United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1973
National Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish by order appropriate nonoperational Federal mobile home and recreational vehicle safety standards. Provides that, in prescribing standards under this Act, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall: (1) consider relevant available mobile home safety data; (2) consult with such State or interstate agencies (including legislative committees) as he deems appropriate; (3) consider whether any such proposed standard is reasonable, practicable, and appropriate for the particular type of mobile home or recreational vehicle for which it is prescribed; (4) consider whether any such standard will result in a substantial increase in the retail price of mobile homes or recreational vehicles; and (5) consider the extent to which any such standard will contribute to carrying out the purpose of this title. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue initial Federal recreational vehicle and mobile home safety standards upon the expiration of a two hundred and seventy day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall issue new and revised Federal recreational vehicle and mobile home safety standards under this title upon the expiration of the five hundred and forty-day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes both a National Mobile Home Safety Advisory Council, and a National Recreational Vehicle Safety Advisory Council, a majority of each of which shall be representatives of the general public, including representatives of State and local governments, and the remainder shall include mobile home or recreational vehicle manufacturers, dealers, representatives of insurers, and nationally recognized standards-producing organizations. Provides that the Secretary shall consult with the appropriate Advisory Council before establishing or revoking any mobile home or recreational vehicle safety standard pursuant to this title. Directs the Secretary to conduct research, testing, development and training necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides that no person shall: (1) manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce, or import into the United States, any mobile home or recreational vehicle manufactured on or after the date any applicable Federal mobile home or recreational vehicle safety standard takes effect under this title unless it is in conformity with such standard; (2) fail or refuse access to or copying of records, or fail to make reports or provide information, or fail or refuse to permit entry or inspection, as required under this Act; (3) fail to issue a certificate required by this Act, or issure a certificate to the effect that a mobile home or recreational vehicle conforms to all applicable Federal mobile home or recreational vehicle safety standards, unless such person in the exercise of due care has reason to know that such certificate is false or misleading in a material respect; or (4) fail to furnish notification of any defect as required by this Act. Provides for civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct such inspection and investigation as may be necessary to enforce Federal mobile home and recreational vehicles safety standards established under this Act. Provides that every manufacturer, distributor, and dealer of mobile homes and recreational vehicles shall maintain such records, make such reports, and provide such performance and technical data to the Secretary as may be required to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a National Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Safety Institute in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Provides that such Institute shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Authorizes such Institute to : (1) develop, establish, and forward to the Secretary of Transportation recommended mobile home and recreational vehicle nonoperational safety standards; (2) conduct research, testing, development, and training as authorized by this title; (3) prepare the annual report to the Congress required by this title; and (4) perform all other functions of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President an annual report on the activities of the Department of Transportation under this Title. States that nothing in this Act shall prevent any State agency or court from asserting or continuing jurisdiction under State law over any aspect of mobile home or recreational vehicle safety with respect to which no standards have been established pursuant to this title. Provides that any State may assume responsibility for enforcement of any Federal standards which have been established under this Act upon approval by the Secretary under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States which have been delegated enforcement responsibility to assist them in identifying their needs and responsibilities in the area of safety standards enforcement or in developing enforcement plans. Provides that the Federal share of each such grant shall not exceed 90percent of the total cost. Authorizes Federal participation under the Home Owner's Loan Act of 1933 in any loan made for the purchase of a recreational vehicle or mobile home which meets or exceeds the safety standards established under this Act. Provides for Federal participation in loans made to veterans purchasing mobile homes and recreational vehicles which meet such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1973
Budget Information Allocation Act - Requires the annual budget submitted by the President to set forth: (1) the amount proposed for expenditure in each State and each congressional district therein under each program proposed in the budget; (2) the amount by which Federal expenditures for each program would increase or decrease the previous fiscal years total amount or allocation in each State and each congressional district; and (3) the extent to which any function or activity of a Federal program would be expanded or restricted in each State or congressional district pursuant to any change from the previous fiscal year. Directs the President, through the Office of Management and Budget, to develop and implement projects for the improved gathering, compiling, analyzing, publishing, and disseminating of statistical information by the various agencies in the executive branch of the Government. Provides for a semiannual report to Congress by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget describing the requests made for budgetary information and summary data tables. Authorizes the Comptroller General to review the State and congressional budget estimates required under this Act. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in his role of assisting any Congressional committee having jurisdiction over revenue or appropriations, to furnish the Congress such suppporting information as may be necessary to correct inaccurate State and congressional district allotments in the budget. ((Amends 31 U.S.C. 11(a)(2), 11(b), 18b; 31 U.S.C. 1153(b), 1154(c), 20(b))
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 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 · 12 July 1973
Establishes a Joint Committee on Energy in the Congress of the United States. Provides that such Joint Committee shall make a continuing investigation and study of the problems relating to the development and use of all forms of energy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1973
