United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Mobile Teachers' Retirement Assistance Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that the transfer of teachers between State schools is impeded by the possibility of forfeiture of retirements, and that the resulting immobility hinders the growth of new communities. Sets forth the terms and definitions of this Act. Specifies the requirements which a State retirement system must meet to receive Federal financial benefits under this Act. Provides that the Federal contribution to each qualified State system for each retiring teacher's out-of-State service shall be 50 percent of the total cost, as determined by the retirement system at such teacher's age on date of retirement. Contributes to the State retirement system an additional 2 percent of the Federal amount under this Act for the costs of administration. Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal year 1974 and succeeding years for the amounts necessary to effectuate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Veterans' Administration Accountability Act - Modifies those powers exercised by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs with respect to readjustment of the schedule of ratings for the disabilities of veterans. Requires that notice of closing must be given to Congress in writing before the closing of a hospital or domiciliary facility over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. Prohibits the sale or transfer of Government property under the jurisdiction of the Veterans' Administration unless notice of such transfer or sale is first given to congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Federal Employees Indian Tribal Organization Transfer Act - Provides that government employees appointed for more than a year who transfer on or before December 31, 1981, to an Indian tribal organization to perform duties which have been performed for Indian communities can retain rights to work, injury compensation, retirement benefits, and life and health insurance as long as employee and agency contributions are made to the appropriate fund. Provides for reemployment within thirty days of application in the former position or equal position if the transfer occurred at the time such an activity was transferred to a tribal organization or within ninety days of such transfer, as long as application is made no later than five years after transfer to the tribal organization or if the activity is transferred back to the government. Entitles the employee upon transfer back to the government to the pay equal to that had he stayed in the agency, restoration of sick leave to its status at the time of the transfer and credit for time with the tribal organization. Directs an employee to refund at reemployment any lump sum payments for annual leave. Restores such leave to the employee's account. Directs tribal organizations to deposit necessary benefit payments in the appropriate funds. Requires employees to elect retention of benefits prior to transfer to the tribal organization.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Arctic Oil and Natural Gas Act - Sets forth a declaration of policy for this Act. Authorizes the President to appoint an Alaskan Oil Pipeline Task Force, consisting of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Defense, and others to conduct a complete study of the availability of a right-of-way across Canadian territory for the construction and operation of transmission facilities for the petroleum reserves of the North Slope of Alaska. Provides for this task force to report to Congress any prohibitive obstacles by October 1, 1973. Directs the Secretary of State to enter into negotiations with the Canadian Government regarding the availability of the necessary rights-of-way across Canada and requires him to report to Congress by October 1, 1973. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to issue rights-of-way and special land use permits notwithstanding section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, and any decision of any court, effective November 1, 1973, provided the task force does not report any prohibitive obstacles.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, substance, or ingredient of any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage; and (2) shall not require a warning label on any food supplement unless such article is intrinsically injurious to health in the recommended dosage.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Makes it the sense of Congress that it shall be the policy of the United States to require repayment of the longstanding debts which are delinquent in nature. Makes it the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury submit to the Congress within ninety days of passage of this resolution a list and report on the extent of such indebtedness on the part of foreign nations. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Department of the Treasury, through the appropriate departments and agencies, should, immediately after the filing of this report, begin consultations with foreign governments involved for the purpose of making arrangements for the prompt repayment of those longstanding debts which are delinquent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to allow participants in the plan B feed grain set-aside program to transfer into the plan A set-aside program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Permits Federal employees to purchase into the civil service retirement system those benefits unduplicated in any other retirement system based on employment in Federal programs operated by State and local governments under Federal funding and supervision.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration; to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of H.E.W. under titles I through III of this Act. Creates within such administration a Division of Research, Training and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title III of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in appropriations for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $660,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $710,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped invididuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for fiscal years 1974-76 to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or non-profit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Provides for a special study by the Secretary of the needs of severely handicapped persons who would otherwise be ineligible for services under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to establish national centers for spinal cord injuries. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals consisting of twenty members appointed by the Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance for construction projects under this title. Title III: Research and Training - Provides that the commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title IV: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving stated goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Provides for a study of the role of sheltered workshops in the rehabilitation and employment of handicapped individuals. Title V: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title such sums as necessary. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate problems of handicapped persons in the areas of architecture and transportation, and to make legislative recommendations to the President and the Congress. Requires any contract in excess of $2500 entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provision requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Indian Financing Act - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to provide capital on a reimbursable basis to help develop and utilize Indian resources, both physical and human, to a point where the Indian will fully exercise responsibility for the utilization and management of their own resources; and where they will enjoy a standard of living from their own productive efforts comparable to that enjoyed by non-Indians in neighboring communities. