United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1974
Provides for increases in the standard deduction and low income allowances under the Internal Revenue Code. Provides formulas to determine the limited income exclusion for the tax on self-employment income and for tax wages. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to prescribe regulations providing for prompt and effective relief for low-income and moderate-income taxpayers. Provides for appropriations from the General Fund to Social Security Trust Funds.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1974
Energy Accounting Investigations Act - Declares that the Congress reiterates the continuing commitment of the United States to the goal of a free enterprise economy which functions fairly and efficiently with a minimum of Government interference. Defines the terms used in this Act. Defines the term "energy industries" as meaning the following lines of commerce: (1) production of mineral fuels; (2) refining or otherwise processing mineral fuels for use as a source of energy; (3) transportation of mineral fuels by rail, motor vehicle, water, pipeline, or otherwise; (4) electrical power generation and transmission; or (5) wholesale or retail distribution or sale of mineral fuels or electrical energy. Defines the term "production" as meaning the development of oil lands or oil shale lands within any State, the extraction of crude petroleum or oil shale, and the storage of crude petroleum on or in such lands. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine: (1) the extent to which competition among persons engaged in the provision of accounting services is abridged with relation to the provision of such services to the major oil companies; (2) the nature of the practices of persons engaged in the provision of accounting services to the major oil companies and the extent to which such practices work to the disadvantage of the general or investing public; (3) the extent to which those persons engaged in the provision of accounting services to the major oil companies fulfill their primary duty of "presenting fairly" the conditions of the firms they audit, as defined by the United States Court of Appeals; and (4) the nature and extent to which persons engaged in the provision of accounting services to the major oil companies serve as information conduits between persons involved in the energy industries. Requires that, no later than nine months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall prepare and submit to Congress and the President a report containing all information gathered under this Act, and such report shall be available for public inspection and for copying purposes. Declares that beginning one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall take such steps as shall be necessary to: (1) remove anticompetitive barriers existing in the fields of auditing, tax servicing, and consulting with and for the major oil companies; and (2) promote fair and ethical standards in the relationships between persons engaged in the provision of the accounting services and their clients in the energy industries. Requires all integrated major oil companies, beginning one year after enactment of this Act, to file on an annual basis with the Federal Trade Commission economic and financial reports for each of the levels of operation with which they may be involved. Provides for the enforcement of this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General of the United States or his designee to examine the activities of those persons engaged in the provision of accounting services as those services relate to the business of major oil companies. Provides that the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General of the United States or his designee, together or independently, shall institute suits in the district courts of the United States requesting the issuance of such relief as is appropriate under this Act to insure compliance with this Act. Provides for penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. States that a violation by a corporation shall also be deemed to be a violation by the individual directors, officers, receivers, trustees, or agents of such corporation who shall have authorized, ordered, or done any of the act constituting the violation in whole or part, or who shall have omitted to authorize, order, or do any acts which would terminate, prevent, or correct conduct violative of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1975, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use; all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Imposes an excise tax of 50 cents per barrel upon that portion of the inventory of gasoline of any taxpayer at the close of a taxable period which is in excess of the inventory allowance of such taxpayer. Imposes a tax of 10 cents per barrel upon that portion of the inventory of crude oil and other petroleum products of any taxpayer at the close of a taxable period which is in excess of the inventory allowance of such taxpayer. Sets forth standards for determining a taxpayer's inventory allowance. States that, under regulations prescribed by Secretary of the Treasury, no tax shall be imposed under this Act upon any gasoline, crude oil, or petroleum products inventory which is established under the direction of the Administrator of the Federal Energy Office, or for use on a farm or for farming purposes. Establishes reporting requirements and sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1975, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use; all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that accurate and complete data on imports of oil and oil products into the United States, oil and oil products inventories in the United States or under the control of companies owned by United States citizens, and distribution of oil and oil products within and from out of the United States are essential to the national security of the United States, the safety of its citizens, and the proper conduct of its domestic and international commerce. Authorizes