United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Stipulates that benefit increases under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance), provided for by Public Laws 92-326 and 92-603 be disregarded for the purposes of determining eligibility for veterans' pension or compensation. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 415 (g) (4); 503 (c))
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1973
Provides that whenever the law of any State permits the transportation or importation of wine into that State, such State may not impose with respect to any wine produced in another State, or from materials origniating in another State, any tax, regulation, prohibition, or requirement which is not equally applicable with respect to wine of like kind: (1) produced in, or from materials originating in, the State imposing such tax, regulation, prohibition, or requirement, or (2) produced outside, or produced from products produced outside the State. Provides that a State which permits the sale of wine within the State shall permit the transportation or importation of wine of like kind produced in other States, or from materials originating in other States, into said State for sale therein upon terms and conditions equally applicable to all wine of like kind sold in the State. Provides that whenever the law of any State permits the transportation or importation of wine into that State, such State may not impose with respect to such wine any prohibition or requirement which unreasonably impairs the free flow of commerce in such wine among the several States. Provides that whenever any person engaged in the transportation or importation into any State or the distribution within any State of any wine, or any product intended for use in the production of any wine has reason to believe that such State has violated any of the provisions of this Act, such person may file in a district court of the United States of competent jurisdiction, a civil action to enjoin the enforcement thereof. Gives such court jurisdiction to hear and determine such action, and to enter therein such preliminary and permanent orders, decrees, and judgments as it shall determine to be required to prevent any such violation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides that in any case in which a loan for real property is made under any program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, a lawyer admitted to practice in the State where the property is located and regularly engaged in practice in that State may deal with the Secretary in any matter with respect to the loan as legal counsel for the recipient.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides, under the Horse Protection Act, that any person who forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, or interferes with any person while engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties under such Act shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than three years, or both. Provides that whoever, in the commission of such acts, uses a deadly or dangerous weapon shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. States that whoever kills any person while engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties under the Act shall be punishable in accordance with the penalties imposed for the killing of officers of the United States. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1825) Removes the citing of $100,000 on the annual authorized appropriations under the Horse Protection Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1831)
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Provides for the designation as the San Joaguin Wilderness that part of the Sierra National Forest, and the Inyo National Forest in the State of California, depicted presently as Minarets Summit Wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Provides that an individual may qualify for disability insurance benefits and the disability freeze under title II of the Social Security Act if he has enough quarters of coverage to be fully insured for old-age benefit purposes under such Act, regardless of when such quarters were earned.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Abolishes the Committee on Internal Security of the House of Representatives. Enlarges the jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives to include those activities involving sabotage and other overt acts affecting internal security.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Sets forth restrictions on the procurement or instigation of an investigative consumer report. States that a person may not procure or cause to be prepared a consumer report on any consumer unless it is clearly and accurately disclosed to the consumer that such a report may be made. Entitles the consumer to a copy of such report. Provides that any consumer reporting agency which negligently or maliciously publishes any untrue statement or representation with respect to a consumer shall be liable to such consumer for: (1) actual damages, but not less than liquidated damages of $1,000; (2) punitive damages; and (3) a reasonable attorney's fee and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Directs the President to establish a Board of Consumer Investigation Examiners. Provides that the Board shall promulgate such rules and procedures, as it deems necessary or appropriate in order to regulate the examining, licensing, and practices of individuals who investigate consumers for the purpose of preparing or aiding in the preparation of investigative consumer reports. Establishes procedures and guidelines for granting or revoking licenses granted individuals to prepare or aid in the preparation of investigative consumer reports. Provides for judicial review in an appropriate United States district court for any individual aggrieved by any final decision of the Board denying, revoking, or suspending a license. Makes it unlawful for any individual: (1) to investigate any consumer for the purpose of preparing or aiding in the preparation of any investigative consumer report without a license issued to such individual by the Board; or (2) to violate the terms of any license issued to him by the Board. Provides that any individual who violates the above paragraph shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Extends to all unmarried individuals the tax treatment of income splitting now utilized by married individuals filing joint returns under the Internal Revenue Code. