United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1974
Provides for the expansion of the powers and functions of the Export-Import Bank of America. States that the Bank shall, in connection with the export financing of instrumentalities of other governments, seek to minimize competition in Government-supported export financing. Stipulates that no loan, guarantee, or insurance or combination thereof made to a Communist country or agent or national thereof in an amount which equals or exceeds $50,000,000 shall be finally approved by the Board of Directors of the Bank unless the Bank has submitted to the Congress with respect to such loan, guarantee, or insurance or combination thereof, a statement explaining the transaction at least thirty legislative days prior to the date of final approval. Provides that pending consideration and action by the Senate upon the bill H.R. 10710, as introduced in the first session of this Congress, cited as the "Trade Reform Act of 1973, and as amended and passed by the House, no loan, guarantee, insurance, or credit shall be extended by the Bank to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly. Authorizes the Bank to charge against the limitations imposed by the Export-Import Bank Act not less than 25 percent of the related contractual liability which the Bank incurs for guarantees, insurance, coinsurance, and reinsurance against political and credit risks of loss. States that the aggregate amount of guarantees, insurance, coinsurance, and reinsurance which may be charged on this fractional basis pursuant to this section shall not exceed $20,000,000,000 outstanding at any one time.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1974
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop a system for the payment, on a staggered or cyclical basis during each month, of old-age, survivors and disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Act. Requires that such system shall take effect not later than July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1974
Entitles specified veterans of the Mexican border period and of World War I and their widows and children to a veterans' pension benefit on the same basis as that accorded to veterans of the Spanish American War and their widows and children, respectively. Provides for an increase in pension rates applicable to such classes of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1974
Cost-of-living Adjustment Act- Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for automatic cost-of-living adjustments, based on the Consumer Price Index, in: (1) the income tax rates; (2) the amount of standard deductions; (3) the amount of personal exemptions; (4) the amount of depreciation deductions; and (5) the adjusted basis for property. Makes cost-of- living adjustments in specified United States savings bonds and certificates and on other obligations of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1974
Establishes a Select Committee on Aging in the House of Representatives. Authorizes the committee to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of any and all matters pertaining to problems of older people, including, but not limited to, problems of maintaining health, of assuring adequate income, of finding employment, of engaging in productive and rewarding retirement activity, of securing proper housing, and, when necessary, of assuring adequate care or assistance. Directs the Committee to report to the House from time to time the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1974
Small Business Tax Relief Act - Allows an investment tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code to small businesses for depreciable property on which construction begins after April 1, 1974, or which is acquired after such time, equal to 10 percent of the qualified investment (the applicable precentage of the basis of each new such property and cost of each used such property placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year) up to $20,000 and 7 percent of such investment in excess of $20,000. Increases the additional first-year depreciation allowance under the Internal Revenue Code for a small business from 20 to 25 percent. Increases the cost allowance of such property on which such deduction is based from $10,000 to $15,000. Prescribes a formula for computing the last-in-first-out (LIFO) inventory adjustment for small businesses whose closing inventory is less than $200,000 and who do not use the LIFO inventory methods described in the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Allows small businesses a carryover for 10 years of a net operating loss.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1974
Provides that Federal expenditures shall not exceed Federal revenues, except in time of war or grave national emergency declared by the Congress. Provides for the systematic reduction of the public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1974
National Commission on Supplies and Shortages Act - Establishes as an independent instrumentality of the Federal Government a National Commission on Supplies and Shortages. Specifies the composition of the Commission. States that it shall be the function of the Commission to make a report to the President and to the Congress with respect to: (1) the existence or possibility of any long- or short-term shortages or market adversities affecting the supply of any natural resources, raw agriculture commodities, materials, manufactured products, and the reason for such shortages or adversities; (2) the need for and the assessment of alternative actions necessary to increase the availability of the items referred to in clause (1), or to correct the adversity affecting the availability of any such items; (3) existing policies and practices of government which tend to affect the supply of natural resources and other commodities; and (4) the means by which to coordinate information. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1974
