United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Requires, under the Postal Revenue and Federal Salary Act of 1967, congressional legislation to effectuate increases in the rate of pay for Members of Congress and specified officers and employees in the legislative branch of the Government. (Amends 2 U.S.C. 359)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Disallows, under the Internal Revenue Code, percentage depletion deductions on foreign oil and gas wells, tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs for foreign oil or gas wells, and tax credits for income, war profits, or excess profits tax paid or accrued which is attributable to income from foreign oil or gas wells. Allows a tax deduction for excess profits taxes imposed by foreign countries to the extent a credit is denied for such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
States that all returns made with respect to taxes imposed under the Internal Revenue Code are confidential and private records; but they may be opened to inspection by the following persons at such times and in such manner as the Commissioner of Internal Revenue by regulation may prescribe: (1) the taxpayer for whom the return was made or his attorney in fact; (2) officers and employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice for tax administration and economic stabilization purposes; (3) shareholders of record owning 1 percent or more of the outstanding stock of any corporation; (4) tax officials of the States; (5) the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the Finance Committee of the Senate, and the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue and Taxation; (6) the Attorney General, Assistant Attorneys General, and United States attorneys; and (7) officers and employees of executive departments and other establishments of the Federal Government upon written request of the head of such department or establishment naming the taxpayer whose return is to be inspected and provided that the inspection is necessary in the enforcement of Federal statutes. States that whenever a return is open to the inspection of any person, a certified copy thereof shall, upon request, be furnished to such person under regulations prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue who may prescribe a reasonable fee for furnishing such copy. Provides that all regulations issued by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue pursuant to this Act must have written approval of the Chief of Staff of the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. States that this Act shall be effective upon enactment. Allows the Commissioner of Internal Revenue a period of ninety days after enactment to issue the regulations required herein.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1974
Provides for the repeal of the Postal Reorganization Act and reenacts the former postal service provisions of title 39, United States Code. Reestablishes the former Post Office Department as an executive department of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1974
Makes it the sense of the House that, during the period pending consideration and action by the Senate upon the bill H.R. 10710, as introduced in the first session of the Congress, cited as the "Trade Reform Act of 1973" and as amended and passed by the House, no loan, guarantee, insurance, or credit shall be extended by the Export-Import Bank of the United States to any nonmarket economy country (other than any such country whose products are eligible for column 1 tariff treatment on the date of the enactment of this resolution), and no such country shall participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Energy Independence Act - Title I: Energy Research and Development Administration - Establishes an independent executive agency to be known as the Energy Research and Development Administration, administered by an Administrator, Deputy Administrator and five Assistant Administrators, one of whom shall be responsible for fossil energy, another for nuclear energy, another for environment, safety, and conservation, another for research and advanced energy systems, and another for national security. States that the responsibilities of the Administrator shall include, but not be limited to: (1) exercising responsibility for policy planning coordination, support, and management of research and development programs respecting all energy sources, including assessing the requirements for research and development in regard to various energy sources in relation to near-term or long-range needs, policy planning in regard to meeting those requirements, undertaking programs for the optimal development of the various forms of energy sources, managing such programs, and disseminating information resulting therefrom; (2) providing Federal grants or loan guarantees to, or make contracts with, any public or private agency, institution, organization, corporation, or individual for payment of the cost of programs to develop economical, commercially feasible sources of energy and the cost of any other activity which is necessary or appropriate. Transfers to the Administrator all functions of the Atomic Energy Commission, the Chairman and members of the Commission, and the officers and components of the Commission, except as provided in this Act. Transfers to the Administrator specified functions of the Secretary of the Interior, the National Science Foundation, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that, within six months from the date of enactment of the Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the Congress his recommendations for an aggressive Federal research strategy and priorities designed to achieve solutions to immediate and short-term energy supply system and associated environmental problems. Directs the Administrator, within one year from the date of enactment, to transmit his recommendations for an aggressive Federal research strategy and priorities designed to achieve solutions to middle-term (to 1990) energy supply system and associated environmental problems. Directs the Administrator, within eighteen months from the date of enactment, to transmit his recommendations for a Federal research strategy and priorities designed to achieve solutions to long-term (beyond 1990) energy supply systems and associated environmental problems; within six months to transmit his recommendations for an aggressive Federal research strategy and priorities designed to achieve solutions for the conservation of present and future energy supplies; and within six months to transmit his recommendations for a progressive annual schedule for new energy source development which will, by 1980, reduce our dependence on energy imports to no more than 1 percent of our total energy needs. Title II: Nuclear Energy Commission - Renames the Atomic Energy Commission the Nuclear Energy Commission and directs it to continue licensing and related regulatory functions. Title III: Miscellaneous and Transitional Provisions - Provides that nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to limit, curtail, abolish, or terminate any function of the President which he had immediately before the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1974
