United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
National Cancer Research Act; Title I: Short Title and Declaration of Policy - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to carry out within five years the goal that cancer research activities of the United States shall be priority oriented and shall be conducted so as to contribute materially to one or more of the following objectives: (1) the expansion of human knowledge of methods in which to detect, prevent, and cure cancer; (2) the development of cancer preventative vaccines, or other preventatives; (3) the improvement of the usefulness and of the dissemination of information from, all cancer-related research activities conducted in the United States; and (4) the development and operation of cancer research facilities, equipment, and supplies, capable of making significant advances in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and cure. Title II: Coordination of Cancer Research Activities - Estabishes, for five years, in the Executive Office of the President the National Cancer Research Council to be composed of the Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Administrators of the National Cancer Research Administration, and Director of the National Institutes of Health. Directs the Council to develop a comprehensive program of cancer research and to resolve differences among various agencies with respect to cancer research. Establishes, for five years, the National Cancer Research Administration, the administrator of which shall plan, direct, and conduct the cancer research activities of the United States; and disseminate information concerning its activities. Authorizes the Administration to acquire property, enter into contracts, use facilities of federal agencies, and appoint personnel. Requires semiannual reports from the Administration to the Congress. Title III: Miscellaneous - Allows the President to transfer to the Administration for five years any functions of any other department, agency, or officer of the United States which relate primarily to the functions, powers and duties of the Administration. Requires information obtained by the Administration to be available for public inspection. Provides for retention of property rights and patenting by the United States of inventions made in the performance of any work under any contract with the Administration. Allows the administrator to waive all or part of the rights of the United States to an invention if he determines that the interest of mankind and the United States will thereby be served, subject to reservation of an irrevocable, nontransferrable, royalty-free license for the practice of such invention by the United States. Allows the administrator to make a monetary award to any person for any medical, scientific, or technical contribution to the Administration, not exceeding $10,000. Title IV: Funding - Imposes on the income of every individual, estate, trust, and corporation a tax equal to 2 percent of the adjusted tax for the taxable year. Authorizes withholding of such tax according to tables prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Appropriates to such fund, sums as are necessary. Terminates such fund on January 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
States that the increases in the monthly benefits and lump sum death payments under title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act shall be increased by 7 percent beginning January 1974 (presently increased by the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for June 1973 exceeds that for June 1972, beginning April 1974.)
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Special Prosecution Conservancy Act - Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with supervisory jurisdiction to issue and enforce all orders necessary and appropriate to insure the integrity and inviolability of all files, notes, correspondence, memoranda, documents, physical evidence, and other records and work product compiled, obtained, or otherwise produced and maintained by the office of Special Prosecutor from the date of assumption of that office on May 24, 1973, until the appointment of a successor Special Prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court with authority to appoint a Special Prosecutor for the purposes and with the powers set forth in this Act, and to replace such officer only for extraordinary improprieties in the exercise of his responsibilities. Sets forth the authority and responsibilities of the Special Prosecutor. States that the prosecutor shall have exclusive authority to conduct all grand jury presentments and all other criminal proceedings arising from the following acts or transactions: (1) offenses arising out of the unauthorized entry into Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the Watergate; (2) offenses arising out of the 1972 Presidential election; (3) allegations of criminal offenses involving the President, members of the White House Staff, or other Presidential appointees; and (4) such other matters as bear a relation to the foregoing and which the Special Prosecutor consents to accept. Sets forth powers of the Special Prosecutor, including: (1) the power to determine whether and how far to contest the assertion of executive privilege or any other testimonial or evidentiary privilege, and (2) the power to decide whether or not to prosecute any person and how to conduct and argue any appeals or petitions arising out of his prosecutorial activities. Authorizes the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to extend the term of the Grand Jury of that Court which was impaneled on June 5, 1972, for additional periods of six months, until the court determines that the business of that Grand Jury has been completed. Authorizes to be appropriated to the office of the Special Prosecutor such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Directs the Committee on the Judiciary to inquire into and investigate whether grounds exist for the impeachment of Richard M. Nixon, and to report its findings to the House with such resolutions or articles of impeachment deemed proper.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Metric Conversion Act - Establishes a National Metric Conversion Board to implement the change of the United States to the metric system by devising and carrying out a program of encouragement, coordination and public education. Requires the Board to consult with industry, commerce, science, consumers, engineering, education, labor, State and local governments, foreign governments, and such others as are deemed appropriate in carrying out its duties. Requires the Board, within 12 months after the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act, to develop and submit to the Secretary of Commerce, for transmittal to the President and Congress, a plan to convert to the metric system. Provides that such plan will be implemented within 60 days unless disapproved by Congress. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings and enter into contracts. Provides that an executive director shall be responsible for carrying out the Board's duties. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this 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 · 17 October 1973
