United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to accredited institutions of higher education to pay for up to one-half of the costs of fire science programs. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to appoint students at State maritime academies and colleges as Reserve midshipmen in the United States Navy upon graduation from such academies or colleges. (Adds 46 U.S.C. 1389)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Act for Freedom of Emigration in East-West Trade - States that after October 15, 1972, products from any nonmarket economy country shall not be eligible to receive most-favored-nation treatment, such country shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly, and the President of the United States shall not conclude any commercial agreement with any such country during the period beginning with the date on which the President determines that such country: (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration or on the visas or other documents required for emigration, for any purpose or cause whatsoever; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of the desire of such citizen to emigrate to the country of his choice. Provides that, before any of the aforementioned commercial agreements are entered into with any foreign country, the President shall submit to the Congress a report indicating that such country is not in violation of any of the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes and directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Christopher Columbus and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Removes the limitation upon the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance).
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data. Extends coverage to all Federal and federally assisted or licensed programs which alter the terrain and potentially cause loss of scientific, prehistorical, historical or archeological data. Directs Federal agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior if in their operations archeological or other scientific data is revealed or threatened. Provides that whenever any Federal agency finds or is made aware by a responsible authority that its operations in connection with any Federal, federally assisted, or federally licensed activity or program affects or may affect adversely significant scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data, such agency may request the Secretary to undertake protection measures, or may itself expend program or activity funds for the recovery, protection, and preservation of such data (including preliminary survey, analysis, and publication) and shall provide the Secretary with appropriate information concerning the project and the investigation. Provides that the Secretary shall keep the responsible agency notified at all times of the progress of any survey or other investigation made under this Act, or of any work undertaken as a result of such survey, in order that there will be as little disruption or delay as possible in the carrying out of the functions of such agency. Provides that the Secretary in the administration of this Act shall: (1) accept and utilize funds transferred to him by any Federal agency; (2) enter into contracts or make cooperative agreements with any Federal or State agency, any educational or scientific organization, or any institution, corporation, association, or qualified individual; (3) obtain the services of experts and consultants or organizations thereof; and (4) accept and utilize funds made available for salvage archeological purposes by any private person or corporation. Authorizes such appropriations as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1973
Includes amounts spent for the use of communications media for purposes of opposing a candidate for Federal elective office within the campaign expenditure limitations of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Provides that no person or broadcasting station licensee may make any charge for use of any newspaper, station use, or outdoor advertising facility for the purpose of opposing a candidate for Federal elective office, unless another legally qualified candidate certifies in writing to such person or licensee that he authorizes such use and that the payment of such charge will not violate any expenditure limitation applicable to such other candidate. (Amends Pub. Law 92-225)
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Federal Paperwork Burden Relief Act - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the reporting requirements of Federal regulatory programs to determine the extent to which these requirements may be revised to lessen the burden upon small and independent business establishments. Requires the Comptroller General to report the results of such study to the Congress one year from the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce, and the equitable interests of participants in private pension plans and their beneficiaries, by improving the scope, administration, and operation of such plans; to prevent the loss of employees' earned credits resulting from change of or separation from employment; and to protect vested benefits of employees against loss due to plan termination. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a portability program for vested pensions to effect the transfer of vested credits between all employee plans. Requires employee plans to apply for membership in the portatiliby program. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a certificate of membership to approved plans. Creates a Protability Program Fund. Requires a member plan to pay, upon request of the participant, to the fund a sum of money equal to the current discounted value of the participant's vested rights under the plan, when such participant is separated from employment covered by the plan before the time prescribed for payments to be made to him or to his beneficiaries under the plan. Directs the Secretary of Labor to administer the fund and to report to the Congress not later than the first day of April of each year on the operation and the status of the fund during the preceding fiscal year and on its expected operation and status during the current fiscal year and the next two fiscal years. Requires the Secretary to review the general policies followed in managing the fund and to recommend changes in such policies, including the necessary changes in the provisions of law which govern the way in which the fund is to be managed. Directs the Secretary to establish an account in the fund for each participant. Provides that the Secretary shall give technical assistance to employers, employee organizations, trustees, and administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans in their efforts to provide greater retirement protection for individuals who are separated from employment covered under such plans. Title II: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program to insure participants and beneficiaries of those plans registered under this Act against loss of benefits derived from vested rights which arise from the termination of such plans. Enumerates conditions to insure the right to participants and beneficiaries of a registered pension plan. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe a uniform assessment to cover the administrative costs of the insurance program and to establish an annual premium for insurance at uniform rates based upon the amount of unfunded vested liabilities subject to insurance. Provides that no plan insured under this title shall terminate without the approval of the Secretary. Provides that where the employer or employers contributing to the terminating plan or who terminated the plan are not insolvent, such employer or employers shall be liable to reimburse the insurance program for any insurance benefits paid by the program to the beneficiaries of such terminated plan. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund for pension benefit insurance to be known as the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce and the interests of participants in employee benefit plans and their beneficiaries, by requiring the disclosure and reporting to participants and beneficiaries of financial and other information with respect thereto, by establishing standards of fiduciary conduct, responsibility, and obligation upon all persons who exercise any powers of control, management, or disposition with respect to employee benefit funds or have authority or responsibility to do so, or have authority or responsibility in the administration of employee benefit plans, and by providing for appropriate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the Federal courts. Title I: Fiduciary Responsibility and Disclosure - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, or by any industry or activity affecting commerce. participate, or both. Provides that the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall cause to be published in accordance with this Act to each participant or beneficiary covered thereunder a description of the plan and an annual financial report. States that such description shall be published within ninety days after such plan is established and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. Provides that an annual report shall be published with respect to any employee benefit plan to which this title applies. Sets forth the information that shall be contained in such report. Provides that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this Act shall file with the Secretary of Labor a copy of the plan description and each annual report. States that the Secretary may reject any such filing after notice, hearing, and determination by the Secretary that such filing is incomplete for the purpose of this title. Sets forth criminal penalties for intentional violations of this title. Provides that civil actions may be brought under this title by a participant or beneficiary: (1) for personal liability to such participant or beneficiary for failure to provide information required under this Act; or (2) to recover benefits due him under the terms of his plan or to clarify his rights to future benefits. Authorizes such actions by: (1) the Secretary, or by a participant, beneficiary or fiduciary, for appropriate relief under the fiduciary responsibility provisions of this Act; or (2) by the Secretary to enjoin any act or practice which appears to him to violate any provision of this title. Provides that the contents of the descriptions and regular annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this title shall be public information. Provides for the bonding of persons who have fiduciary responsibilities under this title and of persons who handle funds or other property of an employee benefit plan. Sets forth the fiduciary responsibilities of the administrators of plans covered by this Act. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of his functions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension benefit plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce or by such employer together with any employee organization representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or if such plan is established or maintained by any employer or by any employer together with any employee organization and if, in the course of its activities, such plan, directly or indirectly, uses any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or the mails. Excludes from the coverage of this title any employee pension benefit plan if: it is administered by the Federal Government or by an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States; or it provides contributions or benefits for a sole proprietor or, in the case of a partnership, a partner who owns more than 10 percent of either the capital interest or the profits interest in such partnership. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 2 years or age higher than 30 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits. Stipulates that in computing the period of service under a plan, the employee's entire service with the contributing employer must be considered, except in specified instances. Allows the Secretary to require a certificate of approval with respect to the vesting provisions of any pension plan. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excludes from coverage, in addition to those plans excluded under title II, any plan which has a fixed contribution rate and does not provide an amount expected to be paid as a fixed benefit and any plan which is a profit-sharing plan providing benefits at or after retirement. Requires pension plans subject to this title to provide for contributions to the plan in amounts necessary to meet an amount equal to the normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs and to maintain a minimum ratio of assets to vested liabilities according to a certain schedule. Requires the administrator of a plan to, at certain intervals, file with the Secretary a statement containing the following information: (1) the amount of normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs; (2) the total amount of the plan's vested liabilities at the close of its preceding fiscal year; (3) the assets held by the plan as of the close of its preceding fiscal year valued at market value or by any other method approved by the Secretary pursuant to regulation; (4) the number of years the plan has been in effect; (5) a statement of the amount, if any, by which the assets held by the plan either exceed or fall below the amount of assets required in order for the plan to meet the required funding