National Homestead Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to compile a catalog of all unoccupied single-family dwellings in urban and other areas within the United States which are owned by him or his Department, and which would be suitable for occupancy and rehabilitation by qualified low-and moderate-income families. Requires the Secretary to take such steps as may be necessary to assure that the residents of each community or area in which any such dwelling is located will be fully and currently informed of the existence, nature, and location of such dwellings. States that an applicant is qualified, for the purposes of participation in the program under this Act with respect to any dwelling, only if he or she: (1) is eighteen years of age or older; (2) is head of his or her household; (3) is a citizen of the United States; (4) has not previously participated in the program; (5) is not the owner of any other real property; and (6) possesses the financial, technical, and other resources which are necessary to rehabilitate such dwelling. Requires each applicant to enter into an agreement that, among other things, he or she will reside in the dwelling for a period of at least five years and will during such period rehabilitate and maintain the dwelling so that it satisfies all of the requirements of applicable State and local law. States that the conveyance of any dwelling to an applicant under this Act shall be made on a conditional basis, in return for the payment by such applicant of $1 and the execution by such applicant of the aforementioned agreement. Provides that upon any material failure by the applicant to carry out his or her agreement entered into under this Act the conditional conveyance of title to such applicant shall be revoked. States that after the applicant has resided in the dwelling for the required five-year period and has rehabilitated and maintained it and otherwise complied with the terms of his or her agreement throughout such period, he shall be granted a fee simple title to such property.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the urgent need for research, development, and demonstration of alternate sources of energy. Provides for the establishment under the Energy Office of an Administration of a NASA-type organization to conduct such research. States that Congress will underwrite initial commercial and industrial applications of new or improved energy technologies by providing tax incentives or absorbing cost differentials between new systems and conventional sources.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1973
Repeals, under the Social Security Act, the provisions for the establishment of Professional Standards Review Organizations to review services covered under the medicare and medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1973
Dietary Supplement Amendments - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not classify a dietary supplement as a drug, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, solely on the basis of the levels of a vitamin or mineral present in such dietary supplement unless the Secretary makes a finding on the record after opportunity for agency hearing that the level of a vitamin or mineral (or any combination thereof) present in such dietary supplement makes such dietary supplement appropriate only for therapeutic use in treating a vitamin or mineral deficiency or for another medical purpose or is potentially toxic. Defines, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the term dietary supplement, as used therein, as meaning any product in tablet, capsule, water, or any other similar uniform unit or in powder, granular, flake or liquid form which contains vitamins or minerals, or both, and which is intended for use by man to increase total dietary intake of such vitamins, minerals or other ingredients. Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not prohibit the making of any truthful statement as to the nutritional value or dietary properties or accurate listing of any ingredient in any product. (Amends 21 U.S.C. 321 (g) (1))
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Authorizes increased production of petroleum from the Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve at a rate to help insure that the needs of national defense are met, but not to exceed the maximum efficient rate in accordance with sound engineering and economic principles. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the production herein authorized by means of sales effected by competitive bid. Provides that full and equal opportunity for acquisition of the oil shall be accorded to all interested companies, including major and independent oil refineries alike. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account. States that funds in the Account shall be available for the expenses of: (1) production, including preparation for production, as authorized by this resolution and as may hereafter be authorized; (2) all capital costs necessary for facilities both within and outside the reserve incident to production and delivery of crude petroleum; and (3) exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1973
