United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
Establishes, under the Legislative Reorganization Act, the Office of Congressional Ombudsman. Directs the Ombudsman Board to investigate at the request of Members of Congress, actions and operations of agencies of the United States Government. Provides for the utilization by the Ombudsman of the Congressional Research Service and the General Accounting Office in carrying out his duties under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1973
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protect against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons and judicial subpenas. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may not require an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are required to be maintained by the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1973
Expresses the sense of the House that the United States Government should seek agreement with other members of the United Nations on prohibition of weather modification activity as a weapon of war.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 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 · 11 July 1973
Official Accountability Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to assure that public officials charged with the implementation of foreign, military, and national security policy will do so according to law. Title I: National Security Crimes - Describes the persons subject to this Act. Provides that no such person shall engage in the planning or preparation for, or initiation or waging in any way of aggression or a war in violation of any international treaty, agreement, or assurance to which the United States is a party. Declares that no such person shall order or engage in the planning of, preparation for, or commission of any violation of the laws and customs of war. Provides sanctions for violations of this Act and states that no person who violates this Act pursuant to an order of his government or superior shall be relieved of criminal liability for such violation unless he did not know and could not reasonably have been expected to know that the act ordered was unlawful. Title II: Administration and Enforcement - Establishes a Legal Office of National Security Affairs which shall be independent of the executive departments and shall be directed by a National Security Solicitor and an Assistant Solicitor. Directs the Solicitor to enforce the prohibitions contained in Title I of this Act by conducting appropriate investigations and any kind of legal proceedings civil or criminal, including grand jury proceedings and proceedings before committing magistrates, which United States attorneys are authorized by law to conduct. Requires the Solicitor to conduct public hearings at least twice a year for the purpose of hearing testimony and taking evidence from individuals claiming to possess information relevant to any violation of this Act. Directs the Solicitor to render advisory opinions when requested to do so by the President or the Congress
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1973
Establishes as a standing committee of the House the Committee on Energy. States that the Committee on Energy shall conduct investigations and studies into the development, application, use, and control of all forms of energy and power and shall report to the House the results of each investigation and study, together with such recommendations as the committee considers advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any creditor, card issuer or other person against any person on account of sex or marital status in connection with approval or denial of credit. Provides that any credit card issuer or other person who discriminates against any person on account of sex or marital status shall be civilly liable to the aggrieved person for money and punitive damages. Grants jurisdiction, concurrent with that of State courts, to Federal district courts to hear actions to enforce the liability created by this Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Requires the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to establish the National Dysautonomia Institute for research on dysautonomia. Provides that the Surgeon General shall establish a national advisory council for the Institute to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him with respect to the activities of the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to commence work on the beach erosion control aspect of the project for hurrican-flood protection and beach erosion control at East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay, New York. States that such work shall be independent of the hurricane-flood protection aspect of the project.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1973
Provides for the issuance of a special immigrant visa without fee, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, to any Vietnamese who has been orphaned by abandonment by one or both parents, one of which is a United States citizen.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1973
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to carry out the New York Harbor collection and removal of drift project. Provides that all funds hereafter appropriated for such project be made immediately available.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any creditor, card issuer or other person against any person on account of sex or marital status in connection with approval or denial of credit. Provides that any credit card issuer or other person who discriminates against any person on account of sex or marital status shall be civilly liable to the aggrieved person for money and punitive damages. Grants jurisdiction, concurrent with that of State courts, to Federal district courts to hear actions to enforce the liability created by this Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
Social Security Tax Reduction Act - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that the tax rate for old-age, survivors', and disability insurance shall be reduced to the 1972 level of 4.6 percent. Reduces (1) the hospital insurance rate to the 1972 level of .60 percent and (2) the rate of self-employment tax for old-age, survivors' and disability insurance to the 1972 level. Provides a reduction for individuals with limited income. Sets forth the computation for determining the amount of such deduction. Provides for a credit or refund for excess withholding of Social Security taxes. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund amounts equal to the amounts by which the taxes imposed by specified sections of the Internal Revenue Code are less than the amounts which would have been received if this Act had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