the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of the importing, inventorying, and disposition of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Provides that if there is a collective-bargaining agreement in effect for postal service employees no party to such agreement shall terminate or modify such agreement unless the party desiring such termination or modification serves written notice upon the other party to the agreement of the proposed termination or modification not less than ninety days prior to the expiration date. Requires the party serving such notice to notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of the existence of a dispute within forty-five days of such notice, if no agreement has been reached by that time. Requires that if arbitration is selected by the parties and if they do not agree upon the procedures therefor, an arbitration board shall be established and its decisions shall be binding upon the parties. Provides that in the event the bargaining representatives agree to go on strike if an agreement cannot be reached during the forty-five-day period prior to the termination or modification, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service shall promptly communicate with the employer and the bargaining representatives and use the service's best efforts, by mediation and conciliation, to bring them into agreement, and shall continue to do so for a period of thirty days after the date of termination or modification of the agreement, during which period of time no lawful strike shall be engaged in. Prohibits reduction in rank or pay or removal from the Postal Service of postal employees because of union membership. States that in any lawful strike declared against the Postal Service by the employees thereof, the Postal Service and the bargaining representatives jointly may determine and agree upon, before the close of the third calendar day after the calendar day on which the strike becomes effective, the number of employees needed to accept, process, dispatch, and deliver specified necessary categories of mail, such as social security checks. Provides for a mandatory delivery of such mail during a strike if the parties cannot agree upon a strike-delivery method.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Appropriates $750,000 for the Administrator of General Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, for the planning, designing, and construction of an official residence for the Vice President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Escrow System Improvement Act - Requires the establishment of an escrow services plan in connection with any federally related mortgage loan if, at the time the loan is made or at any time thereafter, either the borrower of the lender requests it, and after being established any such plan shall continue in effect until the borrower has fully discharged his obligation under the laon. Requires that the contract of sale, deed or trust, or other appropriate document executed in connection with any federally related mortgage loan shall include a covenant fully informing the borrower of his right: (1) to have an escrow service plan established upon his request in connection with such loan as provided under this Act; and (2) to terminate any such plan under and in accordance with this Act. Provides that, within sixty days after the effective date of this of this Act, the lender under any federally related mortgage loan made before the effective date of this Act shall, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, provide to any borrower under such a loan a written notice: (1) of his right under this section to request the establishment of an escrow services plan; and (2) describing the advantages to the borrower of an escrow services plan. Provides that if the borrower under any federally related mortgage loan with respect to which there was established an escrow account requests the establishment of an escrow services plan under this Act, the escrow account shall be terminated upon the establishment of the escrow services plan and the balance in such account shall be treated as payments made under the escrow services plan. Requires that whenever the borrower in connection with a federally related mortgage loan has acquired an equity of at least 20 percent in the property covered by such loan: (1) the lender shall no longer have the right to require the establishment of an escrow services plan in connection with such loan; and (2) the borrower shall have the right to terminate any escrow services plan theretofore established in connection with such loan under this Act. Provides that payments of taxes and insurance premiums by the lender under any escrow services plan established in connection with a federally-related mortgage loan shall be made at such times and in such manner as will insure that the borrower receives the maximum benefit of any discounts and other financial consideration which may be allowed or provided for in the jurisdictionwhere the property which secures such loan is located.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should evaluate the commodity requirements of the domestic economy to determine which commodities should be designated as in short supply for purposes of taxation of Domestic International Sales Corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that if an individual files his return for a taxable year before March 1 and if the refund of any overpayment of such tax is not made within 30 days after filing then interest shall be allowed on such overpayment for the period beginning on the date he filed such return and ending on whichever of the following is the earlier: (1) the date the refund check is mailed, or (2) the first date on which interest on such overpayment is allowed. Requires that whenever any refund is made to a taxpayer, the taxpayer shall be notified of: (1) the tax and the taxable period to which such refund is attributable, and (2) the reason for making such refund.