Constitutional Amendment - Stipulates that appropriations made by the United States shall not exceed its revenues, except in time of war or national emergency. Provides for the systematic paying back of the national debt over the one-hundred year period beginning with the ratification of this amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation four annual installments of $375,000,000 each for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury to the International Development Association. Repeals the prohibitions on purchasing, holding, selling, or otherwise dealing in gold in the United States or abroad, effective either on December 31, 1974, or at any time prior to such date that the President finds and reports to Congress that private ownership of gold will not adversely affect the U.S. monetary position.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Prohibits, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the issuance of general permits which authorize the taking (whether incidental or otherwise) of marine mammals in connection with commercial fishing operations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1974
Increases from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated for the forestry incentive program administered under the Agricultural Act of 1970. Increases from 500 acres to 1000 acres the size of a tract which may be affected by such program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Housing and Urban Development Act - Title I: Community Development Block Grants - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States and Units of general local government to help finance Community Development Programs. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations for such grants of up to $8,050,000,000 until July 1, 1977. Authorizes $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for grants to general local government units for urgent community development needs. Requires grant applicants to: (1) formulate community development programs and housing assistance plans; (2) operate such programs in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Public Law 90-284 (relating to fair housing); and (3) inform affected citizens of the various aspects of the program. Requires an annual review and audit to determine if grantees are carrying out their programs as required by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to release funds for projects to applicants who assume all of the responsibilities of environmental review, decision making, and action pursuant to the Environmental Policy Act that would otherwise apply to the Secretary. States that community development programs approved under this title may include: (1) acquisition of real property that is deteriorating or useful for public purposes; (2) installation of public works facilities; (3) rehabilitation of buildings; and (4) provisions for health, social, counseling and training services under activities within this title. Prescribes the allocation of grant funds under this title, including a ratio to determine amounts for individual cities which relates to poverty and housing overcrowding in the city. Requires that 80 percent of the non-urgent grant funds go to metropolitan areas. Prescribes the full "hold-harmless" amount of a metropolitan city or urban county under this title. Preserves a discretionary grant fund for special projects, including new communities, United States territories, and diaster-caused development needs. Authorizes the guarantee of notes or other obligations of general local government units for acquisition of real property for community development programs. Prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, or sex under programs funded by this title. Sets wage standards for labor performed under contracts funded by this title. Requires the termination or reduction of funds to grantees failing to comply with this title. Allows judicial review of such actions. Allows 20 percent of the urgent-need grants to be applied toward the payment of principal and interest on temporary loans made to a local government unit under the Housing Act of 1949. Permits continuance of local building codes (where assistance is sought under this Act) whose standards are as high or higher than those required by this Act. Provides for the employment of low-income persons under programs approved by this title. Title II: Assisted Housing - Authorizes assistance, under the United States Housing Act of 1937, to low-income families. Allows public housing agencies to make assistance payments for the use of existing dwelling units. Allows assistance payments for contracts with owners or prospective owners who construct or rehabilitate housing which will be used at least in part for low-income families. Allows the Secretary to enter into contracts with public housing agencies by which they may assist owners or prospective owners of units over which such agencies assume management. Requires such assistance contracts to set a maximum monthly rent, according to prescribed guidelines. Disallows material differences in rents for assisted housing and comparable unassisted housing. Sets forth a time limit on such contracts for assistance payments. Reserves all ownership, management, and maintenance responsibilities in the owners. Requires 30 percent of families assisted under this title to be "very low-income" families. Requires the Secretary to insure that special projects for the handicapped authorized under the United States Housing Act of 1937 provide quality services and management consistent with the needs of the occupant. Prohibits the approval of a housing assistance plan under the United States Housing Act of 1937, the National Housing Act, or the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 unless the general local government unit certifies that such assistance is consistent with a housing assistance plan approved under title I of this Act. Requires the allocation of assistance under provisions of the above-mentioned laws according to rates of poverty, overcrowding, and substandard housing. Makes public housing agencies eligible as mortgagors under the National Housing Act's provisions relating to housing for moderate income and displaced families. Specifies minimum rentals for low-rent housing under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires the establishment of sound management practices by public housing agencies. Increases the annual contribution to public housing to maintain low rents to $400,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $965,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. Extends the home ownership, cooperative and rental mortgage