United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1974
Extends the appropriations provisions of the Public Works and Economic Development Act through fiscal year 1976. Deletes the provisions of such Act regarding additional grants to areas of substantial unemployment during the preceding year from title I (Grants for Public Works and Development Facilities) of such Act. Limits the amount of loans for public works and development facilities and for business and business loan guarantees to $60,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976. Authorizes financial aid within a redevelopment area for the purcahse or development of land and facilities for industrial or commercial usage, and for any industrial or commercial activity. Authorizes grants to State, or sub-State economic adjustment planning organizations for administrative and planning activities. Authorizes appropriations of $60,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976 for technical assistance, research and information activities under this Act. Requires economic development districts under such Act to provide copies of their overall economic development programs to the appropriate regional commissions. Extends through fiscal year 1976 appropriations authorization for economic development centers and increases grants for redevelopment area projects. Extends appropriations authorization through fiscal year 1976 for supplements to Federal grant-in-aid programs. Requires coordination between the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and such regional commissions in making grants and loans and providing technical assistance under this Act. Extends through fiscal year 1976 the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any eligible recipient which has experienced, or may reasonably be foreseen to be about to experience, a special need to meet an expected rise in unemployment, or other economic adjustment problems (including those caused by any action or decision of the Federal Government) and which submits a plan meeting the requirements of this Act. Allows such grants to be used for: (1) public facilities, public services, business development, planning, research, and technical assistance; (2) redistribution by the eligible recipient in loans and loan guarantees to private profitmaking entities; and (3) redistribution by the eligible recipient in payments to individuals for unemployment assistance as described in this Act and for training or relocation assistance. Authorizes appropriation for such grants of an amount per fiscal year not to exceed 20 percent of the amount appropriated for the purposes of titles I through V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1974
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) it most strongly condemns all acts of terrorism in the Middle East; (2) the President and the Secretary of State should and are hereby urged and requested to (a) call upon all governments to condemn this inhuman act of violence against innocent victims; and (b) strongly urge the governments who harbor these groups and individuals to take appropriate action to rid their countries of those who subvert the peace through terrorism and senseless violence; and (3) the President should request the American Ambassador to the United Nations to take appropriate action before that body in order to have introduced a Security Council resolution condemning this brutal act of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1974
Rape Prevention and Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of specified areas, including: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitutdes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; (4) the causes of rape; and (5) sexual assaults in correctional institutions. Provides that the Center shall compile and publish annually a summary of its findings. Directs the Center to develop an information clearinghouse with regard to enumerated materials regarding rape and rehabilitation of offenders. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Provides that the Secretary, through the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape, shall make grants to community mental health centers, nonprofit private organizations, and public agencies for the purpose of conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him on matters relating to rape prevention and control.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1974
Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to establish within the General Accounting Office a unit to review tax forms, instructions, and other such use documents prepared by the Internal Revenue Service and to make recommendations with respect to the simplification, scope, and use of such forms. Sets forth procedures for the revision of Federal tax forms. Makes various technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1974
Provides for certification by the State water pollution control agency of treatment projects within such State where the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that such projects will be carried out in accordance with State laws and standards at least equivalent to those established by Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1974
Requires that new forms and reports, and revisions of existing forms, resulting from legislation be contained in reports of Congressional committees reporting the legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1974
Provides new definitions under the Federal Aviation Act for "air commerce" and "air transportation". Defines "air commerce" as intrastate, interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce or the transportation of mail by aircraft or any operation or navigation of aircraft within the limits of any Federal airway or any operation or navigation of aircraft which directly affects, or which may endanger safety in intrastate, interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce. Defines "air transportation" as intrastate, interstate, overseas, or foreign air transportation or the transportation of mail by aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1974
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to enter into agreements with the State of Maryland, the State of Virginia, and the Commissioner of the District of Columbia, at the request for any such agreement from the proper official, which shall provide that in the case of any Member of Congress or any congressional employee who is subject to Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia income tax and who voluntarily agrees to the withholding from his pay with respect to such tax, the appropriate disbursing officer shall comply with the State or District of Columbia withholding statute.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1974
