United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Denies a tax deduction for any expenditure of any oil company for advertising not directly related to the sale of products or services under the Internal Revenue Code States that this prohibition shall not be construed to apply to the allowance of a deduction for expenses incurred in appearances before the committees, or individual Members of Congress or of any body of a State.
United States · United States Congress · 5 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 · 4 February 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should evaluate the commodity requirements of the domestic economy to determine which commodities should be designated as in short supply for purposes of taxation of Domestic International Sales Corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President of the United States direct the Secretary of the State to bring to the immediate attention of the Soviet Government the concern of U.S. citizens over the imprisonment of a Lithuanian seaman who unsuccessfully sought asylum aboard a United States Coast Guard ship and to urge his release from prison and return to his family.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Provides, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, that no air carrier shall discontinue service, in whole or in part, unless such discontinuance is found to be in the public interest by the Civil Aeronautics Board after public hearings.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Disallows, under the Internal Revenue Code, percentage depletion deductions on foreign oil and gas wells, tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs for foreign oil or gas wells, and tax credits for income, war profits, or excess profits tax paid or accrued which is attributable to income from foreign oil or gas wells. Allows a tax deduction for excess profits taxes imposed by foreign countries to the extent a credit is denied for such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Food Allowance for Older Americans Act - Establishes, under the Social Security Act, a food allowance program under which qualified elderly persons shall be provided with an opportunity to obtain an adequate level of nutrition through the issuance to them, without charge or fee or condition of any kind, a food allowance of $50 for each month after December 1973 in the form of coupons that can be used only to purchase food from retail stores. States that an individual is eligible for a food allowance under this Act only if such individual is (1) sixty-five years of age or older, (2) the head of his or her own household, and (3) has an annual income which does not exceed $5,000. Provides for the issuance of coupons reduced in value to individuals whose annual income exceeds $5,000 by not more than $480 and who otherwise meet the conditions of eligibility. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
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 · 13 December 1973
Allows an individual an income tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for the expenses of traveling to and from work by means of mass transportation facilities
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1973
Provides that any renewal of United States military involvement in Southeast Asis will constitute a gross abuse of Presidential powers raising grave questions under Article II, Section 4, of the United States Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1973
Resource Conservation and Recycling Incentives Act - Title I: Formal Provisions - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) eliminate discriminatory transportation rates charged by regulated carriers for the movement in commerce of recovered wastes; (2) mandate environmentally protective purchasing policies for all agencies of the Federal Government; and (3) protect public health, living organisms, and the environment through guidelines, standards, and regulations with respect to the treatment and disposal of waste. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title II: Transportation Policy - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission, to effect changes in the rate structure of the country to promote the freedom of movement by common carriers of recovered materials at the lowest possible lawful rates compatible with the maintenance of adequate transportation service. Directs the Commission to undertake studies of the feasibility of establishing a transportation rate policy for all recovered materials based only on the type, size, and kind of transportation equipment used, the characteristics of movement, services, and facilities provided and the weight and/or volume of the shipment. Makes it unlawful for any railroad, common carrier by water, or motor carrier in interstate or foreign commerce to demand, charge, or collect any rate or charge for the transportation of recovered materials which are unreasonable or unjustly discriminarory when compared with the charge demanded for the transportation of virgin natural resources. Penalizes violations of this provision. Title III: Federal Procurement and Measurement - Provides that with respect to each purchase and contract for property, which exceeds $5,000, no procurement shall be made of any procurement item which is not composed of the greatest percentage, or to the maximum extent feasible, of recovered materials. Title IV: Product Standards and Regulation - Provides for the enforcement, with criminal and civil penalties, of the provisions of this title. Directs the Administrator to promulgate standards regulating the manufacture and distribution of products in commerce as he determines necessary to protect health or the environment against unreasonable burdens and risks associated with the disposal of such products. States that any product condemned under this title shall, be disposed of by destruction or by sale. Provides that no product and no sale of a product shall be deemed in violation of this title if it is intended solely for export to any foreign nation except that no product may be exported if the Administrator by regulation finds that the product as exported and disposed of will, directly or indirectly, pose an unreasonable threat to the health of persons within the United States or the environment of the United States. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of possible methods of regulating the design, use, reuse, and recycling of products to reduce the generation of solid waste, reduce the consumption of virgin materials resources, or to reduce burdens on the environment associated with the manufacture, utilization, or disposal of such products. Title V: Unsafe Disposal Practices - Directs the Administrator to issue regulations: (1) identifying unsafe disposal practices; (2) identifying hazardous wastes; and (3) establishing standards for the control of unsafe disposal practices. Requires that within 18 months after promulgation of final regulations, each State shall establish an implementation plan to regulate disposal practices and submit such plan to the Administrator for approval. Provides for Federal enforcement of violations of requirements and standards under this title. Provides for inspections by the Environmental Protection Agency or State or political subdivision, of the records of any person who stores, treats, transports, disposes of, or otherwise handles hazardous wastes. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to appropriate States, agencies and local governments, not to exceed 60 percent, to assist them in the administration, enforcement, training, public information, or analytical services relating to: collection, and disposal of hazardous waste, control of disposal practices and recovery of energy resources. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies relating to enumerated areas of waste management. Title VI: Energy Recovery - Directs the Administrator, alone or in conjunction with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to conduct research, into the means of increasing the recovery of energy in usable forms. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and guarantee loans under this title. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Administrator not to exceed $50,000,000 to pay interest on, and the principal balance of, any obligation guaranteed by the Administrator as to which the obligor has defaulted. Establishes an independent agency to be known as the Council on Environmental Representation to provide support for legal representation and assistance in proceedings, for matters relating to the quality of the environment as described in this title. Enumerates the functions of the Council, including the establishment of programs to provide legal assistance to and grants to eligible clients for the purpose of securing adequate representation to such clients before Federal, State, and local legislative bodies, administrative agencies and courts in matters dealing with the environment of such clients. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the activities of the Council under this title, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Title VII: National Commission On Environmental Costs - Establishes a National Commission on Environmental Costs. Enumerates the duties of the Commission, including to conduct studies on: (1) the feasibility, practicality, and value of the establishment of a system of national disposal cost charges on all products, other than consumables; (2) the means of reducing the wasteful use of materials in the production of goods; and (3) the means of mitigating damage done by sources of pollution and internalizing the costs of such pollution. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as may be necessary not to exceed $1,500,000. Title VIII: General Provisions - Prescribes jurisdictional provisions for civil actions by citizens under this Act. Sets forth the record, reporting and informational requirements to be met by each manufacturer of a product under title IV of this Act. Provides that in addition to specific authorizations for appropriations in this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated for purposes of carrying out this Act such sums as are necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1973
Carpool Service Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants and provide technical assistance to units of general local government to implement programs which are designed to increase the use of carpools by commuters.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, an individual tax credit for disaster evacuation expenses. Defines such expenses. States that in general the amount allowed for such a credit shall not exceed $200 for each natural disaster requiring evacuation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Provides that every person or body politic who subjects any person under the jurisdiction of the United States to the deprivation of any Constitutional right, privilege, or immunity, shall be liable to the party injured.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1973
National Energy Emergency Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the determination of Congress that there is currently an energy shortage in the United States and enumerates the purposes of this Act. Title II: Emergency Fuel Shortage Contingency Programs - Declares that current and imminent fuel shortages have created a nationwide energy emergency. Authorizes the President, for the duration of the energy emergency, to enter into appropriate agreements with foreign states, foreign nationals, or international organizations to adjust and allocate imports of fossil fuels. Provides that any such formal agreement shall not become final until the Senate has had fifteen days to disapprove of such agreement. Provides that the declared nationwide energy emergency and the authority granted by this Act shall terminate one year after the date of enactment of this Act unless extended by Congress. Sets forth limitations for the export of domestically mined coal during the term of any energy emergency declared by or under this Act. Revises the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act by directing the President to provide for an ordering of priorities among users of crude oil, residual fuel oil, or any refined petroleum product and to assign to such users rights entitling them to obtain any such oil or product in precedence to other users not similarly entitled, if the President finds that such action is necessary. Authorizes the President to require adjustments in the production rates of refineries in the United States whenever he finds that such adjustments are necessary to assure the production of residual fuel oil and refined petroleum products in such proportions necessary to meet the priorities for use of such products established under the Energency Petroleum Allocation Act. Directs the President to propose one or more energy conservation plans within thirty days of enactment of this Act which will result in a reduction of energy consumption to a level which can be supplied by available energy resources.