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 · 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
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, that blood donations shall be considered as charitable contributions deductible from gross income in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 170(i))
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1973
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, within thirty days after enactment of this joint resolution, to publish and submit to the Congress regulations implementing such Provisions so as to effect an equitable allocation of appropriated funds among all qualified projects on which construction was initiated after June 20, 1963, but before July 1, 1972. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at the time such regulations are submitted to the Congress, to notify each State. Sets aside any regulations published or promulgated prior to the date of enactment of this joint resolution by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended relating to reimbursement and advanced construction of any publicly owned treatment works.
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 · 1 October 1973
Provides that in the determination of the annual income of recipients of vetetans' pensions and dependency and indemnity compensation the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall not reduce the amount of such pension or compensation because of increases in monthly social security benefits under Public law 92-336. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 415(g)(4) 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that nothing contained in the U.S. Constitution shall abridge the right of persons lawfully assembled, in any public building which is supported in whole or in part through the expenditure of public funds, to participate in voluntary prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1973
Provides, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individuals' earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 19 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 Administration 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 six months or an age greater than 21, whichever occurs later. Requires all pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to vest rights in paritcipants 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 determining 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 reviewed every five years by certified acuuaries. 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 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 burdensom, 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 portability or 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 year 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 19 members (now 13) and adds as permanent categories of membership the fields of actuarial counseling, investment counseling and accounting. Provides that every employee benefit fund 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 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) solely in the interests of the participants and their beneficiaries; (2) with the care under the circumstances tnen 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 (3) 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 it to be the express intent of Congress that 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; (2) exempt or relieve any person 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 ty 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 · 18 July 1973
Mutual Development and Cooperation Act - Transfers the office and functions of the Agency for International Development to the Mutual Development and Cooperation Agency, which shall have the responsibility for coordinating all United States development-related activities. Authorizes $300,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-75 to be appropriated to the President to furnish assistance to people living in rural overseas areas for agriculture, rural development, and nutrition. Authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-75 for population planning and health; $115,000,000 annually for education, public administration, and human resource development; $93,000,000 annually to help solve social and economic development problems in fields such as transportation and power, industry, urban development and export development; and $60,000,000 annually to support the general economy of recipient countries or for development programs conducted by private or international organizations. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 for technical cooperation and development grants under the Foreign Assistance Act. Authorizes appropriations for housing guaranties; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and the Alliance for Progress. Directs the President, acting through the United Nations, to seek the establishment of a professionally qualified group to provide independent reviews and evaluations of the activities of the United Nations and its affiliated organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency. Authorizes appropriations for specified programs under the Foreign Assistance Act. Requires the President to submit to Congress a report on the programming and obligations of foreign assistance relating to international narcotics control. Authorizes the President to use up to $2,000,000 of specified appropriated funds to assist friendly countries in the procurement of technical assistance for developing: (1) natural resources of interest to the United States; (2) a favorable trade climate; and (3) markets for United States exports. Establishes an international military education and training program. Enumerates the purposes of such program. Authorizes the President to provide such training and education by grant, contract or otherwise. Authorizes appropriations of $30,000,000 to carry out such purposes. Sets forth the definition of "military education and training" under this Act. Provides that specified personnel serving the Agency for International Development shall become participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Requires the President to transmit specified reports to the Congress, specifying the content of such reports. Empowers the President to furnish famine or disaster relief abroad on such terms and conditions as he may determine. Directs the President to establish a system for coordination of United States policies and programs which affect U.S. interests in the development of low-income countries. Authorizes the establishment of a Development Coordination Committee to advise the President on coordination of policies and programs in developing countries, including bilateral and multilateral development assistance programs. Requires the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to submit an annual report on the North Atlantic Treaty Military Organization. Authorizes the President to furnish relief and reconstruction assistance to South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Authorizes $632,000,000 for this purpose for fiscal year 1974. States that (1) $712,000 of such funds shall be allocated to the Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Saigon; and (2) $5,000,000 of such funds for assistance to South Vietnamese Children. Establishes the United States Export Development Credit Fund to provide extensions of credit and to refinance U.S. exporter credits, for the purpose of facilitating the sale of U.S. goods and services to the lowest income countries which advance their development. Sets forth provisions for the financing of such Fund. Provides for the continuation of the Fund through December 31, 1977, and requires a detailed report semiannually on the Fund. States that nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation on the powers of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Prohibits the extension of credit under this section for defense articles or services. Provides, under the Foreign Military Sales Act, that no sophisticated weapons shall be furnished to any foreign country which has violated agreements under such Act or under the Mutual Development and Cooperation Act. Directs the President to seek a revision of the Social Progress Trust Fund Agreement between the United States and the Inter-American Development Bank.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Requires the Postal Service to establish, not later than two hundred forty days after the date of the enactment of this Act, a mail delivery insurance program which will enable any person transmitting any matter in the domestic mail to purchase, with respect to such matter, insurance against any loss sustained by that person because the insured matter was not delivered to the addressee, or delivered to the addressee after the insured delivery date. Provides that coverage under the mail delivery insurance program shall: (1) not exceed $2,500 with respect to each insured matter transmitted in the mail, and (2) not include the value of the insured matter itself, if such matter is damaged or lost, but only losses resulting from the late delivery or nondelivery of such matter. Directs the General Accounting Office to conduct an investigation and study of domestic mail service for the purpose of establishing a schedule of standard processing and delivery periods for such mail service.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