Carpool Service Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the General Services Administration to provide technical assistance to cities to aid in the implementation of programs which are designed to increase the use of carpools by commuters.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1973
Constitutional Amendment - States that any provison of a foreign treaty which denies or abridges any right enumerated in this Constitution shall not be of any force or effect. Provides that no treaty shall authorize or permit any foreign power or any international organization to supervise control, or adjudicate rights of citizens of the United States within the United States enumerated in this Constitution or any other matter essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the United States. States that all executive or other agreements between the President or any international organization shall be made only in the manner prescribed by law, and shall be subject to the limitations imposed on treaties.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1973
Authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000, $175,000,000, and $200,000,000 for fiscal years 1975-1977, respectively for the nutrition program for the aged under title VII of the Older American Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to limit exports of copper and copper scrap during any year in which sales of copper are made from the national or supplemental stockpile, or during any period of price controls on these materials when the market price elsewhere in the world significantly exceeds that in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Carpool Service Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the General Services Administration to provide technical assistance to cities to aid in the implementation of programs which are designed to increase the use of carpools by commuters.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Synthetic Hydrocarbon Fuel Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares that it is the policy of the United States to develop as expeditiously as practicable commercially feasible processes for the conversion of coal to crude oil and other liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons in response to the public need for an adequate supply of energy. Title II: Federal Coordination, Planning, and Regulation - Directs the President to: (1) aid in the planning and development of processes for conversion of coal to crude oil; (2) provide review of all phases of the development of such processes; (3) coordinate the activities of governmental agencies in the field of energy conservation; and (4) take all necessary steps to reduce dependence on foreign sources of fuel. Directs the Office of Coal Research to cooperate in the development of a coal conversion process and provide such facilities as may be necessary for such development. Title III: Creation of a Synthetic Hydrocarbon Fuel Corporation - Creates a Synthetic Hydrocarbon Fuel Corporation for profit which will not be an agency of the United States. States that the President shall appoint the incorporators, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides for the establishment of a board of directors for the corporation. Authorizes the corporation to issue and have outstanding shares of capital stock, without par value, which shall carry voting rights and be eligible for dividends. Provides that such shares of stock initially offered shall be sold at a price not in excess of $100 per share. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase from time to time and hold for the United States up to 40 percent of the current outstanding stock of the corporation. States that at such time as the corporation shall have developed and licensed a commercial process or processes for the conversion of coal to oil and/or natural gas, the interest of the United States acquired pursuant to this Act shall be retired by the payment to the Secretary of the Treasury of 40 per centum of the proceeds from such royalties until the investment of the United States in the corporation shall have been returned in full. Sets forth the purposes and powers of the corporation. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the corporation to notify the Department of State whenever it enters into business negotiations with any international or foreign entity. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over alleged violations of the provisions of this Act by the corporation. Directs the President to transmit to Congress in January of each year a report which shall include a comprehensive description of the activities engaged in under this Act. Directs the corporation to transmit to the President and the Congress, annually and at such other times as it deems desireable, a comprehensive report of its operations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Employee Benefit Security Act - 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. 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 120 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 beneift 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. 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. Requires the administrator of an employee pension benefit plan to furnish to any plan participant at least once each year a statement indicating: (1) whether or not such person has a nonforfeitable right to receive a benefit; (2) the amount of the benefits which have become nonforfeitable, or an estimate; and (3) the number of the priority under which such benefits would be distributed in the event of termination of the plan. 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. Provides for the distribution of net assets of a pension benefit plan in the case of a plan's termination. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of this funcions under this title. Title II: Vesting - Provides that this title shall apply to any employee pension plan if it is established or maintained by an employer engaged in commerce or by such employer together with an 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 if, in the course of its activities, such plan, 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 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 1 year or age higher than 25 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. Title III: Funding - Provides that this title applies to the same employee benefit pension plans as does title II and excluded 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 schedule. Provides that when the contribution to a pension plan fall below the necessary amount, the administrator shall take such steps as are necessary to bring the level of funding into conformity with the benefits offered by the plan. States that no pension plan may merge, consolidate with, or transfer its assets to any other plan unless participants in both plans would receive a termination benefit immediately after such action which is equal to or greater than the termination benefit he would receive immediately before such action. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes the Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program which shall be administered by the Secretary of Labor. Requires every plan subject to this title to maintain plan termination insurance to cover unfunded vested liabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such insurance. Provides that the insurance program shall 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. States that, upon registration with the Secretary, each plan shall pay a uniform assessment to the insurance program as prescribed by the Secretary to cover the administrative costs of the insurance program. Requires each registered pension plan to pay an annual premium for insurance at uniform rates established by the Secretary based upon the amount of unfunded vested liabilities subject to insurance. Sets limits for such premium for three years and allows discretion to the Secretary in determining it subsequently. Requires notice to the Secretary of plan termination and allows him to prescribe how funds of the plan shall be wound up and liquidated. States that persons who terminate a plan with intent to avoid the purposes of this act or in violation of this Act shall be personally liable for losses incurred thereby to the Pension Benefit Insurance Fund. Establishes 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. Requires the Secretary to administer the fund. Title V: General Provisions - Establishes a Variation Appeals Board which shall hear and determine appeals from decisions denying grants of variations in accordance with procedures promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to regulation. Directs the Secretary to undertake research studies relating to pension plans. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress covering his administration of this Act for preceding year. Makes it unlawful for any person to discharge, fine, suspend, expel, discipline, or discriminate against a participant or beneficiary for exercising any right to which he is entitled under the provisions of the plan or this Act; or for any person through the use of fraud, force, or violence, or threat of the use of force or violence, to restrain, coerce, intimidate, or attempt to restrain, coerce, or intimidate any participant or beneficiary for the purpose of interfering with or preventing the exercise of any right to which he is or may become entitled under the plan, or this Act. Requires every administrator of a pension plan to which title II or III applies shall file with the Secretary an application for registration of such plan. States that if at any time the Secretary determines that a plan required to qualify under this title is not qualified or is no longer qualified for registration under this title, he shall notify the administrator, setting forth the deficiency or deficiencies in the plan or in its administration or operations and provide a reasonable time within which to remove such deficiency or deficiencies. If the Secretary thereafter determines that the deficiency or deficiencies have been removed, he shall issue or continue in effect the certificate, as the case may be. Provides that if he determines that the deficiency or deficiences have not been removed, he shall enter an order denying or canceling the certificate of registration. States that the Secretary may petition any district court of the United States for an order requiring the employer or other person responsible for the administration of such plan to comply with the requirements of this Act as will qualify such plan for registration or compel or recover the payment of required contributions, assessments, premiums, fees, or other moneys. Declares it to be the express intent of Congress that the provisions of titles II and III shall supersed any and all laws of the States as they may relate to the vesting of participant's benefits in employee benefit plans, the funding requirements for employee benefit plans or the adequacy of financing of employee benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Technology Resources Survey and Application Act - Declares the findings of Congress. Establishes, under the National Aeronautics and Space Act, the National Technology Resources Council in the Executive Office of the President. Specifies the membership composition of such Council. Makes it the function of the Council to prepare a technology resources survey and to advise and assist the President with respect to other technology resource matters. Directs the Council to prepare and transmit to the President and Congress a technology resources survey identifying the existing scientific, engineering and technological activities, capabilities, which each might be used to practical advantage in the resolution of the nation's critical domestic problems. Enumerates the items to be included in such survey. Authorizes the Council to exercise specified administrative powers. Directs the Administrator, through the Office of Technology Application to: (1) upon request, furnish technical assistance to the Council; (2) upon direction of the Council, accept responsibility for specific domestic problems and (3) utilize aerospace firm and other scientific organizations in private sector to assist in developing scientific strategies for the resolution of critical domestic problems. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Technology Resources Council $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriate to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Provides that no public funds be used for the purpose of transporting chemical nerve agents to or from any military installation in the United States for storage or stockpiling purposes unless it is the sense of the Congress to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that both the President and Congress should resolve the position of the United States on the status of herbicides and tear gas so that the Senate may move forward toward immediate ratification of the Geneva protocol of 1925. States that the Department of Defense should detoxify that amount of nerve gas stored at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver which was to have been destroyed by now.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 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 · 25 September 1973
Authorizes reduced-fare transportation on airplanes, railroads, and motor buses on a space-available basis for persons who are sixty-five years of age or older. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1373(b), 22)
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, a tax on every new automobile manufactured, produced, or imported based upon its fuel consumption rate. Requires the public disclosure of the fuel consumption rate of every new automobile. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 4064)
