United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Requires, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, that imported meat and meat food products made in whole or in part of imported meat must be labeled "imported" at all stages of distribution until delivery to the ultimate consumer. (Amends 21 U.S.C. 620(a))
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Congressional Oversight Act - Establishes within the General Accounting Office an Office of Budget and Expenditure Oversight which shall exercise oversight over the Executive with respect to the preparation and administration of the Federal budget, the raising of revenues, the expenditures of moneys, the preparation and presentation of legislative proposals, and the implementation of legislative programs enacted by Congress. Makes the General Accounting Office an agency of the Congress. Eliminates the position of Assistant Comptroller General and replaces it with a Deputy Comptroller General. Requires the Comptroller General and the Deputy Comptroller General to be nominated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate respectively and for each to be appointed by a concurrent resolution of both Houses of Congress. Reduces the term of office of the Comptroller General and his Deputy from fifteen years to five years. Sets forth the functions of the Office of Budget and Expenditure Oversight. Sets forth requirements for any officer or employee of the United States, including the President, regarding the impoundment of any appropriation. Requires the head of each department and establishment in the executive to submit to the Office of Budget and Expenditure Oversight a duplicate copy of all legislative and budgetary requests submitted by him to the Office of Management and Budget. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Consumer Protection Act - Title I: Office of Consumer Affairs - Creates an Office of Consumer Affairs, within the Executive Office of the President, to coordinate Federal consumer protection activities, serve as a clearinghouse for complaints, and publish Government consumer information. Provides that the office shall be headed by a Director appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, and gives the Director powers to carry out the objectives of this Act. Requires the Director to transmit to the Congress and the President an annual report of the activities of the office during the preceding year including a summary of complaints and the need for additional legislation to protect the interest of the U.S. consumer. Provides that it shall be the function of the office to: (1) coordinate the programs and activities of all Federal agencies relating to the interests of consumers in order to achieve effectiveness and avoid duplications and inconsistencies; (2) encourage and assist in the development and implementation of consumer programs and activities in the Federal Government; (3) assure that the interests of consumers are taken into consideration by appropriate Federal agencies both in the formulation of policies with respect to consumers and in the operation of programs that may effect consumer interests; (4) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Administrator of the Consumer Protection Agency; (5) advise and make recommendations to all Federal agencies with respect to general policy matters concerning the effectiveness of programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers; (6) submit recommendations to the Congress and the President on the means by which programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers can be improved; (7) conduct conferences, surveys, and investigations concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (8) encourage, initiate, coordinate, and participate in consumer education and counseling programs (including credit counseling); (9) encourage, report, and coordinate research and studies leading to improved products, services, and consumer information; (10) cooperate with and give technical assistance to State and local governments in the promotion and protection of consumer interests, including programs relating to the arbitration of disputes between consumers and businessmen and producers; (11) cooperate with and assist private enterprise in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (12) publish and distribute in a Consumer Register material which will include notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules and orders, and other useful information, translated from its technical form into language which is understandable by the public; and (13) keep the appropriate committees of the Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities, except that this paragraph is not authority to withhold information requested by individual Members of Congress. Title II: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government the Consumer Protection Agency, headed by an Administrator appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, to advise the Congress and the President as to matters concerning consumer interests and to protect the interest of consumers. Gives the Agency powers to carry out the objectives of this Act and sets out specific functions for the Agency. Asserts that the functions of the Agency shall be to: (1) represent the interests of consumers in proceedings before Federal agencies and courts; (2) encourage and support research, studies and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and to improved products, services, and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the consumer interests; (4) publish and distribute material developed pursuant to carrying out its responsibilities which will inform consumers of matters of interests to them; (5) conduct conferences, surveys, and investigations, including economic surveys, concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (6) keep the appropriate committees of Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities, except that this paragraph is not authority to withhold information requested by individual Members of Congress; and (7) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Director of the Office in the carrying out of his functions. Allows the Agency to intervene and represent the interests of consumers in Federal agencies investigations or hearings where the interests of such consumers would not otherwise be adequately protected. Authorizes the Agency to intervene