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe and publish tables reflecting the amendments made by this Act which shall apply in lieu of the tables set forth in the Internal Revenue Code with respect to wages paid on or after the first day of the first month which begins more than 20 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Requires termination by July 1, 1975, of all weapons range activities conducted on or near the island of Culebra complex of the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range. Prohibits funds from being appropriated by the Congress after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Schoolbus Safety Act - Authorizes, under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, safety design standards for schoolbuses. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish safety standards for schoolbuses. Requires the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate schoolbus accidents.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that: (1) H. Con. Res. 108 of the Eighty-third Congress, declaring a congressional policy disavowing the responsibilities created by the trustee obligation of the United States to American Indians and Alaska Natives, is repealed as a policy of the Congress; (2) the integrity and right to continued existence of Indian tribes and Alaska Native governments are expressly confirmed; and (3) the American Indians and Alaska Natives and their governments are assured that the United States will continue to perform its trust responsibilities to them.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes a phased increase, over a specified period of time, in postage rates for second-class publications. States that such increases shall take place in two-year steps. Provides that the rates for the first 250,000 pieces of each issue of a second-class publication shall not exceed sixty-six and two-thirds percent of the applicable rates. Provides that after July 6, 1972, the revenues received from rates for second-class publications shall not exceed fifty percent of the published rate. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to credit to the Postal Service Fund such sums as may be needed to equal the revenues that would have been received if the publishers of second-class publications were to pay one hundred percent of the applicable rate for such postage. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3626)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Provides that appointments to the Offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate. Declares that the Director and Deputy Director shall be appointed for a term of four years, to coincide with the term of the President, except individuals: (1) first appointed under this Act; and (2) appointed to fill a vacancy. States that nothing contained in this Act shall impair the power of the President to remove the occupants of such offices.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Urban Recreational Opportunities Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that the solution of the problem of providing recreational opportunities for the nation's underprivileged youth lies in: (1) the establishment of a permanent year-round urban recreational opportunities program within the Department of Labor; and (2) the providing of the necessary linkage on the local level with already existing Federal, State, or locally funded programs in such a way as to utilize existing resources. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Interior, to develop and to implement programs which are used or usable for recreation. Provides for the coordination of all such programs by the Secretary with units of local government. Provides that programs will be carried out through grants made directly to units of local government, with particular attention being given to the needs of Appalachia and Indian tribes. Allows agencies to contract with private nonprofit agencies or organizations to implement program projects. States that programs assisted under this Act shall, to the extent feasible, be designed to include information tours, cultural field trips, athletic activities, and admission to special events. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress on the progress of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Independent Regulatory Agencies Act - Provides that the term "independent regulatory agency' means the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other agency which the Congress by law provides is an independent regulatory agency for purposes of this Act. Provides that the President shall appoint the chairmen of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission from among the members of such bodies by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that each such member shall serve in such capacity until the expiration of his term on such body. Revokes the power of the President to remove for inefficiency a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the President to remove for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office a member of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Federal Power Commission to act in its own name and through its own attorneys in any civil action and to supervise and conduct litigation in any civil action to which the Commission is a party. Provides that any communication to Congress respecting legislation, by any independent regulatory agency, whether transmitted in its annual report or otherwise, shall not be submitted to or be subject to clearance by the Office of Management and Budget or any other authority. Provides, under the Budget and Accounting Act, that the President's Budget as submitted to Congress shall set forth the text of the original submission to the Office of Management and Budget by each independent regulatory agency of the estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations necessary in the judgment of the agency for its support, and any agency comments which accompanied such submission. Provides that an independent regulatory agency may not conduct or sponsor the collection of information upon identical items, from ten or more persons, other than Federal employees, unless in advance of adoption or revision of any forms to be used in such collection the agency invites comment from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Provides for access to information held by such independent regulatory agencies by specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Provides that, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivor's and Disability Insurance), all benefits based upon the attainment of age will be payable at age 60, subject to actuarial reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Designates lands in the Mendocino National Forest, California, as the "Snow Mountain Wilderness" for inclusion in the national wilderness preservation system.