United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1974
Emergency Property Tax Relief Act - Provides that where the Secretary of the Treasury has determined that a jurisdiction has established a real property tax relief program which affords low and moderate income households a credit or other payment against the real property tax imposed by such jurisdiction, he shall reimburse said jurisdiction for one-half of the qualifying revenue losses attributable to such program. Requires a jurisdiction desiring to qualify for payments under this Act to make an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulations. Provides that whenever the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing to a jurisdiction which has had an application approved, finds that such jurisdiction no longer has a qualifying property tax relief program, he shall notify such jurisdiction that it will not be eligible to receive payments until he is satisfied that the jurisdiction has a qualifying property tax relief program. Permits a jurisdiction dissatisfied with the Secretary's decision to petition for review of that action within sixty days after notice of such action in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the jurisdiction is located.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1974
Provides that the State of Utah may relinquish such tracts of school land, including mineral rights, within specified areas of the Navajo Reservation to the United States in trust for the Navajo Tribe. States that the State of Utah shall have the right to select other unreserved lands in the State of Utah equal in area to those relinquished.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
Provides that any civil action or other judicial proceeding involving compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 which affects the construction or operation of the Central Utah Reclamation Project to which any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, or any officer or employee of the United States is a party, shall be brought and heard only in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Requires such an action or proceeding to be brought in the central division of the United States district court for the district of Utah, and to be heard by a single judge court.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Authorizes an individual an income tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for the expenses of traveling to and from work by means of mass transportation facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Education for Exceptional Children Act - Defines "exceptional children" as handicapped children, children with specific learning disabilities, and particularly gifted children. Directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a National Clearinghouse on Exceptional Children which shall obtain and disseminate to the public information pertaining to the education of exceptional children. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974 and for each of the four succeeding years for the establishment and operation of the clearinghouse. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting the States in providing free appropriate public education for exceptional children at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Sets forth the basis on which funds will be allocated to the States. Provides that in order to receive funds under this Act a State must submit to the Commissioner of Education a State plan is required detailing the State program for free appropriate education for exceptional children. Provides that the State plan must contain such information as the Commissioner deems necessary. Sets forth the criteria needed to be met by a State in order to obtain approval of its plan. Authorizes the Commissioner to withhold payments under this Act from any State when it is found that there has been a failure to comply substantially with any provision of this Act. Provides a method for judicial review of the Commissioner's decision. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State educational agencies to provide training for personnel engaged or preparing to engage in educating exceptional children. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher learning to provide training for leadership personnel for the education of exceptional children. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct research relating to the education of exceptional children and to make grants to States, educational agencies, institutions of higher learning and other public or private nonprofit education or research agencies for such research. Directs the Commissioner to establish standards and procedures to determine which children are "exceptional children" within the meaning of this Act, such standards and procedures to be applied uniformly by all States submitting plans pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act - States that, within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, each county shall elect whether it wishes to proceed under the terms of this Act to receive payments from the Federal Government equal to the real property taxes otherwise due from public lands within such county, or to continue to receive whatever payments such county is entitled to receive under any existing applicable Federal law providing for Federal payments for such county similar to those available under this Act or for payment to such county of part of the revenue derived from such public land. Establishes procedures for the appraisal of public lands. Provides that when any county within a State has elected to proceed under the terms of this Act, there shall be established for that State a State board of appraisal appeal. Provides that each board shall consider and decide any appeal from a county within the State relating to the appraisal of public land within such county. States that decisions of the board shall not be subject to judicial review unless arbitrary or capricious. States that, begining in the first complete fiscal year after the acceptance of such appraisal by both the county involved and the Administrator, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to pay annually to the State in which such county is located an amount equivalent to the State, county, and local real property taxes on public lands within such county, based on the tax rate applicable to similar private lands at the value arrived at under the appraisal conducted under this Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall interfere with the right of State or local governments to levy possessory interests taxes on private owners of improvements made by private users on public lands. