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 · 25 April 1974
Vietnam Veterans Federal Employment Act - Authorizes the Director of a government agency to make an excepted appointment, to be known as a Vietnam veterans appointment, to any position in the competitive civil service, up to and including GS-6, or the equivalent thereof, of a veteran or disabled veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Vietnam era, and is found qualified to perform the duties of the position. Requires an employee given such an appointment to serve subject to the satisfactory performance of assigned duties and participation in the training or educational program to which he may be appointed. Provides that an employee who completes the training or educational program or who has satisfactorily completed one year of substantially continuous service under a Vietnam veterans appointment shall be converted to career-conditional or career employment. Prohibits, in the selection of an applicant for appointment under the provisions of this Act, discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or political affiliation. Limits eligibility for appointment under this Act to a period within two years of separation from the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1974
Directs the Secretary of Defense to issue uniform regulations for the effective control over the use of Government production equipment by private contractors under contracts entered into with the Department of Defense. Requires such regulations to be issued by other heads of other agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1974
Foreign Dairy Quality Act - Provides that no dairy product shall be imported into the United States unless it has been inspected and found to be wholesome and unless the foreign farms and plants in which such products were produced, manufactured, or processed comply with all the inspection, grading, and other standards prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Requires that such foreign standards shall be comparable to those standards prescribed by the Secretary for the same kind of dairy products in the United States. States that the labeling of imported dairy products shall comply with the requirements of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and shall be otherwise marked as the Secretary may require. Directs the Secretary to cause to be inspected all dairy products imported into the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act, and rules and regulations for the destruction of dairy products refused admission into the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the administration and supervision of the provisions of this Act. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1974
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine if bounties, grants, or export subsidies are paid by foreign countries with respect to dairy products imported into the United States. Requires the Secretary to make a report to the Congress of his determinations made under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1974
National Summer Youth Sports Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to make grants or enter into contracts for the conduct of an annual National Summer Youth Sports Program concentrated in the summer months, with opportunity for continued activities throughout the year, designed to offer disadvantaged youth living in areas of concentrated poverty an opportunity to receive educational instruction, sports instruction, and health and nutritional services, and to participate in educational programs and sports competitions. Provides that programs under this Act shall be administered by the Secretary, through grants or contracts with the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any other qualified national organization of colleges and universities. Provides that each such grant or contract shall contain provisions to assure that the program to be assisted will: (1) expand educational opportunities for disadvantaged youths, designed to provide an opportunity to engage in competitive sports and benefit from sports skills instruction; (2) help young people learn good health practices and become better citizens by utilizing the personnel and facilities of higher education; (3) enable the contractor and institutions of higher education located conveniently to areas of concentrated poverty and their personnel to participate more fully in community life and in the solution of community problems; (4) provide a combination of employment and on-the-job training in sports instruction and administration; and (5) serve major metropolitan centers of the United States as well as other areas, within the limits of program resources. Requires local projects under any such program to be conducted under approved contracts between the principal contractor or grantee and selected institutions of higher education qualified to carry out a program under this Act. Provides that, except where the Secretary determines that unusual circumstances make a larger percentage necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Act, a contract under this Act with respect to any program may not provide for payment of more than 80 percent of the direct costs incurred in carrying out the total program. Provides that the non-Federal share may be cash or in-kind contributions. Permits such payments to be made in advance or by way of reimbursement, and in such installments and on such conditions as the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $7,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, and $10,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter prior to July 1, 1979, 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 · 12 March 1974
Provides that the percentage depletion deduction under the Internal Revenue Code shall not be allowed in the case of mines, wells, and other natural deposits located in foreign territory.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1974
Authorizes, under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, the assignment of surplus real property to executive agencies for disposal in areas of substantial, consistent, and persistent unemployment. Provides for the administration of property transfers under this Act. (Amends 40 U.S.C. 484)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make loans directly or in cooperation with lending institutions to assist small businesses adversely affected by fuel shortages, electrical energy shortages, shortages of energy producing resources, or shortages of raw or processed processed materials resulting from such shortages.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1974
