United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1974
Establishes as the penalty for kidnapping a term of imprisonment not less than ten years without opportunity for suspension of sentence, probation, or parole. Requires the death penalty where the victim is not returned physically unharmed. Provides that the unexplained disappearance of any person for more than 24 hours, if there is any evidence of a kidnap, shall create a rebuttable presumption that such person has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1201)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Provides for the establishment of the Clara Barton National Historic Site, Maryland; John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon; Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, North Dakota; Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Massachusetts; Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, Alabama; and Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1974
Commodity Futures Trading Commission Act - Title I: Commodity Futures Trading Commission - Establishes a Commodity Futures Trading Commission to be composed of five Commissioners consisting of the Secretary of Agriculture and four members selected from the general public, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act such sums as may be required for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977, and for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1978. Makes changes in the Commodity Exchange Act by striking the word "Secretary" and the words "Secretary of Agriculture" wherever such words appear therein and by inserting in lieu thereof the word "Commission"; and by striking the words "United States Department of Agriculture" wherever they appear therein and by inserting in lieu thereof the word "Commission". Provides that if, after a hearing on a complaint made by any person or upon failure of the party complained against to answer a complaint duly served within the time prescribed, or to appear at a hearing after being duly notified, the Commission determines that the respondent has violated any provision of this Act, or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder the Commission shall, unless the offender has already made reparation to the person complaining, determine the amount of damage, if any, to which such person is entitled as a result of such violation and shall make an order directing the offender to pay to such person complaining such amount on or before the date fixed in the order. Provides that unless the registrant against whom a reparation order has been issued shows to the satisfaction of the Commission within five days from the expiration of the period allowed for compliance with such order that he has either taken an appeal as herein authorized or has made payment in full as required by such order, he shall be prohibited from trading on all contract markets and his registration shall be suspended automatically at the expiration of such five-day period until he shows to the satisfaction of the Commission that he has paid the amount therein specified with interest thereon to date of payment. Title II: Regulation of Trading and Exchange Activities - Deletes onions from the definition list of commodities and includes "all services, rights, and interests in which contracts for future delivery are presently or in the future dealt in. Requires the Commission, within six months after the effective date of this Act, and subsequently when it determines that changes are required, to make a determination, after notice and opportunity for hearing, whether or not a floor broker may trade for his own account or any account in which such broker has trading discretion (and also execute a customer's order for future delivery) and whether or not a futures commission merchant may trade for its own account or any proprietary account, and, if the Commission determines that such trades and executions shall be permitted, the Commission shall, after notice and opportunity for hearing, further determine the terms, conditions, and circumstances under which such trades shall be conducted. Declares it unlawful for any person to be associated with any futures commission merchant or with any agent of a futures commission merchant as a partner, officer, or employee in any capacity which involves the solicitation or acceptance of customer's orders or the supervision of any person or persons so engaged unless such person shall have registered, under this Act with the Commission. Declares it unlawful for any commodity trading adviser or commodity pool operator, unless registered under this Act, to make use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce in connection with his business as such commodity trading adviser or commodity pool operator. Requires every commodity trading adviser and commodity pool operator registered under this Act to maintain books and records and file such reports in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the Commission. Requires every commodity pool operator to regularly furnish statements of account to each participant in his operations. Declares it unlawful for any commodity trading advisor or community pool operator registered under this Act, by use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, directly or indirectly to employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud any client or participant or perspective client or participant. Allows the Commission to specify by rules and regulations appropriate standards with respect to training, experience, and such other qualifications as the Commission finds necessary or desirable to insure the fitness of futures commission merchants, floor brokers, and those persons associated with futures commission merchants or floor brokers. Requires each contract market to submit to the Commission for its approval bylaws, rules, regulations, and resolutions made or issued by such contract market. States that whenever it shall appear to the Commission that any contract market or other person has engaged, is engaging, or is about to engage in any act or practice constituting a violation of any provision of this Act or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, or is in a position to effectuate a 'squeeze' or corner or otherwise restrain trading in any commodity for future