United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Makes inapplicable to the aged, blind and disabled the existing provision of the Social Security Act limiting to 10 percent the portion of the total amounts paid to a State as grants for social services which may be paid with respect to individuals who are not actually recipients of or applicants for aid or assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Clean Elections Act - Title I: Federal Elections Commission - Creates a six-member independent Federal Elections Commission: 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 2 members appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, and 2 members appointed by the President. Specifies that the Commission shall have full legal powers. Authorizes the Commission to use the personnel and facilities of the General Accounting Office. Requires the Commission to submit its budget directly to Congress along with any recommendations it may have for legislation. Transfers specified functions of the Secretary of the Senate, the GAO and the Clerk of the House to the Commission. Requires each candidate for Federal office to have a central campaign committee through which all reports must pass. Requires the central committee to file its report with the Commission. Specifies that reports contain all contributions in excess of $100 and that cash contributions of $2,500 or more be reported within 24 hours. Requires a financial report to be filed 10 days before an election. Title II: Federal Matching Payment Entitlement Fund - Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States the Federal Matching Payment Entitlement Fund to remain available for expenditure without fiscal year limitation. Entitles candidates for Federal office or an official national party committee or an official congressional campaign committee to payments from the fund, during any calendar year, in an amount equal to the cmount of each contribution received by such candidate or committee not in excess of $50. Requires that the candidate or committee submit matching payment entitlement vouchers including the full name of the contributor together with the date, the exact amount of the contribution, and the complete address of the contributor. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall make a payment from the fund to the candidate or the treasurer of the committee in the amount certified by the Commission. Sets forth the limitations on certification by the Commission. Title III: Limitations on Political Contributions - Declares a limitation on contributions, made by an individual and expenditures of not more than $2,500 in the case of a candidacy for President or Vice President or not more than $1,000 in a congressional campaign. Title IV: Tax Incentives for Contributions to Candidates for Public Office - Allows a maximum credit for a taxable year for contributions to candidates for public office of $50 ($100 for a joint return). Title V: Voter's Time - Provides for a schedule of televised political broadcasts by candidates for Federal office. Requires the television networks to make prime time available to the candidates at roles not exceeding the prevailing unit charge of the station for the same amount of program time in the same time period. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay fully all certified bills for Voter's Time not more than 10 days following receipt from the Registry of Election Finance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week".
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 · 2 May 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 · 30 April 1973
Provides, under the Federal Aviation Act, for reduced rate transportation on a space available basis for youth (between 12 and 22), elderly people (aged 65 and older), and military personnel who are members of the United States armed services traveling at their own expense, in uniform and while on official leave, furlough, or pass. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1373(b))
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1973
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code against the Federal income tax for State and local real property taxes or an equivalent portion of rent paid on their residences by individuals who have attained the age of 65. Provides that where an indivudal has attained the age of 65, there shall be allowed as a credit the amount of real property taxes paid which were imposed by a State or political subdivision on property owned and used by him as a principal residence or rent constituting such taxes as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Allows payment by the U.S. Treasury to taxpayers to the extent of the difference between the credit and amount of such real property taxes where the tax imposed is less than real property taxes. Provides that the total credit payment for any taxable year shall not exceed $300 (or $150 in case of a single return). Reduces the amount of the credit allowed by the amount that the taxpayer's income exceeds $6,500 (or $3250 in the case of a married person filing a separate return). Directs that the credit be applied collectively in cases of joint ownership. Provides that where the joint return of the husband or wife is filed, the age requirement is met if either person is 65 or older. Apportions the credit allowed to cover only that part of a residence actually used by the taxpayer or that part of a farm not in excess of forty acres. Provides that an individual who is a tenant-stockholder in a cooperative housing corporation shall be treated as owning the house or apartment which he occupies and such person shall be treated as having paid real property taxes equal to the deduction allowable in direct proportion to taxes actually paid on a particular residence where during the taxable year there has been a change in residence. Provides that the term 'rent constituting property taxes" means an amount equal to 25 percent of the rent paid during a taxable year by the taxpayer for the right to occupy his dwelling (exclusive of charges for utilities, services, and furnishings). Reduces the amount of real property taxes paid by an individual by the amount of any refund given on such taxes. Provides that there shall be no assessment of interest charges where there has been an underpayment of taxes by an individual if the amount due is paid within sixty days after the taxpayer receives a refund of real property taxes which caused the underpayment. Specifies that deductions for State and local real property taxes shall not be affected by the credit allowed.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1973