Provides for a 50-percent across-the-board increase in benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) with the resulting benefit costs being borne equally by employers, employees, and the Federal Government. Increases the amount of outside earnings which a beneficiary may have without suffering deductions from his benefits from $175 per month to $250 per month.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Crime Control Revenue Sharing Act - Provides the following conditions for a State to receive funds from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration under the 1968 Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act: (1) creation of a planning process under the direction of the chief executive officer of the State, with full and affective participation of units of local government and representatives of local and statewide public law enforcement and criminal justice agencies; (2) development of a comprehensive statewide plan for the control of crime and the administration of criminal justice; (3) establishment of priorities for the implementation of the State plan; (4) adoption of measures designed to bring to the attention of the residents of the State the contents of its comprehensive plan and annual reports, (5) adequate consideration of the needs and requests of units of local government in the State and encourage such units, both singly and in cooperation with other units, to develop programs and projects for the control of crime and the improvement of the administration of criminal justice; (6) provision for administration, fiscal control, aduit and monitoring and evaluation procedures, which shall be published in an official State report, to assure proper management and disbursement of funds as well as the effectiveness of programs funded under the Act; (7) provision for fair and adequate review procedures of actions taken by the State disapproving an application for funds under this title, or terminating or refusing to continue financial assistance to a State agency or a unit of local government, combination of such units, or special impact areas; (8) provision that all meetings of any planning organizations at which any action is taken respecting a State plan (or regional or local components thereof) or grants, contracts, or projects, made by a State under its plan shall be open to the public and preceded by public notice giving the time, at least forty-eight hours in advance of said meeting, place and general nature of business to be transacted; (9) provision for public access to all records relating to a State plan and its implementation and evaluation together with safeguards to prevent the disclosure of trade secrets or interference with an individual's right to privacy; and (10) certification that the aggregate statewide expenditures for law enforcement or criminal justice projects or activities have not been reduced by the substitution therefor of funds received under the Act. Requires a State to submit such comprehensive State plan in order to receive funds under the Act. Requires a State to submit such plan every three years. Requires a State to submit to the Administrator an annual report that shall: (1) demonstrate that programs funded under this title are being monitored and evaluated for their effectiveness; (2) analyze the techniques and standards for program monitoring and evaluation; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and projects thereunder; (4) describe revisions of the plan, program priorities, and implementation; (5) include the annual report of the special impact areas within the State; and (6) describe all programs funded by the State. Requires the Administrator to review such plans and reports, to provide the State with appropriate comments and recommendations, and to such comments and recommendations to Congress and pbulish then in the Federal Register. Requires the Administrator to deny funding under the Act to any State for any entitlement period in which the State has not made a good faith effort to develop procedures or to conform to standards set out in the Act. Defines units of local government qualifying as "special impact areas" for purposes of the Act. Sets forth conditions for such special impact areas to receive funds under the Act. Requires such special impact areas within each State to submit an annual jurisdiction wide plan and an annual report to the State. Authorizes the Administrator to make special revenue-sharing payments to States for control of crime and to administration of criminal justice. Establishes formula by which the Administrator shall allocate such special revenue-sharing funds appropriated each fiscal year. Requries the Administrator to develop procedures which provide for administration, fiscal control, audit, and monitoring and evaluation necessary to insure proper management, evaluation and disbursement of such funds. Provides that where a State or a special impact area fails to file a comprehensive plan within the required time or fails to make a good faith effort to conform its plan to the required standards, the funds allocated for such State or special impact area may be reallocated to other States or special impact areas whose plans and procedures have been improved. Provides that no person in any State shall on the ground of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the beneifts of , or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded under this Act. Establishes within the Department of Justice a National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, the purpose of which shall be to encourage research and development to improve and strengthen law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice. Authorizes the Institue to (1) make grants to or enter into contracts with, public agencies, institutions of higher education, or private organizations to conduct research, demonstration, or special projects pertaining to the purposes of the Institute; (2) carry out programs of behavioral research designed to provide more accurate information on the causes of crime and the effectiveness of various means of preventing crime, and to evaluate the success of correctional procedures; (3) carry out programs of instructional assistance consisting of research fellowships and special workshops for the presentation and dissemination of information resulting from research, demonstration, and special projects authorized by the Act; (4) carry out a program of collection and dissemination of information obtained by the Institute or other Federal agencies, public agencies, institutions of higher education, or private organizations engaged in projects under the Act, including information relating to new or improved approaches, techniques, evaluative methods, systems, equipment, and devices to improve and strengthen law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice; and (5) establish a research center to carry out such programs. Authorizes the Administrator, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education, to carry out programs of academic educational assistance to improve and strengthen law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice. Authorizes the Administrator to develop and support regional and national training programs, workshops and seminars to instruct State and local police and prosecuting attorneys from State and local offices engaged in the prosecution of organized crime. Authorizes the Administrator, after consultation with representatives of States and units of local government, to prescribe regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act. Authorizes the Administrator to notify an applicant or grantee under the Act who fails to comply with the provisions of the Act, that further payments shall not be made until there is no longer such failure. Provides opportunity for an administrative hearing on the request of any such applicant or grantee on such action taken by the Administrator. Provides for judicial review if any applicant or grantee is dissatisfied with the Administrator's final action with respect to the approval of its application submitted under the Act. Requires the Administrator to provide for accounting and auditing procedures, evaluation and reviews to insure that expenditure of funds received under the Act comply fully with the requirements of the Act. Authorizes the Comptroller General to review activity taken by the Administrator, State governments and units of local government. Requires the Administrator to evaluate regularly all programs and activities assisted under the Act, to disseminate to all States on a yearly basis such evaluations, and to collect, evaluate, publish and disseminate statistics and other information on the condition of law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice in the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to procure the services of experts, consultants, and technical or other advisory committees necessary to the administration of the Act. Prohibits authorization of any department, agency, officer or employee of the United States to exercise direction, supervision or control over any police force or any other law enforcement agency of any State or political subdivision thereof. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the President and to the Congress on activities persuant to the provisions of the Act. Prohibits the use of information collected for statistical or research purposes for any other purpose. Prohibits any publication whereby such information furnished by any particular private establishment or individual can be identified. Provides criminal penalties for violation of such prohibitions. Provides definitions of terms used in the Act. Provides criminal penalties for embezzlement , willful misapplication, possession by fraud, or theft of funds, assets, or property that are the subject of a grant, contract, or other forms of assistance persuant to the Act. Provides criminal penalties for willful falsification, concealment, or cover-up by trick, scheme, or device, of any material fact in any application for assistance submitted persuant to the Act. Requires the Attorney General to submit to the President and to the Congress an annual report on Federal law enforcement and criminal jsutice assistance activities, setting forth the programs conducted, expenditures made, results developed, and problems discovered in the operation and coordination of Federal assistance programs relating to crime prevention and control, including juvenile deliquency control, rehabilitation of narcotics addicts, gun control, regulation of explosives, and wiretapping.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1973
Establishes, under the Legislative Reorganization Act, the Office of Congressional Ombudsman. Directs the Ombudsman Board to investigate at the request of Members of Congress, actions and operations of agencies of the United States Government. Provides for the utilization by the Ombudsman of the Congressional Research Service and the General Accounting Office in carrying out his duties under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1973
Provides that there is a national 'on' indicator under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act for a week of unemployment if for each of the three most recent calendar months ending before such week the rate of national unemployment (seasonally adjusted) for all States equaled or exceeded 5 percent (now 4.5 percent). Provides that there is a national 'off' indicator under such Act for a week if for each of the three most recent calendar months ending before such week the rate of national unemployment (seasonally adjusted) for all States was less than 5 percent (now 4.5 percent). Establishes a supplemental account, for any individual for whom an individual compensation account under such Act. Provides that such account shall be available for benefits paid under this Act for weeks of unemployment occurring in such individual's eligibility period. Increases the Federal share of compensation paid under the State compensation law to 100 percent. Extends the time period during which benefits payable to an eligible individual by 13 weeks. Entitles a noninsured individual to compensation benefits under this Act if: (1) such individual has had six quarters of coverage under title II of the Social Security Act, or (2) such individual has been registered with the local employment service for at least six months and cannot obtain work, and the local employment service certifies that he has been so registered and cannot obtain work. Increases the rate of Federal unemployment tax under the Internal Revenue Code to 3.26 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1973
Provides that United States person (a) having a major investment in an enterprise in South Africa, or (b) affiliated with an entity doing business in South Africa; shall be eligible to enter into any contract with any agency of the United States Government unless such United States person is doing business in South Africa in accordance with fair employment practices and is listed on the roster to be established pursuant to this joint resolution. Requires the President to appoint an Advisory Board to be composed of 10 members for the purpose of recommending policy to the Administrator as designated in Executive Order Numbered 11246 for the purpose of exercising his authority under this joint resolution. Makes it the duty of the Administrator, after notice and opportunity for hearing: (1) to review the employment practices of each United States person, having a major investment in an enterprise in South Africa or affiliated with an entity doing business in South Africa, and (2) to issue an order establishing a roster of all such United States persons doing business in South Africa in accordance with fair employment practices. Requires the Administrator to review the eligibility of each United States person, having a major investment in an enterprise in South Africa or affiliated with an entity doing business in South Africa, for inclusion on the roster established under this section. Provides that the Administrator shall conduct a review of eligibility not less than once every two years. Allows any United States person aggrieved by an order of the Administrator to seek judicial review of such order. Authorizes the President, for reasons of national security or national defense, to exempt any United States person from the provisions of this joint resolution for a period not exceeding ninety days. Provides that any such exemption may be renewed by the President for a period not exceeding an additional ninety days, and that thereafter no additional exemption may be granted to the same United States person for a period of two years. Requires the Administrator to furnish any United States person with a copy of the charge and to make a preliminary investigation of the charge whenever it is charged in writing under oath by any person, real or corporate, in a statement setting forth the facts upon which it is based, or a written charge has been filed by a member of the Advisory Board where he has reasonable cause to believe, that a United States person having a major investment in South Africa or affiliated with an entity doing business in South Africa, who is entering or has entered into a contract with any agency of the United States Government, is not doing business in South Africa in accordance with fair employment practices. Provides that, if the Administrator determines that the charge is nonfrivolus, he shall set the matter for hearing as speedily as possible, and make a finding and issue an appropriate order in accordance with the provision of this joint resolution. Requires the Administrator to submit to the President and to the Congress an annual report, including a report of the Advisory Board, on the operations and activities under this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Prohibits the transportation of contraband cigarettes in interstate commerce. Defines contraband cigarettes as a quantity in excess of twenty thousand cigarettes, bearing no evidence of the payment of applicable state cigarette taxes, in the possession of unauthorized carriers. Provides for the swizure and fordeiture of cigarettes transported and vehicles used for such transportation in violation of State laws. Provides for a penalty of a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for anyone biolating this Act.
