United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1974
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dogfights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Specifies punishments for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dogfights if any one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48)
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1974
Speedy Trial Act - Title I: Speedy Trials - Provides that in a case involving a defendant, the appropriate judicial officer shall, after consultation with the counsel for the defendant and the attorney for the Government, set a day certain for the trial. Asserts that the trial of a defendant charged with an offense shall be commenced as follows: (1) any information or indictment shall be filed within 30 days, with specified exceptions; (2) the arraignment shall be held within ten days of the filing date, with specified exceptions; and (3) where a plea of not guilty is entered, a defendant shall be tried within 60 days from arraignment. Provides that specified periods of delay shall be excluded in computing the time within which the trial of any such offense must commence including: (1) any period of delay resulting from other proceedings concerning the defendant, including but not limited to, an examination and hearing on competency; (2) any period of delay during which prosecution is deferred by the attorney for the Government pursuant to written agreement for the purpose of allowing the defendant to demonstrate his good conduct; and (3) any period of delay resulting from the absence or unavailability of the defendant or an essential witness. Enumerates the factors which a judge shall consider in determining whether to grant a continuance. States that if a defendant is not brought to trial as required, the information or indictment shall be dismissed on motion of the defendant. Sets forth additional sanctions. Prescribes the effective dates for the provisions of this Act and the interim limits to be followed. Requires that each United States district court shall convene a planning group to formulate initial district plans and reports required to accelerate the disposition of criminal cases in the district. Outlines the procedures for the formulation and approval of the district plans, and the contents required in such plans. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Federal judiciary $2,500,000 to carry out the initial phases of planning and implementation of speedy trial plans. Provides procedures to be followed when a district court is unable to comply with the required time limits due to the status of its court calendars. Title II: Pretrial Services Agencies - Establishes, on a demonstration basis, in each of ten judicial districts, a pretrial services agency authorized to maintain effective supervision and control over, and to provide supportive services to, defendants released. Asserts that the district in which such agencies are to be established shall be designated by the Chief Justice of the United States on the basis of specified considerations, including: the number of criminal cases prosecuted annually in the district, and the percentage of defendants in the district presently detained prior to trial. Prescribes the organizational structure of the pretrial services agencies and their functions and powers. Provides that the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall annually report to Congress on the accomplishments of the pretrial services agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1974
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dogfights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Specifies punishments for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dogfights if any one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48)
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1974
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dogfights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Specifies punishments for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dogfights if any one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48)
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dogfights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Specifies punishments for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dogfights if any one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48)
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1974
Revokes the authority granted by the Flood Control Act of 1962 for the Tocks Island Dam on the Delaware River. Makes such revocation effective upon the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1974
Windfall Profits Prevention Act - Provides that any interested person who has reason to believe that any price of consumer commodities or food permits the retailer thereof windfall profits may petition the Attorney General for a determination of the issue. Provides that, if the Attorney General finds that such a price results in windfall profits, he may specify a lower price for the item which may not be raised without his approval. Permits the Attorney General to order the refund of windfall profits received after a hearing of the retailer. States that any determination under this Act shall be subject to judicial review. States that any willful violation of a determination by the Attorney General under this Act shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000,
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1974
Prohibits any increase in the price of consumer commodities by any retailer once a price is placed on any such commodity by such retailer. Imposes civil penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1974
Excludes from gross income the first $1,000 of interest or dividends received from savings account deposits in savings and loan institutions and other savings institutions chartered and supervised under Federal or State law.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1974
Prohibits any increase in the price of consumer commodities by any retailer once a price is placed on any such commodity by such retailer. Imposes civil penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1974
Prohibits the interstate shipment of dogs trained for or intended to be used in dogfights for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. Specifies punishments for persons involved in such commerce and for promoters of and participants in activities which include such dogfights if any one of the dogs involved had been moved in such commerce. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 48)
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1974
