United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1974
Food Commodity Program Amendment - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use funds for the exportation and domestic consumption of agricultural products to purchase, without regard to the provisions of existing law governing the expenditure of public funds, agricultural commodities and their products to maintain the 1973 level of assistance for food assistance programs as are authorized by law, including but not limited to school lunch, institutions, Indian reservations not requesting a food stamp program, supplemental feeding, and domestic relief distribution. Provides that if the stocks of the Commodity Credit Corporation are not available, the Secretary may use the funds of the Corporation to purchase agricultural commodities and the products thereof under the Agricultural Act of 1949 to meet such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1974
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation shall not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66, Public Law 93-233, and subsequent cost-of-living increases under title II of the Social Security Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Consumer Energy Act - Title I; Natural Gas and Oil Regulatory Reform - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to apply uniform economic regulations to both natural gas and oil production to assure adequate supplies and availability at reasonable prices. Exempts a small producer from the provisions of this Act for an initial period of 5 years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Federal Power Commission may by regulation require any such producer to prepare and submit to it such information as the Commission determines to be necessary. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from the provisions of this Act any transportation or sale of natural gas or oil in interstate commerce with respect to any State which establishes and maintains an adequate program of regulation within such State of such transportation and sale in accordance with this Act. Requires the Commission, in a rulemaking proceeding, to establish on or before February 1, 1976, and annually thereafter to revise, a national area rate for production within the United States of natural gas and oil. Requires the Commission to establish adjustments to the national area rate for each major producing region to reflect differences in production costs, State taxation, and similar costs. States that each new producer contract shall be filed by the producer with the Commission within 30 days of its execution. Authorizes the Commission, after notice, hearing, and opportunity for public comment, to allocate natural gas among pipelines. Disallows authorization of appropriations for the Commission until either the Chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives or the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce of the Senate certifies that a comprehensive oversight investigation and hearing into and evaluation of the operations and effectiveness of the Commission has been conducted by a committee. Directs the Commission, so far as practicable, to secure and keep current information with respect to: (1) the ownership, operation, management, and control of any facility for the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil; (2) the total estimated reserves and resources of natural gas and oil of the United States (including the Outer Continental Shelf), the current production therefrom of natural gas and oil, and the ratio of such reserves and resources to the level of current production; (3) the cost of the transportation and sale of natural gas and oil, by company, nation, and type of activity; and (4) the current and projected schedule, by company, nation, and type, of capital expenditures dedicated to the exploration and development of reserves and resources of natural gas and oil in the United States, or the Outer Continental Shelf, and elsewhere throughout the world. Requires the Commission to assemble lists of major companies and other companies, agencies, institutions, and associations required to report under this section and to prepare, print, and mail to them forms to be used in compiling such reports. Provides that it shall be the duty of every major company to report annually to the Commission on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Establishes penalties for failing to furnish information as may be requested by the Commission. Title II: Emergency Interim Relief For Consumers of Oil - Provides that, immediately upon the enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 14-day period that ended January 19, 1974. Requires that, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the President shall issue an order rolling back prices of crude oil and all petroleum products to levels not to exceed the highest price levels for each such commodity prevailing during the 7-day period that ended December 1, 1973. Allows the President, after notice and an opportunity for the submission of written and oral views and comments by interested parties, to grant specific exceptions from the rollback to compensate for any increased costs incurred for crude oil and petroleum products produced or refined outside the United States, but such exceptions shall in no event allow more than a passthrough for increases in the costs of such commodities. Title III: Federal Oil and Gas Corporation - Establishes the Federal Oil and Gas Corporation. Empowers such Corporation to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, or foreign lands; (2) make available to the general public such geological and geophysical information as it acquires in the course of its activities; (3) develop and produce natural gas and oil from reserves on Federal, State, or foreign lands which it has located; (4) produce from reserves which it has developed or acquired such amounts of natural gas and oil as are necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the citizens and commerce of the United States for these energy sources; and (5) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. States that the Corporation shall build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to arrange for refining of such oil in an efficient and economical manner. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for each of the next 10 succeeding fiscal years of $50,000,000 for carrying out the provisions of this section. Title IV: Equal Treatment for Small Producers of Oil and Gas - Provides that whenever the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order direct an oil pipeline company to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, and to establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilities of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil, if the Commission finds that such a facility extension would not impair the oil pipeline company's ability to render adequate service to its customers. Prohibits an oil pipeline company from abandoning all or any portion of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any service rendered by means of such facilities, without the permission and approval of the Commission. Makes it unlawful for any oil pipeline company subject to the provisions of this Act and engaged in the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products to fail to provide any shipper of oil or petroleum products (who meets minimum tender requirements) with access or exit storage or terminal facilities at any origin or destination point. States that any oil pipeline company subject to this title that knowingly violates the provisions of this section, or aids or abets therein, shall, upon conviction thereof in any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such offense was committed, be fined not more than $150,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Provides that noncompliance with any provision of this Act, any term or condition of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any applicable rule of the Commission may be grounds for suspension or termination of the certificate of public convenience and necessity. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prepare and submit to Congress, within 12 months, a report regarding its conclusions with respect to requiring the divestiture of oil pipelines from ownership or control by any oil company which has assets of $1,000,000,000 or more together with a determination of the impact of such action upon small producers and consumers of oil and petroleum products. Title V: Fair Treatment for Retailers of Petroleum Products - Prohibits a refiner or distributor from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless such refiner or distributor has furnished a notice of intent to each distributor or retailer affected thereby. Title VI: Termination of Wasteful Rate Structures - Requires that commencing on January 1, 1975, and continuing until the removal of all rate differences which are based either on: (1) the quantity of natural gas or oil sold; or (2) any distinctions between domestic, commercial, industrial, or any other such category of use; all changes in the rates or charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas or oil company for or in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas or oil shall be such as to decrease or remove differences in such rates and charges based either on quantity sold or distinctions between categories of use.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1974
Emergency Fuel Tax Suspension Act - Suspends the excise tax on diesel and special motor fuels during the 180-day period beginning on the day following the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the President to specify a ceiling price for diesel fuel and special motor fuels at levels prevailing on January 15, 1974, less an amount per gallon equal to the amount by which excise taxes were suspended with respect to such products under this Act. States that such ceiling price shall be in effect for the 180-day period beginning on the day following the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1974
Declares that it is the purpose of Congress to: (1) establish a national transportation rate policy for all recovered materials; and (2) eliminate discriminatory transportation rates charged by regulated carriers for the movement in commerce of recovered waste and recycled or recyclable materials. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission to effect such lawful changes in the rate structure of the country as will promote the freedom of movement by common carriers of recovered materials at the lowest possible lawful rates compatible with the maintenance of adequate transportation service. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take such steps as are necessary to insure that the directives of this Act are carried out as expeditiously as possible, including the initiation of, and intervention in, proceedings before the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission to undertake studies to be completed within two years of the enactment of this Act of the feasibility of establishing a transportation rate policy for all recoverable materials. Specifies areas to be covered in such study and requires that it be submitted to Congress. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission, and the Federal Railroad Administration to establish a transportation research and demonstration program coordinated by the Secretary of Transportation with the objective of facilitating the most efficient movement of recycled materials in commerce. Prohibits any railroad, common carrier by water, or motor carrier in interstate or foreign commerce from charging, demanding or collecting any rate for the transportation of recovered materials which is unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory. Describes procedures for complaints with respect to such alleged discrimination. Provides civil penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1974
Provides that money paid to any State from sales, bonuses, royalties and rentals of public lands for the purpose of research in or development of shale oil may be used by such State for planning, construction, and maintenance of public facilities, and provision of public services, as the legislature of the State may direct.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1974
Expresses the sense of Congress that in any allocation of energy supplies or other actions by Federal departments and agencies to alleviate the energy shortage, proper consideration should be given to the provision of adequate energy supplies to all elements of the tourism industry.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1974
National Resource and Energy Conservation Act - Title I: Formal Provisions - Declares it to be the purpose of the Congress to reduce the wasteful allocation of scarce resources by recovering materials and producing energy from waste through an intensive research and development program in the Environmental Protection Agency (with the assistance of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and a program of technical assistance and support to Government agencies and persons producing or using such energy. Title II: Product Standards and Regulation - States that it shall be unlawful for any person to introduce or deliver for introduction in commerce any product which does not conform to the standards or regulations prescribed by the Administrator under this title. Provides that any person, other than a person who commits a criminal violation, who is found by the Administrator after notice and an opportunity for an adjudicative hearing to have committed an act prohibited by this title, shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty of a sum which is not more than $20,000 for each day of violation. Requires that, within one year after the date of enactment of this title, the Administrator shall promulgate and shall, from time to time, revise such standards regulating the manufacture and distribution of certain products in commerce as he determines necessary to protect health or the environment against unreasonable burdens and risks associated with the disposal of such products. Permits the Administrator or the Attorney General to file an action against any product which constitutes an imminent hazard as prescribed by this title or any product which the Administrator finds is manufactured or distributed in violation of this title for seizure of such product. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of possible methods of regulating the design, use, reuse, and recycling of certain products to reduce the generation of solid waste, reduce the consumption of virgin materials resources, or to reduce burdens on the environment associated with the manufacture, utilization, or disposal of such products. Directs the Administrator to conduct research, investigations, experiments, surveys, studies and demonstrations of means of reducing waste generation and increasing the recovery of materials and the production of energy from solid, liquid, and semisolid wastes from residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sources. Title III: Unsafe Disposal Practices - Provides that, within eighteen months after the date of enactment of this title and from time to time thereafter, the Administrator shall issue regulations in accordance with this title and after consultation with representatives of other appropriate agencies: (1) identifying unsafe disposal practices; (2) identifying hazardous wastes; and (3) establishing standards for the control of unsafe disposal practices, including requirement of a permit for persons generating hazardous wastes and establishment of requirements for permit holders. Provides that, within eighteen months after promulgation of final regulations and in accordance with this title, each State shall establish a State implementation plan to regulate disposal practices and submit such plan to the Administrator for approval. Establishes a $25,000 fine for each day of noncompliance by a violator of this title. Provides that for the purpose of developing or assisting in the development of any regulation or enforcing the provisions of this title, any person who stores, treats, transports, disposes of, or otherwise handles hazardous wastes shall, upon request of any officer or employee of the Environmental Protection Agency or of any State or political