United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1974
States that upon a valid request by any employer with fifty or less employees for consultation and advice concerning the standards established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration may visit such employers workplace for the purpose of affording consultation and advice. Provides that no visit authorized by this Act shall be regarded as an inspection or investigation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and no citations shall be issued nor shall any civil penalties be proposed by the Administrator upon such visit, except that nothing in this subsection shall affect in any manner any provision of this Act the purpose of which is to eliminate imminent dangers. States that in the event of a subsequent inspection, the Secretary shall take into consideration any information obtained during the consultation visit of that workplace in determining the nature of an alleged violation and the amount of the penalties to be proposed, if any. Provides that the failure of the Administrator to give consultation and advice regarding any specific matter during the consultation visit shall not preclude the issuance of appropriate citations and proposed penalties with respect to that matter.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1974
Social Security Administration Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. Title I: Social Security Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such Administration, by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records, which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held, or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1974
Revises the Internal Revenue Code by not allowing a deduction from income tax for the depletion of any mine, oil or gas well, other natural deposit, or timber if: (1) in the case of a mine, an oil or gas well, or any other natural deposit, the mineral rights to the property to which the deduction relates belong to the United States; or (2) in the case of timber, it is located on land belonging to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1974
Provides, relating to travel expenses of persons going to and from a Veterans' Administration facility, that in no event shall the per diem rate for meals and lodging be less than $20 or the mileage rate be less than the current Department of Transportation estimate of the average costs of operating an automobile. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 111(a))
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1974
Disallows the depletion allowance, under the Internal Revenue Code, for oil, gas and other mineral production on lands owned by or leased from the United States Government. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 613(f))
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1974
Provides, under title XI of the Social Seucrity Act (general provisions), for quarterly payments to each State equal to 100 percent of the total amount of contributions by the State toward expenditures for aid to families with dependent children to qualified aboriginal individuals. Defines the term "aboriginal individual."
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1974
Emergency Energy Conservation Economic Opportunities Amendments - Provides, under the Economic Opportunity Act, for the establishment of an Emergency Energy Conservation Services Program, designed to enable low-income individuals and families, including the elderly and the near poor, to participate in energy conservation programs designed to lessen the impact of the energy crisis on such individuals and families. States that such program shall provide financial and other assistance for enumerated activities, including winterization of old or substandard dwellings; emergency loans, grants, and revolving funds to deal with increased housing expenses relating to the energy crisis; special fuel voucher or stamp programs; and outreach efforts, including the establishment of energy crisis centers. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal year 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Full Disclosure Act - Requires, under the Federal Election Campaign Act, that each candidate for nomination for election to Federal office (other than a candidate who holds the office of President, Vice President, or Member of Congress) shall file with the Comptroller General a financial disclosure report for the calendar year immediately preceding the year of that individual's candidacy. Requires each individual who has served at any time during any calendar year as President, Vice President, or Member of Congress to file with the Comptroller General a financial disclosure report for that year. Prescribes the deadline dates for such filings. Provides that each such report shall contain a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and sources of all income, other than reimbursements for expenditures actually incurred, and each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source of a value of more than $100 (other than gifts received from any relative or his spouse) received by him or by him and his spouse jointly or by his spouse or by his children during the preceding calendar year, including any fee or other honorarium received; (2) the value of all assets held by him, and of each liability owed by him, or by him and his spouse jointly; (3) all dealings in securities or commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf; (4) all purchases and sales of real property or any interest therein; (5) the amount of each tax paid by the candidate during the preceding calendar year. States that all reports filed under this Act shall be maintained by the Comptroller General as public records, and shall be available, under such regulations as the Comptroller General may prescribe, for inspection by the public.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Foreign Dairy Quality Act - Provides that no dairy product shall be imported into the United States unless it has been inspected and found to be wholesome and unless the foreign farms and plants in which such products were produced, manufactured, or processed comply with all the inspection, grading, and other standards prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Requires that such foreign standards shall be comparable to those standards prescribed by the Secretary for the kind of dairy product in the United States. States that the labeling of imported dairy products shall comply with the requirements of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and shall be otherwise marked as the Secretary may require. Directs the Secretary to cause to be inspected all dairy products imported into the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act, and rules and regulations for the destruction of dairy products refused admission into the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the administration and supervision of the provisions of this Act. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Federal Citizens Appeal Act - Title I: - Declares that it is the policy of the United States to guarantee citizen access to the operation of the Federal government, and to provide assistance to citizens who have complaints for agency actions which they feel are arbitrary, capricious, contrary to law, in excess of authority, or harmful to person or livelihood. Title II: Right of Citizen Appeal - States that this chapter applies, according to the provisions thereof, except to the extent that: (1) statutes preclude citizen appeal; and (2) agency action is committed to agency discretion by law. Defines the terms used in this Act. Declares that a person suffering legal wrong because of agency action, or adversely affected, or aggrieved by agency action within the meaning of a relevant statute, is entitled to citizen review. States which actions shall be reviewable, the relief available pending review, and the scope of citizen review. Title III: Establishment of Federal Citizens Appeal Board - Establishes, in each of ten Federal districts as independent establishments of the executive branch of the Government of the United States, a board to be known as the Federal Citizens Appeal Board. Specifies the membership composition of such Boards. Enumerates the powers of such Boards. Imposes civil penalties for violations of this title. Prescribes the staes which shall comprise the Federal districts for which a Federal Citizens Review Board shall be established. Title IV: Advisory Council on Citizen Appeal - Establishes an Advisory Council on Citizen Appeal, to be composed of twenty members, two of which who shall be appointed by each of the ten Federal Citizen Appeal Boards. Directs the Council to, at the close of each fiscal year, report to the Congress and to the President concerning the actions it and each of the Regional Federal Citizens Appeal Boards have taken. States that the Council shall be responsible for establishing regulations regarding the procedures of each Federal Citizen Review Board, including, although not limited to, procedures for: (1) filing requests for citizen review, (2) conducting preliminary and prehearing investigations; (3) conducting hearings to determine facts and to mediate disputes, and (4) all other activities of the Boards. Title V: Procedures for Citizen Review - Provides that upon receipt of a request for citizen review as determined under this Act, the Board shall conduct a preliminary investigation. Details the procedures for such investigations. States that prior to the calling of a hearing, the Board shall conduct an investigation to compile all available information regarding the request for citizen review. Requires investigations to be completed no later than twenty days following the initiation. Empowers the Board to issue emergency rulings compelling or setting aside agency action. Title VI: Hearing Procedures - States that the transcript of testimony and exhibits, together with all papers and requests filed in the proceeding, constitutes the exclusive record for decision and shall be made available without charge to the parties. Provides that the record shall show the ruling on each finding, conclusion, or exception presented. Provides that if the Board determines that any employee or officer of any agency has been guilty of a breach of duty or misconduct, the Board shall make note of such breach of duty or misconduct in the official record, and copies of the record shall be made available to the appropriate agency, the Department of Justice, and the Civil Service Commission. Empowers the Board to file motions in Federal district court and to represent a complainant in action brought against a Federal agency which fails to comply with a Board ruling and to provide adequate representation, without cost, to complainants in a court proceeding initiated by a Federal agency appealing a ruling of the Board. States that all rulings of the Board shall be subject to judicial review. Title VII: Grants for Citizens Appeals Board - Authorizes the Advisory Council on Citizen Appeal to make grants to any State or political subdivision for the purpose of establishing citizens appeal boards, to ease conflicts between the citizens and the various agencies of government. Provides that such a grant may be up to 50 per cent of the fair and reasonable cost of establishing and carrying out such a program. Authorizes, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this title, to be appropriated, for fiscal year 1975, and for the two succeeding fiscal years, the sum of $5,000,000 each year. States that for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of Titles II, III, IV, V, and VI, there is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1975, and for the two succeeding fiscal years, the sum of $15,000,000 each year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1974
Makes it the sense of the Congress that it abhors and condemns the cruel and insensitive refusal of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the Provisional Revolutionary Government of Vietnam and the Lao Patriotic Front to comply with the provisions of those agreements to which they are signatories and which call for an accounting of the missing in action, and calls on those parties to respect and comply with those agreements. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should use every effort to bring about such reciprocal actions by the parties to the peace agreements, including the Government of the Republic of Vietnam and the Royal Lao Government, as will be most likely to bring an end to the abhorrent conduct of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the Provisional Revolutionary Government of Vietnam and the Lao Patriotic Front regarding the missing in action. Declares the Congresses staunch support to the families and loved ones of the Americans missing in action, who have suffered such deep human anguish for so long due to the undisclosed fate of the missing in action.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Weather Modification Regulation Act - Title I: Weather Modification Licenses and Permits, Reporting Requirements, and Penalties - Requires any State which establishes a system to regulate any weather modification activity to license any person engaged in such activity and enumerates qualifications for such licenses. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to assist any State in its regulation of weather modification activity and in the dissemination of information concerning such activity. Requires a Federal permit for any person engaged in any weather modification activity, and enumerates qualifications for such permit. States that no permit shall be issued unless the applicant has first obtained a license. Outlines conditions whereby a permit may be revoked or suspended by the Secretary after an opportunity of hearing. Requires any holder of a permit to make daily reports covering any weather modification which are to be transmitted to the Secretary by certified mail daily. Outlines what information shall be included in each report. Requires additional weather reports if the Secretary requests them. Allows the Secretary to require records to be maintained by each holder of a permit which can be inspected under prescribed conditions by the Secretary. Requires any agency, military department, local government or State conducting weather modification activities to prepare daily reports, and to submit such reports to the Secretary by certified mail daily. Prescribes penalties for the violation of requirements for a Federal permit of fines between $10,000 and $50,000, and fines of not more than $25,000 for failure to make weather reports to the Secretary. Gives the U.S. district courts power to enjoin any violation concerning Federal permits reporting requirements, or other regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Title II: Weather Modification Information System - Authorizes the Secretary to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a weather modification information system to monitor daily weather conditions, and to record and evaluate weather modification. Permits the Secretary to use the system to assist in determining whether: (1) to issue, revoke or suspend permits; (2) to obtain data from the Weather Bureau on a timely basis; and (3) to use such system to maintain records of any weather modification and such activity conducted in any State. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a computerized data processing system to facilitate the operation of the weather modification information system. Title III: International Weather Modification Control - Allows the President to enter into agreements with other nations and international organizations to establish, monitor, and regulate weather modification activities. Requires any U.S. citizen who has primary supervisory responsibility for carrying out weather modification activities in any foreign nation to submit reports to the Secretary at lease 10 days prior to such activity. Outlines what information is to be included in these reports. Requires the Secretary to establish and maintain a register of persons engaged in weather modification activities in the U.S. and other nations whom he deems properly qualified. Allows the Secretary to distribute copies of such register upon request to any foreign nation. Requires approval by the Secretary of State, unless the President determines it unnecessary in a particular case, for any agency or military department before engaging in any weather modification activity in any foreign nation. Prescribes penalties of fines up to $25,000 for failure of a U.S. citizen to make reports or register while engaging in weather modification activities in any foreign country. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to make such regulations as are necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this Act. Repeals the former provisions of law regulating weather modification activities. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 330 et seq.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
Makes it the sense of the Senate that in any allocation of energy supplies or other actions by Federal departments and agencies to alleviate the energy shortage, proper consideration should be given, in light of the facts expressed in the preamble of this resolution, to the provision of adequate supplies of energy to all segments of the tourism industry.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Declares that the Senate disapproves the recommendations of the President with respect to rates of pay transmitted to the Congress during February, 1974 pursuant to the Federal Salary Act of 1967.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Provides that veterans' pension and compensation will not be reduced as a result of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66 or any subsequent cost-of-living adjustment under title II of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1974
Interfuel Competition Act - Makes it unlawful for any oil company: (1) to acquire any coal, oil shale, tar sands, uranium, geothermal steam, and solar energy asset after the enactment of this section, or (2) to own or control any coal, oil shale, tar sands, uranium, geothermal steam, and solar energy asset after the expiration of three years after the enactment of this section. Require that each oil company which owns or controls any such energy asset shall file with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission reports respecting its energy assets. Directs the Attorney General and/or the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to commence a civil action for appropriate relief whenever any person violates the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Meetinghouse Preservation Act - States that the purpose of this Act is: (1) to celebrate the Bicentennial of this country through the preservation within each of the several States of a historic site that might otherwise be lost; (2) to provide a meetingplace in each of the several States for those citizens interested in retaining their tangible, indigenous heritage, whether historic, cultural, or natural, and in planning for future changes and developments, and (3) to give existing State programs involved with preserving historic and architecturally important structures an illustration of the best possible techniques used in the preservation of such historic sites and structures, and the multiple, significant ways in which such sites and structures can be used. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to each of the several States for the purpose of enabling each State to acquire and restore an historic site within each State for use as a meetinghouse in accordance with the provisions of this Act, except that no grant to any one State shall exceed $1,000,000. Provides that any application for a grant under this Act shall contain an estimated budget of various acquisition, restoration, and maintenance expenses. Sets forth provisions governing the approval of any application. Establishes a Meetinghouse Coordination Board to review each application made in accordance with the provisions of this Act for the purpose of making recommendations to the Secretary as to which of the historic site or sites contained in such application should be approved by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Food and Fiber Production Incentive Act - Increases, under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act, established prices for 1974 crops to $2.49 per bushel for wheat, $1.67 per bushel for corn, and 47 cents per pound for cotton. Provides a cost-of-production adjustment for the price for the 1975 crop year. Gives the Secretary of Agriculture authority to set an established price which may be higher than the minimum provided in the Act. Requires that the national acreage allotment for feed grain, established annually by the Secretary, be not less than 100 million acres.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with private or public nonprofit agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance to prepare volunteers to provide tax counseling assistance for elderly individuals in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns. Directs the Secretary to utilize the services of volunteers and to establish the qualifications required and the terms and conditions of service as a volunteer. States that service as a volunteer under this Act shall not be considered service as an employee of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the attention of elderly individuals to pertinent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Food Program Technical Amendments - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, as amended, to purchase, without regard to the provisions of existing law governing the expenditure of public funds, agricultural commodities to maintain the traditional level of assistance for food assistance programs as are authorized by law. Defines "tribal government" and "Indian reservation" for purposes of the Food Stamp Act. Authorizes the Secretary to formulate and administer a food stamp program at the request of any tribal government. Provides that the Secretary is authorized to pay to each State agency an amount equal to 62.5 percent of administrative costs, and to a tribal government or its agent an amount equal to 100 percent of administrative costs. Enables the Secretary to waive compliance with requirements to such Act in the case of any pilot project which he determines is likely to promote raising the levels of nutritional adequacy among low-income households.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to designate an extension of the Basic National Rail Passenger System, established pursuant to the Rail Passenger Service Act, to provide adequate intercity rail passenger service to the major population area of each of the contiguous forty-eight states which did not have any large population area previously provided with intercity rail passenger service.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
National Arthritis Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to expand the authority of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Disgestive Diseases in order to advance a national attack on arthritis. Establishes a National Task Force on Arthritis to formulate a long-range plan to combat arthritis and related musculoskeletal and other related diseases. Provides that the Arthritis Plan shall include recommendations for the utilization and organizations of national resources for the campaign against arthritis, and a program for the National Institute of Arthritis Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases as a major participant in the campaign against arthritis specifies the composition of the Task Force membership. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000 for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the purposes of the national arthritis program. Establishes within the Institute the position of Associate Director for Arthritis, responsible for programs regarding arthritis within such Institute. Provides that the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall establish an Inter-Institute Arthritis Coordinating Committee to be composed of representatives who can make policy commitments for each of the Institutes and divisions involved in arthritis-related research. Creates within the Federal Government an Interagency Technical Committee on Arthritis which shall be responsible for promoting the coordination of those aspects of all Federal health programs and activities relating to arthritis to assure the adequacy and technical soundness of such programs and activities and to provide for the full communication and exchange of information necessary to maintain adequate coordination of such programs and activities. States that the Director of the Institute shall establish programs for cooperation with other health agencies in the screening, detection, prevention, and control of arthritis which emphasize the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods for arthritis, and the dissemination of the knowledge about these methods to the health professions. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out these provisions $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Provides that the Director of the Institute, shall provide for the development of centers for basic and clinical research into, training, in, and demonstration of, advanced diagnostic, prevention, control, and treatment methods for arthritis. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out these provisions $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires the Director of the Institute after the end of each calendar year, to submit to the President and Congress a report including: (1) a proposal for the Institute's activities during the next five years; and (2) a program evaluation section.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Provides that the Civil Aeronautics Board shall not permit any air carrier which received a Federal subsidy in 1972 to omit, suspend, terminate, or reduce by 50 percent or more, regularly scheduled service, including flag stop service, to a point certificated to be served by that carrier on any day in November 1973, unless the Board finds, that the reduction is in the public interest: (1) that such point will continue to receive adequate regularly scheduled service from another certificated air carrier, or (2) that such air carrier is not providing more than two nonstop round trips per day in each marketpair in which both points are "large hubs" as defined in the most recent edition of "Airport Activity Statistics of Certificated Route Carriers", and (3) that such carrier is using the fuel available to it as efficiently as possible. Requires that notice of any application for authority to omit, suspend, terminate, or reduce, by 50 percent or more, regularly scheduled service shall be published in the Federal Register and shall be sent to all interested persons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1973