ratio; and (6) such other information determined by the Secretary by regulation to be necessary for adequate disclosure of a plan's funding status. Provides that when the contributions to a pension plan fall below amounts necessary to meet the normal cost of the plan plus interest on past costs, the Secretary shall require by order, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the administrator take necessary steps to guarantee that the rights of each participant to benefits or to the amounts credited to his account are nonforfeitable in the event of the participant's termination. Provides that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the funding ratio required, the plan's vested liabilities shall not be increased by an amendment until the plan's required ratio is attained. Specifies that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the required ratio for 5 consecutive years, the Secretary shall require that the administrator take steps to suspend further accumulation of vested liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Provides that no person inducted for training and service in the Armed Forces shall be assigned, without his express consent, to serve in any area of armed conflict in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged except during a period of a war declared by Congress, or except under the following conditions: (1) upon determination by the President that a situation exists which requires the immediate dispatch of the Armed Forces of the United States into an area of armed conflict, he may dispatch such forces as he deems necessary or appropriate, with or without the express consent of the Congress, and so employ those forces for a period of ninety consecutive days commencing on the date of first dispatch; (2) at the close of the ninety-day period specified above persons inducted may continue to serve in such area of armed conflict for an additional period of ninety consecutive days if Congress adopts a concurrent resolution in support of continued employment of the Armed Forces of the United States in such area; and (3) the President shall insure the ability to evacuate all Armed Forces of the United States from such area of armed conflict and so execute that evacuation before the close of the one hundred and eighty-first day after the day of first dispatch of the Armed Forces unless Congress formally declares war before the close of the one hundred and eighty-first day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Repeals provisions relating to the interstate transportation of petroleum products, which provisions are for the purpose of protecting interstate commerce from burdens caused by contracts of oil and of encouraging the conservation of crude oil deposits. (Repeals 15 U.S.C. 715-715m)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for participation by the Federal Government with State and local governments, private individuals, and other interested persons in a comprehensive program to prevent further damage to the lands, waters, and natural resources of the Nation from unregulated or inadequately regulated surface and underground coal mining operations, to stabilize lands damaged by surface coal mining, to promote an effective continuing conservation land-use and management program for the coal mining industry, and to assist any worker adversely affected by this Act. Provides that this Act shall be administered by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Provides that each coal mining operation, the products of which enter interstate commerce, or the operations or products of which indirectly or directly affect interstate commerce, and each operator of such mining operation, shall be subject to this Act. Title I: Environmental Protection Coal Mining Limitation - Provides that no surface coal mining shall hereafter be conducted in any area of the national wildlife refuge system, the national park system, or the national forest system. States that no underground coal mining shall be permitted in any designated wilderness area or in any area under study as a wilderness area. Provides that no operator shall begin or renew any surface coal mining operation in any State on or after the effective date of this Act. States that no operator shall conduct contour surface coal mining operations in any State on and after the effective date of this Act. Provides that any operator who, on the effective date of this Act, is actively carrying out surface coal mining operations, other than contour surface coal mining, may continue to do so as provided in this Act if such operator obtains a permit under this title within six months after such date, and if the Administrator determines that such mining is not in violation of, or will not result in any violation of, any provision of the Clean Air Act, and does not cause, or will not result in, irrevocable or lasting injury to the public health or welfare, or damaging, flooding, or destruction of agricultural land, or dislocation or disturbance of surface or subsurface streams, or destruction of, or damange to, historic values, or destruction or damage to valuable recreational or wildlife areas, or destruction or damage of contiguous areas. States that, within two months after the effective date of this Act, no operator shall engage in surface or underground coal mining operations if he has not applied for a permit under the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the requirements for obtaining such permits. Provides that no permit application shall be approved unless the Administrator finds that the applicable requirements of this title and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder will be observed, and that, in the case of a surface coal mining application, there is probable cause to believe that the stabilization of the area of affected land can be achieved. Provides that a stabilization plan shall accompany every application for a permit for surface coal mining and be made available to the public and be approved in the same manner as a permit. Provides that after a permit application has been approved for surface coal mining but before such a permit is issued, the applicant shall file with the Administrator a bond for performance payable to the United States and conditioned on the operator faithfully performing all the requirements of this Act. Creates in the Department of the Treasury a revolving fund to be known as the Coal Mine Lands Stabilization Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund initially the sum of $100,000,000, and such other sums as may thereafter be appropriated by the Congress. Provides that moneys in the fund may be expended by the Chief of the Corps of Engineers to acquire by purchase, donation, exchange, or otherwise land which has been affected by surface coal mining operations, has not been