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance), that increases in monthly insurance benefits (whether occurring by reason of increases in the cost of living or enacted by law) shall not be considered as annual income for purposes of the following benefit programs: dependency and indemnity compensation to parents of a deceased veteran, pension for non-service-connected disability or death or for service, and the Veterans' Pension Act of 1959.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation and Educational Assistance Rate Adjustments - Increases the base figures for vocational rehabilitation and Educational assistance by eight per cent. Adjusts three-quarter and half-time rates to provide the same proportion as the amount of training taken. Provides increases for trainees pursuing farm-cooperative apprentice programs or other on the job training. Provides that veterans of the Vietnam era rated 10 percent disabled or greater shall automatically be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. Title II: Educational Assistance Program Adjustments - Extends the current 8-year delimiting date for veterans to complete their programs of education until educational assistance afforded to eligible veterans shall be used. Excludes in computing the delimiting date for those veterans and civilians held as prisoners of war in the Vietnam theater of operations, the period of time which they were detained plus any period of time which they were hospitalized immediately subsequent to their release. Provides those recently discharged from military service up to 6 months of educational assistance to pursue refresher training to update knowledge, skills, and technological advances occurring in their fields of employment during their period of active military service. Provides cost-of-living increases for veterans or eligible persons enrolled in apprenticeship or other on-the-job training. Title III: Veterans' Education Loan Programs - Establishes a veterans' education loan program. Prescribes the eligibility requirements, the amount and conditions, and interest rate of such loans. Requires that a fee shall be collected from each veteran obtaining a loan for the purpose of insuring against defaults on such loans. Title IV: Veterans, Wives, and Widows Employment Assistance and Preference and Veterans' Reemployment Rights - Extends job counseling, training, and placement services for veterans to include among those eligible to receive services, widows of veterans who have died of service-connected causes and wives of totally disabled veterans. Directs the Administrator of Veterans in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Civil Service Commission to establish an affirmative action plan for every Federal department and agency for the preferential employment of disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. Extends reemployment rights to those who were employed by State or local governments prior to entering the service. Title V: Effective Dates - Specifies the effective dates of the various titles of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Internal Revenue Commission Act - Establishes an independent commission to be known as the Internal Revenue Commission, the principal office of which shall be in the District of Columbia. Provides that all the functions with respect to the administration and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 which, immediately prior to the date that this Act takes effect, were performed by the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, or any other officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury are transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission. Provides that the transfer of functions under this Act shall not affect any act done or any right accruing or accrued before such transfer. States that so much of the positions, personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the Department of the Treasury which, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, were employed, held, used, or available or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred by this Act shall be transferred to the Internal Revenue Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Provides that every person or body politic including the District of Columbia who subjects any person under the jurisdiction of the United States to the deprivation of any Constitutional right, privilege, or immunity, shall be liable to the party injured.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1975, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use; all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
States that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Civil Aeronautics Board shall not authorize, allow, or permit any air carrier which received Federal subsidy in 1972 to omit, suspend, terminate, or reduce by 50 percent or more, regulary scheduled service, including flag stop service, to a point certified to be served by that carrier on any day in November 1973, unless the Board finds, after notice and hearing that such ommission, suspension, termination, or reduction is in the public interest, and that such point will continue to receive adequate regularly scheduled service from another certificated air carrier; or that such air carrier is not providing more than two nonstop round trips per day in each marketpair in which both points are "large hubs" as defined in the most recent edition of "Airport Activity Statistics of Certificated Route Carriers", and that such carrier is using the fuel available to it as efficiently as possible. Requires notice of any application by such a carrier for authority to omit, suspend, terminate, or reduce by 50 percent or more regularly scheduled service to such a certified point to be published in the Federal Register and to be sent to all interested persons.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