Interim Fisheries Zone Extension and Management Act - Extends the jurisdiction of the United States over specified ocean areas and fish for purposes of protecting the domestic fishing industry. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research in order to promote the conservation of fish originating in the United States territorial sea and contiguous fisheries zone. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) all military, economic, or other assistance, all sales of defense articles and services, all sales of agricultural commodities and services, and all licenses with respect to the transportation of arms, ammunitions, and implements of war (including technical data relating thereto) to the Government of Turkey should be suspended on the date of adoption of this resolution; and (2) the provisions of this resolution should cease to apply when the President reports to the Congress that the Government of Turkey has withdrawn all of its armed forces from Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1974
Changes the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for a Federal Elections Commission in the executive branch to be composed of nominees chosen by the Congress and appointed by the President. States that it shall be the duty of the Commission to: (1) refer apparent violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act and related Federal statutes to the Attorney General; (2) make public the fact of any referral to the Attorney General under such Act or the basis of such finding; (3) initiate, maintain, defend, or appeal any civil action (in the name of the Commission) relating to the enforcement of the provisions of such Act and related Federal statutes; (4) petition the courts for declaratory or injunctive relief concerning any action covered by the provisions of the Federal Election Campaign Act and related Federal statutes; and (5) issue subpenas under such Act. Establishes the Federal Elections Advisory Board, to be composed of members of Congress, to consult with and make recommendations to the Commission regarding the performance of the Commission's duties and functions under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Provides that whoever willingly and willfully files a false complaint under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 or makes false statements to the Commission shall be fined not more than $25,000 or imprisoned for not more than a year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1974
Declares that all foreign troops currently involved in Cyprus be withdrawn immediately so that the United Nations may be permitted to restore peace to the island and the Cypriot people guaranteed the right to determine their own destiny.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1974
Provides that employees of States and political subdivisions thereof shall be subject to the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act. (Amends 29 U.S.C. 152(2))
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1974
National Public Employment Relations Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to encourage collective bargaining. Provides that "employee" includes employees of State and local subdivisions as well as public and other authorities and public agencies. Provides that "employer" includes any employee of an employer and excludes only officials appointed or elected pursuant to a statute to a policy-making position. Provides that "exclusive representative" includes only those unions which are recognized prior to the enactment of this Act or which later become certified by the National Public Employee Relations Commission. Provides that "supervisor" includes only those individuals who can make or effectively recommend personnel changes or who may responsibly direct other employees. Establishes a commission of five members appointed by the President, to be known as the National Public Employment Relations Commission. Provides for a General Counsel of the Commission to investigate alleged violations of this Act. Authorizes employees to form, join or assist a labor organization and to bargain collectively, free from interference by the employer. Requires an employer to deduct from an employees pay, dues to any organization designated by written authorization by such employee. Provides that where there is an exclusive representative, dues must be checked off to that organization only. Provides that the authorization may be revoked annually. Provides that the employee organization selected for the purpose of collective bargaining by the majority of the employees shall be the exclusive representative of all the employees, and an employer shall not bargain in regard to matters covered by this Act with any employee, group of employees, or other employee organization. States that any employee organization may file a request for recognition as the exclusive representive. Sets forth the procedure for the filing of such petition with the Commission and employer. Provides that a petition may be filed with the Commission asking it to investigate the question of whether employees have selected or designated an exclusive representative. Directs the Commission, upon receipt of such petition to conduct inquires and investigations or hold such hearings as it shall deem necessary in order to decide the question raised by the petition. Sets forth the procedure for the Commission to follow in certifying an employee organization as the exclusive representative in a collective-bargaining unit. States that either an employer or an exclusive representative may declare that an impasse has been reached between them in collective bargaining, and may request the service to appoint a mediator to assist in reconciling their differences. Outlines the procedures to be followed by the mediator in effecting settlement of the controversy. Provides for a factfinder to make advisory recommendations if the mediator is unable to settle the controversy. Provides that an employer and an exclusive representative who enter into an agreement may include in such agreement procedures for binding arbitration of disputes involving the interpretation of such agreement. Stipulates, with specified exceptions, that nothing in this Act or in any other law of the United States shall be construed to interfere with the right of an exclusive representative to engage or of an employee to participate in a strike arising out of or in connection with a labor dispute. Makes it unlawful for an employer to (1) impose reprisals on any employee because of his exercise of rights under this Act; (2) assist in the formation or administration of any employee organization; (3) encourage or discourage membership in any employee organization through specified discriminations; or (4) refuse to bargain in good faith with an exclusive representative. Empowers the Commission to prevent any person from engaging in the unlawful actions specified under this Act. Provides procedures for the Commission to follow in exercising such preventive measures. Provides that if a State or local law is substantially equivalent to this Act, the Commission may delegate its responsibility to the State or local agency.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1974
