United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1974
Entitles specified veterans of the Mexican border period and of World War I and their widows and children to a veterans' pension benefit on the same basis as that accorded to veterans of the Spanish American War and their widows and children, respectively. Provides for an increase in pension rates applicable to such classes of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Title I: Purpose and Definitions - States that the Congress of the United States recognizes the environmental and economic importance of efficient railroad transportation to interstate commerce. Declares that it is therefore the national policy of the United States to improve rail service and that such improvement requires public investment in and maintenance of railroad track and roadbed. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title II: Transfer of Rail Lines - Provides that title to all rail lines operated by rail carriers will be transferred to the Department of Transportation on a date designated by the Secretary of Transportation, such date to be no later than one year from the date this Act becomes law. States that at the time title to the rail lines owned by a rail carrier is conveyed to the Department, the Secretary shall convey, in consideration thereof, a Certificate of the Right to Carriage. Provides that such certificate shall entitle the holder to enter into contracts with other rail carriers to operate trains upon the rail line conveyed in consideration for such certificate. Makes it unlawful to operate a train upon any rail line so conveyed to the Department unless the operator is the holder of a Certificate of the Right to Carriage or has entered into a contract with such holder. Grants the Commission the authority to issue additional Certificates of the Right to Carriage in the event it finds that the issuance of such certificates is in the public convenience and necessity. Title III: Unified Surface Transportation Trust Fund - Requires that all moneys now in the Highway Trust Fund or which would be credited to that fund shall instead be paid into a fund hereby established in the Treasury of the United States to be known as the Unified Surface Transportation Fund. Provides that such transfers as are currently authorized to be made into the Highway Trust Fund shall be made into the Unified Surface Transportation Fund. Requires rail carriers which convey rail lines to the Department pursuant to title II of this Act to pay into the Unified Surface Transportation Fund such moneys as the Commission shall determine in accord with enumerated criteria. Title IV: Federal Railroad Maintenance and Improvement - Directs the Department of Transportation to maintain and improve the rail lines conveyed to it by the rail carriers. Directs the Secretary to designate an interstate railroad system composed of rail lines linking: (1) large metropolitan areas; and (2) major areas producing agricultural, commodity, and manufactured products with market areas for those products. Directs the Secretary to designate a regional railroad system composed of routes linking regional metropolitan areas with the Interstate Railroad System. Directs the Secretary to designate a local railroad system composed of routes linking small communities and sources of agricultural, commodity, and manufactured products with either the interstate or regional railroad system. Requires that the Secretary shall not abandon any rail line conveyed unless: (1) public hearings are held at least six months in advance of the proposed date of abandonment to consider the impact such abandonment would have; (2) it is determined that adequate alternative modes of transportation are in existence; (3) it is determined that there is inadequate potential freight volume to make the rail line profitable at current tariffs; and (4) that shippers or State and local governments are unwilling to subsidize the continued operation of that rail line. Title V: Maintenance and Improvement - Provides for the maintenance and improvement of rail lines conveyed under this Act. Requires that the construction of improvements shall be undertaken by privately owned construction companies who have engaged in a process of competitive bidding as specified by the Secretary in regulations he shall cause to be published in the Federal Register. Title VI: Rail Line Condition and Arbitration - Provides that in the event that a rail carrier receiving a Certificate of the Right to Carriage believes that the Department has failed to execute its responsibility under title IV of this Act, that carrier may request that the issue be submitted to compulsory arbitration. States that a report of findings and conclusions shall determine: (1) if the rail line meets the performance standards designated by the Secretary; (2) if the rail line has deteriorated from its condition at time of conveyance; (3) if the findings in (2) of this part is affirmative, the report shall conclude what steps should be taken to insure that the rail lines are adequately maintained; (4) and if the finding in (1) is negative, and if the schedule adopted by the Secretary pursuant to title VI of this Act requires that the rail line be maintained at that level, the report shall conclude what steps should be taken to insure that such standards will be met. Title VII: Impoundment - States that appropriations from the Unified Surface Transportation Fund shall not be subject to impoundment by the President, the Office of Management and Budget, or the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to not withhold or delay the expenditure of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for any reason other than those necessary for the proper management of the functions assigned to him by this Act. Title VIII: Repeal Of Certain Sections Of Public Law 93-236 - Provides that this Act shall repeal any sections of Public Law 93-236 in conflict with it. Provides that all abandonment of rail lines shall be pursuant to the provisions of title IV of this Act. Title IX: The Property Tax Replacement - Establishes in the United States Treasury a fund known as the Property Tax Replacement Fund. Provides that those sums necessary to accomplish the payment of this title may be appropriated to this fund. Provides that the Governor of each State may certify to the Secretary of the Treasury one year after the conveyance of rail lines in his State, a report detailing the loss of property tax revenue resulting from such conveyance. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payment to each Governor who certifies a report pursuant to this title in an amount provided for under a schedule set forth in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish such regulations as he deems necessary consistent with this Act for accomplishing the functions assigned to him in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Nurse Training Act - Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants for construction or rehabilitation of nursing schools through fiscal year 1977. Allows the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and other non-profit private schools of nursing and other public or non-profit private entities, and enter into contracts with any public or private entity, to meet the costs of special projects to: (1) develop training programs, and train, for new roles, types, or levels of nursing personnel, including programs for the training of pediatric nurse practitioners or other types of nurse practitioners; (2) increase educational opportunities for disadvantaged students; (3) provide continuing education for nurses; and (4) help to increase the supply or improve the distribution by geographic area or by specialty group of adequately trained nursing personnel needed to meet the health needs of the Nation, including the need to increase the availability of personal health services and the need to promote preventive health care. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1977 for such grants and contracts. Allows the Secretary to make grants to assist public or nonprofit private schools of nursing which are in serious financial straits to meet operational costs required to maintain quality educational programs or which have special need for financial assistance to meet accreditation requirements. Authorizes appropriations for such grants through fiscal year 1977. Prescribes a per-student formula for grants to nursing schools for support of their education programs. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1977 for such grants. Extends the authorization of appropriations for traineeships, student loans, and the program to encourage full utilization of educational talent for nursing. Extends the nursing scholarship program. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to determine on a continuing basis the current and projected supply of the various classifications of nurses, their geographic distribution, pay rates, activity status, and advanced training status. Requires a report annually to the Congress upon such findings together with recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) it most strongly condemns all acts of terrorism in the Middle East; (2) the President and the Secretary of State should and are hereby urged and requested to (a) call upon all governments to condemn this inhuman act of violence against innocent victims; and (b) strongly urge the governments who harbor these groups and individuals to take appropriate action to rid their countries of those who subvert the peace through terrorism and senseless violence; and (3) the President should request the American Ambassador to the United Nations to take appropriate action before that body in order to have introduced a Security Council resolution condemning this brutal act of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1974
Increases from 60 to 150 days after the release of a railroad preliminary system plan the time allotment for submission of citizens' comments relating to such plan. Increases from 60 to 210 days after the release of such plan the time period for hearings and subsequent critique and evaluation of a preliminary system plan. Increases from 420 to 755 days the time allotted for preparation and submission of a final system plan pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 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 · 27 February 1974
Prohibits the exportation of fertilizer from the United States until the Secretary of Agriculture determines that an adequate domestic supply of fertilizer exists.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 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 February 1974
Provides for the expansion of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1974
Surface Mining Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - States that it is the purpose of the Act to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment resulting from surface mining operations. Title II: Existing and Prospective Surface Mining and Reclamation Operations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to develop and publish in the Federal Register regulations covering surface mining and reclamation operations for coal and other minerals and to set forth in reasonable detail those actions which a State must take to develop a State Program and otherwise meet the requirement of this Act. Affords interested persons and State and local governments at least thirty days after publication of such regulations to submit written comments. Establishes procedures for objecting to any proposed regulation issued by the Secretary. Creates the Office of Land Use Policy, Reclamation, and Enforcement. Provides that the Secretary acting through the Office shall: (1) administer the State grant-in-aid program for the development of State programs for surface mining and reclamation operations provied in title IV of this Act; (2) administer the grant-in-aid program to the States for the purchase and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined areas pursuant to title III of this Act; (3) administer the grant-in-aid programs to the States for the development of State land use planning processes and the designation of land areas unsuitable for surface mining operations; and (4) administer the surface mining and reclamation research and demonstration project authority. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to various activities including: (1) foundation excavations for the purpose of constructing buildings and other structures; (2) the extraction of minerals by a landowner for his own non-commercial use from land owned or leased by him; (3) archeological excavations; and (4) such other surface mining operations which the Secretary determines to be of an infrequent nature and which involve only minor surface disturbances. Establishes eligibility requirements for a State to receive financial assistance under this Act and to assume full control over surface mining and reclamation operations on lands within such State, including submission to the Secretary, for approval, of a State Program which provides for the effective implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of a permit system for the regulation of surface mining and reclamation operations for coal and other minerals on lands within such State. Allows the Secretary to implement a Federal Program for any State which fails to submit its own State Program. States that after the date of enactment of this Act, no person shall open or develop any new or previously mined and abandoned site for surface mining operations for coal on lands within any State, and no person shall significantly increase or accelerate existing surface mining operations for coal on lands within any State unless such person has first obtained a permit issued by the State regulatory authority pursuant to a State Program approved in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Provides that the term of any permit for surface mining and reclamation operations issued pursuant to this Act shall not exceed five years and shall carry with it a right of renewal if the permittee can demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the approved State Program or a Federal Program for the State within which the operations covered by the permit. Establishes permit application requirements. Prescribes procedures for approval of permit applications. Allows the permittee to file a request with the regulatory authority for the release of the performance bond. Provides that the regulatory authority may release in whole or in part said bond if the authority is satisfied that reclamation covered by the bond or portion thereof has been accomplished as required by this Act. Requires each reclamation plan submitted as part of a permit application pursuant to an approved State Program or Federal Program to include a statement of: (1) the condition of the land to be covered by the permit prior to any mining; (2) the use which is proposed to be made of the land following reclamation; (3) the engineering techniques proposed to be used and a description of the major equipment; (4) the steps to be taken to insure that the surface mining and reclamation operations comply with all applicable health and safety standards; and (5) a time schedule for the completion of all stages of reclamation. Authorizes the Secretary to make such inspections of any surface mining and reclamation operations as are necessry to evaluate the administration and enforcement of any State or Federal program. Provides that such inspections are to occur on an irregular basis, averaging not less than one inspection per month. Provides criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. States that at the request of the Secretary, the Attorney General may institute a civil action in a district court of the United States for a restraining order or injunction or other appropriate remedy to enforce the purposes and the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to each State for the purpose of assisting in the development of a State land use planning process capable of making objective decisions based upon competent and scientifically sound data and information for all or certain types of surface mining operations. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and implement a Federal Lands Program which shall be applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations taking place pursuant to any Federal law on any Federal lands and Indian lands. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to conduct and coordinate an indepth, interagency study to determine the advisability and the impact of imposing, or failing to impose, for regional or nationwide application specific slope limitations as a means of regulating surface mining and reclamation operations for coal. Title III: Abandoned and Unreclaimed Mined Areas - Creates in the Treasury of the United States the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or otherwise, land or any interest therein which has been affected by surface mining operations prior to the enactment of this Act. Provides that when the Secretary seeks to acquire an interest in land or mineral rights and cannot negotiate an agreement with the person holding title to such interest or right he shall request the Attorney General to file a condemnation suit and take such interest or right following a tender of just compensation as awarded by a jury to such persons. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Fund $100,000,000 and such other funds as the Congress may thereafter authorize. Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the various terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint a National Advisory Committee for surface mining and reclamation operations for coal and other minerals. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to any State for the purpose of assisting such State in developing, administering, and enforcing State Programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct and promote the coordination and acceleration of research, studies, surveys, experiments, and training in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for the first fiscal year after the enactment of this Act, $20,000,000 for each of the next two fiscal years, and $30,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter, in order to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the President to suspend for a period not to exceed ninety days any requirement of this Act concerning surface mining and reclamation operations when he determines it necessary to do so because of: (1) a national emergency; (2) a critical national or regional electrical power shortage; (3) a critical national fuels or mineral shortage. Provides that any such suspension shall be followed by a report to the Congress within five days on the nature of the emergency, the action taken, and any legislative recommendations he may deem necessary.
