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 · 1 July 1974
Arthritis Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to establish: (1) a long-range plan to expand and coordinate the national research, treatment, and control effort against arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases; (2) centers for arthritis prevention, research, screening, early detection, training, treatment, and rehabilitation programs; and (3) programs to develop new and improved methods of arthritis screening and early detection and to establish a central arthritis screening and early detection data bank. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health to establish a National Commission on Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases. Specifies the composition, duties, and powers of the Commission. States that the Commission shall formulate a long-range plan to combat arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases with specific recommendations for the utilization and organization of national resources for that purpose. States that the plan shall include a plan for a coordinated research program encompassing existing and proposed Federal, non-Federal and local programs. Enumerates investigations, studies, and programs to be carried out under such plan. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 to carry out the above purposes. Establishes within the National Institute on Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases the position of Associate Director for Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases. States that the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall establish an Inter-Institute Arthritis and Related Diseases Coordinating Committee to better coordinate research activities relating to arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases. Provides for the development, establishment, construction, and operation of arthritis research and training centers. Specifies the purposes to be achieved by such research and training programs. Provides for the geographical distribution, operational support, and evaluation of such research and training centers. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for the establishment of such centers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish and support arthritis screening, early detection, prevention, and control demonstration programs. Specifies the purpose of such programs. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for the establishment and support of such programs. Requires the Secretary to establish the Arthritis Screening and Detection Data Bank as soon as practicable after the enactment of this Act. Provides that not less than $500,000 of the sums appropriated to the National Institutes of Health to carry out the purposes of this Act shall be obligated for basic and clinical orthopedic research conducted or supported by the National Institute on Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Metabolic Diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 19 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 · 18 June 1974
Authorizes the Governor of the Canal Zone to nominate the daughters and sons of residents of the Canal Zone and of the personnel of the United States Government and Panama Canal Company residing in the Republic of Panama as candidates to fill two vacancies each year at the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York (presently limited to sons of such individuals). (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1126(b))
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1974
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that, on or before the fifteenth day after the beginning of each regular session of the Congress, the President shall transmit to the Congress a budget which shall set forth separately: (1) his estimate of the receipts of the Government, other than trust funds, during the ensuing fiscal year under the laws then existing; (2) his recommendations with respect to outlays to be made from funds other than trust funds during such ensuing fiscal year; and (3) if such recommendations exceed such estimate, a surtax rate which the President determines to be necessary to be applied with respect to the income tax of taxpayers to those portions of taxable years of taxpayers occurring during such fiscal year, so that such receipts will equal such outlays. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives during the first quarter of each fiscal year, and during the third quarter of each fiscal year to: (1) estimate the receipts of the Government, other than trust funds, during such fiscal year; (2) estimate outlays to be made from funds other than trust funds during such fiscal year; and (3) (A) if such estimate of outlays exceeds such estimate of receipts, determine a surtax rate which the Speaker considers necessary to be applied, with respect to the income tax of taxpayers, to those portions of taxable years of taxpayers remaining in such fiscal year, so that such receipts will equal such outlays; or (B) if such estimate of outlays equals such estimate of receipts, determine that no surtax rate is necessary to be applied. Directs the President during the last month of each fiscal year to review whether the receipts of the Government, other than trust funds, for such year will be less than the outlays other than trust funds for that fiscal year. Provides that if he finds that such receipts are going to be less than such outlays, he shall determine a surtax rate which he considers necessary to be applied with respect to the income tax of taxpayers, so that taxes received by the Government from such surtax, when added to other receipts of the Government, will equal such outlays. Authorizes the suspension of the provisions of this Article in the case of a grave national emergency declared by Congress (including a state of war formally declared by Congress) by a concurrent resolution, agreed to by a rollcall vote of three-fourths of all the Members of each House of Congress, with each such resolution providing the period of time (not exceeding one year) during which those provisions are to be suspended.