Provides for the recomputation of military retirement benefits. Provides that a member or former member of a uniformed service: (1) who is sixty years of age or older, and is retired for reasons other than physical disability, whose disability is finally determined to be of a permanent nature and less than 30 percent under the disability rating system, and is entitled to retired pay computed under the rates of basic pay in effect before January 1, 1972; or (2) who is entitled to retired pay for physical disability, whose disability was finally determined to be of permanent nature and at least 30 percent under the schedule of rating disabilities, and whose retired pay is computed under rates of basic pay in effect after October 11, 1949 and before January 1, 1972, is entitled to have that pay recomputed upon the rates of basic pay in effect on January 1, 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1974
Defines the term "special dietary uses" to mean: (1) uses of supplying particular dietary needs which exist by reason of a physical, phsiological or other condition, including, but not limited to the conditions of diseases, convalescence, pregnancy, lolactation, allegic hypersensitivity to food, underweight and overweight; (2) uses for supplying particular dietary needs which exist by reason of age, including but not limited to, the ages of infancy and childhood; and (3) uses for supplementing or fortifying the ordinary or usual diet with any vitamin, mineral, or other dietary property. Makes provisions for the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with respect to foods for special dietary use.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1974
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a pension to each veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service at any time during World War I and who is not eligible for other pension benefits. Defines World War I as meaning the period beginning on April 5, 1917, and ending on July 2, 1921. Provides for a schedule of pension payments under this Act. Provides that if the veteran is married and living with or reasonably contributing to the support of his spouse, or has a child or children, the monthly rate of pension under this Act shall be $150. Provides that if the veteran is unmarried (or married but not living with or reasonably contributing to the support of his spouse) and has no child, the monthly rate of pension shall be $135. Provides that if the veteran has a disability by reason of which he is permanently housebound, the monthly rate hereunder shall be increased by $50. Provides that veterans in need of regular aid and attendance shall have their monthly rates increased by $125. Directs the Administrator to pay to widows of veterans, receiving benefits under this Act at time of death, pension benefits at a schedule provided in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1974
Requires depository institutions to notify owners of time certificates of deposit, which are automatically renewable, of the date at which such renewal occurs during the period beginning ninety days before such date and ending thirty days before such date and to promptly notify such owners of any changes in the rates of interest or dividends payable on such deposits.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Provides hospital and medical care to members of the armed forces of Poland or Czechoslovakia who participated in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States during World War I or World War II, and who has been a citizen of the United States for not less than 10 years. Provides that such hospital and medical care shall be available to the same extent as if such service had been performed in the Armed Forces of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1974
Older Americans' Tax Savings Act - Allows a reimbursement under the Internal Revenue Code for property taxes to persons 65 and over. Limits such reimbursement to the lesser of $480, or the property taxes accrued, and to claimant whose household income is lower than $5,000. Requires such reimbursement to be made in 12 monthly installments. Allows appeals to the Tax Court of denials of claims for such reimbursement. Disallows an income tax deduction for taxes for which a reimbursement is given.
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 · 30 May 1974
Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to provide for a study of the alternatives to the Tocks Island Dam and Reservoir project affecting the Delaware River and surrounding areas.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 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 · 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 · 22 May 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 · 22 May 1974
Older Americans' Tax Savings Act - Allows a reimbursement under the Internal Revenue Code for property taxes to persons 65 and over. Limits such reimbursement to the lesser of $480, or the property taxes accrued, and to claimant whose household income is lower than $5,000. Requires such reimbursement to be made in 12 monthly installments. Allows appeals to the Tax Court of denials of claims for such reimbursement. Disallows an income tax deduction for taxes for which a reimbursement is given.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1974
School Teachers' Unemployment Insurance Act - Extends under the Internal Revenue Code eligibility to schoolteachers for unemployment insurance under the unemployment insurance program. Makes teachers eligible who are employed in schools offering preschool, elementary, or secondary education as determined under State law, and in any school, junior college, community college, college, university, or other institution offering postsecondary education, including any private proprietary institution, which is authorized within a State to provide a program of education beyond high school. Sets forth methods by which State law may provide for transition to the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1974
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 each succeeding year of amounts necessary to effectuate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1974
Increases to $7,500 the amount of outside earnings which (subject to further increases under the automatic adjustment provisions) is permitted each year without any deductions from benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1974