as a party in a proceeding in a court of the United States involving the review of Federal agency action in a rulemaking proceeding in which the Agency had participated in or an adjudicatory proceeding in which the Agency had intervened, and to the extent that a right of judicial review is otherwise accorded by law. Authorizes the Agency to institute a proceeding in a competent court of the United States to secure such a review. Authorizes the Administrator to request the Federal Agency concerned to initiate such proceedings or to take such other action as may be authorized by law with respect to such agency, when the Administrator determines it to be in the interests of consumers. Authorizes the Office of Consumer Affairs and the Agency to receive information disclosing a probable violation of any law, administrative order, Federal judgment, or other trade practice affecting consumer interests and to take action to prohibit any further violation. Requires the Agency and Office to develop and disseminate data concerning the function and duties of the Agency and Office, consumer problems, and trade practices detrimental to the interests of consumers. Authorizes the Agency to encourage and support development and application of methods and techniques for testing consumer products, to recommend to other Federal agencies with respect to such information within their authority which would be useful and beneficial to consumers, and to investigate and report to Congress on the feasibility of establishing a National Consumer Information Foundation. Authorizes the Agency to conduct studies and investigations of the scope and adequacy of measures employed to protect consumers against unreasonable risk of injuries which may be caused by hazardous household products. Provides for limitations on disclosures to the public of information collected by any instrumentality created by or under this Act. Title III: Consumer Advisory Council; Protection of Consumer Interest In Administrative Proceedings; Miscellaneous Amendments - Establishes a Consumer Advisory Council consisting of 15 members to advise the Director and Administrator on matters concerning consumer interests and to review the effectiveness of Federal programs relating to consumer interest. Requires every Federal agency taking any action affecting consumer interests to provide notice of such action to the Office or Agency and to take action to consider the interests of consumers. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed (presently "empowered") to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data. Extends coverage to all Federal and federally assisted or licensed programs which alter the terrain and potentially cause loss of scientific, prehistorical, historical or archeological data. Directs Federal agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior if in their operations archeological or other scientific data is revealed or threatened. Provides that whenever any Federal agency finds or is made aware by a responsible authority that its operations in connection with any Federal, federally assisted, or federally licensed activity or program affects or may affect adversely significant scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data, such agency may request the Secretary to undertake protection measures, or may itself expend program or activity funds for the recovery, protection, and preservation of such data (including preliminary survey, analysis, and publication) and shall provide the Secretary with appropriate information concerning the project and the investigation. Provides that the Secretary shall keep the responsible agency notified at all times of the progress of any survey or other investigation made under this Act, or of any work undertaken as a result of such survey, in order that there will be as little disruption or delay as possible in the carrying out of the functions of such agency. Provides that the Secretary in the administration of this Act shall: (1) accept and utilize funds transferred to him by any Federal agency; (2) enter into contracts or make cooperative agreements with any Federal or State agency, any educational or scientific organization, or any institution, corporation, association, or qualified individual; (3) obtain the services of experts and consultants or organizations thereof; and (4) accept and utilize funds made available for salvage archeological purposes by any private person or corporation. Authorizes such appropriations as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code to an individual for tuition paid by him to any private nonprofit elementary or secondary school during the taxable year for the elementary or secondary education of any dependent. Provides that the amount allowable for the taxable year with respect to any dependent shall not exceed the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of the tuition paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the elementary or secondary education of such dependent, or (2) $400. Reduces the aggregate amount which would be allowable by an amount equal to $1 for each full $20 contained in the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer (or, if the taxpayer is married, the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer and his spouse) for the taxable year exceeds $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Provides that the fiscal year of the United States shall coincide with the calendar year, and makes provisions for the orderly transition by all Federal Government and District of Columbia agencies to the use of the new fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