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, an individual tax credit for disaster evacuation expenses. Defines such expenses. States that in general the amount allowed for such a credit shall not exceed $200 for each natural disaster requiring evacuation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 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 · 12 November 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Special Prosecution Conservancy Act - Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with supervisory jurisdiction to issue and enforce all orders necessary and appropriate to insure the integrity and inviolability of all files, notes, correspondence, memoranda, documents, physical evidence, and other records and work product compiled, obtained, or otherwise produced and maintained by the office of Special Prosecutor from the date of assumption of that office on May 24, 1973, until the appointment of a successor Special Prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court with authority to appoint a Special Prosecutor for the purposes and with the powers set forth in this Act, and to replace such officer only for extraordinary improprieties in the exercise of his responsibilities. Sets forth the authority and responsibilities of the Special Prosecutor. States that the prosecutor shall have exclusive authority to conduct all grand jury presentments and all other criminal proceedings arising from the following acts or transactions: (1) offenses arising out of the unauthorized entry into Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the Watergate; (2) offenses arising out of the 1972 Presidential election; (3) allegations of criminal offenses involving the President, members of the White House Staff, or other Presidential appointees; and (4) such other matters as bear a relation to the foregoing and which the Special Prosecutor consents to accept. Sets forth powers of the Special Prosecutor, including: (1) the power to determine whether and how far to contest the assertion of executive privilege or any other testimonial or evidentiary privilege, and (2) the power to decide whether or not to prosecute any person and how to conduct and argue any appeals or petitions arising out of his prosecutorial activities. Authorizes the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to extend the term of the Grand Jury of that Court which was impaneled on June 5, 1972, for additional periods of six months, until the court determines that the business of that Grand Jury has been completed. Authorizes to be appropriated to the office of the Special Prosecutor such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Directs the Committee on the Judiciary to inquire into and investigate whether grounds exist for the impeachment of Richard M. Nixon, and to report its findings to the House with such resolutions or articles of impeachment deemed proper.
United States · United States Congress · 18 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 · 17 October 1973
Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, a tax on every new automobile manufactured, produced, or imported based upon its fuel consumption rate. Requires the public disclosure of the fuel consumption rate of every new automobile. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 4064)
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protect against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and : (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Provides that a customer may authorize disclosure if he or those seeking disclosure furnish to the financial institution a signed and dated statement by which the customer: (1) authorizes such disclosure for a period not in excess of one year; (2) identifies the financial records which are authorized to be disclosed; and (3) specifies the purposes for which, and the agencies to which, such records may be disclosed. Requires the financial institution to keep a record of all examinations of the customer's financial records and to notify the customer that he has the right at any time to revoke any authorization of disclosure and to obtain a copy of the aforementioned record of examinations. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from requiring an institution to maintain financial records or to transmit reports on customers, unless such records are required by a supervisory agency or the Internal Revenue Service. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act. Provides for injunctive relief for persons aggrieved by violation or threatened violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Vietnam Era Veterans and Dependents Psychological Readjustment Assistance Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to initiate and carry out a special psychiatric, psychological, and counseling program for veterans of the Vietnam era, especially former prisoners of war and their dependents who are experiencing psychological problems as the result of the military service performed by such veterans. Provides that the participation of any veteran or dependent in such program shall be wholly voluntary and shall not be a prerequisite to eligibility for any other service or assistance. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 620A).