Authorizes the Committee on Commerce to make an investigation of national oceans policy for the purpose of: (1) determining national capabilities in the oceans, (2) determining the adequacy of current Federal programs relating to the oceans and recommending improvements; (3) establishing policies to achieve the goal of full utilization and conservation of living resources for the oceans; (4) assessing the needs for new policies for the development and utilization of the nonliving resources of the oceans; (5) encouraging implementation of coastal zone management; (6) establishing a comprehensive national policy for understanding and protecting the global ocean environment through education, exploration, research, and international cooperation; and (7) making an assessment of proposals for national and international jurisdiction over the oceans. Authorizes, for the purpose of this resolution, the Committee on Commerce to expend, through February 28, 1975, from the contingent fund of the Senate, a sum not to exceed $200,000.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1973
Surveillance Practices and Procedures Act - Expresses the findings and declarations of Congress, including that Congress should establish practices and procedures to be followed by the Government when engaging in surveillance activities so as to reconcile the Government's interest in executing its investigative, law enforcement, and other functions with the Congressional and public interests in protecting the integrity of the individual's right to privacy and other constitutional rights and liberties. Defines the term "foreign agent". Provides that no officer or employee of the United States shall engage in the exercise of any powers by means involving the interception of wire or oral communications unless such officer or employee is first specifically authorized in writing, by the President. Requires authorization for interception of wire or oral communications in national security cases. Sets forth the procedure for interception of such communications relating to national security by requiring applications for an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication to be made in writing upon oath or affirmation to a judge of competent jurisdiction. Specifies the content required in any such application.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 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 shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance, or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should determine and take immediate steps to reduce Federal Government consumption of fuels by a third; (2) the President should initiate a program within the Federal Government to immediately reduce nonessential uses of all Government vehicles and equipment, and commercial and mass transportation should be utilized whenever practical in the conduct of government business; (3) the President should allot Federal Government departments and agencies a fixed quantity of fuel for a fixed period for essential purposes only, and critical national security activities and other vital services may be exempted on a case-by-case basis; (4) the Secretary of Defense should immediately initiate innovative measures to reduce the amount of fuels used for defense activities; and (5) the President should immediately urge State, local, and other public authorities to adopt similar measures.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1973
Increases the rates of educational assistance allowances to eligible veterans. Provides, in addition to such allowances, for the payment of tuition, the extension of educational assistance entitlement, acceleration of educational assistance allowances, and expansion of the work-study program. Establishes a Vietnam Era Veterans Communication Center to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of veterans outreach services programs; (2) make recommendations to the President and Congress for establishing new, and improving existing, procedures for informing Vietnam era veterans of all benefits and services to which they may be entitled; (3) coordinate all Federal programs pertaining to veterans of the Vietnam era; and (4) promote efforts for job employment opportunities for veterans. Creates the Vietnam Era Veterans Advisory Committee to consult with the Communication Center regarding all matters pertaining to the duties of the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1973
Establishes within the Department of the Interior, one additional Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides, under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, that all votes cast, and all abstentions from voting, concerning enrollment in a thirteenth region for Natives who are nonresidents of Alaska are declared to be null and void. States that within seven days of the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall call for a new election to be conducted no later than sixty days after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Authorizes the President to issue regulations to reduce or stabilize insurance premiums in the automobile insurance industry to prevent windfall profits by persons engaged in the business of issuing such insurance as a result of reduced casualty rates attributable to Federal, State, or local official action under the Economic Stabilization Act or under any other provision authorizing the rationing, allocation, or conservation of petroleum products. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the President to prescribe an insurance rate which is in excess of that rate prescribed under applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1973
