United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Provides that whoever robs any pharmacy of any narcotic drug shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than twenty years or both. Provides that whoever, in commiting or attempting to commit any offense described above, assaults any person, or puts in jeopardy the life of any person by the use of a dangerous weapon or device, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than twenty-five years or both. Provides that whoever, in commiting or attempting to commit any such offense, kills any person shall be imprisoned for not less than ten years.
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
Government Employees' Political Activities Act Sets forth the definition of "an active part in political management or in political compaigns" for purposes of this Act. Provides that each State or local officer or employee to whom the provisions of this Act extends retains the right to vote as he chooses, to express his opinion on political subjects and candidates, and to take an active part in political management or in political campaigns in his role as a private citizen without involving his official authority or influence and while out of uniform or during nonduty hours. Permits employees in Executive agencies to request and receive contributions to political campaigns from such employees. Provides that each employee in an executive agency or an individual employed by the government of the District of Columbia to whom the provisions of this Act apply, retains the right to vote as he chooses, to express his opinion on political subjects and candidates and to take an active part in political management or in political campaigns in his role as a private citizen without involving his official authority or influence and while out of uniform or during nonduty hours.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Revises the requirements for immediate retirement of employees of the U.S. government to provide for the payment of an annuity upon retirement at an age plus service aggregating at least 80 years (presently 55 with 30 years of service). (Amends 5 U.S.C. 83)
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Flood Disaster Protection Act - Title I: Expansion of National Flood Insurance Program - Increases, under the National Flood Insurance Act, to $35,000 the aggregate liability for any single-family dwelling, and to $100,000 for any residential structure containing more than one dwelling unit. Increases to $10,000 the aggregate liability per dwelling unit for any contents related to such unit. Increases to $100,000 the aggregate liability in the case of business properties which are owned, leased, and operated by small business concerns. Increases, in the case of any other properties which may become eligible for flood insurance coverage under the Act, to $100,000 the aggregate liability per unit for any contents related to such unit. Provides that no Federal office or agency shall approve any financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes for use in any area that has been identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as an area having special flood hazards and in which the sale of flood insurance is authorized under this Act, unless the building or mobile home and any personal property to which such financial assistance relates is, during the anticipated economic or useful life of the project, covered by flood insurance in an amount at least equal to its development or project cost or to the maximum limit of coverage authorized for the particular type of property under the Act, whichever is less. Removes the limit of outstanding notes and obligations that may be issued for purposes of financing the provisions of the Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4016) Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $10,000,000,000 the total authorized face amount of flood insurance outstanding and in force at any one time under the Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4026) Title II: Disaster Mitigation Requirements - Provides that no Federal officer or agency shall approve any financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes on and after July 1, 1975, for use in any area that has been identified by the Secretary as an area having special flood hazards unless the community in which such area is situated is then participating in the national flood insurance program. Provides that each Federal instrumentality responsible for the supervision, approval, regulation, or insuring of banks, savings and loan associations, or similar institutions shall by regulation prohibit such institutions on and after July 1, 1975, from making, increasing, extending, or renewing any loan secured by improved real estate or a mobile home located or to be located in an area that has been identified by the Secretary as an area having special flood hazards, unless the community in which such area is situated is then participating in the national flood insurance program. Repeals the disaster assistance penalty provision of the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes priority for establishment of conservation areas. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for consulting with appropriate local officials. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make special study on the improvement of land and facilities located in areas of special flood hazards. Title III: Appeals - Allows appeals to United States district courts of any community aggrieved by any action of the Secretary under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Automobile Driver Education and Highway Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry on a national educational campaign designed to educate drivers, pedestians, and others with respect to: (1) the dangers incurred when driving on, crossing, or otherwise using the highways, and (2) improving safety on the highways by improving driver skills, driver attitudes, and driver knowledge of highway regulations. Permits the Secretary to engage in research, provide training, and engage in any other activity which will effectuate the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $85,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Requires the Postal Service to establish, not later than two hundred forty days after the date of the enactment of this Act, a mail delivery insurance program which will enable any person transmitting any matter in the domestic mail to purchase, with respect to such matter, insurance against any loss sustained by that person because the insured matter was not delivered to the addressee, or delivered to the addressee after the insured delivery date. Provides that coverage under the mail delivery insurance program shall: (1) not exceed $2,500 with respect to each insured matter transmitted in the mail, and (2) not include the value of the insured matter itself, if such matter is damaged or lost, but only losses resulting from the late delivery or nondelivery of such matter. Directs the General Accounting Office to conduct an investigation and study of domestic mail service for the purpose of establishing a schedule of standard processing and delivery periods for such mail service.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that in the case of an employer with 50 or fewer employees, old-age, survivors, and disability insurance, and Federal income tax withholding payments shall not be required more than one time. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 6302 (d))