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Provides that after December 31, 1975, the Secretary of Transportation shall not apportion any funds under this Act to any State which has not fully implemented the requirements of those uniform safety standards promulgated by the Secretary on or before December 31, 1973, or with respect to standards revised or promulgated after December 31, 1973, has not fully implemented the requirements of such standards within two years after their revision or promulgation. Provides that Federal-aid highway funds apportioned on or after January 1, 1976, to any State which has not fully implemented the requirements of the uniform standards promulgated by the Secretary under this section on or before December 31, 1973, or, with respect to standards revised or promulgated after December 31, 1973, has not fully implemented the requirements of such standards within two years after their revision or promulgation, shall be reduced by amounts equal to 20 percent of the amounts which would otherwise be apportioned to such State until such time as such State is fully implementing such standards. Allows the Secretary to suspend, whenever he deems it to be in the public interest, the application of the two preceding sentences to a State for a period not to exceed one additional year. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 402)
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1973
Provides that nothing contained in the antitrust laws of the United States shall render unlawful the inclusion and enforcement of any trademark licensing contract or agreement, pursuant to which the licensee engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of a trademarked soft drink product, or provisions granting the licensee the sole and exclusive right to manufacture, distribute and sell such product in a defined geographic area or limiting the licensee, directly or indirectly, to the manufacture, distribution, and 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: (1) such product is in substantial and effective competition with products of the same general class, (2) the licensee is in substantial and effective competition with other venders of other products of the same general class, and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product as required by the Trademark Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1973
Peace Act - Title I: Department of Peace - Establishes the Department of Peace within the Executive Department of the Government to promote the advancement of peace in this Nation and throughout the world. Provides for the appointment of a Secretary of Peace, Under Secretary, four Assistant Secretaries, and a General Counsel by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Department of Peace to make recommendations to the President for the pacific settlement of current international controversies in which the United States Government has or claims an interest. Provides for the transfer of functions of certain other agencies to the Department of Peace. Gives the Secretary powers to administer and carry out the provisions and objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to make an annual written report to the President for submission to the Congress on the activities of the Department for each year. Continues in effect all orders, determinations, rules, and proceedings, regulations, permits, contracts, etc., which are in effect at the time of this Act and transferred to the Department of Peace from another agency. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress within two years after the enactment of this Act a proposed codification of all laws which contain functions transferred to the Secretary. Title II: National Peace Academy - Establishes a "National Peace Academy" within the Department of Peace to furnish training and instruction to prepare U.S. citizens for service in positions in the field of international understanding and peace. Provides for the appointment of officers, staff, and instructors by the Secretary as the Academy may require. Creates a Board of Trustees consisting of 15 members to administer the operation of the Academy. Requires the Board to make an annual written report to the President of its action and recommendations pertaining to the Academy within 60 days after its annual visit to the Academy. Grants admission to the Academy to 150 students on the basis of merit who are U.S. citizens and have received a bachelor's degree from a college or university. Grants fellowships and travel and transportation allowances to students of the Academy. Requires each student selected for admission to sign an agreement to complete the course of instruction and to accept an appointment and service as an officer or employee of the United States or employment with an international peace organization. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Gives the Academy power to acquire and hold real and personal property. Title III: Joint Committee on Peace and International Cooperation - Establishes a Joint Committee on Peace composed of 14 members of Congress (7 from each House) to: (1) make a continuing study of matters relating to the Department of Peace, (2) study means of coordinating programs, and (3) file an annual report with Congress containing its findings and recommendations with respect to the Department of Peace. Gives the Joint Committee power to hold hearings. Authorizes an appropriation of $200,000 each fiscal year to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
States that by reason of their traditional use as a thoroughfare and haven for fishermen and sea venturers, the necessity for them to be free and open in connection with shipping, navigation, salvage, and rescue operations, as well as recreation, Congress declares and affirms that the beaches of the United States are impressed with a national interest and that the public shall have free and unrestricted right to use them as a common to the full extent that such public right may be extended consistent with such property rights of littoral landowners as may be protected absolutely by the Constitution. Provides that no person shall create, erect, maintain, or construct any obstruction, barrier, or restraint of any nature which interferes with the free and unrestricted right of the public, individually and collectively, to enter, leave, cross, or use as a common the public beaches. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over legal actions connected with the provisions of this Act. States that it is desirable that the States and the Federal Government act in a joint partnership to protect the rights and interests of the people in the use of the beaches. Authorizes the Secretary of whatever department the Coast Guard is operating under to place at the disposal of the States such research facilities and information as may assist them in carrying out the provisions of this Act, to make grants, and to provide financial assistance for the development and maintenance of transportation facilities necessary in connection with the use of public beaches.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
States that the increases in the monthly benefits and lump sum death payments under title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act shall be increased by 7 percent beginning January 1974 (presently increased by the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for June 1973 exceeds that for June 1972, beginning April 1974.)