delivery, the Commission may notify the Attorney General, and the Attorney General may bring an action in the proper district court of the United States to enjoin such act or practice. Establishes a $100,000 civil penalty for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to direct the Commission to direct the contract market, whenever it has reason to believe that a market factor creates a condition which threatens orderly trading in, or liquidation of, any futures contract, to take such action as in the Commission's judgment is necessary to maintain or restore orderly trading in, or liquidation of, any futures contract. Title III: Enabling Authority for Creation of National Futures Associations - Allows any association of persons to be registered with the Commission as a registered futures association by filing with the Commission for review and approval a registration statement in such form as the Commission may prescribe. Requires the rules of such an association to provide that no person shall be admitted to or continued in membership in such an association if such person has been and is suspended or expelled from a registered futures association or from a contract market. Requires the rules of such an association to be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, in general, to protect the public interest, and to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of free and open futures trading. Allows the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing to suspend the registration of any futures association if it finds that the rules thereof do not conform to the requirements of the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to suspend for a period not exceeding twelve months or to expel from a registered futures association any member thereof, or to suspend for a period not exceeding twelve months or to bar any person from being associated with a member if such member or person has violated any provision of this title. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Declares it a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution, for any Commissioner of the Commission or any employee or agent thereof, to participate, directly or indirectly, in any transaction in commodity futures; any privilege, indemnity, bid, offer, put, call, advance, guaranty, or decline guaranty; or for any such person to participate, directly or indirectly, in any transaction in an actual commodity. Declares it a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution, for any Commissioner of the Commission or any employee or agent thereof who, by virtue of his employment or position, acquires information which may affect or tend to affect the price of any commodity futures or commodity and which information has not been made public to impart such information with intent to assist another person, directly or indirectly, to participate in any transaction in commodity futures, any transaction in an actual commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President of the United States direct the Secretary of the State to bring to the immediate attention of the Soviet Government the concern of U.S. citizens over the imprisonment of a Lithuanian seaman who unsuccessfully sought asylum aboard a United States Coast Guard ship and to urge his release from prison and return to his family.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Designates specified lands in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Carolina within the National Wildlife Refuge System as wilderness areas. Designates specified lands in California and Montana within the National Forest System as wilderness areas. Provides that all primitive area classifications of areas herein designated as wilderness are abolished. Provides that the wilderness areas designated by this Act shall be goverened by the appropriate provisions of the Wilderness Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Suspends emissions controls on motor vehicles and engines in the continental United States except vehicles registered to residents of designated air quality regions until June 30, 1977, or sixty days after the President determines there is no significant shortage of petroleum fuels, whichever is later. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate, subject to the limitations of the Act, geographic areas of the United States in which there is significant auto emissions related air pollution. Provides that each State shall, not later than sixty days following enactment of this Act, submit to the Administrator a plan for implementing the Act. Provides that if a State fails to submit a plan under the Act or if the Administrator determines (after notice and opportunity for hearing) that such State is not adequately enforcing such a plan, then such State shall lose its entitlement to, and may not thereafter receive, any Federal grant or loan assistance under this Act or under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Declares that willful and deliberate violation of any provision of this Act shall be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct specified studies at the San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto Rico. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $100,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Federal Paperwork Burden Relief Act - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the reporting requirements of Federal regulatory programs to determine the extent to which these requirements may be revised to lessen the burden upon small and independent business establishments. Requires the Comptroller General to report the results of such study to the Congress one year from the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Provides for the establishment of a National Office for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, with responsibility for the coordinated administration of all of the programs of that Department serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Sets forth the functions of such Office. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint a special task force on migrant and seasonal farmworkers which shall conduct a continuing study and investigation of the needs and problems of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States and of methods for meeting those needs and solving those problems, giving particular emphasis to the early development of a single comprehensive Federal program designed to assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1973