States that a newsperson shall not be required to disclose before the Congress, or any General court, grand jury, or administrative entity: (1) any information, or written, oral, or pictorial material, if such information or material was obtained by such newsperson or by another individual who is responsible to such newsperson for publication or broadcast; or (2) the source of any such information or material.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Requires congressional authorization for the reinvolvement of American forces in further hostilities in Indochina. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall take effect sixty days after the agreement is signed in Paris on January 27, 1973, or upon the release of all United States prisioners of war held by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and its allies and an accounting of United States personnel missing in action, or upon the enactment of the Act, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Repeals the legislation establishing an emergency agricultural and rural loan program under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, for disasters occuring after June 30, 1971, and before July 1, 1973. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans in any area designated by him or by the President as a major disaster area: (1) to qualifying farmers, ranchers, or oyster planters who are citizens of the United States; and (2) to eligible private domestic corporations or partnerships engaged primarily in farming, ranching, or oyster planting. Establishes a 6 percent interest rate on emergency agricultural loans. Increases from $100,000,000 to $500,000,000 the limitation on loans made from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Authorizes appropriations for construction of facilities and equipment for public mass transportation projects, including preferential bus lanes, highway traffic loading and parking facilities, construction of fixed rail facilities, and the purchase of passenger equipment, including rolling stock for fixed rail. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 142(b))
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1973
Requires the advice and consent of the Senate for appointments to Director of the Office of Management and Budget under the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. (Amends 31 U.S.C. 16)
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 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 · 24 January 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 · 23 January 1973
Allows a tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, to tenants of houses or apartments for their proportionate share of the taxes and interest paid by their landlords. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 218)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to enter into agreements under the Fisherman's Protective Act of 1967 with owners of United States commercial fishing vessels for purposes of reimbursing such owners for all actual costs resulting from any damage to, or destruction of, their vessels or equipment as a result of actions of vessels operated by a foreign government or the citizens of a foreign government. Authorizes the Secretary to provide reasonable reimbursement for losses suffered by such vessel owners because of lost or reduced fishing hauls directly resulting from the damage. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for reimbursement of claims under this Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to damages or destruction of United States vessels occurring on or before January 1, 1971.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Public Broadcasting Financing Act - States the Congressional finding that it is in the public interest to finance the growth and development of noncommercial educational radio and television broadcasting while affording such broadcasting maximum protection from extraneous interference and control, stimulating greater support from sources other than the Federal Government and enabling the establishment of financial stability while insuring that the Congress will fulfill its responsibility to supervise the proper utilization of Federal funds. Creates on the books of the United States Treasury a Public Broadcasting Fund to which appropriations are authorized under a schedule provided in this Act. Limits such appropriations to $60 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, and rising by $20 million each year thereafter until the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977, for which the limit is $140 million. Provides for the annual certification to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of the amount of non-Federal support for public broadcasting. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on the income, disbursements, and status of the Public Broadcasting Fund during each year.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides for the crediting of past employment in service contract status by individuals in the Army or Air National Guard subject to the National Guard Technicians Act of 1968. (Amends 32 U.S.C. 709nt.)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Allows an income tax exclusion under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 for retirement annuities and pensions paid by the United States to its employees. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 5)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides that the facilities of each broadcast station and each community antenna television system shall be made available at specified time periods and rates for the purpose of political broadcasts by presidential candidates qualifying to have their names placed on the ballot in a specified number of States. Provides that such broadcast time shall be used only for presentations which consist primarily of a substantial live appearance by candidates in a format intended to promote rational political discussion, clarify major campaign issues, or provide insights into the abilities and personal qualities of the candidates. Provides for payment for such broadcasting time by the United States after a broadcast licensee has filed a statement of time, rate, and total amount due with the Comptroller General. Exempts such expenditures from campaign spending limitations. Provides that the Federal Communications Commission shall make regulations to insure cooperation by broadcasters.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides that, if the plaintiff shall finally prevail in any action for recovery of damages sustained in the transportation of property pursuant to the Interstate Commerce Act, he shall be allowed a reasonable attorney's fee, to be taxed and collected as part of the suit. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 20)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides that the retired pay of any member or former member of the Armed Forces who was on active duty or in an active status on or before May 31, 1958, and who became or will become entitled to receive retired pay based upon age, length of service, or physical disability under provisions of the Career Compensation Act of 1949, shall be computed at current active duty pay rates and increased to reflect later changes in applicable pay rates.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Allows Federal officers and employees to elect coverage under the Old Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance System of the Social Security Act by filing a certificate with the Internal Revenue Service stating such intention. Prescribes time limits for filing such certificate, and the period of time for which it is effective. Requires an individual filing a certificate to give notice thereof to the head of the Federal Agency or instrumentality in or by which he is employed, at or before the time of filing such certificate. (Adds 42 U.S.C. 410p; 26 U.S.C. 3121r)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
