United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1973
Emergency Rural Housing Act - Title I: Presents the finding of the Congress that there are millions of substandard dwelling units in rural areas, that existing agencies operating under existing authorities could not meet the needs of millions of the rural poor, and that there is a need for emergency action in rural housing programs. Establishes an Emergency Rural Housing Administration, the management of which shall be vested in an Administrator appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Makes it the duty of the Administrator to provide minimal housing facilities for eligible persons in rural areas and small communities and to do so, to the extent possible, within a five-year period. Forbids the duties and powers of the Administration to be transferred to any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to eligible persons to finance the acquisition of land and the construction thereon of minimal housing facilities, or to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing facilities in accordance with minimum housing facilities standards. Provides that at least 50 percent of the principal amount of any loan made shall be amortized over a period of not more than forty years, shall bear interest at a rate of not less than one percent per year, and shall be secured by a first mortgage. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire land and engage in the development of housing projects to be sold under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to finance all or part of the acquisition, and maintenance of: (1) minimal housing facilities in rural areas and small communities to be rented by eligible persons; (2) water and sewer facilities for such housing; and (3) related community facilities for such housing. Provides that the Administrator may enter into area responsibility agreements with any local agency. Forbids the Administrator to require, as a condition of assistance under this Act, the relocation of any eligible person in order to engage in or to facilitate the economic development of any area. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the operation of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 per year, reduced by an amounts paid into the Treasury each such year on the loans made by the Administrator. Title II: Extends the provisions of the Rural Housing Program to the Island of Guam. Provides for the financing of indebtedness for specified eligible loan applicants under this Act. Authorizes loans to leasehold owners under the Housing Act's rural programs. Makes provisions for veterans preferences for veterans of the Vietnam Era under Housing Act. Provides for direct and insured loans for purpose providing housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas covered by this Act. Defines the terms rural area as applicable under this Act. Provides for direct and insured loans to provide condominium housing for low-and-moderate-income families in rural areas covered by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure titles to land which are otherwise uninsurable by private insurance companies because of remote outstanding claims or encumbrances to enable eligible persons holding such land to benefit from this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Commodities Exchange Commission Act - Establishes a Commodity Exchange Commission, composed of five commissioners appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government. Transfers specified functions from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Commission and delegates enumerated housekeeping functions to the Chairman. Authorizes the employment of persons without regard to Civil Service laws. Provides, with regard to rules governing registration of Commission merchants and brokers, that if after requesting a contract market to make specified changes in its rules and practices, the contract market has not made the changes, and that such changes are necessary, the Commission may alter the rules of such contract market to effect changes in specified areas. Requires that contract markets serve an economic purpose. Prohibits the acceptance of orders by unregistered associates of futures commission merchants. Provides procedures for registration of such merchants. States that no member of a contract market shall execute any order for future delivery and on the same intentionally enter into any transaction for future delivery in such commodity for any account in which such member has trading discretion, with specified execeptions. Provides that if any contract market is not enforcing or is violating any of the provisions of this Act, the commission may enter an order directing the such contract market, director, officer, agent, or employee to cease ad desist from such violation and assess a civil penalty of not more than $100,000ffor each such violation. Increases the amount of specific penalities for violations of this Act. Empowers the Commission with injunctive authority to restrain potential violations of this Act. Makes provisions for ancillary regulations of cash markets. Direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct reviews and audits of commission and make reports thereon. Directs the Commission to establish an Office of Market Research and Information monitor, investigate and study commodities trading and publish such information as in the judgement of the Commission will (1) facilitate orderly trading, (2) reflect the the true state of supply and demand, (3) reduce speculation, and be in the public interest. Penalizes, with treble damages, the use of confidential information in violation of this Act
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
National Food Bank Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for the storage of food commodities in geographically dispersed areas of the United States so that such commodities will be readily available for distribution in any area which suffers a major disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to take such action as he deems necessary to maintain fresh, nutritious supplies of food commodities and to provide for the periodic turnover of such commodities to avoid spoilage.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1973