Animal Health Research Act - Sets forth the purpose of this Act and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with the several States for the purpose of encouraging and assisting them in carrying out programs of animal health research at eligible institutions. Authorizes the Congress to appropriate such funds as it may determine to be necessary, not to exceed $20,000,000 annually to, support such research programs. Specifies the formula by which funds appropriated under this Act shall be apportioned. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary, not to exceed $15,000,000 annually to support research on specific national or regional animal health problems. Provides that in developing plans for the use of such funds the Secretary shall consult the Advisory Board created by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary, not to exceed $10,000,000 annually to support costs of providing veterinary medical science research facilities. Provides that such funds shall be apportioned in accordance with the formula set forth in this Act. States that each dean or director of an eligible institution shall submit a brief annual report of research accomplishments on a project-by-project basis. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Veterinary Medical Science Research Advisory Board which shall consist of not less than nine nor more than twelve members. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that the amount paid by the Federal Government to any eligible institution for assistance under this Act, exclusive of the funds paid for research on specific national or regional animal health problems, shall be in an amount not to exceed $100,000 in addition to an amount not to exceed during any fiscal year the amount available to and budgeted for expenditure by such institution during the same fiscal year for animal health research from non-Federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Authorizes increased production of petroleum from the Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve at a rate to help insure that the needs of national defense are met, but not to exceed the maximum efficient rate in accordance with sound engineering and economic principles. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the production herein authorized by means of sales effected by competitive bid. Provides that full and equal opportunity for acquisition of the oil shall be accorded to all interested companies, including major and independent oil refineries alike. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account. States that funds in the Account shall be available for the expenses of: (1) production, including preparation for production, as authorized by this resolution and as may hereafter be authorized; (2) all capital costs necessary for facilities both within and outside the reserve incident to production and delivery of crude petroleum; and (3) exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Energy Reorganization Act - Title I: Energy Research and Development Administration Establishes the Energy Research and Development Administration headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Describes the functions of the Administrator as including: (1) exercising central responsibility for policy planning, coordination, support, and management of research and development programs respecting all energy sources; (2) undertaking research and development in the extraction, conversion, transmission, and utilization phases related to the development and use of energy from fossil, nuclear, solar, geothermal, and other energy sources; (3) participating in and supporting cooperative research and development projects which may involve contributions by public or private persons or agencies, of financial or other resources to the performance of the work; and (4) developing, collecting, distributing, and making available for distribution, scientific and technical information concerning the manufacture or development of energy and its efficient extraction, conversion, transmission, and utilization. Transfers to the Administrator all functions of the Atomic Energy Commission, the Chairman and members of the Commission, and the officers and components of the Commission, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the Secretary of the Interior, the Department of the Interior, and officers and components of such department: (1) as relate to or are utilized by the Office of Coal Research; and (2) as relate to or are utilized in connection with fossil fuel energy research and development programs and related activities conducted by the Bureau of Mines. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the National Science Foundations as relate to or are utilized in connection with: (1) solar heating and cooling development; and (2) geothermal power development. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the Environmental Protection Agency and the officers and components thereof as relate to or are utilized in connection with the development and demonstration of alternative automotive power systems. Title II: Nuclear Energy Commission - Provides that the Atomic Energy Commission is renamed the Nuclear Energy Commission and shall continue to perform the licensing and related regulatory functions of the Chairman and members of the Commission, the general counsel, and other officers and components of the Commission, which functions, officers, components, and personnel are excepted from the transfer to the Administrator by this Act. Grants the Nuclear Energy Commission licensing authority as to the following facilities of the Administration: (1) demonstration liquid metal fast breeder reactors when operated as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility system; (2) other demonstration nuclear reactors when operated as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility system, except those in existence, under construction or authorized or appropriated for by the Congress on the date this part becomes effective; or (3) facilities used primarily for the receipt and storage of high level radioactive wastes resulting from activities licensed under such Act. Allows the Nuclear Energy Commission to engage in or contract for research which the Commission deems necessary for the discharge of its licensing and regulatory functions. Title III: Miscellaneous and Transitional Provisions - Provides that except as otherwise provided in this Act, whenever all of the functions or programs of an agency, or other body, or any component thereof, affected by this Act, have been transferred from that agency, or other body, or component, the agency, or other body, or component shall lapse.