Mobile Teachers' Retirement Assistance Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that the transfer of teachers between State schools is impeded by the possibility of forfeiture of retirements, and that the resulting immobility hinders the growth of new communities. Sets forth the terms and definitions of this Act. Specifies the requirements which a State retirement system must meet to receive Federal financial benefits under this Act. Provides that the Federal contribution to each qualified State system for each retiring teacher's out-of-State service shall be 50 percent of the total cost, as determined by the retirement system at such teacher's age on date of retirement. Contributes to the State retirement system an additional 2 percent of the Federal amount under this Act for the costs of administration. Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal year 1974 and succeeding years for the amounts necessary to effectuate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that no person, other than an attorney, certified public accountant, licensed public accountant or enrolled agent may prepare, or provide services in connection with the preparation of, any tax return for compensation unless such person is licensed. Sets forth the procedures for issuance of such licenses. Permits revokation of any license if the licensee: (1) has misrepresented his qualifications for such license; (2) has misrepresented to any person the nature of the service he is qualified to provide; or (3) has intentionally misrepresented any item of information on any return. Provides penalties for (1) failure of a preparer of income tax returns to sign the return; (2) for failure of the preparer to obtain a license; and (3) for understatements of tax by the tax return preparer. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 7002, 7407, 7217-18, 6050A, 6689)
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1973
Wilderness Study Act - Provides for a study of various lands enumerated in this Act to determine their suitability for designation as wilderness in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report the findings of such study to the President within five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Designates lands in the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, as the North Cohutta Wilderness Preserve.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1973
Designates specified lands in the following national forests for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System including: (1) Bankhead National Forest, Alabama; (2) Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas; (3) Ozark National Forest, Arkansas; (4) Appalachicola National Forest, Florida; (5) Chattahooche and Cherokee National Forests, Georgia and Tennessee; (6) White Mountain National Forest, Maine; (7) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (8) White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire; (9) Natahala and Cherokee National Forests, North Carolina and Tennessee; (10) Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia; (11) George Washington National Forest, Virginia and West Virginia; (12) Jefferson National Forest, Virginia; (13) Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky; (14) Sumter National Forest, South Carolina, (15) Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont; (16) Chequamegon National Forest, Wisconsin; (17) Clark National Forest, Missouri, Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan; and (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1973
Better Communities Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress and the purpose of this Act. Defines the terms used in the Act. Enumerates the community development activities for which a recipient may utilize shared Federal revenues provided under this Act. Requires the recipient, prior to receiving any funds, to prepare a final statement of community development objectives and projected use of funds for the fiscal year, and to provide the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development with a certification that the recipient is in full compliance with the public requirements and other provisions of this Act. Declares that within 60 days after the close of the fiscal year, the recipient shall make public and shall forward to the Secretary a report of the activities paid for during the fiscal year. Provides formulae for the allocation and distribution of funds. Permits loans to finance any community development activity. Prohibits, on the ground of race, color, national origin, or sex, discrimination under any program or activity funded under this Act, and provides the means of enforcement of this provision. Sets forth the labor standards to be observed. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate any urban renewel project being carrred out as soon as practicable after consultation with the agency carrying out the project and the chief executive of the locality in which it is located, and to effect a financial closeout as if the project had been fully completed on the termination date. Requires records, audits, and reports of revenues shared under this Act. Prohibits a Federal contribution, in addition to shared revenue funds, to recipients for costs incurred in providing relocation payments and assistance for those displaced by community development activities assisted under this Act. Includes remedies for noncompliance with this Act and authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations necessary to carry out the purposes and conditions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Abestosis and Mesothelioma Benefits Act - Title I: General - Sets forth the findings of Congress and defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Claims for Benefits Filed on or Before December 31, 1974 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to, in accordance with the provisions of this Title, and the regulations promulgated by him under this title, make payments of benefits in respect of total disability of any asbestos worker due to asbestosis or mesothelioma, and in respect of the death of any asbestos worker whose death was due to asbestosis or mesothelioma. Establishes formulae for determining the payment of benefits. Provides that benefit payments under this Act to an asbestos worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister, shall be reduced, on a monthly or other appropriate basis, by an amount equal to any payment received by such worker or his widow, child, parent, brother, or sister, under the workmen's compensation, unemployment compensation, or disability insurance laws of his State on account of the disability of such worker, and the amount by which such payment would be reduced on account of excess earnings of such worker under the Social Security Act if the amount paid were a benefit payable under such Act. States that benefits payable under this title shall be deemed not to be income for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Establishes