National Healthcare Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to improve the organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all Americans by increasing health personnel, promoting ambulatory care, strengthening health planning, establishing national standards of health care benefits, including coverage for medical catastrophes, encouraging provisions of such benefits through comprehensive health care insurance, and by assisting persons of low income or in poor health to secure that insurance. Title II: Provisions to Increase the Supply and Improve the Distribution of Health Care Personnel - Allows a medical student to borrow the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs, or $5,000. Authorizes $100 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for this purpose. Grants loans to student nurses covering the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies and other related costs, or $3,500. Authorizes $75 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for this purpose. Provides that scholarship grants may, in accordance with regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, be awarded, according to the needs of the individual, up to the full cost of his tuition, fees, books, equipment and living expenses. Authorizes for this purpose $50 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977. Allows loans for students in the allied health professions covering the full cost of tuition fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs. Provides that up to half of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit private institution or agency and that up to 100 percent of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a substantial shortage of allied health professionals. Authorizes $40 million for fiscal year 1975, $60 million for fiscal year 1976, and $75 million for fiscal year 1977 for this purpose. Includes junior colleges, colleges and universities which offer training in health care center administration or curriculums providing the allied health-professionals needed to operate comprehensive ambulatory health care centers within the training grant provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Establishes a new program of special project grants to help education institutions meet the cost of developing curriculums and training programs to develop the skills needed to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Authorizes $40 million for fiscal year 1975, and $50 million a year for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for this purpose. Establishes a program of Federal grants to medical personnel in return for service in urban and rural areas of critical need to alleviate the distribution of health care personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to contract with individual health professionals, nurses, or allied health professionals who agree to provide health care services for a period of at least two years in an area designated by the Secretary as having a critical need for those services. Provides that the amount of the grant is that amount which, when added to the recipient's income from providing health care services for each contract year, provides a total income equal to 110 percent of the national annual median income for persons of comparable education and training, or 110 percent of his earnings from providing health care services in the previous year, whichever is greater. Provides that in determining the precise amount of the grant the Secretary may consider such factors as he deems relevant, including: (1) the national median annual income for the applicant's profession; (2) the cost of living in the area of need; (3) the background, training, and education of the applicant; (4) the amount of income the applicant can reasonably expect to receive from service in the area; (5) the number of persons of applicant's profession needed in the area; and (6) where appropriate, cost of equipment, supplies, and facilities. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Provides grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Sets up a special category of grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Revises the declaration of purpose of title VI of the Public Health Service Act to recognize specifically the concept of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Provides that for fiscal years commencing after June 30, 1973 there is authorized an additional $200 million in grant authority to be used for the construction of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities. Provides this sum through a new allotment category which is separate from existing allotment categories for construction and modernization of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that a portion of the funds available for grants hereunder be used to assist nearly-constructed facilities to pay initial start-up and operation expenses during the first three years of operation of such centers. Directs that funds available for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers will be allotted to the several States on the same basis as allotments now made for construction of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that transfers from allotments for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities to allotments for the construction of other types of facilities are not authorized. Permits carryovers of unused allotments from one fiscal year to the other. Requires that priorities for awarding grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers be given to proposed facilities in densely populated areas now lacking such facilities. Provides that, in its evaluation of the health needs of its citizens, the State health planning agency would be required to determine as part of its planning process the number of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed in the State and a plan for distribution of such centers. Requires the adoption of a program providing for construction of those comprehensive ambulatory health care centers identified as needed in its State plan, or for modernizing such existing facilities. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of health facilities from which recovery of Federal funds may be made by the Federal Government from facilities which no longer qualify. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of facilities which qualify for Public Health Service Act loans, guarantees, and interest subsidies for construction or modernization of health facilities. Defines comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to encompass only facilities which provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for ambulatory patients. Title IV: Provisions to Strengthen Health Care Planning - Provides that the President shall make a health report to the Congress no later than July 1 of each year on the status of the nation's health needs and health care system with a program for meeting those needs. Creates a three-man Council of Health Policy Advisers in the Executive Office of the President, its members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Council to hire officers, employees and such experts and consultants as may be needed. Requires the Council to make an annual health report to the President not later than April 1 of each year to be transmitted to the Congress as a supplement to the next Health Report of the President to the Congress. Provides that in its first report to the President the Council shall specifically review and advise the President on health programs. Requires the Council to develop and recommend goals for a national health policy to promote efficiency, eliminate waste and duplication in the utilization of health facilities and resources, and to recommend specific programs to streamline and consolidate health manpower programs. Directs the Council to consult with the National Advisory Health Council, and other advisory councils or committees as well as such representatives of the private sector as it deems advisable and to utilize the services, facilities and information of other public and private organizations to the fullest extent to avoid unnecessary overlapping or duplication of effort. Provides that the Chairman shall be compensated at the rate of Level II and the other members at the rate of Level IV of the Executive Schedule Pay Rates. Authorizes such sums as are needed to enable the Council to function, not to exceed $1 million in any fiscal year. Requires every agency of the Federal Government to include, to the fullest extent possible, in each report on proposals for legislation or other major Federal action significantly affecting health or the health care system, the impact of the proposal on the nation's health care system, adverse effects, alternatives, the relative priority established by the Council of Health Policy Advisers, and any irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources involved. Provides that in order to qualify for the comprehensive health planning grants a State plan for comprehensive State health planning must, in addition to existing requirements, provide for the project certification procedures established by this Act. Increases the funds authorized for project grants for areawide health planning to $100 million for fiscal year 1975. Directs that to be eligible for the grants the agency must be prepared to function as the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" for the area or region. Requires the agency to be prepared to play a strengthened role in coordinating areawide health affairs, including the determination of health needs, capital expenditures programs, cooperative use of facilities, optimum use of available manpower and improved management techniques. Requires the agency to provide for consultation with the areawide health planning council and other groups, for the representation of health care facilities and physicians for enlisting public support, and for educating the public concerning the proper use of facilities and services available. Provides that, in the case of applications for Federal grants, loans, or other financial aid involving more than $100,000 which require certification by the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency, the application may be approved by the Secretary only after he is satisfied that the review provisions of this title have been met. Requires that the agency have reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the application and has certified to its essential need and high priority. Provides that if the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" is a metropolitan or other local planning agency, that agency, after reviewing the application, must have communicated its comments to both the applicant and the State agency. Directs the State planning agency to make its own determination that the application fits in with the State's overall needs and priorities as expressed in the State plan. Requires that if two or more States are involved, each State agency must make a separate certification as to the need and priority of the project in its State. Provides that in the case of a project affecting an entire State, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the agency designated in the State plan. Provides that in the case of a project affecting a region, metropolitan area, or other local area, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the areawide comprehensive health planning agency or such other public or nonprofit private agency determined in accordance with regulations to be performing the required health planning functions. Title V: Provisions to Make Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Available to All - Requires that benefits paying for not less than the health care required under the minimum standards must be included in private or State established health care plans as a condition of eligibility for the Federal tax or other public financial assistance accorded under this bill. Permits additional benefits and allows a qualified private health care plan to provide for a covered individual's payment of medical expenses exceeding established deductible and co-payment standards. Permits qualifying health care plans to include various other optional provisions. Assures that the minimum standards of health care required to be provided to needy and uninsurable individuals will be no less than those required for others. Assigns one of three "priority designations" to each of the benefits covered and requires benefits in the several priority categories to be phased-in in accordance with a schedule prescribed in the law. Authorizes the President, under restricted conditions stated in the law, to defer the scheduled time for phase-in benefits under this title. Specifies the initial minimum standard healthcare benefits for individuals covered under qualified private plans and those for individuals covered under qualified public plans. Revises the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Federal income tax deduction otherwise allowable to an employer for any amount paid or incurred by the employer for medical care of any employee or his dependents. Restricts this deduction to 50 percent of the described expense for the medical care of the employee if the amount is incurred in 1975, 75 percent if the amount is incurred in 1976, and 100 percent thereafter. Provides that if the employer establishes and maintains a qualified employee healthcare plan the restriction will not apply, and 100 percent of the described expense is deductible. Applies such provision to taxable years after December 31, 1974, except that, in the case of any employer plan providing medical care for employees which was established pursuant to a collectively-bargained agreement, the restrictions on the deduction will not apply until the