United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1973
Export Priorities Act - Title I: General Provisions - Makes technical amendments to the Export Administration Act of 1969. Title II: Agricultural Export Controls - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, with thirty days after the beginning of the crop year for any agricultural commodity, to determine the quantity of the crop of such commodity, if any, that will be available for export and inform the Secretary of commerce thereof, who shall publicly announce such determination. States that no agricultural commodity may be exported to any foreign country unless the person exporting has been issued a license or unless the commodity has been exempted. States that the quantity of any commodity available for export shall be allocated among foreign countries by the Secretary. Specifies the basis for determining such allocation. Provides that the Secretary may reserve not more than 10 percent of a commodity for export in order to meet unexpected foreign demand resulting from natural disaster, crop failure, and changes in existing trading patterns in that commodity. Prescribes the procedures for: (1) issuance of export licenses; (2) administrative revision of quantities available for export; and (3) exports to developing countries. Confers authority on the Secretary to issue such rules or regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provision of this Act. States that fees collected by the Secretary on export licenses shall be deposited in a special account in the Treasury and shall be available to carry out the National School Lunch Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Food Stamp Act and the commondity distribution program of the Agricultural Act of 1949, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Military Construction Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Defense to establish or develop military installations and facilities by acquiring, constructing, converting, rehabilitating or installing permanent or temporary public works, appurtenances, utilities, and equipment at designated projects to the extent of the dollar amounts designated by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to construct family housing umits and mobile home facilities, after consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban development, in the locations designated by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds needed to carry out the provisions of this Act. Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish or develop additional facilities for the Reserve Forces of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve, and the Army National Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1973
Senior Citizens Transportation Act - Prohibits common carriers in interstate commerce from charging elderly people more than half fare for their transportation during nonpeak periods of travel. Provides for grants to such carriers to cover such reductions on a showing by the carrier that it suffered an economic loss solely because of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to States and local public bodies and agencies which adopt specially reduced rates during nonrush hours for elderly persons.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1973
Title I: Financial Assistance to Surface Transportation Companies - Revenue Financing Division and Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund Act - Creates, under the Interstate Commerce Act, a new division within the Department of Transportation to be known as the Revenue Financing Division. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation in the operation of such Division to aid in financing the transportation industry and commerce and to help in maintaining its economic stability. Directs the Secretary to designate an Assistant Secretary of Transportation to assist the Secretary in the execution of his functions under this Act. Establishes a Loan Policy Board of the Revenue Financing Division. Provides for the membership of such Board. Provides that the Board shall establish the general policies governing the granting or denying of applications for financial assistance under this Act. Provides that the aggregate amount of loan guarantees to any common carrier shall not exceed 15 percent of the guarantees provided for such purpose under this Act. Provides that the total amount of loan guarantees made after the date of enactment of this Act which the Secretary may have outstanding at any one time shall not exceed $2,000,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this title. Establishes, within the Department of Transportation, a Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund. Provides that such Fund shall be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund for the purpose of assisting railroads, and their car furnishing subsidiaries in building, rebuilding, leasing, and otherwise acquiring and utilizing rolling stock. Authorizes the Secretary to insure the lessee's obligations under an equipment lease and the interest on, and the unpaid principal balance of, any equipment obligations offered to him which he determines are eligible for insurance under this Act. Title II: The National Rail Transportation Act - Northeast Rail Transportation Act - Provides that, within sixty days after the enactment of this title, each United States district court having jurisdiction over a railroad in reorganization shall make a finding as to whether or not, based on the financial condition of and prospects for such railroad and without consideration of the impact of this title, it is reasonably likely that such railroad with all of its rail lines and facilities intact can be reorganized on an income basis under the Bankruptcy Act, and report such finding to the Northeast Transportation Commission established under this title. Provides for appeals from such district court findings. Provides that the regional plan providing for the reorganization and the restructuring of the rail system in the northeast region shall designate which rail lines and facilities in the northeast region are required in order to maintain, to continue, and to preserve maximum rail service consistent with the policies and purposes of this Act. Provides that the regional plan shall identify: (1) those rail transportation services and facilities which shall be provided by the Northeast Rail Corporation formed under this title; (2) those rail lines and facilities which shall be offered for sale to a nonbankrupt railroad for inclusion in its system but which, failing acceptance of such offer, must be maintained by this Corporation; (3) those services and facilities which should be continued only upon subsidy arrangements with States, municipalities, and shippers but which failing such arrangements should be suspended; and (4) the manner in which such rail lines and facilities shall be used by the Corporation and by other railroads operating in the northeast region, including provisions for joint use, control, and operation, or for joint ownership of terminal, port, and other facilities. Provides for standards to govern the specification of the regional plan. Provides that such standards shall include the environmental impact of alternative choices of action, particularly with regard to the effects on attainment and maintenance of any national ambient air quality standard established by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970. Provides that the regional plan shall be based upon due consideration of all relevant factors, including the need for and cost of rehabilitation and improvement of physical facilities, alternative means to achieve system rationalization, the cost of labor protection, marketing studies, traffic evaluations, and financial studies. Creates a corporation with the name of the Federal National Railway Association, which shall be an instrumentality of the United States of America. Grants the Association specified powers to achieve the objectives and to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Association. Establishes the Northeast Transportation Commission, whose