States that the employing agency shall deduct and withhold 10 percent of the basic pay of an employee of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the United States Secret Service who would be eligible for immediate retirement due to the performance of duties listed below. Provides that an employee of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the United States Secret Service shall be entitled to an annuity after twenty years of service if his duties are primarily the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal law of the United States and the head of his agency recommends his retirement and the Civil Service Commission approves that recommendation. Provides that the annuity of such an employee is: (1) 2 1/2 percent of his average pay multiplied by so much of his total service as does not exceed 20 years; plus (2) 3 percent of his average pay multiplied by so much of his total service as exceeds 20 years. States that, if such an employee dies in the performance of duty, an individual entitled to compensation may elect to receive, in lieu of such compensation, a lump sum of $50,000. Declares that the individual shall make the election within one year or within a further time allowed for good cause by the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides, under the Interstate Commerce Act, that rail passenger cars and locomotives or similar vehicles designed to receive, retain, and treat or discharge human body wastes shall be required to have installed thereon sanitation devices to prevent the discharge of inadequately treated wastes upon the land and navigable waterways of the United States. Provides for inspection of such devices by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Provides a penalty of $500 per day for failure to comply with any regulation or order designed to carry out the provisions of this Act. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 26)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Permits grants to be made under the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act to a State agency in any case where local agencies are prevented by State law from receiving and expending such grants. (Adds 42 U.S.C. 4844)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Travel Agents Registration Act - Declares the finding of Congress that it is in the public interest to strengthen the travel agency industry and to maintain public confidence in travel agents by regulating travel agents. Provides that on and after January 1, 1973, no person shall, directly or indirectly, engage in the business of conducting a travel agency without having first received a registration certificate as provided by this Act. Establishes in the Department of Transportation a Bureau of Travel Agents Registration, headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary of Transportation. Establishes a Travel Agents Registration Board to advise the Director and to pass on applications for registration certificates. Provides that the Director shall promulgate such rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, those necessary to require sound financial practices by registered travel agents and those considered necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides that the Secretary shall establish such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act, and shall promulgate a binding code of ethics for the travel agency industry. Requires the granting of a certificate by the Director if the applicant was conducting a travel agency on September 3, 1968, has been doing so for two or more years, and has been approved for appointment as an agent for two or more years by two or more conferences of air or steamship carriers, unless the Director makes a specific determination that the applicant lacks good character or financial integrity. Provides that when an application for a registration certificate shall have been examined by the Director and the Director, with the advice of the Board, has determined that the applicant has complied with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Director and the Director, with the advice of the Board, shall have determined that the applicant, if issued a certificate of authorization, would provide a useful public service, the Director shall issue and deliver a registration certificate to the applicant. Provides that a registration certificate shall not be issued to any person who has been convicted in any State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a possession of the United States, of a felony or a crime concerning activities prohibited by this Act. Provides that registration certificates issued pursuant to this title shall not be assignable or transferable, and shall expire every second year. Provides for a fine of up to $1,000 upon a finding that the holder of a registration certificate has engaged in any of the following practices: (1) fraud or bribery in securing a registration certificate issued pursuant to this title; (2) the making of any false statement as to a material matter in any application or other statement required by or pursuant to this title; (3) violation of any provision of this title or any code, rule, or regulation adopted hereunder; (4) any fraud or fraudulent practice in the operation and conduct of a travel agency business including, but not limited to, intentionally misleading advertising; (5) activities prohibited by this title leading to conviction of a misdemeanor; and (6) activities leading to conviction of a felony. Provides for the revocation of the certificates of a registered agency for violations of this title after an opportunity for a hearing and review