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Public Service Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide unemployed and underemployed person with employment in jobs providing needed public services and appropriate training and related services. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act $3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1972, $7,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each fiscal year therafter. Provides that the Secretary of Labor shall enter into arrangements with applicants for the purpose of providing financial assistance to public and private nonprofit agencies and institutions for the creation of jobs providing employment for unemployed or underemployed persons in carrying out need public services. Provides that such eligible applicants shall be: (1) States, counties, cities, and other units or combinations of units of general local government which have established public service employment councils; and (2) other public and private agencies and institutions when government units of service are inadequate or nonexistent. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with eligible applicants, using 25 percent of the funds authorized under this Act, for the purpose of providing employment, for unemployed and underemployed persons residing in areas of substantial unemployment, in jobs providing needed public services, which shall be carried out to the maximum practicable extent within such areas. Provides for the establishment of public service employment council, which shall: (1) be representative of community organizations, job and service providers, and organizations, job and service providers, and organizations representing persons intended to be served by this Act; (2) set forth plans for conducting serveys and analyses of umemployment and underemployment and needs for public services in the area served by the council; and (3) set forth arrangements assuring that community action agencies, model cities programs, and other appropriate community organizations, will be involved in the development of applications for financial assistance under this Act. Provides that an application for financial assistance under this Act shall set forth: (1) a description of the geographical area to be served by such program; (2) a description of unmet public service needs; (3) a description of jobs to be filled; (4) wages and salaries to be paid; (5) the education, training, and supportive services which complement and enhance the work performed; (6) a description of career opportunities and job advancement potentialities for participants; (7) assurances that all persons employed under any such program will be selected form among unemployed and underemployed persons; and (8) assurances that special consideration will be given to employing persons who have become unemployed as a result of technological changes or as a result of shifts in the pattern of Federal expenditures. Provides that the Secretary shall not provide financial assistance for any program or activity under this Act unless he determines that: (1) the program will result in an increase in employment opportunities over those which would otherwise be available, will not substitute public service jobs for other federally assisted jobs; (2) persons employed in public service jobs assisted under this Act shall be paid wages which shall not be lower than whichever is the highest of the minimum wage which would be applicable to the employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the State or local minimum wage for the most nearly comparable covered employment, or the prevailing rates of pay for persons employed in similar public occupations by the same employer; (3) funds under this Act will not be used to pay persons employed in public service jobs under this Act at a rate in excess of $12,000 per year; (4) all persons employed in public service jobs assisted under this Act will be assured of workmen's compensation, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and other benefits at the same level and to the same extent as other employees of the employer and to the same working conditions and promotional opportunities as such other employees enjoy; (5) provisions of law relating to health and safety conditions shall apply to such program or activity; (6) the program will, to the maximum extent feasible, contribute to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants; (7) not to exceed 10 percent of the funds available for any program under this Act will be used or the acquisition or the rental or leasing of supplies, equipment, materials, or real property; and (8) every participant shall be advised, prior to entering upon employment, of his rights and benefits in connection with such employment. Provides that the Secretary shall transmit at least annually a detailed report setting forth the activities conducted under this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall carry out a program of research and pilot projects into alternative ways and means to research full employment. Provides that the Secretary shall gather by survey, and publish on a regular basis, data on unemployment, underemployment, and job vacancies by State, labor market areas, rural areas, and city and poverty neighborhoods.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to appoint students at State maritime academies and colleges as Reserve midshipmen in the United States Navy upon graduation from such academies or colleges. (Adds 46 U.S.C. 1389)
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