function shall be to develop and to design the regional plan. Directs the President to, within thirty days after enactment of this Act, appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, twelve members of the NETC as specified in this title. Creates the Northeast Rail Corporation, a for-profit corporation, the purpose of which shall be to preserve and to improve common carrier service by rail within the northeast region, to develop a profitable rail freight service by rail within the northeast region, and to maintain a rail system which adequately and fairly meets the needs of the residents of the northeast region for freight, commuter, and intercity passenger service in accordance with the regional plan. Provides that the Corporation will not be an agency or establishment of the United States Government. Authorizes the Corporation: (1) to enter into leases and operating agreements with bankrupt railroads as provided under this Act; (2) to own, manage, operate, and contract for the operation of trains for the purpose of providing rail service in the northeast region in accordance with the regional plan; (3) to reject contracts of bankrupt railroads covering leased rail lines or facilities or jointly operated rail lines or facilities, which are executory in whole or in part; (4) to incur debt, both secured and unsecured; (5) to conduct research and development related to its mission and to form such corporations as may be appropriate for implementing the regional plan; and (6) to acquire by construction, purchase, or gift, or to contract for the use of, physical equipment, facilities, and devices necessary for rail freight and passenger operations in the northeast region. Provides that, not sooner than ninety nor later than one hundred and twenty days after the enactment of this Act, the trustee or trustees of any bankrupt railroad may tender to the Corporation an offer to lease all the rail lines and properties of which they are trustees and an offer to operate, subject to all the terms and conditions of this Act, such lines and transportation properties for an initial term not to exceed eighteen months, subject to a further extension, not to exceed six months. Provides that, within thirty days of the receipt of such tender, the Corporation shall execute a lease and an operating agreement with the trustees. Title III: Abandonment of Nonproductive Rail Facilities - Abandonment of Nonproductive Rail Facilities Act - Provides that no carrier by railroad subject to the Interstate Commerce Act shall undertake the extension of its line of railroad, or the construction of a new line of railroad, or shall acquire or operate any line of railroad, or extension thereof, or shall engage in transportation under this part over or by means of such additional or extended line of railroad, unless and until there shall first have been obtained from the Commission a certificate that the present or future public convenience and necessity require or will require the construction, or operation, or consturction and operation, of such additional or extended line of railroad. Provides for operating subsidies by States to railroads covered by this title. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to reimburse a State for 70 percent of the amount paid by such State as an operating subsidy to continue service on a rail line or lines that would otherwise have been abandoned. Provides that, within six months from the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations governing the procedure for application by a State for reimbursement of railroad operating subsidies, criteria to be used in deciding upon such applications, and terms and conditions required of all contracts or other arrangements for an operating subsidy. Provides that if the Secretary finds that an operating subsidy contract or other arrangement as submitted fails to comply with his regulations, he shall advise the State and afford it a period not to exceed fifteen days within which to bring such contract into conformity with such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any creditor, card issuer or other person against any person on account of sex or marital status in connection with approval or denial of credit. Provides that any credit card issuer or other person who discriminates against any person on account of sex or marital status shall be civilly liable to the aggrieved person for money and punitive damages. Grants jurisdiction, concurrent with that of State courts, to Federal district courts to hear actions to enforce the liability created by this Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1973
Provides that, beginning one year after enactment of this Act, no law enforcement grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 will be made to State and local governments unless these units of government have instituted a law enforcement officer's grievance system and have enacted into law a "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights" which will cover all law enforcement officers in the States. Declares that this Bill of Rights shall provide law enforcement officers statutory protection for certain rights enjoyed by other citizens. Requires the bill of rights to provide, at a minimum, the following: (1) law enforcement officers shall not be prohibited from engaging in political activity, except when on duty or acting in an official capacity; (2) when an officer is subject to an investigation that could lead to disciplinary action or criminal charges: (a) the investigation shall be conducted at a reasonable hour, preferably while the officer is on duty, (b) the investigation shall occur at the office of the investigating officer or at the precinct where the incident occurred, (c) there shall be one interrogator asking all questions to the officer and the names of all investigating officers shall be known by him, (d) the officer shall know the nature of the investigation and the names of complainants, (e) all civilian complaints must be duly sworn to before an official authorized to administer oaths, (f) interrogating sessions shall be of reasonable length, (g) the officer under investigation shall not be subject to abuse or threats, (h) all interrogations shall be recorded, (i) if the officer is to be placed under arrest, he shall be fully informed of his rights before interrogation, and (j) the officer shall have a right to counsel who shall be present during any interrogations dealing with the officer's continued fitness for law enforcement service; (3) citizen review boards having porportionate police representation; (r) law enforcement officers shall have recourse to civil actions for damages suffered or for abridgement of their civil rights arising out of the performance of official duties; (5) financial disclosures shall not be required unless obtained under legal procedures or there is evidence of a conflict of interests; (6) notice of and reasons for all disciplinary action is required; and (7) no officer shall be disciplined or discriminated against in any way by reason of his exercise of these rights. Establishes in each State and unit of local government a law enforcement officers grievance commission composed of an equal number of governmental representatives, law enforcement officers, and members of the general public which shall have the authority to receive, investigate, and determine complaints and grievances arising from claimed infringement of rights of any law enforcement officer. Allows employee organizations to act on the officer's behalf, at his request, regarding any complaint before the commission. Permits certified employee organizations to initiate actions on behalf of their members. Provides that, in addition to this grievance procedure, law enforcement officers may institute a civil action for redress of the grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1973