procedures and requirements for the filing of claims under this title. Title III: Claims for Benefits After December 31, 1974 - Declares that on and after January 1, 1975, any claim for benefits for death or total disability due to asbetosis or mesothelioma shall be filed pursuant to the applicable State workmen's compensation law, except that during any period when asbestos workers or their surviving widows, children, parents, brothers, or sisters, as the case may be, are not covered by a State workmen's compensation law which provides adequate coverage for asbetosis and mesothelioma they shall be entitled to claim benefits under this title. Directs the Secretary of Labor to, no later than October 1, 1973, publish in the Federal Register a list of State workmen's compensation laws which provide adequate coverage for asbestosis and mesothelioma and to revise and republish in the Federal Register such list from time to time, as may be appropriate to reflect changes in such State laws due to legislation or judicial or administrative interpretation. States that the action of the Secretary in including or failing to include any State workmen's compensation law on such list shall be subject to judicial review exclusively in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the State is located or the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Requires that within one hundred and twenty days following the convening of each session of Congress the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall submit to the Congress an annual report upon the subject matter of title II of this Act, and, after January 1, 1975, the Secretary of Labor shall also submit such a report upon the subject matter of title III of this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall relieve any employer of the duty to comply with any State workmen's compensation law, except insofar as such State law is in conflict with the provisions of this Act and the Secretary by regulation, so prescribes. Provides that no employer shall discharge or in any other way discriminate against any asbestos worker employed by him by reason of the fact that such worker is suffering from asbestosis or mesothelioma.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Permits the transportation, mailing, and broadcasting of advertising, information and materials concerning lotteries authorized by law and conducted by a State or the District of Columbia. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1307; Amends 18 U.S.C. 1953, 39 U.S.C. 3005)
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 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 · 29 March 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 for the licensing of, and regulating of, persons in the business of preparing tax returns. Provides for the requirement of a fee of not more than $50 for the issuance of the license under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Requires, under the Freedom of Information Act, that all information under an agency's possession or control be made available within 30 days to Congress, except where Executive privilege is invoked. Permits Executive privilege to be invoked only by the President and only when disclosure of the requested information will seriously jeopardize the national interest.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Permits attendance, without loss of pay or deduction from annual leave, of United States Postal Service employees who are veterans at funerals of honorably discharged members of the United States Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
Provides that no person, other than an attorney or certified public accountant, may prepare an income tax return for compensation without a license. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall issue such licenses for a period of two years if the applicant has the appropriate qualifications. Permits the Secretary to seek injunctions against individuals or businesses preparing income tax returns for compensation without a license. Imposes penalties on income tax preparers for failure to sign the return, to obtain a license, or to negligently or intentionally understate the amount of tax due. Requires income tax preparers to file an informational return stating the names, addresses, and taxpayer identification numbers of all taxpayers for whom he provided services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Rights of Conscience in Abortion Procedures Act - Requires Medical institutions to provide a certificate indicating respect for an individual employee's right not to participate in abortions contrary to that individual's conscience as a requirement for hospital eligibility for Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1973
Airport Noise Curfew Act - Establishes the Airport Noise Curfew Commission to study and make recommendations to the Congress regarding the establishment of curfews on nonmilitary aircraft operations over populated areas of the United States during normal sleeping hours. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the Congress no later than six months after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to carry out its duties and functions. Requires the head of such department or agency to furnish such requested information to the Commission. Empowers the Commission to issue subpenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any evidence that relates to any subject that the Commission is authorized to investigate by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1973
Federal Conflict of Interest Act - Declares the purpose of the Act to be: (1) to circumscribe the Government activities of persons whose prior employment was with a regulated group; (2) to permit judicial enforcement by private persons of the provisions of this Act; and (3) to establish an independent mechanism for the purpose of monitoring the enforcement of existing conflict of interest statutes. Provides that no officer or employee in the executive branch of the Federal Government, whose rate of pay is equal to or greater than the rate established for level GS-16 in the General Schedule or who occupies a professional or technical position with duties of a nature that the employee could cause an economic advantage for or handicap against a special interest in the discharge of his official duties and responsibilities or who occupies a management, administrative, or investigative position, in either regulatory or management echelons, where his actions are likely to have a significant impact on special interest enterprises, shall: (1) participate in any Federal regulatory action or policy decision which involves any special interest in which such officer or employee had a substantial economic involvement any time during a period of two years prior to the