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 · 16 April 1973
Family Farm Antitrust Act - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Provides that no person engaged in commerce in a business other than farming, whose nonfarming business assets exceed $3,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products, or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer owned and controlled cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act, if the person is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes 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 · 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.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Provides for the cancellation of student loans under the student loan provisions of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 for service in mental hospitals and schools for the handicapped. (Amends 20 U.S.C. 425(b)(3)(B))
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Authorizes, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, grants to institutions of higher education for the payment to students enrolled in psychology, sociology, or social work in such institutions to encourage their part-time employment and clinical training in hospitals for mental rehabilitation. Authorizes the appropriation of a total of $22,000,000 for the fiscal years 1974, 1975 and 1976 to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
Requires States to pass along to individuals who are recipients of aid or assistance under the Federal-State public assistance programs or under specified other Federal programs, and who are entitled to social security benefits, the full amount of the 1972 increase in such benefits, either by disregarding it in determining their need for assistance or otherwise. Makes the same requirement with regard to Veterans' benefits and pensions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Child Development Personnel Training Act - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to respond to the demonstrated need for child development personnel in the 1970's by stimulating the development of sufficient training and educational programs in every State and region of the United States to assure an adequate supply of personnel to meet the staffing requirements of early childhood programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to, or to enter into contracts with, institutions of higher education, State and local child development agencies, State and local educational agencies, child development programs, private companies and organizations engaged in teacher training, teacher training organizations, national child development organizations, and producers of television programming, for the purpose of establishing, developing, or updating early childhood personnel training programs. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act $40,000,000 ffor fiscal year 1974, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $75,000,000 for each of the succeeding fiscal years ending prior to July 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Authorizes the issuance of 60,000 special immigrant visas only to Jewish citizens of Algeria, Irag, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Republic, and Yemen who are seeking to enter the United States to avoid persecution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Health Programs Extension Act - Title I: Amendments to Public Health Service Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Health Service Act: (1) health services research and development, (2) national health surveys and studies, (3) public health training, (4) migrant health (5) comprehensive health planning and services (6) assistance to medical libraries (7) Hill-Burton programs for construction of medical library facilities (8) training in the allied health professions, (9) regional medical programs, and (10) population research and family planning. Title II: Amendments to the Community Mental Health Centers Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Community Mental Health Centers Act: (1) construction assistance for mental health centers, (2) staffing assistance for mental health centers, (3) alcoholism programs (4) drug abuse programs, (5)consultation services, and (6) mental health of children. Title III: Amendments to the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for construction, services, and planning under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act. Title IV: Funding Assurances - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for programs under the Medical Facilities Construction and Modernization Amendment of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Provides, under the Freedom of Information Act, that each agency, upon a request under the Act that records be made available to the public, shall: (1) determine within ten days after the receipt of any such request whether to comply with such request and immediately notify the person making such request of such determination and the reasons therefor; (2) in the case of a determination not to comply with any such request, immediately notify the person making such request that such person has a period of twenty days within which to appeal such determination to such agency; and (3) make a determination with respect to such appeal within twenty days after the receipt of such appeal. Permits the district court, to examine the contents of agency records in camera to determine if such records shall be exempted from disclosure. Provides that in the case of an action in the United States district court to enjoin an agency from withholding agency records and to order the production of any agency records improperly withheld, the United States or an officer or agency thereof shall serve an answer to any complaint made in such action within twenty days after the service upon the United States Attorney of the pleading in which such complaint is made. Provides that the court may assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in such action in which the United States or an officer or agency thereof has not prevailed. Provides that such disclosures under the Act may be obtained in the case of investigatory records for law enforcement purposes to the extent that such records are scientific tests, reports, or data, inspection reports of any agency which relates to health or safety, or records which serve as a basis for any public policy statement made by any agency or officer or employee of the United States or which serves as a basis for rulemaking by any agency. Provides that each Agency shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate which include statistics on the request and appeal procedures of the Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552)
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to purchase from one or more life insurance companies a policy or policies of mortgage protection life insurance on a group basis for veterans unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a substandard rate because of a service-connected disability. Sets forth the maximum amount of insurance under a policy provided under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to deduct insurance premiums from any compensation or other cash benefits payable to veterans by the Veterans' Administration, and to pay such premiums to the insurers. Provides that the United States shall bear all of the cost of the insurance provided under this Act, except the amount of premium rates. States that any amount of insurance in force under this Act on the date of death of an insured veteran shall be paid only to the holder of the mortgage loan on the veteran's home as a credit toward loan indebtedness. Requires each policy purchased under this Act to provide for the following: (1) reinsurance with other insurers which meet the Administrator's criteria; (2) that the Administrator may discontinue a whole policy, or exclude from coverage loans made after a date fixed by him; (3) issuance to each insured veteran of a certificate setting forth the benefits to which he is entitled; (4) any other provisions necessary to carry out this Act; and (5) an annual accounting to the Administrator of the amount of premiums paid, the total of all mortality and other claim charges incurred, and the amount of the insurer's expenses and risk charges. States that insurance under this Act shall terminate upon whichever of the following events first occurs: (1) satisfaction of the veteran's indebtedness under the loan upon which the insurance is based; (2) the veteran's 70th birthday; (3) termination of the veteran's ownership of the property securing the loan; (4) discontinuance of payment of premiums by the veteran; or (5) discontinuance of the entire contract or agreement. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 791-95)
