United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1973
Telephone Privacy Act - Prohibits the making of unsolicited commercial telephone calls to persons who have notified their telephone company that they do not wish to receive such calls. Prescribes a $1,000 fine and/or thirty days imprisonment where at least ten written complaints of violations by any person have been received by the United States attorney in the judicial district.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1973
Directs the President to stabilize rents at levels prevailing on January 10, 1973. Allows increases in rent only when actual increases of taxes or capital improvements are incurred after the period of occupancy. Preempts State and local rent control laws only to the extent that rent is in excess of that permitted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Prohibits the importation of Rhodesian chrome into the United States, in conformity with a resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations urging an international boycott of such chrome.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Establishes within the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture a Youth Conservation Corps. Specifies that the Corps shall consist of young men and women between the ages of 15 and 19 whom the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture may employ without regard to civil service classification regulations for the purpose of developing, preserving, and maintaining the lands and waters of the United States. Outlines the functions of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture under this Act. Provides for a program of grants to the States to assist them in meeting the costs of this Act. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to prepare a joint report to be annually submitted to the President and Congress. Authorizes the sum of $150,000,000 for each fiscal year to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that in the case of an employer with 50 or fewer employees, old-age, survivors, and disability insurance, and Federal income tax withholding payments shall not be required more than one time. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 6302 (d))
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code to an individual for tuition paid by him to any private nonprofit elementary or secondary school during the taxable year for the elementary or secondary education of any dependent. Provides that the amount allowable for the taxable year with respect to any dependent shall not exceed the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of the tuition paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the elementary or secondary education of such dependent, or (2) $400. Reduces the aggregate amount which would be allowable by an amount equal to $1 for each full $20 contained in the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer (or, if the taxpayer is married, the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer and his spouse) for the taxable year exceeds $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Airport Noise Curfew Act - Establishes the Airport Noise Curfew Commission to study and make recommendations to the Congress regarding the establishment of curfews on nonmilitary aircraft operations over populated areas of the United States during normal sleeping hours. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the Congress no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to carry out its duties and functions. Requires the head of such department or agency to furnish such requested information to the Commission. Empowers the Commission to issue subpenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any evidence that relates to any subject that the Commission is authorized to investigate by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Youth Camp Safety Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to protect and safeguard the health and well-being of youth attending day camps, resident camps, and travel camps by providing for the establishment of Federal standards for the safe operation of youth camps. Confers upon the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Secretary for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed eighty percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to make the grants provided for in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect youth camps. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a comprehensive and detailed report on his administration under this Act. Authorizes penalties of up to $2,500 for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 1973 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to carry out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Provides, under the Small Business Act, that the term "small business concern" shall include a nonprofit organization providing economic benefit or valuable service to its members.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on the Handicapped within two years of enactment in order to develop recommendations for further research and action in the field of the handicapped, and to further the policies set forth in this joint resolution. Provides that such conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with the cooperation and assistance of such other Federal departments and agencies, including the assignment of personnel, as may be appropriate. Requires a final report of the White House Conference on the Handicapped to be submitted to the President not later than 120 days following the date on which the conference is called, and the findings and recommendations included therein to be made available immediately to the public. Requires the Secretary , within 90 days after the submission of such report, to transmit to the President and the Congress his recommendations for the administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the recommendations contained in such report. Gives the Secretary administrative powers to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisorty Committee on the White House Conference on the Handicapped composed of 28 members, of whom not less than 10 shall be handicapped or parents of handicapped persons. Provides that such Advisory Committee shall cease to exist 90 days after the submission of the final report required by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973