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to administer this Act and to make the payments authorized by it.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act - Title I: Programs Downstream from Imperial Dam - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to proceed with a program of works of improvement for the enhancement and protection of the quality of water available in the Colorado River for use in the United States and the Republic of Mexico, in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to construct, operate, and maintain a desalting complex, including: (1) a desalting plant to reduce the salinity of drain water from the Wellton-Mohawk division of the Gila project, Arizona, (2) the necessary appurtenant works including the intake pumping plant system, product waterline, power transmission facilities, and permanent operating facilities; (3) the necessary extension of the existing bypass drain to carry the reject stream from the desalting plant and other drainage waters to the Santa Clara Slough in Mexico, subject to arrangements made pursuant to this Act; (4) replacement of the metal flume in the existing main outlet drain extension with a concrete siphon; (5) reduction of irrigation return flows through acquisition of lands to reduce the size of the division, and irrigation efficiency improvements to limit return flows; and (6) regulation of Gila River floodwaters entering the division, including possible acquisition of private lands above Painted Rock Dam in Arizona. Provides that the desalting plant shall be designed to reduce the salinity of approximately one hundred and twenty-nine million gallons a day of drain water by a membrance process using advanced technology commercially available. Requires that the Secretary shall use sources of electric power supply for the desalting complex that will not diminish the supply power to preference customers from Federal power systems operated by the Secretary. Authorizes the appropriation of $153,500,000 to accomplish the purposes of this title. Title II: Measures Upstream from Imperial Dam - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the salinity control policy adopted for the Colorado River in the "Conclusions and Recommendations" published in the Proceedings of the Reconvened Seventh Session of the Conference in the Matter of Pollution of the Interstate Waters of the Colorado River and Its Tributaries in the States of California, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, held in Denver, Colorado, on April 26-27, 1972, under the authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $121,200,000 to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Federal Paperwork Burden Relief Act - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the reporting requirements of Federal regulatory programs to determine the extent to which these requirements may be revised to lessen the burden upon small and independent business establishments. Requires the Comptroller General to report the results of such study to the Congress one year from the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Emergency Coal Administration Act - Establishes within the Federal Energy Office of the President an Emergency Coal Administration, to be administered by the Administrator of the Federal Energy Office. Authorizes the Administrator to take such action as may be necessary to insure the maximum increase in the production, transportation, and conversion of coal so long as the present energy crisis exists. Sets forth the powers and authority of the Administrator under the provisions of this Act, including the following: (1) to set goals for the production and conversion of coal into energy; (2) to encourage, assist, and take such steps as shall provide for increased production, transportation, and conversion of coal into energy; (3) to issue orders which shall constitute a prior claim upon producers of materials and supplies essential to the increased production, transportation, and conversion of coal into energy; and (4) to afford necessary, reasonable, and proper financial assistance to persons, firms, or corporations converting to the use of coal as a source of energy. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts directly or for the account of any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the production, transportation, and conversion of coal upon terms he deems fair and reasonable for any equipment or parts or other essential articles necessary to increase the production, transportation, and conversion of coal. States that the Administrator may engage in such research and development as he deems necessary, including, but not limited to, the construction and operation of pilot plants and projects relating to the production, transporation, and conversion of coal. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Creates a select committee to be composed of nine Members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker, one of whom he shall designate as chairman. Provides that any vacancy occurring in the membership of the committee shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. Authorizes the committee to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of the role of the oil and gas industry in contributing to the current energy crisis. States that for the purpose of carrying out this resolution the committee, or any subcommittee thereof authorized by the committee to hold hearings, is authorized to sit and act during the present Congress at such times and places within the United States, including any Commonwealth or possession thereof, whether the House is in session, has recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents, as it deems necessary; except that neither the committee nor any subcommittee thereof may sit while the House is meeting unless special leave to sit shall have been obtained from the House. Provides that subpenas may be issued under the signature of the chairman of the committee or any member of the committee designated by him, and may be served by any person designated by such chairman or member. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable. States that any such report which is made when the House is not in session shall be filed with the Clerk of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 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 · 13 December 1973
Allows an individual an income tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for the expenses of traveling to and from work by means of mass transportation facilities
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1973