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1973
Provides, under the Federal Aviation Act, for reduced rate transportation on a space available basis for youth (between 12 and 22), elderly people (aged 65 and older), and military personnel who are members of the United States armed services traveling at their own expense, in uniform and while on official leave, furlough, or pass. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1373(b))
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
Uniformed Services Retirement Pay Equalization Act - Provides that the retired or retainer pay of any member or former member of a uniformed service shall be computed at the rate of basic pay to which such member or former member would be entitled if he were serving on active duty in his retired grade.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
Defines Continental Shelf fishery resources which appertain to the United States. States that such resources refer to living organisms belonging to sedentary species; that is to say, organisms which, at the harvestable stage, either are immobile on or under the seabed or are unable to move except in constant physical contact with the seabed or the subsoil of the Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
Increases the period of presumption of service connection for cases of multiple sclerosis from seven to ten years after a veteran's separation from the Armed Forces. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 312 (a) (4))
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1973
States that the Oil Policy Committee and the Office of Oil and Gas, Department of the Interior, shall establish by regulation specified formal procedures for review of applications filed by refiners for fee-paid licenses prior to the issuance of such licenses, including consideration of the quantities and prices of crude oil which such refiners are making and intend to make available to small independent refiners and consideration of the quantities and prices of gasoline, fuel oil, diesel fuel, or kerosene which such refiners are making and intend to make available to independent marketers of such products. Provides that any fee-paid license issued to a refiner for imports of crude oil, unfinished oils, and finished products into Districts I-IV, District V, and Puerto Rico shall require that refiners supply to small independent refiners and independent marketers crude oil, unfinished oils, and finished products in reasonable quantities and at reasonable prices based on past supply relationships.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Independent Oil Marketers Supply Act - Provides that no refiner who during the period October 1, 1971 to September 30, 1972, was in the business of furnishing any petroleum product to controlled marketers for resale or sale to the public shall fail to offer to supply that product to independent marketers at reasonable prices in reasonable quantities, so long as he continues to furnish that product to controlled marketers. States that violations of this Act shall be deemed to be an unfair act or practice in commerce under the provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to report to the Congress within six months of the date of enactment of this Act whether any additional legislation is required to prevent acts or practices in commerce which adversely affect any independent marketers as defined in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1973
States that it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe standards for the removal of discharged oil from private property consistent with the National Contingency Plan. Requires that the Secretary notify the owner of a facility from which oil is discharged to remove the oil in accordance with the prescribed standards. Establishes civil penalties for noncompliance with the Secretary's notification.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1973
Forest Conservation and Improvement Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress and defines the terms used in the Act. Provides for the preparation of comprehensive management plans by the Secretary of Agriculture for each national forest and other commercial forest land under his jurisdiction and by the Secretary of the Interior for each unit of the commercial forest lands under his jurisdiction, to be preceded by at least one public hearing in the major population center of the State affected and by the publication of the proposed plan in the Federal Register not less than 60 days before each public hearing. Declares that after consideration of comments at the public hearings, the respective Secretary shall promulgate a comprehensive management plan by publishing the plan in the Federal Register, at which time he shall submit the plan and a map to the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture or Interior and Insular Affairs. Provides for the plan to take effect 120 days after submission unless disapproved by the committees, and requires at least one review of the plan, including public hearings, before December 31, 1986. States that the plan shall be developed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the respective Secretary, with regard to the commercial forest lands, to establish policies to assure that small business concerns obtain a fair proportion of commercial timber and other forest products. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Forest Conservation and Improvement Fund to be available to the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and directs the respective Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress by March 1 an annual report describing the activities supported by the fund. Provides for the establishment of uniform rules and standards with respect to the appraisal, sale and removal of timber and other forest products from commercial forest lands, and for at least one public hearing in each of the five forest regions of the United States and in Alaska. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a complete inventory of all non-Federal forest lands and private forest lands within the United States and to report the results to the Congress within 3 years from the date of enactment. Prohibits the exporting of timber harvested from any commercial forest lands after January 1, 1974, unless the timber has been exempted from domestic processing under provisions of any Federal timber sale contract awarded prior to March 1, 1973. Limits to 1,500,000,000 broad feet of timber the amount harvested from non-Federal or privately owned forest lands to be exported from the United States in any year after January 1, 1974; and provides after January 1, 1975 for the annual licensing, by the Secretary of Commerce, of exporters of timber from these lands, with quotas on the amount to be exported and a requirement to export an amount of furnished wood products, excluding cants, equal in dollar amount to the amount of timber exported. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate necessary rules and regulations for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1973
Increases the limitation on the face amount of flood insurance coverage authorized to be outstanding under the Housing and Urban Development Act from $4,000,000,000 to $6,000,000,000.
