants to States for the benefit of persons or parties adversely affected by a major disaster, for the following purposes: (1) provision of essential human needs and services, including but not limited to food, communications, water, clothing, utility services, and public transportation; (2) replacement, restoration, repair, or construction of specified facilities; and (3) debris and timber removal from public or private lands and waters, when in the public interest. States that the amount of funds to be granted under this Act shall be based upon 75 percent of the estimated cost of relief for losses sustained as a result of the major disaster in the categories of assistance specified in this Act. Sets forth the administrative operation for such grants. Title VII: Disaster Preparedness Assistance - Authorizes the President to establish a program of disaster preparedness that utilizes services of all appropriate agencies. States that upon application by the States, the President is authorized to make grants, not to exceed $250,000, for the development of plans, programs, and capabilities for disaster preparedness. Provides that such grants shall be available for a period of one year from the date of enactment. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that as a condition of any disaster loan or grant made under the provisions of this Act, the recipient shall agree that any repair or construction to be financed therewith shall be in accordance with applicable standards of safety, decency, and sanitation and in conformity with applicable codes, specifications, and standards, and shall furnish such evidence of compliance with this Act as may be required by regulation. Provides where an existing timber sale contract between the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior and a timber purchaser does not provide relief from major physical change not due to negligence of the purchaser prior to approval of construction of any section of specified road or of any other specified development facility and, as a result of a major disaster, a major physical change results in additional construction work in connection with such road or facility by such purchaser with an estimated cost, as determined by the appropriate Secretary, (1) of more than $1,000 for sales under one million board feet, (2) of more than $1 per thousand board feet for sales of one to three million board feet, or (3) of more than $3,000 for sales over three million board feet, such increased construction cost shall be borne by the United States. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration; to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of H.E.W. under titles I through III of this Act. Creates within such administration a Division of Research, Training and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title III of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in appropriations for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $660,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $710,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped invididuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for fiscal years 1974-76 to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or non-profit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Provides for a special study by the Secretary of the needs of severely handicapped persons who would otherwise be ineligible for services under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to establish national centers for spinal cord injuries. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals consisting of twenty members appointed by the Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance for construction projects under this title. Title III: Research and Training - Provides that the commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title IV: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving stated goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Provides for a study of the role of sheltered workshops in the rehabilitation and employment of handicapped individuals. Title V: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title such sums as necessary. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate problems of handicapped persons in the areas of architecture and transportation, and to make legislative recommendations to the President and the Congress. Requires any contract in excess of $2500 entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provision requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
States the findings of the Congress that rapid urbanization has made the ability of all citizens to move quickly and cheaply an urgent national goal, and that new Federal assistance for urban mass transportation is imperative if efficient, safe and convenient transportation is to be achieved. Title I: Urban Mass Transportation Revenue Act of 1973 - Establishes an Urban Ground Mass Transportation Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the general fund of the Treasury to the trust fund amounts appropriated for the trust fund under the Act. Authorizes the appropriation from the general fund of the Treasury to the trust fund such repayable advances of money necessary to provide the trust fund with initial capital. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make an annual report to the Congress on the financial condition and the results of the operations of the trust fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest the portion of the trust fund not required to meet current withdrawals. Authorizes expenditures from the trust fund, and sets limitations on such expenditures. Title II: Internal Revenue Amendments - Imposes the following new Federal Excise taxes to provide revenues for the trust fund: (1) a separate tax of one cent a gallon on gasoline sold by any producer or importer after June 30, 1973; (2) a separate tax of one cent a gallon on other highway fuels (e.g. diesel fuel, benzol benzene, naphtha, and liquefied petroleum gas); (3) a tax of ten percent of the price of ground mass public transportation vehicles and a tax equivalent to 8 percent of the price of parts and accessories (other than tires and inner-tubes) for ground mass public transportation vehicles sold after June 30, 1973.