United States · United States Congress · 11 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 · 10 June 1974
Authorizes the President to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to prohibit the importation into the United States of products from foreign countries conducting fishing operations which adversely affect international fishery conservation programs, or to state his reasons for not doing so to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State utilize means at his disposal to secure a worldwide loan on high seas netting for salmon.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1974
Provides that immediately upon the adoption of this resolution the House shall resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 988), a resolution to reform the structure, jurisdiction, and procedures of the committees of the House of Representatives by amending rules X and XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives. Stipulates that after general debate, which shall be confined to the resolution and shall continue not to exceed three hours, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Select Committee on Committees, the resolution shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. States that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the resolution for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the resolution to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the resolution and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) it most strongly condemns all acts of terrorism in the Middle East; (2) the President and the Secretary of State should and are hereby urged and requested to (a) call upon all governments to condemn this inhuman act of violence against innocent victims; and (b) strongly urge the governments who harbor these groups and individuals to take appropriate action to rid their countries of those who subvert the peace through terrorism and senseless violence; and (3) the President should request the American Ambassador to the United Nations to take appropriate action before that body in order to have introduced a Security Council resolution condemning this brutal act of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1974
Removes the sanction against Cuba which directs the President to assure that no contribution to the United Nations Development Program will be used for projects in Cuba so long as Cuba is governed by the Castro regime. Removes the general prohibition against furnishing assistance to Cuba and limits such prohibition to the furnishing of military assistance only. Repeals additional economic sanctions against Cuba contained in specified Acts of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1974
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that under specified circumstances exclusive territorial arrangements relating to the manufacture, distribution, or sale of food and beverage products shall be deemed lawful provided that substantial and effective competition between products and between vendors of those products is maintained, and the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product pursuant to the Trademark Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1974
Removes the sanction against Cuba under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 which directs the President to assure that no contribution to the United Nations Development Program will be used for projects in Cuba so long as Cuba is governed by the Castro regime. Removes the general prohibition against furnishing assistance to Cuba and limits such prohibition to the furnishing of military assistance only. Repeals additional economic sanctions against Cuba under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act and under any treaty or executive agreement concluded prior to the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1974
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, to transmit to the Federal Power Commission the rate schedules promulgated by him on November 1, 1973 for each of five Bureau of Reclamation projects (Central Valley, Colorado River storage, Parker-Davis, eastern and western divisions of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin, and Rio Grande), and all pertinent documents, letters, memoranda, and other materials. Requires the Commission, with the assistance of the Comptroller General, to promptly conduct a thorough review of the promulgated schedules and the criteria and procedures followed by the Secretary in developing such schedules for the purpose of determining their reasonableness and adequacy and their consistency with applicable requirements of law and regulations. Provides that, upon completion of such review, the Commission shall issue a decision as to each project, approving the schedules or recommending modifications to the Secretary. States that each such decision shall be made on the record after an opportunity for public hearing pursuant to the Federal Power Act. Requires the Secretary to promptly publish proposed regulations providing for opportunity for an adequate public hearing and written decision on the record concerning any electric power rate increase hereinafter proposed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Authorizes and requires the President of the United States to allocate asphalt and asphalt derivatives at specified prices to achieve an equitable distribution pursuant to the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for reductions in Social Security taxes relating to the rate of tax on self-employment income for purposes of old-age, survivors, and disability insurance. States that such reductions shall apply in the case of taxes imposed with respect to self-employment income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974, and with respect to wages paid or received during calendar years after 1974. Provides for Federal participation in the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act. Increases the earnings counted for benefit and tax purposes under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1974
Home Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 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 · 4 April 1974
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of a national park, recreation area, or wilderness area in the Ridgelands east of the San Francisco Bay in the State of California. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1974
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, to transmit to the Federal Power Commission the rate schedules promulgated by him on November 1, 1973 for each of five Bureau of Reclamation projects (Central Valley, Colorado River storage, Parker-Davis, eastern and western divisions of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin, and Rio Grande), and all pertinent documents, letters, memoranda, and other materials. Requires the Commission, with the assistance of the Comptroller General, to promptly conduct a thorough review of the promulgated schedules and the criteria and procedures followed by the Secretary in developing such schedules for the purpose of determining their reasonableness and adequacy and their consistency with applicable requirements of law and regulations. Provides that, upon completion of such review, the Commission shall issue a decision as to each project, approving the schedules or recommending modifications to the Secretary. States that each such decision shall be made on the record after an opportunity for public hearing pursuant to the Federal Power Act. Requires the Secretary to promptly publish proposed regulations providing for opportunity for an adequate public hearing and written decision on the record concerning any electric power rate increase hereinafter proposed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1974