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to service loans made or guaranteed under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Prohibits the use of lead shot for hunting in marshes and other aquatic areas. Provides penalties of a $1,000 fine or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Creates the Indian Trust Counsel Authority as an independent agency in the executive branch. Provides that the Authority shall be governed by a board of Directors composed of three members to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires that at least two of the members of the board of Directors be Indians. Directs the Authority to render legal services in regard to rights or claims of Indians to natural resources, including, but not limited to, rights to land, rights to the use of water, timber, and minerals, and rights to hunt and fish, within the United States. Provides that nothing in this Act shall absolve the Department of the Interior and the Department of Justice of their responsibilities to the Indians, except that the Department of Justice as of the effective date of this Act or as soon therafter as practicable, is relieved of its responsibility with regard to the above rights or claims. Provides that the legal services performed by the Authority may include, but shall not be limited to, the investigation and inventory of the Indians' land and water rights and the preparation and trail and appeal of cases in all courts, before Federal, State, and local commissions, and in all administrative proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Provides that any person who allows his livestock to range and feed upon Indian tribal lands without the consent of the Secretary of the Interior, or otherwise trespasses thereon, shall be liable for a penalty of $5 per day for each animal in trespass, together with the reasonable value of the forage consumed during the period of trespass. Authorizes the Secretary to improved any such livestock. Authorizes Indian tribal governments to enact laws and ordinances relating to the issuance of traders' licenses on their particular reservation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into contracts with specified public or private organizations for the education, medical attention, agricultural assistance, and social welfare, including relief of distress, of Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
States that if an Indian tribe or community, after consultations with the Secretary of the Interior, requests that it be given the control or operation of a program or service administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall, within one hundred and twenty days from such request or such later date as may be agreed to by the Secretary and the organization, transfer such control or operation to the Indian tribal organization. Provides that no such transfer may be made unless the Secretary has determined that the tribes or communities involved have obtained general public liability insurance, motor vehicle insurance, and other appropriate insurance which shall provide coverage to the tribes or communities in amounts which shall be comparable to the minimum insurance coverage carried by other persons or organizations in the same general areas. Provides that for each fiscal year during which an Indian tribal organization engages in an activity pursuant to any program or service transferred to it under this Act, the Indian tribal organization shall submit a report to the Secretary including an accounting of the amounts and purposes for which Federal funds were expended. Establishes procedures for the reassumption of any program or service which was assumed by an Indian tribal organization under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1973
Makes it the sense of Congress that: (1) the President vigorously press our NATO allies to assume a greater proportion of the cost of their own defense; and (2) the President, as Commander in Chief, take whatever steps necessary to immediately withdraw 50 percent of our present troop commitment. States that no action taken pursuant to this resolution should weaken either our resolve or our ability to fulfill our commitments under the North Atlantic Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Extends eligibility for coverage under Servicemen's Group Life Insurance to: (1) a person who volunteers for assignment to the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service and is assigned to a unit or position in which he may be required to perform active duty; (2) a person assigned to the Retired Reserve of a uniformed service who has not received the first increment of retirement annuities or has not yet reached 61 years of age and has completed at least 20 years of satisfactory service creditable for retirement purposes; and (3) a member, cadet, or midshipman of the Reserve Officers Training Corps while attending field training or practice cruises. Provides that an insurance policy for a member of the Ready Reserve shall cease 120 days after separation or release from such assignment unless on the date of separation the member is totally disabled, or has completed 20 years of service creditable for retirement purposes. Continues the insurance policy of a member of the Retired Reserve until such time as the member receives the first increment of retirement annuity, or the member's sixty-first birthday, whichever occurs earlier. Makes provisions for the conversion of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance following termination to a policy with a participating life insurance company. Provides for the payment of premiums by a deduction from the pay of a member of the Reserve or Ready Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Air Force, as the case may be, to allow a member of the National Guard who is not on active duty to make allotments from his pay for the payment of premiums under a group life insurance program sponsored by the military department of the State in which such member holds his National Guard membership or by the National Guard association of such State. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 765-771; Adds 37 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Provides for crediting service under the Civil Service Retirement Act for service by National Guard technicians on or after the effective date of the National Guard Technicians Act of 1968. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8332(b))
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct research on multi- layered dried paint film containing lead compounds to determine the safe level of lead in residential paint products and report to Congress within eight months his findings and recommendations for legislation. Redefines 'lead-based paint' to mean any paint containing more than five-tenths of 1 per centum (formerly: more than 1 per centum) lead by weight in the total non-volatile content of liquid paints or in the dried film of paint already applied. States that this Act shall preempt state or local laws purporting to establish different standards relating to the lead content in paints. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4821, 42 U.S.C. 4841(3))
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Rights of Conscience in Abortion Procedures Act - Requires Medical institutions to provide a certificate indicating respect for an individual employee's right not to participate in abortions contrary to that individual's conscience as a requirement for hospital eligibility for Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the Rural Environmental Assistance Program pursuant to the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Allocates for fiscal year 1973, 80 percent of the amount appropriated, and for subsequent fiscal years an aggregate amount equal to the sums appropriated. States that no funds provided pursuant to this Act shall be used for any cost-sharing practice whose primary purpose is increasing the production of agricultural commodities. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 590)