Board for International Broadcasting Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that it is the policy of the United States to promote the right of freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Declares the finding of the Congress that the continuation of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty as independent broadcast media is in the national interest. Establishes a Board of International Broadcasting. Authorizes the Board to make grants to Radio Free Europe and to Radio Liberty in order to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Board to report annually to the President and to the Congress on its activities under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,300,000 for fiscal year 1974 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Voter Registration Act - Establishes within the Bureau of the Census the Voter Registration Administration. Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an administrator and two associate administrators for terms of four years each. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administration. Authorizes the Administration to establish and administer a voter registration program in accordance with this Act for all Federal elections. Provides that an individual who fulfills the requirements to be a qualified voter under State law and who is registered to vote under the provisions of this Act shall be entitled to vote in Federal elections in that State, except that each State shall provide for the registration or other means of qualification of all residents not later than 30 days prior to any Federal election. Directs the Administration to prepare voter registration forms in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administration to enter into agreements with the postal service, with departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and with State officials for the distribution of registration forms. Requires the Administration to assist officials in detecting fraudulent voter registration, when such assistance is requested by the State. Provides that the district courts of the United States or the United States District Court of the District of Columbia shall have jurisdiction, without regard to any amount in controversy, of proceedings instituted pursuant to this Act. Provides that whoever knowingly or willfully gives false information as to his name, address, residence, age, or other information for the purposes of establishing his eligibility to register or vote under this chapter, or conspires with another individual for the purpose of encouraging his false registration to vote or illegal voting, or pays or offers to pay or accepts or offers to accept payment either for registration to vote or for voting shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. States that any person who deprives, or attempts to deprive, any other person of any right under this chapter shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Authorizes the Administration to pay to each appropriate State the reasonable cost of processing registration forms prescribed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 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 · 8 May 1973
National Catastrophic Disaster Insurance Act - Establishes a program of Federal insurance against catastrophic natural disasters and other such disasters utilizing the private insurance industry, particularly risk-sharing pools of insurance companies, while preserving State regulation. Establishes, within the office of the Federal Insurance Administrator in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the position of Assistant Insurance Administrator for Disaster Insurance, who shall head an office of Federal Disaster Insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to: (1) impose and collect an insurance premium surcharge which may not exceed 5 percent and may vary on a statewide regional, country wide basis, or any combination of these; (2) determine and prescribe the terms, conditions, and limitations of the catastrophic disaster insurance program as provided under this Act; (3) purchase reinsurance to the extent deemed appropriate and available; (4) make such disbursements from a special fund established in the U.S. Treasury for operations under this Act in order to reimburse insurance companies in full for claims paid by them for covered losses under the Act's program and for other operating expenses incurred by such companies under the program; and (5) make other disbursements and take other actions necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act. Extends as mandatory the coverage of castatrophic disasters in each property insurance policy now in effect or hereafter issued, other than motor vehicle insurance policies. Establishes in U.S. Treasury a fund to be used by the Secretary for operating and capital expenses under this Act. Forbids coverage of new catastrophic disaster insurance where in violation of State or local laws or where the Secretary determines an area to be of special catastrohpic disaster risk. Prohibits the duplications of benefits where loss is covered by a valid claim paid under catastrophic disaster insurance under this Act. Provides for the termination of the Act's program no later than June 30, 1975 if catastrophic disaster insurance equal or increased coverage is provided by private insurance companies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Foreign Assistance Act - Provides authorization for fiscal year 1974 and 1975 for development loans in the amount of $201,400,000 for each year. Requires that at least 50% of such funds appropriated be used to encourage economic development through private enterprise. Limits the number of countries who may receive technical assistance to 40 under title 2 of this act. Authorizes sums of $165,650,000 for fiscal year 1974 and 1975 for technical cooperation and development grants. Authorizes $10,000,000 for 1974 and $10,000,000 for 1975 for assistance to American schools and hospitals abroad. Increases to $480,000,000 the amount of worldwide housing investment guaranty authority. Increases to $594,000,000 the amount of Latin American housing guaranty authority. Strengthens the Overseas Private Investment Corporation mandates concerning its insurance operations with due regard to risk management and to share its insurance risk by confirming OPIC's risk sharing may be with other ensurers public or private. Encourages OPIC to seek future insurance underwriting to assure that the coats of the program will be fully covered over the long term by the private users of the program. Outlines new rules and limitations in the purchase and holding of stock by OPIC. Expands OPIC's power to enter into coinsurance and reinsurance agreements with private insurance companies. Extends for 2 years OPIC's authority to establish pilot loan guaranty program in certain Latin American countries in order to encouage lands and other local credit institutions to make agricultural and community development loans to organized groups and individuals who have been unable to obtain credit on reasonable grounds. Extends until February 1, 1975 the deadline for submission to the Congress of