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1973
Authorizes the disposal, under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act, of approximately two hundred fifty eight thousand seven hundred short tons of copper from the national stockpile and the supplemental stockpile. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to limit the exports of copper and copper scrap during any year in which sales of copper are made from the national or supplemental stockpile, or any period of price controls on these materials when the market price elsewhere in the world significantly exceeds that in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1973
Provides that whoever contributes more than $5,000 to the political campaign of a Presidential candidate shall be ineligible to serve as an ambassador, minister, head of an executive department, or a member of an independent regulatory body while such candidate is President.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act - Title I: Short Title, Purposes, and definitions - Declares it to be the intention of Congress, subject to the retention by Congress of the ultimate legislative authority over the Nation's Capital which is granted by the Constitution, to grant to the Government of the District of Columbia the powers of local self-Government. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title II: Governmental Reorganization - Transfers the District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency to the District of Columbia Government. Provides that the National Capital Housing Authority shall be an agency of the District of Columbia Government. Establishes the National Capital Planning Commission as a Federal planning agency to review District plans affecting the Federal Establishment in the National Capital region. Transfers the Secretary of Labor's manpower service functions to the Commissioner of the District of Columbia. Title III: District Charter Preamble, Legislative Power, and Charter Amending Procedures - States that the charter for the District of Columbia set forth in this Act shall establish the means of governing the District following its acceptance by a majority of the registered qualified electors. Sets forth provisions for amending the Charter. Title IV: The District Charter - Establishes a 13 member Council of the District of Columbia, with a term of office of four years. Specifies the qualifications for holding office, and the compensation to be paid. Vests all legislative powers of the District of Columbia (subject to specified Congressional retention) in the Council. Sets forth procedures and responsibilities of the Council and of the Chairman of the Council. Establishes the Office of Mayor, and sets forth provisions for qualifications and compensation. Provides that all executive power of the District shall be vested in the Mayor. Grants the Mayor power to appoint all judges of the District of Columbia Courts, with the advice and consent of the Council from a list of persons nominated by the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission. Directs the Council to adopt a budget for each year, and sets forth appropriations, accounting, auditing, and borrowing measures to be followed. Exempts bonds and notes issued by the Council from all Federal and District taxations. Creates the following independent agencies for the District of Columbia: Board of Elections, Zoning Commission, Public Service Commission, Armory Board, and Board of Education. Provides procedures for recall of the Mayor, or any member of the Council or of the Board of Education. Title V: Federal Payment - Establishes in the Treasury the District of Columbia Federal Payment Trust Fund to help defray the costs of the District Government. Sets forth the duties of the Mayor, the Council, and the Office of Management and Budget in relation to the District's budget. Title VI: Reservation of Congressional Authority - Stipulates that the Council shall have no authority to: (1) impose taxes on United States property; (2) enact any regulation which permits the building of any structure in excess of the 1910 height limitations; or (3) enact any act relating to Federal courts in the District of Columbia. Title VII: Referendum; Sucession in Government; Temporary Provisions; Miscellaneous; Amendments to District of Columbia Election Act; Repeal of Certain Provisions of Law and Rules of Construction; and Effective Dates - Provides for a referendum within 5 months of enactment to determine whether the qualified electors of the District of Columbia accept the Charter (title IV). Transfers the functions of specified existing government agencies to the Council. Provides for the continuance of pending actions and proceedings of defunct agencies. Authorizes the President of the United States to take such action as necessary during the interim period to enable the Board of Elections properly to perform its functions under this Act. States that, for the purpose of preventing duplication, any Federal officer or agency may furnish services to the District Government and any District officer or agency may furnish services to the Federal Government. Provides for an independent annual postaudit by the General Accounting Office. Provides for advisory neighborhood councils to advise the District Government on matters of public policy. Makes conforming amendments to the District of Columbia Election Act concerning elections of the Mayor, the District Delegate, and the Council. Sets forth the effective dates of the titles of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Voters' Information Act - Requires the posting in a prominent place, of information in post offices with respect to registration, voting, and communicating with lawmakers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Retirement Benefit Fund Act - Declares the findings and policies of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Retirement Benefit Funds - Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to prescribe rules necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, including rules for the operation of Retirement Benefit Funds. Establishes a Retirement Fund Division within the Securities and Exchange Commission. Authorizes the Commission to appoint and fix the compensation of such attorneys, actuarial consultants, and other employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions of the Retirement Fund Division under this Act, without regard to specified provisions governing appointments and pay rates. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Retirement Fund Division to carry out its functions and duties. Directs the Commission to submit annually a report to the Congress covering its activities under this Act during the preceding fiscal year. Provides that applications to be authorized to operate as a fund shall be filed with the Commission, in such form and containing such information and documents as the Commission shall prescribe. Prescribes the procedure for examination of applications, issuance of licenses and renewal. Directs the Commission to establish procedures for the receipt and investigation of all complaints by any member of the public concerning the operations of an existing fund. Provides that no fund shall have a board of directors more than 40 percent of whose members are persons who are investment advisors of, affiliated persons of an investment advisor of, consultants to, or officers of employees of, such fund. Sets forth additional restrictions applicable to persons serving as officers, consultants and employees of the fund. Specifies that the board of directors of a fund shall consist of not less than 15 nor more than 20 members elected for terms of five years. Provides that not less than one-half of the seats on the board of directors shall be reserved for individuals who anticipate that the fund will represent the major non-governmental portion of their future retirement income. Prescribes the procedures for nominations, campaigning and election of candidates. States that no fund shall issue or underwrite any kind of securities, whether in the form of stocks or bonds and funds shall not issue any debt securities. Provides that the assets (or any portion thereof) of the fund may not be loaned to a company which is the employer of any of the participants or other specified organizations. Provides that no licensee shall, unless authorized by a vote of a majority of the participants voting, deviate from its policy in respect to investments. States that every fund shall be deemed to be a trust and shall be held for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants and beneficiaries. Enumerates the obligations of a fiduciary in discharging his or her duties with respect to the fund. Describes the liabilities of fiduciaries for breach of such responsibilities. Title II: Disclosure - Requires the chief executive officer of each fund to publish: (1) a description of the fund, and (2) an annual report. Describes the content matter of the description of the fund and the annual report. Directs the Commission to prepare forms for the fund descriptions, annual reports, annual statements, and investment and voter preference questionnaires required by this Act and to make such forms available to the directors and officers of such funds on request. States that, upon conviction of a willful violation of the provisions of this title, the chief executive officer of any fund shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. Title III: Contributions; Benefits; Insurance - Provides that all pension contributions shall be made to funds selected by participants. Requires each fund to provide each participant with a passbook, indicating the amount of pension contributions paid to the fund on his or her behalf at the time of issue, and containing space for the inclusion of the annual year-end statements. States that no person shall have pension monies deposited with more than one fund at a time. Permits a participant or beneficiary to transfer all amounts accumulated in his or her account in one fund to another fund by filing a written transfer request with his or her fund. Provides that, with specified exceptions, no fund shall accept pension contributions from any participant without first furnishing such participant with a copy of its most recent solicitation prospectus and without receiving written notice from said participant that he or she has received and inspected the solicitation prospectus. Makes it unlawful for any fund or any representative to make any materially false or misleading statement with the intent to persuade a prospective participant to designate said fund as the depository of his or her pension contributions. Outlines the order in determining a beneficiary's lifetime pension benefits. Establishes a corporation to be known as the Federal Pension Insurance Corporation, under the direction of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Provides that the Corporation shall insure rights of participants and beneficiaries to specified extents. Directs each fund to pay an annual premium for insurance under the program to be established by the Corporation. Title IV: Transition Period - Provides that contributions to retirement benefit funds may be made by: (1) self-employed persons now making pension contributions pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; (2) employed persons not covered by a pre-existing plan; (3) employed persons covered by a pre-existing pension plan; (4) employers, some or all of whose employees are not covered by a pre-existing pension plan; (5) employers whose employees are covered by a pre-existing pension plan; and (6) married persons on behalf of spouses. Prescribes transitional programs to be adopted by employers with pre-existing pension plans. States that no pension funds operated by any governmental agency shall be subject to any provisions of this Act unless an election is made to establish a pension plan in accord with the provisions of this Act. Establishes a Retired Workers Income Security Commission to study the economic problems of presently and soon-to-be retired workers whose retirement needs will not be met by this legislation. Authorizes to be appropriated $100,000 for fiscal year 1974, for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this section. Title V: Penalties, Enforcement - Provides that any person who violates any section of this Act, whether willfully or negligently, shall be civilly liable for damages. Imposes criminal liability for fraud and conversion. Empowers the Commission to make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this Act. Prescribes the procedures for any such investigation. Grants the Commissioner the power to order "unannounced audits" of any fund when he deems it proper. Provides for class actions, notice provisions for such actions, appointment of attorneys, attorney's fees, and bonding under the provisions of this Act. Title VI: Effective Date - States that the effective date of this Act shall be one year after enactment of this Act. Title VII: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code relating to: (1) deferred compensation; (2) the taxability of the beneficiary of exempt trusts; (3) exclusions from gross income of employer contributions to retirement benefit fund employee accounts; and (4) retirement savings for itemized deductions for individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Revises the civil liability provisions of the Consumer Credit Protection Act. Makes it unlawful for any creditor or card issuer to discriminte on account of sex or marital status against any individual with respect to the approval or denial of any extension of credit or with respect to the terms thereof or with respect to the approval, denial, renewal, continuation, or revocation of any open end consumer credit account or with respect to the terms thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Federal Grand Jury Reform Act - Provides for a hearing and the right to counsel at such for witnesses who refuse to testify before a grand jury. Sets