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Excludes, under the Internal Revenue Code in the case of a physician, dentist, or optometrist who engages in the practice of medicine, dentistry, or optometry, respectively, in a physician shortage area the gross income at the election of the taxpayer of the adjusted gross practice income from such practice in such area to the extent of: (1) $20,000 during the first taxable year of such practice; (2) $15,000 during the second taxable year of such practice; (3) 10,000 during the third taxable year of such practice; (4) $7,500 during the fourth taxable year of such practice; and (5) $5,000 during the fifth taxable year of such practice. States that such exclusion shall apply to a physician, dentist, or optometrist with respect to practice in a physician shortage area only if he continuously engages in such practice for at least 2 years, commencing with the day on which he first engages in such practice. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall, on or before November 1 of each year (beginning with 1974), certify the physician shortage areas (if any) in each State for the following calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Authorizes the establishment of the Big Thicket National Preserve in the State of Texas. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, but not to exceed $63,812,000 for the acquisition of lands and interests in lands and not to exceed $7,000,000 for development.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that it shall be the policy of the United States that the Government of the United States shall cease forthwith all consideration of aid, trade, diplomatic recognition, or any other form of communication, travel, or accomodation with the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam or the Viet Cong until such time as agreements relating to facilitating the location and care of graves of the dead, exhumation, and repatriation of the remains have been complied with to the fullest extent.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1973
Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Declares the finding of Congress that community care is the most effective and humane form of care for the majority of mentally ill and retarded individuals. States that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to insure the expansion of the community mental health center concept. Authorizes appropriations for grants for facilities of public and nonprofit community mental health centers. Provides for grants for specified portions of the costs of operation of such centers, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. States that where an application for a grant is made, the applicant must provide specified assurances, including that specialized services will be provided for the mental health of children and of the elderly. Sets forth requirements for an applicant providing programs for alcoholism and drug abuse. Limits the amount of appropriations which may be used for the evaluation of programs under this Act. Distinguishes, for purposes of granting assistance, between community mental health centers serving poverty areas and those not serving poverty areas. Provides for grants to community mental health centers for consultation and education services. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for funding such grants . States that no individual, especially alcoholics, narcotic addicts and other persons with drug dependence problems, shall be made the subject of any research carried out with funds provided by specified portions of this Act unless such individual explicitly agrees to become a subject of such research. Repeals specified provisions of the Community Mental Health Centers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to release the restrictions on the use of property conveyed to the city of Elkhart, Kansas, for airport purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a National Office for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers for the purpose of meeting more effectively the needs of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. Directs the Secretary to appoint a special task force on migrant and seasonal farmworkers to conduct a continuing study and investigation of the needs and problems of migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. Transfers all functions, powers, and duties under Federal laws and programs within the jurisdiction of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare which relate to migrant and seasonal farmworkers to the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1973
Directs the Postal Service to maintain a rural delivery service for the free delivery of mail serving, as nearly as may be practicable, the entire rural population of the United States and its territories and possessions. Provides for the conditions to be met in the providing of such service. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 403, 3661)
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1973