provisions of the National Housing Act until June 30, 1975. Makes special provision for housing assistance to American Indians, the elderly and handicapped, and to areas where assistance is otherwise unavailable. Title III: Mortgage Credit Programs - Extends the regular FHA insurance programs and the interest rate authority for veterans' home loans. Increases the maximum mortgage amount under the FHA one-to four-family and multifamily mortgage insurance programs. Makes changes in downpayment requirements for regular FHA one-to four-family mortgages. Provides for FHA insured financing on resale of cooperative dwellings. Increases the amounts and time limits on home improvement loans. Permits the co-insurance of any mortgage, advance, or loan in addition to co-insurance otherwise provided by this Act. Prohibits the issuance of such insurance until it is determined that such co-insurance demonstration program will not disrupt the mortgage market or reduce the availability of mortgage credit to borrowers who depend upon mortgage insurance under this Act. Prohibits the purchase of mortgages by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation if the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage at the time of purchase exceeds 80 percent of the value of the property. Eliminates the provisions of Federal law concerning the retirement of common and preferred stock in FNMA. Prohbits sex discrimination in Federal mortgage assistance payments under this title. Adds osteopathic and podiatric facilities to the provisions of the National Housing Act regarding mortgage insurance for group practice facilities. Title IV: Rural Housing - Allows loans for the repair and improvement of rural dwellings to make them safe and sanitary (where the borrower does not otherwise qualify) of up to $5,000. Extends veterans preference to rural housing programs under the Housing Act of 1949. Authorizes funds for loan programs for rural housing programs. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas. Authorizes direct and insured loans to provide condominium housing for low-and moderate-income families in ruarl areas. Permits the Secretary to make loans to public or private nonprofit organizations for the acquisition and development of land as building sites to be subdivided and sold to families, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and cooperatives. Allows borrowers, under provisions of the Housing Act of 1949, to prepay taxes and insurance to the Secretary, who will hold such payments in escrow and pay them out at the appropriate time. Provides for contracts with public or private nonprofit organizations to provide information and technical assistance, provided such private nonprofit organizations are sponsored by a State or local government entity. States that such information and assistance shall relate to construction, rehabilitation, and operation of low-and moderate-income housing, as well as counseling on household management and budgeting. Authorizes loans and insurance for rental or cooperative housing for persons and families of low income in multifamily housing projects, as well as assistance payments to owners of such rental housing to make available to such persons such housing at rates not exceeding 25 percent of their incomes. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that it is the purpose of this part to encourage the formation of State development agencies which have authority to carry out development activities designed to: (1) provide housing and related facilities for persons and families of low and moderate income; (2) promote the sound growth and development of neighborhoods through the revitalization of slum and blighted areas; and (3) increase and improve employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed through the development and redevelopment of industrial, manufacturing, and commercial facilities. Permits the guarantee of bonds, debentures, notes and other obligations issued by State development agencies to finance development activities described in the purposes of this title. Establishes a revolving fund to provide for timely payment of liabilities incurred as a result of such guarantees. Allows supplementary grants for projects assisted by the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities. Includes waste disposal facilities among eligible land improvements. Authorizes appropriations for comprehensive urban planning. Title VI: Consumer Home Mortgage Assistance - Consumer Home Mortgage Assistance Act - States that savings and loan associations are authorized to invest an amount, not exceeding the greater of the sum of its surplus, undivided profits, and reserves or 5 percent of its assets, in loans or in interests therein the principal purpose of which is to provide financing with respect to what is or is expected to become primarily residential real estate within one hundred miles of their home office or within the State in which such office is located. Increase the amount that may be loaned by such associations on single family dwellings from $45,000 to $55,000. Permits any national banking association to make real estate loans secured by liens upon unimproved real estate, upon improved real estate, including improved farmland and improved business and residential properties, and upon real estate to be improved by a building or buildings to be constructed or in the process of construction, in an amount which when added to the amount unpaid upon prior mortgages, liens, encumbrances, if any, upon such real estate does not exceed the respective proportions of appraised value as provided in this title. States that the amount of any such loan hereafter made shall not exceed 66 2/3 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is unimproved, 75 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is improved by offsite improvements such as as streets, water, sewers, or other utilities, 75 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is in the process of being improved by a building or building to be constructed or in the process of construction, or 90 percent of the appraised value if such real estate is improved by a building or buildings. Allows national banking associations to make real estate loans secured by liens upon forest tracts with are properly managed in all respects. Limits the amount