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 · 7 May 1973
Expresses the opposition of the Congress to the enactment of certain measures for the curtailment of benefits under the medicare and medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Emergency Manpower and Defense Workers Assistance Act Title I: Establishment of Defense Workers Manpower Assistance Agency - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Labor to establish within the Department of Labor an agency, to be known as the Defense Workers Manpower Assistance Agency. Provides that the Agency shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the President and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the administrative duties and functions of the Agency. Title II: Economic and Manpower Assistance to Workers - Provides that any adversely affected worker may file an application with the Secretary for one or more of the forms of economic adjustment assistance provided under this title. States that economic adjustment assistance under this title consists of: (1) readjustment allowances; (2) training and counseling benefits; (3) relocation allowances; (4) early retirement benefits; and (5) health benefits. States that the Secretary shall determine whether an applicant is entitled to receive the economic adjustment assistance for which application is made and shall furnish such assistance if the applicant is so entitled. Provides that such determination shall be made as soon as possible after the date on which application is filed but in any event not later than thirty days after such date. Sets forth the qualifying requirements and amount limitations applicable to each of the forms of economic adjustment assistance. Title III: Public Service Employment Opportunities - States that notwithstanding any other provision of law, from sums appropriated pursuant to this Act, the Secretary is authorized to provide financial assistance to any State or locality for public service employment programs for adversely affected workers on terms and conditions as substantially similar to the provisions of the Emergency Employment Act of 1971 as the Secretary determines to be consistent with the purposes of this Act. Title IV: General Provisions - Provides that no person designated by the Secretary as a certifying officer, or disbursing officer, in the absence of gross negligence or intent to defraud the United States, be liable with respect to the payment of any allowance certified by him under this Act. States that whoever makes a false statement of a material fact knowing it to be false, or knowingly fails to disclose a material fact, for the purpose of obtaining or increasing for himself, or for any other person any payment or assistance authorized to be furnished under this Act shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1973
Veterans' Administration Accountability Act - Modifies those powers exercised by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs with respect to readjustment of the schedule of ratings for the disabilities of veterans. Requires that notice of closing must be given to Congress in writing before the closing of a hospital or domiciliary facility over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. Prohibits the sale or transfer of Government property under the jurisdiction of the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1973
Increases the number of nursing home beds in each State for war veterans in need of nursing home care to two and one-half beds per thousand war veteran population. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 5034)
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Eliminates the civil service annuity reduction made in order to provide a surviving spouse with an annuity, during periods when the annuitant is not married. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8339(j))
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Increases the present contribution by the Federal Government to the costs of Federal employees' health benefits insurance from 40 percent to 50 percent. Provides that such increase shall commence with the pay period after December 31, 1973. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8906(a))
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, that the first $5,000 received as civil service retirement annuity from the United States or any agency thereof shall be excluded from gross income for purposes of the income tax under such Act. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 124)
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Provides that the annuity of a retiring Federal employee or Member of Congress shall in no event be less than twelve times the smallest primary insurance amount (including any cost-of-living increase added to that amount) used as a basis for determining the amount of benefits payable to individuals under title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. States that the annuity of a survivor payable under this subchapter, or prior comparable provision of law, shall in no event be: (1) in the case of a surviving child, less than 36 times the smallest primary insurance amount (including any cost-of-living increase added to that amount) used as a basis for determining the amount of benefits payable to individuals under title II of the Social Security Act divided by the number of children; and (2) in the case of any other survivor, less than 12 times such primary insurance amount (including any such cost-of-living increase). Provides that an amount payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to a former employee or Member, which is based on a separation occurring prior to October 20, 1969, shall be increased by $300 ($165 in the case of the surviving spouse of an annuitant). (Adds 5 U.S.C. 8339(0), 8341(h))
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that gross income does not include any amount received as a pension, annuity, or similar benefit to the extent that such pension, annuity, or benefit is based on service which was performed as a full-time policeman or other law enforcement officer, or as a full-time fireman, in the employ of a Federal, State or local government or governmental entity. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 123)