by the United States court of appeals Provides penalties of up to $500 or imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or both, for any knowing and willful violations of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides that a National Guard technician who has completed ten years of service as a technician, is under sixty years of age, and is fully qualified to perform the duties of his position may not be involuntarily separated from his technician position solely on the basis of his separation from the National Guard because of inability to meet the physical standards of membership in the National Guard. Provides that a National Guard technician who has completed twenty years of service as a technician, is under sixty years of age, is fully qualified to perform the duties of his position, and has received an honorable separation from the National Guard may not be involuntarily separated from his technician position solely because of his nonmembership in the National Guard. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 7541, 3111)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
National Institute of Advertising, Marketing, and Society Act - Sets forth the policy and purpose of this Act. Establishes within the Federal Trade Commission an agency to be known as the National Institute of Advertising, Marketing, and Society. Provides that the Institute shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of 6 years. Place the Director under the general supervision of the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission and makes him responsible for carrying out the functions of the Institute and gives him authority and control over all personnel and activities of the Institute. Provides that a Deputy Director of the Institute shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of 6 years. Gives the Deputy Director such duties and such powers as the Director may prescribe and authorizes the Deputy Director to act for, and exercise the powers of, the Director during his absence or disability: (1) the undertaking, on its own initiative, of research projects concerning the impact of advertising and marketing upon society, particularly the psychological, and social effects of advertising and marketing techniques upon the consumer; (2) the undertaking, at the request of any agency represented on the Advisory Council, of research projects concerning the impact of advertising and marketing upon society; and (3) to intervene on its own initiative or upon the request of any Federal executive agency with respect to any issue affecting the impact of advertising and marketing upon society when in the opinion of the Director such representation would contribute to carrying out the purposes of this Act. Provides that, in carrying out the functions of the Institute under this Act, the Director may establish such laboratories and facilities as he deems necessary to be operated by the personnel of the Institute. Provides that, with a view to obtaining additional scientific and intellectual resources, the Director shall, whenever feasible, enter into contracts with public or private educational or research institutions for the purpose of undertaking any particular study or research project authorized by this Act. Grants the Institute necessary powers to carry out its duties. Establishes in the Institute a National Advisory Council on Advertising, Marketing, and Society to be composed of: (1) the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare; (2) the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality; (3) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; (4) the Director of the National Science Foundation; (5) the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, who shall be Chairman of the Council; (6) the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission; and (7) the Director of the Consumer Protection Agency. Directs the Council to advise the Director of the Institute with respect to appropriate research projects within the jurisdiction of each agency represented on the Council to be conducted by the Institute and to establish criteria for the priority of such projects. Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Establishes rules to govern the Armed Forces in military hostilities where there is no declaration of war. Specifies that the Armed Forces may act to: (1) repel a sudden attack of the United States; (2) repel an attack against the Armed Forces on the high seas or while lawfully stationed in a foreign territory; (3) protect United States nationals abroad; and (4) comply with a national commitment resulting from a treaty or other legislative instrumentality intended to give effect to such commitment. Provides for cut off of military hostilities after 30 days unless such hostilities are sustained by legislative enactments or by a declaration of war. Excludes from coverage under this Act military hostilities undertaken before the effective date of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Fiscal Responsibility Act - Title I: Modification of the Fiscal Year - Provides that the fiscal year of all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States shall be the calendar year. Title II: Establishing Congressional Expenditures Limitations - Provides that the expenditures and net lending of the Federal Government during any fiscal year shall not exceed that amount which the Congress shall fix by concurrent resolution no later than forty-five legislative days after the latest day set by law for the budget message of the President with respect to such fiscal year. Provides for modification of such amount under specified circumstances. Title III: Establishing a Federal Impoundment Procedure - Provides that whenever the President impounds any funds appropriated by law out of the Treasury for a specific purpose or project, or approves the impounding of such funds by an officer or employee of the United States, he shall, within ten days thereafter, transmit to the House of Representatives and the Senate a special message specifying: (1) the amount of funds impounded; (2) the specific projects or governmental functions affected thereby; and (3) the reasons for the impounding of such funds. Provides that the President shall cease the impounding of funds specified in each special message within sixty calendar days of continuous session after the message is received if such impounding shall have been disapproved by either House of Congress by passage of a resolution stating in substance that that House does not favor the impounding. Provides that the President shall not impound any funds from appropriations made by the Congress for any appropriations categories of any department or agency of the Federal Government unless such impoundment is made in all appropriations categories of that department or agency on the basis of equal percentage impoundment among appropriations categories.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1973
Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State education agencies to enable them to develop and carry out program to provide, through the use of students to institutions of higher education, tutoring and instructional assistance, under the supervision of a qualified teacher, for homebound handicapped children who, though able to benefit from preschool, elementary, or secondary education, are prevented by their handicaps from attending school. Requires local educational institutions that apply for funds under this program to give special consideration to veterans qualified for vocational financial need. Requires that the compensation for participating college students shall be between the Federal minimum wage set by the Commissioner and the maximum wage set by the Commissioner. Requires that the aim of such program shall be to integrate the handicapped into society, and to avoid the development of a segregated, permanent system of educcation for the handicapped. Provides that the Commissioner shall make grants under this Act to State educational agencies on the merits of their proporsal to him which shall be submitted on such application forms and under such guidelines as he shall prescribe. Authorizes $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and necessary funds for fiscal years 1975 and 1976, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Commissioner to allocate the first 25 percent of such funds to each State in proporation to the ratio that the number of children aged three to twenty-one in the State bears to the number of such children in all the States. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State education agencies to enable them to develop and carry out programs to provide, through the use of students in institutions of higher education, tutoring and instructional assistance, under the supervision of a qualified teacher, for homebound handicapped children who, though able to benefit from preschool, elementary, or secondary education, are prevented by their handicaps from attending school. Requires local educational institutions that apply for funds under this program to give special consideration to veterans qualified for vocational rehabilitation, and to students with greater financial need. Requires that the compensation for participating college students shall be between the Federal minimum wage set by the Commissioner and the maximum wage set by the Commissioner. Requires that the aim of such program shall be to integrate the handicapped into society, and to avoid the development of a segregated, permanent system of education for the handicapped. Provides that the Commissioner shall make grants under this Act to State educational agencies on the merits of their proposals to him which shall be submitted on such application forms and under such guidelines as he shall prescribe. Authorizes $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and necessary funds for fiscal years 1975, and 1976, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Commissioner to allocate the first 25 percent of such funds to each State in proportion to the ratio that the number of children aged three to twenty-one in the State bears to the number of such children in all the States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Consumer Protection Agency Act - Title I: Office of Consumer Affairs - Creates an Office of Consumer Affairs within the Executive Office of the President. Provides that the office shall be headed by a Director and a Deputy Director, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Director powers to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Director to transmit to Congress and the President in January of each year a report of the activities of the Office during the preceding year including a summary of consumer complaints and recommendations for additional legislation deemed necessary to protect the interests of U.S. consumers. Provides that it shall be the function of the Office to: (1) coordinate the programs and activities of all Federal agencies relating to the interests of consumers in order to achieve effectiveness, avoid duplications and inconsistencies, and to promote the purposes of this title; (2) encourage and assist in the development and implementation of consumer programs and activities in the Federal Government; (3) assure that the interests of consumers are taken into consideration by appropriate Federal agencies both in the formulation of policies with respect to consumers and in the operation of programs that may affect consumer interests; (4) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Administrator of the Consumer Protection Agency in carrying out its functions under title II of this Act; (5) advise and make recommendations to all Federal agencies with respect to general policy matters concerning the effectiveness of programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers; (6) submit recommendations to the Congress and the President on the means by which programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers can be improved; (7) conduct conferences and surveys concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (8) encourage, initiate, coordinate, and participate in consumer education and counseling programs (including credit counseling); (9) cooperate with and give technical assistance to State and local governments in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (10) cooperate with and assist private enterprise in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (11) publish and distribute in a Consumer Register material which will include notice of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules and orders, and other useful information, translated from its technical form into language which is understandable by the public; and (12) keep the appropriate committees of the Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities. Title