Empowers the Atomic Energy Commission to enter into an agreement with any State agency or regional agency under which such State or regional agency shall conduct an environmental review of and shall issue or deny an application for a site certificate for any proposed nuclear power reactor site in the State or region with respect to which such agency has jurisdiction. States that any such agreement shall expire five years from its effective date and the parties may agree to enter into subsequent five-year agreements. Directs the Atomic Energy Commission to, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, formulate any requirements to be imposed in any such agreement. Provides that such an agreement shall provide that a State or regional agency may issue a site certificate for a proposed nuclear power reactor only if such agency finds, after having considered and balanced the environmental and economic costs and benefits of the nuclear power reactor if constructed on the site proposed, the need for electric power, and other relevant factors, that the construction and operation of the nuclear power reactor on the proposed site is in the public interest. States that any such agreement shall provide that in making site certification decisions the State or regional agency which is a party to the agreement shall, on its own motion or on application of any person proposing to construct a nuclear power reactor: (1) hold public hearings and offer to consider comments from any affected Federal, State, or local agency; and (2) prepare a detailed environmental impact statement on the proposed site. Requires such an agency to issue, within one year after submission of an application for a site certificate by a person proposing to construct one or more nuclear power reactors, a final decision granting or denying a site certificate to the applicant. States that in any proceeding under this Act concerning a license or construction permit, or application to transfer control, and in any proceeding dealing with the activities of licenses, or for the payment of compensation, the Commission shall grant a hearing upon the request of any person whose interest may be affected by the proceeding. Provides that, unless a State or regional agency is party to such an agreement at the time site approval is sought for one or more nuclear power reactors, the Commission is authorized to consider and grant or deny by order an application by any person for approval of a site for one of more nuclear power reactors, except that such construction permit or operating license or amendment to a construction permit or operating license for a nuclear power reactor shall not be issued unless all site-related restrictions in the site approval are complied with. Authorizes the Commission to consider and grant or deny petitions for the issuance of a rule or on its own initiative issue a rule approving the preliminary or final design of part of a nuclear power reactor. States that Congress finds that it is in the national interest to minimize the environmental impact of nuclear powerplants by locating and designating sites for nuclear power parks in each region of the Nation. States that such parks may be the site for locating several nuclear powerplants serving the region in which they are located, and may include nuclear fuel fabricating and reprocessing facilities, and all other facilities required for a complete fuel cycle. Directs the Atomic Energy Commission to make or cause to be made a national survey to locate and designate a nuclear power park site in each of the existing nine electric reliability regions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1974
Confers jurisdiction upon the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia of civil actions brought by the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary for the purposes of procurement of documents, tape recordings and other information related to its official investigations concerning the impeachment of President Richard Nixon.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1974
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government the Consumer Protection Agency. States that the Agency shall be headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a report which shall include a comprehensive statement of the activities and accomplishments of the Agency during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and such recommendations for additional legislation as he may determine to be necessary or desirable to protect the interests of consumers within the United States. Directs the Agency, in the performance of its functions, to advise the Congress and the President as to matters affecting the interests of consumers; and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services made available to them through the trade and commerce of the United States. States that the functions of the Agency shall be to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; and (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance for public inspection and copying which the Agency has received, arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken by it. Directs the Agency to investigate and report to Congress on the desirability and feasibility of establishing a National Consumer Information Foundation which would administer a voluntary, self-supporting, information tag program. Authorizes the Administrator to propose to any Federal agency, for submission to specified persons, written interrogatories or requests for reports and other related information, within such agency's authority. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be required to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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 · 25 February 1974
Empowers the Small Business Administration to make such loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions) as the Administration may determine to be necessary to assist, or to refinance the existing indebtedness of, any small business concern seriously affected by a shortage of energy-producing materials or by any restriction imposed by law or regulation upon travel or the use of motor fuels.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Designates specified lands in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Carolina within the National Wildlife Refuge System as wilderness areas. Designates specified lands in California and Montana within the National Forest System as wilderness areas. Provides that all primitive area classifications of areas herein designated as wilderness are abolished. Provides that the wilderness areas designated by this Act shall be goverened by the appropriate provisions of the Wilderness Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides that the bonus value of food stamps is to be included in the "hold harmless" amount guaranteed to recipients of supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Amendments of 1972. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe regulations for the adjustment of an individual's monthly supplemental security income payment in accordance with any increase to which such individual may be entitled under this Act provided, that such adjustment in monthly payment, together with the remittance of any prior unpaid increments to which such individual may be entitled under this Act, shall be made no later than the first day of the first month beginning more than sixty days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance), that increases in monthly insurance benefits (whether occurring by reason of increases in the cost of living or enacted by law) shall not be considered as annual income for purposes of the following benefit programs: dependency and indemnity compensation to parents of a deceased veteran, pension for non-service-connected disability or death or for service, and the Veterans' Pension Act of 1959.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Creates a Joint Committee on Energy to be composed of twenty-four members. Provides that the joint committee shall select a chairman and a vice chairman from among its members at the beginning of each Congress. Directs the joint committee to: (1) make a continuing study of the development, use, and control of all forms of energy; (2) examine current proposals for legislation relating to the development, use, and control of energy; and (3) review the policies and actions of the agencies of the executive branch with respect to the development, use, and control of energy. Enumerates the powers of the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
Provides that approval of pay adjustments for Members of Congress and specified Federal officials not take effect until the Congress next following the Congress in which they are approved.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
National Aquaculture Development Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for a national program for aquaculture development in order to increase sources of marine protein for the consumer; to increase the availability and quality level of consumer fishery products; to develop new resources; to improve or maintain recreational fisheries; and to initiate new business, industry, and employment. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with interested Federal agencies and other public and private organizations and with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Interior, to establish national objectives for aquaculture development. Requires the Secretary to act as the interagency coordinator for all Federal programs and activities in aquaculture. Sets forth activities regarding aquaculture development which the Secretary may, as he deems appropriate, carry out pursuant to this Act, including: (1) construction, operation, and maintenance of hatcheries or similar facilities and undertaking of natural habitat improvement activities; (2) assistance to public and private organizations and individuals interested or engaged in aquaculture through advisory and other services; (3) consultation and cooperation with Federal, State, and local governments, regional commissions, institutions of higher learning, private industry; and (4) performance of basic and applied research to establish a sound information base for the development of aquaculture. Provides that the Secretary, in consultation with affected States, shall locate, construct, operate, and maintain such pilot aquaculture facilities as he deems appropriate in order to develop aquaculture technology relative to particular species of fish and shellfish. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out such functions and duties authorized by this Act as he deems appropriate through grants to or contracts with the States, regional commissions, local governments, institutions of higher learning, private industry, and other public and private organizations. Authorizes an appropriation for each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, equal to 30 percent of the gross receipts from duties collected under the customs laws on fishery products during the period January 1 to December 31, both inclusive, preceeding the beginning of each such fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out such other research as he deems appropriate in order to perform his functions and duties under this Act. Provides that the authority contained in this Act shall expire at the end of the fiscal year during which occurs the fifth anniversary of the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Requires Federal agencies, under the Freedom of Information Act, to maintain, promptly publish, and distribute (by sale or otherwise) copies of a current index providing identifying information for the public as to any matter, issued, adopted, or promulgated after July 4, 1967 and required by the Act to be made available or published. States that Federal agencies upon any request for records which reasonably describes such records, and is made in accordance with published rules stating the time, place, fees to the extent authorized by statute, and procedure to be followed, shall make the records promptly available to any person. Sets forth the procedure for Federal agencies to follow upon receipt of any request for records made under the Act. Permits a Federal district court to examine the contents of any agency records in camera to determine whether such records or any part thereof shall be withheld under any of the exemptions set forth in the Act. Provides that the United States or a Federal agency shall serve a responsive pleading to any complaint made under the Act within 20 days after the service upon the United States attorney of the pleading in which such complaint is made, unless the court otherwise directs for good cause shown. Allows the court to assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under the Act in which the United States has not prevailed. Exempts from provisions of the Act matters that are authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy. Requires each Federal agency on or before March 1 of each year to submit a report covering the previous year to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Government Operations and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552)
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Requires, under the Freedom of Information Act, that whenever either House of Congress, or, to the extent of matter within its jurisdiction: (1) any committee or subcommittee thereof, requests an agency or the President of the United States to make available information within its possession or under its control, the head of such agency or the President shall make the information available as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days from the date of receipt of the request, unless the information is ordered withheld by the President in a signed statement that the information will be withheld and such statement sets forth a detailed explanation of the grounds upon which such withholding is based; or (2) an independent regulatory agency to make available information within its possession or under its control, the head of such agency shall make the information available as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days from the receipt of the request. States that when either House of Congress and its committees, to the extent of matter within their jurisdiction, requests the presence of and information from an officer or employee of a Federal agency, that officer or employee shall appear and shall supply all information requested except information specifically ordered withheld by the President in a signed statement which sets forth a detailed explanation of the grounds upon which such withholding is based. Provides that an officer or employee of an independent requlatory agency shall appear and shall supply all information requested. Empowers either House of Congress and its committees to obtain information withheld by an agency head, the President or a witness in response to a request for information or testimony under the Act, by adopting a resolution stating that the information or testimony is needed for the exercise of a valid legislative or investigative function under the Constitution and that the national interest outweighs the grounds cited by the President for withholding the information or testimony, and authorizing counsel to file a civil suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to obtain the information requested.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