Highway Beautification Act - States that the provisions of law relating to the control of outdoor advertising, junkyards, and allocation of funds for the scenic enhancement with respect to Federal-aid primary highways shall be applicable to Federal-aid urban systems. Provides for a ten percent reduction in Federal-aid highway funds to States apportioned on or after January 1, 1975, unless specified outdoor advertising is effectively controlled. Defines the term "effective control" for purposes of this Act. Provides that in order to promote the reasonable, orderly, and effective display of outdoor advertising while remaining consistent with the purposes of this Act, signs, displays, and devices whose size, lighting, and spacing, consistent with customary use is to be determined by agreement between the several States and the Secretary of Transportation may be erected and maintained within areas adjacent to the Interstate and primary systems which are zoned industrial or commercial under authority of State law, or in unzoned commercial or industrial areas as may be determined by agreement between the several States and the Secretary." Authorizes specified appropriations through fiscal year 1976 for the control of outdoor advertising, the control of junkyards, and landscaping and scenic enhancement on applicable highway systems. Provides that no directional sign, display, or device lawfully in existence on June 1, 1972, giving specific information in the interest of the traveling public shall be required to be removed until December 31, 1975, or until the State in which the sign, display, or device is located certifies that the directional information about the service or activity advertised on such sign, display, or device may reasonably be available to motorists by some other method or methods, whichever shall occur first.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government the Consumer Protection Agency. States that the Agency shall be headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a report which shall include a comprehensive statement of the activities and accomplishments of the Agency during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and such recommendations for additional legislation as he may determine to be necessary or desirable to protect the interests of consumers within the United States. Directs the Agency, in the performance of its functions, to advise the Congress and the President as to matters affecting the interests of consumers; and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services made available to them through the trade and commerce of the United States. 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 Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; and (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 interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance for public inspection and copying which the Agency has received, arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken by it. Directs the Agency to investigate and report to Congress on the desirability and feasibility of establishing a National Consumer Information Foundation which would administer a voluntary, self-supporting, information tag program. Authorizes the Administrator to propose to any Federal agency, for submission to specified persons, written interrogatories or requests for reports and other related information, within such agency's authority. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be required to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Provides, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance), that increases in monthly insurance benefits (whether occurring by reason of increases in the cost of living or enacted by law) shall not be considered as annual income for purposes of the following benefit programs: dependency and indemnity compensation to parents of a deceased veteran, pension for non-service-connected disability or death or for service, and the Veterans' Pension Act of 1959.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
Provides that blood donations shall be considered as charitable contributions deductible from gross income in the amount of $25 for each pint donated. Limits the amount of such deduction to $125 in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation and Educational Assistance Rate Adjustments - Increases the base figures for vocational rehabilitation and Educational assistance by eight per cent. Adjusts three-quarter and half-time rates to provide the same proportion as the amount of training taken. Provides increases for trainees pursuing farm-cooperative apprentice programs or other on the job training. Provides that veterans of the Vietnam era rated 10 percent disabled or greater shall automatically be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. Title II: Educational Assistance Program Adjustments - Extends the current 8-year delimiting date for veterans to complete their programs of education until educational assistance afforded to eligible veterans shall be used. Excludes in computing the delimiting date for those veterans and civilians held as prisoners of war in the Vietnam theater of operations, the period of time which they were detained plus any period of time which they were hospitalized immediately subsequent to their release. Provides those recently discharged from military service up to 6 months of educational assistance to pursue refresher training to update knowledge, skills, and technological advances occurring in their fields of employment during their period of active military service. Provides cost-of-living increases for veterans or eligible persons enrolled in apprenticeship or other on-the-job training. Title III: Veterans' Education Loan Programs - Establishes a veterans' education loan program. Prescribes the eligibility requirements, the amount and conditions, and interest rate of such loans. Requires that a fee shall be collected from each veteran obtaining a loan for the purpose of insuring against defaults on such loans. Title IV: Veterans, Wives, and Widows Employment Assistance and Preference and Veterans' Reemployment Rights - Extends job counseling, training, and placement services for veterans to include among those eligible to receive services, widows of veterans who have died of service-connected causes and wives of totally disabled veterans. Directs the Administrator of Veterans in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Civil Service Commission to establish an affirmative action plan for every Federal department and agency for the preferential employment of disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. Extends reemployment rights to those who were employed by State or local governments prior to entering the service. Title V: Effective Dates - Specifies the effective dates of the various titles of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Requires Federal agencies, under the Freedom of Information Act, to maintain, promptly publish, and distribute (by sale or otherwise) copies of a current index providing identifying information for the public as to any matter, issued, adopted, or promulgated after July 4, 1967 and required by the Act to be made available or published. States that Federal agencies upon any request for records which reasonably describes such records, and is made in accordance with published rules stating the time, place, fees to the extent authorized by statute, and procedure to be followed, shall make the records promptly available to any person. Sets forth the procedure for Federal agencies to follow upon receipt of any request for records made under the Act. Permits a Federal district court to examine the contents of any agency records in camera to determine whether such records or any part thereof shall be withheld under any of the exemptions set forth in the Act. Provides that the United States or a Federal agency shall serve a responsive pleading to any complaint made under the Act within 20 days after the service upon the United States attorney of the pleading in which such complaint is made, unless the court otherwise directs for good cause shown. Allows the court to assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under the Act in which the United States has not prevailed. Exempts from provisions of the Act matters that are authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy. Requires each Federal agency on or before March 1 of each year to submit a report covering the previous year to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Government Operations and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552)