States that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may temporarily (until May 15, 1974) suspend any stationary source fuel or emission limitation as it applies to any person, if the Administrator finds that such person will be unable to comply with such limitation during such period solely because of unavailability of types or amounts of fuels. Provides that, after public notice and public hearing, the Administrator may, for any period beginning after May 15, 1974, and ending not later than June 30, 1979, temporarily suspend any stationary source fuel or emission limitation as it applies to any person if the Administrator finds: (1) that such person will be unable to comply with such limitation solely because of the unavailability of types and amounts of fuels, (2) that such suspension will not, after the application implementation plan deadline, result in or contribute to a level of air pollutants which is greater than that specified in a national primary ambient air quality standard, and (3) that such person has been placed on a schedule which provides for the use of methods which the Administrator determines will assure continuing compliance with a national primary ambient air quality standard as soon as practicable (but no later than June 30, 1979), which schedule shall include increments of progress toward compliance with such standard by such date. Provides for judicial review of a grant or denial of a suspension or of any interim requirement on which suspension is conditioned by filing a petition with the United States district court for any judicial district in which is located any stationary source to which the action of the Administrator applies. Sets forth requirements governing the issuance of suspensions by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress not later than March 31, 1974, with respect to: (1) the present and projected impact on the program under this Act of fuel shortages and of allocation and end-use allocation programs; (2) availability of scrubber technology (including projections respecting the time, cost, and number of units available) and the effects that scrubbers would have on the total environment and on supplies of fuel and electricity; (3) number of sources and locations which must use such technology based on projected fuel availability data; (4) priority schedule for implementation of scrubber technology, based on public health or air quality; (5) evaluation of availability of technology to burn municipal solid waste in these sources; (6) projections of air quality impact of fuel shortages and allocations; (7) evaluation of alternative control strategies for the attainment and maintenance of national ambient air quality standards for sulfur oxides within the time frames prescribed in the Act; (8) proposed allocations of scrubber technology for nonsolid waste producing systems to sources which are least able to handle solid waste byproduct, technologically, economically, and without hazard to public health, safety, and welfare; and (9) plans for monitoring or requiring variance-receiving sources to monitor impact of variances on concentration of sulfur dioxide in the ambient air. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Clean Air Act to reflect the suspension provisions. Requires the Administrator, upon application by the Governor for any air quality control region for which transportation controls have been imposed in order to attain and maintain the national primary ambient air quality standards by June 1, 1977, to extend for two years the date required by any applicable implementation plan for attainment and maintenance of such standards, if the transportation controls for such region require a 20 percent (or greater) reduction in vehicle miles traveled by June 1, 1977, or if he otherwise finds that such controls are impracticable within such time. States that the Administrator may, upon application by the Governor of any such region, further extend the date for attainment and maintenance of such standard if he finds that imposition of additional transportation control requirements is impracticable within such time. Provides for revision of clean air standards with respect to motor vehicle emission standards. States that any allocation program provided for in this Act or in the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include measures to assure that available low sulfur fuel will be distributed on a priority basis to those areas of the country designated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as requiring low sulfur fuel to avoid or minimize adverse impact on public health. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 to conduct a study of the acute and chronic health effects among exposed population of emissions of sulfur oxides to the air resulting from any conversions to burning coal. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to conduct a study on potential methods of energy conservation and, not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a report on the results of such study. Provides that, within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, after consultation with the Federal Energy Administrator, shall submit to the Congress for appropriate action an "Emergency Mass Transportation Assistance Plan" for the purpose of conserving energy by expanding and improving public mass transportation systems and encouraging increased ridership as alternatives to automobile travel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1974
Revises the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act by providing that an area is deemed an area of substantial unemployment for the purposes of the Act if such area has a 6 percent unemployment rate at any time during the 30-day period preceding the date of an application for assistance under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Creates, as an independent agency in the executive branch, the Federal Zoological and Aquarium Board. States that the Board shall consist of fifteen members to be chosen by the President from specified agencies and associations, the Director of the National Zoological Park, and the Comptroller General of the United States. States that the Board shall establish standards for the national accreditation of zoos and aquariums. Authorizes the Board to provide technical and financial assistance, including loans the aggregate value of which shall not exceed $25,000,000, to aid any zoo or aquarium in complying with such accreditation standards. Authorizes the Board to make grants to any nonprofit zoo or aquarium, agency, or organization for humane research and pilot projects which would serve as models for zoos or aquariums, and for the establishment of survival centers for the breeding, care and perpetuation of endangered species.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
States that the House of Representatives disapproves the recommendations of the President with respect to the rates of pay of Members of Congress and legislative officials transmitted to the Congress in the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Makes it the sense of the House that, during the period pending consideration and action by the Senate upon the bill H.R. 10710, as introduced in the first session of the Congress, cited as the "Trade Reform Act of 1973" and as amended and passed by the House, no loan, guarantee, insurance, or credit shall be extended by the Export-Import Bank of the United States to any nonmarket economy country (other than any such country whose products are eligible for column 1 tariff treatment on the date of the enactment of this resolution), and no such country shall participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