a limit of time for confinement in a Federal correctional institution for failure to testify. Permits a person to be admitted to bail during an appeal from such confinement. Permits an attorney or defendent to challenge the members of a grand jury if not representative of a fair cross section of the community. States that no person summoned shall be required to testify before any grand jury it, upon hearing, the court finds that: (1) the appearance would impose a hardship on the person or his family because of the venue of the grand jury; (2) a primary purpose is to secure information about a person already under indictment; or (3) compliance would be unreasonable, oppressive, or punitive. Permits a motion for relief form a court order to testify before a grand jury to be made at any time. Requires the court hearing an appeal from a grand jury subpena to take into account the burdens imposed on the witness, the significance of the overt acts alleged, the existence of related investigations and proceedings, and changed circumstances since the summons. Authorizes a motion to dismiss the indictment to be based on objections to the array or on the lack of legal qualifications of an individual juror. Permits attorneys for the witness under examination to be present at grand jury proceedings, and to advise such person but not participate in the proceedings. Prohibits disclosure by such attorney of grand jury deliberations. Requires grand jury proceedings to be recorded, and entitles a witness and his attorney to a transcript of the witness' testimony. States that a grand jury subpena shall contain information sufficient to notify such witness of his right to counsel. Prohibits any information derived from a violation of an individual's constitutional rights to be received by the grand jury. Extends protective safeguards to individuals granted immunity from prosecution for grand jury testimony. Provides that in the case of any individual who has been called to testify, the U.S. district court may issue an order granting immunity and requiring such individual to give testimony which he refuses to give on the basis of his privilege against self-incrimination, except that no such order shall be issued unless: (1) the investigation is authorized by law; (2) the investigation relates to an offense for which an immunity order may be sought; (3) the information sought is relevant to the investigation and the subject matter of the immunity order; and (4) a summary of the evidence relating to the witness has been certified and submitted to the court. Requires an annual report by the Attorney General to the Congress and to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts of: (1) the number of grand jury proceedings with a description of the investigation undertaken during the preceding year; (2) the number of requests for orders compelling testimony and the number of applications for immunity; (3) the number of instances in which witnesses were held in contempt and confined; (4) the number of arrests and convictions resulting from testimony obtained under orders granting immunity; (5) a description of data banks and other procedures by which grand jury information is stored and used by the Department of Justice; and (6) other appropriate information concerning grand jury activity during such year. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 1826; 18 U.S.C. 3323, 3325, 3326, 6002; adds 18 U.S.C. 3329-3330a, 6006-6007)
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Anti-Architectural Barriers Act - Allows an income tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for the removal of architectural and transportational barriers, with respect to the aged and the handicapped, from trade or business facilities. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Provides former members of the Armed Services and their dependents medical and dental care in uniformed services facilities during the sixty-day period after discharge or separation. Makes such persons eligible for post exchange and commissary privileges during such sixty-day period.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
Authorizes the disposal, under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act, of approximately two hundred fifty eight thousand seven hundred short tons of copper from the national stockpile and the supplemental stockpile. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to limit the exports of copper and copper scrap during any year in which sales of copper are made from the national or supplemental stockpile, or any period of price controls on these materials when the market price elsewhere in the world significantly exceeds that in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
Child Development and Abuse Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish the National Center on Child Development and Abuse Prevention in order to gather information with respect to the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public agencies or nonprofit private organizations for demonstration programs designed to prevent, identify, and treat child abuse and neglect. Establishes a National Commission on Child Abuse and Neglect to investigate the effectiveness of existing child abuse and neglect reporting laws and the proper role of the Federal Government in assisting State and local public and private efforts to prevent child abuse. Directs the Commission to transmit to the President and to the Congress not later than one year after the first meeting of the Commission a final report containing a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute, upon request and without cost, under such conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce for the personal consumption of a household.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1973
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make a comprehensive study of a high-speed ground transportation system between Washington, District of Columbia, and Annapolis, Maryland, and a high-speed marine vessel transportation system between the Baltimore-Annapolis area in Maryland and the Yorktown-Williamsburg-Norfolk area in Virginia. Authorizes the construction of such system if such study demonstrates their feasibility. Authorizes appropriations of $300,000 for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute, upon request and without cost, under such conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce for the personal consumption of a household.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1973