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Federal Correctional Ombudsman Act - Establishes an office of the United States Correctional Ombudsman. Provides that the Chief Ombudsman shall have the authority to investigate in such manner as he sees fit, either upon complaint or upon his own initiative, any administrative act of the Bureau of Prisons or the Board of Parole, pertaining to the treatment of any Federal prisoner or parolee, or the conditions in any Federal penal or correctional institution. Provides that if, after any investigation, the chief ombudsman finds that any administrative act is: (1) contrary to law; (2) unreasonable, unfair, oppresive, or unnecessarily discriminatory; (3) based on mistaken ascertainment of fact; (4) based on improper or irrelevant grounds; (5) performed in an inefficient manner; (6) unclear or inadequately explained when reasons should have been revealed; or (7) otherwise objectionable; he shall consult with the appropriate official or employee in order to make a satisfactory disposition of the matter. States that if the Chief Ombudsman believes that an administrative act has been dictated by laws whose results are unfair or otherwise objectionable, he shall notify the appropriate committees of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Provides that no information disclosed to any ombudsman or to any staff or employee of the Office in connection with an investigation under this Act shall be disclosed to any other person except to the extent the Chief Ombudsman determines necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires the Chief Ombudsman to report annually to the Congress on the operations of the Office.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1973
West Coast Corridor Feasibility Study Act - Directs and authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make an investigation and study for the purpose of determining the social advisability, technical feasibility, and economic practicability of a high-speed ground transportation system between the cities of Tijuana in the State of Baja California, Mexico, and Vancouver in the Province of British Columbia, Canada, by way of the cities of Seattle in the State of Washington, Portland in the State of Oregon, and Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Diego in the State of California. Authorizes $8,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act - Title I: Short Title, Purposes, and definitions - Declares it to be the intention of Congress, subject to the retention by Congress of the ultimate legislative authority over the Nation's Capital which is granted by the Constitution, to grant to the Government of the District of Columbia the powers of local self-Government. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title II: Governmental Reorganization - Transfers the District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency to the District of Columbia Government. Provides that the National Capital Housing Authority shall be an agency of the District of Columbia Government. Establishes the National Capital Planning Commission as a Federal planning agency to review District plans affecting the Federal Establishment in the National Capital region. Transfers the Secretary of Labor's manpower service functions to the Commissioner of the District of Columbia. Title III: District Charter Preamble, Legislative Power, and Charter Amending Procedures - States that the charter for the District of Columbia set forth in this Act shall establish the means of governing the District following its acceptance by a majority of the registered qualified electors. Sets forth provisions for amending the Charter. Title IV: The District Charter - Establishes a 13 member Council of the District of Columbia, with a term of office of four years. Specifies the qualifications for holding office, and the compensation to be paid. Vests all legislative powers of the District of Columbia (subject to specified Congressional retention) in the Council. Sets forth procedures and responsibilities of the Council and of the Chairman of the Council. Establishes the Office of Mayor, and sets forth provisions for qualifications and compensation. Provides that all executive power of the District shall be vested in the Mayor. Grants the Mayor power to appoint all judges of the District of Columbia Courts, with the advice and consent of the Council from a list of persons nominated by the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission. Directs the Council to adopt a budget for each year, and sets forth appropriations, accounting, auditing, and borrowing measures to be followed. Exempts bonds and notes issued by the Council from all Federal and District taxations. Creates the following independent agencies for the District of Columbia: Board of Elections, Zoning Commission, Public Service Commission, Armory Board, and Board of Education. Provides procedures for recall of the Mayor, or any member of the Council or of the Board of Education. Title V: Federal Payment - Establishes in the Treasury the District of Columbia Federal Payment Trust Fund to help defray the costs of the District Government. Sets forth the duties of the Mayor, the Council, and the Office of Management and Budget in relation to the District's budget. Title VI: Reservation of Congressional Authority - Stipulates that the Council shall have no authority to: (1) impose taxes on United States property; (2) enact any regulation which permits the building of any structure in excess of the 1910 height limitations; or (3) enact any act relating to Federal courts in the District of Columbia. Title VII: Referendum; Sucession in Government; Temporary Provisions; Miscellaneous; Amendments to District of Columbia Election Act; Repeal of Certain Provisions of Law and Rules of Construction; and Effective Dates - Provides for a referendum within 5 months of enactment to determine whether the qualified electors of the District of Columbia accept the