that Federal Credit Unions may loan to it directors and members of it supervisory credit committee to $2,500 without approval of the board of directors. Allows such credit unions to establish two-member investment committees. Prescribes meeting frequencies and procedures for credit committees of such credit unions. Provides termination procedures for insured credit unions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Export Administration Act Amendments - Provides for the use of export controls as a retalitory measure against any nation or group of nations unreasonably restricting United States access to their supply of a particular commodity. States that it is the policy of the United States to attempt to relieve worldwide shortages of particular commodities through international cooperation rather than by taking unilateral actions. States that the Secretary of Commerce shall undertake an investigation to determine which materials or commodities shall be subject to import controls because of the present or prospective domestic inflationary impact or short supply of such material or commodity in the absence of any such export control. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a technical advisory committee consisting of representatives from private industry and government to evaluate domestic production facilities and technology where the possibility of imposition of export controls for such industry exists. Provides petition procedures for short supply export controls and monitoring for hardship relief from export controls by any representative of a substantial segment of an industry subject to export control. States that any person who enters into a contract, protocol, agreement, or other written understanding, which contemplates, or is likely to result in, the exportation to a Communist country or area, of United States origin technical data which is not generally available, shall report the details of the transaction to the Secretary of Commerce within sixty days from entering into such contract, protocol, agreement, or other written understanding.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by any Act for the purpose of carrying out research, testing, and/or evaluation of poisonous gases, radioactive materials, poisonous chemicals, biological, or chemical warfare agents upon dogs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Olympic Sports Commission Act - Establishes a President's Commission on Olympic Sports composed of twenty-seven members including not less than three amateur athletes who competed in at least one of the past three Olympic games, who shall be appointed by the President of the United States. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct a full and complete investigation, study, and evaluation of the United States Olympic Committee, its activities and its present and former membership groups on a sport-by-sport basis, as they relate to the effectiveness of the United States teams in international competitions in the Olympic sports; (2) determine what factors impede or prevent or tend to impede or prevent the United States from fielding its best amateur athletes for participation in Olympic games and other international amateur sporting events in the Olympic sports; (3) study methods for assuring adequate financial support for our Olympic teams and other amateur athletic teams participating in international competitions in the Olympic sports; and (4) investigate, study, and evaluate any other related matters that have a direct bearing upon participation by amateur athletes of the United Sates in Olympic games and other international amateur sporting events in the Olympic sports, including development plans to increase the level of sports participation generally in the United States. Directs the Commission to submit two reports of its findings and recommendations to the President and to the Congress. Requires that the first report, on the organization and operation of the United States Olympic Committee and its member groups, shall be submitted eight months after all the members of the Commission have been appointed. Requires that the second report, on development plans for each sport for 1976 and beyond, shall be submitted after the next five months. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act, the sum of $1,200,000 to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1974
Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation four annual installments of $375,000,000 each for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury to the International Development Association.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should (1) immediately initiate negotiations at the highest level of the Turkish Government to prevent the resumption of opium production; and (2) if such negotiations prove unfruitful, exercise the authority provided by the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act, to terminate all assistance to the Government of Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1974
Revises the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 by increasing the period of time during which interested members of the public may comment on proposed preliminary railway system plans. Increases the time limit within which the United States Railway Association shall submit a final railway system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Extends the period for which reduced rates with respect to specified classes of mail shall be effective. Requires the budget program of the Postal Service to include separate statements with respect to public service cost claimed as reimbursements and sums determined by the Postal Service to be the costs incurred as the result of reductions in postal rates to specified classes of persons.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1974
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to contract with private facilities near the homes of veterans for the medical care and treatment of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1974
Authorizes the Veterans' Administration to make direct housing loans to eligible veterans where private capital is unavailable at the statutory interest rate by designating rural areas, small cities and towns or various sectors of metropolitan areas as "housing credit shortage areas".