subdivision, duly designated by the Administrator, furnish or permit such person at all reasonable times to have access to, and to copy all records relating to such wastes. Requires that, within eighteen months following the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct, and upon completion, report to the Congress and the President the results of, a study of the feasibility of designing a national resource recovery plan to be implemented by the States individually or in cooperation with other States which will encourage the maximum recovery of resources from wastes and the subsequent recovery of energy from those wastes which are not otherwise recoverable. Permits the Administrator to make grants to appropriate State and interstate agencies and general purpose local governments, or combinations thereof, in an amount not to exceed 60 percent of the reasonable costs of such programs, to assist them in the administration, enforcement, planning, implementation, training, manpower development, technical assistance, public information, basic data collection, or analytical services relating to the collection, transport, processing, recovery, and disposal of hazardous waste. Requires the Administrator to conduct, encourage, cooperate with, and render financial, technical, and other assistance to appropriate authorities, agencies, an institutions, in the conduct of, research, development, investigations, experiments, surveys, and studies relating to: (1) any adverse effects on human health or the environment upon the release into the environment of material present in the land disposal solid, liquid, and semisolid waste, and methods to eliminate such effects; and (2) the development and application of new and improved methods of collecting and disposing of solid waste and processing and recovering materials and energy from solid, liquid, and semisolid wastes. Title IV: Federal Procurement and Measurement - Requires that with respect to each purchase and contract for property, the aggregate amount of which exceeds $5,000, no procurement shall be made by any procuring agency in the case of procurement items purchased through advertisement for bids, of any procurement item which in comparison with other competing items offered for sale by suppliers is not composed of the greatest percentage of recovered materials and is not to the greatest extent recyclable or reusable following the use for which it was purchased, whenever a significant difference as to these characteristics exists between such items and competing items. Title V: Material Recovery and Energy Production - Directs the Administrator, alone or in conjunction with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to conduct research, development, investigations, experiments, surveys, studies, and demonstrations of means of increasing the recovery of materials and the production of energy in usable forms, or both, from solid, liquid, and semisolid waste, from residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sources; and to develop, within three years from the date of enactment of this title, not less than three major facilities to demonstrate, substantiate, and validate any determinations made pursuant to this title. Directs the Administrator to provide funds by grant or contract to initiate, continue, supplement, and maintain research and development programs or activities which, in his judgment, appear likely to lead to the development of a facility for the recovery of materials or production of energy from waste, or both. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee and to make commitments to guarantee the payment of interest on and the principal balance of an obligation to initiate, continue, supplement, and maintain research and development of programs leading to a facility for recovery of material or production of energy from waste. Authorizes appropration to the Administrator not to exceed $50,000,000 to pay interest on, and the principal balance of, any obligation guaranteed by the Administrator as to which the obligor has defaulted. Requires each recipient of financial assistance or guarantees under this title, whether in the form of grants, subgrants, contracts, subcontracts, loans, loan or other obligation guarantees, or other arrangements, to keep such records as the Administrator shall prescribe, and that they shall be subject to audit by the Comptroller General. Title VI: Council on Environmental Representation - Environmental Representation Act - Establishes an independent agency to be known as the Council on Environmental Representation for the purpose of providing support for legal representation and assistance in proceedings, for matters relating to the quality of the environment as described in this title. States that the functions of the Council shall be to establish programs, including local offices if necessary, to provide direct legal and other assistance to eligible clients and to make grants to eligible clients for the purpose of securing adequate representation and assistance to such clients before Federal, State, and local legislative bodies, administrative agencies, and courts in matters dealing with the environment of such clients. Authorizes the Chairman of the Council to intervene as a party or otherwise participate for the purpose of representing the interests of eligible clients in any proceeding before any Federal agency in matters affecting the environment of eligible clients, regardless of whether an agreement has been reached between the Council and an eligible client with respect to representing such eligible client's interests. Directs the Chairman to establish a program for disseminating information to eligible clients with respect to the type of services which may be available under this title. Authorizes appropration for the purpose of carrying out the activities of the Council under this title, $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, and $75,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977. Title VII: National Commission on Environmental Costs - Establishes the National Commission on Environmental Costs to conduct a comprehensive study, including field testing and controlled experimentation to the extent possible, of the feasibility, practicality, and value of the establishment of a system of national disposal cost charges on all products, other than consumables; and to examine all feasible methods of environmental disclosure including notices regarding the damage done by polluters, labeling of products to indicate their environmental costs, and other means of effectively informing the public of pollution sources and alternative nonpolluting modes of public and private action. Authorizes appropriation to the Commission of such sums as may be necessary not to exceed a total of $1,500,000. Title VIII: General Provisions - Allows any person to commence a civil action for injunctive relief on his own behalf, whenever such action constitutes a case or controversy: (1) against any person (including the United States or any other governmental instrumentality or agency to the extent permitted by the eleventh amendment to the Constitution) alleged to be in violation of any regulation, order, or permit requirement promulgated pursuant to this Act; or (2) against the Administrator where there is alleged a failure of the Administrator to perform any act or duty under any title of this Act which is not discretionary with the Administrator. Requires each manufacturer of a product to which title II of this Act is applicable to establish and maintain such records, make such reports, provide such information, and make such tests as the Administrator or the Secretary of the Treasury may, at his discretion, reasonably require to enable him to determine whether such manufacturer has acted or is acting in compliance with such title II. Provides that in addition to specific authorizations for appropriations contained herein, there are authorized to be appropriated for purposes of carrying out this Act such additional sums as are necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1974
Provides that the project referred to as the Chatfield Dam and Lake on the South Platte River, Colorado, shall be designated as the "Edwin C. Johnson Dam and Lake".