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Income-Splitting Tax Act - Extends to all unmarried individuals the full tax benefits of income splitting now enjoyed by married individuals filing joint returns. Provides that, except in the case of a married individual filing a separate return, a nonresident alien individual, or an estate or trust, the tax imposed by section of the Internal Revenue Code upon the taxable income of any individual shall be twice the tax which would be imposed if the taxable income were cut in half. Provides that the determination of whether an individual is married shall be made as of the close of his taxable year, and an individual legally separated from his spouse under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance shall not be considered as married. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 2) Provides for a tax surcharge limitation. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate shall prescribe and publish tables reflecting such amendments which shall apply, in lieu of the tables set forth in the Internal Revenue Code (relating to percentage method of withholding) (26 U.S.C. 3402(a)), with respect to wages paid on or after the first day of the first month which begins more than 20 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Requires the U.S. Postal Service to establish and assure, to all postal patrons, service standards which include but are not limited to: (1) next-day delivery of mail deposited for delivery within a city; (2) delivery within not more than 3 consecutive days of mail deposited for delivery within the U.S.; (3) carrier service on a six-day-a-week basis; (4) post office window service on a six-day-a-week basis; (5) second-attempt delivery of parcel post; and (6) multiple delivery and collection service. Provides for the payment out of the general fund of the Treasury of public service costs for providing a maximum degree of effective postal service nationwide, in communities where post offices may not be deemed self-sustaining, and in complying with the standards set forth under this Act. Requires the Postal Service annually, in requesting authorizations, to present to the appropriate legislative and appropriations committees of the Congress a comprehensive statement of its compliance with the public service cost policy established under this Act. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 101(b), 2401(b),(c),(d),(e))
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
War Powers Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of the Armed Forces of the United States in hostilities, or in situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clear from the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities. States that the Act is not intended to encroach upon the recognized powers of the President, as Commander in Chief, to conduct hostilities authorized by the Congress, to respond to attacks or the imminent threat of attacks upon the United States, including its territories and possessions, to respond to attacks or the imminent threat of attacks against the Armed Forces of the United States, and under proper circumstances, to rescue endangered citizens of the United States located in foreign countries. Provides that, in the absence of a declaration of war by the Congress, the Armed Forces of the United States may be introduced in hostilities, or in situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, only: (a) to repel an armed attack upon the United States, its territories and possessions; to take necessary and appropriate retaliatory actions in the event of such an attack; and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (b) to repel an armed attack against the Armed Forces of the United States located outside of the United States, its territories and possessions, and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (c) to protect while evacuating citizens of the United States, as rapidly as possible, from the high seas or any country in which such citizens are present with the express or tacit consent of the government of such country, and who are being subjected to a direct and imminent threat to their lives, either sponsored by such government or beyond the power of such government to control; or (d) pursuant to specific statutory authorization, but authority to introduce the Armed Forces of the United States into hostilities shall not be inferred from any treaty or from any provision of law, including any provision contained in any appropriation Act, unless such provisions specifically authorize the introduction of such Armed Forces in hostilities and exempts the introduction of such armed forces from compliance with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that no treaty in force at the time of the enactment of this Act shall be construed as specific statutory authority for, or a specific exemption permitting, the introduction of the Armed Forces in any such situation. Provides that the use of the Armed Forces of the United States in hostilities pursuant to this Act shall be reported promptly in writing by the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, together with a full account of the circumstances under which such hostilities were initiated, the estimated scope of such hostilities, and the consistency of such hostilities with the applicable provisions of this Act. States that hostilities commenced pursuant to this Act shall not be sustained beyond thirty days from the date of their initiation except as provided in specific legislation enacted for that purpose by the Congress. Provides that hostilities commenced pursuant to this Act may be terminated prior to the thirty day period by statute or joint resolution of Congress, except where the President certifies that continued use of the Armed Forces is necessary for the safety and prompt disengagement of United States forces. Directs that any bill or resolution, authorizing continuance or termination of military hostilities shall, if sponsored or co-sponsored by one third of the Members of the House of Congress in which it originates, be considered reported to the floor of such House no later than one day following its introduction, unless the Members otherwise determine by yeas and nays. States that any such bill or resolution referred to a committee after having passed one House of Congress shall be considered reported from such committee within one day after it is referred to such committee, unless the Members of the House referring it to committee shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays. Provides that any bill or resolution reported shall immediately become the pending business of the House to which it is reported, and shall be voted upon within three days after such report, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays. Directs that this Act will not affect military hostilities already undertaken before enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Wilderness Study Act - Provides for a study of various lands enumerated in this Act to determine their suitability for designation as wilderness in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report the findings of such study to the President within five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Designates lands in the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, as the North Cohutta Wilderness Preserve.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Designates specified lands in the following national forests for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System including: (1) Bankhead National Forest, Alabama; (2) Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas; (3) Ozark National Forest, Arkansas; (4) Appalachicola National Forest, Florida; (5) Chattahooche and Cherokee National Forests, Georgia and Tennessee; (6) White Mountain National Forest, Maine; (7) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (8) White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire; (9) Natahala and Cherokee National Forests, North Carolina and Tennessee; (10) Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia; (11) George Washington National Forest, Virginia and West Virginia; (12) Jefferson National Forest, Virginia; (13) Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky; (14) Sumter National Forest, South Carolina, (15) Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont; (16) Chequamegon National Forest, Wisconsin; (17) Clark National Forest, Missouri, Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan; and (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
National Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish by order appropriate nonoperational Federal mobile home and recreational vehicle safety standards. Provides that, in prescribing standards under this Act, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall: (1) consider relevant available mobile home safety data; (2) consult with such State or interstate agencies (including legislative committees) as he deems appropriate; (3) consider whether any such proposed standard is reasonable, practicable, and appropriate for the particular type of mobile home or recreational vehicle for which it is prescribed; (4) consider whether any such standard will result in a substantial increase in the retail price of mobile homes or recreational vehicles; and (5) consider the extent to which any such standard will contribute to carrying out the purpose of this title. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue initial Federal recreational vehicle and mobile home safety standards upon the expiration of a two hundred and seventy day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall issue new and revised Federal recreational vehicle and mobile home safety standards under this title upon the expiration of the five hundred and forty-day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes both a National Mobile Home Safety Advisory Council, and a National Recreational Vehicle Safety Advisory Council, a majority of each of which shall be representatives of the general public, including representatives of State and local governments, and the remainder shall include mobile home or recreational vehicle manufacturers, dealers, representatives of insurers, and nationally recognized standards-producing organizations. Provides that the Secretary shall consult with the appropriate Advisory Council before establishing or revoking any mobile home or recreational vehicle safety standard pursuant to this title. Directs the Secretary to conduct research, testing, development and training necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides that no person shall: (1) manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce, or import into the United States, any mobile home or recreational vehicle manufactured on or after the date any applicable Federal mobile home or recreational vehicle safety standard takes effect under this title unless it is in conformity with such standard; (2) fail or refuse access to or copying of records, or fail to make reports or provide information, or fail or refuse to permit entry or inspection, as required under this Act; (3) fail to issue a certificate required by this Act, or issure a certificate to the effect that a mobile home or recreational vehicle conforms to all applicable Federal mobile home or recreational vehicle safety standards, unless such person in the exercise of due care has reason to know that such certificate is false or misleading in a material respect; or (4) fail to furnish notification of any defect as required by this Act. Provides for civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct such inspection and investigation as may be necessary to enforce Federal mobile home and recreational vehicles safety standards established under this Act. Provides that every manufacturer, distributor, and dealer of mobile homes and recreational vehicles shall maintain such records, make such reports, and provide such performance and technical data to the Secretary as may be required to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a National Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Safety Institute in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Provides that such Institute shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Authorizes such Institute to : (1) develop, establish, and forward to the Secretary of Transportation recommended mobile home and recreational vehicle nonoperational safety standards; (2) conduct research, testing, development, and training as authorized by this title; (3) prepare the annual report to the Congress required by this title; and (4) perform all other functions of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President an annual report on the activities of the Department of Transportation under this Title. States that nothing in this Act shall prevent any State agency or court from asserting or continuing jurisdiction under State law over any aspect of mobile home or recreational vehicle safety with respect to which no standards have been established pursuant to this title. Provides that any State may assume responsibility for enforcement of any Federal standards which have been established under this Act upon approval by the Secretary under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States which have been delegated enforcement responsibility to assist them in identifying their needs and responsibilities in the area of safety standards enforcement or in developing enforcement plans. Provides that the Federal share of each such grant shall not exceed 90percent of the total cost. Authorizes Federal participation under the Home Owner's Loan Act of 1933 in any loan made for the purchase of a recreational vehicle or mobile home which meets or exceeds the safety standards established under this Act. Provides for Federal participation in loans made to veterans purchasing mobile homes and recreational vehicles which meet such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
National Healthcare Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to improve the organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all Americans by increasing health personnel, promoting ambulatory care, strengthening health planning, establishing national standards of health care benefits, including coverage for medical catastrophes, encouraging provisions of such benefits through comprehensive health care insurance, and by assisting persons of low income or in poor health to secure that insurance. Title II: Provisions to Increase the Supply and Improve the Distribution of Health Care Personnel - Allows a medical student to borrow the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs, or $5,000. Authorizes $100 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for this purpose. Grants loans to student nurses covering the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies and other related costs, or $3,500. Authorizes $75 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for this purpose. Provides that scholarship grants may, in accordance with regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, be awarded, according to the needs of the individual, up to the full cost of his tuition, fees, books, equipment and living expenses. Authorizes for this purpose $50 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977. Allows loans for students in the allied health professions covering the full cost of tuition fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs. Provides that up to half of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit private institution or agency and that up to 100 percent of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a substantial shortage of allied health professionals. Authorizes $40 million for fiscal year 1975, $60 million for fiscal year 1976, and $75 million for fiscal year 1977 for this purpose. Includes junior colleges, colleges and universities which offer training in health care center administration or curriculums providing the allied health-professionals needed to operate comprehensive ambulatory health care centers within the training grant provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Establishes a new program of special project grants to help education institutions meet the cost of developing curriculums and training programs to develop the skills needed to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Authorizes $40 million for fiscal year 1975, and $50 million a year for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for this purpose. Establishes a program of Federal grants to medical personnel in return for service in urban and rural areas of critical need to alleviate the distribution of health care personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to contract with individual health professionals, nurses, or allied health professionals who agree to provide health care services for a period of at least two years in an area designated by the Secretary as having a critical need for those services. Provides that the amount of the grant is that amount which, when added to the recipient's income from providing health care services for each contract year, provides a total income equal to 110 percent of the national annual median income for persons of comparable education and training, or 110 percent of his earnings from providing health care services in the previous year, whichever is greater. Provides that in determining the precise amount of the grant the Secretary may consider such factors as he deems relevant, including: (1) the national median annual income for the applicant's profession; (2) the cost of living in the area of need; (3) the background, training, and education of the applicant; (4) the amount of income the applicant can reasonably expect to receive from service in the area; (5) the number of persons of applicant's profession needed in the area; and (6) where appropriate, cost of equipment, supplies, and facilities. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Provides grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Sets up a special category of grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Revises the declaration of purpose of title VI of the Public Health Service Act to recognize specifically the concept of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Provides that for fiscal years commencing after June 30, 1973 there is authorized an additional $200 million in grant authority to be used for the construction of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities. Provides this sum through a new allotment category which is separate from existing allotment categories for construction and modernization of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that a portion of the funds available for grants hereunder be used to assist nearly-constructed facilities to pay initial start-up and operation expenses during the first three years of operation of such centers. Directs that funds available for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers will be allotted to the several States on the same basis as allotments now made for construction of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that transfers from allotments for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities to allotments for the construction of other types of facilities are not authorized. Permits carryovers of unused allotments from one fiscal year to the other. Requires that priorities for awarding grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers be given to proposed facilities in densely populated areas now lacking such facilities. Provides that, in its evaluation of the health needs of its citizens, the State health planning agency would be required to determine as part of its planning process the number of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed in the State and a plan for distribution of such centers. Requires the adoption of a program providing for construction of those comprehensive ambulatory health care centers identified as needed in its State plan, or for modernizing such existing facilities. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of health facilities from which recovery of Federal funds may be made by the Federal Government from facilities which no longer qualify. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of facilities which qualify for Public Health Service Act loans, guarantees and interest subsidies for construction or modernization of health facilities. Defines comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to encompass only facilities which provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for ambulatory patients. Title IV: Provisions to Strengthen Health Care Planning - Provides that the President shall make a health report to the Congress no later than July 1 of each year on the status of the nation's health needs and health care system with a program for meeting those needs. Creates a three-man Council of Health Policy Advisers in the Executive Office of the President, its members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Council to hire officers, employees and such experts and consultants as may be needed. Requires the Council to make an annual health report to the President not later than April 1 of each year to be transmitted to the Congress as a supplement to the next Health Report of the President to the Congress. Provides that in its first report to the President the Council shall specifically review and advise the President on health programs. Requires the Council to develop and recommend goals for a national health policy to promote efficiency, eliminate waste and duplication in the utilization of health facilities and resources, and to recommend specific programs to streamline and consolidate health manpower programs. Directs the Council to consult with the National Advisory Health Council, and other advisory councils or committees as well as such representatives of the private sector as it deems advisable and to utilize the services, facilities and information of other public and private organizations to the fullest extent to avoid unnecessary overlapping or duplication of effort. Provides that the Chairman shall be compensated at the rate of Level II and the other members at the rate of Level IV of the Executive Schedule Pay Rates. Authorizes such sums as are needed to enable the Council to function, not to exceed $1 million in any fiscal year. Requires every agency of the Federal Government to include, to the fullest extent possible, in each report on proposals for legislation or other major Federal action significantly affecting health or the health care system, the impact of the proposal on the nation's health care system, adverse effects, alternatives, the relative priority established by the Council of Health Policy Advisers, and any irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources involved. Provides that in order to qualify for the comprehensive health planning grants that a State plan for comprehensive State health planning must, in addition to existing requirements, provide for the project certification procedures established by this Act. Increases the funds authorized for project grants for areawide health planning to $100 million for fiscal year 1975. Directs that to be eligible for the grants the agency must be prepared to function as the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" for the area or region. Requires the agency to be prepared to play a strengthened role in coordinating areawide health affairs, including the determination of health needs, capital expenditures programs, cooperative use of facilities, optimum use of available manpower and improved management techniques. Requires the agency to provide for consultation with the areawide health planning council and other groups, for the representation of health care facilities and physicians for enlisting public support, and for educating the public concerning the proper use of facilities and services available. Provides that, in the case of applications for Federal grants, loans, or other financial aid involving more than $100,000 which require certification by the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency, the application may be approved by the Secretary only after he is satisfied that the review provisions of this title have been met. Requires that the agency have reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the application and has certified to its essential need and high priority. Provides that if the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" is a metropolitan or other local planning agency, that agency, after reviewing the application, must have communicated its comments to both the applicant and the State agency. Directs the State planning agency to make its own determination that the application fits in with the State's overall needs and priorities as expressed in the State plan. Requires that if two or more States are involved, each State agency must make a separate certification as to the need and priority of the project in its State. Provides that in the case of a project affecting an entire State, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the agency designated in the State plan. Provides that in the case of a project affecting a region, metropolitan area, or other local area, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the areawide comprehensive health planning agency or such other public or nonprofit private agency determined in accordance with regulations to be performing the required health planning functions. Title V provisions to make comprehensive health care insurance