Establishes a joint committee of the Congress to be known as the Joint Committee on the Continuing Study of the Need to Reorganize the Departments and Agencies Engaging in Surveillance. Specifies the composition of such committee. Makes it the function of the joint committee: (1) to make a continuing study of the need to reorganize the departments and agencies of the United States engaged in the investigation or surveillance of induviduals; (2) to make a continuing study of intergovernmental relationships between the United States insofar as that relationship involves the area of investigation or surveillance of individuals; (3) to make a continuing study of the collection, processing, analysis, storage, and dissemination of information concerning specific individuals, collected by any department, agency, or independent establishment of the United States Government; and (4) to guide the committes of the Congress dealing with legislation with respect to the activities of the United States Government involving the area of surveillance. Authorizes the joint committee, or any subcommittee: (1) to make expenditures, (2) to employ personnel, (3) to adopt rules respecting its organization and procedures, (4) to hold hearings, (5) to sit and act at any time or place, (6) to subpoena witnesses and documents (in accordance with this Act), (7) with the prior consent of the agency concerned, to use on a reimbursable basis the services of personnel information, and facilities of any such agency, (8) to procure printing and binding, (9) to procure the services of consultants.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1973
Provides that the numerical value appearing in the four corners on the face of all paper money of the United States which is printed after January 1, 1975, shall be embossed indicating the denomination thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1973
Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to make an investigation of grain car distribution practices by railroads subject to the Interstate Commerce Act in order to determine to what extent and in what manner existing practices may be unjust, unreasonable, discriminatory or unduly preferential and to make in accordance with the law such changes and adjustments of rules as may be necessary to correct any defects found to exist. States that the ICC shall give due consideration to the desirability, as a means of removing undue prejudice or unjust discrimination, of requiring carriers to provide specifically in their tariffs the terms under which, during any period of time when the supply of cars available for grain gathering does not equal the requirements, all shippers may demand and secure upon even terms the use of cars employed upon the lines of any railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1973
Federal Election Financing Act - Provides, under the Federal Election Campaign Act, for the public financing of election campaigns. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Establishes, as an independent establishment of the executive branch, a commission to be known as the Federal Election Commission, to be composed of seven members who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including: (1) to require any person to submit in writing reports and answers to questions the Commission may prescribe; (2) to administer oaths; (3) to require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses; and (4) to initiate, defend, or appeal any court action in the name of the Comission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this title and of title III. Requires each candidate to designate one political committee as his central campaign committee. States that no political committee may accept contributions or make expenditures in connection with the campaign of a candidate unless that candidate designates that committee as one of his authorized political committees. Directs, each candidate to designate one National or State bank as his campaign depository. Provides that no expenditure may be made by any candidate or committees except by check drawn on that account upon written order of the candidate or the written order of another person authorized in writing by the candidate to make such expenditures, other than petty cash expenditures. Requires every candidate to: (1) agree to obtain and to furnish to the Commission any evidence it may request about his campaign expenses and contributions; (2) agree to keep and to furnish to the Commission any records, books, and other information it may request; (3) agree to an audit and examination by the Commission and to pay any amounts required; and (4) agree to furnish statements of campaign expenses and proposed campaign expenses. Sets limitations on the amount of expenditures a candidate may make in connection with his primary election campaign. Provides that no person may make a contribution on behalf of a candidate for use in connection with that candidate's campaign for nomination for election, or election, which, when added to all other contributions made by that person on behalf of the candidate during the twelve month period ending with the month during which the contribution is made, equals an amount in excess of $250. Establishes within the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Election Campaign Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund for each fiscal year an amount equal to the sum of the amounts designated for payment into the fund under the Internal Revenue Code. Provides that, upon receipt of a certification from the Commission, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer from the fund to the account in the campaign depository, as designated by the candidate, the amount certified by the Commission. Requires the Commission, after each Federal election to conduct a thorough examination and audit of the campaign expenses of all candidates for Federal office. Directs every candidate to, as the Commission may require, furnish to the Commission a detailed statement of campaign expenses incurred. Requires the Commission, as soon as practicable after each Federal election, to submit a full report to the Senate and House of Representatives. Provides that violation of any provision of this title is punishable by a fine of not more than $50,000, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission, for the purpose of carrying out its functions under this title, such funds as are necessary for the fiscal year ending July 30, 1974, and each fiscal year thereafter. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act. Repeals the provisions of Federal law relating to the designation of income tax payments for the financing of Presidential election campaigns.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Broadens the conditions under which post-hospital home health services and home health services may be provided under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare).