an analysis of possibilities of transferring all or part of OPIC's activities to private U.S. citizens corporation or other associations. Authorizes appropriations of $236,100,000 for 1974 and $236,100,000 for 1975 to carry out development lending and technical assistance in Latin America. Limits the amount of funds under the section which may be used for technical assistance. Requires that at least $125,000 of the funds available be used in programs relating to population growth. Authorizes a contingency fund appropriation of $30,000,000 for 1974 and $30,000,000 for 1975. Provides for a permanent authorization for assistance in the care of extenuating disasters. Authorizes $42,500,000 for international narcotic control for 1974 and such sums as may be necessary for 1975. Authorizes appropriations for $652,000,000 for 1974 for military assistance. Extends the President's special authority to order defense articles and defense services subject to subsequent reimbursement. Provides for an authorization for security supporting assistance of $100,000,000 for 1974. Establishes a program of international military education and training. Authorizes the President to provide military education and training by grant, contract or adherance and describes the kind of activities that can be engaged in under this chapter. Requires the President to submit annual reports to the Congress concerning the activities carred out and the obligation incurred under such program. Makes conforming amendments under the Foreign Assistance Act to eliminate and transfer to the program described above for military education and training all programs dealing with military education. Equalizes the conditions of overseas career personnel in the foreign affairs agencies to permit AID employees to participate in the Civil Service Retirement System. Permits the President, whenever he deems it necessary in the public interest to extend any employee's service beyond the mandatory retirement date for a period of not to exceed 5 years. Gives the President greater flexibility in carrying out programs of famine and disaster relief assistance in cases in which it would otherwise be prohibited. Provides for reconstruction of South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides for short-term and long-term reconstruction programs. Authorizes $632,000,000 for such purposes for 1974. Extends to 20 years the length of time for which credit may be given under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Eliminates the requirement that guaranties may be issued only to financial institutions doing business in the U.S. Authorizes a sum of $525,000,000 for 1974 to carry out the purpose of this section. Sets a total aggregate ceiling of guaranties which can be made under the act for 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Makes inapplicable to the aged, blind and disabled the existing provision of the Social Security Act limiting to 10 percent the portion of the total amounts paid to a State as grants for social services which may be paid with respect to individuals who are not actually recipients of or applicants for aid or assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Makes it the sense of Congress that it shall be the policy of the United States to require repayment of the longstanding debts which are delinquent in nature. Makes it the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury submit to the Congress within ninety days of passage of this resolution a list and report on the extent of such indebtedness on the part of foreign nations. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury, through the appropriate departments and agencies, should, immediately after the filing of this report, begin consultations with foreign governments involved for the purpose of making arrangements for the prompt repayment of those longstanding debts which are delinquent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1973
Authorizes appropriations of $685,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 for military assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act. Authorizes $732,000,000 in appropriations for fiscal year 1974 under such Act, for security supporting assistance. Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal year 1974 under the Foreign Military Sales Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that the designation of payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund shall be made on the front page of the taxpayer's income tax return form. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to give extensive publicity to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund from January 1 to April 15 of each year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Exempts from the provisions of Federal law prohibiting the importation, manufacture, distribution, and storage of explosive materials: (1) commercially manufactured black powder; and (2) percussion caps, safety and pyrotechnic fuses, quick and slow matches, and friction primers. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 845)
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Federal Disaster Insurance Act - Creates a body corporate to be known as the Federal Disaster Insurance Corporation which shall be an independent establishment in the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the management of the Corporation shall be vested in a board of directors, which shall consists of nine members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Defines the term "natural disaster" as meaning any hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake, drought, fire, avalanche, landslide, or other catastrophe in any part of the United States which is determined by the President to be a major disaster for purposes of the Disaster Relief Act of 1970, or which is otherwise determined by the Federal Disaster Insurance Corporation to be actually or potentially of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant coverage under insurance made available pursuant to this Act. Provides that the Corporation shall have a capital stock of $1,000,000,000 which shall be subscribed to by the Secretary of the Treasury on behalf of the United States. Provides that payment upon such subscription shall be subject to call in whole or in part at any time by the board of directors of the Corporation. Authorizes to be appropriated, out of money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $1,000,000,000 which shall be available for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury for capital stock of the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to carry out the purpose of this Act by providing, to any citizen or resident of the United States who makes application therefor and qualifies in accordance with this Act, insurance against damage to or loss of property due to natural disaster. Creates in the Treasury of the United States a National Disaster Insurance Fund which shall be available to the Corporation without fiscal year limitation: (1) for making such payments of insurance as may from time to time be required under this Act; (2) to redeem stock issued under this Act; and (3) to pay the administrative expenses of carrying out the program, including the costs of processing applications and servicing claims.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Health Programs Extension Act - Title I: Amendments to Public Health Service Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Health Service Act: (1) health services research and development, (2) national health surveys and studies, (3) public health training, (4) migrant health (5) comprehensive health planning and services (6) assistance to medical libraries (7) Hill-Burton programs for construction of medical library facilities (8) training in the allied health professions, (9) regional medical programs, and (10) population research and family planning. Title II: Amendments to the Community Mental Health Centers Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Community Mental Health Centers Act: (1) construction assistance for mental health centers, (2) staffing assistance for mental health centers, (3) alcoholism programs (4) drug abuse programs, (5)consultation services, and (6) mental health of children. Title III: Amendments to the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for construction, services, and planning under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act. Title IV: Funding Assurances - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for programs under the Medical Facilities Construction and Modernization Amendment of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Authorizes to be appropriated for the Peace Corps for the fiscal year 1974 not to exceed $77,001,000, and for the fiscal year 1975 such sums as necessary. (Amends 22 U.S.C. 2502(b))