Small Business Tax Simplification and Reform Act - Title I: Tax Simplification Relating to Small Business - Creates a Committee on Tax Simplification for Small Business for the purpose of devoting continued attention to the simplification of the Internal Revenue Code to small business, and the regulations, instructions, procedures, and other publications relating to small business taxation. Provides that the membership of the Committee would include representatives of the Secretary of the Treasury (for policy matters); Internal Revenue Service (for technical matters); Office of Management and Budget (for coordinating the paperwork aspects of IRS forms, in view of the Federal Reports Act) and the Small Business Administration to express the interests of the small business community. Creates in the Treasury Department an Office of Small Business Analyst, which would be responsible for looking at tax problems primarily from the view of small business and the free enterprise system. Calls upon the Treasury Department for a comprehensive study of depreciation policies with particular attention to: the impact of legislation; the rapid advances in technology to which small business must adapt; and the practices of other industrialized nations. Calls upon the Treasury to study the entire range of pension, retirement, health, medical, and insurance benefits in the larger context of what both corporations (including large corporate enterprise) and other forms of business are providing for their employees and executives. Authorizes a special study of the differential effect of tax law changes on businesses of different sizes. Title II: Adjustment of Corporate Normal Tax - Effects a progressive reform in the entire corporate tax structure by providing for reductions in normal corporate tax rates based on the corporations earning. Provides that as corporate earnings rise above $1 million per year the normal tax would incline upward to a maximum of 24 percent for corporations earning over $1 billion annually. Title III: Special Provisions to Encourage Establishment of New Small Business Enterprises - Permits eligible new small business corporatians on income tax deduction equal to the corporations net operating income so long as that amount does not exceed $2083. Allows an income tax deduction to a partnership for its oragnizational expenses ratably over a period of 60 months. Provides for a bad debt tax deduction for guarantors of obligations of, and lenders, to, small business corporations. Title IV: Provisions to Assist Small Business Growth - Increases the additional first-year depreciation limitation for small business property from $10,000 to $20,000. Extends the period for use of the loss carryover provisions for small businesses by allowing existing corporations to carry these losses over a ten year period. Raises the earning credit in accordance with the costs of doing business to $150,000. Allows the expenses of certain types of small business stock flotations, such as those under Regulation A and section 1244 of the Code, which are not otherwise deductible, to be amortized over a period of 60 months. Allows research and development expenses of small business to be amortized beginning at the time they are made. Permits a limited number of surtax exemptions (up to 5) in the event members of a family are placed in proprietary positions where they have ownership of at least 50 percent of the stock (or other interest) and full time management of a separately incorporated unit of a family business. Title V: Provisions Relating to Partnerships - Allows the closing of the partnership year for a decedent at any of the following times: (1) normal close of the partnership year if there has been no prior sale, exchange, or liquidation of the partnership interest; (2) the date of any of the above described transactions; or (3) the day after the partner's death. Permits a partner to deduct currently his share of partnership losses in excess of the adjusted basis of his partnership interests, in the event that the partner is unconditionally obligated for his share of such partnership losses. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Subchapter S Corporations - Allows enlargment of the Subchapter S "tax-option" small business corporations in the following 3 ways: (1) initial shareholders could number 15, rather than the present 10; (2) shareholders in excess of this ceiling who take their stock by reason of heirship would not disqualify election; and (3) after 5 years, the number of permissible shareholders would increase to 25. Provides that the classes of shareholders would be expanded to include: (1) trusts where stock passes pursuant to a will, and where the trust is used merely to convey the stock to a long term eligible holder within 60 days; (2) trusts where the entire income is taxable to the grantor; and (3) small business investment companies, subject to such income. Provides for nondisqualification of a Subchapter S corporation by reason of exceeding the limit of 20 percent passive income in a single year. Provides that the election privilege could still be lost pursuant to this proposal if the limit is exceeded in any 2 of 4 consecutive years. Provides that if the corporation is able to establish that the termination was, in fact, inadvertent and gain full compliance within 90 days of notification, its Subchapter S status would be preserved for future years. Title VII: Business Development Corporations - Permits State and local development companies to extend long-term financing to non-bankable new enterprises and such companies would be permitted a bad-debt reserve deduction up to 10 percent of outstanding loans. Provides that certain types of business development corporations would be nontaxable upon the condition that the proceeds from such unusual transactions are re-invested the area of service and no part of these proceeds insures to the benefit of any individual or private institution. Title VIII: Preservation of Small Business Independence - Allows recovery of losses in 1 or 2 quarters to the extent the newly estimated tax for the year is less than the amount already paid in. Disallows interest deductions beyond $500,000 on any loan for small business acquistion purposes. Permits valuation comparisons with any similar closely held corporation whether or not it is listed on an exchange. Changes the standard of "undue hardship" (required to qualify for 10-year estate tax installments) to "hardship." Directs the Treasury to conduct a comprehensive examination of the pressures of income taxes, capital gains tax, reorganization rules, and estate and gift taxes which are causing so many small business to sell or merge out of existence rather than continue in independent form.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1973