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a National Population Sciences and Family Planning Services Administration. Establishes, within the Administration, a National Center for Family Planning Services, to carry out a public information services program for planning and development, manpower development and training, supervision of field services, and grants management. Establishes, within the Administration, a National Institute for Population Sciences to carry out reproductive physiology research, contraceptive development and evaluation, operational research, social science research, and grants mangement. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare shall utilize the Administration to administer programs and research related to population and family planning. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year such amounts as may be necessary to meet the administrative expenses of the Administration. Directs the Secretary, on January 1 after the Act, to make a report to the Congress setting forth a plan to be carried out over a period of 5 years for extention of family services, for research programs in reproductive physiology, contraceptive development and evaluation, the social sciences and operational research, for training of necessary manpower for services and research, and for carrying out the other purposes set forth in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make, through the Administration, grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations and institutions to assist in the establishment and operation of voluntary family planning projects. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State health agencies to assist the States in planning, establishing, maintaining, coordinating, and evaluating family planning services. Provides that no funds appropriated under this system shall be used in a program where abortion is a method of family planning. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1974 through fiscal year 1978 to enable the Secretary to carry out the provisions of the two foregoing programs. Authorizes appropriations for manpower development and program planning and evaluation for fiscal year 1974 through fiscal year 1978 in order to implement the aforementioned family planning programs. States that, in order to promote research in the biomedical, contraceptive development, social science and operational research fields related to population and family planning the Secretary is authorized to make grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations and institutions, and to enter into contracts with groups, associations, institutions, individuals, or corporations for the conduct of such research. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1974 through fiscal year 1978 for the purpose of making grants and contracts under this section. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1974 through fiscal year 1978 for project grants to assist in meeting the cost of construction and operation of centers for research relating to human reproduction, sterility, contraception, effectiveness of service delivery, population trends, and other aspects of, or factors which affect, population dynamics. States that applications for grants under this section shall be approved by the Secretary only if the applicant is an institution of higher education or other public or private nonprofit institution which the Secretary determines is competent to engage in the type of research necessary. Provides that the total of the grants with respect to such project shall not exceed 75 percent of the cost of the project. States that if within twenty years after completion of any construction for which funds have been paid under this section: (1) the applicant or other owner of the facility shall cease to be a public or private nonprofit institution; or (2) the facility shall cease to be used for the purposes for which it was constructed, unless the Secretary determines, in accordance with the promulgated regulations, that there is good cause for releasing the applicant or other owner from the obligation to do so, the United States shall be entitled to recover from the applicant or other owners of the facility amount bearing the same ratio to the value of the participation bore to the cost of the construction of the facility. Authorizes the Secretary to make project grants and to enter into contracts with public agencies and nonprofit organizations and institutions to assist in developing and making available family planning and population growth information to all persons desiring such information or materials. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for the fiscal years 1974 through 1978 for the purpose of making grants or entering into contracts under this section.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that the designation of payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund shall be made on the front page of the taxpayer's income tax return form. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to give extensive publicity to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund from January 1 to April 15 of each year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Provides that the rentals and carrying charges charged for accommodations in any housing covered by a mortgage insured under the National Housing Act during the period beginning upon the date of enactment of this Act and ending at midnight June 30, 1974, shall not exceed the levels at which such rentals and carrying charges were stabilized during the ninety day period beginning August 15, 1971. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to take such action as may be necessary to regulate or restrict such rentals and carrying charges in accordance with this Act. Authorizes any aggrieved person or class of persons to commence a civil action against any person or entity, including officers or agencies of the Federal, State, or local governments, who is alleged to have violated this Act. Provides the district courts of the United States with jurisdiction without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties to require compliance with this subsection or to order the performance of any nondiscretionary act or duty under this Act. Stipulates that no such action may be commenced with regard to any housing accommodation if the President has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil action in a court of the United States to require compliance with this Act with regard to such housing accommodation, but in any such action, any person aggrieved may intervene as a matter of right. Provides that any owner or operator of housing accommodations for which the rental or carrying charges which may be charged are affected by this Act may apply to the President for an exception on the basis of increased capital or operating costs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