Multiprotection of Employee Retirement Income and Trust 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 dispositions 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 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 270 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 fudiciary 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. Sets forth provisions governing the distribution of net assets upon the termination of a pension plan. 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 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 for the benefit of self-employed individual or owner-employees; it covers not more than 25 participants; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States and the situs of the fund is maintained outside the United States; or such plan is unfunded and established primarily to provide deferred compensation for a select group of management employees. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 1 year or age higher than 25 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits in accordance with specified categories and requirements. Prohibits any plan from providing for forfeiture of accrued employee beenfits. 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. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excludes from coverage those plans excluded under title II. States that the minimum contribution to any pension plan for each plan year beginning after the effective date of this title shall be equal to the excess of: (1) the sum of the minimum standard contributions for each plan year beginning after the effective date of this title, over (2) the total of the amounts contributed to or under the plan for each of the preceding plan years beginning after the effective date of this title. Requires the administrator of the plan to file an annual statement with the Secretary containing the following information: (1) the numbers of years the plan has been in effect; (2) the date and amount of the contribution made by the plan for the plan year for which the report is filed and contributions for prior plan years not previously reported; and (3) the amount of the minimum contribution, the normal costs, accrued liabilities, present value of accrued nonforfeitable benefits, value of assets, an identification of other benefits, and a statement of the other facts and actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the minimum contribution under this title. Provides that whenever the required payment cannot be made by the employer or the other contributing parties, the Secretary may waive part or all of the minimum contributions for that fiscal year, and prescribe an additional period of not more than 5 years for the amortization of the funding deficiency occurring in that fiscal year. Prohibits any merger with another pension plan unless a qualified actuary: (1) determines that each participant in each plan would receive a termination benefit equal to that which he would have received before the merger; and (2) includes such determination in the next year's funding status report. Title IV: Registration, Enforcement, and Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the registration with the Secretary of plans covered under this Act. Empowers the Secretary to petition any U.S. district court having jurisdiction to require compliance with the registration provisions of this title. Sets forth provisions concerning civil enforcement of the vesting and funding titles of this Act. Establishes a Variation Appeal Board to hear and determine appeals from decisions denying variations under titles II and III. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake research studies on: (1) the effects of this Act upon the provisions and costs of pension plans; (2) the role of private pensions in meeting the economic security needs of the nation; and (3) the operation of public and private pension plans. Provides for cooperation and mutual assistance by other Federal agencies and departments. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, fire, or discriminate against a participant or beneficiary for exercising any right extended under this Act. Stipulates that titles II and III of this Act supersede any and all State and local laws relating to the vesting, eligibility, and funding responsibilities of persons acting on behalf of employee pension benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Marine Resources Conservation and Development Act - Provides for the distribution of revenues from outer continental shelf lands. Creates a Marine Resources Conservation and Development Fund to be available for use for broad and varied marine resources conservation and development programs and costs of their administration.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1973
Creates a non-legislative Select Committee on Aging, consisting of fifteen members of the House of Representatives, and directs the Committee to conduct a full investigation on all matters pertaining to problems of older people, including problems of maintaining health, of assuring adequate income, of finding employment, of engaging in productive retirement activity, of securing proper housing, and when necessary, of assuring adequate care or assistance. Authorizes such committee to hold hearings and subpena witnesses and the production of records in carrying out its duties. Directs the Committee to report to the House the results of its study, together with legislative recommendations, as soon as practicable during the 93rd Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1973
Provides for the issuance of a special immigrant visa without fee, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, to any Vietnamese who has been orphaned by abandonment by one or both parents, one of which is a United States citizen.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1973
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the fourth Sunday of November of each year as "National Grandparents' Day". Calls upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Alaskan Petroleum Transmission Act - Finds that, since energy sources are in short supply, the Congress should act to hasten recovery of underground petroleum on the North Slope of Alaska. Declares it to be the national policy that no decision be made for recovery of petroleum from the North Slope of Alaska until Congress has opportunity to review such plans. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a thorough study of the two principal alternative routes for recovering petroleum reserves from the North Slope of Alaska. Outlines such routes as: (1) a trans-Alaska pipeline from the North Slope to Valdez, Alaska, and then by ocean-going oil tanker taken to the west coast of the United States; and (2) an overland pipeland from the North Slope across northeastern Alaska and through Canada to the midwest section of the United States. Directs the comptroller to report his findings and conclusions to the Congress no later than January 1, 1974. Specifies the considerations to be used in making the study. Authorizes the Comptroller to enter into contracts with the National Academy of Sciences in conducting the study, and to secure information from any Federal department, agency or instrumentality. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to enter into negotiations with Canada to determine the feasibility of a right-of-way across Canadian territory for petroleum transmission facilities from the North Slope of Alaska. Directs the Secretary to report the results of their negotiations to the Congress and the Comptroller no later than December 1, 1973. Requires all reports to the Congress under this Act be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate. Prohibits any order or rule of the Secretary of the Interior , or any other Federal agency or officer of the United States, granting a right-of-way, easement, or special land use permit on any Federal land for the construction and operation of a pipeline for the transmission of petroleum from the North Slope in Alaska from taking effect until the 60-day period beginning on the date the Comptroller files his final report. Allows the Secretary to grant such right-of-way or easements after the 60-day period as he deems necessary for construction of a petroleum transmission system along a route determined by the Comptroller to be the better of two principal alternative routes, unless Congress has disapproved such a route by concurrent resolution. Allows such rights-of-way or easements be granted for such width as the Secretary determines necessary without regard to the National Environmental Policy Act. Provides that action of the Secretary under this section shall not be reviewable by any court of the United States or in any State court. Outlines the congressional procedure in making a concurrent resolution concerning the proposed route and in referring the matter to committee. Limits debate on the resolution to no more than 10 hours. Authorizes necessary funds to carry out the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Requires that future appointments to the offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Executive Director of the Domestic Council, Executive Secretary of the National Security Council, and Executive Director of the Council on International Economic Policy, shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Provides that States may not have less strict standards with respect to marketing, labeling, packaging, and ingredient requirements than those made under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. (Amends 21 U.S.C. 678)
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Provides that future appointments to the offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Youth Camp Safety Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to protect and safeguard the health and well-being of youth attending day camps, resident camps, and travel camps by providing for the establishment of Federal standards for the safe operation of youth camps. Confers upon the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Secretary for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed eighty percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to make the grants provided for in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect youth camps. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a comprehensive and detailed report on his administration under this Act. Authorizes penalties of up to $2,500 for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 1973 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to carry out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973
Makes it the policy of the Congress that our fishing industry be afforded all support necessary to have it strengthened, and all steps be taken to provide adequate protection for our coastal fisheries against excessive foreign fishing. Declares that the Congress recognizes, encourages, and intends to support the key responsibilities of the several States for conservation and scientific management of fisheries resources within United States territorial waters, and that the Congress particularly commends Federal programs designed to improve coordinated protection, enhancement, and scientific management of all United States fisheries, both coastal and distant, including presently successful Federal aid programs under the Commercial Fisheries, Research and Development Act of 1964, and the newly developing Federal-State fisheries management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1973
National Diabetes Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to expand the authority of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases in order to advance the national attack on diabetes. Authorizes the Director to the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases, with the advice of the National Advisory Council of the Institute, to develop a plan for a national diabetes program. Sets forth general guidelines for such program and provides that the program shall be coordinated with the other programs conducted or administered by the research institutes of the National Institure of Health. Provides that the plan required to be developed by this Act shall be developed within two hundred seventy days after the effective date of this Act. Requires the Director of the Institute at the end of each calender year, to prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report on the activities, progress and accomplishments under the progrom during the preceding year and a plan for the program for the succeding five-year period. to establish programs as necessary in cooperation with other Federal health agencies, state, local and regional public health agencies, and nonprofit private health agencies, in the prevention, control diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, appropriately emphasizing the prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of such diseases in children. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $35,000,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $45,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, for the purpose of establishing such programs. States that the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases may provide for the development of not less that fifteen centers for basic and clinical research into, training in, and demonstration of advanced diagnostic, prevention and treatment methods for diabetes prevention. States that support of such a center may be for a period of not to exceed five years and may be extended by the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases for additional periods of not more than five years each, after review of the operations of the centers by a scientific review group established by the Director. Establishes an Interagency Technical Committee on Diabetes which shall be responsible for coordinating those aspects of all Federal Health Programs and activities relating to diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 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 · 24 May 1973
Establishes a Joint Committee on Energy in the Congress of the United States. Provides that such Joint Committee shall make a continuing investigation and study of the problems relating to the development and use of all forms of energy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Prohibits the transportation of contraband cigarettes in interstate commerce. Defines contraband cigarettes as a quantity in excess of twenty thousand cigarettes, bearing no evidence of the payment of applicable state cigarette taxes, in the possession of unauthorized carriers. Provides for the swizure and fordeiture of cigarettes transported and vehicles used for such transportation in violation of State laws. Provides for a penalty of a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for anyone biolating this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 14 May 1973
Requires that the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare shall make provisions for the repayment of unrecovered sums paid to providers of services under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Health Insurance for the Aged) at the beginning of such providers' participation in the insurance programs established by such Act. States that any repayment plan agreed upon may provide for repayment totally or in part by way of offsetting the amount to be recovered against any amounts otherwise owed by the United States to such provider for services rendered under such program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 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 · 9 May 1973