II: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government the Consumer Protection Agency, headed by an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Agency powers to carry out the objective of this Act. States that the functions of the Agency shall be to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this title; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the consumer interest; (4) publish and distribute material developed pursuant to carrying out its responsibilities under this Act which will inform consumers of matters of interest to them; (5) conduct conferences, surveys, and investigations, including economic surveys, concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (6) keep the appropriate committees of Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities; and (7) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Director of the Office in the carrying out of his functions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to transmit to the Secretary of the Interior information as to how, in the use of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other pesticides, injury to fish and wildlife can be prevented or minimized. Authorizes appropriations of $3,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976, in order to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Alaska Refuges Act - Declares the intent of Congress that the areas designated by this Act as units of the national wildlife refuge system shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpared for future use and enjoyment as natural wildlands. Establishes areas in the State of Alaska as national wildlife refuges. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior shall administer such areas. Provides for the publication in the Federal Register of a map and legal description of each refuge area established by this Act. Makes provision for the selection of township lands by native Alaskans under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act within the areas covered by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to undertake, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, comprehensive continuing studies on the effects of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides, upon the fish and wildlife resources of the United States, for the purpose of determining the amounts, percentages and formulations of such chemicals that are lethal to or injurious to fish and wildlife and the amounts, percentages, mixtures, or formulations that can be used safely, and thereby prevent losses of fish and wildlife from such spraying, dusting, or other treatment. Requires the Secretary, on the basis of such studies, to transmit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency information as to how, in the use of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other pesticides, injury to fish and wildlife can be prevented or minimized. Authorizes to be appropriated $3,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976 in order to carry out the provision's set forth in the first paragraph of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions set forth in the second paragraph of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Increases to $50,000,000 the maximum amount of aggregate payments which may be made in calendar years after 1973 to carry out conservation agreements under the Water Bank Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1310)
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the level of supplies of home heating oil has not been adequate to meet the needs of homes across the Nation; and (2) the major cause of the inadequate supply of such oil is the limitation on imports of petroleum and petroleum products. Provides that beginning on the date of enactment of this resolution, such limitation shall not apply to the importation of crude oil or number 2 fuel oil (home heating oil) until the ninety-first day after the date of enactment of this resolution (in the case of crude oil) or April 1, 1974 (in the case of number 2 fuel oil).
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District of Columbia shall elect the President and Vice President. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for such offices shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole vote cast. Provides for a runoff election in any other case.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Directs the Committee on Appropriations, not later than sixty days after the President's annual budget message has been received at the beginning of each regular session of the Congress, to report to the House a resolution containing a House-authorized Federal budget for the ensuring fiscal year. Provides that the budget shall include: (1) the total of estimated Federal receipts from all sources; (2) the maximum amount to be provided in obligational authority in each appropriation bill or resolution and in such other legislative provisions of obligational authority as may be specified, and the estimated budget outlay related to each, including those outlays from funds provided in prior years; and (3) a table showing the relationship of total estimated receipts as shown in (1) to the aggregate of the maximum amounts to be provided in obligational authority and the aggregate of the estimated budget outlays as shown in (2). Sets forth a procedure for the adoption of such resolution by the House. Provides that a conference report on a bill or resolution carrying appropriations or otherwise providing obligational authority shall require the approval of two-thirds of those Members present and voting, a quorum being present, if the effect of the adoption of the report would be to provide an amount in excess of that contained in the House-authorized Federal budget for such year. Provides that, within fifteen calendar days after adoption of the House-authorized Federal budget, the Committee on Ways and Means is authorized and directed to report a resolution containing recommendations as to the levels of public debt and aggregate Federal revenues necessitated by figures on outlays and receipts contained in the House-authorized Federal budget. Sets forth a procedure for the adoption of such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1973