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1974
Authorizes an increase under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 in the amount of the annuities payable thereunder to widows and widowers. Provides that such amount shall equal whichever of the following is the greater: $103.00, or the amount of the annuity which would have been payable to such employee for such month if such employee were living, had attained age 65, and had otherwise qualified for an employee's annuity.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1974
Authorizes an annual clothing allowance to specified veterans who, because of a service-connected disability, wear a prosthetic appliance or appliances which tend to wear out or tear their clothing. Limits such allowance to $300. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 362).
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1974
Prescribes a formula, under the Export Administration Act, for the control of wheat, soybean, and corn exports from the United States. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, to determine for each crop year the amount of wheat, soybeans, and corn needed to meet the requirements of consumers in the United States. States that the Secretary of Agriculture shall then determine the quantity of each crop available for export. Prescribes the procedures for making such determinations. Requires the issuance of an export license to a person exporting wheat, soybeans, or corn for the quantity of such commodity to be exported. (Amends 50 U.S.C. App. 2401 et seq.)
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1974
Prescribes a World War I Veterans' pension of $150 for married veterans or veterans with one child or $135 for unmarried veterans, and an extra $125 for those in need of regular attendance. Authorizes hospital, domiciliary, and medical care to such veterans for non-service-connected disabilities, and costs for medical services unavoidably incurred outside Veterans Administration facilities. Authorizes the payment of a pension to the widow of a World War I veteran if she is not otherwise entitled to a pension.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1974
National No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act - Provides that every person suffering loss from injury arising out of maintenance or use of a motor vehicle has a right to basic reparation benefits if the accident causing injury occurs in any State. Defines those persons and their survivors who shall have such right where the accident causing injury occurs outside any State. Provides that basic reparation benefits shall be paid without regard to fault. Provides for a priority of applicability of security for payment of basic reparation benefits. Abolishes tort liability related to motor vehicle accidents arising from the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle except as otherwise enumerated in this Act. Sets forth requirements for a minimum tort liability insurance and territorial coverage. Limits the basic reparation benefits payable for work loss, survivor's economic loss, replacement services loss, and survivor's replacement services loss arising from injury to one person and attributable to the calendar week during which the accident causing injury occurs and to each calendar week thereafter to a maximum of $200. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations for the adjustment or apportionment of such benefits where the injured person's earnings or work is seasonal or irregular. Authorizes optional deductibles and exclusions at appropriately reduced premium rates for any basic reparation insurance policy offered under the provisions of this Act. Permits basic reparation insurers to offer optional added reparation coverages. Provides for the establishment in each State of an assigned claims bureau. Sets forth procedures for the assignment of claims. Permits the awarding of a reasonable sum for attorney's fees for a claim against a reparation obligor. Provides that no part of the fee for representing claimants shall consist of a charge against benefits otherwise due the claimant. Provides an exception where the claim is fraudulent. Makes provisions for lump-sum and installment settlements, and requires court approval if the net loss exceeds $2500. Establishes a statute of limitations of two years from the time when injury or loss is known, or four years after the accident, whichever is earlier. Provides for an extended statute of limitations in cases where death results from the accident. Prohibits assignments of right to benefits except in specified circumstances, and provides that benefits are exempt from garnishment, attachment, execution, and any other claim. Permits the reparation obligor to file a petition for a mental or physical examination where appropriate. Sets forth requirements concerning disclosure of facts about an injured person by his employer, his physician or hospital, and the claimant himself. Makes the reparation obligor responsible for the cost of rehabilitation treatment and occupational training where this is necessary for the injured person. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish in each State a plan assuring liability and motor vehicle insurance coverage to all applicants who cannot conveniently obtain insurance through ordinary methods. Prohibits termination or modification of insurance by an insurer other than in specified manners and circumstances. Prescribes criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Makes provisions for proportionate reimbursement from other reparation obligors to obligors and to owners suffering uninsured physical damage to their motor vehicles. Establishes methods, rules, and limitations for such reimbursement. Continues State authority to make and regulate insurance rates. Sets forth effective dates for the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1974