Creates a non-legislative Select Committee on Aging, consisting of fifteen members of the House of Representatives, and directs the Committee to conduct a full investigation on all matters pertaining to problems of older people, including problems of maintaining health, of assuring adequate income, of finding employment, of engaging in productive retirement activity, of securing proper housing, and when necessary, of assuring adequate care or assistance. Authorizes such committee to hold hearings and subpena witnesses and the production of records in carrying out its duties. Directs the Committee to report to the House the results of its study, together with legislative recommendations, as soon as practicable during the 93rd Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1973
States that nothing in the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 shall prevent local governments from using amounts freed by revenue sharing for tax reduction. (Amends P.L. 92-512)
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1973
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademark licensing contract or agreement for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a trademarked food product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in free and open competition with products of the same general class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 41)
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1973
Telephone Privacy Act - Prohibits the making of unsolicited commercial telephone calls to persons who have notified their telephone company that they do not wish to receive such calls. Prescribes a $1,000 fine and/or thirty days imprisonment where at least ten written complaints of violations by any person have been received by the United States attorney in the judicial district.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1973
Reduces the retirement annuity of a Member of Congress by 10 percent for each full year by which the age of the Member at the time of retirement exceeds 70.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1973
Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as may be necessary to effectuate the transfer of all naval weapons range activities from the island of Culebra to the islands of Desecheo and Monito not later than July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that in the case of an employer with 50 or fewer employees, old-age, survivors, and disability insurance, and Federal income tax withholding payments shall not be required more than one time. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 6302 (d))
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973
Provides that each Government agency that maintains records, including computer records, concerning any person which may be retrieved by reference to, or are indexed under, a person's name, or some other similar identifying number or symbol, and which contains any information obtained from any source other than such person shall, with respect to such records: (1) notify such person by mail at his last known address that the agency maintains or has augmented a record concerning said person; (2) refrain from disclosing the record or any information contained therein to any other agency or to any person not employed by the agency maintaining such record; (3) refrain from disclosing the record or any information contained therein to individuals within that agency other than those individuals who need to examine such record or information for the execution of their jobs; (4) maintain an accurate record of the names and addresses of all persons to whom any information contained in such records is divulged and the purposes for which such divulgence was made; (5) permit any person to inspect his own record and have copies thereof made at his expense, which in no event shall be greater than the cost to the agency of making such copies; (6) permit any person to supplement the information contained in his record by the addition of any document or writing of reasonable length containing information such person deems pertinent to his record; and (7) remove erroneous information of any kind, and notify all agencies and persons to whom the erroneous material has been previously transferred of its removal. Provides that this Act shall not apply to records that are: (1) specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of the national security; (2) investigatory files compiled for law enforcement purposes; and (3) interagency or intraagency memoranda or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency possessing such memoranda or letters in litigation with such agency. Provides that any employee of the United States who under the color of agency authority knowingly and willfully violates a provision of this Act, or permits such a violation, shall be fined $1,000. Establishes a Federal Privacy Board to aid in the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973
Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as may be necessary to effectuate the transfer of all naval weapons range activities from the island of Culebra to the islands of Desecheo and Monito not later than July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Prescription Drug Labeling Act - Requires that in the labeling and advertising of drugs sold by prescription the established name of such drug must appear each time their proprietary name is used.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Prescription Drug Freshness Act - Requires that over-the-counter drugs whose effectiveness or potency becomes diminished after storage must be prominently labeled by the manufacturer as to the date beyond which the product shall not be used. Requires that similar prescription drugs be similarly labeled by the retailer dispensing the product.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Prescription Drug Price Information Act - Requires drug retailers to post prominently a list of the prices of the one hundred prescription drug products that had the highest dollar volume of retail sales by such drug retailer. Enables any person, including States, to commence a civil action to obtain an injunction restraining any drug retailer from violating this Act. Prescribtion Drug Advertising Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and with the appropriate agency of any State, to establish programs and procedures to implement the advertising, at the discretion of vendors, of prescription drug prices, and to eliminate any legal impediments to such advertising. Defines as an unfair act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the prohibition or burdening of advertising of prescription drug prices.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1973
Schoolbus Safety Act - Authorizes, under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, safety design standards for schoolbuses. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish safety standards for schoolbuses. Requires the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate schoolbus accidents.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1973
Defines Continental Shelf fishery resources which appertain to the United States. States that such resources refer to living organisms belonging to sedentary species; that is to say, organisms which, at the harvestable stage, either are immobile on or under the seabed or are unable to move except in constant physical contact with the seabed or the subsoil of the Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Prohibits the transportation of contraband cigarettes in interstate commerce. Defines contraband cigarettes as a quantity in excess of twenty thousand cigarettes, bearing no evidence of the payment of applicable state cigarette taxes, in the possession of unauthorized carriers. Provides for the swizure and fordeiture of cigarettes transported and vehicles used for such transportation in violation of State laws. Provides for a penalty of a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for anyone biolating this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Broadens the provisions of existing law relating to the care and treatment of animals to cover common carriers and retail pet stores, and to cover any bird when used in connection with a retail pet store. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2132(f) (g)) Provides that the standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture under such provisions of law for the humane treatment of animals shall apply with respect to the facilities of any person licensed under such provisions of law and also to terminal facilities used by any common carrier licensed thereunder. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2143)