Establishes a temporary Senate Select Committee on the Vice Presidency, consisting of four majority members and three minority members, to study and investigate the character and fitness of any individual nominated to fill the present vacancy in the Vice Presidency. Authorizes the select committee to issue subpenas for witnesses and records, administer oaths, and hold hearings. Requires the select committee to report to the Senate within 30 days after receipt of a nomination from the President. Limits expenses of the select committee to $1,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Social Services Amendments - Outlines the objectives to be achieved under this Act, including: (1) the goal of self-support; (2) the goal of family care or self-care; (3) the goal of community-based care; and (4) the institional care goal. Provides, under the Social Security Act, for maximum freedom for each State to determine which services will make available, the persons eligible for such services, the manner in which such services are provided, and any limitations on the receipt of such services. Requires that social services to be offered at the option of the States to all elibible persons shall include: (1) day care services for children; (2) day care services for children with special needs; (3) service for children in foster care; (4) protective services for children; (5) family planning services; (6) protective services for adults; (7) services for adults in foster care; (8) homemaker services for individuals in their own homes; (9) chore services; (10) home delivered or congregate meals; (11) day care services for adults; (12) health related services; (13) home management and other functional education services; (14) housing improvement services; (15) a full range of legal services; (16) transportation services necessary to travel to and from community facilities or resources for receipt of services; (17) educational and training services; (18) employment services; (19) information, referral, and determination of eligibility and the need for services, without regard to individual eligibility criteria; (20) special services for the mentally retarded, or special adaptations of generic services; (21) special services for the blind; (22) services for alcoholism and drug addiction; (23) special services for the emotionally disturbed as defined by the State; (24) special services for the physically handicapped as defined by the State; and (25) any other proposed services at the request of a State. Provides that States are entitled to Federal financial participation for the delivery of mandatory and optional social services under the State plan to the extent of the appropriations allocated by the Congress. Requires that State plans submitted with respect to the services program shall contain provision for a fair hearing, under which applicants and recipients may appeal exclusion from a service program. Provides that State plans shall provide for the establishment of a Social Services Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Women's Educational Equity Act - Establishes within the Office of Education a Council on Women's Educational Programs to help provide educational equity for women in the United States. States that funds shall be available to such Council to make contracts and engage in activities: (1) to encourage the development of new and improved curriculums; (2) to demonstrate the use of such curriculums in model educational programs and to evaluate the effectiveness thereof: (3) to provide support for the initiation and maintenance of programs concerning women at all levels of education (preschool through adult education); (4) to disseminate instructional materials and other information for use in educational programs throughout the Nation; (5) to provide for the planning of women's resource centers; (6) to provide improved career, vocational, and physical education programs, and to provide for community education programs; (7) to provide programs on the status, roles, and opportunities for women in this society; and (8) to provide for the preparation and dissemination of materials for use in mass media. Authorizes the Council to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare concerning the administration of, preparation of, general regulations for, and operations of, programs assisted under this Act. Sets forth requirements for programs and for applications for financial assistance under this Act. Provides that the Secretary, in cooperation with the heads of other agencies with relevant jurisdiction, shall, upon request, render technical assistance to local educational agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, institutions at all levels of education, agencies of State, local and Federal governments and other agencies deemed by the Secretary to affect the status of women in this society. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for planning and carrying out community-oriented education programs or projects on women in American society for the benefit of interested and concerned adults, young persons, ethnic and cultural groups, community and business leaders, and other individuals and groups within a community. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medical Assistance Reform Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance Program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for indviduals. Provides that every individual who: (A) is fully insured or otherwise entitled to monthly insurance benefits under title II of such Act; (B) is the wife, husband, widow, or widower, or dependent child of an individual who is fully insured or otherwise entitled to monthly insurance benefits; and (C) has appropriately applied therefor, shall be entitled to castastrophic health insurance benefits. Delimits the scope of benefits. Includes therein hospital insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital, home health, outpatient physical therapy and medical and other health services) and medical insurance benefits (medical and other health services and emergency hospital services). Sets forth the terms and conditions for payment, deductibles and coinsurance. Directs that a payment shall be made from the Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to an eligible individual equal to the reasonable cost of services covered by this Act which are furnished after the 60th day of inpatient hospital services, reduced by a coinsurance amount equal to one-fourth of the inpatient hospital deductible as determined by title XVIII of this Act. Enumerates such reductions as they apply to other types of hospital insurance benefits. Provides for a general deductible from: (a) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past the 60th day; and (b) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (1) $2,000, or (2) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $50 increments). Provides for State agreements for coverage of annuitants and members of retirement systems and their dependents and survivors in order to extend the benefits of this Act to such individuals. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a "Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund" to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. Imposes a tax for catastrophic health insurance protection under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, on the self-employment income of every individual and other individuals income in the following amounts for the calendar years indicated: (a) 0.30 percent of income for 1974, 1975, and 1976; (b) 0.35 percent of income for 1977 through 1981; and (c) 0.40 percent of income for each year thereafter. Imposes similarly, an excise tax on employers on the amount of wages paid by the employer in the same percentages for the respective years indicated above. Title II: Medical Assistance Plan for Low-Income People - Provides, for low-income individuals and families, assistance toward the costs of necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, medical, and other health care services. Guarantees free choice by patients of health services from any person, institution, or agency qualified under this Act. Permits individuals the option of obtaining other health insurance protection. Describes the medical assistance plan, what individuals are eligible to receive its health benefits, and the application procedure. Enumerates the scope of benefits under the plan, including: (1) 60 days of inpatient hospital services; (2) skilled nursing facility services; and (3) home health services. Prescribes the co-payment requirements and procedures of persons eligible for benefits. Makes special provisions relating to Medicade eligibles and the circumstances under which such persons are eligible for health benefits under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to require consolidation of facilities of carriers and intermediaries in geographic regions with minimum size populations of persons covered under this title. Creates the Medical Coverage Trust Fund to consist of gifts and bequests and held by a Board of Trustees. Makes provisions for State constitutions to the Fund. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this title, including the meaning of "income," "health care expenses," and "inpatient hospital services." Prohibits exclusion by employers of specified employees from coverage under group health insurance plans. Title III: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - States that any insurer may provide any health insurance policy to the Secretary for his examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall not certify any such insurance policy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Oil and Gas Regulatory Reform Act - Title I: Natural Gas Natural Gas Amendments - States that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall, with specified exceptions, apply to the transportation and sale of natural gas and/or to natural gas companies engaged in such transportation and sale. Sets forth the definitions of the terms used in such Act. Directs the Federal Power Commission to establish and periodically revise a national area rate for production of natural gas, reflecting differences in production costs, state taxation, and similar costs. Prescribes the rules for implementation of such rates. States that the Commission shall not order any increase in existing area rates for natural gas unless such an increase is justified on the basis of an actual increase in costs of operation or maintenance (including a fair rate of return). Provides that in determining present and future requirements of consumers for natural gas, the Commission shall implement conservation policies including rate design revision, end use controls, and termination of promotional practices. Directs the Commission to conduct studies of the transportation and sale of natural gas throughout the United States whether or not otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, make an independent evaluation of the proven and probable natural gas reserves of the United States identifying volumes committed to contract and volumes not committed and the reasons for such noncommitment. Directs the Commission to conduct studies of the transportation and sale of natural gas throughout the United States whether or not otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, and make an independent evaluation of the proven and probable natural gas reserves of the United States identifying volumes committed to contract and volumes not committed and the reasons for such noncommitment. Authorizes the Commission to obtain reserve information on natural gas reserves from natural gas companies, whether or not such companies are otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. Provides that a small producer shall be exempt from the provisions of this Act for a period of five years from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that each new producer contract, other than a small producer contract, shall be filed by the producer with the Commission. States that upon such filing, the Commission shall review the contract to insure that the rate does not exceed the national area rate and (1) approve such contract unconditionally; (2) approve such contract subject to such reasonable terms and conditions specified by the Commission as to price, expiration, determination, or other provision thereof; or (3) disapprove such contract. Requires that natural gas which is produced from its own wells by a natural-gas company engaged in the transporation of natural gas in commerce, which is not sold under a producer contract, and which is taken and delivered into its own transportation facilities or into the transportation facilities of any person transporting such natural gas for its account in interstate commerce shall be delivered only pursuant to a schedule of terms and conditions, including pricing provisions, applicable to the taking of such natural gas. States that any new producer contract shall be accepted for filing if it includes any of specified types of indefinite pricing clauses. Prescribes that conditions under which a seller shall be entitled to