Authorizes loans under the Small Business Act to small businesses for expenditures incurred as a result of complying with the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. Authorizes to be appropriated $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, for purposes of this Act. (adds 15U.S.C. 636 (b) (8)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides under the Freedom of Information Act that newspapers shall not be required to disclose to any grand jury, court of the United States, Congressional body, or government agency the sources of their information. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 552(d)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Congressional Oversight Act - Establishes within the General Accounting Office an Office of Budget and Expenditure Oversight which shall exercise oversight over the Executive with respect to the preparation and administration of the Federal budget, the raising of revenues, the expenditures of moneys, the preparation and presentation of legislative proposals, and the implementation of legislative programs enacted by Congress. Makes the General Accounting Office an agency of the Congress. Eliminates the position of Assistant Comptroller General and replaces it with a Deputy Comptroller General. Requires the Comptroller General and the Deputy Comptroller General to be nominated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate respectively and for each to be appointed by a concurrent resolution of both Houses of Congress. Reduces the term of office of the Comptroller General and his Deputy from fifteen years to five years. Sets forth the functions of the Office of Budget and Expenditure Oversight. Sets forth requirements for any officer or employee of the United States, including the President, regarding the impoundment of any appropriation. Requires the head of each department and establishment in the executive to submit to the Office of Budget and Expenditure Oversight a duplicate copy of all legislative and budgetary requests submitted by him to the Office of Management and Budget. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 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 · 5 February 1973
Provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data. Extends coverage to all Federal and federally assisted or licensed programs which alter the terrain and potentially cause loss of scientific, prehistorical, historical or archeological data. Directs Federal agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior if in their operations archeological or other scientific data is revealed or threatened. Provides that whenever any Federal agency finds or is made aware by a responsible authority that its operations in connection with any Federal, federally assisted, or federally licensed activity or program affects or may affect adversely significant scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data, such agency may request the Secretary to undertake protection measures, or may itself expend program or activity funds for the recovery, protection, and preservation of such data (including preliminary survey, analysis, and publication) and shall provide the Secretary with appropriate information concerning the project and the investigation. Provides that the Secretary shall keep the responsible agency notified at all times of the progress of any survey or other investigation made under this Act, or of any work undertaken as a result of such survey, in order that there will be as little disruption or delay as possible in the carrying out of the functions of such agency. Provides that the Secretary in the administration of this Act shall: (1) accept and utilize funds transferred to him by any Federal agency; (2) enter into contracts or make cooperative agreements with any Federal or State agency, any educational or scientific organization, or any institution, corporation, association, or qualified individual; (3) obtain the services of experts and consultants or organizations thereof; and (4) accept and utilize funds made available for salvage archeological purposes by any private person or corporation. Authorizes such appropriations as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Provides that appointments to the Offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Authorizes appropriations for construction of facilities and equipment for public mass transportation projects, including preferential bus lanes, highway traffic loading and parking facilities, construction of fixed rail facilities, and the purchase of passenger equipment, including rolling stock for fixed rail. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 142(b))
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Repeals the legislation establishing an emergency agricultural and rural loan program under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, for disasters occuring after June 30, 1971, and before July 1, 1973. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans in any area designated by him or by the President as a major disaster area: (1) to qualifying farmers, ranchers, or oyster planters who are citizens of the United States; and (2) to eligible private domestic corporations or partnerships engaged primarily in farming, ranching, or oyster planting. Establishes a 6 percent interest rate on emergency agricultural loans. Increases from $100,000,000 to $500,000,000 the limitation on loans made from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Provides for the imposition of customs duties under the Tariff Schedules of the United States on California-style olives, as defined by this Act. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1202)
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 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 · 30 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 · 30 January 1973
Provides that the appropriation request of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission shall be transmitted directly to Congress. (Adds 31 U.S.C. 15(b))
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1973