Charter (title IV). Transfers the functions of specified existing government agencies to the Council. Provides for the continuance of pending actions and proceedings of defunct agencies. Authorizes the President of the United States to take such action as necessary during the interim period to enable the Board of Elections properly to perform its functions under this Act. States that, for the purpose of preventing duplication, any Federal officer or agency may furnish services to the District Government and any District officer or agency may furnish services to the Federal Government. Provides for an independent annual postaudit by the General Accounting Office. Provides for advisory neighborhood councils to advise the District Government on matters of public policy. Makes conforming amendments to the District of Columbia Election Act concerning elections of the Mayor, the District Delegate, and the Council. Sets forth the effective dates of the titles of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Requires the Comptroller General to make, under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe, an audit for each fiscal year of the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve banks and their branches, the Internal Revenue Service, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Alien Property, the Trust Funds of the Smithsonian Institute, and the United States Soldiers' Home, Washington, District of Columbia. Directs the Comptroller General, at the end of six months after the end of the year, or as soon thereafter as may be practicable, to report to the Congress on the results of the audits required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1973
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1974 for making grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Allows an individual who owns a passenger automobile which he uses in a carpool to deduct for income tax purposes: (1) 12 cents for each of the first 15,000 miles attributable to such use during the taxable year, and 9 cents for each mile in excess of 15,000, and (2) an amount equal to the amount paid or accrued by the taxpayer for parking attributable to such use during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce, and the equitable interests of participants in private pension plans and their beneficiaries, by improving the scope, administration and operation of such plans, by requiring pension plans to vest benefits in employees after equitable periods of service, by establishing minimum standards of fiduciary conduct, and by providing more appropriate and adequate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the courts. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Organization - Provides that the Secretary of Labor shall have the responsibility to promote programs and plans for the establishment, administration, and operation of employee benefit plans. Requires the registration of such plans with the Secretary upon compliance with requirements set forth in this title. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake appropriate studies relating to pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress covering his activities under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out his duties under this Act. Provides that within the Department of Labor, there shall be an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Adminstration to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor, appointed by the President, with Senate advice and consent, to exercise power and authority delegated the Secretary of Labor for the administration and enforcement of the Act. States that, unless exempt, the provisions of this Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Provides that this Act shall not apply to plans administered by Federal or State governments, plans administered by religious organizations, plans for the self-employed, plans covering not more than 25 participants, plans established outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States for citizens of other countries, certain plans for key executives and plans for members of labor organizations which are financed exclusively from the members' dues. Provides that the Secretary shall require by regulation that each plan furnish a vested participant, upon his termination of service with the plan, with a certificate reciting the benefits due the participant and the location of the entity responsible for payment and the date when payment shall begin. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - States that pension or profit-sharing-retirement plans may require as a condition for eligibility in the plan a period of service longer than 12 months or an age greater than 21, whichever occurs later. Requires all pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to vest rights in participants with respect to service on or after the effective date of the title at the rate of a 30 percent vested interest commencing with eight years of service, and increasing by 10 percent each year thereafter in order that 100 percent vesting is attained after 15 years of service. Provides that no more than three of the eight years required to qualify for a 30 percent vested right need be continuous years of service, but that service prior to the age of 21 may be ignored in determing eligibility for a vested right unless the participant or his employer has made contributions to the plan with respect to service prior to age 21. Provides that every pension plan filed for registration under this Act shall provide for funding, in accordance with the provisions of this title, which is adequate to provide for payment of all pension benefits which may be payable under the terms of the plan. Requires such plans to be received every five years by certified actuaries. Requires all funds of terminated pension plans to be distributed as follows: (1) first, to retirees or persons eligible to retire on the date of plan termination; (2) to participants who