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1974
Declares that it is the purpose of Congress to: (1) establish a national transportation rate policy for all recovered materials; and (2) eliminate discriminatory transportation rates charged by regulated carriers for the movement in commerce of recovered waste and recycled or recyclable materials. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission to effect such lawful changes in the rate structure of the country as will promote the freedom of movement by common carriers of recovered materials at the lowest possible lawful rates compatible with the maintenance of adequate transportation service. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take such steps as are necessary to insure that the directives of this Act are carried out as expeditiously as possible, including the initiation of, and intervention in, proceedings before the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission to undertake studies to be completed within two years of the enactment of this Act of the feasibility of establishing a transportation rate policy for all recoverable materials. Specifies areas to be covered in such study and requires that it be submitted to Congress. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission, and the Federal Railroad Administration to establish a transportation research and demonstration program coordinated by the Secretary of Transportation with the objective of facilitating the most efficient movement of recycled materials in commerce. Prohibits any railroad, common carrier by water, or motor carrier in interstate or foreign commerce from charging, demanding or collecting any rate for the transportation of recovered materials which is unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory. Describes procedures for complaints with respect to such alleged discrimination. Provides civil penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1974
Provides, under the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that it shall be an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against individuals who are physically disabled because of such disability.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Provides that if there is a collective-bargaining agreement in effect for postal service employees no party to such agreement shall terminate or modify such agreement unless the party desiring such termination or modification serves written notice upon the other party to the agreement of the proposed termination or modification not less than ninety days prior to the expiration date. Requires the party serving such notice to notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of the existence of a dispute within forty-five days of such notice, if no agreement has been reached by that time. Requires that if arbitration is selected by the parties and if they do not agree upon the procedures therefor, an arbitration board shall be established and its decisions shall be binding upon the parties. Provides that in the event the bargaining representatives agree to go on strike if an agreement cannot be reached during the forty-five-day period prior to the termination or modification, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service shall promptly communicate with the employer and the bargaining representatives and use the service's best efforts, by mediation and conciliation, to bring them into agreement, and shall continue to do so for a period of thirty days after the date of termination or modification of the agreement, during which period of time no lawful strike shall be engaged in. Prohibits reduction in rank or pay or removal from the Postal Service of postal employees because of union membership. States that in any lawful strike declared against the Postal Service by the employees thereof, the Postal Service and the bargaining representatives jointly may determine and agree upon, before the close of the third calendar day after the calendar day on which the strike becomes effective, the number of employees needed to accept, process, dispatch, and deliver specified necessary categories of mail, such as social security checks. Provides for a mandatory delivery of such mail during a strike if the parties cannot agree upon a strike-delivery method.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Authorizes additional educational assistance allowance payments to eligible veterans to partially defray the cost of tuition in an amount representing such cost which exceeds $419 for an ordinary school year, but not exceeding $600. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1682)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Escrow System Improvement Act - Requires the establishment of an escrow services plan in connection with any federally related mortgage loan if, at the time the loan is made or at any time thereafter, either the borrower of the lender requests it, and after being established any such plan shall continue in effect until the borrower has fully discharged his obligation under the laon. Requires that the contract of sale, deed or trust, or other appropriate document executed in connection with any federally related mortgage loan shall include a covenant fully informing the borrower of his right: (1) to have an escrow service plan established upon his request in connection with such loan as provided under this Act; and (2) to terminate any such plan under and in accordance with this Act. Provides that, within sixty days after the effective date of this of this Act, the lender under any federally related mortgage loan made before the effective date of this Act shall, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, provide to any borrower under such a loan a written notice: (1) of his right under this section to request the establishment of an escrow services plan; and (2) describing the advantages to the borrower of an escrow services plan. Provides that if the borrower under any federally related mortgage loan with respect to which there was established an escrow account requests the establishment of an escrow services plan under this Act, the escrow account shall be terminated upon the establishment of the escrow services plan and the balance in such account shall be treated as payments made under the escrow services plan. Requires that whenever the borrower in connection with a federally related mortgage loan has acquired an equity of at least 20 percent in the property covered by such loan: (1) the lender shall no longer have the right to require the establishment of an escrow services plan in connection with such loan; and (2) the borrower shall have the right to terminate any escrow services plan theretofore established in connection with such loan under this Act. Provides that payments of taxes and insurance premiums by the lender under any escrow services plan established in connection with a federally-related mortgage loan shall be made at such times and in such manner as will insure that the borrower receives the maximum benefit of any discounts and other financial consideration which may be allowed or provided for in the jurisdictionwhere the property which secures such loan is located.