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code of not more than $750 for ordinary and necessary expenses paid during the taxable year for the repair or improvement of property used by the taxpayer as his principal residence. Permits any person who is the owner of rental housing and who rehabilitates or restores such housing to deduct the cost of such restoration, with respect to the amortization of the adjusted basis of such housing as so restored, based on a period of 60 months. Entitles any person who acquires rehabilitated or restored rental housing from a taxpayer who elected the amortization deduction and who did not discontinue the amortization deduction, to a deduction with respect to the adjusted basis of such facility based on the remaining amount of the 60 month period taken by the person who rehabilitated the house. Provides procedures for the election and termination of the amortization deduction and defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Creates the Military Installation Closing Commission with members from specified Government agencies, the legislative branch, and the private sector. States that the Commission's duties shall be to review and evaluate any decision of the Department of Defense to close any military installation with a view toward determining whether the closing of such installation is in the best interests of national defense, the nation's economy, and military efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 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.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Requires the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to establish the National Dysautonomia Institute for research on dysautonomia. Provides that the Surgeon General shall establish a national advisory council for the Institute to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him with respect to the activities of the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1973
Health Programs Extension Act - Title I: Amendments to Public Health Service Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Health Service Act: (1) health services research and development, (2) national health surveys and studies, (3) public health training, (4) migrant health (5) comprehensive health planning and services (6) assistance to medical libraries (7) Hill-Burton programs for construction of medical library facilities (8) training in the allied health professions, (9) regional medical programs, and (10) population research and family planning. Title II: Amendments to the Community Mental Health Centers Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Community Mental Health Centers Act: (1) construction assistance for mental health centers, (2) staffing assistance for mental health centers, (3) alcoholism programs (4) drug abuse programs, (5)consultation services, and (6) mental health of children. Title III: Amendments to the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for construction, services, and planning under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act. Title IV: Funding Assurances - Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1974 for programs under the Medical Facilities Construction and Modernization Amendment of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Provides that postal officers and employees are exempted from the requirement that Federal employees sign an affidavit affirming that they do not advocate the overthrow of any constitutional form of government or assert the right to strike against the Government. Repeals the mandatory arbitration provisions previously applicable to postal employees. Makes employee-management relations in the Postal Service subject to the National Labor Relations Act. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 410).
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Prohibits depository institutions from permitting negotiable orders of withdrawal to be made with respect to any deposit or account on which any interest or dividend is paid. Authorizes Federal savings and loan associations and national banks to own stock in and invest in loans to certain State housing corporations. Prohibits depository institutions from permitting negotiable orders of withdrawal to be made with respect to any deposit or account on which any interest or dividend is paid. Authorizes Federal savings and loan associations and national banks to own stock in and invest in loans to certain State housing corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 a deduction in computing gross income for theft losses sustained by individuals, for specified amounts paid to protect against theft, for medical expenses caused by criminal conduct, and for funeral expenses of victims of crime. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 219)
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Freezes, under the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970, all prices and interest rates at levels no higher than those prevailing on March 16, 1973. Authorizes the President to roll back prices and interest rates to levels lower than those prevailing on such date. Provides for the stabilization of rents at levels prevailing on January 10, 1973. Authorizes the President to roll back rents to levels lower than those prevailing on such date. Provides for the regulation of credit for commodity futures trading by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Establishes in the legislative branch an Officer of Consumer Counselor. Provides the Consumer Counselor with duties to carry out the provisions of this Act. Extends for one year (to 1974) the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1973
Requires the President to notify within ten days each House of the Congress by special message of every instance in which he impounds funds or authorizes such impoundment by any officer of the United States. States that such message must specify the amount of impounded funds, the specific programs affected, and the reasons for the impoundment of funds. Provides that the President shall cease the impounding of funds set forth in each special message if within sixty days of continuous session after the message is received by the Congress the specific impoundment shall have been disapproved by the Congress by the passage of a resolution in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1973