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for a single six-year Presidential term of office. States that no person shall be elected to the office of President more than once.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1974
Domestic Food Price Impact Statement Act - States that no agricultural commodity may be exported to any foreign country unless: (1) the person exporting has submitted a registration statement to the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has approved such statement. Provides that the Secretary may not approve an export registration statement for a quantity of a commodity which, when added to the quantity of such commodity already approved, exceeds 20 percent of the level of domestic production. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a limitation lower than 20 percent under specified circumstances. States that this Act applies to agricultural commodities planted for harvest in 1974 and subsequent years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1974
Increases the monthly rates of dependency and indemnity compensation payable under the veterans' laws by 17 percent. Increases the monthly rates of pension payable under such laws by 15 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1974
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with private or public nonprofit agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance to prepare volunteers to provide tax counseling assistance for elderly individuals in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns. Provides for the Secretary to utilize the services of volunteers and to establish the qualifications required and the terms and conditions of service as a volunteer. States that service as a volunteer under this Act shall not be considered service as an employee of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the attention of elderly individuals to pertinent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1974
Provides under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), that a beneficiary who dies shall (if he is otherwise qualified) be entitled to a prorated benefit for the month of his death.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Prohibits the exportation of fertilizer from the United States until the Secretary of Agriculture determines that an adequate domestic supply of fertilizer exists.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Makes it the sense of the House that: (1) all agencies of the Federal Government, which have any responsibility for establishing priorities for the allocation of materials and facilities utilized in the production or distribution of fertilizer, give the highest priority to the fertilizer industry regarding the allocation of such materials and facilities; (2) the Federal Power Commission and appropriate State regulatory agencies do everything within their power, in the establishment of priorities for the allocation of natural gas (including gas sold under interruptible contracts), to insure producers of nitrogen with supplies of natural gas sufficient to maintain maximum production levels; (3) the Federal Energy Office include all of the energy and fuel requirements of the fertilizer industry, including local dealer requirements, in its highest priority category regarding allocation of gasoline, middle-distillates, and other liquid fuels utilized by this indsutry in the production, distribution, and application of fertilizer supplies; (4) the Cost of Living Council and the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce continue their monitoring and reporting of fertilizer supply availabilities, wholesale and retail prices, and export shipments; (5) the Cost of Living Council establish an investigatory program through the field offices of the Internal Revenue Service to monitor and analyze any reports of fertilizer price gouging at either wholesale or retail levels, and any changes in manufacturer marketing operations or relationships between manufacturers and local dealers and between local dealers and their customers which may affect continued availability or pricing of fertilizer supplies to farmers; and (6) the manufacturers of phosphate acid give the highest priority to supplying such material to producers and users of feed phosphate, which is essential to livestock and poultry.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1974
Authorizes, under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, the assignment of surplus real property to executive agencies for disposal in areas of substantial, consistent, and persistent unemployment. Provides for the administration of property transfers under this Act. (Amends 40 U.S.C. 484)
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1974
Increases, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance), the amount of outside earnings which (subject to further increases under the automatic adjustment provisions) is permitted each year without any deductions from benefits. Revises the method for determining such amount.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1974
Increases, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance), the amount of outside earnings which (subject to further increases under the automatic adjustment provisions) is permitted each year without any deductions from benefits. Revises the method for determining such amount.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1974