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Emergency Property Tax Relief Act - Provides that where the Secretary of the Treasury has determined that a jurisdiction has established a real property tax relief program which affords low and moderate income households a credit or other payment against the real property tax imposed by such jurisdiction, he shall reimburse said jurisdiction for one-half of the qualifying revenue losses attributable to such program. Requires a jurisdiction desiring to qualify for payments under this Act to make an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulations. Provides that whenever the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing to a jurisdiction which has had an application approved, finds that such jurisdiction no longer has a qualifying property tax relief program, he shall notify such jurisdiction that it will not be eligible to receive payments until he is satisfied that the jurisdiction has a qualifying property tax relief program. Permits a jurisdiction dissatisfied with the Secretary's decision to petition for review of that action within sixty days after notice of such action in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the jurisdiction is located.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Provides, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance), that increases in monthly insurance benefits (whether occurring by reason of increases in the cost of living or enacted by law) shall not be considered as annual income for purposes of the following benefit programs: dependency and indemnity compensation to parents of a deceased veteran, pension for non-service-connected disability or death or for service, and the Veterans' Pension Act of 1959.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for the paying of interest to individual taxpayers who file returns before March 1 if the refund check is not mailed out within 30 days after the return is filed. Requires the Internal Revenue Service to give specified information when making refunds. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 6611)
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1974
Empowers the Small Business Administration to make such loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions) as the Administration may determine to be necessary to assist, or to refinance the existing indebtedness of, any small business concern seriously affected by a shortage of energy-producing materials or by any restriction imposed by law or regulation upon travel or the use of motor fuels.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for reductions in Social Security taxes relating to the rate of tax on self-employment income for purposes of old-age, survivors, and disability insurance. States that such reductions shall apply in the case of taxes imposed with respect to self-employment income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974, and with respect to wages paid or received during calendar years after 1974. Provides for Federal participation in the costs of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act. Increases the earnings counted for benefit and tax purposes under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1974
Prohibits the dumping of spent oil shale on any Federal land other than Federal land leased for the operation of shale oil recovery facilities. Terminates the lease of Federal land of anyone who violates this Act. Provides for the recovery of treble damages for injury to the United States caused by the unlawful dumping of spent oil shale.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Provides that every person or body politic including the District of Columbia who subjects any person under the jurisdiction of the United States to the deprivation of any Constitutional right, privilege, or immunity, shall be liable to the party injured.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1974
Requires, under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods covered by such Act shall disclose each of their ingredients in the order of their predominance and by their common name. Makes provisons for such labels to disclose changes in such ingredients.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
Provides for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on any resolution to impeach the President of the United States. Authorizes the Speaker to appoint a committee of five members to provide such arrangements as may be necessary in connection with such a broadcast.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Includes, under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, breast prosthesis among the items and services for which payment may be made under the present supplementary medical insurance program of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Establishes the Energy Development and Supply Commission to be composed of five members. Prohibits service on the Commission of any individual who has at any time been affiliated with or has held pecuniary interest in any energy production or distribution industry or transportation industry. Requires members to have experience and competence regarding the environment and its protection, consumer protection and energy-related research and development. Directs the Commission to maintain research and development programs to: (1) develop low-cost, environmentally sound energy sources and energy generation, transmission, and distribution processes for transportation, industrial, and residential use, and other areas, with primary emphasis on the development of all aspects of solar energy sources; (2) develop processes and techniques of energy conservation for use in construction, transportation, and in the manufacture of consumer and capital goods; and (3) develop new fuels for self-propelled vehicles, and, with respect to such vehicles, alternatives to the internal combusion engine. Orders the Commission to establish and maintain national defense petroleum reserves on public lands of the United States which shall have a petroleum-producing capacity sufficient to protect the United States against a continuous one-year interruption of importation of petroleum. Directs the Commission to prepare annually an inventory of mineral deposits in the Nation and to submit such inventory to the Atomic Energy Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Secretary of the Interior in order to promote coordination among them regarding energy planning. States that any prospector, mine operator, or well operator who makes any discovery of any substantial mineral deposit shall file a report with the Commission setting forth: (1) the type of mineral, the estimated volume of the deposit, and the estimated quality of the unprocessed mineral; and (2) the location of the deposit. Directs the Commission to prepare: (1) a report, from time to time for submission to the Attorney General of the United States, recommending action to preserve competition among businesses engaged in the production of coal, oil, natural gas, or uranium; and (2) a report, to be submitted annually to the Congress, setting forth information regarding the supply of mineral deposits discovered during the preceding calendar year, and the estimate of the Commission of the total remaining mineral reserves of the Nation by categories. Imposes taxes of 1/10 of 1 cent per kilowatt of electricity; 10 cents per thousand cubic feet of natural gas; and 1/2 cent per gallon of special distillate and residual fuel sold or otherwise transferred to any person for his own consumption. Increases the gas tax from 4 to 8 cents per gallon. Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Development and Supply Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriation of necessary sums to the fund to carry out this Act. States that this Act shall cease to have effect on September 30, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Denies a tax deduction for any expenditure of any oil company for advertising not directly related to the sale of products or services under the Internal Revenue Code States that this prohibition shall not be construed to apply to the allowance of a deduction for expenses incurred in appearances before the committees, or individual Members of Congress or of any body of a State.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Adds the Escalante Trail to the National Trails Act. Describes such trail as the route of the 1776 expedition of Father Velez de Escalante through New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Community Mental Health Centers Amendments Act - Enumerates the comprehensive mental health services which shall be provided through a community mental health center. Directs that the provision of comprehensive mental health services through a center shall be coordinated with the provision of services by other health and social service agencies in the center's area. Sets forth the elements to be included in applications for Federal grants to community mental health centers, including assurance that the center will provide an adequate reporting system, provide services responsive to the needs of the local population, develop a plan for adequate financing when assistance under this Act is reduced or terminated, and provide a reasonable volume of services for persons unable to pay for them. Sets forth additional criteria for approval of the application by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private community mental health centers to assist them in meeting their costs of operation during the first five years after their establishment. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to any community mental health center for the costs of providing the consultation and education services described in this Act if the center received a staffing grant under this Act or other grants as provided by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out projects to develop community mental health center programs for areas designated by the Secretary as urban or rural poverty areas. Lists authorized appropriations for grants provided under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make financial distress grants for the operation of community mental health centers. Sets forth criteria for such grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 for such grants. Directs the Secretary to pay the Federal share of projects for: (1) the acquisition and/or remodeling of facilities for community mental health centers; (2) the leasing of facilities for such centers; (3) the construction of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities for community mental health centers; and (4) the initial equipment of a facility receiving financial assistance through these methods. Sets forth the method of computation of the Federal share. Directs the Secretary, for each fiscal year, to make allotments from the sums appropriated under this Act to the States on the basis of: (1) population; (2) the extent of the need for community mental health centers; and (3) the financial need of the respective States. Provides that such allotment may not be made to a State unless the State has submitted an approved State plan to the Secretary for community mental health centers. Sets forth the necessary elements to be contained in State plans. Provides for judicial review of any disapproval by the Secretary of projects under State plans. Provides for the recovery by the United States of any community mental health center facility remodeled, constructed, or acquired with funds provided under this Act, at any time within twenty years after completion, if such facility: (1) is transferred to any person or entity not qualified to file an application under this Act; or (2) ceases to be used by a community mental health center.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should evaluate the commodity requirements of the domestic economy to determine which commodities should be designated as in short supply for purposes of taxation of Domestic International Sales Corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Disallows, under the Internal Revenue Code, percentage depletion deductions on foreign oil and gas wells, tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs for foreign oil or gas wells, and tax credits for income, war profits, or excess profits tax paid or accrued which is attributable to income from foreign oil or gas wells. Allows a tax deduction for excess profits taxes imposed by foreign countries to the extent a credit is denied for such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Establishes a formula for income averaging under the Internal Revenue Code in the event of a downward fluctuation in income. Provides that if an eligible individual has reduced income for the computation year and the amount of such income exceeds $3,000, then the tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code for the computation year shall be the tax which would be imposed on 80 percent of the average base period income, minus five times the decrease in such tax which would result from subtracting 20 percent of reduced income from 80 percent of average base period income.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Energy Information Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Bureau of Energy Information - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Commerce a Bureau of Energy Information to be a main line component of the Social and Economic Statistics Administration, coequal with the Bureau of the Census. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to perform the duties conferred upon the Bureau by this title or delegate any of them. Provides that the Bureau shall be headed by a Director of Energy Information to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the principal function of the Bureau shall be to operate, maintain, and improve the National Energy Information System established by Title II of this Act. Enumerates the work priorities of the Bureau. Title II: National Energy Information System - Establishes a National Energy Information System, to be operated and maintained by the Bureau. Directs that the components of the System shall be: (1) a public library of energy information; (2) a confidential library of energy information for restricted governmental use; and (3) a secret library of energy information for use only in preparing anonymous statistics. Specifies the characteristics of the System. States that the purpose of the public library is to make available to the general public promptly and conveniently as much of the information in the System as can be released consistently with national security and reasonable competitive equities. States that the purpose of the secret library is to serve the Nation's need for accurate statistical information on mineral fuel reserves, natural energy resources, and energy industries. Directs the Director to place in the secret library information obtained under authority of this Act for which either the national security or reasonable competitive equities require that the information be wholly suppressed or be published only in statistical aggregations of a size and type sufficient to prevent any person from learning or inferring the data furnished by any particular establishment or individual. Prescribes the priorities for entry of information