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Commerce to prohibit the exportation of petrochemicals from the United States until such time as all price controls imposed under the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 with respect to petrochemicals are removed.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Allows an income tax deduction to persons who construct or subsequently own certified housing facilities for agricultural workers. Bases such deduction on the amortization of the adjusted basis of such facility on a 60-month period. Prescribes procedures for electing and discontinuing such deduction. Allows such deduction to be discontinued if the Secretary of Agriculture finds noncompliance with this Act. Sets forth requirements for "certified housing," including satisfaction of the Secretary that: (1) it is decent, safe, and sanitary; and (2) rental charges shall not exceed the means of the occupants. Computes, in the case of property held by one person for life with remainder to another person, the amortization deduction as if the life tenant were the absolute owner of the property and shall be allowed to the life tenant. Prohbits a deduction with respect to a certified housing facility for agricultural workers for any month during any part of which: (1) if the taxpayer is an individual (other than an estate or trust), such facility is occupied by the taxpayer or by the spouse, any dependent, or any member of the household of the taxpayer; (2) if the taxpayer is an estate or trust, such facility is occupied by a beneficiary of the estate or trust; or (3) if the taxpayer is a corporation, such facility is occupied by any stockholder or officer of the corporation or by any employee of the corporation who is not an agricultural worker.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Authorizes increased production of petroleum from the Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve at a rate to help insure that the needs of national defense are met, but not to exceed the maximum efficient rate in accordance with sound engineering and economic principles. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the production herein authorized by means of sales effected by competitive bid. Provides that full and equal opportunity for acquisition of the oil shall be accorded to all interested companies, including major and independent oil refineries alike. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account. States that funds in the Account shall be available for the expenses of: (1) production, including preparation for production, as authorized by this resolution and as may hereafter be authorized; (2) all capital costs necessary for facilities both within and outside the reserve incident to production and delivery of crude petroleum; and (3) exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1973
Freedom of Access for the Elderly and Handicapped Act - Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code, a deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Commodities Exchange Commission Act - Establishes a Commodity Exchange Commission, composed of five commissioners appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government. Transfers specified functions from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Commission and delegates enumerated housekeeping functions to the Chairman. Authorizes the employment of persons without regard to Civil Service laws. Provides, with regard to rules governing registration of Commission merchants and brokers, that if after requesting a contract market to make specified changes in its rules and practices, the contract market has not made the changes, the Commission may order that contract market to alter its rules as necessary to effect changes in specified areas. Requires that contract markets serve an economic purpose. Prohibits orders of futures commission merchants for their own accounts. States that no member of a contract market shall execute any order for future delivery and on the same intentionally enter into any transaction for future delivery in such commodity for any account in which such member has trading discretion, with specified execeptions. Provides that if any contract market, director, officer or agent is not enforcing or is violating any of the provisions of this Act, the Commission may enter an order directing that such contract market, director, officer, agent, or employee cease and desist from such violation and assess a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each such violation. Increases the amount of specific penalities for violations of this Act. Empowers the Commission with injunctive authority to restrain potential violations of this Act. Penalizes, with treble damages, the use of confidential information in violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Commends the President of the United States for his actions in the Middle East, particularly his efforts through the United Nations to create the atmosphere in which the negotiations could take place and his dialogue with the Soviet Union in an effort to reduce tensions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1973
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on the Handicapped within two years of enactment in order to develop recommendations for further research and action in the field of the handicapped, and to further the policies set forth in this joint resolution. Provides that such conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with the cooperation and assistance of such other Federal departments and agencies, including the assignment of personnel, as may be appropriate. Require a final report of the White House Conference on the Handicapped to be submitted to the President not later than 120 days following the date on which the conference is called, and the findings and recommendations included therein to be made available immediately to the public. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after the submission of such report, to transmit to the President and the Congress his recommendations for the administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the recommendations contained in such report. Gives the Secretary administrative powers to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on the White House Conference on the Handicapped composed of 28 members, of whom not less than 15 shall be handicapped or parents of handicapped persons. Provides that such Advisory Committee shall cease to exist 90 days after the submission of the final report required by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey title to real property located in the vicinity of the Colorado River in Imperial County, California to the respective owners thereof as shown on the public records.