Establishes a Joint Committee on Classified Information to be composed of: (1) the chairman and the ranking minority member of the Armed Services Committees of the Senate and of the House of Representatives; (2) the chairman and the ranking minority member of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate; (3) the chairman and the ranking minority member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives; (4) the chairman and ranking minority member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee of the Senate and of the House of Representatives; (5) three other Members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate; and (6) three other Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Provides that the joint committee shall make continuing investigations and studies with respect to: (1) the practices and methods used in the executive branch to classify information in the interests of the common defense and security, and (2) suspected uses of such classification procedures within the executive branch for purposes contrary to the public welfare. Authorizes the joint committee to, at such times as it finds classification procedures being used for purposes contrary to the public welfare, initiate such action as it deems appropriate in order to prohibit such misuse; and to publicly disclose any classified information the classification of which the joint committee considers not to be merited in the interests of the common defense and security and the disclosure of which the joint committee considers to be in the public interest. Requires the joint committee to report to the Senate and the House of Representatives, from time to time, the results of its investigations and studies, together with such recommendations as it may deem desirable. Provides that the expenses of the joint committee shall be paid one-half from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives and one-half from the contingent fund of the Senate, upon vouchers signed by the chairman of the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1973
Provides that under Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 congressional authorization is required for the involvement of American forces in further hostilities in Indochina, and for the extension of assistance to North Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Makes inapplicable to the aged, blind and disabled the existing provision of the Social Security Act limiting to 10 percent the portion of the total amounts paid to a State as grants for social services which may be paid with respect to individuals who are not actually recipients of or applicants for aid or assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1973
Provides, under the Interstate Commerce Act, for enforcement of motor carrier safety regulations by employees who believe their employer has violated such safety regulations. Allows employees to request an investigation by giving written and signed notice of the violation to the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a citation to the violator upon the finding of a violation. Sets forth the form of such citation, including the assessment of a civil penalty of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 for the first violation. Permits a violator to contest the citation within 15 days. Provides for a hearing before the National Transportation Safety Board on the citation, and review of any adverse order from the Board by the United States court of appeals. Specifies the procedures for pleadings, testimony and objections before the appellate court. Provides that the Secretary may enforce any final order of the Board or any uncontested citation by filing for relief in the United States court of appeals. Empowers the Secretary to order a carrier of explosives and other dangerous articles to cease operation of motor vehicles in interstate commerce for up to sixty days when he finds the operations create an unreasonable risk of accident, injury or death. States the procedure for the Secretary to follow in issuing such a cease and desist order. Provides that no person shall discharge or discriminate against any employee for (1) filing a motor carrier safety violation complaint; (2) refusing to operate equipment because of his apprehension of death or serious injury to himself or the public due to the unsafe condition of such equipment; or (3) refusing to operate equipment in violation of regulations respecting hours of service. Entitles an employee so discharged or discriminated against (1) to reinstatement in his employment; (2) to be made whole for his losses; (3) to exemplary damages; and (4) to costs of suit and reasonable attorney's fees.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1973
Environmental Protection Act - Declares that each person is entitled to the protection, preservation and enhancement of his environment. Establishes the right of any person to maintain a judicial action for declaratory or equitable relief, either individually or in behalf of a class of persons, without regard to the amount in controversy, to protect the environment or public trust from pollution, impairment or destruction which results from or reasonably may result from any activity and such action for relief constitutes a case or controversy. Provides that complaints in such actions shall be supported by affidavits of at least two technically persons affirming that the defendant's activities damage or reasonably may damage the environment. Prescribes various judicial procedures and standards which are to govern the administration of this Act by the courts. Grants the courts authority to provide declaratory relief, temporary and permanent equitable relief, or to impose conditions on the defendant's operations which are required for the protection of the air, water, land from unreasonable pollution, impairment or destruction. Provides that the act shall be supplementary to existing administrative and regulatory procedures provided by law and grants the court authority to remand the parties to such procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the granting of appropriate interim equitable relief to protect the rights recognized under this Act for as long as is necessary. Provides that any person entitled to maintain an action under the Act may intervene as a party in all such administrative and regulatory procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the maintenance of an action to protect rights recognized in the Act where the court finds existing administrative or regulatory procedures to be inadequate for the protection of such rights. Provides that at the initiation of any person entitled to maintain an action under this