into the System. Enumerates the standards for entry of information into the public, confidential, and secret libraries. Imposes penalties on any employee of the Bureau or other employee who, having taken and subscribed the oath of office, publishes or communicates, without the written authority of the Secretary or the Director, any information coming into his possession by reason of his employment from or for entry in the confidential library or the secret library of the System. Penalizes refusal or neglect to provide information, and the providing of false information, under this Act. Title III: Energy Resources Inventories and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis an inventory of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources in the public lands of the United States, including the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifies the content of such compilation. Title IV: Information on Mineral Fuel Reserves and Natural Energy Resources - Makes it the duty of every substantial energy resources company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce to report annually to the Director full and complete details of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources which it, together with its affiliates, owns or controls anywhere in the world. Provides that all reports required by this title and title V shall be entered by the Director, immediately upon receipt, into one of the three libraries of the System. Title V: Information on the Energy Industries - Makes it the duty of every major energy company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce, to report annually to the Director on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Specifies the content of such reports. Authorizes the requiring of additional reports, at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce or the Director. Title VI: General Accounting Office Oversight - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to review and evaluate the procedures and activities of the Bureau. Title VII: Conformance of and with Other Statutes - Provides that whenever any of the information obtained from any major energy company under this Act is contained in any other report of such company, such report having been filed prior to the effective date of this Act, the Director may excuse such company from filing a report with him, containing the same information. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Reports Act. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Provides that if any provision of this Act or the applicability thereof is held invalid the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior such amounts, as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such Departments by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1974
Makes it the sense of the House that, during the period pending consideration and action by the Senate upon the bill H.R. 10710, as introduced in the first session of the Congress, cited as the "Trade Reform Act of 1973" and as amended and passed by the House, no loan, guarantee, insurance, or credit shall be extended by the Export-Import Bank of the United States to any nonmarket economy country (other than any such country whose products are eligible for column 1 tariff treatment on the date of the enactment of this resolution), and no such country shall participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Creates a select committee to be composed of nine Members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker, one of whom he shall designate as chairman. Provides that any vacancy occurring in the membership of the committee shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. Authorizes the committee to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of the role of the oil and gas industry in contributing to the current energy crisis. States that for the purpose of carrying out this resolution the committee, or any subcommittee thereof authorized by the committee to hold hearings, is authorized to sit and act during the present Congress at such times and places within the United States, including any Commonwealth or possession thereof, whether the House is in session, has recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents, as it deems necessary; except that neither the committee nor any subcommittee thereof may sit while the House is meeting unless special leave to sit shall have been obtained from the House. Provides that subpenas may be issued under the signature of the chairman of the committee or any member of the committee designated by him, and may be served by any person designated by such chairman or member. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable. States that any such report which is made when the House is not in session shall be filed with the Clerk of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1973
Freedom of Information Act Security Classification Amendments - Sets forth statutory provisions governing the administration of the Security Classsification System under the Freedom of Information Act. Establishes an independent Classification Review Commission, with regulatory and quasi-adjudicatory authority over the administration of the Security Classification System. Provides the Commission with responsibility for settling disputes between the Congress and the Executive branch over access to classified information requested by a majority of either House of Congress, by Congressional committees, or by the Comptroller General of the United States. States that decisions of the Commission in this field are subject to judicial review. Limits the authority of executive departments, agencies, and officials to classify documents. Provides for automatic declassification after 15 years of national defense information previously classified. Limits the classification period for "Top Secret" documents and information to three years, except for a category of highly sensitive national defense information. Provides for enforcement mechanisms to prevent classification of documents to hide incompetence, inefficiency, wrong doing, or embarrassment. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552(d))
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1973
Makes it an unlawful employment practice, under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to discriminate against individuals who are physically handicapped because of such handicap. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 2000e-2)
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1973
Emergency Chlorine Allocation Act - Declares that there is a national shortage of chlorine and other chemicals and substances used for safe drinking water and for waste water treatment purposes and that such shortage presents a substancial threat to the public health. Revises the Public Health Service Act by providing that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall promulgate regulations providing for mandatory allocation of chlorine, activated carbon, lime, ammonia, soda ash, or other chemical or substance used in the treatment of drinking water or waste water, such regulations to only apply to chlorine unless the other chemicals are also found to be in short supply. Authorizes the Administrator to hold such hearings and receive such evidence as he deems necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to gather such information from and make such inspections of producers and importers of chlorine or other allocated chemicals as are necessary to carry out this Act. Provides penalties for failure to comply with regulations promulgated under this Act. Provides that no provision of this Act shall be deemed to convey to any person subject to the Act immunity from civil or criminal liability, or to create defenses to actions, under the antitrust laws. Sets forth exceptious to the antitrust provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1973