available to all requires that benefits paying for not less than the health care required under the minimum standards must be included in private or State established health care plans as a condition of eligibility for the Federal tax or other public financial assistance accorded under this bill. Permits additional benefits and allows a qualified private health care plan to provide for a covered individual's payment of medical expenses exceeding established deductible and co-payment standards. Permits qualifying health care plans to include various other optional provisions. Assures that the minimum standards of health care required to be provided to needy and uninsurable individuals will be no less than those required for others. Assigns one of three "priority designations" to each of the benefits covered and requires benefits in the several priority categories to be phased-in in accordance with a schedule prescribed in the law. Authorizes the President, under restricted conditions stated in the law, to defer the scheduled time for phase-in benefits under this title. Specifies the initial minimum standard healthcare benefits for individuals covered under qualified private plans and those for individuals covered under qualified public plans. Revises the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Federal income tax deduction otherwise allowable to an employer for any amount paid or incurred by the employer for medical care of any employee or his dependents. Restricts this deduction to 50 percent of the described expense for the medical care of the employee if the amount is incurred in 1975, 75 percent if the amount is incurred in 1976, and 100 percent thereafter. Provides that if the employer establishes and maintains a qualified employee healthcare plan the restriction will not apply, and 100 percent of the described expense is deductible. Applies such provision to taxable years after December 31, 1974, except that, in the case of any employer plan providing medical care for employees which was established pursuant to a collectively-bargained agreement, the restrictions on the deduction will not apply until the expiration of the agreement, or December 31, 1977, whichever occurs first. Requires that each qualified employee healthcare plan provide at least the minimum standard healthcare benefits described in this Act and be in writing, adopted by the employer, and communicated to his employees. Requires that a coordination of benefits provision be included in a qualified plan to avoid costly duplication of coverage and the plan must permit eligible employees to seek coverage instead from any approved health maintenance organization in cases where specified conditions are satisfied. Allows 100 percent of medical care insurance premiums as an income tax deduction, if such expenses are paid by an individual who is covered by a qualified individual healthcare plan, a qualified employee healthcare plan, or a qualified state healthcare plan. Requires that each qualified individual healthcare plan provide at least the minimum standard healthcare benefits described in this Act. Requires that a qualified individual insurance contract contain provisions which obligate the insurer to renew the policy, and allows covered dependents to continue their coverage under the policy after the death of the insured as if he were still alive. Adds a new title XX to the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of publicly subsidized health care insurance plans on a State by State basis. Provides that each State will have a health insurance pool, which all private entities in that State (both profit and non-profit) which currently indemnify the cost of health care would be required to underwrite. Directs that one or more private insurance carriers will be designated by the State to administer the State plan on a retention accounting basis. Provides that these State plans will guarantee that minimum standard healthcare benefits are made available to individuals and families who previously were unable to purchase health care insurance, either because of their low income or their extremely poor health. Provides that, in order to encourage a State to establish a plan, Federal appropriations otherwise payable to the State pursuant to titles V and XIX of the Social Security Act are conditioned on the State having in operation a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Provides that individuals or families who are eligible to receive public cash assistance under a program financed in whole or in part by Federal funds will be enrolled in the State plan automatically, and without cost. Permits those individuals who are financially capable of procuring health insurance, but who are uninsurable because of poor health, to enroll in the State plan at their own expense; however, these individuals may not be charged more than the established rate for other individuals enrolled in that State plan. Provides that enrollment of other individuals and families who had low incomes the previous year (less than $4,000 for single individuals, less than $6,000 for a family of two, and less than $8,000 for a family of three or more) is voluntary. Allows such individuals and families to elect to be enrolled once each year and requires them to make contributions toward the cost of insuring their own health care, depending on the size of their family and the amount of their income. Provides that the premiums to be charged for each policy year under a State plan will be actuarially determined in each State, and for each family size risk category. Directs that if the established premiums are found to be unjustified within a particular State, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may direct a reduction in the Federal appropriation for that State's premium cost. States that each State has the primary obligation to provide the uncontributed premium cost for its plan; but if the State implements and utilizes controls which are designed to promote the delivery of lower-cost, higher-quality institutional health care services, if it exempts qualified state healthcare plan transactions from State taxation, and if it eliminates discriminatory State tax treatment of health care insurers, then the State will receive Federal appropriations reimbursing it for a percentage of its total uncontributed premium cost. Provides that the base figure may be between 70 and 90 percent, depending on the State's per capita income, but further adjustments to this percentage may be made if institutional rates charged in any particular State for health care services are unjustifiably high in comparison with other States. Gives States the authority to review in advance the rates to be charged by health care institutions for their services, and to refuse to approve these rates for payment under the State plan. Provides that a professional service, otherwise covered by these State plans, shall be reimbursed only if it falls within professionally established utilization guidelines or is found to be necessary health care by a qualified peer review committee. Asserts that no charge for a necessary service shall be reimbursed to the extent that it exceeds the prevailing charge in a locality for similar services. Provides that if the premiums collected and other monies received under the State plan are not sufficient to pay the claims incurred and the other costs of operating the State plan, the private underwriters of the plan shall bear the losses to the extent of 3 percent of the premiums collected for that year. Directs the State to bear the excess losses equal to the base Federal percentage for that State's premium costs. Provides that enrollment is not available to those individuals or families covered under a qualified employee healthcare plan. Provides that applicants for enrollment in the State plan must provide and certify all information required to make an eligibility determination. States that any Federal or State agency may be required to furnish information deemed by the administering carrier to be necessary to verify eligibility. Revises title V of the Social Security Act (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Excludes payment for items and services now covered under title V of the Social Security Act if they also would be covered under a qualified state healthcare plan. Provides that title V will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by