States that, during the period beginning with the date of enactment of this Act and ending June 30, 1974, the rentals and carrying charges for accommodations in any housing shall not exceed the levels at which such rentals and carrying charges were stabilized during the ninety-day period beginning August 15, 1971. Directs the President to take such action as may be necessary to regulate or restrict such rentals and carrying charges in accordance with this Act. Authorizes any aggrieved person or class of persons to commence a civil action against any person or entity, including officers or agencies of the Federal, State, or local governments, who is alleged to have violated this Act. Grants the district courts of the United States jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, to require compliance with this subsection or to order the performance of any nondiscretionary act or duty under this Act. Stipulates that no such action may be commenced with regard to any housing accommodation if the President has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil action in a court of the United States to require compliance with this Act with regard to such housing accommodation, but in any such action, any person aggrieved may intervene as a matter of right. Provides that any owner or operator of housing accommodations for which the rental or carrying charges which may be charged are affected by this Act may apply to the President for an exception on the basis of increased capital or operating costs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Provides that: (1) recipients of aid or assistance under the various Federal-State public assistance and medicaid programs under the Social Security Act; (2) recipients of assistance or benefits under the veterans' pension and compensation programs; and (3) certain recipients of assistance under the Federal Food Stamp Program, recipients of benefits in any form under any Federal retirement or disability program, and other Federal and federally assisted programs will not have the amount of such aid, assistance, or benefits reduced because of increases in monthly social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Provides, under the Federal Aviation Act, for reduced rate transportation on a space available basis for youth (between 12 and 22), elderly people (aged 65 and older), and military personnel who are members of the United States armed services traveling at their own expense, in uniform and while on official leave, furlough, or pass. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1373(b))
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to nonprofit private entities and to enter into contracts with private entities: (1) for specified research and development projects designed to improve systems and delivery of health care for persons who are critically ill; (2) to support biomedical engineering projects for testing new instrumentation and systems for delivery of critical health care; and (3) for the establishment and initial operation of not more than ten critical care facilities for the delivery of health care to critically ill patients, which facilities would be used for clinical testing of new instrumentation and health care delivery systems and to train personnel in the use of such instrumentation and systems. Specifies conditions for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $20,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 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 · 14 March 1973
Eliminates the limitation on the use of Federal funds for social service programs under the Social Security Act whereby no more than 10% of amounts alloted to States could be expended for services to individuals who were not recipients of or applicants for aid or public assistance under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Economic Opportunity Amendments - Prohibits the impoundment of funds appropriated by Congress for economic opportunity programs and exempts the Office of Economic Opportunity from the provisions of the Federal Anti-deficiency Act. Provides for the continuation of Community Action Programs. Provides that a vacancy occurring in the positions of Director, Deputy Director, or Assistant Director may be filled temporarily for not more than 30 days. Suspends the President's authority to authorize the Director to delegate any of his powers or functions, or programs administered under this Act unless he complies with the requirements for executive reorganizations. Prohibits the Director from disposing of property belonging to the Office of Economic Opportunity that would have the effect of reducing the Office's powers, functions or programs. Provides that the Director shall not transfer funds to other Federal agencies for the performance of Office of Economic Opportunity functions delegated after January 31, 1973, if the President has not complied with the requirements of the Executive Reorganization Act of 1949 as provided in this Act. Provides that any unexpended funds so transferred prior to January 31, 1973, shall be returned to the Office of Economic Opportunity. Provides procedures for a full and fair hearing before financial assistance may be suspended under any title of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Provides that there shall be adopted regulations governing the implementation of titles I, IV-A, IV-B, X, XIV, and XVI of the Social Security Act which shall be consistent with the following model regulations. States that Federal financial participation is available for expenditures under a State plan approved under any of the previously mentioned titles. Requires a single organizational unit, within the single State agency, at the State and local level which is responsible for the furnishing of family services, WIN (Work Incentive Program), support services, and child welfare services. Requires the establishment of an advisory committee on social service programs at the State and local level. Requires the establishment of an advisory committee on day care services. Makes provisions for a fair hearing under which applicants and recipients may appeal denial of or an exclusion from a service program. Requires a State plan to specify how the services will be provided and, in the case of provision by other public agencies, identify the agency and the service to be provided. States that, if a State elects to provide services for additional groups of families or individuals, the state plan must identify such groups and specify the services to be made available to each group. Provides that services to individuals must be in accord with plans developed in cooperation with the individual, be responsive to the needs of the individual applicant, and be related to one or more of the specific goals described in this Act. Defines the term "services" to include chore services, day care services for adults, child care services, educational services, employment services, family planning services, adult services, foster care services for adults, foster care services for children, services to meet health needs, home delivered or congregate meals, homemaker services, home management and other functional educational services, housing improvement services, legal services, community planning, protective services for adults and children, special services for the blind, and transportation services. Sets forth requirements a State plan must meet before it can authorize the provision of services by purchase from other State or local public agencies, from nonprofit or proprietary private agencies or organizations, or from individuals. Provides that the total amount of Federal funds paid to any State shall not exceed an amount which bears the same ratio to $2,500,000,000 