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
House Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1973
Provides that if, by reason of death, resignation, removal from office, inability, or failure to qualify, there is neither a President or Vice President to discharge the powers and duties of the office of President prior to the 20th day of January in the fourth year of the current Presidential term, and: (1) if the Speaker of the House is a member of the same political party as the President, then the Speaker shall act as President; or (2) if the Speaker is not a member of the same political party as the President, and the Minority Leader of the House is a member of the same political party, then the Minority Leader shall act as President. States that if the Speaker or the Minority Leader of the House fails to qualify as Acting President, then the officer of the United States who is highest on the following list shall act as President: Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Secretary Housing and Urban Development, and Secretary of Transportation. Provides that if there is neither a President nor a Vice President to discharge the powers and duties of the office of President, occuring prior to the 20th day of January in the fourth year of the current Presidential term, then on the ninetieth day after the date on which the Acting President takes the oath of office of the Presidency, there shall be appointed electors of the President and Vice President in the manner such electors are provided for in a regular election for the offices of President and Vice President, and such electors shall vote on the seventh day following the date of their appointment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1973
National Homestead Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to transfer without payment to a local public agency any real property: (1) which is improved by a single family dwelling; (2) to which the Secretary holds title; (3) which is not occupied; (4) which is suitable for use by such agency in an urban homestead program which meets the requirements of this Act; and (5) which is requested by such agency for use in such an urban homestead program. Enumerates the criteria under which the Secretary may approve an urban homestead program carried out by a local public agency, including the conditional conveyance of abandoned residential property by a local housing agency to an individual or a family without any substantial consideration. Requires the Secretary to conduct a continuing evaluation of programs carried out pursuant to this Act and, beginning with the third year, transmit an annual report to the Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Solar Home Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Expresses the findings of Congress. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act Establishes a National Solar Energy Coordinating Council to advise the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on the implementation of this Act. Outlines the composition of Council membership. Delegates to the Council the responsibility for developing practices designed to maximize effort and eliminate duplication among the operations of the various departments of the Federal Government responsible for research and demonstration of solar energy technology. Directs the Secretary to initiate a program for the development and demonstration of solar heating systems for use in residential dwellings. Requires the Secretary, in carrying out such program, to: (1) prescribe performance criteria for solar heating equipment and systems to be used in residential dwellings; (2) approve, on the basis of open competitions, at least three designs for residential dwellings suitable for the installation of solar heating systems meeting such criteria; and (3) enter into contracts for the development and manufacture of solar heating systems meeting the performance criteria. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program for the development and demonstration of combined solar heating and cooling systems for use in residential dwellings. Requires that the residential dwellings of such program shall be located in at least five climatic regions in the United States to assure a realistic demonstration of the combined solar heating and cooling systems involved under climatic conditions that vary as much as possible. Provides for the development of solar heating and combined solar heating and cooling systems for public buildings and commercial use. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, jointly with the Secretary in consultation with the Council, and upon recommendation of appropriate scientific peer review panels, to initiate, support, and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the "Solar Energy Trust Fund" for obligation and expenditure by the Secretary for purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make available to the public full information with respect to activities conducted under this Act. Requires the Secretary to, directly or by grant or contract: (1) study and investigate the effect of existing building codes, zoning ordinances, and other laws, upon the practical use of solar energy to heat and cool buildings; and (2) determine the extent to which such laws should be changed to facilitate such use. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President and the Congress summarizing activities under this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall maintain continuing liaison with the building industry and related industries and interests to assure that the projected benefits of such programs are and will continue to be effectively realized. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Solar Energy Trust Fund, out of any amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for fiscal year 1974, $50,000,000, which shall remain available without fiscal year limitation through 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1973
Independent Special Prosecutor Act - Directs the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to appoint a Special Prosecutor who shall have the duties and powers prescribed in this Act. Authorizes the Chief Judge to appoint a Deputy Special Prosecutor, to assist the Special Prosecutor in the performance of his duties and who, in the event of the disability of the Special Prosecutor or vacancy in the office of Special Prosecutor, shall temporarily become Special Prosecutor until the Chief Judge appoints a Special Prosecutor. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to have exclusive jurisdiction, to investigate, as he deems appropriate, and prosecute against and in the name of the United States: (1) offenses arising out of the unauthorized entry into Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate; (2) other offenses arising out of the 1972 Presidential election; (3) offenses alleged to have been committed by the President, Presidential appointees, or members of the White House staff; (4) all other matters referred to the former Special Prosecutor pursuant to regulations of the Attorney General; and (5) offenses relating to or arising out of any such matters. Empowers the Special Prosecutor with authority with respect to specified matters set forth in this Act; including (1) to determine whether or not to contest the assertion of Executive Privilege or any other testimonial privilege; and (2) to receive appropriate national security clearance and review all evidence sought to be withheld on grounds of national security and if necessary contest in court any claim of privilege or attempt to withhold evidence on grounds of national security. Provides that all investigations, prosecutions, litigation and grand jury or other proceedings initiated by the former Special Prosecutor shall be continued, as the Special Prosecutor deems appropriate, by him, and he shall become successor counsel for the United States in all such proceedings, notwithstanding any substitution of counsel made after October 20, 1973. States that the Special Prosecutor shall carry out his duties under this Act within two years, except as necessary to complete trial or appellate action on indictments then pending. Empowers the Chief Judge to dismiss the Special Prosecutor or the Deputy Special Prosecutor if he determines they have willfully violated the provisions of this Act or committed other extraordinary improprieties, and for no other reason. Provides that the Special Prosecutor solely shall exercise the powers and perform the duties specified in this Act and that neither the Chief Judge or the President of the United States, nor any other officer of the United States shall have any authority to direct, countermand, or interfere with any action taken by the Special Prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Provides that neither the President of the United States, nor any other officer of the United States, shall have any authority to remove the Special Prosecutor from office. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Independent Investigation Act - Expresses the findings of Congress. Establishes an Office of Special Prosecutor to investigate: (1) possible violations of Federal law, and possible instances of official misconduct by Federal officials, which occurred in connection with the 1972 Presidential primaries and general election and any campaign, canvass, or other activities related to such election; and (2) allegations of other illegal conduct or official misconduct on the part of the President, members of the White House staff, or Presidential appointees. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Special Prosecutor, who shall be appointed by the chief judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia pursuant to the Constitution of the United States. States that the Special Prosecutor shall serve for a term beginning upon his appointment and ending on June 30, 1977, and shall be removable only by impeachment. States that the Special Prosecutor shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the conduct of all investigations, prosecutions, and civil actions on behalf of the United States to enforce all provisions of Federal law violated by: (1) any person in connection with the Presidential primaries and general election of 1972, and any campaign, canvass, or other activity related to such election; or (2) by the President, members of the White House staff, or Presidential appointees. Directs the Attorney General to cooperate with the Special Prosecutor to the fullest extent possible to insure that the Special Prosecutor has exclusive control of all activities relating to any such investigation and prosecution resulting from such election. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Special Prosecutor is vested with all of the powers and duties of the Attorney General of the United States and of the United States attorney. Directs each department, agency, and independent instrumentality of the Government to cooperate with the Special Prosecutor. Provides that the Office shall remain in existence until such time as the Special Prosecutor certifies to the chief judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia that all investigations and prosecutions conducted pursuant to this Act have been completed, or on June 30, 1977, whichever occurs first. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that all funds appropriated to the Watergate Special Task Force pursuant to the State-Justice-Commerce Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1974 and not previously expended shall be transferred on the date of enactment of this Act to the account of the Office. Directs the Office to submit its budget requests directly to the Congress and furnish the Office of Management and Budget with informational copies. Provides that in the event that the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, prior to the enactment of this legislation, appoints one or more persons to serve as special counsel grand jury currently investigating incidents relating to the 1972 Presidential campaign, and in the event that funds to compensate such person or persons for services rendered or expenses incurred are unavailable, any funds transferred to or appropriated for the Office shall be utilized to compensate or reimburse such person or persons. States that in the event that the President of the United States, or anyone acting on his behalf, or any other person, initiates legal proceedings challenging the constitutionality of any provision of this Act, the Office shall have the right to defend the constitutionality of this Act in any such proceeding, and shall be entitled to utilize the funds transferred or appropriated to the Office to defray any expenses incurred in the course of such a defense. Provides that no decision invalidating any portion of this Act shall take effect until such decision becomes final. States that exclusive jurisdiction over lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of this Act shall reside in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Provides that the invalidation of any provision of this Act shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1973
Randolph-Sheppard Act Amendments - Expresses the findings of Congress. Provides that blind persons licensed under the provisions of this Act shall be authorized to operate vending facilities on any Federal or other property. Gives preference to blind persons licensed by a State agency as provided in this Act. Requires the head of each department or agency in control of Federal property to prescribe regulations assuring such preference. Eliminates the requirement that licensees be 21 years of age. Eliminates the requirement that licensees shall have resided for at least one year in the State for which a license is requested. Requires that in the design, construction, or substantial alteration of each public building after June 30, 1974, there shall be a satisfactory site or sites suitable for the location and operation of a vending facility by a blind person or persons. Authorizes State licensing agencies or any blind licensee to file a complaint with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare who shall convene an arbitration panel to hear appeals when the State licensing agency or licensee feels that any department or agency is failing to comply with the provisions of this Act. States that with specified exceptions, all vending machine income shall accrue to the blind licensee operating the facility. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Abourezk, James [D-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000017_200.jpg)