Authorizes the President to issue regulations to reduce or stabilize insurance premiums in the automobile insurance industry to prevent windfall profits by persons engaged in the business of issuing such insurance as a result of reduced casualty rates attributable to Federal, State, or local official action under the Economic Stabilization Act or under any other provision authorizing the rationing, allocation, or conservation of petroleum products. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the President to prescribe an insurance rate which is in excess of that rate prescribed under applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserves can only be mined by underground methods. States that the purpose of the Act is to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Control of Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires surface coal mining operations to comply with the following requirements: (1) on steep slopes no debris or soil may be placed on the downslope, except soil from the initial cut, provided that the soil is shaped and graded to prevent slides, erosion, and water pollution, and is revegetated; (2) preservation of topsoil after excavation; (3) stabilization of mine wastes, including safety in retention of water wastes; and (4) minimal disturbance of the hydrologic balance at the minesite. Requires compliance with such standards 90 days after enactment for mines where overburden hasn't been removed. Requires, within 150 days of enactment, Federal enforcement of such standards until State standards are accepted, such enforcement to include mine inspection. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 24 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, state laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, six months after approval of a State program, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for five years, has been issued. States that permit applications must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act, assurance that reclamation can be achieved, and that post-mining land use will be compatible with surrounding uses; and that permits won't be issued for land within 300 feet of occupied dwelling or within a park. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Allows renewal of permits. Establishes general performance standards requiring: (1) extraction of coal sufficient to prevent future need for re-excavating the land; (2) restoration of the land to a condition to which it can support previous uses; (3) keeping reclamation current with mining operations; (4) restoration of approximate original contour of the land; (5) safety measures in dam construction and non-degradation of water quality in streams below dams; (6) restoration of topsoil and vegetation; and (7) limitations and mandatory notices on use of explosives. Differentiates standards for steep-slope and flat terrain mining. Authorizes only one-year permits for steep-slope mining. Allows exceptions to reclamation standards where a post mining use of the land differs from previous use, is appropriate, and begins within three years. Calls for regulations of underground coal mining that requires: (1) backfilling all mine wastes and tailings into mine voids, where possible; (2) permanent underground mine support; (3) sealing of entrances; (4) contouring and revegetation of wastes and tailings; and (5) safety standards in dam construction. Directs mine operators to have remedial programs to eliminate polluting discharge. Requires permit applicants to give notice to public bodies in the local area of their plans, and for such bodies to make public their comments. Gives any person with a valid legal interest the right to object to a proposed surface mining and reclamation operation. Allows public hearings on such objections. Establishes procedures for such hearings. Demands that permit applicants, whose permits have been approved, post performance bonds to assure that the requirements of this Act are met. States that such bonds shall not be less than $10,000. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Prohibits suspension or revocation of a permit except with time for permitee to correct his violations and public hearing, if requested, provided that emergency threats to public health or the environment may justify suspension of permit subject to determination later if violation has occurred. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Allows, where State regulatory authorities don't exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of violations of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Requires civil penalties upon violators of this Act or regulations under it. Permits any person to bring civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Empowers district courts to require the regulatory authority to enforce nondiscretionary duties under the Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Authorizes grants to Indian tribes to assist in development and administration of a mining control program for tribal lands. Allows an Indian tribe to have the Secretary administer its program under this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet certain criteria, including some long-existing and especially deep mines. Title III: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands, for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines, and for the Secretary of Agriculture to use in entering agreements with landowners and tenants providing for control and prevention of erosion. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land and to transfer it the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining use of reclaimed land. Title IV: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title V: A Program for Non-Coal Mine Environmental Impact Control - Requires States to implement programs for designation of lands unsuitable for mining minerals other than coal. Title VI: Appropriation Authorization; Definitions; and General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; $40,000,000 initially to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; and for research and demonstration projects, $5,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and for each fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes grants to States for developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Gives the President power to suspend for 90 days any requirement of this Act concerning surface mining reclamation operations if a national emergency exists. Requires written permission of landowners, where different from underlying mineral owners, to mine or reclaim land. Title VII: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute, center, or equivalent agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation each year of $5,000,000 for the next seven fiscal years for specific projects in such institutes. Authorizes appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal 1975 and a sum increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year thereafter for grants and contracts for other research into aspects of mining and mineral resources problems. Calls for the Secretary to appoint an advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