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 · 18 October 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) seek to bring about an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East; (2) begin negotiations as soon as possible with countries supplying arms to the Middle East to seek an Arms Limitation Treaty; (3) work to end United States dependence on Arab oil; and (4) expedite the delivery of weapons already purchased by Israel but not yet delivered from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1973
States that the President of the United States should seek to end U.S. dependence on imported oil through reducing gasoline consumption by means of tax measures, and by encouraging less driving, reduced highway speeds, and the development of smaller, more efficient automobile engines. Provides that the President should emphasize research programs to assure the United States of sufficient energy from domestic sources not currently utilized.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine for each fiscal year the amount of taxes attributable to each State which are paid into the Highway Trust Fund during such fiscal year and to make such adjustments in the apportionments authorized as may be necessary to insure that no State shall be apportioned an aggregate amount for any fiscal year which is less than 80 percent of the amount of taxes attributable to such State and paid into the Highway Trust Fund during the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Pollution Control Facility Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make loans to finance projects within eligible areas for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of a certified pollution control facility. States that such loans shall not exceed 65 percent of the aggregate cost to the applicant of the project. Establishes a revolving fund in the Treasury for making such loans. Authorizes an appropriation of $750,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to compile and keep current on not less than an annual basis mineral fuel reserves inventory. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
Uniformed Services Retired and Retainer Pay Equalization Act - Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a member or former member of the uniformed service who is entitled to retired or retainer pay in effect after September 30, 1949, and before January 1, 1971, is entitled to have that pay recomputed under the rates of basic pay in effect on January 1, 1971. Lists provisions for such recomputation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
Reduces the retirement annuity of a Member of Congress by 10 percent for each full year by which the age of the Member at the time of retirement exceeds 70.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Emergency Medical Services Systems Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects which include both studying the feasibility of establishing and operating an emergency medical services system, and planning the establishment and operation of such a system. Requires that the reports of the results of any study and planning project assisted under this Act shall be submitted to the Secretary and the Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for the establishment and initial operation of emergency medical services systems. Sets forth the standards for such grants and contracts. States that, in considering applications which demonstrate exceptional need for financial assistance, the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications submitted for emergency medical services systems for rural areas. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services systems, including the acquisition of equipment and facilities, the modernization of facilities, and other projects to expand and improve such systems. States that the amount of any grant or contract under this section for a project shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of that project. Stipulates that the Secretary may make grants to public or private nonprofit entities, and enter into contracts with private entities and individuals, for the support of research in emergency medical techniques, methods, devices, and delivery. States that no grant may be made or contract entered into under this section for amounts in excess of $35,000, unless the application therefore has been recommended for approval by an appropriate peer review panel designated or established by the Secretary. Sets forth general provisions with respect to grants and contracts authorized under this Act. Establishes specified requirements for emergency medical services systems. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for grants and contracts made pursuant to this Act for the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976. Directs the Secretary to establish an Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services to evaluate the adequacy and technical soundness of all Federal programs and activities which relate to emergency medical services. Directs the Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary respecting the administration of contracts under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit annually to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, and nursing and training centers for allied health professions, and other appropriate educational entities to assist in meeting the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing emergency medical services. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making payments pursuant to grants and contracts under this section.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1973
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 · 3 August 1973
Provides under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) that an individual may qualify for disability insurance benefits and the disability freeze if he has 40 quarters of coverage, regardless of when such quarters were earned.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