act, such procedures shall be reviewable in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent necessary to protect the rights recognized in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Consumer Product Warranties and Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act - Title I: Consumer Product Warranties - Provides that any supplier warranting a consumer product in writing shall fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of such warranty pursuant to any rules issued by the Federal Trade Commission in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe rules for determining the manner and form in which information with respect to any written warranty of a consumer product shall be clearly and conspicuously presented or displayed so as not to mislead the reasonable, average consumer, when such information is contained in advertising, labeling, point-of-sale material, or other representations in writing. Provides that no warrantor of a consumer product may condition his warranty of such product on the consumer's using, in connection with such product, any article or service which is directly or indirectly identified by brand, trade, or corporate name. States that, in order to incorporate the Federal minimum standards for warranty, a supplier warranting a consumer product in writing must, as a minimum, undertake the repair or replacement, within a reasonable time and without charge, of such consumer product in the case of a breach of such written warranty. Provides that the warrantor shall not impose any duty other than notification upon any consumer as a condition of securing repair or replacement of any consumer product which does not conform to the written warranty unless the warrantor can demonstrate that such a duty is reasonable. Provides that nothing in this title shall prohibit the selling of a consumer product which has both full and limited warranties if such warranties are clearly and conspicuously differentiated. States that nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent a supplier from selling a service contract to the consumer in addition to or in lieu of a warranty in writing if such contract fully and conspicuously discloses in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of the service contract. Provides that there shall be no express disclaimer of implied warranties to a consumer if any express warranty of a consumer product is made by a supplier to a consumer in writing. Declares it to be the policy of Congress to encourage warrantors to establish procedures whereby consumer disputes are fairly and expeditiously settled through informal dispute settlement mechanisms. Provides that it shall be a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any person subject to the provisions of this title to fail to comply with any requirement imposed on such person by or pursuant to this title or to violate any prohibition contained in this title. Allows any person damaged by the failure of a supplier to comply with any obligations assumed under an express or implied warranty or service contract with respect to a consumer product to bring suit in an appropriate U.S. district court or in any court of competent jurisdiction in any State or the District of Columbia. Provides that nothing contained in this title shall be construed to repeal, invalidate, or supersede the Federal Trade Commission Act or any statute defined therein as an antitrust act or any remedies otherwise available under State law. Title II: Federal Trade Commission Improvements - Extends the definition of unfair methods of competition under the Federal Trade Commission Act to mean activities "in or affecting commerce." (Amends 15 U.S.C. 45) Increases to $10,000 the civil penalty for violating an order of the commission. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 45 (L)) Provides that the Commission shall have the power to classify corporations and to issue procedural rules, and rules defining with specificity acts or practices which are unfair or deceptive to consumers. Provides that when making such rules the Commission shall: (1) issue an order of proposed rulemaking stating with particularity the reason for the proposed rule; (2) allow interested persons to comment on the proposed rule in writing and make all such comments publicly available; (3) hold an informal hearing at which interested persons may comment orally on the proposed rule; and (4) promulgate, if appropriate, a final rule together with a statement of basis and purpose based on the information and comments compiled in accordance with clauses (1), (2), and (3). States that any violation of such rules promulgated shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes judicial review of such rules in a United States court of appeals on petition by a person adversely affected. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 46 (g)) Provides that whenever the Commission has reason to believe: (1) that any person, partnership, or corporation is engaged in, or is about to engage in, any act or practice which is unfair or deceptive to a consumer; and (2) that the enjoining thereof pending the issuance of a complaint by the Commission, and until such complaint is dismissed by the Commission or set aside by the court on review, or until the order of the Commission made thereon has become final; the Commission may bring a suit in a district court of the United States to enjoin any such act or practice. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 53)
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1973
Forest Conservation and Improvement Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress and defines the terms used in the Act. Provides for the preparation of comprehensive management plans by the Secretary of Agriculture for each national forest and other commercial forest land under his jurisdiction and by the Secretary of the Interior for each unit of the commercial forest lands under his jurisdiction, to be preceded by at least one public hearing in the major population center of the State affected and by the publication of the proposed plan in the Federal Register not less than 60 days before each public hearing. Declares that after consideration of comments at the public hearings, the respective Secretary shall promulgate a comprehensive management plan by publishing the plan in the Federal Register, at which time he shall submit the plan and a map to the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture or Interior and Insular Affairs. Provides for the plan to take effect 120 days after submission unless disapproved by the committees, and requires at least one review of the plan, including public hearings, before December 31, 1986. States that the plan shall be developed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the respective Secretary, with regard to the commercial forest lands, to establish policies to assure that small business concerns obtain a fair proportion of commercial timber and other forest products. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Forest Conservation and Improvement Fund to be available to the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and directs the respective Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress by March 1 an annual report describing the activities supported by the fund. Provides for the establishment of uniform rules and standards with respect to the appraisal, sale and removal of timber and other forest products from commercial forest lands, and for at least one public hearing in each of the five forest regions of the United States and in Alaska. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a complete inventory of all non-Federal forest lands and private forest lands within the United States and to report the results to the Congress within 3 years from the date of enactment. Prohibits the exporting of timber harvested from any commercial forest lands after January 1, 1974, unless the timber has been exempted from domestic processing under provisions of any Federal timber sale contract awarded prior to March 1, 1973. Limits to 1,500,000,000 broad feet of timber the amount harvested from non-Federal or privately owned forest lands to be exported from the United States in any year after January 1, 1974; and provides after January 1, 1975 for the annual licensing, by the Secretary of Commerce, of exporters of timber from these lands, with quotas on the amount to be exported and a requirement to export an amount of furnished wood products, excluding cants, equal in dollar amount to the amount of timber exported. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate necessary rules and regulations for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1973
Establishes a Select Committee on Children, composed of fifteen Members of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker. Authorizes and directs the committee to conduct an investigation of the problems of children, including prenatal and postnatal health care, education, legal rights, and any other condition adversely affecting the mental and physical development of children. Authorizes the committee to hold hearings and to require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of witnesses. Provides that subpenas may be issued under the signature of the chairman of the committee or any member of the committee designated by him. Requires the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1973
Interstate Recycling Expansion Act - Sets forth the purposes and definitions of the Act. Title I: Establishment of Nondiscriminatory Rates and Charges for the Transportation of Recyclable and Recycled Solid Waste Materials in Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission to investigate all freight rate discriminations against recyclable commodities and within two years to enter appropriate orders terminating all such unreasonable discrimination in transportation charges. Title II: Expansion of Recycling Through Federal Procurement - Directs all Federal procurement agencies to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency in the establishment of new rules and procedures to maximize the procurement of recyclable materials and products which contain recycled materials. Title III: Modifications of Other Federal Impediments to Expanded Recycling in Commerce - States that labels under the Wool Products Labeling Act shall use the term recycled rather than reused or reprocessed. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Provides that the Act shall be effective on the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1973
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1973
Expresses the opposition of the Congress to the enactment of certain measures for the curtailment of benefits under the medicare and medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Establishes a Fire Protection Assistance Administration. Authorizes such Administration to make annual grants to any fire protection district or department for the purposes of maintaining, improving, or expanding its fire prevention and control, rescue, or other related functions. Sets forth conditions of elibility for such grants. Provides for the administration of the grant program. Provides that no annual grant under this Act may exceed $3,000,000. Establishes the National Fire Protection Advisory Council. Requires such Advisory Council to establish minimum training standards for fire prevention and control personnel. Requires such Advisory Council to study and report to the Administration the feasibility and desirability of a national clearinghouse for fire and rescue information. Provides that such Council shall cease to exist on June 30, 1976. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Prescription Drug Freshness Act - Requires that over-the-counter drugs whose effectiveness or potency becomes diminished after storage must be prominently labeled by the manufacturer as to the date beyond which the product shall not be used. Requires that similar prescription drugs be similarly labeled by the retailer dispensing the product.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Directs the Secretary of Defense to furnish specified information on bombing and other activities in Cambodia and Laos during the period from January 27, 1973, to April 30, 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1973