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 · 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 · 13 November 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate, support and carry out basic and applied research and development in solar heating and cooling technologies. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings under the monitoring of the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Bureau of Standards and in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Defense. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas (not less than three) in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
National Fuels and Energy Conservation Act - Title I: Declares that it is in the national interest for, and shall be the continuing policy of, the Federal Government to foster and promote comprehensive national fuels and energy conservation programs and practices in order to slow the rate of growth of energy consumption, assure adequate supplies of energy and fuels for necessary uses, reduce energy waste, preserve natural resources, and protect the environment. Title II: Establishes in the Department of the Interior an Office of Energy Conservation to be headed by a Director appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) review and appraise the various programs, policies, and activities of the Federal Government in the light of the policy set forth in title I of this Act, for the purpose of determining the extent to which such programs and activities are contributing to the achievement of such policy, and to make recommendations to the President with respect thereto; (2) in cooperation with the Council on Environmental Quality, develop and recommend to the President national policies to foster and promote a national policy of energy conservation as set forth in title I of this Act; (3) make and furnish such studies and recommendations with respect to matters of policy and legislation as the President may request; (4) gather and present authoritative data concerning current and prospective energy use, analyze such information for the purpose of determining whether such conditions and trends are interfering, or are likely to interfere with the achievement of the purposes and policy of this Act, and compile and submit to the President studies relating to such conditions and trends; (5) conduct investigations, studies, surveys, research, and analyses concerning amounts and patterns of energy consumption, and current and potential means for energy conservation; (6) cooperate with private industry in developing energy conservation programs in industry; (7) provide assistance to State governments in developing State energy conservation programs; (8) conduct educational programs to foster public awareness of the need for and opportunities for energy conservation; and (9) prepare an annual report to the President and the Congress on his activities and the activities of other Federal agencies in implementing the purposes and objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
Authorizes the Atomic Energy Commission to enter into a cooperative agreement with the State of Utah to contain and render harmless uranium mill tailings.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prepare standards and procedures for each model year to determine the fuel consumption rate for all models and classes of new motor vehicles sold or used in the United States, such standards to become effective one year after the enactment of this Act. Directs every manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in the United States to establish and maintain such records, make such reports, conduct such tests, and provide such materials and information as the Secretary of Transportation may reasonably require. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct tests pursuant to the standards and procedures established by the Secretary of Transportation to determine the fuel consumption rate for all models and classes of new motor vehicles which are manufactured in each model year, commencing in the model year following the effective date of the established standards and procedures. Provides that the fuel consumption for each model of new motor vehicle shall be reported to the Secretary of Transportation, who shall submit the information to Congress and to manufacturers. Provides that the Federal Government shall purchase or lease only new motor vehicles certified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to rank in the upper 50 per centum of each class for low fuel consumption, beginning with the model year the authorized tests are conducted. Authorizes and directs the General Services Administration to conduct annual tests, utilizing the standards and procedures developed pursuant to this Act, to determine the average fuel consumption per mile of all classes of motor vehicles owned or leased prior to the effective date of the testing authorized by this Act. Directs the Administrator of GSA to report to Congress the results of such tests along with any recommendations and findings for reducing fuel consumption. Directs all officers and agencies of the Federal Government to take all possible measures to reduce the level of fuel consumption in every motor vehicle they own, lease, or use in connection with governmental activities. Provides that, beginning with the model year following the effective date of the standards and procedures authorized by this Act, all new motor vehicles sold in the United States shall bear a label applied by the manufacturer stating the fuel consumption rate as determined by the tests and that no such vehicles may be advertised for sale unless the advertisement states the fuel consumption rate. Provides maximum penalties for sale or advertisement of vehicles not in compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Public Safety Officers Benefits Act - Provides that in any case in which