National Energy Research and Development Act - Title I: National Energy Research And Development Program - Declares it to be the policy of the Congress to establish and maintain a national program of research and development in fuels and energy adequate to meet specified objectives. Establishes the National Energy Research and Development Board who's member's shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the duties of Board, including: (1) to review the full range of Federal activities in and financial support for energy technologies and energy conservation, giving consideration to research and development being conducted by industry and other non-Federal entities, to determine the capability of ongoing research efforts to carry out the policies established by this Act and other relevant Federal policies, particularly the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; and (2) to formulate a comprehensive energy research and development strategy for the Federal Government. Provides that in evaluating proposed opportunities for particular research and development undertakings pursuant to this title, the Board shall assign priority to types of projects listed in this title. Sets forth the powers of the Board. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 annually for the administrative expenses of the Board. Authorizes an appropriation not to exceed $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and subject to annual congressional authorizations, $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $750,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and thereafter amounts such as Congress shall determine to carry out the provisions of this title with respect to energy research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Elementary and Secondary Drug Abuse Eradication Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide local educational agencies with the financial resources to bring services and programs to students who are users and potential users of drugs, so that the traffic in drugs in elementary and secondard schools may be eliminated. Directs the Commissioner of Education to carry out a program of making grants to local educational agencies to finance such programs. Sets forth the requirements to be met in applications for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $500,000,000 for each of the following four fiscal years to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 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 · 3 August 1973
Transfers the functions of the Passport Office to a new agency of the Department of State to be known as the "United States Passport Service". Establishes a Passport Service Fund to finance the operations of the United States Passport Service. Authorizes an initial appropriation of $20,000,000 to capitalize such fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 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 · 3 August 1973
Allows an income tax credit of up to $600 under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 for tuition expenses of the taxpayer or his spouse or a dependent at an institution of higher education. Defines the term institution of higher education for purposes of this Act. Allows an income tax credit for charitable contributions to institutions of higher education. Limits such tax credit for individuals to 20 percent of tax liability or $500, whichever is less, and for corporations to 5 percent of tax liability or $5,000, whichever is less. Provides that such tax credits shall not result in a refund to the taxpayer. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 39-40)
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Hobbs Act Amendment - Provides that whoever obstructs, affects, or interferes with commerce by willfully damaging to the extent of $2,000 or more any real, personal or mixed property of an employer owner, or other person at or near a factory, construction site, or any other place where work or business of the employer is carried on shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1951)
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 2 August 1973
Requires the Comptroller General to make, under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe, an audit for each fiscal year of the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve banks and their branches, the Internal Revenue Service, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Alien Property, the Trust Funds of the Smithsonian Institute, and the United States Soldiers' Home, Washington, District of Columbia. Directs the Comptroller General, at the end of six months after the end of the year, or as soon thereafter as may be practicable, to report to the Congress on the results of the audits required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1973
States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for the immediate and future protection and administration of public lands in the California desert within the framework of a program of multiple use, sustained yield, and maintenance of environmental quality. Establishes the California Desert Advisory Commission which shall consist of Federal and State representatives, representatives of the academic community, representatives of residents of the desert and representatives of groups which make use of the desert and its resources for recreational, study, or business purposes. States that it shall be the function of the commission to advise the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the program for the desert under this Act. Establishes the National Conservation Area of the California Desert to carry out the purposes of the Act. Gives the Secretary of the Interior responsibility for the preparation of a long-range program for the management, development, and use of the California Desert. Provides that such program shall include a plan, to be completed and reported to Congress within seven years from the date of enactment of this Act. Requires consultation with the Advisory Commission and with State organizations concerning such plan. Provides for an interim program to manage and protect the desert resources now in danger of destruction, and to provide for the public use of the desert. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire such lands or interests therein as he deems necessary to provide access to the facilities of the desert, to facilitate efficient and beneficial management of the desert. Empowers the Secretary to issue such regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that all mining carried out within the conservation area shall be subject to such reasonable regulations as the Secretary may prescribe to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that such regulations shall provide for such measures as may be reasonable to protect the scenic, scientific, and environmental values of the California Desert against undue impairment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that no Federal Agency may inspect any income tax return except upon an order of the President which identifies by name the person who filed such return. Makes it an offense to make unauthorized disclosures to divulge or publish any name, address or occupation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that it shall be the policy of the United States that the Government of the United States shall cease forthwith all consideration of aid, trade, diplomatic recognition, or any other form of communication, travel, or accomodation with the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam or the Viet Cong until such time as agreements relating to facilitating the location and care of graves of the dead, exhumation, and repatriation of the remains have been complied with to the fullest extent.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1973