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Requires, under the Freedom of Information Act, that whenever either House of Congress, or, to the extent of matter within its jurisdiction: (1) any committee or subcommittee thereof, requests an agency or the President of the United States to make available information within its possession or under its control, the head of such agency or the President shall make the information available as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days from the date of receipt of the request, unless the information is ordered withheld by the President in a signed statement that the information will be withheld and such statement sets forth a detailed explanation of the grounds upon which such withholding is based; or (2) an independent regulatory agency to make available information within its possession or under its control, the head of such agency shall make the information available as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days from the receipt of the request. States that when either House of Congress and its committees, to the extent of matter within their jurisdiction, requests the presence of and information from an officer or employee of a Federal agency, that officer or employee shall appear and shall supply all information requested except information specifically ordered withheld by the President in a signed statement which sets forth a detailed explanation of the grounds upon which such withholding is based. Provides that an officer or employee of an independent requlatory agency shall appear and shall supply all information requested. Empowers either House of Congress and its committees to obtain information withheld by an agency head, the President or a witness in response to a request for information or testimony under the Act, by adopting a resolution stating that the information or testimony is needed for the exercise of a valid legislative or investigative function under the Constitution and that the national interest outweighs the grounds cited by the President for withholding the information or testimony, and authorizing counsel to file a civil suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to obtain the information requested.
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 · 24 January 1974
Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Declares the finding of Congress that community care is the most effective and humane form of care for the majority of mentally ill and retarded individuals. States that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to insure the expansion of the community mental health center concept. Authorizes appropriations for grants for facilities of public and nonprofit community mental health centers. Provides for grants for specific portions of the costs of operations of such centers, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. States that where an application for a grant is made, the applicant must provide specified assurances, including that specialized services will be provided for the mental health of children and of the elderly. Sets forth requirements for an applicant providing programs for alcoholism and drug abuse. Limits the amount of appropriations which may be used for the evaluation of programs under this Act. Distinguishes, for purposes of granting assistance, between community mental health centers serving poverty areas and those not serving poverty areas. Provides for grants to community mental health centers for consultation and education services. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for funding such grants. States that no individual, expecially alcoholics, narcotic addicts and other persons with drug dependence problems, shall be made the subject of any research carried out with funds provided by specified portions of this Act unless such individual explicity agrees to become a subject of such research. Repeals specified provisions of the Community Mental Health Centers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Emergency Coal Administration Act - Establishes within the Federal Energy Office of the President an Emergency Coal Administration, to be administered by the Administrator of the Federal Energy Office. Authorizes the Administrator to take such action as may be necessary to insure the maximum increase in the production, transportation, and conversion of coal so long as the present energy crisis exists. Sets forth the powers and authority of the Administrator under the provisions of this Act, including the following: (1) to set goals for the production and conversion of coal into energy; (2) to encourage, assist, and take such steps as shall provide for increased production, transportation, and conversion of coal into energy; (3) to issue orders which shall constitute a prior claim upon producers of materials and supplies essential to the increased production, transportation, and conversion of coal into energy; and (4) to afford necessary, reasonable, and proper financial assistance to persons, firms, or corporations converting to the use of coal as a source of energy. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts directly or for the account of any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the production, transportation, and conversion of coal upon terms he deems fair and reasonable for any equipment or parts or other essential articles necessary to increase the production, transportation, and conversion of coal. States that the Administrator may engage in such research and development as he deems necessary, including, but not limited to, the construction and operation of pilot plants and projects relating to the production, transportation, and conversion of coal. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Federal Paperwork Burden Relief Act - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the reporting requirements of Federal regulatory programs to determine the extent to which these requirements may be revised to lessen the burden upon small and independent business establishments. Requires the Comptroller General to report the results of such study to the Congress one year from the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Hemophilia Act - Provides that any individual suffering from hemophilia may file a claim for benefits under this part with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in such form and containing such information as he may reasonably require. States that benefits under this part shall be paid to, or on behalf of a claimant, in an amount equal to 100 percent of the actual cost of providing blood, blood products, and services associated with the treatment of hemophilia, less: (1) amounts payable by third parties (including governmental agencies), and (2) amounts determined by the Secretary (in accordance with this Act) to be payable by the individual suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 1974, and ending June 30, 1976, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of no less than fifteen new centers for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals suffering from hempophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this section $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. Provides the Secretary shall establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of individuals suffering from hemophilia. States that such program shall be made available through the facilities of the Public Health Service to any individual requesting diagnosis, treatment, or counseling for hemophilia. Permits the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, and to enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals to establish blood fractionation centers, for the purpose of fractionating and making available for distribution blood and blood products, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary to hemophilia treatment and diagnostic centers. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 for this purpose. Establishes in the National Institutes of Health a National Hemophilia Advisory Board to be composed of twenty members. States that it shall be the function of the Board to: (1) establish guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia; and (2) submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress not later than January 31 of each year on the scope of actions conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Fire Prevention and Control Act - Title I: Fire Research Center - Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, a Fire Research Center which shall perform and support basic and applied research on all aspects of fire with the aim of providing specific and technical knowledge applicable to the prevention and reduction of fires. Enumerates specific areas of inquiry for the Fire Research Center, such inquiry to be conducted directly or through contracts or grants. Authorizes the appropriation of not in excess of $3,500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 for the purposes of this title. Repeals Title I of the Fire Research and Safety Act of 1968. Title II: National Bureau of Fire Safety - Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, a National Bureau of Fire Safety, to improve the Nation's efforts in fire prevention and control through public education, advanced technology, training, and improved statistics. Provides that the Director of the National Bureau of Fire Safety shall undertake, in collaboration with existing public and private organizations, a continuing and extensive program of public education in fire prevention and fire safety. Provides that the Director shall conduct a program of continuing development, testing, and evaluation of equipment for use by the Nation's fire, rescue, and civil defense services with the aim of making available improved suppression, protective, auxiliary, and warning devices incorporating the latest technology. Enumerates activites which shall be included in such program. Provides that the Director shall operate directly or through contracts an integrated, comprehensive national fire data program based on the collection, analysis, publication, and dissemination of fire information related to the prevention, occurrence, control, and results of fires of all types in order to provide an accurate national picture of the fire problem, identify major problem areas and assist in setting priorities, determine possible solutions to problems, and monitor progress of programs to reduce fire losses. Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, as part of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Control, a United States Fire Academy which shall advance the professional development of fire service personnel, civil defense personnel, and related fire safety personnel. Authorizes the Superintendent of the Academy, in furtherance of the mission of the Academy, to conduct courses and programs of training and education in the techniques of fire prevention, fire inspection, firefighting, and fire and arson investigation for members of the firefighting forces of the Nation. Provides for the establishment of admission criteria, tuition fees, and scholarships for the Academy. Requires the Superintendent of the Academy to establish a Committee on Fire Training and Education which shall inqure into and make recommendations regarding the desirability of establishing a mechanism for accreditation of fire training and education programs and courses, and the role which the Academy should play if such programs are recommended. Authorizes each fire district or department that engages in the fighting of a fire on Federal property to file a report with the National Bureau of Fire Safety in order to receive compensation for the cost of fighting such fire. Sets forth the items to be contained in such report and the method of computation of the payment. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 for the purposes of this title. Title III: Victims of Fires - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish within the National Institutes of Health an expanded program of research on burns, treatment of burn injuries, and rehabilitation of victims of fires. Directs the National Institutes of Health to: (1) sponsor and encourage the establishment throughout the Nation of twenty-five additional burn centers, which shall comprise separate hospital facilities providing specialized burn treatment and including research and teaching programs, and twenty-five additional burn units, which shall comprise specialized facilities in general hospitals used only for burn victims; (2) provide training and continuing support of specialists to staff the new burn centers and burn units; (3) sponsor and encourage the establishment in general hospitals of ninety burn programs, which comprise staffs of burn injury specialists; (4) provide special training in emergency care for burn victims; (5) augment sponsorship of research on burns and burn treatment; (6) administer and support a systematic program of research concerning smoke inhalation injuries; and (7) sponsor and support other research and training programs in the treatment and rehabilitation of burn injury victims. Authorizes the appropriation of not in excess of $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 for the purposes of this title. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe, to make commitments to insure loans made by financial institutions to nursing homes and intermediate care facilities to provide for the purchase and installation of fire safety equipment necessary for compliance with the 1969 edition of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association. Title IV: Administrative and Related Provisions - Sets forth auditing, patent, and other administrative procedures pertinent to the activities provided for in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Provides, under the Freedom of Information Act, that whenever either House of Congress, any committee or subcommittee thereof, any joint committee of Congress, or the Comptroller General of the United States requests an agency or the President of the United States to make available information within its possession or under its control, the head of such agency or the President shall make the information available as soon as practicable, but not later than thirty days from the date of request, unless the information is ordered withheld by the President in a signed statement that the information will be withheld and such statement sets forth the grounds upon which such withholding is based. Provides that whenever such a request for information has been denied and the same requesting body determines that the information requested is needed for the exercise of a valid legislative or investigative function under the Constitution and that the national interest outweighs any possible jeopardy to the need of the President or agency head to obtain candid and forthright advice, the House, committee, or joint committee may pass a resolution empowering the committee counsel or other designated counsel to file a civil suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to compel the agency head, the President, or the witness to supply the requested information or testimony. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia of any complaint filed by either House of Congress, any committee thereof, or any joint committee of the Congress pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the retention of counsel by either House of Congress, any committee thereof, or any joint committee of Congress for purposes of this Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, of any other law, or of any Executive order, no officer or employee of the executive branch may withhold any information from either House of Congress or any committee or subcommittee thereof if the information requested is relevant to any proceeding connected with the impeachment or subsequent trial of the President, Vice President, or any other civil officer of the United States. Provides penalties for willfully and knowingly distorting or concealing information properly subject to disclosure under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1973
Energy Conservation and Development Trust Fund Act - Title I: Energy Conservation and Development - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Energy Conservation and Development Trust Fund. Provides for the transfer of specified excise taxes to such Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated from the General Fund of the Treasury to the Fund such sums as may be necessary to provide the Fund with initial capital, and such additional sums as may be necessary (over and above any specified excise tax amounts transferred to the Fund under this Act) to make the expenditures under this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to hold the Fund, and to report to the Congress not later than the 1st day of March of each year on the financial condition and the results of the operations of the Fund during the preceding fiscal year and on its expected condition and operations during the current and next ensuing fiscal year. Provides that such report shall be printed as a House document of the session of the Congress to which the report is made. Provides for expenditures from the Fund. Authorizes the Urban Mass Transit Administration in the Department of Transportation to make grants from the Fund to governmental bodies of an aggregate not to exceed $2,000,000,000 each fiscal year to assist the construction and the operation of local public transportation in urban places. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants from the Fund to governmental bodies in an aggregate not to exceed $200,000,000 each fiscal year to assist in the development of better and more efficient intercity commuter rail and bus service. Provides that the total of such grants with respect to any one project shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants from the Fund in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000,000 each fiscal year to private persons to assist in increasing the national capacity for the manufacture of buses. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Office of Coal Research, to make grants from the Fund in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000 each fiscal year to public and private recipients for research and development projects to discover feasible and efficient methods for the conversion of coal to a usable, efficient, and clean replacement for gasoline, fuel oil, and other petroleum products. Authorizes the National Science Foundation to make grants from the Fund in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000 each fiscal year to public and private recipients for solar, nuclear, and thermal energy research. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants from the Fund in an aggregate amount not to exceed $200,000,000 each fiscal year to public and private recipients for research into and development of improved recovery methods for oil shale, including ways to minimize damage to surface land and landscape. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants from the Fund in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000,000 each fiscal year to public and private recipients for the rehabilitation, restoration, and beautification of lands which have been used for the strip mining of coal or oil shale. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, acting through the Federal Housing Administration, to make grants from the Fund in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000,000 each fiscal year to appropriate lending institutions to establish and maintain a program of guaranteed long-term, low-interest loans to individual homeowners and to the operators of small business establishments to finance improved insulation in order to preserve heat and reduce fuel consumption. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants from the Fund in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000,000 each fiscal year to governmental bodies to assist in patrolling and enforcing any uniform speed limits which may be imposed to combat the fuel shortage. Provides that the total of such grants with respect to any one project shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants from the Fund in an aggregate amount not to exceed $350,000,000 each fiscal year to private persons to cover intangible costs associated with the exploration and drilling for petroleum and natural gas in order to encourage expanded domestic petroleum and natural gas production. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants from the Fund in an aggregate amount not to exceed $350,000,000 each fiscal year to public and private recipients to provide extended and improved unemployment compensation for workers displaced from their jobs by reason of the energy crisis and to provide job retraining for such persons in new types of work. Title II: Internal Revenue Amendments - Provides for seperate taxes on gasoline, passenger cars, pleasure boats of at least 50 horsepower, and the large-scale use of electricity to carry out the purposes of this Act. Imposes an occupational tax on the operation of parking lots of 100 automobile capacity or more. Imposes severance and gathering taxes on oil and natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1973
Establishes the ratio for allocation of treatment works construction grant funds, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, for fiscal years 1975 and 1976 on the basis of table I of House Public Works Committee Print Numbered 93-28 and one-half on the basis of table II of such print, except that no State shall receive an allotment less than that which it received for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1972, as set forth in table III of such print. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require, or to authorize grants under this Act for construction of treatment works.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac, in Washington, D.C. States that the authorization granted by this resolution shall lapse unless development of the memorial is begun within ten years of the enactment of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Provides for the designation of the United States Courthouse and Federal Office Building at 110 Michigan Street, N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the "Gerald R. Ford Federal Office Building".