Requires the Attorney General acting through the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct and past activities of potential Vice-Presidential nominees, as such nominees are defined in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
Department of Natural Resources Act - Redesignates the Department of the Interior as the Department of Natural Resources. Redesignates the Secretary of the Interior as the Secretary of Natural Resources. Provides that there shall be in the Department three additional Assistant Secretaries, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall perform such functions, powers, and duties as the Secretary shall prescribe from time to time. Provides that the Assistant Secretaries shall be for oceanic and atmospheric preservation, for national parks and forests, and for international affairs of the Department. Redesignates the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks as the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. Establishes, within the Deparment, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency to be headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that there shall also be five Deputy Administrators for the following five functions: (1) research; (2) exploration and development; (3) loans and grants; (4) international coordination and program planning; and (5) administration and public information. Provides that, in addition to such functions, powers, and duties specified in this Act to be carried out by the Administrator, he shall carry out such other functions, powers, and duties as the Secretary may prescribe. Requires the Administrator to report to the Secretary through the applicable Assistant Secretary and the Under Secretary. Requires that the functions, powers, and duties as are specified in this Act to be carried out by the Administrator shall not be transferred elsewhere in the Department unless specifically provided for by reorganization plan or by Act of Congress enacted after the effective date of this Act. Declares it to be the national policy that the protection, conversation, and enhancement of the Nation's natural resources and the oceans and the atmosphere in productive harmony with the environmental quality, social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans is in the paramount interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Energy Information Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Bureau of Energy Information - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Commerce a Bureau of Energy Information to be a main line component of the Social and Economic Statistics Administration, coequal with the Bureau of the Census. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to perform the duties conferred upon the Bureau by this title or delegate any of them. Provides that the Bureau shall be headed by a Director of Energy Information to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the principal function of the Bureau shall be to operate, maintain, and improve the National Energy Information System established by Title II of this Act. Enumerates the work priorities of the Bureau. Title II: National Energy Information System - Establishes a National Energy Information System, to be operated and maintained by the Bureau. Directs that the components of the System shall be: (1) a public library of energy information; (2) a confidential library of energy information for restricted governmental use; and (3) a secret library of energy information for use only in preparing anonymous statistics. Specifies the characteristics of the System. States that the purpose of the public library is to make available to the general public promptly and conveniently as much of the information in the System as can be released consistently with national security and reasonable competitive equities. States that the purpose of the secret library is to serve the Nation's need for accurate statistical information on mineral fuel reserves, natural energy resources, and energy industries. Directs the Director to place in the secret library information obtained under authority of this Act for which either the national security or reasonable competitive equities require that the information be wholly suppressed or be published only in statistical aggregations of a size and type sufficient to prevent any person from learning or inferring the data furnished by any particular establishment or individual. Prescribes the priorities for entry of information into the System. Enumerates the standards for entry of information into the public, confidential, and secret libraries. Imposes penalties on any employee of the Bureau or other employee who, having taken and subscribed the oath of office, publishes or communicates, without the written authority of the Secretary or the Director, any information coming into his possession by reason of his employment from or for entry in the confidential library or the secret library of the System. Penalizes refusal or neglect to provide information, and the providing of false information, under this Act. Title III: Energy Resources Inventories and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis an inventory of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources in the public lands of the United States, including the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifies the content of such compilation. Title IV: Information on Mineral Fuel Reserves and Natural Energy Resources - Makes it the duty of every substantial energy resources company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce to report annually to the Director full and complete details of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources which it, together with its affiliates, owns or controls anywhere in the world. Provides that all reports required by this title and title V shall be entered by the Director, immediately upon receipt, into one of the three libraries of the System. Title V: Information on the Energy Industries - Makes it the duty of every major energy company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce, to report annually to the Director on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Specifies the content of such reports. Authorizes the requiring of additional reports, at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce or the Director. Title VI: General Accounting Office Oversight - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to review and evaluate the procedures and activities of the Bureau. Title VII: Conformance of and with Other Statutes - Provides that whenever any of the information obtained from any major energy company under this Act is contained in any other report of such company, such report having been filed prior to the effective date of this Act, the Director may excuse such company from filing a report with him, containing the same information. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Reports Act. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Provides that if any provision of this Act or the applicability thereof is held invalid the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior such amounts, as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such Departments by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Provides, under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, that any creditor who fails to comply with the provisions of this Act will be liable for: (1) actual damages; (2) specified amounts in individual and class actions; and (3) reasonable attorney's fees. Prescribes the factors to be considered in determining the amount of award in any class action. Provides that a person may not offset any amount for which a creditor is potentially liable against any amount owed to such creditor. Makes it unlawful for any creditor or card issuer to discriminate on account of sex or marital status against any individual with respect to credit or the terms of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Provides for advancing to not later than February 15, 1974, the effective date of the final order of the Interstate Commerce Commission in Docket No. MC 43 (Sub-No.2), which requires carriers to reimburse their owner-operators for all increases in the price of fuel over the base period May 15, 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Education for Exceptional Children Act - Defines "exceptional children" as handicapped children, children with specific learning disabilities, and particularly gifted children. Directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a National Clearinghouse on Exceptional Children which shall obtain and disseminate to the public information pertaining to the education of exceptional children. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974 and for each of the four succeeding years for the establishment and operation of the clearinghouse. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting the States in providing free appropriate public education for exceptional children at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Sets forth the basis on which funds will be allocated to the States. Provides that in order to receive funds under this Act a State must submit to the Commissioner of Education a State plan is required detailing the State program for free appropriate education for exceptional children. Provides that the State plan must contain such information as the Commissioner deems necessary. Sets forth the criteria needed to be met by a State in order to obtain approval of its plan. Authorizes the Commissioner to withhold payments under this Act from any State when it is found that there has been a failure to comply substantially with any provision of this Act. Provides a method for judicial review of the Commissioner's decision. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State educational agencies to provide training for personnel engaged or preparing to engage in educating exceptional children. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher learning to provide training for leadership personnel for the education of exceptional children. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct research relating to the education of exceptional children and to make grants to States, educational agencies, institutions of higher learning and other public or private nonprofit education or research agencies for such research. Directs the Commissioner to establish standards and procedures to determine which children are "exceptional children" within the meaning of this Act, such standards and procedures to be applied uniformly by all States submitting plans pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Authorizes the payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of the Social Security Act for home hemodialysis performed by a nurse or health aide. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 1395x (s))
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to conduct a program of exploration for oil and gas on Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 4, in the State of Alaska. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to make annual reports to the Congress regarding the progress, results, and findings of the exploration programs authorized by this Act, including any recommendations with respect thereto. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to submit a comprehensive final report to the Congress containing the findings and results of the exploration program carried out pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated certain specified amounts to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that individuals and industries holding patents which, if utilized, could result in energy savings, should forward copies of such patents to the House Interior Committee for study and evaluation, and that once the evaluation is completed, if the patent is put into use, the holder of that patent should be reimbursed for it in full.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 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 · 4 December 1973
Veterans Comprehensive Education Act - States that in the case of an eligible veteran who is pursuing a program of education on a half-time or more basis, other than a program exclusively by correspondence or a program of flight training, the Administrator of the Veteran's Administration shall pay directly to the educational institution on behalf of such veteran the customary cost of tuition (including such laboratory, library, or other similar fees as are customarily charged, as well as the costs of books, supplies, equipment, and other necessary expenses, excluding board, lodging, other living expenses, and travel) which similarly circumstanced nonveterans enrolled in the same courses are required to pay. Provides that in no event shall the payment authorized by this Act exceed $4,000 for an ordinary school year. States that the amendments made by this Act shall become effective on the first day of the second calander month following the month in which this Act is enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1973