Imposes on the taxable income of every individual, other than an estate and trust, a tax determined in accordance with the table set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. Allows a married individual who does not make a single return jointly with his spouse to allocate amounts received for services performed by that spouse into the account by the spouse who performed the services and not into the account by the other spouse. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 1, 2)
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 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 within sixty days of continuous session after the message is received by the Congress unless the specific impoundment shall have been ratified by the Congress by the passage of a resolution in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, that blood donations shall be considered as charitable contributions deductible from gross income in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 170(i))
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Prohibits funds authorized or appropriated for United States forces and military actions in Indochina to be used for any purpose other than the withdrawal from protection of forces in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Requires such withdrawal of forces within 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, provided there is a release of all prisoners of war by the Government of North Vietnam and its allies within that period. Requires an accounting of United States servicemen missing in action by the Government of North Vietnam and its allies before the completion of withdrawal. Provides that no air bombing operations by United States forces shall be carried out in or over North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Performance Life Disclosure Act - Requires manufacturers of durable consumer products, including appliances and electronic items, to disclose on a conspicuous label or tag affixed to each item sold at retail to consumers the performance life, under normal operating conditions, of each manufactured durable product. Authorizes the National Bureau of Standards of the Department of Commerce to make regulations for this Act, and to determine the performance life of products and components of products covered by this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prevent any person from violating the provisions of this Act in the same manner and with the same jurisdiction as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act were incorporated into and made a part of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Intergovernmental Consumer Assistance Act - Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $9,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the establishment and strengthening of consumer protection offices of State and local governments. Requires the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to assist the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allot each possession $10,000 for the three fiscal years and to allot each State the sums of $50,000, $75,000, and $90,000 for each of the three fiscal years, respectively. Provides that allotments shall be made to each State and possession which has submitted an adequate consumer protection plan that has been approved by the Secretary. Requires each consumer plan to provide for consumer education; consumer research; representation of consumer interests; studying the problems of low income consumers; serving as consumer complaint centers; providing counseling including legal services to the consumer; mediating consumer-retailer disputes; investigating complaints; cooperating with Federal and State agencies; setting forth fiscal controls and providing that Federal funds be used only in carrying out this plan. Provides that the Federal share of the cost of carrying out a plan submitted by a consumer protection office shall not exceed 75 percent. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold Federal funds for failure to comply with the approved consumer plan. Requires the Secretary to submit a detailed report as part of the annual report of the Department of HEW on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Honest Label Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that labels on packaged foods, drugs, and cosmetics contain the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, and distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Open Dating Perishable Food Act - Provides, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that no person who manufactures or packages a perishable or semiperishable food in the form in which it is sold by retail distributors to consumers may distribute for purposes of sale a perishable or semiperishable food in the form in which it is sold by retail distributors to consumers may distribute for purposes of sale a perishable or semiperishable food packaged by him in such form unless he has labeled such packages to show the pull date for such food and the optimum temperature and humidity conditions for its storage by the ultimate consumer. Provides, with certain excpetions, that no person engaged in business as a retail distributor of any packaged perishable or semiperishable food may sell, offer to sell, or display for sale any such food whose pull date, as specified on its packages label, has expired. States that no person engaged in the business of manufacturing, processing, packaging, or distributing perishable or semiperishable foods may place packages on such foods in shipping containers or wrappings unless such containers or wrappings are labeled by him to show the pull date on the labels of such packages. Provides that no person may change, alter, deface or remove before the sale of a packaged perishable or semiperishable food to the ultimate consumer any pull date required by this Act to be placed on the label of such food's package or shipping container or wrapping. States that any person who violates any provision of this Act shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined not more than $5,000, or both. Provides that if any person commits such a violation after a conviction of him under this part has become final, or commits such a violation with the intent to defraud or mislead, such person shall be imprisoned for not more than $25,000, or both. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning the enforcement of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Tiernan, Robert O. [D-RI-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000265_200.jpg)