Prohibits any further American military or paramilitary activity in or over Laos and Cambodia without the prior consent of the Congress of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Permits, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance), the payment of benefits to a married couple on their combined earnings record where that method of computation produces a higher combined benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Mental Health Act - Provides that every individual who is a resident of the United States, or who is a non-resident citizen of the United States, shall be eligible to receive the benefits provided by this title. Lists the mental health services covered by this Act and provides that benefits under this Act shall consist of entitlement to have payment made on his behalf, without limit as to duration except as otherwise specifically indicated. Sets forth qualifications of psychiatric hospitals for participation in the program under this title, including that provide active diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services with respect to mental illness, and that it is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to periodically determine the amount which should be paid under this title to each provider of care and services with respect to the care and services furnished by it. Provides that no payments may be made under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, under any State plan approved under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, or under any other Federal law or program, with respect to any care or services for which payment is made under this title. Provides that the program under this title shall be administered by the Secretary with the advice and assistance of a Committee on Mental Health which shall be appointed by the Secretary. Provides that the Committee shall be specifically responsible under the direction of the Secretary for the approval of all providers of care and services for participation in the program under this Act and for the establishment of the guidelines and qualifications to be applied to any of such providers not affiliated with any specific psychiatric hospitals. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the program under this Act, including his recommendations for any improvements or modifications.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Authorizes the President of the United States to call a White House Conference on Education in 1975 in order to stimulate a national assessment of the condition, needs, and goals of education and to obtain from a broadly representative group of citizens a report of findings and recommendations resulting form such assessment. Requires the Conference to include 5 areas of study in its agenda, as follows: (1) pre-school education, including child care and nutritional programs, and the needs of disadvantaged children; (2) the adequacy of primary education in teaching the skills of communication-reading, writing, and arithmetic; (3) the place of occupational education in helping to meet the nation's requirements for skilled workers; (4) higher education, including ways of providing adequate levels of institutional support and student help; and (5) the adequacy of education at all levels in meeting the special needs of individuals. Authorizes the President to appoint a 35-member National Conference Committee, twelve of the members of which would be educators, and the remainder representative of the public interest in education. Authorizes the Committee to describe the guidelines, organize the Conference, and make its final report before December 1, 1975. Authorizes grants ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $75,000 to each State to defray the expenses of the conferences.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Broadens the provisions of existing law relating to the care and treatment of animals to cover common carriers and retail pet stores, and to cover any bird when used in connection with a retail pet store. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2132(f) (g)) Provides that the standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture under such provisions of law for the humane treatment of animals shall apply with respect to the facilities of any person licensed under such provisions of law and also to terminal facilities used by any common carrier licensed thereunder. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2143)
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Provides that no funds heretofore or hereafter appropriated shall be expended for the conduct by United States forces of bombing missions or other combat operations in or over or from off the shores of Indochina, including Cambodia, Laos, the Republic of Vietnam, and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, without prior, specific authorization by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Removes the limitation upon the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance).
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Provides, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individuals' earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Provides that Army and Air Force National Guard technicians shall not be required to wear the military uniform while performing their duties in a civilian status. (Amends 32 U.S.C. 709(d))
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Abestosis and Mesothelioma Benefits Act - Title I: General - Sets forth the findings of Congress and defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Claims for Benefits Filed on or Before December 31, 1974 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to, in accordance with the provisions of this Title, and the regulations promulgated by him under this title, make payments of benefits in respect of total disability of any asbestos worker due to asbestosis or mesothelioma, and in respect of the death of any asbestos worker whose death was due to asbestosis or mesothelioma. Establishes formulae for determining the payment of benefits. Provides that benefit payments under this Act to an asbestos worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister, shall be reduced, on a monthly or other appropriate basis, by an amount equal to any payment received by such worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister, under the workmen's compensation, unemployment compensation, or disability insurance laws of his State on account of the disability of such worker, and the amount by which such payment would be reduced on account of excess earnings of such worker under the Social Security Act if the amount paid were a benefit payable under such Act. States that benefits payable under this title shall be deemed not to be income for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Establishes procedures and requirements for the filing of claims under this title. Title III: Claims for Benefits After December 31, 1974 - Declares that on and after January 1, 1975, any claim for benefits for death or total disability due to asbetosis or mesothelioma shall be filed pursuant to the applicable State workmen's compensation law, except that during any period when asbestos workers or their surviving widows, children, parents, brothers, or sisters, as the case may