Provides for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on any resolution to impeach the President of the United States. Authorizes the Speaker to appoint a committee of five members to provide such arrangements as may be necessary in connection with such a broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Foreign Drug Abuse Information Act - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretary of State, to prepare a pamphlet which shall include: (1) a summary of the drug abuse laws of each major foreign country; and (2) an explanation of the assistance or lack of assistance that the United States Government can provide to a United States citizen arrested for a violation of the drug abuse laws of a foreign country. States that every water carrier, air carrier, and foreign air carrier shall distribute a copy of the pamphlet to each passenger boarding a plane or vessel operated by such carrier for transportation from a point within the United States or its territories or possessions to a point within a foreign country. Imposes civil penalties on carriers who violate the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Requires Federal agencies, under the Freedom of Information Act, to maintain, promptly publish, and distribute (by sale or otherwise) copies of a current index providing identifying information for the public as to any matter, issued, adopted, or promulgated after July 4, 1967 and required by the Act to be made available or published. States that Federal agencies upon any request for records which reasonably describes such records, and is made in accordance with published rules stating the time, place, fees to the extent authorized by statute, and procedure to be followed, shall make the records promptly available to any person. Sets forth the procedure for Federal agencies to follow upon receipt of any request for records made under the Act. Permits a Federal district court to examine the contents of any agency records in camera to determine whether such records or any part thereof shall be withheld under any of the exemptions set forth in the Act. Provides that the United States or a Federal agency shall serve a responsive pleading to any complaint made under the Act within 20 days after the service upon the United States attorney of the pleading in which such complaint is made, unless the court otherwise directs for good cause shown. Allows the court to assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under the Act in which the United States has not prevailed. Exempts from provisions of the Act matters that are authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy. Requires each Federal agency on or before March 1 of each year to submit a report covering the previous year to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Government Operations and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552)
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Disallows, under the Internal Revenue Code, percentage depletion deductions on foreign oil and gas wells, tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs for foreign oil or gas wells, and tax credits for income, war profits, or excess profits tax paid or accrued which is attributable to income from foreign oil or gas wells. Allows a tax deduction for excess profits taxes imposed by foreign countries to the extent a credit is denied for such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Establishes a formula for income averaging under the Internal Revenue Code in the event of a downward fluctuation in income. Provides that if an eligible individual has reduced income for the computation year and the amount of such income exceeds $3,000, then the tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code for the computation year shall be the tax which would be imposed on 80 percent of the average base period income, minus five times the decrease in such tax which would result from subtracting 20 percent of reduced income from 80 percent of average base period income.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Provides for the establishment of a National Office for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, with responsibility for the coordinated administration of all of the programs of that Department serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Sets forth the functions of such Office. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint a special task force on migrant and seasonal farmworkers which shall conduct a continuing study and investigation of the needs and problems of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States and of methods for meeting those needs and solving those problems, giving particular emphasis to the early development of a single comprehensive Federal program designed to assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1974
Provides, under the Shipping Act of 1916, that rates and charges for the barging and affreighting of containers or containerized cargo by barge between points in the United States, shall be filed solely with the Federal Maritime Commission where: (1) the cargo is moving between a foreign country or a noncontiguous State, territory, or possession and a point in the United States; (2) the transportation by barge between points in the United States is furnished by a terminal operator in lieu of a direct vessel call under through bill of lading; (3) such terminal operator is a public body subject to the Federal Maritime Commission, and the only one furnishing the barge service; and (4) such terminal operator is in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Maritime Commission. Directs the Federal Maritime Commission to promulgate rules and regulations for the barge operations described in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1973
Energy and Defense Industry Protection Act - Makes it unlawful for: (1) any person who is not a citizen of the United States; or (2) an entity which is owned or controlled by a person who is not a citizen of the United States; to control any American issuer registered under the Securities Exchange Act if such issuer is engaged in the energy or defense industries. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to exempt any issuer engaged in the energy industry from the prohibition of this Act if the Administrator finds that the granting of such exemption would not adversely affect the production or supply of energy within the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to exempt any issuer engaged in the defense industry from the prohibition of this Act if the Secretary finds that the granting of such exemption would not adversely affect the national defense. States that any person who is in violation of the provisions of this Act on the date of enactment shall have two years from such date to bring himself into compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1973