have vested rights under the plan but who have not reached retirement age; and (3) to other participants. Provides that an existing plan subject to this title may elect, pursuant to regulations, to divide the plan and its trust into two separate plans and trusts or within the same plan and trust, into two separate plan and trust accounts as follows: (1) the continuing plan or plan and trust account which shall be a continuation of the plan as it existed immediately before the effective date of this title and which shall cover those participants who have credited service under such plan as of such date and who elect to remain covered by the provisions of such plan; and (2) the new plan or new plan and trust account which shall cover all new participants and all participants who would be eligible to continue coverage under the continuing plan but who elect to waive such coverage and to participate instead in the new plan. Authorizes the Secretary to grant an initial delay of up to three years to comply with the vesting or funding requirements of the Act where initial compliance with these requirements would be unduly burdensome, impractical, or would otherwise adversely affect the interests of employees. States that upon a showing that an employer cannot make the required annual contribution to the plan, the Secretary is authorized to permit the deficiency to be funded over a period of five years, provided that the Secretary is satisfied that such a waiver will not adversely affect the interests of employees and will not impair the financial position of the plan termination insurance fund. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program for protability of vested pension credits. Provides that the program will be administered by and under the Secretary's direction and designed to facilitate the voluntary transfer of vested credits between registered plans. States that plans registered under the Act may voluntarily apply for membership in the program and upon approval be issued a certificate of membership by the Secretary. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Provides that the Secretary shall be the trustee of the fund, and shall administer the fund and report to the Congress annually on the fund's operations and fiscal status. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the 'Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program' which shall be administered by and under the direction of the Secretary. Provides that such program shall insure participants in a plan against losses of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the coverage under such program is limited to 50 percent of the highest monthly wage of a participant earned over a five yar period or $500 per month. Provides that upon registration with the Secretary, each plan shall pay a uniform assessment to the insurance program to cover the administrative costs of such program. States that no plan insured under this title shall terminate without approval of the Secretary. Provides that where employers in terminated plans are not insolvent, such employers shall be liable to reimburse the insurance program to the extent provided under this title. Creates the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title. Title V: Disclosure and Fudiciary Standards - Provides that annual reports required by the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. States that plan descriptions under the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be comprehensive and written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average participant. Sets forth provisions which a plan's annual financial report shall include. States that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to such Act shall file a copy of the plan description and each annual report with the Secretary. Provides that every three years each participant in the plan shall receive a revised summary of the plan's important provisions and major amendments thereto. Expands the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to 21 members (now 13) and adds as permanent categories of membership the fields of actuarial counseling, investment counseling and accounting. Provides that every employee benefit funds established to provide for the payment of benefits shall be established pursuant to a duly executed trust agreement which shall set forth the purpose or purposes for which such fund is established and the detailed basis on which payments are to be made into and out of such fund. States that such fund shall be deemed a trust for the exclusive purpose of (1) providing benefits to participants in the plan and their beneficiaries and (2) defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan. Provides that a fiduciary shall discharge his duties with respect to the fund: (1) with the care under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent man acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims; and (2) in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the fund insofar as is consistent with this Act. Sets forth in detail the restrictions on and the extent of the obligations, responsibilities and duties of a fiduciary under this Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition any district court of the United States having jurisdiction to require a pension or profit-sharing plan to comply with the requirements of this Act or to recover the payment of required monies. Provides that civil actions by plan participants against violations of the fiduciary requirements of this Act may be instituted in Federal or State courts. Allows a fiduciary or administrator of a plan to obtain judicial review of the actions of the Secretary. Declares to be the express intent of Congress the the provisions of this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall supersede any and all laws of the States and of political subdivisions thereof insofar as they may now or hereafter relate to the subject matters regulated by this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) exempt or relieve any employee benefit plan not subject to this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act from any law of any State which regulates insurance, banking, or securities or to prohibit a State from requiring that there be filed with a State agency copies of reports required by this Act to be filed with the Secretary; or (3) alter, amend, modify, invalidate, impair, or supersede any law of the United States other than the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act or any rule or regulation issued under any law except as specifically provided in this Act. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