Title I: Financial Assistance to Surface Transportation Companies - Revenue Financing Division and Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund Act - Creates, under the Interstate Commerce Act, a new division within the Department of Transportation to be known as the Revenue Financing Division. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation in the operation of such Division to aid in financing the transportation industry and commerce and to help in maintaining its economic stability. Directs the Secretary to designate an Assistant Secretary of Transportation to assist the Secretary in the execution of his functions under this Act. Establishes a Loan Policy Board of the Revenue Financing Division. Provides for the membership of such Board. Provides that the Board shall establish the general policies governing the granting or denying of applications for financial assistance under this Act. Provides that the aggregate amount of loan guarantees to any common carrier shall not exceed 15 percent of the guarantees provided for such purpose under this Act. Provides that the total amount of loan guarantees made after the date of enactment of this Act which the Secretary may have outstanding at any one time shall not exceed $2,000,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this title. Establishes, within the Department of Transportation, a Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund. Provides that such Fund shall be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund for the purpose of assisting railroads, and their car furnishing subsidiaries in building, rebuilding, leasing, and otherwise acquiring and utilizing rolling stock. Authorizes the Secretary to insure the lessee's obligations under an equipment lease and the interest on, and the unpaid principal balance of, any equipment obligations offered to him which he determines are eligible for insurance under this Act. Title II: The National Rail Transportation Act - Northeast Rail Transportation Act - Provides that, within sixty days after the enactment of this title, each United States district court having jurisdiction over a railroad in reorganization shall make a finding as to whether or not, based on the financial condition of and prospects for such railroad and without consideration of the impact of this title, it is reasonably likely that such railroad with all of its rail lines and facilities intact can be reorganized on an income basis under the Bankruptcy Act, and report such finding to the Northeast Transportation Commission established under this title. Provides for appeals from such district court findings. Provides that the regional plan providing for the reorganization and the restructuring of the rail system in the northeast region shall designate which rail lines and facilities in the northeast region are required in order to maintain, to continue, and to preserve maximum rail service consistent with the policies and purposes of this Act. Provides that the regional plan shall identify: (1) those rail transportation services and facilities which shall be provided by the Northeast Rail Corporation formed under this title; (2) those rail lines and facilities which shall be offered for sale to a nonbankrupt railroad for inclusion in its system but which, failing acceptance of such offer, must be maintained by this Corporation; (3) those services and facilities which should be continued only upon subsidy arrangements with States, municipalities, and shippers but which failing such arrangements should be suspended; and (4) the manner in which such rail lines and facilities shall be used by the Corporation and by other railroads operating in the northeast region, including provisions for joint use, control, and operation, or for joint ownership of terminal, port, and other facilities. Provides for standards to govern the specification of the regional plan. Provides that such standards shall include the environmental impact of alternative choices of action, particularly with regard to the effects on attainment and maintenance of any national ambient air quality standard established by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970. Provides that the regional plan shall be based upon due consideration of all relevant factors, including the need for and cost of rehabilitation and improvement of physical facilities, alternative means to achieve system rationalization, the cost of labor protection, marketing studies, traffic evaluations, and financial studies. Creates a corporation with the name of the Federal National Railway Association, which shall be an instrumentality of the United States of America. Grants the Association specified powers to achieve the objectives and to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Association. Establishes the Northeast Transportation Commission, whose function shall be to develop and to design the regional plan. Directs the President to, within thirty days after enactment of this Act, appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, twelve members of the NETC as specified in this title. Creates the Northeast Rail Corporation, a for-profit corporation, the purpose of which shall be to preserve and to improve common carrier service by rail within the northeast region, to develop a profitable rail freight service by rail within the northeast region, and to maintain a rail system which adequately and fairly meets the needs of the residents of the northeast region for freight, commuter, and intercity passenger service in accordance with the regional plan. Provides that the Corporation will not be an agency or establishment of the United States Government. Authorizes the Corporation: (1) to enter into leases and operating agreements with bankrupt railroads as provided under this Act; (2) to own, manage, operate, and contract for the operation of trains for the purpose of providing rail service in the northeast region in accordance with the regional plan; (3) to reject contracts of bankrupt railroads covering leased rail lines or facilities or jointly operated rail lines or facilities, which are executory in whole or in part; (4) to incur debt, both secured and unsecured; (5) to conduct research and development related to its mission and to form such corporations as may be appropriate for implementing the regional plan; and (6) to acquire by construction, purchase, or gift, or to contract for the use of, physical equipment, facilities, and devices necessary for rail freight and passenger operations in the northeast region. Provides that, not sooner than ninety nor later than one hundred and twenty days after the enactment of this Act, the trustee or trustees of any bankrupt railroad may tender to the Corporation an offer to lease all the rail lines and properties of which they are trustees and an offer to operate, subject to all the terms and conditions of this Act, such lines and transportation properties for an initial term not to exceed eighteen months, subject to a further extension, not to exceed six months. Provides that, within thirty days of the receipt of such tender, the Corporation shall execute a lease and an operating agreement with the trustees. Title III: Abandonment of Nonproductive Rail Facilities - Abandonment of Nonproductive Rail Facilities Act - Provides that no carrier by railroad subject to the Interstate Commerce Act shall undertake the extension of its line of railroad, or the construction of a new line of railroad, or shall acquire or operate any line of railroad, or extension thereof, or shall engage in transportation under this part over or by means of such additional or extended line of railroad, unless and until there shall first have been obtained from the Commission a certificate that the present or future public convenience and necessity require or will require the construction, or operation, or consturction and operation, of such additional or extended line of railroad. Provides for operating subsidies by States to railroads covered by this title. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to reimburse a State for 70 percent of the amount paid by such State as an operating subsidy to continue service on a rail line or lines that would otherwise have been abandoned. Provides that, within six months from the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations governing the procedure for application by a State for reimbursement of railroad operating subsidies, criteria to be used in deciding upon such applications, and terms and conditions required of all contracts or other arrangements for an operating subsidy. Provides that if the Secretary finds that an operating subsidy contract or other arrangement as submitted fails to comply with his regulations, he shall advise the State and afford it a period not to exceed fifteen days within which to bring such contract into conformity with such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1973
Establishes as a standing committee of the House the Committee on Energy. States that the Committee on Energy shall conduct investigations and studies into the development, application, use, and control of all forms of energy and power and shall report to the House the results of each investigation and study, together with such recommendations as the committee considers advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Elderly and Handicapped Americans Transportation Services Act - Authorizes, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, free or reduced rate transportation to handicapped persons and persons who are sixty-five years of age or older. Authorizes, under the Interstate Commerce Act, free or reduced rate transportation for persons who are sixty-five years of age or older. Authorizes grants for special transportation planning, research and demonstration projects for the handicapped and the elderly. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Marine Resources Conservation and Development Act - Provides for the distribution of revenues from outer continental shelf lands. Creates a Marine Resources Conservation and Development Fund to be available for use for broad and varied marine resources conservation and development programs and costs of their administration.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any creditor, card issuer or other person against any person on account of sex or marital status in connection with approval or denial of credit. Provides that any credit card issuer or other person who discriminates against any person on account of sex or marital status shall be civilly liable to the aggrieved person for money and punitive damages. Grants jurisdiction, concurrent with that of State courts, to Federal district courts to hear actions to enforce the liability created by this Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that no person who shall have reached the age of twenty-two years shall be disqualified to be a Representative on account of age. Provides no person who shall have reached the age of twenty-seven years shall be disqualified to be a Senator on account of age.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1973
Expresses the finding of Congress that an adequate supply of pure, safe human blood is essential to the welfare of the Nation. Establishes the National Blood Bank program within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to perform enumerated duties to assure an adequate supply of blood throughout the Nation. Establishes an Advisory Council to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding: (1) policy goals of the program; (2) motivation and recognition of blood donors; (3) reciprocal transactions between national blood bank systems; and (4) removal of blood purchasing costs from health insurance plan coverage. Declares that only class A blood banks may maintain blood deposit or pledge programs in advance of their needs. Provides criminal penalties for persons violating the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1973
Creates a non-legislative Select Committee on Aging, consisting of fifteen members of the House of Representatives, and directs the Committee to conduct a full investigation on all matters pertaining to problems of older people, including problems of maintaining health, of assuring adequate income, of finding employment, of engaging in productive retirement activity, of securing proper housing, and when necessary, of assuring adequate care or assistance. Authorizes such committee to hold hearings and subpena witnesses and the production of records in carrying out its duties. Directs the Committee to report to the House the results of its study, together with legislative recommendations, as soon as practicable during the 93rd Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1973
Establishes an arbitration board to settle disputes between supervisory organizations and the United States Postal Service, provided that only those disputes concerning policies that affect all or a substantial portion of supervisory personnel on a long-term or permanent basis can be referred to arbitration. Provides that the arbitration board shall consist of three members, one of whom shall be selected by the Postal Service, one by the recognized organization of supervisory personnel, and the third by the two thus selected. States that the costs of the arbitration board shall be shared equally by the Postal Service and the organization of supervisory personnel.
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 · 18 June 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Provides that such board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the director of the center ex officio. Authorizes the centers to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1973
Herbicide Export Control Act - Prohibits the exportation of herbicides which contain 2,4,5 - trichloropheneoxyacetic acids or its salts or esters. Provides that any person knowingly violating the provisions of this Act shall be fined $20,000 or not more than five times the market value of the exported substance, whichever is the greater.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1973
Chemical Warfare Prevention Act - Prohibits the exportation of herbicides from the United States to Portugal and South Africa. Sets forth penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to (1) establish, by rule, a list of herbicides; (2) publish such list in the Federal Register; and (3) make, by rule, any necessary revision in such list.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Tiernan, Robert O. [D-RI-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000265_200.jpg)