expiration of the agreement, or December 31, 1977, whichever occurs first. Requires that each qualified employee healthcare plan provide at least the minimum standard healthcare benefits described in this Act and be in writing, adopted by the employer, and communicated to his employees. Requires that a coordination of benefits provision be included in a qualified plan to avoid costly duplication of coverage and the plan must permit eligible employees to seek coverage instead from any approved health maintenance organization in cases where specified conditions are satisfied. Allows 100 percent of medical care insurance premiums as an income tax deduction, if such expenses are paid by an individual who is covered by a qualified individual healthcare plan, a qualified employee healthcare plan, or a qualified state healthcare plan. Requires that each qualified individual healthcare plan provide at least the minimum standard healthcare benefits described in this Act. Requires that a qualified individual insurance contract contain provisions which obligate the insurer to renew the policy, and allows covered dependents to continue their coverage under the policy after the death of the insured as if he were still alive. Adds a new title XX to the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of publicly subsidized health care insurance plans on a State by State basis. Provides that each State will have a health insurance pool, which all private entities in that State (both profit and non-profit) which currently indemnify the cost of health care would be required to underwrite. Directs that one or more private insurance carriers will be designated by the State to administer the State plan on a retention accounting basis. Provides that these State plans will guarantee that minimum standard healthcare benefits are made available to individuals and families who previously were unable to purchase health care insurance, either because of their low income or their extremely poor health. Provides that, in order to encourage a State to establish a plan, Federal appropriations otherwise payable to the State pursuant to titles V and XIX of the Social Security Act are conditioned on the State having in operation a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Provides that individuals or families who are eligible to receive public cash assistance under a program financed in whole or in part by Federal funds will be enrolled in the State plan automatically, and without cost. Permits those individuals who are financially capable of procuring health insurance, but who are uninsurable because of poor health, to enroll in the State plan at their own expense; however, these individuals may not be charged more than the established rate for other individuals enrolled in that State plan. Provides that enrollment of other individuals and families who had low incomes the previous year (less than $4,000 for single individuals, less than $6,000 for a family of two, and less than $8,000 for a family of three or more) is voluntary. Allows such individuals and families to elect to be enrolled once each year and requires them to make contributions toward the cost of insuring their own health care, depending on the size of their family and the amount of their income. Provides that the premiums to be charged for each policy year under a State plan will be actuarially determined in each State, and for each family size risk category. Directs that if the established premiums are found to be unjustified within a particular State, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may direct a reduction in the Federal appropriation for that State's premium cost. States that each State has the primary obligation to provide the uncontributed premium cost for its plan; but if the State implements and utilizes controls which are designed to promote the delivery of lower-cost, higher-quality institutional health care services, if it exempts qualified state healthcare plan transactions from State taxation, and if it eliminates discriminatory State tax treatment of health care insurers, then the State will receive Federal appropriations reimbursing it for a percentage of its total uncontributed premium cost. Provides that the base figure may be between 70 and 90 percent, depending on the State's per capita income, but further adjustments to this percentage may be made if institutional rates charged in any particular State for health care services are unjustifiably high in comparison with other States. Gives States the authority to review in advance the rates to be charged by health care institutions for their services, and to refuse to approve these rates for payment under the State plan. Provides that a professional service, otherwise covered by these State plans, shall be reimbursed only if it falls within professionally established utilization guidelines or is found to be necessary health care by a qualified peer review committee. Asserts that no charge for a necessary service shall be reimbursed to the extent that it exceeds the prevailing charge in a locality for similar services. Provides that if the premiums collected and other monies received under the State plan are not sufficient to pay the claims incurred and the other costs of operating the State plan, the private underwriters of the plan shall bear the losses to the extent of 3 percent of the premiums collected for that year. Directs the State to bear the excess losses equal to the base Federal percentage for that State's premium costs. Provides that enrollment is not available to those individuals or families covered under a qualified employee healthcare plan. Provides that applicants for enrollment in the State plan must provide and certify all information required to make an eligibility determination. States that any Federal or State agency may be required to furnish information deemed by the administering carrier to be necessary to verify eligibility. Revises title V of the Social Security Act (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Excludes payment for items and services now covered under title V of the Social Security Act if they also would be covered under a qualified state healthcare plan. Provides that title V will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by qualified State healthcare plans. Revises title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove existing limitations on Medicare Part B enrollment which prevent otherwise eligible State plan enrollees from qualifying for qualified State healthcare plan to pay the premium for supplementary medical insurance benefits under Part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act for individuals and families who are eligible to enroll in the Part B program and who are also eligible to receive public cash assistance under a federally financed program. Revises title