United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Provides that such board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the director of the center ex officio. Authorizes the centers to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1973
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on the Handicapped within two years of enactment in order to develop recommendations for further research and action in the field of the handicapped, and to further the policies set forth in this joint resolution. Provides that such conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with the cooperation and assistance of such other Federal departments and agencies, including the assignment of personnel, as may be appropriate. Require a final report of the White House Conference on the Handicapped to be submitted to the President not later than 120 days following the date on which the conference is called, and the findings and recommendations included therein to be made available immediately to the public. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after the submission of such report, to transmit to the President and the Congress his recommendations for the administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the recommendations contained in such report. Gives the Secretary administrative powers to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on the White House Conference on the Handicapped composed of 28 members, of whom not less than 15 shall be handicapped or parents of handicapped persons. Provides that such Advisory Committee shall cease to exist 90 days after the submission of the final report required by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Defines the term "special dietary uses" as applied to food for man under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not classify a food for special dietary use as a drug within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act solely on the basis of levels of any vitamin, mineral, protein, or other food ingredient present in such food. Provides that such limitation shall not apply to vitamins A and D if the amount recommended to be consumed is determined by the Secretary, by regulation, to be injurious to health. States that nothing in this Act shall authorize the Secretary to establish limits on the amount of any vitamin, mineral, protein, or other food ingredient which may be contained in a food for special dietary use, unless the Secretary determines, by regulation, that such food would be injurious to health except for such limits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Bilingual Courts Act - Provides for the determination of each of those judicial districts in which at least 5 percent or 50,000 residents of that district, whichever is less, do not speak or understand the English language with reasonable facility, and the certification of each such district as a bilingual judicial district by certificate transmitted to the chief judge of the district court for that district. Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide facilities and personnel for bilingual proceedings. States that any bilingual proceeding shall be recorded verbatim in addition to any stenographic transcript of the proceeding taken. Provides for the distribution of costs of bilingual facilities among the parties using them and authorizes to be appropriated to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts sums necessary to carry out the amendments made by this Act. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 604(a); Adds 28 U.S.C. 1827)
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 · 18 October 1973
Metric Conversion Act - Establishes a National Metric Conversion Board to implement the change of the United States to the metric system by devising and carrying out a program of encouragement, coordination and public education. Requires the Board to consult with industry, commerce, science, consumers, engineering, education, labor, State and local governments, foreign governments, and such others as are deemed appropriate in carrying out its duties. Requires the Board, within 12 months after the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act, to develop and submit to the Secretary of Commerce, for transmittal to the President and Congress, a plan to convert to the metric system. Provides that such plan will be implemented within 60 days unless disapproved by Congress. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings and enter into contracts. Provides that an executive director shall be responsible for carrying out the Board's duties. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate, support and carry out basic and applied research and development in solar heating and cooling technologies. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings under the monitoring of the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Bureau of Standards and in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Defense. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas (not less than three) in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Title I: Emergency Rural Housing Act - Presents the finding of the Congress that there are millions of substandard dwelling units in rural areas, that existing agencies operating under existing authorities could not meet the needs of millions of the rural poor, and that there is a need for emergency action in rural housing programs. Establishes an Emergency Rural Housing Administration, the management of which shall be vested in an Administrator appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Makes it the duty of the Administrator to provide minimal housing facilities for eligible persons in rural areas and small communities and to do so, to the extent possible, within a five-year period. Forbids the duties and powers of the Administration to be transferred to any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to eligible persons to finance the acquisition of land and the construction thereon of minimal housing facilities, or to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing facilities in accordance with minimum housing facilities standards. Provides that at least 50 percent of the principal amount of any loan made shall be amortized over a period of not more than forty years, shall bear interest at a rate of not less than one percent per year, and shall be secured by a first mortgage. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire land and engage in the development of housing projects to be sold under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to finance all or part of the acquisition, and maintenance of: (1) minimal housing facilities in rural areas and small communities to be rented by eligible persons; (2) water and sewer facilities for such housing; and (3) related community facilities for such housing. Provides that the Administrator may enter into area responsibility agreements with any local agency. Forbids the Administrator to require, as a condition of assistance under this Act, the relocation of any eligible person in order to engage in or to facilitate the economic development of any area. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the operation of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 per year, reduced by an amounts paid into the Treasury each such year on the loans made by the Administrator. Title II: Extends the provisions of the Rural Housing Program to the Island of Guam. Provides for the financing of indebtedness for specified eligible loan applicants under this Act. Authorizes loans to leasehold owners under the Housing Act's rural programs. Makes provisions for veterans preferences for veterans of the Vietnam Era under Housing Act. Provides for direct and insured loans for purpose providing housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas covered by this Act. Defines the terms rural area as applicable under this Act. Provides for direct and insured loans to provide condominium housing for low-and-moderate-income families in rural areas covered by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure titles to land which are otherwise uninsurable by private insurance companies because of remote outstanding claims or encumbrances to enable eligible persons holding such land to benefit from this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for such purposes.