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1973
Establishes the Energy Development and Supply Commission to be composed of five members. Prohibits service on the Commission of any individual who has at any time been affiliated with or has held pecuniary interest in any energy production or distribution industry or transportation industry. Requires members to have experience and competence regarding the environment and its protection, consumer protection, and energy-related research and development. Directs the Commission to maintain research and development programs to: (1) develop low-cost, environmentally sound energy sources and energy generation, transmission, and distribution processes for transportation, industrial, and residential use, and other areas, with primary emphasis on the development of all aspects of solar energy sources; (2) develop processes and techniques of energy conservation for use in construction, transportation, and in the manufacture of consumer and capital goods; and (3) develop new fuels for self-propelled vehicles, and, with respect to such vehicles, alternatives to the internal combustion engine. Orders the Commission to establish and maintain national defense petroleum reserves on public lands of the United States which shall have a petroleum-producing capacity sufficient to protect the United States against a continuous one-year interruption of importation of petroleum. Directs the Commission to prepare annually an inventory of mineral deposits in the Nation and to submit such inventory to the Atomic Energy Commission, the Federal Power Commission, and the Secretary of the Interior in order to promote coordination among them regarding energy planning. States that any prospector, mine operator, or well operator who makes any discovery of any substantial mineral deposit shall file a report with the Commission setting forth: (1) the type of mineral, the estimated volume of the deposit, and the estimated quality of the unprocessed mineral; and (2) the location of the deposit. Directs the Commission to prepare: (1) a report, from time to time for submission to the Attorney General of the United States, recommending action to preserve competition among businesses engaged in the production of coal, oil, natural gas, or uranium; and (2) a report, to be submitted annually to the Congress, setting forth information regarding the supply of mineral deposits discovered during the preceding calendar year, and the estimate of the Commission of the total remaining mineral reserves of the Nation by categories. Imposes taxes of 1/10 of 1 cent per kilowatt of electricity; 10 cents per thousand cuubic feet of natural gas; and 1/2 cent per gallon of special distillate and residual fuel sold or otherwise transferred to any person for his own consumption. Increases the gas tax from 4 to 8 cents per gallon. Establishes in the Treasury the Energy Development and Supply Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriation of necessary sums to the fund to carry out this Act. States that this Act shall cease to have effect on September 30, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Emergency National Maximum Highway Speed Limit Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to refuse approval of Federal funding of specified projects in any State which has (1) a maximum speed limit on any public highway within its jurisdiction in excess of 55-miles-per-hour, and (2) a speed limit other than 55-miles-per-hour on any portion of any public highway within its jurisdiction which had a speed limit of 55 miles, or more, per hour on November 1, 1973, and (3) maximum speed limits which are not uniformly applicable to all types of motor vehicles using a highway, except that a different speed limit may be established for any vehicle operating under a special permit because of any weight or dimension of such vehicle, including any load thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Energy Reorganization Act - Title I: Energy Research and Development Administration Establishes the Energy Research and Development Administration headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Describes the functions of the Administrator as including: (1) exercising central responsibility for policy planning, coordination, support, and management of research and development programs respecting all energy sources; (2) undertaking research and development in the extraction, conversion, transmission, and utilization phases related to the development and use of energy from fossil, nuclear, solar, geothermal, and other energy sources; (3) participating in and supporting cooperative research and development projects which may involve contributions by public or private persons or agencies, of financial or other resources to the performance of the work; and (4) developing, collecting, distributing, and making available for distribution, scientific and technical information concerning the manufacture or development of energy and its efficient extraction, conversion, transmission, and utilization. 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 otherwise provided in this Act. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the Secretary of the Interior, the Department of the Interior, and officers and components of such department: (1) as relate to or are utilized by the Office of Coal Research; and (2) as relate to or are utilized in connection with fossil fuel energy research and development programs and related activities conducted by the Bureau of Mines. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the National Science Foundations as relate to or are utilized in connection with: (1) solar heating and cooling development; and (2) geothermal power development. Transfers to the Administrator such functions of the Environmental Protection Agency and the officers and components thereof as relate to or are utilized in connection with the development and demonstration of alternative automotive power systems. Title II: Nuclear Energy Commission - Provides that the Atomic Energy Commission is renamed the Nuclear Energy Commission and shall continue to perform the licensing and related regulatory functions of the Chairman and members of the Commission, the general counsel, and other officers and components of the Commission, which functions, officers, components, and personnel are excepted from the transfer to the Administrator by this Act. Grants the Nuclear Energy Commission licensing authority as to the following facilities of the Administration: (1) demonstration liquid metal fast breeder reactors when operated as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility system; (2) other demonstration nuclear reactors when operated as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility system, except those in existence, under construction or authorized or appropriated for by the Congress on the date this part becomes effective; or (3) facilities used primarily for the receipt and storage of high level radioactive wastes resulting from activities licensed under such Act. Allows the Nuclear Energy Commission to engage in or contract for research which the Commission deems necessary for the discharge of its licensing and regulatory functions. Title III: Miscellaneous and Transitional Provisions - Provides that except as otherwise provided in this Act, whenever all of the functions or programs of an agency, or other body, or any component thereof, affected by this Act, have been transferred from that agency, or other body, or component, the agency, or other body, or component shall lapse.