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to approve registration applications filed with him by the Department of Agriculture for the application of DDT to forest or other agricultural lands as is, in the opinion of the Secretary of Agriculture, required for the control of and the protection against insect infestations of such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations within sixty days of the date of enactment of this Act prohibiting any motor vehicle from being equipped with any starter interlock system associated with seatbelts or upper torso restraints.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Rural Health to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Enumerates the powers of the Director, including (1) the authority to award grants for projects to examine existing models of rural health care delivery, (2) determination their applicability to other rural areas, and (3) assistance in the planning and demonstration of rural health care delivery models. States that in determining the eligibility of any entity for assistance, the Director will consider specified factors, including (1) identification of the demographic and geographic characteristics which categorize an area as rural; (2) emergency medical care components and systems available to meet the special problems of the rural areas; (3) education programs in rural areas, including health and nutrition education; and (4) development of community planning mechanisms so that the communities can develop health care delivery models appropriate to their needs. Directs the Director to: (1) provide liaison among agencies of the Federal Government for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas, (2) make a periodic evaluation of other Department of Health, Education, and Welfare programs relating to health care in rural areas, and (3) provide technical assistance for the development of rural health care delivery models. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants and contracts year 1974, $100 million for fiscal year 1975, and $125 million for fiscal year 1976. Specifies the terms and conditions under which the Director may approve an application for assistance under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees issued by him and for direct loans to public entities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be required for the fund. Provides that the Director may make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, may enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals, and the Secretary may provide loans to public entities, and may provide loan guarantees to private entities and individuals. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee which shall advise the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health and the general administration of the program created under this Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of Committee members.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1973
Comprehensive Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a center in the Office of Child Development to be know as the "National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect" Directs the Secretary, through the Center, to: (1) compile, analyze, and publish annually a summary of recently conducted and currently conducted research on child abuse and neglect; (2) develop and maintain an information clearinghouse on all programs, including private programs showing promise of success, for the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and (3) make grants to designated State agencies for the purpose of assisting the States and their political subdivisions in developing and carrying out child abuse and neglect treatment and prevention programs as provided in this title. Directs the Secretary, through the Center, to make grants to, and enter into contract with, designated State agencies for demonstration programs designed to prevent, identify, and treat child abuse and neglect. Requires at least 50 percent of the funds appropirated under this section to be distributed to nonprofit or not-for-profit corporations at the local level within the State, through the designated State agencies. Provides that grants under this section may be used for: (1) the development and establishment, of training programs for personnel who are engaged in, or intend to work in the fields of the prevention, identifiication, and treatment of child abuse and neglect; (2) establishment and maintenance of centers serving defined geographic areas, staffed by multidisciplinary teams of personnel trained in the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect cases, to provide a broad range of services related to child abuse and neglect. Provides that, in order for the designated agency of a State to qualify for assistance under this title, such State must have in effect a child abuse prevention plan which embodies a program for effectively treating and preventing child abuse and neglect in the State. Requires such plan to: (1) demonstrate that there are in effect throughout the State adequate State or local child abuse laws and related laws providing for the care and welfare of children, or that the State has initiated and is carrying out a legislative program designed to place adequate child abuse and related laws into effect throughout the State, and that such laws are being or will be effectively enforced; and (2) demonstrate that there are throughout the State, administrative procedures, personnel trained in child abuse and neglect treatment or prevention, training procedures, and institutional and other facilities. Requires that, as a condition of the approval of any State child abuse and neglect treatment and prevention plan, such plan shall provide for and require the reporting of cases of child abuse or neglect occuring in the State, with appropriate proceedings and other activities to deal with those cases of child abuse and neglect. Requires that in any case in which a doctor, nurse, schoolteacher, social worker, welfare worker, medical examiner, or coroner finds or has reason to suspect, on the basis of a child's physical or mental conditions or on the basis of other evidence, that such child is or has been the victim of (or is threatened with) child abuse, he shall promptly submit a full report there of to the police, social service administration, or judicial authority designated in the State plan. States that if the individual making such a report with respect to any child determines that an emergency is involved he may hold the child in temporary custody of another person or agency, pending action based on such report, in order to protect the child's health and welfare and prevent further abuse. State that, unless State or local law specifically provides otherwise, no child shall be held in or transferred to temporary custody except under an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to a petition filed by the individual making such report. Provides that any report made and any petition filed or order issued with respect to a child who is