receive a price increase for natural gas. Authorizes the Commission to allocate natural gas among pipelines to attain specific objectives including: (1) protection of public health, safety, and welfare, and the national defense; (2) maintenance of all public services; and (3) maintenance of all essential agricultural operations directly related to the cultivation, production, and preservation of food. Title II: Oil Pipeline Transportation - Oil Pipeline Transportation Act - Transfers all function of the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to the regulation of oil pipelines to the Federal Power Commission. Provides that whenever the Commission finds such action necessary or desirable in the public interest, it may by order, direct an oil pipeline company (1) to extend or improve its transportation or storage facilities, or (2) establish a physical connection of its transportation or storage facilities with the facilites of any person engaged or legally authorized to engage in the refining or distribution of oil. States that no oil pipeline company shall (1) abandon its facilities or any service rendered without the permission and approval of the Commission; or (2) undertake the construction of extension of any facilities for the transportation or storage of oil, unless there is in force a certificate issued by the Commission authorizing such acts. Prescribes the procedures and requirements for granting of such certificates of public convenience and necessity. States that the Commission shall not grant, issue, or renew a certificate of public convience and necessity until it has received the advice of the Attorney General of the United States and the Federal Trade Commission. Makes it unlawful for any pipeline company to refuse to provide any shipper of such oil or products who meets minimum tender requirements access of exit storage of terminal facilities at any origin point of any destination point. Provides that a pipeline company may file an application with Commission requesting that the required minimum tender be raised. States that in every determination by the Commission upon an application for an increased tender, the burden of proof shall be on the applicant. Requires that such hearing shall include consideration of: (1) evidence from factural tests of the degree of intermixture of crude oil or refined petroleum products; (2) other relevant scientific, technological, and engineering calculations; (3) the opinion of the National Transportation Safety Board; (4) the opinion of the Department of Justice regarding the effects on competition of the proposed increased minimum tender as requested by such pipeline company. Prescribes penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Commission to monitor the activities of oil pipeline companies subject to the provisions of this Act by periodic investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Provides, under the Social Security Act, for additional Federal payments to States on account of specified public assistance expenditures with respect to Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos, native Hawaiians, or other aboriginal persons. Authorizes to be appropriated, for each fiscal year, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1973
Technology Resources Survey and Application Act - Declares the findings of Congress. Establishes, under the National Aeronautics and Space Act, the National Technology Resources Council in the Executive Office of the President. Specifies the membership composition of such Council. Makes it the function of the Council to prepare a technology resources survey and to advise and assist the President with respect to other technology resource matters. Directs the Council to prepare and transmit to the President and Congress a technology resources survey identifying the existing scientific, engineering and technologucal activities, capabilities, which each might be used to practical advantage in the resolution of the nation's critical domestic problems. Enumerates the items to be included in such survey. Authorizes the Council to exercise specified administrative powers. Directs the Administrator, through the Office of Technology Application to: (1) upon request, furnish technical assistance to the Council; (2) upon direction of the Council, accept responsibility for specific domestic problems and (3) utilize aerospace firm and other scientific organizations in the private sector to assist in developing scientific strategies for the resolution of critical domestic problems. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Technology Resources Council $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1973
Authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000; $175,000,000; and $200,000,000 for fiscal years 1975-1977, respectively, for the nutrition program for the aged under title VIII of the Elder Americans Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1973
Geothermal Energy Act - Title I: Loan Guarantee Program - Declares it to be the policy of the Congress to encourage the commercial development of means to produce energy from geothermal resources and to facilitate such development by authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to guarantee loans for such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to guarantee loans made for the purposes of acquiring rights in geothermal resources and performing exploration, development, and construction and operation of facilities for the commercial production of energy from geothermal resources. Specifies the terms and conditions such loans must meet prior to guarantee. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts to pay the lenders the interest charges which become due and payable on the unpaid balance of any such loan if the Secretary finds that enumerated circumstances occur. Establishes, in the Treasury of the United States, a Geothermal Resources Development Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 annually, and such amounts as may be required for the administrative costs of carrying out the provisions of this title. Title II: Coordination of Federal Activities in Geothermal Energy Exploration, Research, and Development - Directs the Secretary, acting through the Geological Survey, to: (1) carry out a plan for the orderly exploration of all forms of geothermal resources of the Federal lands; (2) conduct regional surveys that will lead to a national inventory of geothermal resources in the United States; (3) publish and make available maps, reports, and other documents developed from such exploration to facilitate the commercial development of geothermal resources; (4) make such recommendations for legislation; and, (5) participate with the Atomic Energy Commission, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Science Foundation in research. Enumerates the activities in which the Atomic Energy Commission is directed to participate in furtherance of the purposes of this Act. Directs the Commission to coordinate such activities with the Department of the Interior. States the conditions precedent to entering into agreements under this Act. Authorizes the Commission to investigate potential agreements for the cooperative development of major facilities to demonstrate the production of energy from geothermal resources and to submit engineering and financial proposals to the Congress for consideration of authorization to proceed with implementation. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this title: (1) $10 million for fiscal years 1974, 1975 and 1976 to the Secretary of the Interior; (2) $35 million for fiscal years 1974, 1975 and 1976 to the Atomic Energy Commission; and (3) such amounts as may be required in fiscal years 1974, 1975 and 1976 to NASA.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1973
Directs the President, under the Economic Stabilization Act, to permit all classes of marketers of petroleum products at all levels of distribution a dollar-for-dollar passthrough for increases in the cost of such products.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
Combined Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Income Tax Reporting Amendments - Title I: Amendments to Title II of the Social Security Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make available specified tax returns to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Empowers the Secretary of HEW and the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement for the processing of information contained in such returns. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide to the Secretary of the HEW any documents they agree are necessary for such processing. Directs the Managing Trustee of the Trust Funds, including the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, to pay into the Treasury the amounts he and the Secretary of HEW estimate will be expended from the general fund of the Treasury by the Department of HEW and Treasury for the administration of (1) titles II, XVIII of the Social Security Act, and (2) specified chapter and subchapters of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of HEW to apportion (between each Trust Fund and the general fund in the Treasury) the costs of administratering titles II, XVI and XVIII of the Social Security Act and its costs in carrying out specified functions of this Act. Provides that average monthly wage, quarters of coverage, and coverage credits derived from self-employment income for taxable years beginning before 1974 are to be determined on a basis of income credited to calender quarters. Limits quarters coverage to quarters occuring before 1974 and make additonal modification to taxation of self-employed persons. Allocates, under the Social Security Act, coverage credits for earnings before 1974 based on quarters of coverage and after 1973 on the basis of earnings durings the calendar year. Provides that a person will satisfy the requirements prerequisite to a determination of disability if he has 20 or more coverage credits which were credited to the period ending on the day the disability arose and consisting of that part of the current calendar year up until the day the disability began and the nine prior calendar years. Redefines a "fully insured individual" in terms of coverage credits rather than quarters of coverage." States that any person upon obtaining the age of 62 with the proper number of coverage credits is fully insured. Provides that specified benefits be paid to individuals not citizens of the United States who amassed sufficient coverage credits. Title II: Amendments Preserving Relationship Between Railroad Retirement and Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Provides, under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, that in the calculation of an employee's "average monthly renumeration" after calendar 1974 an individual employee shall obtain the benefit of full allowable coverage credits, irrespective of whether particular quarters of coverage were otherwise available for calculation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1973
Rape Prevention and Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of specified areas, including: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; (4) the causes of rape; and (5) sexual assaults in correctional institutions. Provides that the Center shall compile and publish annually a summary of its findings. Directs the Center to develop an information clearinghouse with regard to enumerated materials regarding rape and rehabilitation of offenders. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Provides that the Secretary, through the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape, shall make grants to community mental health centers, nonprofit private organizations, and public agencies for the purpose of conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him on matters relating to rape prevention and control.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Elementary and Secondary Education Assistance Act - Title I: General Grants for Elementary and Secondary Education Grants Authorized - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make payments to State educational agencies for the Federal share of the cost of grants to local educational agencies and for other elementary and secondary education programs. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commissioner, for the purpose of carrying out this title, $4,500,000 annually for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years. Provides for the reservation of specified precentages for enumerated purposes, and for the apportionment of sums not reserved. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Provides that any State desiring to receive financial assistance shall submit a plan to reduce disparities in per pupil expenditures among local educational agencies within such State. Enumerates the criteria to be met by such plan. Requires the chief State officer to submit annually to the Commissioner an application in such detail and containing or accompanied by such information as the Commissioner deems necessary. States that a local educational agency may receive a grant from the appropriate State educational agency under this title for any fiscal year only upon an application approved by the appropriate State educational agency, upon its determination consistent with such basic criteria as the Commissioner may establish, including: (1) that the programs and activities will be administered by or under the supervision of the applicant; and (2) that such agency will make provisions for the benefit of children in schools of secular, neutral, and nonideological educational services, materials, and equipment. Provides that the State shall not finally disapprove any application for funds without first affording the local educational agency reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Provides that the Commissioner shall pay to each State which has established eligibility under this Act, in advance or by way of reimbursement, the amount of such State's apportionment. States that no payments shall be made to any State in which per pupil expenditures for elementary and secondary education for the preceding year from State sources, excluding the payment of the State share for grants, programs, and activities undertaken pursuant to this Act, are less in such State than such expenditures for the second preceding fiscal year. States that if any State or local educational agency is dissatisfied with the Commissioner's final action with respect to the approval of its application, they may file with the United States court of appeals for the circuit for which such agency is located a petition for review of that action. Title II: Experimental Achievement Progress Test - States that, after consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Education, the Commissioner is directed, on an experimental basis, to conduct a program to demonstrate the feasibility of administrating achievement progress tests in reading and mathematics to be given by local educational agencies to the elementary and secondary school children, in order to provide financial assistance to such agencies, in accordance with this Act, based upon the improvement reflected in such achievement progress tests.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1973
Authorizes the Corps of Engineers, United States Army, to plan, construct, and operate a multiple-purpose dam and reservoir on the Little White River, South Dakota (Rosebud site). Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be required to carry out the provisions of this act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain a larger and adequate spillway, and to improve the upstream slope protection on Belle Fourche Dam, Belle Fourche project, Belle Fourche, South Dakota. States that the construction authorized by this Act shall be for flood control and safety of dams purposes and not for the purpose of providing additional conservation storage capacity, or developing benefits over and above those provided by the original dam and reservoir. Authorizes an appropriation for the construction of a larger spillway for Belle Fourche Dam and to improve the upstream slope protection on the dam in the sum of $3,250,000.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
African Development Fund Act - Authorizes the President to accept participation for the United States in the African Development Fund of the Untied Nations. Directs the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Governor, Alternate Governor, Director, and Alternate Director of the Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation, as the United States subscription, $15,000,000, to be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Fund in three annual installments of $5,000,000 each. States that the agreement shall have full force and effect in the United States. Provides that the President shall instruct the United States Director to vote against any utilization of funds of the Fund for the benefit of any country when such country: (1) has nationalized, expropriated or seized property owned by any United States citizen, corporation, partnership, or association not less than 50 percent benefically owned by United States citizens, or (2) has taken steps to repudiate or nullify existing agreements with any United States citizen, corporation, partnership, or association not less than 50 percent benefically owned by United States citizens, or (3) has imposed discriminatory taxes or other exactions, or restrictive maintence or operational conditions, or has taken other actions, which have the effect of nationalizing, expropriating, or otherwise seizing ownership or control of property so owned, and (4) fails within a reasonable time to take appropriate steps to discharge its obligations under international law toward such citizen or entity.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Provides, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individuals' earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Establishes a temporary, select committee of the Senate to be known as the Select Committee on Regulatory Commissions and the United States Economy to conduct a complete study and investigation on regulatory commissions and agencies of the United States Government, including: (1) the influence and impact of the activities, procedures, rules, orders, and decisions of such regulatory commissions and agencies, in particular, the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission; (2) the accountability of such regulatory commissions and agencies to the Congress, the relationships of these commissions and agencies to other departments, agencies, and independent establishments of the executive branch of the United States Government, the relationship of each such commission or agency to any sectors of private or public enterprise the commission or agency is charged by statute with regulating, and the relationships of those commissions and agencies to the United States consumer; (3) the appropriateness of regulation for given sectors of the economy, the adequacy of current legislative statutes, and the economic consequences of commission and and agency regulatory activities for the United States consumer; and (4) such other matters as the committee considers appropriate. Directs the committee to submit a final report to the Senate not later than January 20, 1976, containing a comprehensive summary of the work of the committee and to include such recommendations as the committee deems appropriate. Provides that the Committee shall have no authority to report any legislative measure to the Senate nor shall it otherwise have legislative jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Declares that the United States Senate does hereby congratulate and felicitate the distinguished Senator from Mississippi, the Honorable John C. Stennis, on his birthday and expresses the wish that he will enjoy many other such anniversaries in the future. Declares that members of the Senate greatly miss the distinguished Senator and wish for him an early return to the Senate Chamber and to his duties in the Senate. Directs that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and a copy furnished to Mr. Stennis.