qualified state healthcare plans. Revises title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove existing limitations on Medicare Part B enrollment which prevent otherwise eligible State plan enrollees from qualifying for qualified State healthcare plan to pay the premium for supplementary medical insurance benefits under Part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act for individuals and families who are eligible to enroll in the Part B program and who are also eligible to receive public cash assistance under a federally financed program. Revises title XVIII to allow a State to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to which all of these indigent State plan enrollees will be enrolled under the program established by Part B of title XVIII. Revises title XIX of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Provides that on July 1, 1975, or upon a State's establishment of a qualified State healthcare plan, whichever occurs first, payment for items and services now covered under title XIX would be excluded if they would be covered under a qualified state healthcare plan. Directs that title XIX will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by qualified State healthcare plans. Establishes standards for the quality and cost to enrollees for health care service provided by physicians or other medical practitioners and for health care services rendered to State plan enrollees in health care institutions. Provides that these standards shall apply to determine "reasonable cost" under the existing federally subsidized health care programs established by title V, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act. Requires that the premiums and other monies received pursuant to the operation of a qualified State healthcare plan will, to the extent feasible, be invested by the administering carrier in interest-bearing obligations and other income-yielding securities. Exempts this interest or other income from Federal income taxation. Requires insurance carriers to pool their efforts and resources to insure that all individuals and families will receive higher-quality, lower-cost health care benefits. Provides that these carriers will not be subject to Federal or State antitrust legislation solely as a result of their efforts to comply with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1973
Provides that all American war dead in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, who laid down their lives for their country and the preservation of the ideals of freedom throughout the world, are to be honored by their country by the flying of the flag at half staff for thirty days after the last American prisoner has been returned from Southeast Asia
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Allows a deduction from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code, for social agency, legal, and related expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of a child by the taxpayer. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 219)
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Requires, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, that imported meat and meat food products made in whole or in part of imported meat must be labeled "imported" at all stages of distribution until delivery to the ultimate consumer. (Amends 21 U.S.C. 620(a))
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides that no changes or readjustments in the schedule for rating disabilities made by the Administrator of Veteans' Affairs shall be effective unless: (1) such proposed damage or readjustment is first submitted to Congress, and (2) neither House of Congress, prior to the expiration of ninety calendar days of continuous session of Congress following the date of submission of the proposed change or readjustment, has adopted a resolution stating in substance that that House does not favor the proposed change or readjustment. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 355)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Establishes a schedule of increases for each annuity payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (other than the annuity of a surviving child) having a commencing date prior to October 20, 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Family Farm Antitrust Act - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Provides that no person engaged in commerce in a business other than farming, whose nonfarming business assets exceed $3,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products, or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer owned and controlled cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act, if the person is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Provides that under the Rules of the House of Representatives each staff member appointed pursuant to a request by miniority party members shall be accorded equal treatment with respect to the fixing of his pay, the assignment of work facilities and the accessibility of committee records, provided that the minority shall be entitled to one-third of all funds authorized for the committee. Prohibits, under such Rules, voting by proxy by the members of committees.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Allows a tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, for expenses incurred by a taxpayer in making repairs and improvements to his residence. Limits such tax deduction to $1,000. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 218)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Upland Game Conservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program with farm owners and operators for the purpose of turning their land to nonagricultural uses while promoting the development and conservation of upland game wildlife resources. Provides that farm owners and operators shall agree: (1) to carry out on a specifically designated acreage of land on the farm, not to exceed ten acres, and maintain for the agreement period practices or uses which will establish or protect or conserve open spaces, natural beauty, wildlife or upland game resources in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe; (2) to maintain in conserving crops or uses or to allow to remain idle throughout the agreement period such acreage; (3) not to harvest any crop from or graze the designated acreage during the agreement period; and (4) to such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary determines are desirable to effectuate the purposes of the program, including such measures as the Secretary may deem appropriate to keep the designated acreage free from erosion, insects, weeds and pests. Provides that under such agreements the Secretary shall: (1) bear such part of the average cost (including labor) for the county or area in which the farm is situated of establishing and maintaining authorized practices or uses on the designated acreage as the Secretary determines to be necessary to effectuate the purposes of the program, but not to exceed the average rate for comparable practices or uses under the agricultural conservation program, and (2) make an annual rental payment to the farmowner or operator for the period of the agreement at such rate or rates as the Secretary determines to be fair and reasonable. Provides that annual rental payment shall not exceed 40 percent of the estimated value, as determined by the Secretary, on the basis of prices in effect at the time the agreement is entered into, of the crops or types of crops which otherwise might be grown. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide by appropriate regulations for the preservation of cropland, crop acreage, and allotment history applicable to acreage diverted from the production of crops in order to establish or maintain approved practices for the purpose of any Federal program under which such history is used as a basis for an allotment or other limitation or for participation in such program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Water Bank Act, to enter into agreements with landowners in important migratory waterfowl nesting and breeding areas for the conservation of water on specified farm, ranch, or other wetlands identified in a conservation plan developed in cooperation with the Soil and Water Conservation District in which the lands are located. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe reasonable rules and regulations, to carry out the provisions of this Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1302)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Provides for the annual authorization of appropriations to the United States Postal Service. Requires such Service to keep the Senate and House Committees on Post Office and Civil Service fully and currently informed with respect to all activities and responsibilities within the jurisdiction of such committees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Provides that the provisions of the Flammable Fabrics Act shall extend to construction materials used in the interiors of homes, offices, and other places of assembly or accommodation. Authorizes the establishment of toxicity standards by the Secretary of Commerce. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1191)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants to local fire departments to cover one-half of the cost of the purchase of advanced firefighting equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