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 · 27 March 1973
National Diabetes Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to expand the authority of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases in order to advance the national attack on diabetes. Authorizes the Director to the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases, with the advice of the National Advisory Council of the Institute, to develop a plan for a national diabetes program. Sets forth general guidelines for such program and provides that the program shall be coordinated with the other programs conducted or administered by the research institutes of the National Institure of Health. Provides that the plan required to be developed by this Act shall be developed within two hundred seventy days after the effective date of this Act. Requires the Director of the Institute at the end of each calender year, to prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report on the activities, progress and accomplishments under the progrom during the preceding year and a plan for the program for the succeding five-year period. to establish programs as necessary in cooperation with other Federal health agencies, state, local and regional public health agencies, and nonprofit private health agencies, in the prevention, control diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, appropriately emphasizing the prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of such diseases in children. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $35,000,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $45,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, for the purpose of establishing such programs. States that the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases may provide for the development of not less that fifteen centers for basic and clinical research into, training in, and demonstration of advanced diagnostic, prevention and treatment methods for diabetes prevention. States that support of such a center may be for a period of not to exceed five years and may be extended by the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases for additional periods of not more than five years each, after review of the operations of the centers by a scientific review group established by the Director. Establishes an Interagency Technical Committee on Diabetes which shall be responsible for coordinating those aspects of all Federal Health Programs and activities relating to diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Establishes the Select Committee on the Cost and Availability of Food, to be composed of twelve Members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker, to conduct a full and complete investigation of all matters affecting, influencing, and pertaining to the cost and availability of food to the American consumer. Requires 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 findings, conclusions, and recommendations as it deems advisable. Grants the committee various powers to carry out the objectives of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Bill of Rights for the Mentally Retarded - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish standards which assure the humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded in residential facilities, and to improve the system for the provision of services to the mentally retarded through the encouragement of and support for the planning and development of strategies to implement such standards, minimize inappropriate admissions to residential facilities and stimulate the development of regional and community programs integrating such residential facilities which conform to such standards. Provides for a new title to the Public Health Service Act: Title XI: Support of Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to aid them with the cost of bringing existing residential facilities into compliance with the standards established under this Act, and to improve existing residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 ($15,000,000 for each program) for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years, for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of assisting States in meeting the expenses for bringing publicly operated facilities and publicly assisted facilities into conformity with the standards established by this Act. Stipulates that any State desiring to receive such a grant shall submit a plan to the Secretary setting forth a schedule for compliance with such standards. Provides that the total of the grants with respect to any such project bringing facilities into conformity with the standards imposed by this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the necessary cost thereof as determined by the Secretary. Requires, within five years after the date of enactment of this Act, that no residential facility for the mentally retarded shall be eligible to receive payments either directly or indirectly under any Federal law, unless such facility meets the standards promulgated under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private non-profit agency, organization or institution to meet the costs of development, improvement, extension, or expansion of community resources and community living situations for the mentally retarded other than live-in-residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Standards for Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed in the implementation of the standards established under this Act; (2) study and evaluate such standards authorized by this Act; and (3) recommend to the Secretary any changes, revisions, modifications, or improvements in the standards established under this Act. Provides that the ultimate aim of the residential facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Requires such facilities to be located within, and conveniently accessible to, the population served, so as to have access to necessary generic community services. Provides that the facility and the surrounding community should be encouraged to share their services and resources on a reciprocal basis. Provides that residents of the facility should be integrated to the greatest possible extent with the general population. Provides that the facility shall have a written outline of the philosophy, objectives, and goals it is striving to achieve. Requires such outline to be available for distribution to staff, consumer representatives, and the interested public. Provides that the governing body of the facility shall exercise general direction and shall establish policies concerning the operation of the individuals served. Provides that the administration of the facility shall provide for effective staff and resident participation and communication. Requires the facility to designate a percentage of its operating budget for self-renewal purposes. Provides that the facility shall have a description of services for residents that is available to the public. Provides that the facility shall provide for meaningful and extensive consumer-representative and public participation. Provides that a public education and information program should be established that utilizes all communication media, and all service, religious and civil groups, to develop attitudes of understanding and acceptance of mentally retarded persons in all aspects of community living. Provides that admission and release procedures shall: (1) encourage voluntary admission; (2) give equal priority to persons of comparable need; (3) facilitate emergency, partial, and short-term residential care; and (4) utilize the maximum feasible amount of voluntariness in each individual case. Authorizes the residential facility to admit only residents who have had a comprehensive evaluation. Provides that all admissions to the residential facility