States that all returns made with respect to taxes imposed under the Internal Revenue Code are confidential and private records; but they may be opened to inspection by the following persons at such times and in such manner as the Commissioner of Internal Revenue by regulation may prescribe: (1) the taxpayer for whom the return was made or his attorney in fact; (2) officers and employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice for tax administration and economic stabilization purposes; (3) shareholders of record owning 1 percent or more of the outstanding stock of any corporation; (4) tax officials of the States; (5) the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the Finance Committee of the Senate, and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue and Taxation; (6) the Attorney General, Assistant Attorneys General, and United States attorneys; and (7) officers and employees of executive departments and other establishments of the Federal Government upon written request of the head of such department or establishment naming the taxpayer whose return is to be inspected and provided that the inspection is necessary in the enforcement of Federal statutes. States that whenever a return is open to the inspection of any person, a certified copy thereof shall, upon request, be furnished to such person under regulations prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue who may prescribe a reasonable fee for furnishing such copy. Provides that all regulations issued by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue pursuant to this Act must have written approval of the Chief of Staff of the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. States that this Act shall be effective upon enactment. Allows the Commissioner of Internal Revenue a period of ninety days after enactment to issue the regulations required herein.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) A world without war is possible; (2) In such a world nations will rely for their external protection on world institutions strong enough to stop any nation from making war, capable of assuring peaceful and just settlements of international disputes, and reliable enough to be entrusted with such power; and (3) it is the policy of the United States to initiate and to implement with other nations practical steps consistent with our commitment to the United Nations for the expeditious realization of such institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for the immediate and future protection and administration of public lands in the California desert within the framework of a program of multiple use, sustained yield, and maintenance of environmental quality. Establishes the California Desert Advisory Commission which shall consist of Federal and State representatives, representatives of the academic community, representatives of residents of the desert, and representatives of groups which make use of the desert and its resources for recreational, study, or business purposes. States that it shall be the function of the Commission to advise the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the program for the desert under this Act. Establishes the National Conservation Area of the California Desert to carry out the purposes of the Act. Gives the Secretary of the Interior responsibility for the preparation of a long-range program for the management, development, and use of the California Desert. Provides that such program shall include a plan, to be completed and reported to Congress within seven years from the date of enactment of this Act. Requires consultation with the Advisory Commission and with State organizations concerning such plan. Provides for an interim program to manage and protect the desert resources now in danger of destruction, and to provide for the public use of the desert. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire such lands or interests therein as he deems necessary to provide access to the facilities of the desert, to facilitate efficient and beneficial management of the desert. Empowers the Secretary to issue such regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that all mining carried out within the conservation area shall be subject to such reasonable regulations as the Secretary may prescribe to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that such regulations shall provide for such measures as may be reasonable to protect the scenic, scientific, and environmental values of the California Desert against undue impairment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Provides, under the Freedom of Information Act, that whenever either House of Congress, any committee or subcommittee thereof, any joint committee of Congress, or the Comptroller General of the United States requests an agency or the President of the United States to make available information within its possession or under its control, the head of such agency or the President shall make the information available as soon as practicable, but not later than thirty days from the date of request, unless the information is ordered withheld by the President in a signed statement that the information will be withheld and such statement sets forth the grounds upon which such withholding is based. Provides that whenever such a request for information has been denied and the same requesting body determines that the information requested is needed for the exercise of a valid legislative or investigative function under the Constitution and that the national interest outweighs any possible jeopardy to the need of the President or agency head to obtain candid and forthright advice, the House, committee, or joint committee may pass a resolution empowering the committee counsel or other designated counsel to file a civil suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to compel the agency head, the President, or the witness to supply the requested information or testimony. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia of any complaint filed by either House of Congress, any committee thereof, or any joint committee of the Congress pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the retention of counsel by either House of Congress, any committee thereof, or any joint committee of Congress for purposes of this Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, of any other law, or of any Executive order, no officer or employee of the executive branch may withhold any information from either House of Congress or any committee or subcommittee thereof if the information requested is relevant to any proceeding connected with the impeachment or subsequent trial of the President, Vice President, or any other civil officer of the United States. Provides penalties for willfully and knowingly distorting or concealing information properly subject to disclosure under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Provides that such board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the director of the center ex officio. Authorizes the centers to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1973