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 · 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 · 4 October 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Provides that such board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the director of the center ex officio. Authorizes the centers to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Establishes a Federal Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund to be used by the Secretary of Transportation as a revolving fund for the purpose of carrying out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure the interest on, and the unpaid principal balance of, any equipment obligation offered to him which he determines is eligible for insurance under this Act. States that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of equipment obligations insured under this part shall not exceed $1,000,000,000 at any one time. Sets forth certain specified standards and conditions to be satisfied before the Secretary shall insure any equipment obligation. States that if at any time the moneys in the fund are not sufficient to pay any amount the Secretary is required to pay under an agreement made under this Act, the Secretary is authorized to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such forms and denominations as may be prescribed by the Secretary, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides penalties for any person who makes any statement knowing it to be false, or who wilfully overvalues any security, for the purpose of obtaining any loan guarantee. Authorizes the Secretary to assist in the design of a national rolling stock information service and to contract with and provide technical and financial assistance to individual railroads or groups of railroads. Directs the Secretary to report semiannually to the Congress with respect to the progress make by railroads in implementing the national system. Authorizes to be appropriated $40,000,000 for the purposes of this section. States that in any case in which any person enters into a contract to export grain from the United States, which contract calls for the exportation of more than one million bushels of grain, such person shall submit to the Secretary of Transportation a plan for the transportation of such grain to the United States port from which it is proposed to be exported. Requires the Secretary to determine if such plan will jeopardize the availability of railroad freight cars for the movement of other commodities in interstate commerce. Sets forth criteria under which the Secretary may disapprove any such plan. Provides penalties for any person, partnership or corporation who fails to submit a plan to the Secretary or who ships such grain to port in spite of the Secretary's disapproval.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1973
Metric Conversion Act - Declares that the policy of the United States shall be: (1) to facilitate and encourage the substitution of metric measurement units for customary measurement units; (2) to facilitate and encourage the development as rapidly as practicable of new or revised engineering standards based on metric measurement units in those specific fields or areas in the United States where such standards will result in rationalization or simplification of relationships, improvements of design, or increases in economy; (3) to facilitate and encourage the retention in new metric language standards of those United States engineering designs, practices, and conventions that are internationally accepted or embody superior technology; (4) to cooperate with foreign governments and public and private international organizations which are or become concerned with the encouragement and coordination of increased use of metric measurement units or engineering standards based on such units; and (5) to assist the public through specified information and educational programs to become familiar with the meaning and applicability of metric terms and measures in daily life. Establishes a National Metric Conversion Board, consisting of 25 members not more 21 of whom shall be appointed by the President because they are broadly representative of American society. Provides that 2 members of the Board shall be Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker, and 2 members shall be Members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate. Requires the Board, within 12 months after funding, to submit to the President and the Congress a comprehensive plan to accomplish a changeover to the metric system of measurement in the United States, together with legislative recommendations. Authorizes the Board in carrying out its duties to enter into contracts for research, hold hearings, and establish advisory committees. Provides the the Board shall cease to exist no later than ten years after submission of its comprehensive plan. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1973
Provides for the taking of censuses of manufacturers, of mineral industries, and of other specified businesses beginning in the year 1978 and every five years thereafter. Requires congressional approval of the content of questionnaires used in the taking of such censuses. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 131)
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1973
Provides that the antitrust laws shall apply to any joint agreement which permits telecasting of professional football or basketball games during periods (Friday nights and Saturdays from the second Friday in September through the last Saturday in March) when regularly scheduled intercollegiate or interscholastic basketball or football games are played. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1293)
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