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 · 30 November 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 · 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 · 18 October 1973
Declares it to be the sense of the House that the President, acting in accordance with the announced policy of the United States Government to maintain Israel's deterrent strength, and under existing authority, should continue to transfer to Israel the Phantom aircraft and other equipment in the quantities needed by Israel to repel the attack and to offset the military equipment and supplies furnished to the Arab States by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1973
Act for Freedom of Emigration in East-West Trade - States that after October 15, 1972, products from any nonmarket economy country shall not be eligible to receive most-favored-nation treatment, such country shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly, and the President of the United States shall not conclude any commercial agreement with any such country during the period beginning with the date on which the President determines that such country: (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration or on the visas or other documents required for emigration, for any purpose or cause whatsoever; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of the desire of such citizen to emigrate to the country of his choice. Provides that, before any of the aforementioned commercial agreements are entered into with any foreign country, the President shall submit to the Congress a report indicating that such country is not in violation of any of the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Provides that nothing contained in the Federal Trade Commission Act, or in any of the antitrust Acts, shall render unlawful the inclusion and enforcement in any trademark licensing contract or agreement, pursuant to which the licensee engages in the distribution or sale of a trademarked private label food product, of provisions granting the licensee the sole and exclusive right to distribute or sell such product in a defined geographic area or limiting the licensee, directly or indirectly, to the distribution or sale of such product only for ultimate resale to consumers within a defined geographic area. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply only if in such defined geographic area: (1) such product is in substantial and effective competition with products of the same general class distributed or sold by others; (2) the licensee is in substantial and effective competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act of 1946, as amended. Defines, for the purposes of this Act, the term "trademarked". Provides that private label food product means a food product that is both: (1) sold under a trademark owned by an organization that licenses such product for sale exclusively by either; (a) food wholesalers or food retailers who cooperatively own and control such organization; or (b) food wholesalers for resale to retail food stores that do business under a common trademark name owned by such organization; and (2) produced and packaged to specifications determined solely by the organization that owns the trademark.
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
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce, and the equitable interests of participants in private pension plans and their beneficiaries, by improving the scope, administration and operation of such plans, by requiring pension plans to vest benefits in employees after equitable periods of service, by establishing minimum standards of fiduciary conduct, and by providing more appropriate and adequate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the courts. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Organization - Provides that the Secretary of Labor shall have the responsibility to promote programs and plans for the establishment, administration, and operation of employee benefit plans. Requires the registration of such plans with the Secretary upon compliance with requirements set forth in this title. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake appropriate studies relating to pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress covering his activities under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out his duties under this Act. Provides that within the Department of Labor, there shall be an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Adminstration to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor, appointed by the President, with Senate advice and consent, to exercise power and authority delegated the Secretary of Labor for the administration and enforcement of the Act. States that, unless exempt, the provisions of this Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Provides that this Act shall not apply to plans administered by Federal or State governments, plans administered by religious organizations, plans for the self-employed, plans covering not more than 25 participants, plans established outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States for citizens of other countries, certain plans for key executives and plans for members of labor organizations which are financed exclusively from the members' dues. Provides that the Secretary shall require by regulation that each plan furnish a vested participant, upon his termination of service with the plan, with a certificate reciting the benefits due the participant and the location of the entity responsible for payment and the date when payment shall begin. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - States that pension or profit-sharing-retirement plans may require as a condition for eligibility in the plan a period of service longer than 12 months or an age greater than 21, whichever occurs later. Requires all pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to vest rights in participants with respect to service on or after the effective date of the title at the rate of a 30 percent vested interest commencing with eight years of service, and increasing by 10 percent each year thereafter in order that 100 percent vesting is attained after 15 years of service. Provides that no more than three of the eight years required to qualify for a 30 percent vested right need be continuous years of service, but that service prior to the age of 21 may be ignored in determing eligibility for a vested right unless the participant or his employer has made contributions to the plan with respect to service prior to age 21. Provides that every pension plan filed for registration under this Act shall provide for funding, in accordance with the provisions of this title, which is adequate to provide for payment of all pension benefits which may be payable under the terms of the plan. Requires such plans to be received every five years by certified actuaries. Requires all funds of terminated pension plans to be distributed