the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration determines that an eligible public safety officer has died as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the performance of duty, leaving a spouse or one or more eligible dependents, the Administration shall pay a gratuity of $50,000. States the order of precedence for the payment of the gratuity to dependents. Excludes the payment of benefits if death was caused intentionally or by intentional misconduct or by an individual who would otherwise be entitled to the death benefits. Authorizes the appropriation in each fiscal year of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 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 · 25 October 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, applications for grants for construction of treatment works under such Act may be filed with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency until December 31, 1973. States that funds available for reimbursement shall be allocated pro rata among all eligible projects for which applications have been submitted and approved by the Administrator. Increases the amount available for reimbursement from $2,000,000,000 to $2,600,000,000. Requires that in no event shall any payment exceed the Federal share of the cost of construction incurred to the date of the voucher covering such payment plus the Federal share of the value of the materials which have been stockpiled in the vicinity of such construction in conformance to plans and specifications for the project.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Special Prosecution Conservancy Act - Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with supervisory jurisdiction to issue and enforce all orders necessary and appropriate to insure the integrity and inviolability of all files, notes, correspondence, memoranda, documents, physical evidence, and other records and work product compiled, obtained, or otherwise produced and maintained by the office of Special Prosecutor from the date of assumption of that office on May 24, 1973, until the appointment of a successor Special Prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court with authority to appoint a Special Prosecutor for the purposes and with the powers set forth in this Act, and to replace such officer only for extraordinary improprieties in the exercise of his responsibilities. Sets forth the authority and responsibilities of the Special Prosecutor. States that the prosecutor shall have exclusive authority to conduct all grand jury presentments and all other criminal proceedings arising from the following acts or transactions: (1) offenses arising out of the unauthorized entry into Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the Watergate; (2) offenses arising out of the 1972 Presidential election; (3) allegations of criminal offenses involving the President, members of the White House Staff, or other Presidential appointees; and (4) such other matters as bear a relation to the foregoing and which the Special Prosecutor consents to accept. Sets forth powers of the Special Prosecutor, including: (1) the power to determine whether and how far to contest the assertion of executive privilege or any other testimonial or evidentiary privilege, and (2) the power to decide whether or not to prosecute any person and how to conduct and argue any appeals or petitions arising out of his prosecutorial activities. Authorizes the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to extend the term of the Grand Jury of that Court which was impaneled on June 5, 1972, for additional periods of six months, until the court determines that the business of that Grand Jury has been completed. Authorizes to be appropriated to the office of the Special Prosecutor such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Directs the Committee on the Judiciary to investigate the question of impeachment of the President, and upon completion of such investigation to report to the House its recommendations, including a resolution of impeachment if the Committee so determines.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1973
States that regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 206 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, be set aside in order to provide equitable funding for all publicly owned sewage treatment works constructed during the period from June 30, 1966, through July 1, 1972, regardless of whether such works received any Federal assistance at the time of construction, were eligible for Federal incentive grants, or were supported in whole or in part by a State matching grant or loan program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Menominee Restoration Act - Provides for the repeal of the Act of June 17, 1954 which terminated Federal supervision of the Menominee Tribe. States that as soon as practicable the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a membership role of the tribe which shall include all members listed on the final 1954 role who are still living on the date of enactment of this Act and all descendants of persons listed on the 1954 role if such descendants have at least one-quarter Menominee blood. Provides that all persons on the membership role shall be eligible to receive all Federal services furnished American Indians because of their status as Indians. States that subject to the approval of the Secretary the tribe shall organize a governing body for the tribe's common welfare and shall adopt an appropriate constitution and bylaws. States that subject to the approval of the shareholders as required by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, the board of Directors of Menominee Enterprises Incorporated shall transfer to the Secretary all assets held by such corporation. Provides that such assets shall be held in trust by the Secretary, on behalf of the United States for the tribe. Provides that this Act shall reinstitute all, and shall not abrogate any, water, hunting, fishing, and trapping rights or privileges, and any other rights and privileges of the tribe enjoyed under Federal treaty or otherwise. Authorizes the Secretary to make such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, substance, or ingredient of any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage; and (2) shall not require a warning label on any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Provides that no public funds be used for the purpose of transporting chemical nerve agents to or from any military installation in the United States for storage or stockpiling purposes unless it is the sense of the Congress to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that both the President and Congress should resolve the position of the United States on the status of herbicides and tear gas so that the Senate may move forward toward immediate ratification of the Geneva protocol of 1925. States that the Department of Defense should detoxify that amount of nerve gas stored at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver which was to have been destroyed by now.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1973