fully stabilized prior to the effective date of this Act, and has been abandoned or is declared inactive as determined by him. Authorizes the Chief of the Corps of Engineers to stabilize directly or by contract the lands so acquired. Provides for renewal of licenses issued under this Act. Requires every surface coal mining operator to stabilize the land affected by his mining. Sets forth the required standards for such stabilization. Restricts dumping and the use of explosives on operations authorized under this Act. Requires each mining operator to report to the Administrator on the amount of coal produced, the number of employees, the days worked, the number and location of acres of land mined, number and location of acres of the land stabilized, and a description of the progress made toward the completion of the reclamation plan. Sets forth conditions for the release of bonds filed under this Act. Provides for the periodic inspection of operations authorized under this Act. Allows any person to commence a civil action on his own behalf: (1) against any person, including the United States, and any other governmental instrumentality or agency, who is alleged to be in violation of this title; or (2) against the Administrator and the Chief of the Corps of Engineers where there is alleged a failure of the Administrator or the Chief to perform any act or duty under this title which is not discretionary with the Administrator or the Chief. Provides that no Federal agency may enter into any contract for the procurement of goods, materials, and services with any operator who is convicted of any offense under this title to perform such contract at any coal mining operation at which the violation which gave rise to such conviction occurred. States that no person shall discharge or in any other way discriminate against or cause to be discharged or discriminated against any employee of a surface mine or any authorized representative thereof by reason of the fact that such employee or representative has: (1) notified the Administrator or his authorized representative of any alleged violation or danger, (2) has filed instituted, or caused to be filed, or (2) instituted, any proceeding under this Act, or (3) testified or is about to testify in any proceeding resulting from the administration or enforcement of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to apply to the appropriate United States district court for injunctions restraining or enforcing compliance with the provisions of this title. Authorizes actions for damages (including attorney fees) by persons injured by violations of this title. Provides for a civil penalty of not to exceed $10,000 for each violation of this title. Prohibits States from enacting mining standards that are less stringent than those established by this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this title. Title II: Assistance to Workers - Provides that payment of a readjustment allowance shall be made to a worker adversely affected by this Act who applies for such allowance for any week of unemployment which begins after the thirtieth day after the date of the enactment of this Act. Provides that such allowance shall be an amount equal to 90 percent of his average weekly wage or to 90 percent of the average weekly manufacturing wage, whichever is greater. Provides for a diminishing of such allowance to the extent that it is supplied through other provisions of law. States that adversely affected workers shall be afforded, where appropriate, the testing, counseling, training, and placement services provided for under any Federal law. Provides for a relocation allowance for any adversely affected worker who is the head of a family and who has been totally separated. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Endangered Species Conservation Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to provide a program for the conservation, protection, restoration, or propagation of species and subspecies of fish and wildlife and flora that are threatened with extinction, or are likely within the foreseeable future to become threatened with extinction. Sets forth the procedure by which the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce (as defined by this Act) shall determine if a species or subspecies of fish or wildlife or flora shall be regarded as an endangered species. Lists the following factors to be considered in determining if a species or subspecies is threatened with extinction or will likely become threatened with extinction: (1) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (2) overutilization for commercial, sporting, scientific, or educational purposes; (3) disease or predation; (4) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (5) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. Provides that the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, not less than annually, a list by scientific and common name or names of species and subspecies determined to be endangered. Provides that the Secretary may, from time to time, by regulation revise such list. Provides that the Secretary shall utilize the land acquisition and other authorities of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, as amended, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as appropriate, to carry out a program in the United States of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating those species and subspecies of fish and wildlife that he lists as endangered species pursuant to this Act. Provides that, in carrying out the program authorized by this Act, the Secretary shall cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the several States. States that such cooperation shall include consultation before the acquisition of any land for the purpose of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating any endangered species. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate to a State the authority to regulate the taking by any person of endangered species or subspecies when he determines that such State maintains an adequate and active endangered species program consistent with the policies and purposes of this Act. Provides that any person who: (1) imports into or exports from the United States, receives or causes to be so imported, received, or exported; or (2) takes or causes to be taken within the United States, the territorial sea of the United States, Federal lands, or upon the high seas; or (3) ships, carries, or receives by any means in interstate commerce; any species or subspecies which is listed as an endangered species shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Allows exceptions from the prohibitions contained in this Act to permit the taking of an endangered species for scientific purposes and for the propagation of such fish and wildlife in captivity for preservation purposes. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that any person who engages in business as an importer of fish and wildlife must register with the Secretary of the Treasury his name and address of each place of business at which, and all trade names under which, he conducts such business. Requires each such person to keep such records as will fully and correctly disclose each importation of fish and wildlife made by him and the subsequent disposition of such fish and wildlife. States that the Secretary, through the Secretary of State, shall seek the convening of an international ministerial meeting on fish and wildlife prior to July 1, 1973, to assure the world wide conservation of endangered species and to avoid unnecessary harm to affected United States industries. Provides that, whenever the Secretary determines that a species of fish or wildlife is an endangered species, the Secretary of Agriculture may use all authorities available to him with respect to research, investigations, conservation, protection, control and management of such endangered species.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Makes it a Federal crime to kill or assault a fireman or law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of his duties when the offender travels in interstate commerce or uses any facility of interstate commerce for such purpose. Provides for imposition of a sentence for a term of years up to life or upon the recommendation of the jury, death for the killing of such persons. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1116)
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the level of supplies of home heating oil has not been adequate to meet the needs of homes across the Nation; and (2) the major cause of the inadequate supply of such oil is the limitation on imports of petroleum and petroleum products. Provides that beginning on the date of enactment of this resolution, such limitation shall not apply to the importation of crude oil or number 2 fuel oil (home heating oil) until the ninety-first day after the date of enactment of this resolution (in the case of crude oil) or April 1, 1974 (in the case of number 2 fuel oil).
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Consumer Protection Agency Act - Title I: Office of Consumer Affairs - Creates an Office of Consumer Affairs within the Executive Office of the President. Provides that the office shall be headed by a Director and a Deputy Director, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Director powers to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Director to transmit to Congress and the President in January of each year a report of the activities of the Office during the preceding year including a summary of consumer complaints and recommendations for additional legislation deemed necessary to protect the interests of U.S. consumers. Provides that it shall be the function of the Office to: (1) coordinate the programs and activities of all Federal agencies relating to the interests of consumers in order to achieve effectiveness, avoid duplications and inconsistencies, and to promote the purposes of this title; (2) encourage and assist in the development and implementation of consumer programs and activities in the Federal Government; (3) assure that the interests of consumers are taken into consideration by appropriate Federal agencies both in the formulation of policies with respect to consumers and in the operation of programs that may affect consumer interests; (4) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Administrator of the Consumer Protection Agency in carrying out its functions under title II of this Act; (5) advise and make recommendations to all Federal agencies with respect to general policy matters concerning the effectiveness of programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers; (6) submit recommendations to the Congress and the President on the means by which programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers can be improved; (7) conduct conferences and surveys concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (8) encourage, initiate, coordinate, and participate in consumer education and counseling programs (including credit counseling); (9) cooperate with and give technical assistance to State and local governments in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (10) cooperate with and assist private enterprise in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (11) publish and distribute in a Consumer Register material which will include notice of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules and orders, and other useful information, translated from its technical form into language which is understandable by the public; and (12) keep the appropriate committees of the Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities. Title II: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government the Consumer Protection Agency, headed by an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Agency powers to carry out the objective of this Act. States that the functions of the Agency shall be to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this title; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the consumer interest; (4) publish and distribute material developed pursuant to carrying out its responsibilities under this Act which will inform consumers of matters of interest to them; (5) conduct conferences, surveys, and investigations, including economic surveys, concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (6) keep the appropriate committees of Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities; and (7) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Director of the Office in the carrying out of his functions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Comprehensive Older Americans Services Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Objectives - States that the general purpose of this Act is to make available comprehensive health, education, and social service programs to our older citizens. Title II: Administration on Aging - Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Administration on Aging to carry out this Act. Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Administration. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource Clearing House for the Aging to collect, review, operate, publish, and disseminate information and data related to the particular problems caused by aging, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting such problems. Establishes the Federal Council on the Aging to advise and assist the President as he may direct on matters relating to the special needs of Older Americans: to assist the Commissioner on Aging in carrying out his functions under this Act; to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government; and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress on policies and programs for the aged. Provides that, not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a complete report on the activities carried out under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs to concentrate resources in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development or comprehensive systems to serve older persons, to include services designed to assist older Americans in avoiding institutionalization. Authorizes appropriations totalling $600,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Provides that the Commissioner shall not finally disapprove any State plan, or any modification thereof, without first affording the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Title IV: Training and Research - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for the purpose of: (1) publicizing available opportunities for careers in the field of aging; (2) encouraging qualified persons to enter or re-enter the field of aging; (3) encouraging persons from other professions to undertake assignments on a parttime bais in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct a study of the transportation problems of older Americans, with emphasis upon solutions that are practicable and can be implemented in a timely fashion. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for purposes of such transportation studies and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of: (1) establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; (2) conducting basic research on the problem of the aged; (3) providing consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and (4) creating opportunities for research projects with respect to aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to, and training personnel in, the field of aging; and for research and development projects. Authorizes appropriations for $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology. Title V: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to units of general purpose local government or other public or nonprofit private agencies to pay not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of leasing, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Establishes standards to be followed by the Commissioner in making such grants and authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the provisions of this section. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure mortgages on multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making grants to meet the costs of compensation of professional and technical personnel for the initial operation of multipurpose senior centers. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Program - Provides that no compensation paid to individual volunteers under the Retired Senior Volunteer Program under the Older Americans Act shall be considered income for any purposes. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amount of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the continuation of the Foster Grandparent Program under the Older Americans Act. Title VII: Nutrition Programs - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation may donate specified products acquired by them to a recipient of a grant or contract for providing nutritional services for the elderly. Title VIII: Amendments to Other Acts - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States which have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for library services for older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions in planning, developing, and carrying out programs specifically designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies for educational programs for elderly persons whose ability to speak and read the English language is limited and who live in an area with a culture different from their own. Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older Americans - Older Americans Community Service Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an older American community service program in order to promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons 55 years old or older who have poor employment prospects. Makes provisions for allotment of funds to State, local, and private organizations to further the purposes of the program. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 to carry out this title. Title X: Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training - Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, through the Manpower Administration, to make loans and grants for manpower training, including on-the-job, institutional, residential, and other training, designed to upgrade the work skills and capabilities of middle-aged and older persons. Authorizes the Secretary to make such studies, rules and provisions as necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out this title in fiscal year 1973 from funds otherwise available for similar programs. Authorizes appropriations in fiscal year 1974 of $100,000,000 for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that: (1) the producers and distributors of motion pictures and television and radio programs should cease the production and distribution of those films and programs which defame, sterotype, ridicule, demean, or degrade ethnic, racial, or religious groups; (2) those responsible persons in the motion picture and broadcasting industries who are desirous of contributing to the vitality of democratic institutions by promoting ethnic, racial, and religious harmony should establish adequate standards for the production of films and broadcasts which portray ethnic, racial, or religious groups and that such standards should be rigorously enforced by the motion picture and broadcasting industries; and (3) if within one year after the enactment of this resolution the motion picture and broadcasting industries have failed to establish and enforce adequate standards for the production of films and broadcasts which portray ethnic, racial, or religious groups, appropriate committees of the House and Senate shall formulate and propose such measures as are necessary to establish and implement such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Tax Equity Act - Title I: Capital Gains and Losses - Disallows the alternative tax on capital gains. Excludes from gross income so much of the gain on the sale or exchange of property held for more than twelve months as does not exceed the smaller of: (1) an amount equal to one-third of one percent of the adjusted basis of such property times the number of full months the property was held after the date it was held for twelve months; or (2) an amount equal to sixty percent of such adjusted basis of the property. States