as follows: (1) first, to retirees or persons eligible to retire on the date of plan termination; (2) to participants who have vested rights under the plan but who have not reached retirement age; and (3) to other participants. Provides that an existing plan subject to this title may elect, pursuant to regulations, to divide the plan and its trust into two separate plans and trusts or within the same plan and trust, into two separate plan and trust accounts as follows: (1) the continuing plan or plan and trust account which shall be a continuation of the plan as it existed immediately before the effective date of this title and which shall cover those participants who have credited service under such plan as of such date and who elect to remain covered by the provisions of such plan; and (2) the new plan or new plan and trust account which shall cover all new participants and all participants who would be eligible to continue coverage under the continuing plan but who elect to waive such coverage and to participate instead in the new plan. Authorizes the Secretary to grant an initial delay of up to three years to comply with the vesting or funding requirements of the Act where initial compliance with these requirements would be unduly burdensome, impractical, or would otherwise adversely affect the interests of employees. States that upon a showing that an employer cannot make the required annual contribution to the plan, the Secretary is authorized to permit the deficiency to be funded over a period of five years, provided that the Secretary is satisfied that such a waiver will not adversely affect the interests of employees and will not impair the financial position of the plan termination insurance fund. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program for protability of vested pension credits. Provides that the program will be administered by and under the Secretary's direction and designed to facilitate the voluntary transfer of vested credits between registered plans. States that plans registered under the Act may voluntarily apply for membership in the program and upon approval be issued a certificate of membership by the Secretary. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Provides that the Secretary shall be the trustee of the fund, and shall administer the fund and report to the Congress annually on the fund's operations and fiscal status. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the 'Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program' which shall be administered by and under the direction of the Secretary. Provides that such program shall insure participants in a plan against losses of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the coverage under such program is limited to 50 percent of the highest monthly wage of a participant earned over a five yar period or $500 per month. Provides that upon registration with the Secretary, each plan shall pay a uniform assessment to the insurance program to cover the administrative costs of such program. States that no plan insured under this title shall terminate without approval of the Secretary. Provides that where employers in terminated plans are not insolvent, such employers shall be liable to reimburse the insurance program to the extent provided under this title. Creates the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title. Title V: Disclosure and Fudiciary Standards - Provides that annual reports required by the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. States that plan descriptions under the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall be comprehensive and written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average participant. Sets forth provisions which a plan's annual financial report shall include. States that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to such Act shall file a copy of the plan description and each annual report with the Secretary. Provides that every three years each participant in the plan shall receive a revised summary of the plan's important provisions and major amendments thereto. Expands the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to 21 members (now 13) and adds as permanent categories of membership the fields of actuarial counseling, investment counseling and accounting. Provides that every employee benefit funds established to provide for the payment of benefits shall be established pursuant to a duly executed trust agreement which shall set forth the purpose or purposes for which such fund is established and the detailed basis on which payments are to be made into and out of such fund. States that such fund shall be deemed a trust for the exclusive purpose of (1) providing benefits to participants in the plan and their beneficiaries and (2) defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan. Provides that a fiduciary shall discharge his duties with respect to the fund: (1) with the care under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent man acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims; and (2) in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the fund insofar as is consistent with this Act. Sets forth in detail the restrictions on and the extent of the obligations, responsibilities and duties of a fiduciary under this Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition any district court of the United States having jurisdiction to require a pension or profit-sharing plan to comply with the requirements of this Act or to recover the payment of required monies. Provides that civil actions by plan participants against violations of the fiduciary requirements of this Act may be instituted in Federal or State courts. Allows a fiduciary or administrator of a plan to obtain judicial review of the actions of the Secretary. Declares to be the express intent of Congress the the provisions of this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act shall supersede any and all laws of the States and of political subdivisions thereof insofar as they may now or hereafter relate to the subject matters regulated by this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) exempt or relieve any employee benefit plan not subject to this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act from any law of any State which regulates insurance, banking, or securities or to prohibit a State from requiring that there be filed with a State agency copies of reports required by this Act to be filed with the Secretary; or (3) alter, amend, modify, invalidate, impair, or supersede any law of the United States other than the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act or any rule or regulation issued under any law except as specifically provided in this Act. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Extends for two additional years the present method of providing benefits on account of black lung disease under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.