Executive Reorganization and Management Act - Establishes a commission to be known as the Commission on the Reorganization and Management of the Executive Branch. Specifies the membership of the Commission. Directs the Commission to: (1) analyze and assess the current organization, coordination, and management of the executive branch and recommend appropriate actions, to achieve the purpose of this Act; (2) consider, evaluate, and make recommendations for improved coordination and cooperation among Federal agencies to insure the maximum degree of consistency in governmental actions; (3) appraise the current status of administrative management in the executive branch with a view to proposing reforms and new procedures, techniques, and facilities which will improve the conduct of Government service; and (4) consider, evaluate, and make recommendations for the: (a) establishment of priorities among Federal programs; (b) consolidation and redirection of those programs; and (c) reduction or elimination of those which are of marginal utility or which are unnecessary. Directs the Commission to submit an interim report to the Congress one year after the date of its appointment and at such other times as the Commission may feel necessary or desirable and to complete its study and investigation no later than two years after the date of its appointment. Provides that within sixty days after the completion of such study and investigation the Commission shall transmit to the Congress a report of its findings and recommendations, and then cease to exist. Empowers the Commission, to hold such hearings; act at such times and places; administer such oaths; and require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such records, as the Commission or such subcommittee or member may deem advisable. Empowers the Commission to enter into contracts or other agreements with Federal agencies, private firms, institutions, and individuals for the conduct of research or surveys. Authorizes appropriation to the Commission of such sums as may be required to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1973
Provides that nothing contained in the antitrust laws of the United States shall render unlawful the inclusion and enforcement of any trademark licensing contract or agreement, pursuant to which the licensee engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of a trademarked soft drink product, or provisions granting the licensee the sole and exclusive right to manufacture, distribute and sell such product in a defined geographic area or limiting the licensee, directly or indirectly, to the manufacture, distribution, and sale of such product only for ultimate resale to consumers within a defined geographic area. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply only if: (1) such product is in substantial and effective competition with products of the same general class, (2) the licensee is in substantial and effective competition with other venders of other products of the same general class, and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product as required by the Trademark Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
Authorizes grazing permits, under the Taylor Grazing Act, for a period of ten years. States that the Secretary of the Interior may from time to time specify the numbers of stock and seasons of use for each permit if the lands covered by such permit remain within a grazing district and if the permittee has complied with the terms and conditions of the permit and with the rules and regulations of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to pay to the holder of a grazing permit compensation for the loss of such permit if such permit is canceled (in whole or in part) before the expiration of its term because all or part of the lands covered by such permits are no longer within grazing district.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1973
Authorizes the partition of the surface rights in the joint use area of the 1882 Executive Order Hopi Reservation and the surface and subsurface rights in the 1934 Navajo Reservation between the Hopi and Navajo Tribes. Provides for allotments of such rights to the Paite Indians living on said land.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Land Use Planning Act - Title I: Assistance to States - Sets forth the findings of Congress and policies of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make annual grants to any State which has: (1) established an eligible land use planning agency, and (2) an intergovernmental advisory council to assist in the development and administration of a comprehensive land use planning process. Defines the elements which constitute a comprehensive land use planning process, including provisions for: (1) public involvment in the process; (2) coordination of land use activities of all State agencies; (3) consideration of esthetic, ecological, recreational and geological needs; and (4) environmental policies. Describes the factors to be included in any methods of implementation employed by a State in carrying out its land use planning process. Provides for interstate cooperation in coordinating land use planning. States that prior to making a grant to any State, the Secretary shall consult with specified officials and shall ascertain that land use planning criteria have been met. Prescribes an appeal procedure for States found ineligible to receive grants. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate any financial assistance whenever the land use planning process is determined not to meet the requirements of this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts. Title II: Assistance to Indians - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make land use planning grants to any indian tribe to assist in developing a land use planning process for Indian reservation and other tribal lands. Sets forth the requirements of any such land use planning process and the eligibility factors to be met by a tribe. Title III: Public lands - Requires that each public land management agency head prepare and maintain an inventory of all public lands and other resources under his jurisdiction. States that in the development of public land use plans, specified considerations and priorities shall be taken into account. Title IV: Administration - Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Office of Land Use Planning Administration. Enumerates the duties of such Administration, including: (1) to administer the grant in aid programs established under this Act; (2) cooperate in the development of standard methods of land use information collection; and (3) provide administrative support for the Interagency Land Use Policy and Planning Board. Establishes the Interagency Land Use Policy and Planning Board and enumerates the duties of such Board. Provides for the appointing of the members of the Board. Directs the Council on Environmental quality to issue guidelines to Federal agencies and States to assist them in carrying out the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary, through the Office, to investigate the need for and form of stating national land use policies, taking into account specified factors. Calls for the Secretary to issue a biennial report on land resources, uses, and problems. States that, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Secretary may hold hearings, take testimony and receive evidence. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of: (1) $100,000,000 for each of the eight fiscal years for grants to States under title I; (2) $6,000,000 for each of the eight fiscal years for grants to Indian tribes; and (3) $10,000,000 for each of the three fiscal years for administration of this Act. Provides for the allotment of such funds. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1973
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protect against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and : (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Provides that a customer may authorize disclosure if he or those seeking disclosure furnish to the financial institution a signed and dated statement by which the customer: (1) authorizes such disclosure for a period not in excess of one year; (2) identifies the financial records which are authorized to be disclosed; and (3) specifies the purposes for which, and the agencies to which, such records may be disclosed. Requires the financial institution to keep a record of all examinations of the customer's financial records and to notify the customer that he has the right at any time to revoke any authorization of disclosure and to obtain a copy of the aforementioned record of examinations. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from requiring an institution to maintain financial records or to transmit reports on customers, unless such records are required by a supervisory agency or the Internal Revenue Service. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act. Provides for injunctive relief for persons aggrieved by violation or threatened violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance, or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1973
Establishes the Big Cypress National Preserve in the State of Florida. Authorizes to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $116,000,000 for the acquisition of lands and interests in lands, and an amount not to exceed $900,000 for development.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
States that no public funds may be used for the purpose of transporting chemical nerve agents to or from any military installation in the United States for storage or stockpiling purposes unless it is the sense of Congress to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
States that no public funds may be used for the purpose of transporting chemical nerve agents to or from any military installation in the United States for storage or stockpiling purposes unless it is the sense of Congress to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that both the President and Congress should resolve the position of the United States on the status of herbicides and tear gas so that the Senate may move forward toward immediate ratification of the Geneva protocol of 1925. States that the Department of Defense should detoxify that amount of nerve gas stored at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver which was to have been destroyed by now.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that both the President and Congress should resolve the position of the United States on the status of herbicides and tear gas so that the Senate may move forward toward immediate ratification of the Geneva protocol of 1925. States that the Department of Defense should detoxify that amount of nerve gas stored at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver which was to have been destroyed by now.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
States that no public funds may be used for the purpose of transporting chemical nerve agents to or from any military installation in the United States for storage or stockpiling purposes unless it is the sense of Congress to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
States that no public funds may be used for the purpose of transporting chemical nerve agents to or from any military installation in the United States for storage or stockpiling purposes unless it is the sense of Congress to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Flexible Hours Employment Act - States that it is the policy of the United States Government that, unless adjudged impossible by the Secretary of Labor, at least 10 percent, over a five year period, of the positions at each and all levels in all executive agencies shall be available on a flexible hours employment basis for persons who cannot work or do not desire to work fill time. Requires each executive agency to adopt and maintain procedures, continuously conduct activities and projects, and undertake such other efforts as may be appropriate to carry out the policy of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the procedures, activities, projects, and other efforts undertaken to carry out the policy of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
Establishes, under the Legislative Reorganization Act, the Office of Congressional Ombudsman. Directs the Ombudsman Board to investigate at the request of Members of Congress, actions and operations of agencies of the United States Government. Provides for the utilization by the Ombudsman of the Congressional Research Service and the General Accounting Office in carrying out his duties under this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Owens, Wayne [D-UT-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000156_200.jpg)