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Authorizes funds not to exceed $607,500 for the expenses of the investigation and study authorized by H. Res. 267, Ninety-third Congress for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Foreign Trade and Investment Act - Declares the purpose of the Act to insure that the production of goods which have historically been produced in the United States is continued and maintained, to encourage the return of production of goods that has been transferred abroad, and to encourage the development of new product production in the United States. Title I : - Provides that if a foreign corporation is a controlled foreign corporation for an uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during any taxable year, every United States shareholder of such corporation who owns stock in such corporation on the last day in such year on which such corporation is a controlled foreign corporation shall include in its gross income, for the taxable year on which the corporation ends, its pro rata share of the corporations' earnings and profits for such year. Defines the pro rata share of the stockholder and the earnings and incomes of such corporations. Provides that the earnings and profits of a foreign corporation attributable to amounts which are, or have been, included in the gross income of a United States shareholder shall not, when distributed to such shareholder or to a trust of which such shareholder is a beneficiary, be again included in the gross income of such United States shareholder or trust. Provides that, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, the basis of a United States shareholder's stock in a controlled foreign corporation shall be increased by the amount required to be included in its gross income with respect to such stock, but only to the extent to which such amount was included in the gross income of such United States shareholder. Authorizes the Secretary or his delegate to require by regulation that each person who is or has been a United States shareholder of a foreign corporation to maintain such records as may be prescribed. Repeals the foreign tax credit allowed corporations. Requires the Treasury Department, by December 31, 1974, to submit to Congress a report on the administration of the income tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code as it applies to business activities carried on outside the United States by United States corporations. Title II: United States Foreign Trade and Investment Commission - Provides that the United States Foreign Trade and Investment Commission shall be composed of three commissioners to be appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Prescribes the qualifications for the Commissioners. Title III: Quantitative Restraints on Imports - Limits the total quantity of each category of goods produced in a foreign country which may be entered during the calendar year 1974 to the average annual quantity determined by the Commission to have entered during the calendar years 1965 to 1969. Limits the total quantity of such goods which may be entered during any calendar year after 1974 to the total determined as above plus the increase estimated by the Commission to be necessary to make the total quantity of imports in each category bear the same relationship to United States production of goods in such category as existed during the period 1965-1969. Authorizes the President to make bilateral or multilateral arrangements for regulating the quantity of articles produced in such foreign countries which may be imported into the United States. Title IV: Amendments to the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Acts - Provides that whenever a class or kind of foreign merchandise is being sold in the United States at less than its fair value and an industry in the United States is being hurt or prevented from being established by reason of the importation of such merchandise, there shall be levied in addition to other duties a special dumping duty in an amount equal to the difference between the purchase price or the exporter's sales price and the foreign market value. Authorizes an additional duty where any country pays a bounty for the production of any goods and those goods are then imported into the United States, the duty to be equal to the bounty. Title V: Amendments to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 - Adjustment Assistance - Provides for the presentation, consideration, and disposition of petitions for tariff adjustments. Title VI: Foreign Investment and Technology Export Controls - Authorizes the President to prohibit any person within the jurisdiction of the United States from engaging in any transaction involving a direct or indirect transfer of capital to or within any foreign country or to any national thereof when in the judgment of the President the transfer would result in the net decrease in employment in the United States. Imposes a fine of not more than $100,000 and imprisonment of not more than one year for each violation. Title VII: Other Foreign Trade Provisions - Requires the Export-Import Bank of Washington to submit to Congress semi-annually a complete report of its operations. Requires that all goods having foreign made components be clearly marked, indicating the origin of such foreign made components.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Foreign Trade and Investment Act - Declares the purpose of the Act to insure that the production of goods which have historically been produced in the United States is continued and maintained, to encourage the return of production of goods that has been transferred abroad, and to encourage the development of new product production in the United States. Title I : - Provides that if a foreign corporation is a controlled foreign corporation for an uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during any taxable year, every United States shareholder of such corporation who owns stock in such corporation on the last day in such year on which such corporation is a controlled foreign corporation shall include in its gross income, for the taxable year on which the corporation ends, its pro rata share of the corporations' earnings and profits for such year. Defines the pro rata share of the stockholder and the earnings and incomes of such corporations. Provides that the earnings and profits of a foreign corporation attributable to amounts which are, or have been, included in the gross income of a United States shareholder shall not, when distributed to such shareholder or to a trust of which such shareholder is a beneficiary, be again included in the gross income of such United States shareholder or trust. Provides that, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, the basis of a United States shareholder's stock in a controlled foreign corporation shall be increased by the amount required to be included in its gross income with respect to such stock, but only to the extent to which such amount was included in the gross income of such United States shareholder. Authorizes the Secretary or his delegate to require by regulation that each person who is or has been a United States shareholder of a foreign corporation to maintain such records as may be prescribed. Repeals the foreign tax credit allowed corporations. Requires the Treasury Department, by December 31, 1974, to submit to Congress a report on the administration of the income tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code as it applies to business activities carried on outside the United States by United States corporations. Title II: United States Foreign Trade and Investment Commission - Provides that the United States Foreign Trade and Investment Commission shall be composed of three commissioners to be appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Prescribes the qualifications for the Commissioners. Title III: Quantitative Restraints on Imports - Limits the total quantity of each category of goods produced in a foreign country which may be entered during the calendar year 1974 to the average annual quantity determined by the Commission to have entered during the calendar years 1965 to 1969. Limits the total quantity of such goods which may be entered during any calendar year after 1974 to the total determined as above plus the increase estimated by the Commission to be necessary to make the total quantity of imports in each category bear the same relationship to United States production of goods in such category as existed during the period 1965-1969. Authorizes the President to make bilateral or multilateral arrangements for regulating the quantity of articles produced in such foreign countries which may be imported into the United States. Title IV: Amendments to the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Acts - Provides that whenever a class or kind of foreign merchandise is being sold in the United States at less than its fair value and an industry in the United States is being hurt or prevented from being established by reason of the importation of such merchandise, there shall be levied in addition to other duties a special dumping duty in an amount equal to the difference between the purchase price or the exporter's sales price and the foreign market value. Authorizes an additional duty where any country pays a bounty for the production of any goods and those goods are then imported into the United States, the duty to be equal to the bounty. Title V: Amendments to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 - Adjustment Assistance - Provides for the presentation, consideration, and disposition of petitions for tariff adjustments. Title VI: Foreign Investment and Technology Export Controls - Authorizes the President to prohibit any person within the jurisdiction of the United States from engaging in any transaction involving a direct or indirect transfer of capital to or within any foreign country or to any national thereof when in the judgment of the President the transfer would result in the net decrease in employment in the United States. Imposes a fine of not more than $100,000 and imprisonment of not more than one year for each violation. Title VII: Other Foreign Trade Provisions - Requires the Export-Import Bank of Washington to submit to Congress semi-annually a complete report of its operations. Requires that all goods having foreign made components be clearly marked, indicating the origin of such foreign made components.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Steel Trade Act - Limits the total quantity of imported carbon and specialty steel mill products to fourteen million seven hundred and nine thousand tons during the year beginning January 1, 1971. Limits the total quantity of other steel products which may be imported during such year to four hundred and eleven thousand tons. Provides that beginning with the year 1972 and during each succeeding year the total quantities of the above products which may be imported during such year to four hundred and eleven thousand tons. Provides that beginning with the year 1972 and and during each succeeding year the total quantities of the above products which may be imported shall be increased by 1 1/2 percent per year over the tonnages permitted to be imported in the preceeding year. Declares that: (1) the percentage of the total quantity of the imports of the above products from a particular nation shall not exceed the percentage of total imports represented by imports from that nation during the year 1968; (2) the percentage of the total quantity of imports of carbon and specialty steel mill products and other steel products which may be entered in any year represented by imports in a particular category shall not exceed the percentage of total imports represented by imports in that category during the year 1968; and (3) the percentage of the total quantity of imports of the above products in any year cleared through any customs district shall not exceed the percentage of total imports which cleared through such district during the year 1968. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to adjust the percentage limitations to the extent required by significant changes in the composition of domestic market requirements. Provides that such adjustment shall be consistant with the policy of this Act and shall not increase the total amount of imports permitted to be entered in any year from any country of origin. Declares that the quantity of imports of carbon and specialty steel mill products and other steel products from any nation under this Act in either half of any year shall not exceed 60 percent of the total permissible quantity of imports from that nation in that year. Authorizes the President to enter into international arrangements or agreements with other nations to obtain voluntary compliance with the provisions of this Act. Provides that the countries which enter into such agreements shall not be subject to the provisions of this Act, if the President finds there will be no disruption of the markets. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report to Congress, three years after the date of enactment of this Act, as to the effect of the import limitations, together with his recommendations as to whether such limitations should be continued, modified, or revoked.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1973
Authorizes the Committee on Foreign Affairs to conduct a full and complete investigation of matters relating to the laws, regulations, directives, and policies including personnel pertaining to the Department of State and such other departments and agencies engaged in the implementation of United States foreign policy and the oversea operations, personnel, and facilities of departments and agencies of the United States which participate in the development and execution of such policy. Requires the committee to submit to the House, not later than January 2, 1975, a report on the activities of that committee during the Congress ending at noon on January 3, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code of not more than $750 for ordinary and necessary expenses paid during the taxable year for the repair or improvement of property used by the taxpayer as his principal residence. Permits any person who is the owner of rental housing and who rehabilitates or restores such housing to deduct the cost of such restoration, with respect to the amortization of the adjusted basis of such housing as so restored, based on a period of 60 months. Entitles any person who acquires rehabilitated or restored rental housing from a taxpayer who elected the amortization deduction and who did not discontinue the amortization deduction, to a deduction with respect to the adjusted basis of such facility based on the remaining amount of the 60 month period taken by the person who rehabilitated the house. Provides procedures for the election and termination of the amortization deduction and defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Requires the advice and consent of the Senate for appointments to Director of the Office of Management and Budget under the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. (Amends 31 U.S.C. 16)