Directs that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, in prescribing standards for skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities under the Social Security Act, shall require that such facilities adopt and make public a statement of the rights and responsibilities of the patients in such facilities and treat their patients in accordance with the provisions of such public statement. Enumerates the guarantees of rights which must be included in such statements. Provides that each facility make available a copy of the statement to each patient and provide appropriate staff training to implement each patient's right included in the statement.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Solar Energy Act - Requires that the Secretary of Commerce shall conduct research into how solar energy can be used to heat and cool buildings and shall collect appropriate weather data for the various climatic regions of the United States for the purpose of determining the extent to which reliance upon solar energy is feasible in each region. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and test new building designs and construction methods which involve the utilization of solar energy equipment; and (2) prescribe standards and specifications for such building designs and construction methods. States that in determining the maximum dollar amount of a mortgage which may be insured under the National Housing Act, with respect to any dwelling or residence which involves a building design or construction methods which meet the standards prescribed by the Secretary, he may increase the maximum amount of a mortgage which may be insured with respect to such dwelling or residence by the amount by which the cost of using such building design or construction methods exceeds the cost of using conventional building design and construction methods.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Prohibits any mass transportation system from charging, for one year a rate higher than the rate of fare in effect on November 15, 1973. States that any mass transit system which violates this Act shall be liable for a civil penalty of $10,000 for each day such system is in violation, and such mass transportation system shall be liable to the United States for all amounts received in excess of the present fare. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for the purpose of making grants to any mass transportation system which is so adversely affected by the provisions of this Act that such transportation system may be forced to curtail or shut down its operations as a result of such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1973
Carpool Service Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants and provide technical assistance to units of general local government to implement programs which are designed to increase the use of carpools by commuters.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1973
Freedom of Access for the Elderly and Handicapped Act - Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code, a deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Rape Prevention and Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of specified areas, including: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; (4) the causes of rape; and (5) sexual assaults in correctional institutions. Provides that the Center shall compile and publish annually a summary of its findings. Directs the Center to develop an information clearinghouse with regard to enumerated materials regarding rape and rehabilitation of offenders. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Provides that the Secretary, through the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape, shall make grants to community mental health centers, nonprofit private organizations, and public agencies for the purpose of conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him on matters relating to rape prevention and control.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
States that under the Medicare provisions of the Social Security Act the inpatient hospital deductible shall be $72 in the case of any spell of illness beginning before 1975. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to, between July 1 and October 1 of 1974, and of each year thereafter, determine and promulgate the inpatient hospital deductible which shall be applicable in the case of any spell of illness beginning during the succeeding calendar year. Provides that such inpatient hospital deductible shall be equal to $72 multiplied by the ratio of (A) the current average per diem rate for inpatient hospital services for the calendar year preceeding the promulgation, or (B) the current average per diem rate for such services for 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
Escrow Account System Improvement Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act, recognizing that the escrow system is a valuable asset to borrowers, lenders, and local taxing authorities alike, to preserve and strengthen such system to the maximum extent possible while eliminating the inequities and abuses which have too often kept it from being fully effective. Requires an escrow account to be established in connection with any federally related mortgage loan if, at the time the loan is made or at any time thereafter, either the borrower or the lender requests it. States that any such account shall be continuously maintained (without any right on the part of the borrower to withdraw any part thereof) until the borrower has fully discharged his obligation under the loan. Provides that whenever the borrower in connection with a federally related mortgage loan has acquired an equity of at least 20 percent in the property covered by the loan and enters into an agreement to maintain a savings account with a balance equal to assessments, and hazard insurance premiums: (1) the lender shall no longer have the right to require the establishment of an escrow account in connection with such loan, and (2) the borrower shall have the right to terminate any escrow account theretofore established in connection with such loan. States that on each deposit in an escrow account which is made, in connection with a federally related mortgage loan, to a bank, interest shall be paid from the date of deposit to the date of withdrawal at a rate not less than the rate then prevailing for loans by Federal Reserve banks to member banks in the district where the property involved is situated. Sets forth limitations on requirements by lenders of advance deposits in escrow accounts of taxes and insurance premiums. Provides that payments of taxes and insurance premiums by the lender from any escrow account in connection with a federally related mortgage loan shall be made at such times and in such manner as will insure that the borrowers receive the maximum benefit of any discounts and other financial considerations which may be allowed or provided in the jurisdiction where the escrow account is being held.
![Official portrait of Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000142_200.jpg)