Freedom of Information Act Security Classification Amendments - Sets forth statutory provisions governing the administration of the Security Classsification System under the Freedom of Information Act. Establishes an independent Classification Review Commission, with regulatory and quasi-adjudicatory authority over the administration of the Security Classification System. Provides the Commission with responsibility for settling disputes between the Congress and the Executive branch over access to classified information requested by a majority of either House of Congress, by Congressional committees, or by the Comptroller General of the United States. States that decisions of the Commission in this field are subject to judicial review. Limits the authority of executive departments, agencies, and officials to classify documents. Provides for automatic declassification after 15 years of national defense information previously classified. Limits the classification period for "Top Secret" documents and information to three years, except for a category of highly sensitive national defense information. Provides for enforcement mechanisms to prevent classification of documents to hide incompetence, inefficiency, wrong doing, or embarrassment. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552(d))
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1973
Federal Election Campaign Reform Act - Title I: Federal Elections Commission - Establishes the Federal Elections Commission as an independent establishment in the executive branch, which shall be composed of six members, no more than three of which shall be of the same party. Provides that two members shall be appointed by the President, two by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and two by the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Commission to subpoena or require testimony and records. Requires each candidate to designate a central compaign committee, which shall forward expenditure requests to the Commission for disbursements from the Federal Election Campaign Financing Fund and to receive reports from subordinate political committees. Title II: Public Financing of Federal Election Campaigns - Establishes the Federal Election Campaign Financing Fund in the Treasury. Provides for the appropriation, into the Fund from the Treasury, of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title. Establishes methods by which candidates may qualify for disbursements from the Fund. Establishes amounts which qualified candidates may receive from the Fund. Requires that any expenditure by or on behalf of any candidate in general or primary elections shall be drawn from monies in the Fund available to such candidate. Authorizes national party committees and congressional campaign committees to spend on behalf of a candidate ten percent of the amount available to such candidate from the Fund. Requires that any candidate who receives any contribution in his attempt to qualify for disbursements from the Fund shall, not later than 30 days after qualifying, transmit to the Commission: (1) an accounting of such contributions; and (2) contributions received which exceed the total amount of the expenditures allowed. Title III: Limitation of Political Contributions - Provides for a $25,000 fine and/or 10 years imprisonment for violators of this title. Prohibits personal contributions to candidates in excess of $100. Prohibits total contributions in excess of $100 in any year to national party committees, congressional campaign committees, and contributions to or for the benefit of any candidate for the purpose of assisting the candidate to qualify for disbursements from the Fund. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to make any cash contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Energy Reorganization Act - Title I: Energy Research and Development Administration Establishes the Energy Research and Development Administration headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Describes the functions of the Administrator as including: (1) exercising central responsibility for policy planning, coordination, support, and management of research and development programs respecting all energy sources; (2) undertaking research and development in the extraction, conversion, transmission, and utilization phases related to the development and use of energy from fossil, nuclear, solar, geothermal, and other energy sources; (3) participating in and supporting cooperative research and development projects which may involve contributions by public or private persons or agencies, of financial or other resources to the performance of the work; and (4) developing, collecting, distributing, and making available for distribution, scientific and technical information concerning the manufacture or development of energy and its efficient extraction, conversion, transmission, and utilization. Transfers to the Administrator all functions of the Atomic Energy Commission, the Chairman and members of the Commission, and the officers and components of the Commission, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the Secretary of the Interior, the Department of the Interior, and officers and components of such department: (1) as relate to or are utilized by the Office of Coal Research; and (2) as relate to or are utilized in connection with fossil fuel energy research and development programs and related activities conducted by the Bureau of Mines. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the National Science Foundations as relate to or are utilized in connection with: (1) solar heating and cooling development; and (2) geothermal power development. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the Environmental Protection Agency and the officers and components thereof as relate to or are utilized in connection with the development and demonstration of alternative automotive power systems. Title II: Nuclear Energy Commission - Provides that the Atomic Energy Commission is renamed the Nuclear Energy Commission and shall continue to perform the licensing and related regulatory functions of the Chairman and members of the Commission, the general counsel, and other officers and components of the Commission, which functions, officers, components, and personnel are excepted from the transfer to the Administrator by this Act. Grants the Nuclear Energy Commission licensing authority as to the following facilities of the Administration: (1) demonstration liquid metal fast breeder reactors when operated as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility system; (2) other demonstration nuclear reactors when operated as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility system, except those in existence, under construction or authorized or appropriated for by the Congress on the date this part becomes effective; or (3) facilities used primarily for the receipt and storage of high level radioactive wastes resulting from activities licensed under such Act. Allows the Nuclear Energy Commission to engage in or contract for research which the Commission deems necessary for the discharge of its licensing and regulatory functions. Title III: Miscellaneous and Transitional Provisions - Provides that except as otherwise provided in this Act, whenever all of the functions or programs of an agency, or other body, or any component thereof, affected by this Act, have been transferred from that agency, or other body, or component, the agency, or other body, or component shall lapse.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1973
Federal Oil and Gas Corporation Act - Directs the Federal Power Commission to establish a corporation to be known as the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation, administered by a Board of Directors consisting of five qualified individuals who shall be selected by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires that all members of the Board shall be individuals who believe and profess a demonstrable belief in environmental protection and the purposes of the antitrust and consumer protection laws of the United States. Requires that no member of the Board shall, during his term in office, be engaged in any other business, nor may he have any financial interest in any business entity which is engaged in the exploration, developemnt, production, transportation, or sale of natural gas or oil. Grants the Corporation power to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, foreign, or private lands; (2) develop and sell natural gas or oil discovered by exploration, or otherwise obtained by sale, lease, purchase, exchange, or contract, and to build and operate all those facilities necessary for the development or sales of such resources; and (3) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy, from whatever source. Requires any Federal agency or department having authority to lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of Federal lands, or rights to natural gas or oil which is or may be located on Federal lands, including offshore rights, shall, upon receipt of a request of the Corporation under this Act, grant the Corporation such right to develop without payment within 90 days after the receipt of such request. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, to the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to make sales of such oil in a manner which will promote competition among suppliers of crude oil; and to build, lease, or purchase transportation facilities for the natural gas or oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for delivery of such natural gas or oil in a manner which will promote competition among suppliers of natural gas or oil. Requires that sales of natural gas or oil by the Corporation shall be made at fair and reasonable prices designed to promote competition among suppliers of these energy resources. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and for each of the next ten succeeding fiscal years $50,000,000 to carry out its activities under this Act. Provides that all funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Permits the use of any area within the wildlife refuge system for purposes such as, but not necessarily limited to, powerlines, telephone lines, canals, ditches, pipelines, and roads, including the construction, operation, and maintenance thereof, whenever such use is determined compatible with the purposes for which the area is established, and there is no feasible and prudent alternative to such use. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from granting to any Federal, State, or local agency or to any private individual or organization any right-of-way, easement, or reservation in, over, across, through, or under any area within the system unless the grantee pays to the Secretary the fair market value of the right-of-way, easement, or reservation. Provides that all sums received by the Secretary pursuant to these provisions shall, after necessary administration expenses incurred by him, be deposited into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and shall be available to carry out the provisions for land acquisition of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. Provides that any request for permission to use an area within the National Wildlife Refuge System which was filed with the Secretary of the Interior on which the Secretary has not taken final action before such date of enactment shall be treated by the Secretary as having been filed with him. Provides that this Act shall apply with respect to any right-of-way, easement, or reservation granted by the Secretary of the Interior on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, including any right-of-way, easement, or reservation granted on or after such