commencement of the term of office or employment of such officer or employee; or (2) participate in any Federal regulatory action or policy decision involving any subject matter concerning which such officer or employee has been involved or participated personally for or represented a special interest. Requires any such individual, within thirty days of the commencement of any Federal office or employment, to submit to the head of the agency or entity in connection with which such office or employment is held a detailed statement of such officer's or employee's former substantial economic involvement with any special interests. Requires such statement to include the dates and a comprehensive description of such substantial economic involvement, including all work done for such special interest in connection with the Federal Government. Makes it the duty of every officer and employee of the United States having the authority to do so to dismiss any other officer or employee who takes or holds office or employment in violation of this Act, and any person may by action in the nature of mandamus compel any office or employee of the United States to execute the duty imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Requires States to pass along to individuals who are recipients of aid or assistance under the Federal-State public assistance programs or under specified other Federal programs, and who are entitled to social security benefits, the full amount of the 1972 increase in such benefits, either by disregarding it in determining their need for assistance or otherwise. Makes the same requirement with regard to Veterans' benefits and pensions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to provide for the construction of a Veterans' Administration hospital in the southern area of New Jersey. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Public Safety Officers Benefits Act - Requires Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, where it determines that an eligible public safety officer has died as the direct result of a personal injury sustained in the performance of duty, leaving a spouse or one or more eligible dependents, to pay a gratuity of $50,000 to such dependents. Establishes procedures for the distribution of such payment. Defines the term "eligible public safety officer" as any individual employed by a public agency as a law enforcement officer or fireman (including officially recognized volunteer firemen). Requires that, at the time of his injury, a law enforcement officer must have been engaged in: (1) the apprehension or attempted apprehension of any person for the commission of a crime, or who at the time was sought as a material witness in a criminal proceeding; or (2) protecting or guarding a person held for the commission of a crime or held as a material witness in connection with a crime; or (3) the lawful prevention of, or lawful attempt to prevent, the commission of a crime or was otherwise engaged in the performance of his duty and such injury was the result of a criminal act or apparent criminal act. Requires that a fireman at the time of his injury must have been engaged in the protection of life or property from fire. Authorizes to be appropriated in each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Excludes public safety officers of the District of Columbia from the coverage extended under this Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3768, 3781)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Establishes a contiguous fishery zone (197 mile limit) beyond the territorial sea of the United States. States that the United States shall exercise the same exclusive rights in respect to fisheries in the zone as it has in its territorial sea, subject to the continuation of traditional fishing by foreign states within this zone as may be recognized by the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, and in consultation with the affected foreign countries, to determine the extent to which foreign fisheries may be permitted to operate within the zone, including manner, species, and allowable annual catch.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Extends Federal injury and death benefits to all eligible public safety officers and their survivors. Defines eligible officer for the purposes of this Act as a person who is determined by the Secretary of Labor to have fireman by a State or a political subdivision of a State; (2) an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized volunteer fire department; (3) serving without compensation as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized law enforcement agency of a State or political subdivision of a State; and (4) injured in the performance of such duties. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8191)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code to an employer with respect to a Vietnam veteran employed by a taxpayer for not less than 6 months during the 2-year period beginning on the date 1 year before the first day of the taxpayer's taxable year, if, as certified by the Secretary of Labor, the position which the individual is hired either (1) reflects the individual's prior civilian experience, his applicable military experience, or his educational level, or (2) provides training which leads to self improvement or job advancement.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Allows as a credit against the tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code a percentage of a taxpayer's employment expenses in employing a Vietnam veteran. Gives preference in percentages allowed as a credit to the hiring of a person who is physically handicapped, or who was a prisoner of war or missing in action. Specifies qualifying expenses and the percentages allowed depending on the length of a veteran's employment. Requires the payment of the higher of either the minimum wage or the prevailing wage. Defines terms and sets forth regulations for purposes of this Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 42)
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
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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Provides that a person connected with or employed by the news media or press, or who is independently engaged in gathering information for publication or broadcast, shall not be required to disclose before the Congress or any Federal court, grand jury, or administrative entity any information, written or oral, or pictorial material or the source of that information or material procured for publication or broadcast. Provides that the above provisions shall not apply with respect to the source of any allegedly defamatory information in any case where the defendant in a civil action for defamation asserts a defense based on the source of such information.