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Oil Pollution Compensation Act - Title I: International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage - Provides that the owner of any ship shall be liable for pollution damage caused by the escape or discharge of oil from his ship. States that such liability, shall apply exclusively to pollution damage (other than preventive measures) caused on the territory, including the territorial sea, of the United States or of any foreign country which is party to the Liability Convention, and to preventive measures, wherever taken, to prevent or minimize such damage. Provides that the owner shall not be liable for pollution damage if he proves that the damage: (1) resulted from an act of war, hostilities, civil war, insurrection or a natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable, and irresistible character; (2) was wholly caused by an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by a third party; or (3) was wholly caused by the negligence or wrongful act of any government or other authority responsible for the maintenance of lights or other navigational aids in the exercise of that function. States that if the owner proves that the pollution damage resulted wholly or partially from an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by the person who suffered the damage or from the negligence of that person, the owner may be exonerated, to the same extent, from his liability to such person. Allows the owner of a ship to limit his liability under this Act in respect to any one incident to an aggregate amount equal to the dollar equivalent of 2,000 francs for each ton of the ship's tonnage; provides that the aggregate amount of an owner's liability in respect of any one incident shall not exceed the dollar equivalent of 210,000,000 francs. States that if the incident occurred as a result of the actual fault or privity of the owner, he shall not be entitled to avail himself of such limitation provided in this title. Provides that the owner of a ship registered in the United States which is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo shall maintain insurance or other financial security in the sums fixed by applying the limits of liability prescribed in this Act. Authorizes the President to issue a certificate to each ship registered in the United States which is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo attesting that such insurance or other financial securiy has been obtained. Provides a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for a violation of this provision. Title II: International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage - Establishes an International Oil Pollution fund for compenstation of oil pollution damage. States that contributions to the fund shall be made by any person who has received more than 150,000 tons of crude oil during the calendar year in the ports or terminal installations of the United States. Provides for contributions to be made to the Fund by specified subsidiaries and commonly controlled entities. Establishes a civil penalty of $5,000 for any person who is liable to the fund and fails to make such payment. Authorizes the President to assess and compromise any such penalty. Provides that any person suffering pollution damage arising out of an incident occurring more than one hundred and twenty days after the entry into force of the Convention shall be entitled to compensation from the fund if that person has been unable to obtain full and adequate compensation for the damage under the terms of title I of this Act. States that if the fund proves that the pollution damage resulted wholly or partially either from an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by the person who suffered damage or from the negligence of that person, the fund may be exonerated from its obligation to pay compensation to such person. Provides tht the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over actions against the Fund for compensation. Title III: Apportionment of Claims and Subrogation, Exclusive Remedy, Effective Data - Provides for the apportionment of established claims among the assets of the owner's fund and the compensation fund. States that this Act shall be effective upon the date of enactment of this Act or the date of entry into force of the Convention, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Authorizes appropriations under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 for refugee relief and reconstruction assistance to Bangladesh. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for relief and reconstruction assistance in connection with damage caused by floods in the Philippines during 1972. Authorizes the appropriation of $780,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 for military assistance. Extends through fiscal year 1973 the President's special authority to order defense articles and defense services subject to subsequent reimbursement. Repeals the provision of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 which requires recipients of grant military assistance and excess defense articles to deposit in local currency an amount equal to 10 percent of the value of such assistance for use by the United States to pay its local currency costs in that country. Provides an authorization for the appropriation of $844,000,000 for security supporting assistance for fiscal year 1973. Extends from 10 to 20 years the length of time for which credit may be extended under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $527,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 to carry out the purposes of the Foreign Military Sales Act. Raises to $629,000,000 the ceiling on credits and guarantees which can be issued under the Foreign Military Sales Act in 1973. Increases the ceiling on aggregate military assistance and sales to Latin American countries from $100,000,000 to $150,000,000. Removes the limitation on the President's authority to waive the regional ceilings on military assistance and sales. Requires the President to report each waiver to the Congress. Increases to $245,000,000 the value of excess defense articles which may be ordered during any fiscal year before the value of such articles is considered military assistance to be charged against funds appropriated under the Foreign Military Sales.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Declares that the House of Representatives endorses the following objectives, envisioned in the President's Ocean Policy statement of May 23, 1970, and which are now being pursued by the United States delegation to the Seabed Committee preparing for the Law of the Sea Conference: (1) protection of the freedoms of the high seas, beyond a twelve-mile territorial sea, for navigation, communication, and scientific research, including unimpeded transit through international straits; (2) recognition of the following international community rights: (a) protection from ocean pollution, (b) assurance of the integrity of investments, (c) substantial sharing of revenues derived from exploitation of the seabeds particularly for the benefit of developing countries, (d) compulsory settlement of disputes, and (e) protection of other reasonable uses of the oceans beyond the territorial sea including any economic intermediate zone (if agreed upon); (3) an effective International Seabed Authority to regulate orderly and just development of the mineral resources of the deep seabed as the common heritage of mankind, protecting the interests of both developing and developed countries; and (4) conservation and protection of living resources with fisheries regulated for maximum sustainable yield, with coastal zone management of coastal and anadromous species and international management of such migratory species as tuna. Declares that the House commends the United States delegation to the Seabed Committee preparing for the Law of the Sea Conference for its excellent work, and encourages the delegation to continue to work diligently for early agreement on an ocean treaty embodying the goals stated in this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Act for Freedom of Emigration in East-West Trade - States that after October 15, 1972, products from any nonmarket economy country shall not be eligible to receive most-favored-nation treatment, such country shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly, and the President of the United States shall not conclude any commercial agreement with any such country during the period beginning with the date on which the President determines that such country: (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration or on the visas or other documents required for emigration, for any purpose or cause whatsoever; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of the desire of such citizen to emigrate to the country of his choice. Provides that, before any of the aforementioned commercial agreements are entered into with any foreign country, the President shall submit to the Congress a report indicating that such country is not in violation of any of the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the striking of medals in commemoration of Roberto Walker Clemente in a number not to exceed two hundred thousand.