Increases to $340,000,000 for each of the two succeeding fiscal years (now $90,000,000) the amount authorized to be appropriated for rail service continuation subsidies under the Regional Reorganization Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Creates, as an independent agency in the executive branch, the Federal Zoological and Aquarium Board. States that the Board shall consist of fifteen members to be chosen by the President from specified agencies and associations, the Director of the National Zoological Park, and the Comptroller General of the United States. States that the Board shall establish standards for the national accreditation of zoos and aquariums. Authorizes the Board to provide technical and financial assistance, including loans the aggregate value of which shall not exceed $25,000,000, to aid any zoo or aquarium in complying with such accreditation standards. Authorizes the Board to make grants to any nonprofit zoo or aquarium, agency, or organization for humane research and pilot projects which would serve as models for zoos or aquariums, and for the establishment of survival centers for the breeding, care and perpetuation of endangered species.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Suspends emissions controls on motor vehicles and engines in the continental United States except vehicles registered to residents of designated air quality regions until June 30, 1977, or sixty days after the President determines there is no significant shortage of petroleum fuels, whichever is later. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate, subject to the limitations of the Act, geographic areas of the United States in which there is significant auto emissions related air pollution. Provides that each State shall, not later than sixty days following enactment of this Act, submit to the Administrator a plan for implementing the Act. Provides that if a State fails to submit a plan under the Act or if the Administrator determines (after notice and opportunity for hearing) that such State is not adequately enforcing such a plan, then such State shall lose its entitlement to, and may not thereafter receive, any Federal grant or loan assistance under this Act or under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Declares that willful and deliberate violation of any provision of this Act shall be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Education for Exceptional Children Act - Defines "exceptional children" as handicapped children, children with specific learning disabilities, and particularly gifted children. Directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a National Clearinghouse on Exceptional Children which shall obtain and disseminate to the public information pertaining to the education of exceptional children. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974 and for each of the four succeeding years for the establishment and operation of the clearinghouse. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting the States in providing free appropriate public education for exceptional children at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Sets forth the basis on which funds will be allocated to the States. Provides that in order to receive funds under this Act a State must submit to the Commissioner of Education a State plan is required detailing the State program for free appropriate education for exceptional children. Provides that the State plan must contain such information as the Commissioner deems necessary. Sets forth the criteria needed to be met by a State in order to obtain approval of its plan. Authorizes the Commissioner to withhold payments under this Act from any State when it is found that there has been a failure to comply substantially with any provision of this Act. Provides a method for judicial review of the Commissioner's decision. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State educational agencies to provide training for personnel engaged or preparing to engage in educating exceptional children. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher learning to provide training for leadership personnel for the education of exceptional children. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct research relating to the education of exceptional children and to make grants to States, educational agencies, institutions of higher learning and other public or private nonprofit education or research agencies for such research. Directs the Commissioner to establish standards and procedures to determine which children are "exceptional children" within the meaning of this Act, such standards and procedures to be applied uniformly by all States submitting plans pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Scrap Iron and Steel Export Administration Act - Expresses the findings of Congress. States that Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States to alleviate the harmful effects of the excessive exportation of scrap iron and steel during periods of supply-demand imbalance by limiting the volumes of scrap that may be exported from the United States during such periods. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, as soon as possible after the closing of each calendar year quarter, and within forty-five days following the close of such quarter, to determine if no shortage, a shortage, or a critical shortage occurred in that quarter and he shall make this determination a matter of public record. States that if the Secretary determines that a critical shortage occurred, he will take such action as is necessary to limit scrap exports for six months. States that if the Secretary is not able to make a determination as to the presence or absence of a critical shortage as required, a total embargo of scrap exports will be imposed.
![Official portrait of Rep. Johnson, Albert W. [R-PA-23]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000115_200.jpg)