Authorizes the United States Capitol Historical Society, under direction of the Architect of the Capitol, to prepare a feasibility study to determine the desirability of installing within the United States Capitol Grounds, at the east front of the United States Capitol, all items of equipment and other facilities required for a sound and light performance, consisting of an interplay of light, music, narrative, and sound jected onto the imposing facade of the east front of the United States Capitol, will re-create the evolution of American history, based on a foundation of thorough historical research. Requires the Architect of the Capitol to review such report and submit the same, with his recommendations, to the Speaker and majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives and to the majority and minority leaders of the Senate. If the project, as presented, with or without modifications, meets with the approval of such House and Senate officials, the Architect of the Capitol, notwithstanding any other provision of law, is authorized after such approval.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Energy Reorganization Act - Establishes a Department of Energy, to be headed by a Secretary appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senator, Provides that within the Department there shall be an Office for Research and Development; an Office of Fuels; an Office of Energy Conservation, Environmental Protection, and Health and Safety; an Office of National Energy Planning and Development; and an Office of Energy Distribution Systems. Provides that each Office so established shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the Department of Energy appropriate responsibilities from other Federal departments and agencies. Requires the Secretary to undertake a study to identity and describe the national energy system to determine at what key points in the system statistical and other information should be routinely collected. Renames the Atomic Energy Commission as the Nuclear Energy Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that no Federal Agency may inspect any income tax return except upon an order of the President which identifies by name the person who filed such return. Makes it an offense to make unauthorized disclosures to divulge or publish any name, address or occupation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Elementary and Secondary Drug Abuse Eradication Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide local educational agencies with the financial resources to bring services and programs to students who are users and potential users of drugs, so that the traffic in drugs in elementary and secondard schools may be eliminated. Directs the Commissioner of Education to carry out a program of making grants to local educational agencies to finance such programs. Sets forth the requirements to be met in applications for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $500,000,000 for each of the following four fiscal years to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Extends the provisions of the Federal securities laws, under the Securities Act of 1933 and other specified Acts, to persons investing in securities of carriers regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to appoint students at State maritime academies and colleges as Reserve midshipmen in the United States Navy upon graduation from such academies or colleges. (Adds 46 U.S.C. 1389)
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1973
Establishes a Joint Committee on Energy in the Congress of the United States. Provides that such Joint Committee shall make a continuing investigation and study of the problems relating to the development and use of all forms of energy.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1973
Provides that the Secretary of Transportation shall protect the needs of interstate commerce for railroad freight cars by certifying his approval or disapproval of plans submitted to him by grain exporters regarding their proposed use of railroad freight cars in connection with sales of grain for export. Provides that if an exporter's plan is not approved the Secretary of Agriculture shall suspend any export payment to the exporter until such time as an export plan is approved.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to conduct research and development programs to increase knowledge of tornadoes, hurricanes, large thunderstorms, and other short-term weather phenomena, and to develop methods for predicting, detecting, and monitoring such atmospheric behavior. A bill to authorize the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to conduct research and development programs to increase knowledge of tornadoes, hurricanes, large thunderstorms, and other types of short-term weather phenomena, and to develop methods for predicting, detecting, and monitoring such atmospheric behavior.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1973
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the fourth Sunday of November of each year as "National Grandparents' Day". Calls upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Prohibits bribery of State and local law enforcement officers and other elected and appointed officials. Imposes five years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine for: (1) influencing or attempting to influence official conduct through bribery; (2) accepting a bribe; or (3) failing to report any bribery or attempt to bribe. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 225)
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1973
Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, a credit against the individual income tax for expenses paid by the taxpayer for the higher education of any individual, including the taxpayer. Excludes scholarships and fellowship grants, and educational assistance benefits paid by the Veterans' Administration, from such expenses paid for education purposes under this Act. Limits the eligibility for tax credit. Provides that the credit allowed to the taxpayer during the taxable year shall not exceed an amount equal to the sum of: (1) 100 percent of so much of the education expenses as does not exceed $200; exceeds $200 but does not exceed $500; and (3) 25 percent of so much of such expenses as exceeds $500 but does not exceed $1500. Reduces the credit allowable under this Act by amount equal to 1 percent of the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income under the code exceeds $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