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to gather and compile information with respect to the financial cost of assisting taxpayers to comply with tax laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to undertake an investigation to determine which materials or commodities shall be to subject export controls because of the present or prospective domestic inflationary impact or short supply of such materials, and to develop forecast indices of the domestic demand for such materials to help assure their availability on a priority basis to domestic users. Provides that the Secretary shall appoint a technical advisory committee upon the request of a substantial segment of any industry subject to export controls, in order to evaluate technical matters, licensing procedures, worldwide availability, and actual use of domestic production facilities and technology.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Removes import duties on fresh, chilled, or frozen cattle meat and fresh, chilled, or frozen meat of goats and sheep (except lambs). (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1202)
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Makes inapplicable to the aged, blind and disabled the existing provision of the Social Security Act limiting to 10 percent the portion of the total amounts paid to a State as grants for social services which may be paid with respect to individuals who are not actually recipients of or applicants for aid or assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - Declares it to be the policy of this Act to protect interstate commerce and the interests of participants in employee benefit plans and their beneficiaries, by requiring the disclosure and reporting to participants and beneficiaries of financial and other information with respect thereto, by establishing standards of fiduciary conduct, responsibility, and obligation upon all persons who exercise any powers of control, management, or disposition with respect to employee benefit funds or have authority or responsibility to do so, or have authority or responsibility in the administration of employee benefit plans, and by providing for appropriate remedies, sanctions, and ready access to the Federal courts. Title I: Fiduciary Responsibility and Disclosure - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee benefit plan if it is established or maintained by any employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, or by any industry or activity affecting commerce. participate, or both. Provides that the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall cause to be published in accordance with this Act to each participant or beneficiary covered thereunder a description of the plan and an annual financial report. States that such description shall be published within ninety days after such plan is established and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant. Provides that an annual report shall be published with respect to any employee benefit plan to which this title applies. Sets forth the information that shall be contained in such report. Provides that the administrator of any employee benefit plan subject to this Act shall file with the Secretary of Labor a copy of the plan description and each annual report. States that the Secretary may reject any such filing after notice, hearing, and determination by the Secretary that such filing is incomplete for the purpose of this title. Sets forth criminal penalties for intentional violations of this title. Provides that civil actions may be brought under this title by a participant or beneficiary: (1) for personal liability to such participant or beneficiary for failure to provide information required under this Act; or (2) to recover benefits due him under the terms of his plan or to clarify his rights to future benefits. Authorizes such actions by: (1) the Secretary, or by a participant, beneficiary or fiduciary, for appropriate relief under the fiduciary responsibility provisions of this Act; or (2) by the Secretary to enjoin any act or practice which appears to him to violate any provision of this title. Provides that the contents of the descriptions and regular annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this title shall be public information. Provides for the bonding of persons who have fiduciary responsibilities under this title and of persons who handle funds or other property of an employee benefit plan. Sets forth the fiduciary responsibilities of the administrators of plans covered by this Act. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of his functions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension benefit plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce or by such employer together with any employee organization representing employees engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce; or if such plan is established or maintained by any employer or by any employer together with any employee organization and if, in the course of its activities, such plan, directly or indirectly, uses any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or the mails. Excludes from the coverage of this title any employee pension benefit plan if: it is administered by the Federal Government or by an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States; or it provides contributions or benefits for a sole proprietor or, in the case of a partnership, a partner who owns more than 10 percent of either the capital interest or the profits interest in such partnership. Specifies that no pension plan subject to this title may provide as a condition of eligibility a period of service longer than 2 years or age higher than 30 years. Establishes certain nonforfeitable rights on the part of employees to receive benefits. Stipulates that in computing the period of service under a plan, the employee's entire service with the contributing employer must be considered, except in specified instances. Allows the Secretary to require a certificate of approval with respect to the vesting provisions of any pension plan. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excludes from coverage, in addition to those plans excluded under title II, any plan which has a fixed contribution rate and does not provide an amount expected to be paid as a fixed benefit and any plan which is a profit-sharing plan providing benefits at or after retirement. Requires pension plans subject to this title to provide for contributions to the plan in amounts necessary to meet an amount equal to the normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs and to maintain a minimum ratio of assets to vested liabilities according to a certain schedule. Requires the administrator of a plan to, at certain intervals, file with the Secretary a statement containing the following information: (1) the amount of normal cost since inception of the plan plus interest on any unfunded past service costs; (2) the total amount of the plan's vested liabilities at the close of its preceding fiscal year; (3) the assets held by the plan as of the close of its preceding fiscal year valued at market value or by any other method approved by the Secretary pursuant to regulation; (4) the number of years the plan has been in effect; (5) a statement of the amount, if any, by which the assets held by the plan either exceed or fall below the amount of assets required in order for the plan to meet the required funding ratio; and (6) such other information determined by the Secretary by regulation to be necessary for adequate disclosure of a plan's funding status. Provides that when the contributions to a pension plan fall below amounts necessary to meet the normal cost of the plan plus interest on past costs, the Secretary shall require by order, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the administrator take necessary steps to guarantee that the rights of each participant to benefits or to the amounts credited to his account are nonforfeitable in the event of the participant's termination. Provides that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the funding ratio required, the plan's vested liabilities shall not be increased by an amendment until the plan's required ratio is attained. Specifies that when a plan's ratio of assets to vested liabilities falls below the required ratio for 5 consecutive years, the Secretary shall require that the administrator take steps to suspend further accumulation of vested liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Employee Retirement Benefit Security 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; to prevent the loss of employees' earned credits resulting from change of or separation from employment; and to protect vested benefits of employees against loss due to plan termination. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a portability program for vested pensions to effect the transfer of vested credits between all employee plans. Requires employee plans to apply for membership in the portatiliby program. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a certificate of membership to approved plans. Creates a Protability Program Fund. Requires a member plan to pay, upon request of the participant, to the fund a sum of money equal to the current discounted value of the participant's vested rights under the plan, when such participant is separated from employment covered by the plan before the time prescribed for payments to be made to him or to his beneficiaries under the plan. Directs the Secretary of Labor to administer the fund and to report to the Congress not later than the first day of April of each year on the operation and the status of the fund during the preceding fiscal year and on its expected operation and status during the current fiscal year and the next two fiscal years. Requires the Secretary to review the general policies followed in managing the fund and to recommend changes in such policies, including the necessary changes in the provisions of law which govern the way in which the fund is to be managed. Directs the Secretary to establish an account in the fund for each participant. Provides that the Secretary shall give technical assistance to employers, employee organizations, trustees, and administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans in their efforts to provide greater retirement protection for individuals who are separated from employment covered under such plans. Title II: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program to insure participants and beneficiaries of those plans registered under this Act against loss of benefits derived from vested rights which arise from the termination of such plans. Enumerates conditions to insure the right to participants and beneficiaries of a registered pension plan. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe a uniform assessment to cover the administrative costs of the insurance program and to establish an annual premium for insurance at uniform rates based upon the amount of unfunded vested liabilities subject to insurance. Provides that no plan insured under this title shall terminate without the approval of the Secretary. Provides that where the employer or employers contributing to the terminating plan or who terminated the plan are not insolvent, such employer or employers shall be liable to reimburse the insurance program for any insurance benefits paid by the program to the beneficiaries of such terminated plan. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund for pension benefit insurance to be known as the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund which shall be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Provides for crediting service under the Civil Service Retirement Act for service by National Guard technicians on or after the effective date of the National Guard Technicians Act of 1968. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8332(b))