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Authorizes the establishment of the Big Thicket National Preserve in the State of Texas. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, but not to exceed $63,812,000 for the acquisition of lands and interests in lands and not to exceed $7,000,000 for development.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Commercial Demonstration Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate and support basic and applied research relating to geothermal energy development. Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate and carry out commercial demonstrations, research, and development in geothermal energy technology. Provides that the Administration shall dispose of, by sublease or otherwise, all projects undertaken under this Act. Directs the Administration to assure the protection of the environment, persons, and property in projects undertaken pursuant to this Act. Requires the Administration to report to the Congress and the President every six months on the progress made under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for six fiscal years of $80,000,000 to carry out programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
Declares, under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, that it is the policy of the Federal Government to announce publicly all requirements for accounting services and to negotiate contracts for such services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of services required at fair and reasonable prices. Sets forth regulations governing requests for data or accounting services. States that an agency head shall negotiate a contract with the highest qualified firm for accounting services at compensation which the agency head determines is fair and reasonable to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Election Campaign Espionage Act - Provides that whoever, being an employee of any candidate or political committee, provides any personal service to any other candidate or any political committee supporting any other candidate, with the intent of interfering with any election activity, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. States that whoever uses any contribution or campaign funds to aid in the commission of any offense against the United States or any State, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. Penalizes the concealment of violations of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 614)
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Special Prosecution Conservancy Act - Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with supervisory jurisdiction to issue and enforce all orders necessary and appropriate to insure the integrity and inviolability of all files, notes, correspondence, memoranda, documents, physical evidence, and other records and work product compiled, obtained, or otherwise produced and maintained by the office of Special Prosecutor from the date of assumption of that office on May 24, 1973, until the appointment of a successor Special Prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Vests the Chief Judge of the United States District Court with authority to appoint a Special Prosecutor for the purposes and with the powers set forth in this Act, and to replace such officer only for extraordinary improprieties in the exercise of his responsibilities. Sets forth the authority and responsibilities of the Special Prosecutor. States that the prosecutor shall have exclusive authority to conduct all grand jury presentments and all other criminal proceedings arising from the following acts or transactions: (1) offenses arising out of the unauthorized entry into Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the Watergate; (2) offenses arising out of the 1972 Presidential election; (3) allegations of criminal offenses involving the President, members of the White House Staff, or other Presidential appointees; and (4) such other matters as bear a relation to the foregoing and which the Special Prosecutor consents to accept. Sets forth powers of the Special Prosecutor, including: (1) the power to determine whether and how far to contest the assertion of executive privilege or any other testimonial or evidentiary privilege, and (2) the power to decide whether or not to prosecute any person and how to conduct and argue any appeals or petitions arising out of his prosecutorial activities. Authorizes the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to extend the term of the Grand Jury of that Court which was impaneled on June 5, 1972, for additional periods of six months, until the court determines that the business of that Grand Jury has been completed. Authorizes to be appropriated to the office of the Special Prosecutor such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a board of trustees. Provides that such board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President, eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the director of the center ex officio. Authorizes the centers to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal government shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1973
Requires, under the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, the advice and consent of the Senate for future appointments to the offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
United States · United States Congress · 25 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 · 24 October 1973
National Cancer Research Act; Title I: Short Title and Declaration of Policy - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to carry out within five years the goal that cancer research activities of the United States shall be priority oriented and shall be conducted so as to contribute materially to one or more of the following objectives: (1) the expansion of human knowledge of methods in which to detect, prevent, and cure cancer; (2) the development of cancer preventative vaccines, or other preventatives; (3) the improvement of the usefulness and of the dissemination of information from, all cancer-related research activities conducted in the United States; and (4) the development and operation of cancer research facilities, equipment, and supplies, capable of making significant advances in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and cure. Title II: Coordination of Cancer Research Activities - Estabishes, for five years, in the Executive Office of the President the National Cancer Research Council to be composed of the Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Administrators of the National Cancer Research Administration, and Director of the National Institutes of Health. Directs the Council to develop a