date in connection with any use permitted by him under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Commodities Exchange Commission Act - Establishes a Commodity Exchange Commission, composed of five commissioners appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government. Transfers specified functions from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Commission and delegates enumerated housekeeping functions to the Chairman. Authorizes the employment of persons without regard to Civil Service laws. Provides, with regard to rules governing registration of Commission merchants and brokers, that if after requesting a contract market to make specified changes in its rules and practices, the contract market has not made the changes, the Commission may order that contract market to alter its rules as necessary to effect changes in specified areas. Requires that contract markets serve an economic purpose. Prohibits orders of futures commission merchants for their own accounts. States that no member of a contract market shall execute any order for future delivery and on the same intentionally enter into any transaction for future delivery in such commodity for any account in which such member has trading discretion, with specified execeptions. Provides that if any contract market, director, officer or agent is not enforcing or is violating any of the provisions of this Act, the Commission may enter an order directing that such contract market, director, officer, agent, or employee cease and desist from such violation and assess a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each such violation. Increases the amount of specific penalities for violations of this Act. Empowers the Commission with injunctive authority to restrain potential violations of this Act. Penalizes, with treble damages, the use of confidential information in violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate the Mulholland National Scenic Parkway in the State of California. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Provides for a special election for the office of President and the office of Vice President in the case of vacancies in both offices. States that if there is one year or more remaining in the present term, then electors shall be appointed or chosen in the several States and they shall elect a President or Vice President for the unexpired portion of the then current Presidential term.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Rape Prevention and Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of specified areas, including: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; (4) the causes of rape; and (5) sexual assaults in correctional institutions. Provides that the Center shall compile and publish annually a summary of its findings. Directs the Center to develop an information clearinghouse with regard to enumerated materials regarding rape and rehabilitation of offenders. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Provides that the Secretary, through the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape, shall make grants to community mental health centers, nonprofit private organizations, and public agencies for the purpose of conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him on matters relating to rape prevention and control.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Sets forth procedures providing for an election for the office of President and the office of Vice President in the case of a vacancy in both the office of President and the office of Vice President. Provides that in case of removal, death, resignation, or inability of both of the President and Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives or, in the case of a vacancy in the office of Speaker, such other officer as the Congress may declare, shall act as President until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. Provides that in cases where there is one year or more remaining in the then current Presidential term, each State shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors for President and Vice President equal to the number of Senators and Representatives to which the State is entitled in the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Geneva Protocal of 1925 should be immediately ratified and that a comprehensive review of this Nation's national security and international policies regarding chemical warfare should be undertaken.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
Escrow Account System Improvement Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act, recognizing that the escrow system is a valuable asset to borrowers, lenders, and local taxing authorities alike, to preserve and strengthen such system to the maximum extent possible while eliminating the inequities and abuses which have too often kept it from being fully effective. Requires an escrow account to be established in connection with any federally related mortgage loan if, at the time the loan is made or at any time thereafter, either the borrower or the lender requests it. States that any such account shall be continuously maintained (without any right on the part of the borrower to withdraw any part thereof) until the borrower has fully discharged his obligation under the loan. Provides that whenever the borrower in connection with a federally related mortgage loan has acquired an equity of at least 20 percent in the property covered by the loan and enters into an agreement to maintain a savings account with a balance equal to assessments, and hazard insurance premiums: (1) the lender shall no longer have the right to require the establishment of an escrow account in connection with such loan, and (2) the borrower shall have the right to terminate any escrow account theretofore established in connection with such loan. States that on each deposit in an escrow account which is made, in connection with a federally related mortgage loan, to a bank, interest shall be paid from the date of deposit to the date of withdrawal at a rate not less than the rate then prevailing for loans by Federal Reserve banks to member banks in the district where the property involved is situated. Sets forth limitations on requirements by lenders of advance deposits in escrow accounts of taxes and insurance premiums. Provides that payments of taxes and insurance premiums by the lender from any escrow account in connection with a federally related mortgage loan shall be made at such times and in such manner as will insure that the borrowers receive the maximum benefit of any discounts and other financial considerations which may be allowed or provided in the jurisdiction where the escrow account is being held.