XVIII to allow a State to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to which all of these indigent State plan enrollees will be enrolled under the program established by Part B of title XVIII. Revises title XIX of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Provides that on July 1, 1975, or upon a State's establishment of a qualified State healthcare plan, whichever occurs first, payment for items and services now covered under title XIX would be excluded if they would be covered under a qualified state healthcare plan. Directs that title XIX will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by qualified State healthcare plans. Establishes standards for the quality and cost to enrollees for health care service provided by physicians or other medical practitioners and for health care services rendered to State plan enrollees in health care institutions. Provides that these standards shall apply to determine "reasonable cost" under the existing federally subsidized health care programs established by title V, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act. Requires that the premiums and other monies received pursuant to the operation of a qualified State healthcare plan will, to the extent feasible, be invested by the administering carrier in interest-bearing obligations and other income-yielding securities. Exempts this interest or other income from Federal income taxation. Requires insurance carriers to pool their efforts and resources to insure that all individuals and families will receive higher-quality, lower-cost health care benefits. Provides that these carriers will not be subject to Federal or State antitrust legislation solely as a result of their efforts to comply with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1974
Funderal Transportation and Living Expenses Benefits Act - Provides funeral transportation and living expense benefits to the families of deceased members of the Armed Forces classified as prisoners of war or as missing in action and whose remains shall have been returned to the United States after January 27, 1973. Specifies the family members eligible for such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1974
Directs the General Accounting Office to conduct an investigation into the current practice of several telephone companies to monitor private sections of telephone conversations between the customers and company employees and to report results of the investigation to Congress, together with recommendations to end this blatant abuse of the right of privacy.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1974
Food Commodity Program Amendment - Allows the Secretary of Agriculture, notwithstanding any other provision of law, to purchase agricultural commodities and their products to maintain the 1973 level of assistance to food assistance programs. Authorizes the use of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1974
Food Commodity Program Amendment - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use funds for the exportation and domestic consumption of agricultural products to purchase, without regard to the provisions of existing law governing the expenditure of public funds, agricultural commodities and their products to maintain the 1973 level of assistance for food assistance programs as are authorized by law, including but not limited to school lunch, institutions, Indian reservations not requesting a food stamp program, supplemental feeding, and domestic relief distribution. Provides that if the stocks of the Commodity Credit Corporation are not available, the Secretary may use the funds of the Corporation to purchase agricultural commodities and the products thereof under the Agricultural Act of 1949 to meet such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Authorizes additional educational assistance allowance payments to eligible veterans to partially defray the cost of tuition in an amount representing such cost which exceeds $419 for an ordinary school year, but not exceeding $600. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1682)
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the recommendations of the President with respect to rates of pay of Members of Congress transmitted to the Congress in the Appendix to the Budget for the fiscal year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Veterans' Education and Rehabilitation Amendments Act - Increases the rates of educational assistance payable to veterans. Establishes the Vietnam Era Veterans Communication Center within the Veterans' Administration for the purpose of improving the effectiveness of Veterans' Administration programs for making veterans aware of benefits and services available to them under the veterans laws.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Emergency Chlorine Allocation Act - Declares that there is a national shortage of chlorine and other chemicals and substances used for safe drinking water and for waste water treatment purposes and that such shortage presents a substantial threat to the public health. Revises the Public Health Service Act by providing that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall promulgate regulations providing for mandatory allocation of chlorine, activated carbon, lime, ammonia, soda ash, or other chemical or substance used in the treatment of drinking water or waste water, such regulations to only apply to chlorine unless the other chemicals are also found to be in short supply. Authorizes the Administrator to hold such hearings and receive such evidence as he deems necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to gather such information from, and make such inspections of, producers and importers of chlorine or other allocated chemicals as are necessary to carry out this Act. Provides penalties for failure to comply with regulations promulgated under this Act. Provides that no provision of this Act shall be deemed to convey to any person subject to the Act immunity from civil or criminal liability, or to create defenses to actions, under the antitrust laws. Sets forth exceptions to the antitrust provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Emergency Export Control Act - Establishes the Emergency Export Control Commission to review all exports from the United States with respect to domestic shortages of any exported goods. Authorizes the Commission to impose export controls on any goods it determines to be in short supply.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Petroleum Regulation Act - Directs the Federal Power Commission to investigate the petroleum industry and to promulgate regulations in specified areas to insure that adequate supplies of petroleum products will be available to the consumer at reasonable prices, and at sufficient rates of return for the industry to continue reinvestment.