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 · 22 February 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 · 6 February 1973
Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations to specified highway safety programs and highway safety research and development programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $225,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Authorizes the appropriation of $225,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $450,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for bridge construction and replacement. Establishes special pavement marking programs and appropriates $125,000,000 for both fiscal 1974 and 1975 to be available until expended to carry out such programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out safety research on the following subjects: (1) the relationship between the consumption and use of drugs and their effect upon highway safety and drivers of motor vehicles; and (2) driver behavior research. Authorizes to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975 the sum of $100,000,000 to eliminate or reduce the hazards at specific locations or sections of highways which have high accident experiences or high accident potentials, such study to be conducted by the Federal Highway Administration. Provides that two-thirds of such funds authorized and expended in any fiscal year shall be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund. Requires each State to report to the Secretary not later than September 30, 1974, and every September 30 of each year thereafter, on the progress being made to implement projects for high-hazard locations and the effectiveness of such improvements. Directs the Secretary to conduct a full and complete investigation of the use of the mass media and other techniques for informing the public of means and methods for reducing the number and severity of highway accidents. Directs the Secretary to conduct an investigation of ways and means for encouraging greater citizen participation and involvement in the traffic enforcement process. Directs the Secretary to make a study of the feasibility of establishing a National Center for Statistical Analysis of Highway Operations designed to acquire, store, and retrieve highway accident data and standardize the information and procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress his findings and recommendations not later than January 1, 1975. Authorizes the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of pedestrian safety and report his findings and recommendations to the Congress no later than January 31, 1975. Provides that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of all funds authorized to be appropriated for highway safety. Allows the Secretary to make incentive grants to states which have attained above average results in carrying out safety programs.
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
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for a rural environmental assistance program in an aggregate amount not less than the sums appropriated therefor during the year with respect to which such payments or grants are made. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 590h)
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1973
Provides that no license granted for a broadcasting station operation under the Communications Act of 1934 shall be for a longer term than five years (now three years). Provides under the Communications Act that the Federal Communications Commission in acting upon the applications for renewal of broadcast licenses may not consider the application of any other person for the facilities for which renewal is sought if the Commissioner finds that the public interest, convenience and necessity would be served by granting the renewal application to the present operator. Provides that if the Commissioner determines that the renewal applicant would not be in the public interest it may deny such application and accept other applications.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Extends the authorizations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965: (1) grants for public works and development facilities; (2) public works and development facility loans; (3) technical assistance, research and information related to public works and development facilities; (4) financial assistance for projects in economic development districts; and (5) supplemental funds for Federal grants-in-aid programs for economic development regions. Provides that no area designated as a redevelopment area for purposes of the Act shall have such designation terminated or modified before June 1, 1974, unless the qualified local governing body of the county specifically requests the such action.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations to specified highway safety programs and highway safety research and development programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $225,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Authorizes the appropriation of $225,000,000 for fiscal 1974 and $450,000,000 for fiscal 1975 for bridge construction and replacement. Establishes special pavement marking programs and appropriates $125,000,000 for both fiscal 1974 and 1975 to be available until expended to carry out such programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out safety research on the following subjects: (1) the relationship between the consumption and use of drugs and their effect upon highway safety and drivers of motor vehicles; and (2) driver behavior research. Authorizes to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975 the sum of $100,000,000 to eliminate or reduce the hazards at specific locations or sections of highways which have high accident experiences or high accident potentials, such study to be conducted by the Federal Highway Administration. Provides that two-thirds of such funds authorized and expended in any fiscal year shall be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund. Requires each State to report to the Secretary not later than September 30, 1974, and every September 30 of each year thereafter, on the progress being made to implement projects for high-hazard locations and the effectiveness of such improvements. Directs the Secretary to conduct a full and complete investigation of the use of the mass media and other techniques for informing the public of means and methods for reducing the number and severity of highway accidents. Directs the Secretary to conduct an investigation of ways and means for encouraging greater citizen participation and involvement in the traffic enforcement process. Directs the Secretary to make a study of the feasibility of establishing a National Center for Statistical Analysis of Highway Operations designed to acquire, store, and retrieve highway accident data and standardize the information and procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress his findings and recommendations not later than January 1, 1975. Authorizes the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of pedestrian safety and report his findings and recommendations to the Congress no later than January 31, 1975. Provides that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of all funds authorized to be appropriated for highway safety. Allows the Secretary to make incentive grants to states which have attained above average results in carrying out safety programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Provides that in the case of each State which before January 1, 1974, shall have constructed or acquired any interstate toll bridge (including approaches thereto), which before January 1, 1974, caused such toll bridge to be made free, which bridge is owned and maintained by such State or by a political subdivision thereof, and which bridge is on the Federal-aid primary system (other than the Interstate System), sums apportioned to such State as primary and secondary system assistance for urban areas shall be available to pay the Federal share of a bridge project: (1) in such amount as the Secretary determines to be the reasonable value of such bridge after deducting therefrom that portion of such value attributable to any grant or contribution previously paid by the United States in connection with the construction or acquisition of such bridge, and exclusive of rights-of-way; or (2) in the amount by which the principal amount of the outstanding unpaid bonds or other obligations created and issued for the construction or acquisition of such bridge exceeds the amount of any funds accumulated or provided for their amortization, on the date such bridge is made free, whichever is the lesser amount. (Adds 23 U.S.C. 129h)
![Official portrait of Rep. Harsha, William H. [R-OH-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000281_200.jpg)