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Commercial Demonstration Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate and support basic and applied research relating to geothermal energy development. Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate and carry out commercial demonstrations, research, and development in geothermal energy technology. Provides that the Administration shall dispose of, by sublease or otherwise, all projects undertaken under this Act. Directs the Administration to assure the protection of the environment, persons, and property in projects undertaken pursuant to this Act. Requires the Administration to report to the Congress and the President every six months on the progress made under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for six fiscal years of $80,000,000 to carry out programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Confers jurisdiction upon the District Courts for the District of Columbia over civil actions brought by the Congress or its committees enforcing a declaration concerning the validity of any subpoena or order issued by Congress or its committees to any executive employee, including the President and Vice-President. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1364)
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Daylight Saving Time Act - Requires that daylight saving time shall be observed on a year-round basis for a two-year trial period. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress on the operation and effects of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Code of Fair Information Practices - Provides that organizations keeping records of personal data, which are not part of an administrative automated personal data system, shall not transfer such data to another organization, without the prior informed consent of the individual to whom the data pertains, if because of such transfer the data will become part of an administrative automated personal data system not subject to these requirements. Requires any organization maintaining an administrative automated personal data system to: (1) specify penalties for employees who contribute to disciplinary action against individuals who bring to the attention of authorities, the press, or the public, evidence of unfair personal information practice; (2) maintain a complete record of every access to, and use made of, any data in the system, including the identity of those to which access has been given; and (3) maintain data in the system with accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. Requires organizations maintaining administrative automated data systems to give annual public notice of the existence and character of its system, which shall specify: (1) the categories of data kept; (2) the organization's policies regarding data storage and disposal; (3) uses made of the data; and (4) how persons can be informed if they are the subject of data in the system, how they can gain access to such data, and how they can contest their accuracy. Requires such organizations to: (1) inform individuals asked to supply data if he is legally required to do so and of consequences of supplying or not supplying the data, and (2) clearly disclose, upon request, to data subjects the data about him, the sources of the data, and the recipients of transfer or report of the data. Provides that such disclosure requirements shall not apply to data related to international relations, international subversive activities, or active criminal investigations. Requires such organizations to delete from the system, data that is challenged and cannot be verified by such organizations, and to note on any transfers or reports that the data is challenged. Provides that organizations keeping records of personal data, not part of an automated data system used for statistical-reporting or research, shall not transfer such data without prior informed consent of the data subject, if the transfer will cause the data to become part of a data system not subject to these regulations. Requires organizations keeping an automated personal data system used for statistical-reporting or research to: (1) specify penalties for employees who contribute to disciplinary action against individuals who bring to the attention of authorities, the press, or the public evidence of unfair personal information practice; and (2) make no transfer of personal data without specifying requirements for security of the data. Requires such organizations to: (1) make annual public notice of the nature described earlier in this Act for other organizations; (2) inform individuals asked to supply data of the consequences of supplying or not supplying such data; and (3) assure that no use of the data is outside the stated purposes as understood by the individuals. Provides for temporary or permanent injunctions to stop acts of unfair personal information practice as described in this Act. Provides for damages, including liquidated damages of not less than $10,000, punitive damages, and actual damages, for unfair personal information practices. Provides for a $10,000 fine for Federal employees who permits an unfair personal information practice. States that this Act shall supersede any State laws in conflict with it, except those State laws that are more stringent. Requires each Federal agency to promulgate rules to further the purposes of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Moss, John E. [D-CA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001035_200.jpg)