as the population of all the States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Bill of Rights for the Mentally Retarded - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish standards which assure the humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded in residential facilities, and to improve the system for the provision of services to the mentally retarded through the encouragement of and support for the planning and development of strategies to implement such standards, minimize inappropriate admissions to residential facilities and stimulate the development of regional and community programs integrating such residential facilities which conform to such standards. Provides for a new title to the Public Health Service Act: Title XI: Support of Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to aid them with the cost of bringing existing residential facilities into compliance with the standards established under this Act, and to improve existing residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 ($15,000,000 for each program) for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years, for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of assisting States in meeting the expenses for bringing publicly operated facilities and publicly assisted facilities into conformity with the standards established by this Act. Stipulates that any State desiring to receive such a grant shall submit a plan to the Secretary setting forth a schedule for compliance with such standards. Provides that the total of the grants with respect to any such project bringing facilities into conformity with the standards imposed by this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the necessary cost thereof as determined by the Secretary. Requires, within five years after the date of enactment of this Act, that no residential facility for the mentally retarded shall be eligible to receive payments either directly or indirectly under any Federal law, unless such facility meets the standards promulgated under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private non-profit agency, organization or institution to meet the costs of development, improvement, extension, or expansion of community resources and community living situations for the mentally retarded other than live-in-residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Standards for Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed in the implementation of the standards established under this Act; (2) study and evaluate such standards authorized by this Act; and (3) recommend to the Secretary any changes, revisions, modifications, or improvements in the standards established under this Act. Provides that the ultimate aim of the residential facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Requires such facilities to be located within, and conveniently accessible to, the population served, so as to have access to necessary generic community services. Provides that the facility and the surrounding community should be encouraged to share their services and resources on a reciprocal basis. Provides that residents of the facility should be integrated to the greatest possible extent with the general population. Provides that the facility shall have a written outline of the philosophy, objectives, and goals it is striving to achieve. Requires such outline to be available for distribution to staff, consumer representatives, and the interested public. Provides that the governing body of the facility shall exercise general direction and shall establish policies concerning the operation of the individuals served. Provides that the administration of the facility shall provide for effective staff and resident participation and communication. Requires the facility to designate a percentage of its operating budget for self-renewal purposes. Provides that the facility shall have a description of services for residents that is available to the public. Provides that the facility shall provide for meaningful and extensive consumer-representative and public participation. Provides that a public education and information program should be established that utilizes all communication media, and all service, religious and civil groups, to develop attitudes of understanding and acceptance of mentally retarded persons in all aspects of community living. Provides that admission and release procedures shall: (1) encourage voluntary admission; (2) give equal priority to persons of comparable need; (3) facilitate emergency, partial, and short-term residential care; and (4) utilize the maximum feasible amount of voluntariness in each individual case. Authorizes the residential facility to admit only residents who have had a comprehensive evaluation. Provides that all admissions to the residential facility shall be considered temporary. Provides that there shall be a regular, at least annual, joint review of the status of each resident by all relevant personnel. Provides that at the time of permanent release or transfer there shall be recorded a summary of findings, progress, and plans for protective supervision and other followup services in the resident's new environment. Provides that the performance of each employee of the facility shall be evaluated at least annually. Provides that staffing shall be sufficient so that the facility is not dependent upon the use of residents or volunteers for productive services. Provides that food services shall recognize and provide for the physiological, emotional, and cultural needs of each resident, through provision of a planned, nutritionally adequate diet. Provides that each resident shall have an adequate allowance of neat, clean, fashionable, and seasonable clothing. Provides that residents shall be trained to exercise maximum independence in health, hygiene, and grooming practices. Provides that living unit components or groupings shall be small enough to insure the development of meaningful interpersonal relationships among residents and between residents and staff. Requires dental services to be provided all residents in order to maximize their general health by maintaining an optimal level of daily oral health, through preventive measures and correcting existing oral diseases. Provides that educational services, defined as deliberate attempts to facilitate the intellectual, sensorimotor, and affective development of the individual, shall be available to all residents, regardless of chronological age, degree of retardation, or accompanying disabilities or handicaps. Provides that food and nutrition services shall be provided in order to: (1) insure optimal nutritional status of each resident, thereby enhancing his physical, emotional, and social well-being; and (2) provide a nutritionally adequate diet, in a form consistent with developmental level, to meet the dietary needs of each resident. Makes library services, which include the location, acquisition, organization, utilization, retrieval, and delivery of materials in a variety of media, available to the facility, in order to support and strengthen its total habilitation program by providing complete and integrated multimedia information services to both staff and residents. Provides that medical services shall be provided in order to: (1) achieve and maintain an optimal level of general health for each resident; (2) maximize normal function and prevent disability; and (3) facilitate the optimal development of each resident. Provides that residents shall be provided with nursing services, in accordance with their needs, in order to: (1) develop and maintain an environment that will meet their total health needs; (2) foster optimal health; (3) encourage maximum self-care and independence; and (4) provide skilled nursing care. Provides that, where appropriate to the facility, there shall be a pharmacy and