Defines Continental Shelf fishery resources which appertain to the United States. States that such resources refer to living organisms belonging to sedentary species; that is to say, organisms which, at the harvestable stage, either are immobile on or under the seabed or are unable to move except in constant physical contact with the seabed or the subsoil of the Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 19 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 · 18 April 1973
Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, a credit against the individual income tax for expenses paid by the taxpayer for the higher education of any individual, including the taxpayer. Excludes scholarships and fellowship grants, and educational assistance benefits paid by the Veterans' Administration, from such expenses paid for education purposes under this Act. Limits the eligibility for tax credit. Provides that the credit allowed to the taxpayer during the taxable year shall not exceed an amount equal to the sum of: (1) 100 percent of so much of the education expenses as does not exceed $200; (2) 75 percent of so much of such expenses as exceeds $200 but does not exceed $500; and (3) 25 percent of so much of such expenses as exceeds $500 but does not exceed $1,500. Reduces the credit allowable under this Act by an amount equal to 1 percent of the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income under the code exceeds $19,000.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Allows an income tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for expenses (including tuition, fees, books, and supplies) paid by a taxpayer to any private nonprofit elementary or secondary school for the education of any dependent for whom the taxpayer is allowed an income tax exemption. Limits such credit for a taxpayer to the lesser of 100 percent of expenses or $200. Reduces expenses of higher education of any individual paid during the taxable year by an amout equal to 1 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceed $19,000. Provides that any payment which is taken into account in determing the tax credit shall not result in a tax refund.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Broadens the provisions of existing law relating to the care and treatment of animals to cover common carriers and retail pet stores, and to cover any bird when used in connection with a retail pet store. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2132(f) (g)) Provides that the standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture under such provisions of law for the humane treatment of animals shall apply with respect to the facilities of any person licensed under such provisions of law and also to terminal facilities used by any common carrier licensed thereunder. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2143)
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Requires, under the Freedom of Information Act that all information from any Government agency shall be made available to Congress upon request, except where Executive privilege is invoked. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 552(d))
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Creates the Military Installation Closing Commission with members from specified Government agencies, the legislative branch, and the private sector. States that the Commission's duties shall be to review and evaluate any decision of the Department of Defense to close any military installation with a view toward determining whether the closing of such installation is in the best interests of national defense, the nation's economy, and military efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Permits a former President and his surviving spouse to send mail within the United States as franked mail, and international mail under the marking "Postage and Fees Paid" in the manner prescribed by the Postal Service. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3214) Specifies that the postage on such mailed matter shall be paid by reimbursement of the postal revenues each fiscal year out the general funds of the Treasury. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3216)
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Prohibits any Government agency from distributing or selling to any person any list of names and addresses of: (1) employees or former employees; (2) persons licensed by or required to file information with the agency; or (3) members or former members of the Armed Forces. Permits an agency to make available such list if the person seeking the list certifies that it will not be used for commercial, solicitation, or unlawful purposes, or if the list is made available as a necessary part of the agency's statutory functions. Prescribes a penalty of imprisonment for not more than one year, or a fine of $10,000, or both, for violations of the provisions of this Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C.552(c))
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Federal-Aid Highway and Public Transportation Act - Provides authorizations for the interstate highway program through fiscal year 1980. Provides for the use of the apportionment factors contained in revised table 5 of the 1972 interstate system cost estimate for the apportionment of interstate system funds for fiscal years 1974, 1975 and 1976. Extends the time for completion of the interstate system until June 30, 1980. Authorizes appropriations out of the highway trust fund for: (1) the Federal-aid primary system in rural areas; (2) the Federal-Aid urban system; (3) forest highways; (4) public lands highways; and (5) Indian reservation roads and bridges. Provides for authorizations for landscapping and scenic enhancement and for the administrative expenses of the beautification program. States that the primary system shall consist of an adequate system of arterial routes in rural areas important to interstate, statewide, or regional travel. Provides that each State designate such a system subject to the approval of the Secretary of Transportation. States that the secondary system shall consist of major collection routes in rural area and designated by each State and appropriate local officials in cooperation with each other subject to the Secretary's approval. Provides that at any time prior to July 1, 1974, upon the joint request of a State and the local governments concerned, the Secretary can withdraw his approval of any controversial interstate segment if he determines it is not essential to the completion of a unified and connected interstate system. Provides that the Secretary must receive assurances that the State does not intend to construct a toll road in the traffic corridor which the removed segment would have served. Requires the Secretary to remove interstate segments from designation as a part of the interstate system where a State has not established a construction schedule within the period of availability of funds authorized to be appropriated for completion of the interstate system and where the secretary has received no assurances that such schedule will be met. Substitutes the total population outside of urbanized areas for the general population in the Federal-aid primary apportionment formula. Provides that no less than 10 percent nor more than 30 percent of the funds apportioned to a State for the primary