National Fire Data and Information Clearinghouse Act - Establishes a national clearinghouse within the National Bureau of Standards to be known as the National Fire Data and Information Clearinghouse to collect information and data relating to: (1) incidents of fires in the United States and their causes, locations and resultant deaths, injuries and property loss; (2) technological research and development with respect to fire suppression and prevention; and (3) hazardous substances. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to publish annually a catalogue of information and data stored in the Clearinghouse. Provides that copies shall be made available to interested persons and the general public. Authorizes the Secretary to prepare abstracts, digests, bibliographies, indexes, microfilms, and other reproductions of stored information and data and to make such items available to State and local goverments, industry and business, Federal agencies, and other interested persons. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain within the clearinghouse an emergency information center to provide fire service organizations with information at any time. Directs the Secretary to obtain a nationwide telephone number for such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to accredited institutions of higher education to pay for up to one-half of the costs of fire science programs. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to become effective not later than July 1, 1974, requiring the placarding of vehilces transporting hazardous materials by land in interstate and foreign commerce. Requires such placarding so that law-enforcement and firefighting personnel of communities, and carriers and shippers, may identify the type of hazardous material being transported, the degree of hazard involved, and any particular procedure which should be followed or avoided in dealing with emergency situations arising in connection with the transportation of such hazardous material.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to local fire departments to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of purchasing heat-protective fire fighting suits and breathing apparatus. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
National Fire Education and Training Act - Establishes, as a nonprofit and nongovernmental Instrument, a National Academy of Fire Prevention and Control. Provides that the board of directors of the Academy shall be reasonably representative of the various regions of the country, of the various segments of the community including private industry and labor, of all levels of government, of consumer interests, and of the various types of experience which are appropriate to the functions and responsibilities of the Academy. Provides that the functions of the Academy shall be to: (1) recommend actions which can be taken by Federal, State, and local government, and by private individuals and organizations to improve and strengthen fire protection, fire prevention, and fire suppression; (2) promote and encourage eligible individuals to pursue careers as administrators of fire service organizations at all levels; (3) develop a curriculum and carry out programs of instructional assistance and special workshops, seminars, conferences, and other such instructional devices that are necessary for the purpose of introduction and dissemination of information gained from investigation, research, and development concerning the areas of fire protection, fire prevention, and fire suppression; (4) develop fire service extension programs to encourage and assist States, counties, and local communities to provide continuous training and operational programs in firefighting techniques and procedures concerning the utilization of firefighting equipment, fire suppression and other areas related to firefighting in general; (5) promote and assist universities, community colleges, and other institutions of learning, in planning, developing, strengthening, improving, and carrying out programs and projects concerning fire administration; (6) assist States, counties, and local communities in the development of training programs for firemen; (7) gather data and disseminate information to States, counties, and local communities with respect to firefighting equipment, firefighting techniques, fire services administration, and other areas related to firefighting and to establish and maintain educational programs for the purpose of informing the public of fire hazards and fire safety techniques, and to encourage avoidance of such hazards and use of such techniques; and (8) establish a voluntary, uniform national testing program for the purpose of enabling States, counties, and local communities to evaluate the skills level of their firefighting and fire administrations. Authorizes the Academy to accept contracts and grants from Federal, State, and local governmental agencies and other entitles, and to accept grants and donations from private organizations, institutions, and individuals, and to establish fees and other charges for services provided by the Academy. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Academy such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Extends for three years the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to carry out fire research and safety programs. Authorizes appropriations totalling $125,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1974-1976.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to States, counties, and local communities to pay up to one-half of the total costs of training programs for firemen. Provides that a State, county, or local community program shall be considered approved if: (1) it is a program to train either volunteer or professional firemen in fire fighting techniques; (2) it is carried out under the auspices of a duly elected governmental body or an incorporated body; (3) the curriculum of the program is provided or approved by the National Academy of Fire Protection and Control; and (4) it is subject to such other terms and conditions as the Secretary finds necessary or appropriate. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Act for Freedom of Emigration in East-West Trade - States that after October 15, 1972, products from any nonmarket economy country shall not be eligible to receive most-favored-nation treatment, such country shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly, and the President of the United States shall not conclude any commercial agreement with any such country during the period beginning with the date on which the President determines that such country: (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration or on the visas or other documents required for emigration, for any purpose or cause whatsoever; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of the desire of such citizen to emigrate to the country of his choice. Provides that, before any of the aforementioned commercial agreements are entered into with any foreign country, the President shall submit to the Congress a report indicating that such country is not in violation of any of the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
![Official portrait of Rep. Zwach, John M. [R-MN-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/z000016_200.jpg)