Freedom from Surveillance Act - Provides that whoever being a civil officer of the United States or an officer of the Armed Forces of the United States employs any part of the Armed Forces of the United States or the militia of any State to conduct investigations into, maintain surveillance over, or record or maintain information regarding, the beliefs, associations, or political activities of any person not a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of any civilian organization, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. Excludes the provisions of this Act from the use of the Armed Forces of the United States or the militia of any State: (1) doing anything necessary or appropriate to enable such forces or militia to accomplish their mission after they have been actually and publicly assigned by the President to the task of repelling invasion or suppressing rebellion, insurrection, or domestic violence; or (2) investigating criminal conduct committed on a military installation or involving the destruction, damage, theft, unlawful seizure, or trespass of the property of the United States; or (3) determining the suitability for employment or for retention in employment of any individual actually seeking employment or employed by the Armed Forces of the United States or by the militia of any State, or by a defense facility; or (4) whenever the militia of any State is under the command or control of the chief executive of that State or any other appropriate authorities of that State. Allows any person aggrieved as a result of any act which is prohibited by this Act to bring a civil action for damages irrespective of the actuality or amount of pecuniary injury suffered. Allows any person who has reason to believe that a violation of this Act has occurred or is about to occur to bring a civil action on behalf of himself and others similarly situated against any civil officer of the United States or any military officer of the Armed Forces of the United States to enjoin the planning or implementation of any activity in violation of that section.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1973
Election Campaign Espionage Act - Provides that whoever, being an employee of any candidate or political committee, provides any personal service to any other candidate or any political committee supporting any other candidate, with the intent of interfering with any election activity, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. States that whoever uses any contribution or campaign funds to aid in the commission of any offense against the United States or any State, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. Penalizes the concealment of violations of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 614)
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1973
Provides that anyone who knowingly deposits in the mail or transports in interstate commerce or foreign commerce matter which is harmful to minors who have not attained the age of 18 shall be fined not more than $50,000 and/or imprisoned not more than five years for the first offense and for a subsequent offense shall be fined not more than $100,000 and/or imprisoned not more than ten years. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1467)
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserves can only be mined by underground methods. States that the purpose of the Act is to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Control of Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires surface coal mining operations to comply with the following requirements: (1) on steep slopes no debris or soil may be placed on the downslope, except soil from the initial cut, provided that the soil is shaped and graded to prevent slides, erosion, and water pollution, and is revegetated; (2) preservation of topsoil after excavation; (3) stabilization of mine wastes, including safety in retention of water wastes; and (4) minimal disturbance of the hydrologic balance at the minesite. Requires compliance with such standards 90 days after enactment for mines where overburden hasn't been removed. Requires, within 150 days of enactment, Federal enforcement of such standards until State standards are accepted, such enforcement to include mine inspection. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 24 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, state laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, six months after approval of a State program, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for five years, has been issued. States that permit applications must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act, assurance that reclamation can be achieved, and that post-mining land use will be compatible with surrounding uses; and that permits won't be issued for land within 300 feet of occupied dwelling or within a park. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Allows renewal of permits. Establishes general performance standards requiring: (1) extraction of coal sufficient to prevent future need for re-excavating the land; (2) restoration of the land to a condition to which it can support previous uses; (3) keeping reclamation current with mining operations; (4) restoration of approximate original contour of the land; (5) safety measures in dam construction and non-degradation of water quality in streams below dams; (6) restoration of topsoil and vegetation; and (7) limitations and mandatory notices on use of explosives. Differentiates standards for steep-slope and flat terrain mining. Authorizes only one-year permits for steep-slope mining. Allows exceptions to reclamation standards where a post mining use of the land differs from previous use, is appropriate, and begins within three years. Calls for regulations of underground coal mining that requires: (1) backfilling all mine wastes and tailings into mine voids, where possible; (2) permanent underground mine support; (3) sealing of entrances; (4) contouring and revegetation of wastes and tailings; and (5) safety standards in dam construction. Directs mine operators to have remedial programs to eliminate polluting discharge. Requires permit applicants to give notice to public bodies in the local area of their plans, and for such bodies to make public their comments. Gives any person with a valid legal interest the right to object to a proposed surface mining and reclamation operation. Allows public hearings on such objections. Establishes procedures for such hearings. Demands that permit applicants, whose permits have been approved, post performance bonds to assure that the requirements of this Act are met. States that such bonds shall not be less than $10,000. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Prohibits suspension or revocation of a permit except with time for permitee to correct his violations and public hearing, if requested, provided that emergency threats to public health or the environment may justify suspension of permit subject to determination later if violation has occurred. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Allows, where State regulatory authorities don't exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of violations of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Requires civil penalties upon violators of this Act or regulations under it. Permits any person to bring civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Empowers district courts to require the regulatory authority to enforce nondiscretionary duties under the Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Authorizes grants to Indian tribes to assist in development and administration of a mining control program for tribal lands. Allows an Indian tribe to have the Secretary administer its program under this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet certain criteria, including some long-existing and especially deep mines. Title III: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands, for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines, and for the Secretary of Agriculture to use in entering agreements with landowners and tenants providing for control and prevention of erosion. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land and to transfer it the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining use of reclaimed land. Title IV: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title V: A Program for Non-Coal Mine Environmental Impact Control - Requires States to implement programs for designation of lands unsuitable for mining minerals other than coal. Title VI: Appropriation Authorization; Definitions; and General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; $40,000,000 initially to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; and for research and demonstration projects, $5,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and for each fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes grants to States for developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Gives the President power to suspend for 90 days any requirement of this Act concerning surface mining reclamation operations if a national emergency exists. Requires written permission of landowners, where different from underlying mineral owners, to mine or reclaim land. Title VII: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute, center, or equivalent agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation each year of $5,000,000 for the next seven fiscal years for specific projects in such institutes. Authorizes appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and a sum increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year thereafter for grants and contracts for other research into aspects of mining and mineral resources problems. Calls for the Secretary to appoint an advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Rape Prevention and Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of specified areas, including: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; (4) the causes of rape; and (5) sexual assaults in correctional institutions. Provides that the Center shall compile and publish annually a summary of its findings. Directs the Center to develop an information clearinghouse with regard to enumerated materials regarding rape and rehabilitation of offenders. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Provides that the Secretary, through the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape, shall make grants to community mental health centers, nonprofit private organizations, and public agencies for the purpose of conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him on matters relating to rape prevention and control.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop ground propulsion systems which are energy conserving, have clean emission characteristics, and are capable of being produced in large numbers at a reasonable mass production per unit cost. Requires that such ground propulsion systems must meet or better all air quality standards set by or under the National Emission Standards Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Air Quality Act of 1967, while substantially reducing per mile energy comsumption. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act not to exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate for the fiscal years 1974 through 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Geneva Protocal of 1925 should be immediately ratified and that a comprehensive review of this Nation's national security and international policies regarding chemical warfare should be undertaken.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
States that under the Medicare provisions of the Social Security Act the inpatient hospital deductible shall be $72 in the case of any spell of illness beginning before 1975. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to, between July 1 and October 1 of 1974, and of each year thereafter, determine and promulgate the inpatient hospital deductible which shall be applicable in the case of any spell of illness beginning during the succeeding calendar year. Provides that such inpatient hospital deductible shall be equal to $72 multiplied by the ratio of (A) the current average per diem rate for inpatient hospital services for the calendar year preceeding the promulgation, or (B) the current average per diem rate for such services for 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Commercial Demonstration Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate and support basic and applied research relating to geothermal energy development. Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate and carry out commercial demonstrations, research, and development in geothermal energy technology. Provides that the Administration shall dispose of, by sublease or otherwise, all projects undertaken under this Act. Directs the Administration to assure the protection of the environment, persons, and property in projects undertaken pursuant to this Act. Requires the Administration to report to the Congress and the President every six months on the progress made under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for six fiscal years of $80,000,000 to carry out programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Provides that nothing contained in the Federal Trade Commission Act, or in any of the antitrust Acts, shall render unlawful the inclusion and enforcement in any trademark licensing contract or agreement, pursuant to which the licensee engages in the distribution or sale of a trademarked private label food product, of provisions granting the licensee the sole and exclusive right to distribute or sell such product in a defined geographic area or limiting the licensee, directly or indirectly, to the distribution or sale of such product only for ultimate resale to consumers within a defined geographic area. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply only if in such defined geographic area: (1) such product is in substantial and effective competition with products of the same general class distributed or sold by others; (2) the licensee is in substantial and effective competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act of 1946, as amended. Provides that trademarked private label food product means a food product that is both: (1) sold under a trademark owned by an organization that licenses such product for sale exclusively by either; (a) food wholesalers or food retailers who cooperatively own and control such organization; or (b) food wholesalers for resale to retail food stores that do business under a common trademark name owned by such organization; and (2) produced and packaged to specifications determined solely by the organization that owns the trademark.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on the Handicapped within two years of enactment in order to develop recommendations for further research and action in the field of the handicapped, and to further the policies set forth in this joint resolution. Provides that such conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with the cooperation and assistance of such other Federal departments and agencies, including the assignment of personnel, as may be appropriate. Require a final report of the White House Conference on the Handicapped to be submitted to the President not later than 120 days following the date on which the conference is called, and the findings and recommendations included therein to be made available immediately to the public. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after the submission of such report, to transmit to the President and the Congress his recommendations for the administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the recommendations contained in such report. Gives the Secretary administrative powers to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on the White House Conference on the Handicapped composed of 28 members, of whom not less than 15 shall be handicapped or parents of handicapped persons. Provides that such Advisory Committee shall cease to exist 90 days after the submission of the final report required by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1973