system will be available to the State for the secondary system. Provides that, in improving Federal-aid urban system projects, traffic operations improvement programs and fringe and corridor parking will be given full consideration in selecting projects on the urban system. Extends from 7 to 10 years the allowable time period within which highway construction must begin following the advance purchase of rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to make a final inspection of projects completed after the issuance of a certification of State capability and requires an adequate report of the estimated and actual cost of construction. Permits specified ferries to travel in international waters when operating between the islands which comprise Hawaii and when operating solely between Alaska and Washington. Authorizes the Secretary to remove outdoor advertising not in compliance with State law no later than five years after the signs become nonconforming. Authorizes the Secretary to provide standards for the erection along the interstate system of signs providing specific information. Requires the Secretary to cooperate with the States in the development of transportation plans and programs which are formulated with due consideration to their probable effect on the future development of urbanized areas. Extends authorization for the highway construction training program. Authorizes the use of funds apportioned to each State for the Federal-aid urban system to finance the Federal share of the costs of public mass transportation projects. Defines the acceptable types of mass transportation. Provides that sums appropriated for the Federal-aid system shall be available for bicycle transportation, pedestrian walkways and equestrian trails, established on or in conjunction with highways or other appropriate rights-of-way. Permits the financing of research and planning for transportation program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration; to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of H.E.W. under titles I through III of this Act. Creates within such administration a Division of Research, Training and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title III of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in appropriations for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $660,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $710,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped invididuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for fiscal years 1974-76 to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or non-profit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Provides for a special study by the Secretary of the needs of severely handicapped persons who would otherwise be ineligible for services under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to establish national centers for spinal cord injuries. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals consisting of twenty members appointed by the Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance for construction projects under this title. Title III: Research and Training - Provides that the commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title IV: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving stated goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Provides for a study of the role of sheltered workshops in the rehabilitation and employment of handicapped individuals. Title V: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title such sums as necessary. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate problems of handicapped persons in the areas of architecture and transportation, and to make legislative recommendations to the President and the Congress. Requires any contract in excess of $2500 entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provision requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Provides that the minority party, upon request, be provided with up to one-third of a committee's investigative staff funds pursuant to the rules of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Newmen's Privilege Act - Provides definitions of "agency of the United States," "confidential information," "confidential source," "court of the United States," "newsman," and "Federal grand jury," for purposes of this Act. Provides that no person called to testify whether by subpeona or otherwise, before any agency of the United States, or before either House of Congress, a joint committee of the two Houses, a committee or subcommittee of either House, or a Federal grand jury, shall be required to disclose any information or the source thereof which is received by him in his capacity as a newsman. Provides that no person called to testify (whether by subpeona or otherwise) in any civil or criminal action in any court of the United States shall be required to disclose any confidential information or the source if it was received by him in his capacity as a newsman, unless the court finds that the party seeking the information or identity has established by clear and convincing evidence that such information or identity is relevant to a significant issue in the action and cannot be obtained by alternative means. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1841-43)
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to construct and provide shoreside facilities for the education and convenience of visitors to the United States Ship Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and to transfer responsibility for their operation and maintenance to the National Park Service. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,500,000 for the planning, construction, equipping, and furnishing of such facilities, such sum to be in addition to the regular budgetary appropriations for the Department of the Navy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
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 · 14 March 1973
Federal Act to Control Expenditures and Upgrade Priorities - Title I: Legislative Budget - Establishes a joint committee of the Congress which shall be known as the Joint Committee on the Budget. Provides that the joint committee shall be composed of nine members of the House of Representatives and nine members of the Senate. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. States that upon the submission of the Budget by the President for each fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 1974, the joint committee shall promptly review the budget for the purpose of formulating and submitting to the Senate and the House of Representatives, a legislative budget for that fiscal year. Provides that this budget must be submitted prior to the consideration of any bill or joint resolution appropriating or authorizing appropriations for any fiscal year. Title II: Five-Year Budget Projections - Provides that the Budget submitted by the President shall set forth estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations necessary in his judgement for the support of the Government for the ensuing fiscal year and the four years following the ensuing fiscal year. Requires the President to transmit to Congress during the first fifteen days of each regular session an alternative budget taking into account contingency plans in the event of major disasters or economic or strategic dislocations. Provides that the committee report accompanying each bill or resolution of a public character reported by any committee of the Senate or the House of Representatives (except the Committee on Appropriations of each House) shall contain: (1) an estimate, made by such committee, of