Department of Natural Resources Act - Redesignates the Department of Interior as the Department of Natural Resources. Provides for the appointment of three additional Assistant Secretaries by the President for oceanic and atmospheric preservation, for national parks and forests, and for international affairs of the Department who shall perform such functions as the Secretary of the Department shall prescribe. Establishes within the Department a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides for five deputy Administrators: for Research; for Exploration and Development; for Loans and Grants; for International Coordination and Program Planning; and for Administration and Public Information. Provides for the transfer of various functions previously carried out by other agencies and Departments to the Secretary and his Administrators. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to the President and to Congress on the activities of the Department. Provides that this transfer of functions shall not effect any pending proceedings or suits. Abolishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the Department of Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Provides that each Government agency that maintains records, including computer records, concerning any person which may be retrieved by reference to, or are indexed under, a person's name, or some other similar identifying number or symbol, and which contains any information obtained from any source other than such person shall, with respect to such records: (1) notify such person by mail at his last known address that the agency maintains or has augmented a record concerning said person; (2) refrain from disclosing the record or any information contained therein to any other agency or to any person not employed by the agency maintaining such record; (3) refrain from disclosing the record or any information contained therein to individuals within that agency other than those individuals who need to examine such record or information for the execution of their jobs; (4) maintain an accurate record of the names and addresses of all persons to whom any information contained in such records is divulged and the purposes for which such divulgence was made; (5) permit any person to inspect his own record and have copies thereof made at his expense, which in no event shall be greater than the cost to the agency of making such copies; (6) permit any person to supplement the information contained in his record by the addition of any document or writing of reasonable length containing information such person deems pertinent to his record; and (7) remove erroneous information of any kind, and notify all agencies and persons to whom the erroneous material has been previously transferred of its removal. Provides that this Act shall not apply to records that are: (1) specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of the national security; (2) investigatory files compiled for law enforcement purposes; and (3) interagency or intraagency memoranda or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency possessing such memoranda or letters in litigation with such agency. Provides that any employee of the United States who under the color of agency authority knowingly and willfully violates a provision of this Act, or permits such a violation, shall be fined $1,000. Establishes a Federal Privacy Board to aid in the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Employee Retirement Benefit Security 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; to prevent the loss of employees' earned credits resulting from change of or separation from employment; and to protect vested benefits of employees against loss due to plan termination. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a portability program for vested pensions to effect the transfer of vested credits between all employee plans. Requires employee plans to apply for membership in the portatiliby program. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a certificate of membership to approved plans. Creates a Protability Program Fund. Requires a member plan to pay, upon request of the participant, to the fund a sum of money equal to the current discounted value of the participant's vested rights under the plan, when such participant is separated from employment covered by the plan before the time prescribed for payments to be made to him or to his beneficiaries under the plan. Directs the Secretary of Labor to administer the fund and to report to the Congress not later than the first day of April of each year on the operation and the status of the fund during the preceding fiscal year and on its expected operation and status during the current fiscal year and the next two fiscal years. Requires the Secretary to review the general policies followed in managing the fund and to recommend changes in such policies, including the necessary changes in the provisions of law which govern the way in which the fund is to be managed. Directs the Secretary to establish an account in the fund for each participant. Provides that the Secretary shall give technical assistance to employers, employee organizations, trustees, and administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans in their efforts to provide greater retirement protection for individuals who are separated from employment covered under such plans. Title II: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program to insure participants and beneficiaries of those plans registered under this Act against loss of benefits derived from vested rights which arise from the termination of such plans. Enumerates conditions to insure the right to participants and beneficiaries of a registered pension plan. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe a uniform assessment to cover the administrative costs of the insurance program and to establish an annual premium for insurance at uniform rates based upon the amount of unfunded vested liabilities subject to insurance. Provides that no plan insured under this title shall terminate without the approval of the Secretary. Provides that where the employer or employers contributing to the terminating plan or who terminated the plan are not insolvent, such employer or employers shall be liable to reimburse the insurance program for any insurance benefits paid by the program to the beneficiaries of such terminated plan. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund for pension benefit insurance to be known as the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title.
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 that all transportation of merchandise by barge between ports in the United States and furnished as a service substituted in lieu of a direct vessel call by a common carrier by water in foreign commerce shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission.