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Consumer Fuel Disclosure Act - Sets forth the purposes of this Act, including to assist consumers in avoiding the purchase of gasoline with unnecessarily high octane ratings. Prohibits the shipment, transportation, or sale of gasoline which has been shipped in interstate commerce unless the person offering such gasoline for shipment, transportation, or sale has certified the octaine rating of such gasoline. Provides additional octaine-rating prohibitions relating to the sale of such gasoline to consumers and the sale of automobiles. Prescribes penalties for violations of each such prohibition. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish standard methods to measure octaine; (2) conduct a study of the quality of performance of various brands of gasoline; (3) require manufacturers of gasoline which has been moved in interstate commerce to provide adequate substantiation of any claim advertised with respect to the performance of such gasoline or any additive; and (4) perform spot tests of the quality of various brands of gasoline. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1973
Freedom from Surveillance Act - States that, except as expressly provided, whoever, being a civil officer of the United States or an officer of the Armed Forces of the United States, employs any part of the Armed Forces or the militia of any State to conduct investigations into, maintain surveillance over, or record or maintain information regarding, the beliefs, associations, or political activities of any person not a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of any civilian organization, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. Exempts from such provisions the use of the Armed Forces of the United States or the militia of any State: (1) when they have been actually and publicly assigned by the President to the task of repelling invasion or suppressing rebellion, insurrection, or domestic violence pursuant to the Constitution or specified sections of the United States Code; or (2) to investigate criminal conduct committed on a military installation or involving the destruction, theft, or trespass of the property of the United States; or (3) to determine the suitability for employment of any individual for the Armed Forces of the United States, by the militia of any State, or by a defense facility; or (4) whenever the militia of any State is under the command of the chief executive of that State or any other appropriate authorities of that State. Sets forth the definitions of the terms used in this Act, including "surveillance". Prescribes procedures for the bringing of civil actions and special class actions against illegal surveillance.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
National Forest Environmental Management Act - Declares that comprehensive planning is needed to secure the greatest net public benefit from the National Forest System. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act, including differentiations between "forest land," "rangeland," and "recreational land." Title I: General Management Authority - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to manage the National Forest System in a manner which will assure payment of fair market value by users of such lands and which will provide maximum opportunities for the public to participate in decisionmaking concerning such lands. Prescribes rules regarding the management of national forest lands and the authority for promulgation of such rules. Requires the Secretary to prepare an inventory of all national forest lands, and their tangible and intangible resource values. Specifies the content and currency of such inventory. Provides that the Secretary shall develop, maintain, and revise land use plans for the National Forest System. States that in the development and maintenance of such land use plans, the Secretary shall: (1) use a systematic interdisciplinary approach integrating physical, biological, economic, and social sciences considerations; (2) give priority to the protection of areas of critical environmental concern; (3) consider the relative scarcity of the values involved; (4) weigh long-term public benefits against short-term local or individual benefits; and (5) consider the requirements of applicable pollution control laws. Provides that the Secretary shall present to the Congress a long-range natural resources physical budget for the National Forest System which sets forth specified factors. Enumerates such factors. States that in fiscal year 1975 and thereafter at the start of each decade the Secretary shall present to the Congress his estimate of the natural resources physical budget of the National Forest System along with his recommendations for each of the next 5 decades ahead. Provides for public hearings and a joint resolution by Congress on such policy. Requires that there be included in the annual fiscal budget for the management of the National Forest System a request for funding sufficient to assure a high level of resource growth and production under high environmental standards. Requires that as part of this goal each annual budget contain a request for funds sufficient to reforest an acreage equal to at least 110 percent of the area on which it is estimated timber will be harvested in the preceding fiscal year plus an amount to improve the stands of young growing forests with trees between the ages of five years and seventy-five years on an acreage equal to at least 110 percent of the areas computed above. Directs the Secretary to determine an environmentally sound level of timber harvest for the commercial forest land within each national forest management unit. Provides that the Secretary shall determine an environmentally sound level of grazing, water, soil, recreation, and wildlife management for each national forest management unit. Title II: Other Acts Amended - Specifies new procedures for the sale of trees and forest products. Provides that the Secretary shall maintain a long-term, decade ahead, and annual transportation plan for the national forests. States that the on-the-ground field offices, district rangers and forest supervisors, and the field supervisory offices and regional offices shall be so situated as to provide the optimum level of convenient, useful services to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1973