alleged to be the victim of child abuse, may include and apply to any other child or children living in the same household. Provides that the police, social service administration, or judicial authority to which a report of child abuse or suspected child abuse is submitted under subsection shall promptly investigate the matters involved and, if it determines that child abuse has probably occurred or is threatened, shall take the necessary steps to bring the matter before a court of competent jurisdiction for appropriate action in order to protect the child's health and welfare, and prevent further abuse of the child. States that since a special relationship exists between child and addict, the Secretary is hereby instructed to require the designated State agency to perform the following: (1) for every infant minor reported as a drug user, to conduct a follow-up study in order to determine if child abuse or neglect was present and to take such remedial steps as are necessary to prevent continued child abuse or neglect; and (2) in reported instances of child abuse or neglect by a drug user who is the parent or guardian of an infant minor, to take such remedial steps necessary to eliminate such said condition. Establishes a National Commission on Child Abuse and Neglect to be composed of fifteen members to be appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate, from among parents, State and local officials, and other persons who, by reason of experience or training in the fields of preventing child abuse and neglect, are especially qualified to serve on the Commission. Requires the Commission to make a complete and full study and investigation of: (1) the effectiveness of existing child abuse and neglect reporting laws and ordinances; (2) the effectiveness of existing programs designed to prevent, identify, and treat child abuse and neglect; (3) the causes of child abuse and neglect including the relationship, if any, between drug dependence and alcoholism and such abuse and neglect; and (4) the proper role of the Federal Government in assisting State and local public and private efforts to prevent, identify, and treat cases of child abuse and neglect. Requires the Commission to file a report with the President and the Congress within a year. Provides that on the ninetieth day after the date of submission of its final report to the President, the Commission shall cease to exist. Authorizes appropriation for the purposes of this Act $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $20,000,000 for each of the four succeeding fiscals years.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Emergency Medical Services Systems Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects which include both studying the feasibility of establishing and operating an emergency medical services system, and planning the establishment and operation of such a system. Requires that the reports of the results of any study and planning project assisted under this Act shall be submitted to the Secretary and the Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for the establishment and initial operation of emergency medical services systems. Sets forth the standards for such grants and contracts. States that, in considering applications which demonstrate exceptional need for financial assistance, the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications submitted for emergency medical services systems for rural areas. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services systems, including the acquisition of equipment and facilities, the modernization of facilities, and other projects to expand and improve such systems. States that the amount of any grant or contract under this section for a project shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of that project. Stipulates that the Secretary may make grants to public or private nonprofit entities, and enter into contracts with private entities and individuals, for the support of research in emergency medical techniques, methods, devices, and delivery. States that no grant may be made or contract entered into under this section for amounts in excess of $35,000, unless the application therefore has been recommended for approval by an appropriate peer review panel designated or established by the Secretary. Sets forth general provisions with respect to grants and contracts authorized under this Act. Establishes specified requirements for emergency medical services systems. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for grants and contracts made pursuant to this Act for the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976. Directs the Secretary to establish an Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services to evaluate the adequacy and technical soundness of all Federal programs and activities which relate to emergency medical services. Directs the Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary respecting the administration of contracts under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit annually to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, and nursing and training centers for allied health professions, and other appropriate educational entities to assist in meeting the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing emergency medical services. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making payments pursuant to grants and contracts under this section.