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 · 23 January 1973
Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the policy of this Act. Title II: General Budget Office - Establishes an independent agency of the Federal Government to be known as the General Budget Office. Provides that the Office shall be under the charge of a Director, appointed by the Presidnet by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who may appoint and fix the compensation of such personnel as he deems advisable. Provides that the Office shall, upon request made by the Congress or on the authorization of the Congress or any committee thereof, conduct periodic investigations into the operation of the General Accounting Office and thereafter prepare and transmit to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate a report of its findings and recommendations based upon each such investigation. Authorizes the Director to procure directly from any agency of the Federal Government such information as he shall determine necessary to enable the Office to carry out its functions under this title. Provides that the head of each agency of the Federal Government shall, upon request made by the Office, the Congress or any committee thereof, explain the operation of such agency. Title III: Amendments to the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 - Provides that the Comptroller General may procure directly from any agency of the Federal Government such information as he shall determine necessary to enable the General Accounting Office to carry out its functions under the Budget and Accounting Act. (Amends 31 U.S.C. 53) Title IV: Change of Fiscal Year to Calendar Year - Provides that commencing with the next calendar year which begins after the date of enactment of this Act, the fiscal year of each agency of the Federal Government shall be the calendar year. Title V: Appropriations Procedures - Authorizes to be appropriated during each calendar year such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Provides that if by January of any Calendar year the Congress has not passed a bill which appropriates funds for the operation of any agency of the Federal Government for that calendar year, such agency shall operate in accordance with the provisions of the recommended budget for that calendar year transmitted to the Congress by the General Budget Office. Provides that if by January 1 of any calendar year the Congress has passed an Act which appropriates funds for the operation of an agency of the Federal Government for that calendar year, and which has not been signed by the President, such agency shall operate in accordance with the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the level of supplies of home heating oil has not been adequate to meet the needs of homes across the Nation; and (2) the major cause of the inadequate supply of such oil is the limitation on imports of petroleum and petroleum products. Provides that beginning on the date of enactment of this resolution, such limitation shall not apply to the importation of crude oil or number 2 fuel oil (home heating oil) until the ninety-first day after the date of enactment of this resolution (in the case of crude oil) or April 1, 1974 (in the case of number 2 fuel oil).
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 · 18 January 1973
Requires the advice and consent of the Senate for presidential appointments to the positions of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Creates a comprehensive Federal system for determining the ownership of, and an amount of compensation to be paid for, inventions made by employed persons. Sets forth the procedure whereby an employee may claim a service invention and be compensated for such invention. Defines a "service invention" as one which was made by an employee at any time during his period of employment which meets specified criteria. Provides that such compensation shall be the fair market value of the employer's right to the invention adjusted to reflect the following factors: (1) the position and duties of the employee; and (2) the degree to which the operations of the employer contributed to the making of the invention. Sets forth the procedures to be followed to obtain a patent on a service invention. Requires an employee to give notice to his employer of such an invention. Provides that if the employer fails to apply for a patent within 6 months following such notice the invention shall become a free invention. Defines a "free invention" as any invention made by an employee which is not a service invention. Provides for additional compensation for an employee inventor when his invention may not be patented due to legitimate trade secret interests of the employer. Provides that an employee must notify an employer concerning any free inventions that he might have developed, and thereby give the employer the right to make an offer if such an invention falls within the scope of the employer's activities. Prohibits the alteration of any of these provisions by a agreement. Establishes a Mediation Board in the Patent Office to attempt to bring about an amicable agreement in any dispute referred to the Board by an employer or employee. Sets forth procedures for the Board's determinations, and provides for judicial review. Authorizes civil actions in district courts by a patentee for infringement of his patent, and by any person damaged by a violation of his rights under this Act. (Adds 35 U.S.C. 401-02, 411-14, 421-25, 431-37, 281)
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Establishes, under the Secretary of Commerce, the United States Metric Conversion Coordinating Commission consisting of nine members representing business, labor, education, science, and technology. Authorizes members of the Commission to be compensated at the rate of $100 a day. Charges the Commission with the responsibility of implementing with the voluntary participation of every interested sector in the United States the recommendations issued by the United States metric study including: (1) that the United States change to the metric system; (2) that such change be done through a coordinated program; (3) that there be established detailed plans and time tables be worked out; (4) that priority be given to educational programs in elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher learning designed to enable Americans to think in metric terms; (5) that appropriate representatives of American enterprise participate in international standards; (6) that changeover costs shall lie where they fall; and (7) that the target date for full conversion shall be January 1, 1984. Directs each agency of the Federal Government to convert to the international metric system and provides that such system shall be the sole and official system of weights in the United States by January 1, 1984. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Moss, John E. [D-CA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001035_200.jpg)