States that on or after the date of enactment of this provision no television broadcast licensee, network television broadcast organization, or cable television system shall perform or otherwise carry out a contract, arrangement, or other understanding, express or implied, under which such station, network, or system is prevented from broadcasting or carrying the home games of any professional football, baseball, basketball, or hockey teams when tickets for admission to such games are no longer available for purchase by the general public forty-eight hours or more before the scheduled beginning time of such games.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1973
Provides that the recommendations of the President transmitted to the Congress under the Federal Salary Act of 1967 (relating to salaries of members of Congress and certain members of the executive and judicial branches of the Federal government) shall become effective at the beginning of the first pay period which begins after the first period of thirty calendar days of continuous session following the transmittal of such recommendations, unless there has been enacted into law a statute which establishes rates of pay other than those proposed by all or part of such recommendations, or unless between the date of transmittal and the end of the thirty day period either House adopts a resolution disapproving all or part of such recommendations. Provides that if the Committee, to which a resolution has been referred disapproving the recommendations of the President. Provides that the House has not reported the resolution after ten calendar days, it is in order to discharge the committee from further consideration of the resolution. Directs that such motion to discharge may be made only by an individual favoring the resolution and debate thereon is limited to not more than one hour divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. Directs that the motion to discharge may not be renewed, nor may another motion to discharge the committee be made with respect to any other resolution concerning the same recommendations. Specifies that when the committee has reported, or has been discharged from the further consideration of such resolution, it is in order to proceed to the consideration of the resolution. Stipulates that such motion is not debatable and may not be amended. Limits debate on the resolution to not more than two hours to be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. Provides that motions to postpone, motions to proceed to the consideration of other business and appeals from the decisions of the chair shall be decided without debate. Authorizes any part of the recommendations of the President, in accordance with express provisions of such recommendations, to be made operative on a date later than a date on which such recommendations otherwise are to take effect. (Amends 2 U.S.C. 359)
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1973
Multiprotection of Employee Retirement Income and Trust 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 dispositions 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 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 270 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 fudiciary 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. Sets forth provisions governing the distribution of net assets upon the termination of a pension plan. 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 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 for the benefit of self-employed individual or owner-employees; it covers not more than 25 participants; it is established and maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons who are not citizens of the United States and the situs of the fund is maintained outside the United States; or such plan is unfunded and established primarily to provide deferred compensation for a select group of management employees. 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 in accordance with specified categories and requirements. Prohibits any plan from providing for forfeiture of accrued employee beenfits. 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 excludes from coverage those plans excluded under title II. States that the minimum contribution to any pension plan for each plan year beginning after the effective date of this title shall be equal to the excess of: (1) the sum of the minimum standard contributions for each plan year beginning after the effective date of this title, over (2) the total of the amounts contributed to or under the plan for each of the preceding plan years beginning after the effective date of this title. Requires the administrator of the plan to file an annual statement with the Secretary containing the following information: (1) the numbers of years the plan has been in effect; (2) the date and amount of the contribution made by the plan for the plan year for which the report is filed and contributions for prior plan years not previously reported; and (3) the amount of the minimum contribution, the normal costs, accrued liabilities, present value of accrued nonforfeitable benefits, value of assets, an identification of other benefits, and a statement of the other facts and actuarial assumptions used in the calculation of the minimum contribution under this title. Provides that whenever the required payment cannot be made by the employer or the other contributing parties, the Secretary may waive part or all of the minimum contributions for that fiscal year, and prescribe an additional period of not more than 5 years for the amortization of the funding deficiency occurring in that fiscal year. Prohibits any merger with another pension plan unless a qualified actuary: (1) determines that each participant in each plan would receive a termination benefit equal to that which he would have received before the merger; and (2) includes such determination in the next year's funding status report. Title IV: Registration, Enforcement, and Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the registration with the Secretary of plans covered under this Act. Empowers the Secretary to petition any U.S. district court having jurisdiction to require compliance with the registration provisions of this title. Sets forth provisions concerning civil enforcement of the vesting and funding titles of this Act. Establishes a Variation Appeal Board to hear and determine appeals from decisions denying variations under titles II and III. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake research studies on: (1) the effects of this Act upon the provisions and costs of pension plans; (2) the role of private pensions in meeting the economic security needs of the nation; and (3) the operation of public and private pension plans. Provides for cooperation and mutual assistance by other Federal agencies and departments. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, fire, or discriminate against a participant or beneficiary for exercising any right extended under this Act. Stipulates that titles II and III of this Act supersede any and all State and local laws relating to the vesting, eligibility, and funding responsibilities of persons acting on behalf of employee pension benefit plans.