comprehensive program of cancer research and to resolve differences among various agencies with respect to cancer research. Establishes, for five years, the National Cancer Research Administration, the administrator of which shall plan, direct, and conduct the cancer research activities of the United States; and disseminate information concerning its activities. Authorizes the Administration to acquire property, enter into contracts, use facilities of federal agencies, and appoint personnel. Requires semiannual reports from the Administration to the Congress. Title III: Miscellaneous - Allows the President to transfer to the Administration for five years any functions of any other department, agency, or officer of the United States which relate primarily to the functions, powers and duties of the Administration. Requires information obtained by the Administration to be available for public inspection. Provides for retention of property rights and patenting by the United States of inventions made in the performance of any work under any contract with the Administration. Allows the administrator to waive all or part of the rights of the United States to an invention if he determines that the interest of mankind and the United States will thereby be served, subject to reservation of an irrevocable, nontransferrable, royalty-free license for the practice of such invention by the United States. Allows the administrator to make a monetary award to any person for any medical, scientific, or technical contribution to the Administration, not exceeding $10,000. Title IV: Funding - Imposes on the income of every individual, estate, trust, and corporation a tax equal to 2 percent of the adjusted tax for the taxable year. Authorizes withholding of such tax according to tables prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Appropriates to such fund, sums as are necessary. Terminates such fund on January 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate, support and carry out basic and applied research and development in solar heating and cooling technologies. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings under the monitoring of the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Bureau of Standards and in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Defense. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas (not less than three) in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, applications for grants for construction of treatment works under such Act may be filed with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency until December 31, 1973. States that funds available for reimbursement shall be allocated pro rata among all eligible projects for which applications have been submitted and approved by the Administrator. Increases the amount available for reimbursement from $2,000,000,000 to $2,600,000,000. Requires that in no event shall any payment exceed the Federal share of the cost of construction incurred to the date of the voucher covering such payment plus the Federal share of the value of the materials which have been stockpiled in the vicinity of such construction in conformance to plans and specifications for the project.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protect against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and : (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Provides that a customer may authorize disclosure if he or those seeking disclosure furnish to the financial institution a signed and dated statement by which the customer: (1) authorizes such disclosure for a period not in excess of one year; (2) identifies the financial records which are authorized to be disclosed; and (3) specifies the purposes for which, and the agencies to which, such records may be disclosed. Requires the financial institution to keep a record of all examinations of the customer's financial records and to notify the customer that he has the right at any time to revoke any authorization of disclosure and to obtain a copy of the aforementioned record of examinations. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from requiring an institution to maintain financial records or to transmit reports on customers, unless such records are required by a supervisory agency or the Internal Revenue Service. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act. Provides for injunctive relief for persons aggrieved by violation or threatened violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should undertake the immediate delivery of aircraft and other equipment to Israel. Provides for the delivery, on loan, of aircraft and other equipment to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
States that the purpose of this Act is to authorize and provide for the construction and operation of deepwater port facilities. Prohibits any person from constructing or operating to such a facility without a license. Authorizes the Deepwater Port Facilities Licensing Commission to issue such licenses if: (1) applicants are financially able and willing to comply with applicable requirements; (2) the facility will not unreasonably interfere with international navigation; and (3) the facility will be constructed and operated to minimize or prevent any adverse significant environmental effetcts. Provides that licenses may be issued for 30 years with right to renew. Prohibits granting of a lincene over the objection of a governor of an adjacent State. Exempts such licenses from antitrust laws. Establishes the Deepwater Port Facilities Licensing Commission and lists its members. Provides that license applications must meet all requirements of law. Requires the Commission to notify, upon license application, governors of adjacent States, Federal agencies, and interested persons and groups. Provides for public hearings concerning licenses. Establishes methods of appeal from a license application decision made by the Commission. Establishes penalties for license violators and violators of this title. Permits States to fix reasonable fees, tolls, and charges for the use of adjacent deepwater port facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations within sixty days of the date of enactment of this Act prohibiting any motor vehicle from being equipped with any starter interlock system associated with seatbelts or upper torso restraints.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1973
Declares that on and after July 1, 1974, no Federal financial assistance shall be provided under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 for the purchase of buses to any applicant for such assistance unless such applicant and the Secretary of Transportation shall have entered into an agreement that such applicant or the publicly owned operator of mass transportation service for the applicant will not engage in charter bus operations in unfair or destructive competition with private bus operators outside of the urban area or areas within which such applicant provides regularly scheduled mass transportation service.
![Official portrait of Rep. Wright, James C., Jr. [D-TX-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000763_200.jpg)