the costs which would be incurred in carrying out such bill or joint resolution in the fiscal year in which it is to become effective and in each of the four fiscal years following such fiscal year, together with the basis for each such estimate; (2) a comparison of the estimate of costs made by any Federal agency; and (3) a list of existing and proposed Federal programs which provide or would provide financial assistance for the objectives of the program or programs authorized by the bill or joint resolution. Title III: Three-Year Limitation on Authorizations For Appropriations; Congressional Review of Major Expenditure Programs - Requires each committee of Congress which has jurisdiction to report legislation authorizing appropriations for a major expenditure program to conduct a major review of such program during the last fiscal year for which appropriations are authorized for such program and to submit a report thereon to the appropriate House of Congress. Includes in such report a cost-benefit analysis of the program and the committee's evaluation of the overall success or failure of the program. Title IV: Pilot Testing of New Major Expenditure Programs - Requires each bill or resolution which establishes a new major expenditure program to provide for a pilot test of such program which shall be conducted for at least two complete fiscal or calendar years. Provides that the results of such tests shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Provides that each such committee shall study the reports and submit a report thereon to the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be. u Title V: Requirement of Annual Appropriations - States that all provisions of law permanently appropriating moneys out of the Treasury (including trust funds) shall have no force or effect and moneys may be paid out of the Treasury to defray expenditures incurred in any fiscal year only pursuant to appropriation Acts enacted for that fiscal year. Title VI: Exercise of Rulemaking Power - Enacts specified sections of this Act as an exercise of the rulemaking powers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration and to establish within the Department of Health, Education, Welfare, an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of H.E.W. under titles I through IV of this Act. Creates within such Administration a Division of Research, Training and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title IV of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the cost of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title and approved for participation in programs under this title and under title II of this Act. Authorizes judicial review in Unites States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitational counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individuals employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped individuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to establish offices in ten to twenty geographically dispersed regions for client assistance pilot projects to provide counselors to inform and advise all clients and client applicants in the project area of all available benefits under this Act and to assist them in their relationships with projects, programs, and facilities providing services to them under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist the several States in developing and implementing continuing plans for meeting the current and future needs of handicapped individuals for whom a vocational goal is not possible or feasible. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for grants to carry out the purposes of this title. Specifies the formula to be utilized in alloting such funds to the States. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies or organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for research and demonstration and training which hold promise of making a substantial contribution to the solution of problems related to the rehabilitation of individuals under this title. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the cost of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage for the construction of facilities for programs for handicapped individuals. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used by the Commissioner as a revolving fund for carrying out the insurance provisions of this part. Provides that the total amount of outstanding mortgages shall not exceed $250,000,000. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for initial capital for such Fund. Authorizes the Commissioner to make annual interest grants to assist States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants in accordance with this part. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects or demonstrations for the provision of of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers and to members of their families who are with them. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making grants under this part, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated for construction $600,000 for fiscal year 1973, $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as Congress deems necessary for fiscal year 1973 and for the next two succeding fiscal years for making grants and contracts for the expansion and improvement of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services for deaf and blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of establishing and operating National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated, for providing services for the treatment of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) provide policy advice and consultation to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Commissioner; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act; and (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as Congress deems necessary for fiscal year 1973 and for each of fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the functions of the Council. Title IV: Research and Training - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for the purpose of planning and conducting research, demonstrations, and related activities, which bear directly on the development of methods, procedures, and devices to assist in the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps. Authorizes to be appropriated for such research activities $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contract with States and public and nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals and in performing other functions necessary to the development of such services. Authorizes to be appropriated for such training grants $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Provides that, in carrying out his duties under this Act, the Commissioner shall: (1) cooperate with, and render technical assistance to, States in matters relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals; (2) provide short-term training and instruction in technical matters relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services; and (3) disseminate information relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services, and otherwise promote the cause of the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and their greater utilization in gainful and suitable employment. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) prepare a long-range projection for the provisions of comprehensive services to handicapped individuals; (2) analyze program operations; (3) encourage coordinated and cooperative planning; (4) provide assistance to other committees advising the Secretary; (5) develop means of promoting scientific research to bring about the full integration of handicapped individuals into all aspects of society; and (6) provide a central clearinghouse for information and resource availability for handicapped individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated for purposes of this title such sums as may be necessary for the fiscal year 1973 and for the next two fiscal years. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Provides that the Vocational Rehabilitation Act is repealed ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees to insure the adequacy of hiring, placement, and advancement practices with respect to handicapped individuals by each department, agency, and instrucmentality of the executive branch of the Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to identify and eliminate transportation barriers that impede the mobility of handicapped individuals and aged handicapped individuals, and to prepare plans and proposals for such further action as may be necessary to the goals for adequate transportation and housing for handicapped individuals. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, and attitudinal barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for the fiscal 1973 and for the next two fiscal years to carry out the duties and functions of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 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 an Administration on Aging, headed by the Commissioner of Aging, to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource Clearing House 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. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 for fiscal year 1973; $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $1,250,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of the Center. Establishes the Federal 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; and to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government with emphasis on identifying unsolved problems of older Americans. 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. Repeals Title VIII of the Older Americans 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 to concentrate resources in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development of comprehensive systems to serve older persons. Authorizes $85,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for State grants to social services programs. 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 $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $20,000,000 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. Authorizes appropriations totaling $215,000,000 for fiscal years 1973-1975 for grants for model projects designed to promote the well-being of older persons. 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 $11,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to and training personnel in the field of aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $30,000,000 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 totaling $45,000,000 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. 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: Amendments to Other Acts - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States to carry out public library service programs to older persons. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts through fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher education to assist them in programs designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older Americans - Older American Community Service Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an employment program for older Americans to promote useful part-time work for unemployed, low-income persons who are 55 years old or older and who have poor employment prospects. Sets forth the requirements which a project must meet prior to receiving payments from the Secretary. Requires that the amounts appropriated under this title be apportioned equitably within each State, taking into consideration the proportion which eligible persons in each area bears to the total number of persons in the State. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Provides that no license granted for the operation of a broadcasting station under the Communications Act of 1934 shall be for a longer term than five years. Provides for renewal of such license where the Federal Communications Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served. Provides that an applicant for renewal who is legally, financially and technically qualified shall be awarded the license if such applicant shows that its broadcast service during the preceding license period has reflected a good-faith effort to serve the needs and interests of its area as represented in its immediately preceding and pending license renewal application and if it has not demonstrated a callous disregard for law or the Commission's regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Travel Agents Registration Act - Declares the finding of Congress that it is in the public interest to strengthen the travel agency industry and to maintain public confidence in travel agents by regulating travel agents. Provides that on and after January 1, 1973, no person shall, directly or indirectly, engage in the business of conducting a travel agency without having first received a registration certificate as provided by this Act. Establishes in the Department of Transportation a Bureau of Travel Agents Registration, headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary of Transportation. Establishes a Travel Agents Registration Board to advise the Director and to pass on applications for registration certificates. Provides that the Director shall promulgate such rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, those necessary to require sound financial practices by registered travel agents and those considered necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides that the Secretary shall establish such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act, and shall promulgate a binding code of ethics for the travel agency industry. Requires the granting of a certificate by the Director if the applicant was conducting a travel agency on September 3, 1968, has been doing so for two or more years, and has been approved for appointment as an agent for two or more years by two or more conferences of air or steamship carriers, unless the Director makes a specific determination that the applicant lacks good character or financial integrity. Provides that when an application for a registration certificate shall have been examined by the Director and the Director, with the advice of the Board, has determined that the applicant has complied with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Director and the Director, with the advice of the Board, shall have determined that the applicant, if issued a certificate of authorization, would provide a useful public service, the Director shall issue and deliver a registration certificate to the applicant. Provides that a registration certificate shall not be issued to any person who has been convicted in any State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a possession of the United States, of a felony or a crime concerning activities prohibited by this Act. Provides that registration certificates issued pursuant to this title shall not be assignable or transferable, and shall expire every second year. Provides for a fine of up to $1,000 upon a finding that the holder of a registration certificate has engaged in any of the following practices: (1) fraud or bribery in