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Small Business Tax Simplification and Reform Act - Title I: Tax Simplification Relating to Small Business - Creates a Committee on Tax Simplification for Small Business for the purpose of devoting continued attention to the simplification of the Internal Revenue Code to small business, and the regulations, instructions, procedures, and other publications relating to small business taxation. Provides that the membership of the Committee would include representatives of the Secretary of the Treasury (for policy matters); Internal Revenue Service (for technical matters); Office of Management and Budget (for coordinating the paperwork aspects of IRS forms, in view of the Federal Reports Act) and the Small Business Administration to express the interests of the small business community. Creates in the Treasury Department an Office of Small Business Analyst, which would be responsible for looking at tax problems primarily from the view of small business and the free enterprise system. Calls upon the Treasury Department for a comprehensive study of depreciation policies with particular attention to: the impact of legislation; the rapid advances in technology to which small business must adapt; and the practices of other industrialized nations. Calls upon the Treasury to study the entire range of pension, retirement, health, medical, and insurance benefits in the larger context of what both corporations (including large corporate enterprise) and other forms of business are providing for their employees and executives. Authorizes a special study of the differential effect of tax law changes on businesses of different sizes. Title II: Adjustment of Corporate Normal Tax - Effects a progressive reform in the entire corporate tax structure by providing for reductions in normal corporate tax rates based on the corporations earning. Provides that as corporate earnings rise above $1 million per year the normal tax would incline upward to a maximum of 24 percent for corporations earning over $1 billion annually. Title III: Special Provisions to Encourage Establishment of New Small Business Enterprises - Permits eligible new small business corporatians on income tax deduction equal to the corporations net operating income so long as that amount does not exceed $2083. Allows an income tax deduction to a partnership for its oragnizational expenses ratably over a period of 60 months. Provides for a bad debt tax deduction for guarantors of obligations of, and lenders, to, small business corporations. Title IV: Provisions to Assist Small Business Growth - Increases the additional first-year depreciation limitation for small business property from $10,000 to $20,000. Extends the period for use of the loss carryover provisions for small businesses by allowing existing corporations to carry these losses over a ten year period. Raises the earning credit in accordance with the costs of doing business to $150,000. Allows the expenses of certain types of small business stock flotations, such as those under Regulation A and section 1244 of the Code, which are not otherwise deductible, to be amortized over a period of 60 months. Allows research and development expenses of small business to be amortized beginning at the time they are made. Permits a limited number of surtax exemptions (up to 5) in the event members of a family are placed in proprietary positions where they have ownership of at least 50 percent of the stock (or other interest) and full time management of a separately incorporated unit of a family business. Title V: Provisions Relating to Partnerships - Allows the closing of the partnership year for a decedent at any of the following times: (1) normal close of the partnership year if there has been no prior sale, exchange, or liquidation of the partnership interest; (2) the date of any of the above described transactions; or (3) the day after the partner's death. Permits a partner to deduct currently his share of partnership losses in excess of the adjusted basis of his partnership interests, in the event that the partner is unconditionally obligated for his share of such partnership losses. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Subchapter S Corporations - Allows enlargment of the Subchapter S "tax-option" small business corporations in the following 3 ways: (1) initial shareholders could number 15, rather than the present 10; (2) shareholders in excess of this ceiling who take their stock by reason of heirship would not disqualify election; and (3) after 5 years, the number of permissible shareholders would increase to 25. Provides that the classes of shareholders would be expanded to include: (1) trusts where stock passes pursuant to a will, and where the trust is used merely to convey the stock to a long term eligible holder within 60 days; (2) trusts where the entire income is taxable to the grantor; and (3) small business investment companies, subject to such income. Provides for nondisqualification of a Subchapter S corporation by reason of exceeding the limit of 20 percent passive income in a single year. Provides that the election privilege could still be lost pursuant to this proposal if the limit is exceeded in any 2 of 4 consecutive years. Provides that if the corporation is able to establish that the termination was, in fact, inadvertent and gain full compliance within 90 days of notification, its Subchapter S status would be preserved for future years. Title VII: Business Development Corporations - Permits State and local development companies to extend long-term financing to non-bankable new enterprises and such companies would be permitted a bad-debt reserve deduction up to 10 percent of outstanding loans. Provides that certain types of business development corporations would be nontaxable upon the condition that the proceeds from such unusual transactions are re-invested the area of service and no part of these proceeds insures to the benefit of any individual or private institution. Title VIII: Preservation of Small Business Independence - Allows recovery of losses in 1 or 2 quarters to the extent the newly estimated tax for the year is less than the amount already paid in. Disallows interest deductions beyond $500,000 on any loan for small business acquistion purposes. Permits valuation comparisons with any similar closely held corporation whether or not it is listed on an exchange. Changes the standard of "undue hardship" (required to qualify for 10-year estate tax installments) to "hardship." Directs the Treasury to conduct a comprehensive examination of the pressures of income taxes, capital gains tax, reorganization rules, and estate and gift taxes which are causing so many small business to sell or merge out of existence rather than continue in independent form.
![Official portrait of Rep. St Germain, Fernand J. [D-RI-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000762_200.jpg)