that capital losses with respect to a corporation shall be allowed only to the extent of gains for the taxable year from the sale or exchange of capital assets and property used in the trade or business. Provides that capital losses in the case of other taxpayers shall be allowed only to the extent of gains from the sale or exchange of capital assets and property used in a trade or business plus the taxable income of the taxpayer or $1000 ($500 in the case of a separate return of a married individual), whichever is smaller. Establishes criteria for determining capital loss carrybacks and carryovers. Defines the terms "capital gain", "capital loss", "net capital gain", and "net capital loss". Provides that if carryover basis property is acquired from a decedent dying after June 30, 1973, then the basis of such property in the hands of the person so acquiring it shall be the adjusted basis of the property immediately before the death of the decedent. Creates methods for adjusting such basis. Requires every executor to furnish information to the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate regarding: (1) the name and last address of the decedent; (2) the name and address of each person acquiring property from the decedent; and (3) the adjusted basis of each such item in the hands of the decedent immediately before his death. States that amounts received by a seller as transferor of a patent shall be treated as royalties from such patent and not as gain from the sale or exchange of property. Title II: Income Derived from Extraction of Minerals - Terminates the depletion allowance for minerals effective after the taxable year ending December 31, 1973. Allows a taxpayer a deduction for income expenditures paid or incurred during the taxable year for the exploration or development of any mineral property. Removes the imposition of a maximum tax relating to the sale of oil or gas properties. Establishes criteria for determining income from mineral properties located outside the United States. Title III: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Individuals - Imposes a fifty percent maximum tax rate on the income of individuals whose income exceeds $44,000. Allows a twenty-four percent tax credit for personal exemptions and nonbusiness deduction. Permits the President to adjust this percentage if he deems it to be in the public interest. Provides that income received during the taxable year by a child from a trust or dividends, interest, and royalties shall be included in the gross income of the parent and not the child of the parent who claims the child as an exemption. Eliminates the $100 dividend exclusion. Reduces from $25,000 to $5,000 the limitation on the deduction of interest on investment indebtedness. Disallows deductions in specified instances for expenses incurred while attending conventions outside the United States. Limits deductions for an individual engaged in farming. Provides that, in computing dividends, a distribution by a common parent corporation of a controlled group of corporations, the earnings and profits of the common parent corporation for the taxable year shall not be less than its share of the earnings and profits of the controlled group computed on a consolidated basis. Repeals the provision granting an exemption for earned income from foreign sources. Title IV: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Corporations - Provides that the reasonable allowance for depreciation shall be computed on the basis of the expected useful life of property in the hands of the taxpayers. States that the depreciation deduction is not to exceed book depreciation and is to be limited to the amount recorded on books. Establishes criteria for computing limitations on dividends received deductions. Denies tax-free exchanges in the case of investment companies. Requires shareholders of any corporation to hold at least twenty percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote of the surviving, controlling, or acquiring corporation in order for the transaction to qualify as a reorganization. Provides that if a foreign corporation is a controlled foreign corporation for an uninterrupted period of thirty days or more during any taxable year, every person who is s United States shareholder of such corporation who owns stock in such corporation on the last day in such year on which such corporation is a controlled foreign corporation shall include in his gross income, for his taxable year in which or with which such taxable year of the corporation ends, his pro rata share of the corporation's earnings and profits for such year. Title V: Reforms Affecting Individuals and Corporations - Imposes, generally, in addition to other taxes, with respect to the income of every person, a tax of 10 percent of the amount (if any) by which the sum of the items of tax preference exceeds $12,000. Disallows, in the case of depreciable realty, the deduction for depreciation to the extent it would reduce the adjusted basis of the property at the end of the year below an amount equal to any mortgage indebtedness at the end of the year on the property minus the adjusted basis of the land allocable to such property. Makes provision for the treatment of charitable gifts of appreciated property and capital expenditures incurred in planting and developing fruit and nut groves. Repeals the tax exemption for ships under foreign flag. Title VI: Estate Tax Amendments - Imposes a tax on the transfer of the taxable estate of every decedent who was a citizen or resident of the United States at the time of his death. Provides that in the case of an estate of a decedent who made taxable gifts before death, a tax shall be imposed in an amount equal to the excess of: (1) a tax computed in accordance with the rate schedule set forth on the amount of the taxable estate increased by the amount of the adjusted inter vivos gifts; (2) a tax computed in accordance with such rate schedule on the amount of such adjusted inter vivos gifts as if the taxable estate were equal to such amount. Includes life insurance policies in the gross estate of a decedent. Title VII: State and Local Obligations - Repeals the exemption for interest on issues of State and local banks occurring after December 31, 1973. Provides that the United States shall pay fifty percent of the interest yield on each issue of State and local banks occurring after December 31, 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that on or after June 30, 1973, no import quota or other nontariff trade restriction shall be imposed by or pursuant to law with respect to the importation into the United States of petroleum and petroleum products. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1862)
![Official portrait of Rep. Pike, Otis G. [D-NY-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000348_200.jpg)