securing a registration certificate issued pursuant to this title; (2) the making of any false statement as to a material matter in any application or other statement required by or pursuant to this title; (3) violation of any provision of this title or any code, rule, or regulation adopted hereunder; (4) any fraud or fraudulent practice in the operation and conduct of a travel agency business including, but not limited to, intentionally misleading advertising; (5) activities prohibited by this title leading to conviction of a misdemeanor; and (6) activities leading to conviction of a felony. Provides for the revocation of the certificates of a registered agency for violations of this title after an opportunity for a hearing and review by the United States court of appeals Provides penalties of up to $500 or imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or both, for any knowing and willful violations of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Includes land located in any State or foreign country within the definition of subdivision for the purposes of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act and defines the term interstate advertising for the purposes of the Act. Provides that a purchaser of a subdivision lot may revoke the contract for such purchase within 72 hours (formerly 48 hours) excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, where he received a property report less than 48 hours before he signed the contract. States that it shall be unlawful for any developer or agent to engage in interstate advertising. Provides that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit any communication, not otherwise illegal, between a developer or agent and any person who has initiated negotiations regarding the purchase of a lot or any lots in a subdivision. States that it shall be unlawful to sell or lease any lot in any subdivision unless the developer or agent gives bond to assure the completion (in substantial conformity with the estimated schedule) of the improvements to be installed by the developer as required. Provides that the expenses of every investigation of the affairs of any developer, broker, agent, or other person or organization, including any appraisal of its real property or of any real property on which it holds a mortgage, made pursuant to the authority conferred by any provision of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, shall be borne and paid by the developer or other person or organization so investigated.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Highways and Related Transportation Systems Improvement Act - Sets forth findings that highway congestion, air pollution, and related safety problems are impairing the efficiency of the highway system; and declares that the level of efficiency can be improved by developing related systems, and that both highways and related systems can best be improved by giving States and local communities greater flexibility in the use of Federal highway funds. Reduces the present authorizations of $4,000,000,000 for the Interstate System of highways for fiscal year 1974, 1975, and 1976, to the sum of $3,250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1974 through 1979. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make 1974 and 1975 Interstate System apportionments using the factors set forth in Table 5 of House Public Works Committee Print 92-29. Extends the time for completing the Interstate System by three years, from June 1976 to June 1979. Requires the Secretary to continue to report to Congress the cost of completing the Interstate System every second year, using the estimate shown therein for making apportionments for the subsequent two-year-period, upon approval of Congress. Authorizes additional mileage for the Interstate System to be used in making modifications or revisions in the Interstate System. Provides that upon joint request of the local governments, the Secretary may withdraw his approval of any route or portion thereof on the System within a State if he determines that such route is not essential to the completion of a unified and connected Interstate System. States that after the Secretary has withdrawn his approval the mileage of such route and the additional mileage authorized by this Act shall be available to the State to provide the essential connection of the Interstate System in lieu of the route or portions thereof which were withdrawn. Extends the ten percent penalty, applicable to Federal-aid highway funds appropriated to a State for failure to control outdoor advertising displays and devices which can be seen from the nearest roadway for the period after January 1, 1974. Extends the appropriations for carrying out the outdoor advertising program as follows: $20,500,000 for 1972; and $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1973, 1974 and 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated for control of junkyards in areas adjacent to the Interstate System and Federal-aid primary system highways, $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1971 and 1972; $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; and $7,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to apportion money from the Highway Trust Fund to assist States and local governments to operate, maintain, and improve highways and other transportation services, including public transit, if sufficient funds are not available from other Federal sources. Authorizes to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund the following amounts; $2,750,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $3,250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. Provides that ninety percent of these amounts are to be appropriated in accordance with a prescribed formula, and the remaining ten percent shall be available to the Secretary as a discretionary fund. States that unwarranted reductions of allocations by States to local governments for transportation purposes may result in a reduction of a like amount of Federal funds to the State concerned. Requires each State to have a comprehensive State and local transportation plan, subject to approval by the Secretary of Transportation. Provides that where a State or metropolitan plan is rejected by the Secretary, the State or local unit shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing. Limits planning and administrative costs of State or local units to three percent of the respective allocation. Provides for recordkeeping, audits, and reports. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe rules, regulations, and standards in implementing the highway and related transportation services improvement chapter. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and Congress on the developments and effectiveness of these activities. Specifies that no Federal contribution in addition to funds herein allocated shall be provided for relocation payments and assistance for those replaced by transportation activities. Provides that nothing in this chapter shall diminish the requirements respecting the establishment by States of highway safety programs approved by the Secretary of Transportations. Requires the Secretary to take such action as may be necessary to insure that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors in the performance of construction work financed with the assistance of loans or grants under this Act shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended. Provides that the Secretary shall not approve any such loan or grant without first obtaining adequate assurance that required labor standards will be maintained upon the construction work.