therapeutics committee, that includes one or more pharmacists, to develop policy on drug usage in the facility, and to develop and maintain a current formulary. Provides that physical and occupational therapy services shall be provided in order to: (1) prevent abnormal development and further disability; (2) facilitate the optimal development of each resident; and (3) enable the resident to be a contributing and participating member of the community in which he resides. Requires psychological services be provided in order to facilitate, through the application of psychological principles, techniques, and skills, the optimal development of each resident. Provides that recreation services should provide each resident with a program of activities that: (1) promotes physical and mental health; (2) promotes optimal sensorimotor, cognitive, affective, and social development; (3) encourages movement from dependent to independent and interdependent functioning; and (4) provides for the enjoyable use of leisure time. Make religious services available to residents, in accorance with their basic right to freedom of religion. Provides that all social services shall be available to all residents and their families in order to foster and facilitate: (1) maximum personal and social development of the resident; (2) positive family functioning; and (3) effective and satisfying social and community relationships. Provides that speech pathology and audiology services shall be available, in order to: (1) maximize the communications skills of all residents; and (2) provide for the evaluation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of those residents with speech, hearing and/or language handicaps. Requires each facility to provide all its residents with rehabilitation services, which include the establishment, maintenance, and implementation of those programs that will ensure the optimal development or restoration of each resident physically, psychologically, socially and vocationally. Provides that volunteer services shall be provided in order to enhance opportunities for the fullest realization of the potential of each resident by: (1) increasing the amount, and improving the quality, of services and programs; and (2) facilitating positive relationships between the facility and the community which it serves. Provides that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habitation program; (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to his habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Provides that the administration of the facility shall make provision for the design and conduct, or the supervision, of research that will objectively evaluate the effectiveness of program components and contribute to informed decisionmaking in the facility. Provides that the requirements of the Secretary shall be met, with specific reference to the following: (1) provision of adequate and alternate exits and doors; (2) provision of exit ramps, with nonskid surface and slope not exceeding one foot in twelve; and (3) provision for handrails on stairways. Provides that there shall be records that document strict compliance with the sanitation, health, and environmental safety codes of the State or local authorities having primary jurisdiction over the facility. Provides that adequate, modern administrative support shall be provided to efficiently meet the needs of, and contribute to, program services for residents, and to facilitate attainment of the goals and objectives of the facility. Provides that funds shall be budgeted and spent in accordance with the principles and procedures of program budgeting. Provides that there shall be written purchasing policies regarding authority and approvals for supplies, services, and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Truth in Savings Act - Declares that economic stability would be enhanced and competition among savings institutions improved by full disclosure of the terms and conditions under which earnings on savings deposits are payable. Declares that the purposes of this Act to be the meaningful disclosure of terms and conditions of the payment of earnings on individual savings deposits. Establishes a method to determine annual percentage rate, periodic percentage rate, and annual percentage yield. Confers on the Federal Reserve Board authority to issue appropriate regulations which provide for uniform disclosures and regulations as the Board determines are necessary. Establishes disclosure requirements to be applied to any individual at a time before he initially places funds in an individual savings deposit in a savings institution. Authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to establish additional disclosure requirements. Requires a savings institution to notify its depositors 10 days in advance of any change in policy or procedure with respect to any item of information required to be disclosed. Requires advertisements relating to the earnings payable on an individual savings deposit to state with equal prominence the annual percentage rate and the annual percentage yield. Prohibits any indication of any percentage rate or percentage yield based on a period in excess of one year or based on the effect of any grace period. Establishes the governmental agencies which have responsibility for enforcing compliance with the requirements of this Act. Establishes civil liability for a savings institution which fails to comply with this Act. Permits savings institution to avoid liability if it notifies individuals of errors within 15 days of discovery or if a preponderance of evidence shows that error was, unintentional and resulted from a bona fide error. Provides a maximum $5,000 fine for willful and knowing violation of the requirements of the Act. Authorizes the Board to obtain the view of any other Federal or State agency exercising regulatory or supervisory functions with respect to any class of savings institutions subject to this Act. Limits effect of the Act on pertinent State laws and on the validity and enforceability of any contract or obligation under State or Federal law. Requires the Board to make an annual report to Congress concerning the administration of its functions under this Act. Provides for the continued validity of the remainder of this Act should any provision be held invalid.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Economic Opportunity Amendments - Prohibits the impoundment of funds appropriated by Congress for economic opportunity programs and exempts the Office of Economic Opportunity from the provisions of the Federal Anti-deficiency Act. Provides for the continuation of Community Action Programs. Provides that a vacancy occurring in the Office of the Director may be filled temporarily for not more than 30 days. Suspends the President's authority to authorize the Director to delegate any of his powers or functions or programs administered under this Act unless he complies with the terms of the Executive Reorganization Act. Prohibits the Director from disposing of property belonging to the Office of Economic Opportunity that would have the effect of reducing the Office's powers, functions or programs. Provides that the Director shall not transfer funds to other Federal agencies for the performance of Office of Economic Opportunity functions delegated after January 31, 1973, if the President has not complies with the requirements of the Executive Reorganization Act of 1949 as provided in this Act. Provides that any unexpended funds so transferred prior to January 31, 1973 be returned to the Office of Economic Opportunity. Provides procedures for a full and fair hearing before financial assistance may be suspended under any title of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Holtzman, Elizabeth [D-NY-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000752_200.jpg)