Revises the Freedom of Information Act by requiring each United States government agency to publish and distribute copies of (1) final opinions made in the adjudication of cases, (2) those statements of policy and interpretations which have been adopted by the agency and are not published in the Federal Register, and (3) administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect a member of the public. Requires each agency, upon receipt of any request for records under this Act, to (1) acknowledge such receipt within five days, (2) determine whether to comply within ten days and immediately inform the requestor of his right to appeal to the agency head any adverse determination, and (3) make a determination with respect to such appeal within twenty days. Exempts from requests under the Freedom of Information Act matter authorized under Executive order or statute to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy. Prescribes reporting requirements for agencies to Congress with respect to requests made under this Act. Defines the term agency as any executive department, military department, Government corporation, Government controlled corporation, or other establishment in the Executive branch (including the Executive Office of the President), or any independent regulatory agency.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that no person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime unless upon an information or indictment of a grand jury.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1973
Requires that the method of straight baselines shall be employed for the purposes of determining the boundaries of a contiguous fishery zone beyond the territorial sea of the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1092)
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Transportation to jointly conduct studies to determine the feasibility and desirability of establishing national scenic bicycle trails along United States Highways number 1, 30 and 101. Directs that these studies be submitted to the President and Congress including recommendations as to such actions which should be taken with respect to the establishment of such trails.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Energy Reorganization Act - Title I: Energy Research and Development Administration Establishes the Energy Research and Development Administration headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Describes the functions of the Administrator as including: (1) exercising central responsibility for policy planning, coordination, support, and management of research and development programs respecting all energy sources; (2) undertaking research and development in the extraction, conversion, transmission, and utilization phases related to the development and use of energy from fossil, nuclear, solar, geothermal, and other energy sources; (3) participating in and supporting cooperative research and development projects which may involve contributions by public or private persons or agencies, of financial or other resources to the performance of the work; and (4) developing, collecting, distributing, and making available for distribution, scientific and technical information concerning the manufacture or development of energy and its efficient extraction, conversion, transmission, and utilization. Transfers to the Administrator all functions of the Atomic Energy Commission, the Chairman and members of the Commission, and the officers and components of the Commission, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the Secretary of the Interior, the Department of the Interior, and officers and components of such department: (1) as relate to or are utilized by the Office of Coal Research; and (2) as relate to or are utilized in connection with fossil fuel energy research and development programs and related activities conducted by the Bureau of Mines. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the National Science Foundations as relate to or are utilized in connection with: (1) solar heating and cooling development; and (2) geothermal power development. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the Environmental Protection Agency and the officers and components thereof as relate to or are utilized in connection with the development and demonstration of alternative automotive power systems. Title II: Nuclear Energy Commission - Provides that the Atomic Energy Commission is renamed the Nuclear Energy Commission and shall continue to perform the licensing and related regulatory functions of the Chairman and members of the Commission, the general counsel, and other officers and components of the Commission, which functions, officers, components, and personnel are excepted from the transfer to the Administrator by this Act. Grants the Nuclear Energy Commission licensing authority as to the following facilities of the Administration: (1) demonstration liquid metal fast breeder reactors when operated as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility system; (2) other demonstration nuclear reactors when operated as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility system, except those in existence, under construction or authorized or appropriated for by the Congress on the date this part becomes effective; or (3) facilities used primarily for the receipt and storage of high level radioactive wastes resulting from activities licensed under such Act. Allows the Nuclear Energy Commission to engage in or contract for research which the Commission deems necessary for the discharge of its licensing and regulatory functions. Title III: Miscellaneous and Transitional Provisions - Provides that except as otherwise provided in this Act, whenever all of the functions or programs of an agency, or other body, or any component thereof, affected by this Act, have been transferred from that agency, or other body, or component, the agency, or other body, or component shall lapse.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Authorizes increased production of petroleum from the Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve at a rate to help insure that the needs of national defense are met, but not to exceed the maximum efficient rate in accordance with sound engineering and economic principles. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the production herein authorized by means of sales effected by competitive bid. Provides that full and equal opportunity for acquisition of the oil shall be accorded to all interested companies, including major and independent oil refineries alike. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account. States that funds in the Account shall be available for the expenses of: (1) production, including preparation for production, as authorized by this resolution and as may hereafter be authorized; (2) all capital costs necessary for facilities both within and outside the reserve incident to production and delivery of crude petroleum; and (3) exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1973
Freedom of Access for the Elderly and Handicapped Act - Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code, a deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
![Official portrait of Rep. McCloskey, Paul N., Jr. [R-CA-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000343_200.jpg)