shall be considered temporary. Provides that there shall be a regular, at least annual, joint review of the status of each resident by all relevant personnel. Provides that at the time of permanent release or transfer there shall be recorded a summary of findings, progress, and plans for protective supervision and other followup services in the resident's new environment. Provides that the performance of each employee of the facility shall be evaluated at least annually. Provides that staffing shall be sufficient so that the facility is not dependent upon the use of residents or volunteers for productive services. Provides that food services shall recognize and provide for the physiological, emotional, and cultural needs of each resident, through provision of a planned, nutritionally adequate diet. Provides that each resident shall have an adequate allowance of neat, clean, fashionable, and seasonable clothing. Provides that residents shall be trained to exercise maximum independence in health, hygiene, and grooming practices. Provides that living unit components or groupings shall be small enough to insure the development of meaningful interpersonal relationships among residents and between residents and staff. Requires dental services to be provided all residents in order to maximize their general health by maintaining an optimal level of daily oral health, through preventive measures and correcting existing oral diseases. Provides that educational services, defined as deliberate attempts to facilitate the intellectual, sensorimotor, and affective development of the individual, shall be available to all residents, regardless of chronological age, degree of retardation, or accompanying disabilities or handicaps. Provides that food and nutrition services shall be provided in order to: (1) insure optimal nutritional status of each resident, thereby enhancing his physical, emotional, and social well-being; and (2) provide a nutritionally adequate diet, in a form consistent with developmental level, to meet the dietary needs of each resident. Makes library services, which include the location, acquisition, organization, utilization, retrieval, and delivery of materials in a variety of media, available to the facility, in order to support and strengthen its total habilitation program by providing complete and integrated multimedia information services to both staff and residents. Provides that medical services shall be provided in order to: (1) achieve and maintain an optimal level of general health for each resident; (2) maximize normal function and prevent disability; and (3) facilitate the optimal development of each resident. Provides that residents shall be provided with nursing services, in accordance with their needs, in order to: (1) develop and maintain an environment that will meet their total health needs; (2) foster optimal health; (3) encourage maximum self-care and independence; and (4) provide skilled nursing care. Provides that, where appropriate to the facility, there shall be a pharmacy and therapeutics committee, that includes one or more pharmacists, to develop policy on drug usage in the facility, and to develop and maintain a current formulary. Provides that physical and occupational therapy services shall be provided in order to: (1) prevent abnormal development and further disability; (2) facilitate the optimal development of each resident; and (3) enable the resident to be a contributing and participating member of the community in which he resides. Requires psychological services be provided in order to facilitate, through the application of psychological principles, techniques, and skills, the optimal development of each resident. Provides that recreation services should provide each resident with a program of activities that: (1) promotes physical and mental health; (2) promotes optimal sensorimotor, cognitive, affective, and social development; (3) encourages movement from dependent to independent and interdependent functioning; and (4) provides for the enjoyable use of leisure time. Make religious services available to residents, in accorance with their basic right to freedom of religion. Provides that all social services shall be available to all residents and their families in order to foster and facilitate: (1) maximum personal and social development of the resident; (2) positive family functioning; and (3) effective and satisfying social and community relationships. Provides that speech pathology and audiology services shall be available, in order to: (1) maximize the communications skills of all residents; and (2) provide for the evaluation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of those residents with speech, hearing and/or language handicaps. Requires each facility to provide all its residents with rehabilitation services, which include the establishment, maintenance, and implementation of those programs that will ensure the optimal development or restoration of each resident physically, psychologically, socially and vocationally. Provides that volunteer services shall be provided in order to enhance opportunities for the fullest realization of the potential of each resident by: (1) increasing the amount, and improving the quality, of services and programs; and (2) facilitating positive relationships between the facility and the community which it serves. Provides that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habitation program; (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to his habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Provides that the administration of the facility shall make provision for the design and conduct, or the supervision, of research that will objectively evaluate the effectiveness of program components and contribute to informed decisionmaking in the facility. Provides that the requirements of the Secretary shall be met, with specific reference to the following: (1) provision of adequate and alternate exits and doors; (2) provision of exit ramps, with nonskid surface and slope not exceeding one foot in twelve; and (3) provision for handrails on stairways. Provides that there shall be records that document strict compliance with the sanitation, health, and environmental safety codes of the State or local authorities having primary jurisdiction over the facility. Provides that adequate, modern administrative support shall be provided to efficiently meet the needs of, and contribute to, program services for residents, and to facilitate attainment of the goals and objectives of the facility. Provides that funds shall be budgeted and spent in accordance with the principles and procedures of program budgeting. Provides that there shall be written purchasing policies regarding authority and approvals for supplies, services, and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Requires the party bringing an action against any law enforcement officer in any court of the United States to file with the court a surety bond conditioned on the payment to defendants of reasonable costs of investigation and legal fees for defending such action should the defendants prevail in the action. Includes within the meaning of law enforcement officers for purposes of this Act attorneys general, prosecuting attorneys, chiefs of police, sheriffs, constables, and their subordinates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Health Care Insurance Act - Provides, under the Social Security Act, for medical, dental, and hospital care through a system of voluntary health insurance financed in whole for low-income groups through issuance of certificates, and in part for all other persons through allowance of tax credits. Adds to the Social Security Act a new title entitled Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Provides that, for the purpose of providing assistance on behalf of the individuals and their dependents whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical, dental, and hospital services, there is established a program of hospital, dental, and medical benefits for any eligible beneficiary and his dependents through the issuance of health insurance certificates, in full payment of allowable premium on a qualified health care insurance policy of his choice. Asserts that health insurance certificiates of entitlement will be redeemable by the carrier by payment from the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Includes as eligible beneficiaries under this title any husband and wife both under age 65 and living together and any unmarried person under age 65 who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child of an eligible beneficiary receiving more than 50 percent of his support from the eligible beneficiary, which child is under 21, or if a student, under age 23. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary whose income results in no individual income tax liability during his base year, whose dependent beneficiaries have no such liability for their taxable years which end during his base year, and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement. Asserts that such certificates shall be applicable in full payment of allowable premiums for a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Requires that such policy or plan shall provide protection for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a 12-month period beginning during his benefit year against the expenses of health care, including catastrophic expenses of illness. Allows tax credits for health care insurance. Asserts that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary who has not elected, where eligible, to receive benefits under the provisions for fully-paid health care insurance for the low-income group and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be allowed at his election a credit against his income tax liability for his taxable year which ends during his base year; or a health insurance certificate of entitlement acceptable by a qualified carrier in payment toward a premium, under a qualified health care insurance policy. Specifies the amount of the tax credit or the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate on the basis of allowable premiums. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare upon application to him by an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Specifies that a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier which has been registered by a State Agency and which provides basic institutional and medical coverage and catastrophic expense coverage. Declares that each such qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be noncancellable and guaranteed renewable so long as the carrier continues to offer to the public one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans, shall provide protection against the expense of health care without regard to any pre-existing conditions, and shall provide for payment under this title of usual and customary charges for services covered under the policy or plan. Stipulates what costs shall be included under basic coverage and under catastrophic expense coverage. Establishes deductibles for each of the two types of coverage. Creates a Health Insurance Advisory Board which shall consist of eleven persons including the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Directs that the remaining members, not otherwise in the employ of the Government, shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointment in the competitive service. Asserts that the Secretary of HEW shall serve as Chairman. Provides that the members shall be selected from persons who are specifically qualified to serve on such Board by virtue of their education, training, or experience. Provides that the Health Insurance Advisory Board shall perform such functions as: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the tax credit program and file an annual report. Grants the States the power to decide which carriers are qualified. Forbids any Federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over the practice of medicine or dentistry or the manner in which medical or dental services are provided, or over the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer or employee or any institution, agency, or person providing health services; or to exercise any supervision or control over the administration or operation of any such institution, agency, or person. Creates in the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund to consist in part of an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Provides that a charitable organization shall be denied exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code where amounts paid or incurred by such organization during each taxable year to influence legislation, including an attempt to affect the opinion of the general public, normally exceeds five percent of the yearly expenditures; or where such amounts exceed twenty percent of the yearly expenditures in any attempt to influence legislation, on a matter which directly affects any purpose for which the organization is organized, through communication with its own members or with any member or employee of a legislative body, or with any other government official or employee who may participate in the formulation of the legislation. Defines charitable organization for purposes of this Act, and designates certain activities which are not included within the term "influence legislation". Provides that no income tax deduction shall be allowed for a contribution to a charitable organization if the contribution is made for the purpose of influencing legislation. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 501, 170)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Trade Adjustment Assistance Organization Act - Title I: Transfer of Functions and Establishment of Administration and Advisory Council - States that it is the purpose of this Act to consolidate in a single agency in the executive branch the administration and coordination of programs of economic development and worker retraining and assistance, and to provide a comprehensive program for the solution of economic and unemployment problems caused by economic dislocation resulting from increased imports. Establishes within the Department of Labor the Trade Adjustment Assistance Administration to assist the Secretary of Labor in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Establishes an Economic Priorities Advisory Council to: (1) advise and assist the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Administration under this Act; (2) review and evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act; (3) conduct surveys and establish area and industry priorities for the application of trade adjustment assistance under this Act; (4) carry out studies and prepare projections of future areas of economic activity in which the United States can expect to be competitively disadvantaged and identify industries in which economic adjustment assistance may be necessary; and (5) conduct research and propose new measures and programs to provide economic adjustment assistance to workers and firms who may be eligible for assistance under this Act. Title II: Trade Adjustment Assistance - Prescribes the requirements for a firm, individual, or community to receive trade adjustment assistance under this Act. Provides that upon the filing of a petition the Secretary shall determine whether a firm, the workers of a firm, or a community is eligible for economic adjustment assistance under this Act. States that a firm certified as eligible for economic adjustment assistance under this Act may, at any time within 2 years after the date of such certification, file and application with the Secretary for such economic adjustment assistance. Provides that economic adjustment assistance under this Act consist of technical assistance, financial assistance, and tax assistance, which may be furnished singly or in combination. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out purposes of this section. Requires each recipient of economic adjustment assistance under the Act to keep records which fully disclose the amount and disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such assistance which will facilitate an effective audit. States that the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipient pertaining to economic adjustment assistance under this Act. Stipulates that whoever makes a false statement of a material fact knowing it to be false knowingly fails to disclose a material fact, or whoever willfully overvalues any security, for the purpose of influencing in any way the action of the Secretary under this Act, or for the purpose of obtaining money, property, or anything or value under this Act, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both. Authorizes any adversely affected worker to file an application with the Secretary for economic adjustment assistance in the form of readjustment allowances, training benefits, relocation allowances, and early retirement benefits. Provides that the readjustment allowance payable to an adversely affected worker for a week of unemployment shall be an amount equal to 85 percent of his average weekly wage. Provides that payment of readjustment allowances shall not be made to an adversely affected worker for more than 52 weeks, except that, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary: (1) such payments may be made to an adversely affected worker for the entire period of his retraining to assist him to complete the training approved by the Secretary, or (2) such payments shall be made to an adversely affected worker who had reached his 60th birthday for the period of time until he qualifies for social security payments, or until he has been relocated in suitable employment. Requires every adversely affected worker who applies for a readjustment allowance under this Act to apply for testing , counseling, training, and placement assistance. Directs the Secretary, insofar as possible, to provide assistance under this Act through existing programs established by law. Directs the Secretary to contract for basic and supplemental hospital and medical care for persons receiving assistance under this Act under such insurance plans as he deems appropriate. Provides that a relocation allowance may be granted to assist an adversely affected worker in relocating within the United States if the Secretary determines that such worker cannot reasonably be expected to secure suitable employment in the commuting area in which he resides and that such worker: (1) has obtained suitable employment affording a reasonable expectation of long-term duration in the area in which he wishes to relocate, or (2) has obtained a bona fide offer of such employment. Authorizes the Secretary to pay to each adversely affected worker who meets the requirements of this Act, and who files an application therefor, the retirement pay or the benefits under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance provisions of the Social Security Act, in the same amounts, and subject to the same terms and conditions, as the adversely affected worker will receive when he becomes entitled to receive such retirement pay or benefits. Authorizes the Secretary on the behalf of the United States to enter into an agreement with any State or State agency under which such State or agency will receive applications for, and will provide assistance under, the programs established by this Act. Provides that a community certified as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance may, at any time within two years after the date of such certification, file an application with the Secretary of Commerce for adjustment assistance under this subtitle. Directs the Community, within a reasonable time after filing his application, to present a proposal, either separately or in conjunction with a firm or a group of workers or both, for its economic adjustment. Directs the Secretary, upon approval of such application, to provide a community such additional technical assistance as in his judgment will materially contribute to the economic adjustment of the community. Title III: Location of Firms - Requires every firm with plans to relocate faciltites outside the United States to apply for all economic adjustment assistance for which its workers are entitled under this Act and to offer first choice of future employment in the new facilities to individuals employed in the old facilities. Provides that any firm which fails without good cause to comply with the requirement of this section shall be liable to the United States for one-half the cost incurred in providing economic adjustment assistance to its workers. Title IV: Establishment of an Early Warning System - Requires the Trade Adjustment Assistance Administration to undertake to develop an integrated system of foreign and domestic economic statistics, which would provide the data necessary to forcast problems of economic adjustment, and to shift industrial and manpower planning into priority economic areas. Requires each firm engaged in the manufacture, sale or transportation of products in the interstate or foreign commerce of the United States to give the Trade Adjustment Assistance Administration advance notice of decisions to relocate facilities outside the United States, which would cause any total separations, partial separations, or other reductions in their work force. Provides that any firm or individual who willfully violates this section shall be assessed a civil penalty by the Adminsitration of not more than $5,000 for each such violation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides that the discriminatory treatment and outright persecution of Jews by the Governments of Iraq and Syria should be condemned as religious persecution and as violating fundamental human rights. Makes it the sense of the Congress that the President should issue a public statement of United States policy condemning the treatment of the Jewish population of Iraq and Syria by their Governments. Makes it the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should exercise his parole authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to facilitate entry into the United States by Jewish citizens of Iraq and Syria fleeing persecution in such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Title I: Fund for Endangered Wildlife - Creates in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the Fund for Endangered Wildlife, to be administered by the Department of the Interior. Provides that moneys for this fund shall be obtained through the issuance of a stamp by the United States Postal Service, to be purchased at a cost of $3.50 annually which stamp shall permit persons to hunt, fish, and trap in areas under the jurisdiction of any Federal agency. Provides that two-thirds of the funds collected in each fiscal year less printing costs shall be used to carry out research and investigations with respect to threatened species of fish and wildlife. Provides that the remaining funds shall be apportioned among the States in the same ratio as the total land under Federal jurisdiction within each State open to hunting, or to carry out protection programs for endangered and threatened species of fish and wildlife. Establishes a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for violation of any provision of this Act. Title II: Protection of Hawks, Owls, and Other Haptors - Adds "raptors" as birds to be specially protected within the United States. Prescribes a fine and/or imprisonment for violations of this provision. Allows the possession or transportation of any protected raptor lawfully taken before the effective date of this Act. Permits the capture of bald and golden eagles and protected raptors for scientific propagation, exhibition, religious, and wildlife-protection purposes, whenever the Secretary of the Interior determines that it is compatible with their preservation and the Secretary has prescribed regulation for this purpose. Title III: Endangered Species Act Amendment - Provides a punishment for importing into the United States any threatened species of fish or wildlife, for slaughtering or capturing such animals through inhumane methods, and for using such animals to stock public or private game preserves for other than determined conservation purposes. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 668)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Requires the advice and consent of the Senate for appointments to Director of the Office of Management and Budget under the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. (Amends 31 U.S.C. 16)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Extends to all unmarried individuals the tax treatment of income splitting now utilized by married individuals filing joint returns under the Internal Revenue Code. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe and publish tables reflecting the amendments made by this Act which shall apply in lieu of the tables set forth in the Internal Revenue Code with respect to wages paid on or after the first day of the first month which begins more than 20 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Establishes a Committee on Environment in the House of Representatives, consisting of 25 members. Provides that such Committee shall deal with all measures relating to the quality of the physical environment of the United States and its possessions, including: (1) water quality; (2) air quality; (3) weather modification; (4) waste disposal and management; (5) pesticides and herbicides; and (6) acoustic problems.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to become effective not later than July 1, 1974, requiring the placarding of vehilces transporting hazardous materials by land in interstate and foreign commerce. Requires such placarding so that law-enforcement and firefighting personnel of communities, and carriers and shippers, may identify the type of hazardous material being transported, the degree of hazard involved, and any particular procedure which should be followed or avoided in dealing with emergency situations arising in connection with the transportation of such hazardous material.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to local fire departments to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of purchasing heat-protective fire fighting suits and breathing apparatus. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
National Fire Education and Training Act - Establishes, as a nonprofit and nongovernmental Instrument, a National Academy of Fire Prevention and Control. Provides that the board of directors of the Academy shall be reasonably representative of the various regions of the country, of the various segments of the community including private industry and labor, of all levels of government, of consumer interests, and of the various types of experience which are appropriate to the functions and responsibilities of the Academy. Provides that the functions of the Academy shall be to: (1) recommend actions which can be taken by Federal, State, and local government, and by private individuals and organizations to improve and strengthen fire protection, fire prevention, and fire suppression; (2) promote and encourage eligible individuals to pursue careers as administrators of fire service organizations at all levels; (3) develop a curriculum and carry out programs of instructional assistance and special workshops, seminars, conferences, and other such instructional devices that are necessary for the purpose of introduction and dissemination of information gained from investigation, research, and development concerning the areas of fire protection, fire prevention, and fire suppression; (4) develop fire service extension programs to encourage and assist States, counties, and local communities to provide continuous training and operational programs in firefighting techniques and procedures concerning the utilization of firefighting equipment, fire suppression and other areas related to firefighting in general; (5) promote and assist universities, community colleges, and other institutions of learning, in planning, developing, strengthening, improving, and carrying out programs and projects concerning fire administration; (6) assist States, counties, and local communities in the development of training programs for firemen; (7) gather data and disseminate information to States, counties, and local communities with respect to firefighting equipment, firefighting techniques, fire services administration, and other areas related to firefighting and to establish and maintain educational programs for the purpose of informing the public of fire hazards and fire safety techniques, and to encourage avoidance of such hazards and use of such techniques; and (8) establish a voluntary, uniform national testing program for the purpose of enabling States, counties, and local communities to evaluate the skills level of their firefighting and fire administrations. Authorizes the Academy to accept contracts and grants from Federal, State, and local governmental agencies and other entitles, and to accept grants and donations from private organizations, institutions, and individuals, and to establish fees and other charges for services provided by the Academy. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Academy such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Provides that the provisions of the Flammable Fabrics Act shall extend to construction materials used in the interiors of homes, offices, and other places of assembly or accommodation. Authorizes the establishment of toxicity standards by the Secretary of Commerce. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1191)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants to local fire departments to cover one-half of the cost of the purchase of advanced firefighting equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Extends for three years the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to carry out fire research and safety programs. Authorizes appropriations totalling $125,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1974-1976.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to States, counties, and local communities to pay up to one-half of the total costs of training programs for firemen. Provides that a State, county, or local community program shall be considered approved if: (1) it is a program to train either volunteer or professional firemen in fire fighting techniques; (2) it is carried out under the auspices of a duly elected governmental body or an incorporated body; (3) the curriculum of the program is provided or approved by the National Academy of Fire Protection and Control; and (4) it is subject to such other terms and conditions as the Secretary finds necessary or appropriate. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Allows a deduction from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code, for social agency, legal, and related expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child by the taxpayer. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 219)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
National Fire Data and Information Clearinghouse Act - Establishes a national clearinghouse within the National Bureau of Standards to be known as the National Fire Data and Information Clearinghouse to collect information and data relating to: (1) incidents of fires in the United States and their causes, locations and resultant deaths, injuries and property loss; (2) technological research and development with respect to fire suppression and prevention; and (3) hazardous substances. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to publish annually a catalogue of information and data stored in the Clearinghouse. Provides that copies shall be made available to interested persons and the general public. Authorizes the Secretary to prepare abstracts, digests, bibliographies, indexes, microfilms, and other reproductions of stored information and data and to make such items available to State and local goverments, industry and business, Federal agencies, and other interested persons. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain within the clearinghouse an emergency information center to provide fire service organizations with information at any time. Directs the Secretary to obtain a nationwide telephone number for such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pike, Otis G. [D-NY-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000348_200.jpg)