be, are not covered by a State workmen's compensation law which provides adequate coverage for asbetosis and mesothelioma they shall be entitled to claim benefits under this title. Directs the Secretary of Labor to, no later than October 1, 1973, publish in the Federal Register a list of State workmen's compensation laws which provide adequate coverage for asbestosis and mesothelioma and to revise and republish in the Federal Register such list from time to time, as may be appropriate to reflect changes in such State laws due to legislation or judicial or administrative interpretation. States that the action of the Secretary in including or failing to include any State workmen's compensation law on such list shall be subject to judicial review exclusively in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the State is located or the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Requires that within one hundred and twenty days following the convening of each session of Congress the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall submit to the Congress an annual report upon the subject matter of title II of this Act, and, after January 1, 1975, the Secretary of Labor shall also submit such a report upon the subject matter of title III of this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall relieve any employer of the duty to comply with any State workmen's compensation law, except insofar as such State law is in conflict with the provisions of this Act and the Secretary by regulation, so prescribes. Provides that no employer shall discharge or in any other way discriminate against any asbestos worker employed by him by reason of the fact that such worker is suffering from asbestosis or mesothelioma.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Prepaid Prescription Program Negotiation Act - Provides that it shall not be unlawful under any antitrust law for any group or association of professional pharmacists to negotiate collectively with a third-party prepaid prescription program administrator or sponsor with respect to their reimbursement for dispensing prescriptions under such programs or with respect to the administrative and operational features of such programs. Defines terms for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
National Catastrophic Disaster Insurance Act - Establishes a program of Federal insurance against catastrophic natural disasters and other such disasters utilizing the private insurance industry, particularly risk-sharing pools of insurance companies, while preserving State regulation. Establishes, within the office of the Federal Insurance Administrator in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the position of Assistant Insurance Administrator for Disaster Insurance, who shall head an office of Federal Disaster Insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to: (1) impose and collect an insurance premium surcharge which may not exceed 5 percent and may vary on a statewide regional, country wide basis, or any combination of these; (2) determine and prescribe the terms, conditions, and limitations of the catastrophic disaster insurance program as provided under this Act; (3) purchase reinsurance to the extent deemed appropriate and available; (4) make such disbursements from a special fund established in the U.S. Treasury for operations under this Act in order to reimburse insurance companies in full for claims paid by them for covered losses under the Act's program and for other operating expenses incurred by such companies under the program; and (5) make other disbursements and take other actions necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act. Extends as mandatory the coverage of castatrophic disasters in each property insurance policy now in effect or hereafter issued, other than motor vehicle insurance policies. Establishes in U.S. Treasury a fund to be used by the Secretary for operating and capital expenses under this Act. Forbids coverage of new catastrophic disaster insurance where in violation of State or local laws or where the Secretary determines an area to be of special catastrohpic disaster risk. Prohibits the duplications of benefits where loss is covered by a valid claim paid under catastrophic disaster insurance under this Act. Provides for the termination of the Act's program no later than June 30, 1975 if catastrophic disaster insurance equal or increased coverage is provided by private insurance companies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Surface Transportation Act - Title I: Financial Assistance to Surface Transportation Companies - Revenue Financing and Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund Act - Creates in the Department of Transportation, under the Interstate Commerce Act, a Revenue Financing Division to aid in financing the transportation industry and commerce and to help in maintaining its economic stability and that of the country by promoting maximum employment and production. Provides for an Assistant Secretary of Transportation to assist the Secretary of Transportation in the execution of his functions under this title. Establishes a Loan Policy Board to establish any necessary general policies which shall govern the granting or denying of applications for financial assistance by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee lenders against loss of principal and interest on loans made to any common carrier in the transportation industry organized or operating under the laws of any State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, or the United States. Provides that, in making such guarantees, the Secretary shall determine that the prospective earning power of the enterprise furnishes reasonable assurance that the enterprise will be able to repay the loan within the time fixed and afford reasonable protection to the United States. Provides that the Secretary may not authorize any such loan guarantee with respect to a common carrier by railroad unless satisfied that the expeditures will improve the utilization and distribution of rolling stock and materially contribute to the efficiency of rail operations. Establishes a Board of Review to review applications for loan guarantees. Provides that no application for a loan guarantee shall be approved by the Secretary without a written determination that the public interest would be served thereby. Provides that information concerning all applications for loan guarantees under this title shall be kept available for public inspection. Provides that loans guaranteed by the Secretary under this title bear interest at such per annum rate as the Secretary deems reasonable. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this title but not to exceed in the aggregate $2,000,000,000. Prescribes criminal penalties for knowing acts of fraud in obtaining loan guarantees under this title. Provides that the authority granted by this title shall terminate at the close of June 30, 1983. Creates a Federal Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Secretary, through the fund, to insure the interest on, and the unpaid principal balance of, any equipment obligation offered to him which he determines is eligible for insurance under this part. Authorizes the Secretary to make commitments to insure any equipment obligation prior to the date of execution or disbursement thereon. Provides that, to be eligible for such insurance, the Secretary must find: (1) the equipment obligation is secured by rolling stock to be financed or refinanced thereby; (2) the financing or refinancing of the rolling stock is justified by the present and future demand for transportation services to be rendered by the railroad for which the rolling stock is procured; and (3) the purchase of the rolling stock will contribute toward a national car supply adequate to meet the needs of shippers and the economy. Provides that, if at any time the money in the fund is not sufficient to pay any amount the Secretary is required to pay under an agreement, the Secretary is authorized to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such forms and determinations, hearing such maturities, and subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to assist in the design of a national rolling stock information service and to contract with, and provide technical and financial assistance to, individual railroads or a group of railroads working together including the sharing of costs and the funding in part of demonstration projects, to assist in the establishment of a national rolling stock information system of approved design. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary, out of money in the Treasury, the sum of $35,000,000 for the operation of such service. Title II: Provisions Relating to Discriminatory State Tax Practices - Provides that the following actions by any State are hereby declared to constitute an unreasonable and unjust discrimination against and an undue burden upon interstate commerce and are hereby forbidden and declared to be unlawful: (1) the assessment, for purposes of a property tax levied by any taxing district, of transportation property owned or used by any common or contract carrier subject to economic regulation pursuant to the provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act at a value which bears a higher ratio to the true market value of such transportation property than the assessed value of all other industrial and commercial property in the assessment jurisdiction of any State which is included in such taxing district and subject to a property tax levy bears to the true market value of all such other commercial and industrial property; (2) the collection of any tax on the portion of such assessment so declared to be unlawful; or (3) the collection of any ad valorem property tax on such transportation property at a tax rate higher than the tax rate generally applicable to commercial and industrial property in the taxing district. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to issue such writs of injunction or other property process as may be necessary to restrain any State, or subdivision or agency thereof, or any person from doing anything or performing any act declared to be unlawful. Title III: Procedures for Abandonment of Nonproductive Rail Facilities - Abandonment of Nonproductive Rail Facilities Act - Provides expeditious administrative procedures for the abandonment of nonproductive facilities under the Interstate Commerce Act. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1) Title IV: Provision Relating to Competitive Equity - Competitive Equity Act - Provides, under the Interstate Commerce Act, that the Interstate Commerce Commission shall, on a continuing basis, investigate and identify traffics which are moving at rates below the variable costs incurred in handling the traffics to which such rates apply and cause such rates to be promptly brought to at least such variable costs. Provides that the Commission shall promulgate and continually maintain standards and procedures for the determination of revenue levels adequate under honest, economical, and efficient management to cover operating and capital costs, including a fair, reasonable, and economic profit. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 15, 316, 907, 1006) Extends the report filing and rate publication extension provisions of the Act to the water transport of dry bulk commodities. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 903, 904, 906, 913) Provides that the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission shall promulgate and maintain standards, rules, and procedures for the establishment of minimum adequate transportation rate levels for the movement of recycled solid waste materials which will facilitate and encourage the broader utilization of such materials. Title V: Agreements Between Carriers - Rate Bureau Modernization Act - Permits a conference, bureau, committee, or other organization established among carriers for joint operation under the Interstate Commerce Act to approve its own changes in rules, rates, or charges. Provides that such conference, bureau, committee or other organization, may not conduct votes on single line rates established by any railroad carrier, nor appear in any proceeding before the Commission regarding such single line rate. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 5b) Title VI: Repeal of Discriminatory Government Rates - Repeals the provision of the Interstate Commerce Act permitting carriage on behalf of the United States at reduced rates. Enumerates various exceptions to this prohibition governing reduced rates. Title VII: Establishment of Uniform Cost Accounting - Provides that the Commission may in its discretion prescribe a uniform system of accounts applicable to any class of carriers subject to the Interstate Commerce Act, and a period of time within which such class shall have uniform system of accounts, and the manner in which such accounts shall be kept. Requires the Commission to establish and promulgate rules and regulations prescribing uniform cost accounting and uniform revenue accounting methods for the determination of abandonment of nonproductive facilities under title III of this Act, minimum compensatory rates established under title IV of this Act, and the repeal of discriminatory rates under title VI of this Act. Title VIII: Interstate Commerce Commission Budget - Interstate Commerce Commission Budget Submission Act - Provides, under the Budget and Accounting Act, that the President shall submit the estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations necessary for the next fiscal year for the Interstate Commerce Commission in his annual budget report to Congress. (Amends 31 U.S.C. 11) Title IX: Miscellaneous - Provides that the amendments and repeals by this Act shall become effective on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Controlled Substances Security Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress. Directs the Attorney General to establish security standards for manufacturers to observe in the storage, shipment, and delivery of drugs listed in schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act. Authorizes the Attorney General or his designate to enter any place of manufacture of a drug with respect to which standards are established to assure that the standards are being observed. Requires the registration suspension of a manufacturer of a drug with respect to which any substantial quantity has been lost during any storage, shipment, or delivery of the drug by the manufacturer. Terminates the registration, after a hearing, for six months where the Attorney General finds that a manufacturer failed to observe the standards of this Act, such periods of termination to be cumulative rather than concurrent.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Makes it the sense of Congress that it shall be the policy of the United States to require repayment of the longstanding debts which are delinquent in nature. Makes it the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury submit to the Congress within ninety days of passage of this resolution a list and report on the extent of such indebtedness on the part of foreign nations. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury, through the appropriate departments and agencies, should, immediately after the filing of this report, begin consultations with foreign governments involved for the purpose of making arrangements for the prompt repayment of those longstanding debts which are delinquent.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Provides for the issuance of a special immigrant visa without fee, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, to any Vietnamese who has been orphaned by abandonment by one or both parents, one of which is a United States citizen.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue rights-of-way and special land use permits for the construction of pipelines in the State of Alaska, along the shortest feasible route between Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and the Canadian border after complying with all applicable provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to initiate intensive investigation into the feasibility of a Trans-Canadian pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Permits the transportation, mailing, and broadcasting of advertising, information and materials concerning lotteries authorized by law and conducted by a State or the District of Columbia. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1307; Amends 18 U.S.C. 1953, 39 U.S.C. 3005)
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Extends eligibility for coverage under Servicemen's Group Life Insurance to: (1) a person who volunteers for assignment to the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service and is assigned to a unit or position in which he may be required to perform active duty; (2) a person assigned to the Retired Reserve of a uniformed service who has not received the first increment of retirement annuities or has not yet reached 61 years of age and has completed at least 20 years of satisfactory service creditable for retirement purposes; and (3) a member, cadet, or midshipman of the Reserve Officers Training Corps while attending field training or practice cruises. Provides that an insurance policy for a member of the Ready Reserve shall cease 120 days after separation or release from such assignment unless on the date of separation the member is totally disabled, or has completed 20 years of service creditable for retirement purposes. Continues the insurance policy of a member of the Retired Reserve until such time as the member receives the first increment of retirement annuity, or the member's sixty-first birthday, whichever occurs earlier. Makes provisions for the conversion of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance following termination to a policy with a participating life insurance company. Provides for the payment of premiums by a deduction from the pay of a member of the Reserve or Ready Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Air Force, as the case may be, to allow a member of the National Guard who is not on active duty to make allotments from his pay for the payment of premiums under a group life insurance program sponsored by the military department of the State in which such member holds his National Guard membership or by the National Guard Association of such State. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 765-771; Adds 37 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Mobile Teachers' Retirement Assistance Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that the transfer of teachers between State schools is impeded by the possibility of forfeiture of retirements, and that the resulting immobility hinders the growth of new communities. Sets forth the terms and definitions of this Act. Specifies the requirements which a State retirement system must meet to receive Federal financial benefits under this Act. Provides that the Federal contribution to each qualified State system for each retiring teacher's out-of-State service shall be 50 percent of the total cost, as determined by the retirement system at such teacher's age on date of retirement. Contributes to the State retirement system an additional 2 percent of the Federal amount under this Act for the costs of administration. Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal year 1974 and succeeding years for the amounts necessary to effectuate this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Helstoski, Henry [D-NJ-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000465_200.jpg)