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
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
Urban Mass Transportation Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, under the Urban Mass Transportation Act, to make grants or loans to assist State and local public bodies and agencies thereof in the payment of operating expenses incurred in connection with the provision of mass transportation service in urban areas. Requires a State or public body or agency to submit a comprehensive mass transportation service improvement plan to qualify for such assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. Increases to 80 percent the Federal share of projects other than projects for the paying of operating expenses. Increases to $6,100,000,000 the obligations the Secretary may incur to finance urban mass transportation projects under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans under the Act to private nonprofit corporations and associations for the specific purpose of assisting them in providing transportation services meeting the special needs of elderly and handicapped persons for whom mass transportation services, planned, designed, and carried out under the Act are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. Provides that no financial assistance shall be provided under the Act to any State or local public body or agency thereof which engages directly or indirectly in the transporting of schoolchildren and school personnel to and from school and school-authorized functions, (other than the transporting of such children and personnel, along with other passengers, as part of the regular operations of a public transit authority in the urban area within which it provides mass transportation service) or proposes to expand present routes, schedules, service, or facilities for the purpose of providing transportation for schoolchildren and school personnel to and from school-authorized functions, in competition with or supplementary to the service currently provided by a private transportation company, or other person, engaged in transporting such schoolchildren and school personnel.
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
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
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 - Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for carrying out this Act. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource Center for the Aging to collect, review, organize, 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 National Advisory Council on the Aging designated 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 with emphasis on identifying unsolved problems of older Americans; and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress for the establishment of new programs for the aged. Provides that not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Secretary 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 Area Programs - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development of comprehensive systems to serve older persons. 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. Authorizes appropriations of $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 for grants to States for paying such percentage as each State agency determines, but not more than 75 percent of the cost of administering the State plan. 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 basis in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; conduct basic research on the problem of the aged; provide consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and create 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. Authorizes appropriations of $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 or 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 adminstered 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. Provides continuing 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: Special Impact Programs - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to public or nonprofit private agencies for payment of part of the cost of any program designed to: (1) assist in meeting in special housing needs of older persons; (2) improve the transportation services available to older persons; (3) meet the needs of unemployed low-income older persons; (4) provide continuing education to older persons; and (5) provide retirement education and information to persons planning retirement. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for providing assistance under this title. Title IX: 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. Specifies that the Commissioner is authorized to make grants to institutions of higher education to assist such 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. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3001,3011(b); 42 U.S.C. 3012(3), (4); 42 U.S.C. 3044; 42 U.S.C. 3044a, 3044b; Amends 20 U.S.C. 354, 355, 355nts; 20 U.S.C. 1504(a) (2); 20 U.S.C. 1505(a); 20 U.S.C. 1078; 20 U.S.C. 1209, 1210, 1211; 20 U.S.C. 954)
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District of Columbia shall be the electors of the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names on the ballot. Allows each State to adopt less restrictive voting requirements for the offices of President and Vice President than for the Congressional offices from that State. Permits Congress to adopt uniform residence and age requirements for voting in such elections. Authorizes Congress to prescribe the qualifications for electors from the District of Columbia. Provides that persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President who shall have received the greatest number of votes shall be declared elected President and Vice President, if such number be at least 40 percent of the total number of votes certified. Provides that if none of the persons joined as candidates for President and Vice President shall have at least 40 percent of the total number of votes certified, a runoff election shall be held between the two pairs joined as candidates for President and Vice President who shall have received the highest number of votes certified. Requires Congress to determine the days of such elections. Allows the States to determine the times, places, and manner of holding such elections. Authorizes Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Permits Congress to provide, by law, for the case of the death or withdrawal of any candidate or candidates, for the death of both the President-elect and Vice-President-elect, and for the case of a tie.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rinaldo, Matthew J. [R-NJ-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000262_200.jpg)