Establishes, under the Legislative Reorganization Act, the Office of Congressional Ombudsman. Directs the Ombudsman Board to investigate at the request of Members of Congress, actions and operations of agencies of the United States Government. Provides for the utilization by the Ombudsman of the Congressional Research Service and the General Accounting Office in carrying out his duties under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1973
Federal Correctional Ombudsman Act - Establishes an office of the United States Correctional Ombudsman. Provides that the Chief Ombudsman shall have the authority to investigate in such manner as he sees fit, either upon complaint or upon his own initiative, any administrative act of the Bureau of Prisons or the Board of Parole, pertaining to the treatment of any Federal prisoner or parolee, or the conditions in any Federal penal or correctional institution. Provides that if, after any investigation, the chief ombudsman finds that any administrative act is: (1) contrary to law; (2) unreasonable, unfair, oppresive, or unnecessarily discriminatory; (3) based on mistaken ascertainment of fact; (4) based on improper or irrelevant grounds; (5) performed in an inefficient manner; (6) unclear or inadequately explained when reasons should have been revealed; or (7) otherwise objectionable; he shall consult with the appropriate official or employee in order to make a satisfactory disposition of the matter. States that if the Chief Ombudsman believes that an administrative act has been dictated by laws whose results are unfair or otherwise objectionable, he shall notify the appropriate committees of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Provides that no information disclosed to any ombudsman or to any staff or employee of the Office in connection with an investigation under this Act shall be disclosed to any other person except to the extent the Chief Ombudsman determines necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires the Chief Ombudsman to report annually to the Congress on the operations of the Office.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1973
Prohibits the States, under the Voting Rights Act, from denying the right to vote in Federal elections to former criminal offenders who have not been convicted of any offense related to voting or elections and who are not confined in a correctional institution. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States to institute actions necessary to implement the purposes of this act and confers jurisdiction on the district courts of the United States to hear proceedings instituted under this title. Prescribes a fine of up to $5000 and/or up to a 5 years prison term for persons denying any person a right secured by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1973
Expresses the sense of the House that the United States Government should seek agreement with other members of the United Nations on prohibition of weather modification activity as a weapon of war.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1973
Expands, under the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act, the definition of "developmental disability" to include autism. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 2691)
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1973
Provides that postal employees may choose for collective bargaining agreements, their own representative in grievance and adverse actions. Provides that the official bargaining representative of the labor organization recognized by the majority of postal employees shall have the right to be present during these proceedings. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 1206(b))
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1973
Provides that nothing in the National Security Act or any other Act shall be construed as authorizing the Central Intelligence Agency to: (1) carry out, directly or indirectly, within the United States, either on its own or in cooperation or conjunction with any other department, agency, organization, or individual, any police or police-type operation or activity, any law enforcement operation or activity, or any internal security operation or activity; (2) provide assistance of any kind, directly or indirectly, to any other department or agency of the Federal Government, to any department or agency of any State or local government, or to any officer or employee of any such department or agency engaged in police or police-type operations or activities, law enforcement operations or activities, or internal security operations or activities within the United States unless such assistance is provided with the prior, specific written approval of the Central Intelligence Agency oversight subcommittees of the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives; (3) participate, directly or indirectly, in any illegal activity within the United States; or (4) engage in any covert action in any foreign country unless such action has been specifically approved in writing by the Central Intelligence Agency oversight subcommittees of the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives. (Amends 50 U.S.C. 403)
![Official portrait of Rep. Metcalfe, Ralph H. [D-IL-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000675_200.jpg)