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that on or before the fifteenth day after the beginning of each regular session of the Congress, the President shall transmit to the Congress a budget which shall set forth separately: (1) his estimate of the receipts of the Government, other than trust funds, during the ensuing fiscal year under the laws then existing; (2) his recommendations with respect to outlays to be made from funds other than trust funds during such ensuing fiscal year; and (3) if such recommendations exceed such estimate, a surtax rate which the President determines to be necessary to be applied with respect to the income tax of taxpayers to those portions of taxable years of taxpayers occurring during such fiscal year, so that such receipts will equal such outlays. Provides that during the first quarter of each fiscal year, and during the third quarter of each fiscal year, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall: (1) estimate the receipts of the Government, other than trust funds, during such fiscal year; (2) estimate outlays to be made from funds other than trust funds during such fiscal year; and (3) (A) if such estimate of outlays exceeds such estimate of receipts, determine a surtax rate which the Speaker considers necessary to be applied, with respect to the income tax of taxpayers, to those portions of taxable years of taxpayers remaining in such fiscal year, so that such receipts will equal such outlays; or (B) if such estimate of outlays equals such estimate of receipts, determine that no surtax rate is necessary to be applied. Requires the President during the last month of each fiscal year to review whether the receipts of the Government, other than trust funds, for such year will be less than the outlays for that fiscal year. Provides that if he finds that such receipts are going to be less than such outlays, he shall determine a surtax rate which he considers necessary to be applied with respect to the income tax of taxpayers, so that taxes received by the Government from such surtax, when added to other receipts of the Government, will equal such outlays. Authorizes the suspension of the provisions of this Amendment in the case of a grave national emergency declared by Congress (including a state of war formally declared by Congress) by a concurrent resolution, agreed to by a rollcall vote of three-fourths of all the Members of each House of Congress, with each such resolution providing the period of time (not exceeding one year) during which those provisions are to be suspended.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Hobbs Act Amendment - Provides that whoever obstructs, affects, or interferes with commerce by willfully damaging to the extent of $2,000 or more any real, personal or mixed property of an employer owner, or other person at or near a factory, construction site, or any other place where work or business of the employer is carried on shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1951)
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1973
Eliminates transactions entered into for agricultural purposes from the definition of a consumer credit transaction under the Truth in Lending Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1602(n))
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Bilingual Courts Act - Provides for the determination of each of those judicial districts in which at least 5 percent or 50,000 residents of that district, whichever is less, do not speak or understand the English language with reasonable facility, and the certification of each such district as a bilingual judicial district by certificate transmitted to the chief judge of the district court for that district. Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide facilities and personnel for bilingual proceedings. States that any bilingual proceeding shall be recorded verbatim in addition to any stenographic transcript of the proceeding taken. Provides for the distribution of costs of bilingual facilities among the parties using them and authorizes to be appropriated to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts sums necessary to carry out the amendments made by this Act. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 604(a); Adds 28 U.S.C. 1827)
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Provides that such board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the director of the center ex officio. Authorizes the centers to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1973
Senior Citizens Transportation Act - Prohibits common carriers in interstate commerce from charging elderly people more than half fare for their transportation during nonpeak periods of travel. Provides for grants to such carriers to cover such reductions on a showing by the carrier that it suffered an economic loss solely because of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to States and local public bodies and agencies which adopt specially reduced rates during nonrush hours for elderly persons.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1973
Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to grant to the President of the United States temporary authority to deal with a national energy crisis involving extraordinary shortages of crude oil and petroleum products or dislocations in their national distribution system. Requires the President to take such actions as are necessary to insure the attainment of the following specific objectives: (1) protection of public health, safety, and welfare, and the national defense; (2) maintenance of all public services; (3) maintenance of all essential agricultural operations including farming, ranching, dairy and fishing activities and services directly related to the cultivation, production, and preservation of food; (4) preservation of an economically sound and competitive petroleum industry, including the competitive viability of the independent producing, refining, marketing, distributing, and petrochemical sectors of that industry; (5) equitable distribution of fuels at equitable prices among all regions and areas of the United States, and all classes of consumers; (6) economic efficiency; and (7) minimization of economic distortion, inflexibility, and unnecessary interference with market mechanisms. Provides that the President shall designate an agency to supervise compliance with the requirements of this Act and to promulgate regulations hereunder. Establishes an Office of Emergency Fuel Allocation to receive complaints from officers of State and local governmental units who cannot obtain supplies of gasoline and fuel oil. Directs the President to use his authority under this Act to insure that no petroleum refinery in the United States is involuntarily required to operate at less than its normal fuel capacity because of the unavailability to said refinery of suitable types of crude oil. States that in order to achieve the objectives of this Act: (1) any producer or importer of crude petroleum and/or natural gas liquids who produced in the United States and/or imported more than two hundred thousand barrels per day of crude oil and natural gas liquids during the base period shall sell or exchange to nonaffiliated independent refiners or to any other reasonable and appropriate class of refiners established by regulation, in accordance with the objectives and priorities established under this Act, in the aggregate during each quarter during the effective term of this Act a proportion of his domestic production and imports no less than the proportion he sold or exchanged to such refiners during the corresponding quarter of the base period; and (2) all refiners or importers of petroleum products shall sell or exchange to nonaffiliated independent dealers or to any other reasonable and appropriate class of purchasers established by regulation, in accordance with the objectives and priorities established under this Act, in the aggregate in each quarter during the effective term of this Act, a proportion of his refinery production and imports of said products no less than the proportion he sold or exchanged to such dealers during the corresponding quarter of the base period. Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in order to conserve gasoline supplies which in some areas of the Nation are approaching critical shortages, speed limits for motor vehicles traveling on Federal-aid highways presently at or in excess of fifty-five miles per hour should be reduced immediately to fifty-five miles per hour, or ten miles per hour lower than the speed limited posted on the affected portion of such Federa-aid highway, whichever is the greater. Requires the President to develop a national voluntary energy conservation program calling for and suggesting means of terminating unnecessary use of energy for power or lighting. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Governor of each State establish a State office of fuels and energy conservation for the purpose of developing and promulgating a program to encourage voluntary conservation of gasoline, diesel oil, heating oil, natural gas, propane, and electrical energy.
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
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 · 13 June 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 · 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 · 5 June 1973
Provides for a revision of the formula employed to compute the allotment of funds for vocational rehabilitation services among the States under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. (Amends 29 U.S.C. 32)
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Rural Medical Practice Incentive Act - Sets forth the Congressional finding that incentives are needed to encourage the practice of medicine in health manpower shortage areas. Permits the following groups of persons to fulfill active duty obligations in the National Health Service Corp by agreeing to serve in an area designated as a health manpower shortage area by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) any doctor or dentist holding a reserve commission and granted a delay in service entry; (2) graduates of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences; and (3) any recipient under the Armed Forces health professional scholarship program. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 2115, 2123) Grants a tax exclusion under the Internal Revenue Code in the following amounts to physicians, dentists, and optometrists establishing their practice in designated health manpower shortage areas: (1) $20,000 during the first taxable year of such practice (provided the practice is continuous for at least two years); (2) $15,000 during the second taxable year; (3) $10,000 during the third taxable year; (4) $7,500 during the fourth taxable year; and (5) $5,000 during the fifth taxable year. Sets forth rules and regulations governing this tax exclusion. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 124)
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973
Provides that payments under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act shall be made only for the construction of permanent dams, terraces, ponds, waterways, and other soil-conserving facilities of a permanent nature, approved by the soil conservation district and the appropriate county committee. Provides that no payment under the Act shall exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the facility, excluding the cost of the land.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1973
States that a household shall not participate in the food stamp program while any of its members is on strike. Provides that such ineligibility shall not apply to any household that was eligible for and participating in the food stamp program immediately prior to the start of such strike, dispute, or other similar action in which any member of such household engages. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2014, 2012)
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Agricultural Hall of Fame National Cultural Park in Wagandotte County, Kansas. Establishes the Agricultural Hall of Fame Commission to prepare a recreational plan for the Park, establish standards for the construction of facilities, and generally assist in the administration of the Park. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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 · 17 April 1973
Transfers to the government of the Virgin Islands title to Water Island, Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire certain of the outstanding lease-hold interests in such island. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary for such acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Makes it the sense of Congress that it shall be the policy of the United States to require repayment of the longstanding debts which are delinquent in nature. Makes it the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury submit to the Congress within ninety days of passage of this resolution a list and report on the extent of such indebtedness on the part of foreign nations. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury, through the appropriate departments and agencies, should, immediately after the filing of this report, begin consultations with foreign governments involved for the purpose of making arrangements for the prompt repayment of those longstanding debts which are delinquent.
![Official portrait of Rep. Sebelius, Keith G. [R-KS-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000217_200.jpg)