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Federal Paperwork Burden Relief Act - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the reporting requirements of Federal regulatory programs to determine the extent to which these requirements may be revised to lessen the burden upon small and independent business establishments. Requires the Comptroller General to report the results of such study to the Congress one year from the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed (presently "empowered") to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce and the interests of participants in employee benefit plans and their beneficiaries, by requiring the disclosure and reporting to participants and beneficiaries of financial and other information with respect thereto, by establishing standards of fiduciary conduct, responsibility, and obligation upon all persons who exercise any powers of control, management, or disposition with respect to employee benefit funds or have authority or responsibility to do so, or have authority or responsibility in the administration of employee benefit plans, and by providing for appropriate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the Federal courts. Title I: Fiduciary Responsibility and Disclosure - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, or by any industry or activity affecting commerce. participate, or both. Provides that the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall cause to be published in accordance with this Act to each participant or beneficiary covered thereunder a description of the plan and an annual financial report. States that such description shall be published within ninety days after such plan is established and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. Provides that an annual report shall be published with respect to any employee benefit plan to which this title applies. Sets forth the information that shall be contained in such report. Provides that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this Act shall file with the Secretary of Labor a copy of the plan description and each annual report. States that the Secretary may reject any such filing after notice, hearing, and determination by the Secretary that such filing is incomplete for the purpose of this title. Sets forth criminal penalties for intentional violations of this title. Provides that civil actions may be brought under this title by a participant or beneficiary: (1) for personal liability to such participant or beneficiary for failure to provide information required under this Act; or (2) to recover benefits due him under the terms of his plan or to clarify his rights to future benefits. Authorizes such actions by: (1) the Secretary, or by a participant, beneficiary or fiduciary, for appropriate relief under the fiduciary responsibility provisions of this Act; or (2) by the Secretary to enjoin any act or practice which appears to him to violate any provision of this title. Provides that the contents of the descriptions and regular annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this title shall be public information. Provides for the bonding of persons who have fiduciary responsibilities under this title and of persons who handle funds or other property of an employee benefit plan. Sets forth the fiduciary responsibilities of the administrators of plans covered by this Act. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of his functions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension benefit plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce or by such employer together with any employee organization representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or if such plan is established or maintained by any employer or by any employer together with any employee organization and if, in the course of its activities, such plan, directly or indirectly, uses any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or the mails. Excludes from the coverage of this title any employee pension benefit plan if: it is administered by the Federal Government or by an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States; or it provides contributions or benefits for a sole proprietor or, in the case of a partnership, a partner who owns more than 10 percent of either the capital interest or the profits interest in such partnership. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 2 years or age higher than 30 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits. Stipulates that in computing the period of service under a plan, the employee's entire service with the contributing employer must be considered, except in specified instances. Allows the Secretary to require a certificate of approval with respect to the vesting provisions of any pension plan. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excludes from coverage, in addition to those plans excluded under title II, any plan which has a fixed contribution rate and does not provide an amount expected to be paid as a fixed benefit and any plan which is a profit-sharing plan providing benefits at or after retirement. Requires pension plans subject to this title to provide for contributions to the plan in amounts necessary to meet an amount equal to the normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs and to maintain a minimum ratio of assets to vested liabilities according to a certain schedule. Requires the administrator of a plan to, at certain intervals, file with the Secretary a statement containing the following information: (1) the amount of normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs; (2) the total amount of the plan's vested liabilities at the close of its preceding fiscal year; (3) the assets held by the plan as of the close of its preceding fiscal year valued at market value or by any other method approved by the Secretary pursuant to regulation; (4) the number of years the plan has been in effect; (5) a statement of the amount, if any, by which the assets held by the plan either exceed or fall below the amount of assets required in order for the plan to meet the required funding ratio; and (6) such other information determined by the Secretary by regulation to be necessary for adequate disclosure of a plan's funding status. Provides that when the contributions to a pension plan fall below amounts necessary to meet the normal cost of the plan plus interest on past costs, the Secretary shall require by order, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the administrator take necessary steps to guarantee that the rights of each participant to benefits or to the amounts credited to his account are nonforfeitable in the event of the participant's termination. Provides that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the funding ratio required, the plan's vested liabilities shall not be increased by an amendment until the plan's required ratio is attained. Specifies that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the required ratio for 5 consecutive years, the Secretary shall require that the administrator take steps to suspend further accumulation of vested liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Voluntary Military Special Pay Act - Sets forth special pay rates of officers of the Army or Navy in the Medical or Dental Corps, officers of the Air Force designated as medical officers or dental officers, and medical and dental officers of the Public Health Service. Authorizes a member of a uniformed service who has completed at least 21 months of active duty, who has a critical military skill, and who reenlists in the service to be paid an incentive amount, not to exceed six months of the basic pay to which he was entitled at the time of his discharge or release, multiplied by the number of years of additional obligated service, not to exceed 6 years, or $15,000, whichever is the lesser amount. Provides that a person who enlists in an armed force for a period of at least 3 years, or who extends his initial period of active duty in that armed force to a total of at least 3 years, may be paid an incentive amount of up to $3,000. Grants special incentive pay, not to exceed $12,000 annually, for officers of the uniformed services in critical health professions, who execute written agreements to remain on continuous active duty for a specified number of years. Requires an annual report on this special pay program to the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services. Authorizes special incentive pay, not to exceed $4,000 annually, for officers of armed forces who agree to serve on continuous active duty in a critical shortage specialty for a period of between one to six years. Provides for special incentive pay at specified rates for specified periods for participants in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of an armed force. Sets forth conditions participants must meet for eligibility. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 302, 308, 308a, 311, 313, 314)