Establishes a Joint Committee on Energy in the Congress of the United States. Provides that such Joint Committee shall make a continuing investigation and study of the problems relating to the development and use of all forms of energy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 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 · 18 April 1973
Provides the Interstate Commerce Commission with authority to regulate railroad car service when an emergency is or may be imminent. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1(15))
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to purchase from one or more life insurance companies a policy or policies of mortgage protection life insurance on a group basis for veterans unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a substandard rate because of a service-connected disability. Sets forth the maximum amount of insurance under a policy provided under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to deduct insurance premiums from any compensation or other cash benefits payable to veterans by the Veterans' Administration, and to pay such premiums to the insurers. Provides that the United States shall bear all of the cost of the insurance provided under this Act, except the amount of premium rates. States that any amount of insurance in force under this Act on the date of death of an insured veteran shall be paid only to the holder of the mortgage loan on the veteran's home as a credit toward loan indebtedness. Requires each policy purchased under this Act to provide for the following: (1) reinsurance with other insurers which meet the Administrator's criteria; (2) that the Administrator may discontinue a whole policy, or exclude from coverage loans made after a date fixed by him; (3) issuance to each insured veteran of a certificate setting forth the benefits to which he is entitled; (4) any other provisions necessary to carry out this Act; and (5) an annual accounting to the Administrator of the amount of premiums paid, the total of all mortality and other claim charges incurred, and the amount of the insurer's expenses and risk charges. States that insurance under this Act shall terminate upon whichever of the following events first occurs: (1) satisfaction of the veteran's indebtedness under the loan upon which the insurance is based; (2) the veteran's 70th birthday; (3) termination of the veteran's ownership of the property securing the loan; (4) discontinuance of payment of premiums by the veteran; or (5) discontinuance of the entire contract or agreement. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 791-95)
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
National Catastrophic Disaster Insurance Act - Establishes a program of Federal insurance against catastrophic natural disasters and other such disasters utilizing the private insurance industry, particularly risk-sharing pools of insurance companies, while preserving State regulation. Establishes, within the office of the Federal Insurance Administrator in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the position of Assistant Insurance Administrator for Disaster Insurance, who shall head an office of Federal Disaster Insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to: (1) impose and collect an insurance premium surcharge which may not exceed 5 percent and may vary on a statewide regional, country wide basis, or any combination of these; (2) determine and prescribe the terms, conditions, and limitations of the catastrophic disaster insurance program as provided under this Act; (3) purchase reinsurance to the extent deemed appropriate and available; (4) make such disbursements from a special fund established in the U.S. Treasury for operations under this Act in order to reimburse insurance companies in full for claims paid by them for covered losses under the Act's program and for other operating expenses incurred by such companies under the program; and (5) make other disbursements and take other actions necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act. Extends as mandatory the coverage of castatrophic disasters in each property insurance policy now in effect or hereafter issued, other than motor vehicle insurance policies. Establishes in U.S. Treasury a fund to be used by the Secretary for operating and capital expenses under this Act. Forbids coverage of new catastrophic disaster insurance where in violation of State or local laws or where the Secretary determines an area to be of special catastrohpic disaster risk. Prohibits the duplications of benefits where loss is covered by a valid claim paid under catastrophic disaster insurance under this Act. Provides for the termination of the Act's program no later than June 30, 1975 if catastrophic disaster insurance equal or increased coverage is provided by private insurance companies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Surface Transportation Act - Title I: Financial Assistance to Surface Transportation Companies - Revenue Financing and Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund Act - Creates in the Department of Transportation, under the Interstate Commerce Act, a Revenue Financing Division to aid in financing the transportation industry and commerce and to help in maintaining its economic stability and that of the country by promoting maximum employment and production. Provides for an Assistant Secretary of Transportation to assist the Secretary of Transportation in the execution of his functions under this title. Establishes a Loan Policy Board to establish any necessary general policies which shall govern the granting or denying of applications for financial assistance by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee lenders against loss of principal and interest on loans made to any common carrier in the transportation industry organized or operating under the laws of any State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, or the United States. Provides that, in making such guarantees, the Secretary shall determine that the prospective earning power of the enterprise furnishes reasonable assurance that the enterprise will be able to repay the loan within the time fixed and afford reasonable protection to the United States. Provides that the Secretary may not authorize any such loan guarantee with respect to a common carrier by railroad unless satisfied that the expeditures will improve the utilization and distribution of rolling stock and materially contribute to the efficiency of rail operations. Establishes a Board of Review to review applications for loan guarantees. Provides that no application for a loan guarantee shall be approved by the Secretary without a written determination that the public interest would be served thereby. Provides that information concerning all applications for loan guarantees under this title shall be kept available for public inspection. Provides that loans guaranteed by the Secretary under this title bear interest at such per annum rate as the Secretary deems reasonable. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this title but not to exceed in the aggregate $2,000,000,000. Prescribes criminal penalties for knowing acts of fraud in obtaining loan guarantees under this title. Provides that the authority granted by this title shall terminate at the close of June 30, 1983. Creates a Federal Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Secretary, through the fund, to insure the interest on, and the unpaid principal balance of, any equipment obligation offered to him which he determines is eligible for insurance under this part. Authorizes the Secretary to make commitments to insure any equipment obligation prior to the date of execution or disbursement thereon. Provides that, to be eligible for such insurance, the Secretary must find: (1) the equipment obligation is secured by rolling stock to be financed or refinanced thereby; (2) the financing or refinancing of the rolling stock is justified by the present and future demand for transportation services to be rendered by the railroad for which the rolling stock is procured; and (3) the purchase of the rolling stock will contribute toward a national car supply adequate to meet the needs of shippers and the economy. Provides that, if at any time the money in the fund is not sufficient to pay any amount the Secretary is required to pay under an agreement, the Secretary is authorized to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such forms and determinations, hearing such maturities, and subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to assist in the design of a national rolling stock information service and to contract with, and provide technical and financial assistance to, individual railroads or a group of railroads working together including the sharing of costs and the funding in part of demonstration projects, to assist in the establishment of a national rolling stock information system of approved design. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary, out of money in the Treasury, the sum of $35,000,000 for the operation of such service. Title II: Provisions Relating to Discriminatory State Tax Practices - Provides that the following actions by any State are hereby declared to constitute an unreasonable and unjust discrimination against and an undue burden upon interstate commerce and are hereby forbidden and declared to be unlawful: (1) the assessment, for purposes of a property tax levied by any taxing district, of transportation property owned or used by any common or contract carrier subject to economic regulation pursuant to the provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act at a value which bears a higher ratio to the true market value of such transportation property than the assessed value of all other industrial and commercial property in the assessment jurisdiction of any State which is included in such taxing district and subject to a property tax levy bears to the true market value of all such other commercial and industrial property; (2) the collection of any tax on the portion of such assessment so declared to be unlawful; or (3) the collection of any ad valorem property tax on such transportation property at a tax rate higher than the tax rate generally applicable to commercial and industrial property in the taxing district. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to issue such writs of injunction or other property process as may be necessary to restrain any State, or subdivision or agency thereof, or any person from doing anything or performing any act declared to be unlawful. Title III: Procedures for Abandonment of Nonproductive Rail Facilities - Abandonment of Nonproductive Rail Facilities Act - Provides expeditious administrative procedures for the abandonment of nonproductive facilities under the Interstate Commerce Act. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1) Title IV: Provision Relating to Competitive Equity - Competitive Equity Act - Provides, under the Interstate Commerce Act, that the Interstate Commerce Commission shall, on a continuing basis, investigate and identify traffics which are moving at rates below the variable costs incurred in handling the traffics to which such rates apply and cause such rates to be promptly brought to at least such variable costs. Provides that the Commission shall promulgate and continually maintain standards and procedures for the determination of revenue levels adequate under honest, economical, and efficient management to cover operating and capital costs, including a fair, reasonable, and economic profit. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 15, 316, 907, 1006) Extends the report filing and rate publication extension provisions of the Act to the water transport of dry bulk commodities. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 903, 904, 906, 913) Provides that the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission shall promulgate and maintain standards, rules, and procedures for the establishment of minimum adequate transportation rate levels for the movement of recycled solid waste materials which will facilitate and encourage the broader utilization of such materials. Title V: Agreements Between Carriers - Rate Bureau Modernization Act - Permits a conference, bureau, committee, or other organization established among carriers for joint operation under the Interstate Commerce Act to approve its own changes in rules, rates, or charges. Provides that such conference, bureau, committee or other organization, may not conduct votes on single line rates established by any railroad carrier, nor appear in any proceeding before the Commission regarding such single line rate. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 5b) Title VI: Repeal of Discriminatory Government Rates - Repeals the provision of the Interstate Commerce Act permitting carriage on behalf of the United States at reduced rates. Enumerates various exceptions to this prohibition governing reduced rates. Title VII: Establishment of Uniform Cost Accounting - Provides that the Commission may in its discretion prescribe a uniform system of accounts applicable to any class of carriers subject to the Interstate Commerce Act, and a period of time within which such class shall have uniform system of accounts, and the manner in which such accounts shall be kept. Requires the Commission to establish and promulgate rules and regulations prescribing uniform cost accounting and uniform revenue accounting methods for the determination of abandonment of nonproductive facilities under title III of this Act, minimum compensatory rates established under title IV of this Act, and the repeal of discriminatory rates under title VI of this Act. Title VIII: Interstate Commerce Commission Budget - Interstate Commerce Commission Budget Submission Act - Provides, under the Budget and Accounting Act, that the President shall submit the estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations necessary for the next fiscal year for the Interstate Commerce Commission in his annual budget report to Congress. (Amends 31 U.S.C. 11) Title IX: Miscellaneous - Provides that the amendments and repeals by this Act shall become effective on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Prohibits any Government agency from distributing or selling to any person any list of names and addresses of: (1) employees or former employees; (2) persons licensed by or required to file information with the agency; or (3) members or former members of the Armed Forces. Permits an agency to make available such list if the person seeking the list certifies that it will not be used for commercial, solicitation, or unlawful purposes, or if the list is made available as a necessary part of the agency's statutory functions. Prescribes a penalty of imprisonment for not more than one year, or a fine of $10,000, or both, for violations of the provisions of this Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C.552(c))
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Makes it the sense of Congress that it shall be the policy of the United States to require repayment of the longstanding debts which are delinquent in nature. Makes it the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury submit to the Congress within ninety days of passage of this resolution a list and report on the extent of such indebtedness on the part of foreign nations. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury, through the appropriate departments and agencies, should, immediately after the filing of this report, begin consultations with foreign governments involved for the purpose of making arrangements for the prompt repayment of those longstanding debts which are delinquent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1973
States that no provision of law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act authorizing or otherwise relating to the collection of special recreation use fees for the use of sites, facilities, equipment, or services furnished at Federal expense, shall have any application to public recreation areas located at lakes and reservoirs under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers, United States Army.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1973
Authorizes each Member of the House of Representatives (including Delegates and Resident Commissioners) to hire for two months during the period from June 1 to August 31 inclusive, each year during the Ninety-third Congress, one additional employee to be known as a Lyndon Baines Johnson teacher congressional intern.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Requires the President to notify the Congress whenever he impounds funds, or authorizes the impounding of funds. Provides for a procedure under which the House of Representatives and the Senate may disapprove the President's action and require him to cease such impounding.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Provides, under the Economic Opportunity Act, that when Federal assistance to a community action program is discontinued, Federal property used for the program shall be transferred to the organization continuing the program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that the designation of payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund shall be made on the front page of the taxpayer's income tax return form. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to give extensive publicity to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund from January 1 to April 15 of each year.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to construct and provide shoreside facilities for the education and convenience of visitors to the United States Ship Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and to transfer responsibility for their operation and maintenance to the National Park Service. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,500,000 for the planning, construction, equipping, and furnishing of such facilities, such sum to be in addition to the regular budgetary appropriations for the Department of the Navy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Provides, under the Federal Aviation Act, for reduced rate transportation on a space available basis for youth (between 12 and 22), elderly people (aged 65 and older), and military personnel who are members of the United States armed services traveling at their own expense, in uniform and while on official leave, furlough, or pass. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1373(b))
![Official portrait of Rep. Pickle, J. J. [D-TX-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000328_200.jpg)