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 · 12 June 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, substance, or ingredient of any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage; and (2) shall not require a warning label on any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1973
Defines Continental Shelf fishery resources which appertain to the United States. States that such resources refer to living organisms belonging to sedentary species; that is to say, organisms which, at the harvestable stage, either are immobile on or under the seabed or are unable to move except in constant physical contact with the seabed or the subsoil of the Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Health Care Insurance Act - Provides, under the Social Security Act, for medical, dental, and hospital care through a system of voluntary health insurance financed in whole for low-income groups through issuance of certificates, and in part for all other persons through allowance of tax credits. Adds to the Social Security Act a new title entitled Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Provides that, for the purpose of providing assistance on behalf of the individuals and their dependents whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical, dental, and hospital services, there is established a program of hospital, dental, and medical benefits for any eligible beneficiary and his dependents through the issuance of health insurance certificates, in full payment of allowable premium on a qualified health care insurance policy of his choice. Asserts that health insurance certificiates of entitlement will be redeemable by the carrier by payment from the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Includes as eligible beneficiaries under this title any husband and wife both under age 65 and living together and any unmarried person under age 65 who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child of an eligible beneficiary receiving more than 50 percent of his support from the eligible beneficiary, which child is under 21, or if a student, under age 23. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary whose income results in no individual income tax liability during his base year, whose dependent beneficiaries have no such liability for their taxable years which end during his base year, and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement. Asserts that such certificates shall be applicable in full payment of allowable premiums for a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Requires that such policy or plan shall provide protection for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a 12-month period beginning during his benefit year against the expenses of health care, including catastrophic expenses of illness. Allows tax credits for health care insurance. Asserts that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary who has not elected, where eligible, to receive benefits under the provisions for fully-paid health care insurance for the low-income group and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be allowed at his election a credit against his income tax liability for his taxable year which ends during his base year; or a health insurance certificate of entitlement acceptable by a qualified carrier in payment toward a premium, under a qualified health care insurance policy. Specifies the amount of the tax credit or the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate on the basis of allowable premiums. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare upon application to him by an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Specifies that a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier which has been registered by a State Agency and which provides basic institutional and medical coverage and catastrophic expense coverage. Declares that each such qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be noncancellable and guaranteed renewable so long as the carrier continues to offer to the public one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans, shall provide protection against the expense of health care without regard to any pre-existing conditions, and shall provide for payment under this title of usual and customary charges for services covered under the policy or plan. Stipulates what costs shall be included under basic coverage and under catastrophic expense coverage. Establishes deductibles for each of the two types of coverage. Creates a Health Insurance Advisory Board which shall consist of eleven persons including the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Directs that the remaining members, not otherwise in the employ of the Government, shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointment in the competitive service. Asserts that the Secretary of HEW shall serve as Chairman. Provides that the members shall be selected from persons who are specifically qualified to serve on such Board by virtue of their education, training, or experience. Provides that the Health Insurance Advisory Board shall perform such functions as: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the tax credit program and file an annual report. Grants the States the power to decide which carriers are qualified. Forbids any Federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over the practice of medicine or dentistry or the manner in which medical or dental services are provided, or over the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer or employee or any institution, agency, or person providing health services; or to exercise any supervision or control over the administration or operation of any such institution, agency, or person. Creates in the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund to consist in part of an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Omnibus Fire Research and Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to develop and carry out a comprehensive fire research and training program designed to provide more effective measures of protection against the hazards of death, injury, and damage to property resulting from fire by the widest possible use of new approaches and improvements in fire prevention and control. Establishes, within the Department of Commerce as a part of the National Bureau of Standards, a Fire Research and Safety Center which shall provide additional scientific and technical knowledge applicable to the prevention and reduction of fires; conducting medical research aimed at improving the performance of men in fighting fires and at the healing of victims of fires; and in the operating of a comprehensive fire data and information system. Provides that the Director of the Center shall perform studies into the operational and managerial aspects of fire departments and services using quantitive techniques, including operations research, management economics, and cost effectiveness studies. Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, as part of the National Bureau of Standards, a United States Fire Academy which shall advance the professional development of fire service personnel; and conduct such development, testing, and demonstration projects as are deemed necessary to introduce new technological standards, operating methods, command techniques, and managerial systems into use in the fire services of the nation. Authorizes the Academy to conduct courses and programs of training and education in the basic techniques of fire prevention, fire inspection, firefighting and the administration and management of fire departments and fire services. Provides for the education and training of local fire units and departments, state and local governments, and private institutions through the establishment of fire training courses and programs in fire engineering at junior colleges and universities. Provides for the inclusion of fire prevention and detection technology and practices in the education and professional practice of architects, builders, city planners engaged in the design and planning affected by fire safety problems. Provides that the Superintendent shall admit to the Academy individuals who are members of the firefighting forces with due regard to an adequate geographic representation. Authorizes the provision stipends to students attending Academy courses and programs in amounts not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of attendance. Authorizes the Superintendent to make payments to institutions of higher education for loans to individuals enrolled on a full-time basis in recognized undergraduate or graduate programs in fire research or engineering not to exceed $2,500 per academic year for any individual. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a 12 member Board of Visitors to the United States Fire Academy to review annually the program of the Academy consisting of two members of the Senate, two members of the House of Representatives, and eight individuals designated by the Secretary from persons representative of the fire service community. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974 to establish the Academy. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 278g)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Lincoln Homestead National Recreation area on Embarrass River, Coles County, Illinois. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed (presently "empowered") to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Increases payments in specified amounts to veterans under non-service-connected disability pension plans. Increases pension payments to widows of veterans who at the time of death were receiving compensation or retirement pay for a service-connected disability. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 521(b),(c); 541(b),(c))
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Provides no part of any appropriation and no local currency owned by the United States shall be available for payment of any expenses, nor shall transportation be provided by the United States, in connection with travel outside the fifty States (including the District of Columbia) of the United States of: (1) any Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or member of either House of Congress after he has been defeated as a candidate for nomination, or election, to a seat in the House of Representatives or Senate of the United States in any primary or regular election until such time as he shall thereafter again become a Member of Congress, or (2) any Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Member of either House of Congress after the adjournment sine die of the last session of a Congress if he is not a candidate for reelection in the next Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that: (1) the producers and distributors of motion pictures and television and radio programs should cease the production and distribution of those films and programs which defame, sterotype, ridicule, demean, or degrade ethnic, racial, or religious groups; (2) those responsible persons in the motion picture and broadcasting industries who are desirous of contributing to the vitality of democratic institutions by promoting ethnic, racial, and religious harmony should establish adequate standards for the production of films and broadcasts which portray ethnic, racial, or religious groups and that such standards should be rigorously enforced by the motion picture and broadcasting industries; and (3) if within one year after the enactment of this resolution the motion picture and broadcasting industries have failed to establish and enforce adequate standards for the production of films and broadcasts which portray ethnic, racial, or religious groups, appropriate committees of the House and Senate shall formulate and propose such measures as are necessary to establish and implement such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Provides that in the determination of the annual income of recipients of vetetans' pensions and dependency and indemnity compensation the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall not reduce the amount of such pension or compensation because of increases in monthly social security benefits under Public law 92-336. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 415(g)(4) 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that amounts not in excess of $500 received for volunteer services performed in each taxable year by volunteer firemen shall be excluded from earned income subject to income tax under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that no license granted for the operation of a broadcasting station under the Communications Act of 1934 shall be for a longer term than five years. Provides for renewal of such license where the Federal Communications Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served. Provides that an applicant for renewal who is legally, financially and technically qualified shall be awarded the license if such applicant shows that its broadcast service during the preceding license period has reflected a good-faith effort to serve the needs and interests of its area as represented in its immediately preceding and pending license renewal application and if it has not demonstrated a callous disregard for law or the Commission's regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that in the case of a retired teacher, gross income does not include so much of the income received during the taxable year, and otherwise includible in gross income, as does not exceed $5,000.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademark licensing contract or agreement for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a trademarked food product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in free and open competition with products of the same general class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 41)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Allows an income tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code, for the reasonable and necessary expenses paid or incurred by an individual during the taxable year for automobile commuting. Provides that, for purposes of this Act, the term 'automobile commuting' means transportation by automobile between the taxpayer's residence and place of business or employment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Wabash Valley Basin Environmental Conservation Act - Provides for a Wabash Valley Basin environmental conservation program under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Permits public school teachers and other public school employees who do not have coverage pursuant to State agreement under the Federal old-age, survivors, and disability insurance provisions of the Social Security Act to elect coverage under such Act as self-employed individuals. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 411) (Adds 26 U.S.C. 1402 (i))
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Repeals the Gun Control Act of 1968 and reenacts the Federal Firearms Act. Provides that whoever used a firearm to commit any felony which may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, or carries a firearm unlawfully during the commission of any felony which may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, or uses a firearm to commit any felony, or carries a firearm unlawfully during the commission of any felony, which use or carrying for the purpose is unlawful according to the law of the State in which it occurs, shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of the felony, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than ten years.
![Official portrait of Rep. Shipley, George E. [D-IL-22]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000367_200.jpg)