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Consumer Protection Agency Act - Title I: Office of Consumer Affairs - Creates an Office of Consumer Affairs within the Executive Office of the President. Provides that the office shall be headed by a Director and a Deputy Director, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Director powers to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Director to transmit to Congress and the President in January of each year a report of the activities of the Office during the preceding year including a summary of consumer complaints and recommendations for additional legislation deemed necessary to protect the interests of U.S. consumers. Provides that it shall be the function of the Office to: (1) coordinate the programs and activities of all Federal agencies relating to the interests of consumers in order to achieve effectiveness, avoid duplications and inconsistencies, and to promote the purposes of this title; (2) encourage and assist in the development and implementation of consumer programs and activities in the Federal Government; (3) assure that the interests of consumers are taken into consideration by appropriate Federal agencies both in the formulation of policies with respect to consumers and in the operation of programs that may affect consumer interests; (4) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Administrator of the Consumer Protection Agency in carrying out its functions under title II of this Act; (5) advise and make recommendations to all Federal agencies with respect to general policy matters concerning the effectiveness of programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers; (6) submit recommendations to the Congress and the President on the means by which programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers can be improved; (7) conduct conferences and surveys concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (8) encourage, initiate, coordinate, and participate in consumer education and counseling programs (including credit counseling); (9) cooperate with and give technical assistance to State and local governments in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (10) cooperate with and assist private enterprise in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (11) publish and distribute in a Consumer Register material which will include notice of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules and orders, and other useful information, translated from its technical form into language which is understandable by the public; and (12) keep the appropriate committees of the Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities. Title II: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government the Consumer Protection Agency, headed by an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Agency powers to carry out the objective of this Act. States that the functions of the Agency shall be to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this title; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the consumer interest; (4) publish and distribute material developed pursuant to carrying out its responsibilities under this Act which will inform consumers of matters of interest to them; (5) conduct conferences, surveys, and investigations, including economic surveys, concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (6) keep the appropriate committees of Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities; and (7) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Director of the Office in the carrying out of his functions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or any other regulation, no State shall receive a lesser allocation of water pollution control funds in fiscal year 1973 or fiscal year 1974 than it received in fiscal year 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Designates the portion of the project for flood control protection on Chartiers Creek that is within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, as the "James G. Fulton Flood Protection Project".
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Requires the President to notify within ten days each House of the Congress by special message of every instance in which he impounds funds or authorizes such impoundment by any officer of the United States. States that such message must specify the amount of impounded funds, the specific programs affected, and the reasons for the impoundment of funds. Provides that the President shall cease the impounding of funds set forth in each special message within sixty days of continuous session after the message is received by the Congress unless the specific impoundment shall have been ratified by the Congress by the passage of a resolution in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Provides that in the determination of the annual income of recipients of vetetans' pensions and dependency and indemnity compensation the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall not reduce the amount of such pension or compensation because of increases in monthly social security benefits under Public law 92-336. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 415(g)(4) 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1973
Public Service Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into arrangements with eligible applicants in order to make financial assistance available for the purposes of providing, during each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975, employment for five hundred thousand unemployed and underemployed persons in jobs providing needed public services. Requires at least eighty-five percent of the funds appropriated pursuant to this Act to be expended only for wages and employment benefits. Provides that programs assisted under this Act shall be designed with a view toward: (1) developing new careers; (2) providing opportunities for career advancement; (3) providing opportunities for continued training, including on the job training; or (4) providing transitional public service employment which will enable the individuals so employed to move into public or private employment. Requires applications for financial assistance for a public service employment program under this Act to include provisions enumerated in this Act. Directs that the amounts authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year be allocated by the Secretary among the States on the basis of the proportion which the total number of unemployed persons in each such State bears to the total number of such persons in the United States, determined on the basis of the monthly average for the fourth calendar quarter of the fiscal year immediately preceding the one for which the apportionment is made. States that the Secretary shall not provide financial assistance for any program or activity under this Act unless he determines that specified goals and requirements will be met by such program or activity. Requires the Secretary to transmit to the Congress at least annually a detailed report setting forth the activities conducted under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated during each of fiscal years 1974 and 1975 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District of Columbia shall elect the President and Vice President. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for such offices shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole vote cast. Provides for a runoff election in any other case.
![Official portrait of Rep. Morgan, Thomas E. [D-PA-22]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000958_200.jpg)