Requires the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Special Prosecutor of the United States from the lists of not more than three individuals nominated for such appointment by each of the following: the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of American Law Schools, the National District Attorneys Association, and the National Bar Association. States that it shall be the duty of the Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute any offense against the United States arising out of any campaign with respect to the election in 1972 for the Office of President. Provides that the Special Prosecutor shall have full authority to undertake any action he deems necessary and proper for the performance of his duties under this Act. States that the Special Prosecutor may be removed by the President only for good cause established and determined by the Civil Service Commission on the record after opportunity for hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Social Services Amendments - Outlines the objectives to be achieved under this Act, including: (1) the goal of self-support; (2) the goal of family care or self-care; (3) the goal of community-based care; and (4) the institutional care goal. Provides, under the Social Security Act, for maximum freedom for each State to determine which services will be made available, the persons eligible for such services, the manner in which such services are provided, and any limitations on the receipt of such services. Requires that social services to be offered at the option of the States to all eligible persons shall include: (1) day care services for children; (2) day care services for children with special needs; (3) service for children in foster care; (4) protective services for children; (5) family planning services; (6) protective services for adults; (7) services for adults in foster care; (8) homemaker services for individuals in their own homes; (9) chore services; (10) home delivered or congregate meals; (11) day care services for adults; (12) health related services; (13) home management and other functional education services; (14) housing improvement services; (15) a full range of legal services; (16) transportation services necessary to travel to and from community facilities or resources for receipt of services; (17) educational and training services; (18) employment services; (19) information, referral, and determination of eligibility and the need for services, without regard to individual eligibility criteria; (20) special services for the mentally retarded, or special adaptations of generic services; (21) special services for the blind; (22) services for alcoholism and drug addiction; (23) special services for the emotionally disturbed as defined by the State; (24) special services for the physically handicapped as defined by the State; and (25) any other proposed services at the request of a State. Provides that States are entitled to Federal financial participation for the delivery of mandatory and optional social services under the State plan to the extent of the appropriations allocated by the Congress. Requires that State plans submitted with respect to the services program shall contain a provision for a fair hearing, under which applicants and recipients may appeal exclusion from a service program. Provides that State plans shall provide for the establishment of a social services advisory committee, to include members representative of recipients of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1973
Provides for the designation of a segment of the Delaware River flowing between the State of New York and the State of Pennsylvania as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000, $175,000,000, and $200,000,000 for fiscal years 1975-1977, respectively for the nutrition program for the aged under title VII of the Older American Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Requests the President of the United States to declare Sunday, November 25, 1973, as "MIA Awareness Day" to pay tribute to members of the Armed Forces who are missing in action in Indochina.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Declares it to be the sense of the House that the President, acting in accordance with the announced policy of the United States Government to maintain Israel's deterrent strength, and under existing authority, should continue to transfer to Israel the Phantom aircraft and other equipment in the quantities needed by Israel to repel the attack and to offset the military equipment and supplies furnished to the Arab States by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
Requires the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Special Prosecutor of the United States from the lists of not more than three individuals nominated for such appointment by each of the following: the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of American Law Schools, the National District Attorneys Association, and the National Bar Association. States that it shall be the duty of the Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute any offense against the United States arising out of any campaign with respect to the election in 1972 for the Office of President. Provides that the Special Prosecutor shall have full authority to undertake any action he deems necessary and proper for the performance of his duties under this Act. States that the Special Prosecutor may be removed by the President only for good cause established and determined by the Civil Service Commission on the record after opportunity for hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate, support and carry out basic and applied research and development in solar heating and cooling technologies. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings under the monitoring of the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Bureau of Standards and in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Defense. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas (not less than three) in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. McDade, Joseph M. [R-PA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000399_200.jpg)