Presidential Campaign Financing Act - Increases the amounts allowable under the Internal Revenue Code for political contribution credits and deductions. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to give publicity to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, including prominent notice in explanatory material sent to individuals and the use of the media. Requires that, in order to be eligible to receive any payment, the candidates of a major, minor, or new party in a presidential election shall certify to the Comptroller General, under penalty of perjury, that they and their authorized committees will not incur qualified campaign expenses in excess of the $30,000,000 limit. Provides criminal penalties for such excess campaign expenses and contributions. Presidential Matching Payment Fund Act - Sets forth the definition of "qualified campaign expense" as used in this Act. Establishes the "Presidential Primary Matching Payment Fund". Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to be the trustee of the fund and to report to the Congress each year on the operation and status of the fund. Authorizes appropriations out of any money in the Treasury, not otherwise appropriated, of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that each candidate in the Presidential primaries is entitled to matching payments from the Treasury for the first $100 or less received from each individual contributor. Requires candidates to accumulate $100,000 in matchable contribution before the first Treasury matching payments are made. States that no candidate may spend more than $15 million in his campaign for the Presidential nomination. Provides criminal penalties for exceeding the overall primary spending limits, and for unlawful use of payments, false statements to the Comptroller General, and kickbacks and illegal payments. Requires that each candidate designate one political committee as his central campaign committee, and allows specified candidates to designate one political committee in each State in which he is a candidate as his State campaign committee for that State. Directs each candidate to designate one National or State bank as his campaign depository. Requires the central campaign committee of that candidate, and any other political committee authorized by him, to receive contributions or to make expenditures on his behalf to maintain a checking account at the depository so designated by the candidate and shall deposit any contributions received by that committee into that account. Provides that a political committee may maintain a petty cash fund out of which it may make expenditures not in excess of $100 to any person in connection with a single purchase or transaction. States that no political committe shall receive a contribution, or contributions in the aggregate, from any person of $100 or more other than in the form of a check drawn on the account of the person making the contribution. Provides that no person may make any contribution during any calendar year to or for the benefit of any candidate for nomination for election, or for election, to the office of President in excess, in the aggregate, of: (1) $3,000 to such candidate; and (2) $1,000 to a fund maintained by a political party solely to finance the general election campaign of its candidate for President; or (3) $25,000 in the case of a political committee which collects funds from individuals in amounts which do not exceed $25 from any individual in any calendar year. Sets forth the circumstances under which such limitations shall not apply. States that whoever: (1) being a candidate, officer, employee, or agent of a political committee, or a person acting on behalf of any candidate or political committee, embezzles, knowingly converts to his own use, or to any other noncampaign use, or deposits in any place or in any manner except as authorized by law, any contributions or campaign funds entrusted to him or under his possession, custody or control; or (2) receives, conceals, or retains the same with intent to convert it to his use or gain, knowing it to have been embezzled or converted; shall be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; but if the value of such property does not exceed the sum of $100, he shall be fined not more than $1000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1973
Emergency Rural Housing Act - Finds that there are millions of substandard dwelling units in rural areas, that existing agencies operating under existing authorities could not meet the needs of millions of the rural poor, and that there is a need for emergency action in rural housing programs. Establishes an Emergency Rural Housing Administration, the management of which shall be vested in an Administrator appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Makes it the duty of the Administrator to provide minimal housing facilities for eligible persons in rural areas and small communities and to do so, to the extent possible, within a five-year period. Forbids the duties and powers of the Administration to be transferred to any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to eligible persons to finance the acquisition of land and the construction thereon of minimal housing facilities, or to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing facilities in accordance with minimum housing facilities standards. Provides that at least 50 percent of the principal amount of any loan made shall be amortized over a period of not more than forty years, shall bear interest at a rate of not less than one percent per year, and shall be secured by a first mortgage. Authorizes the Administration to make rehabilitation grants up to $3,500 to owners who occupy substandard housing and whose income is too low to repay specified types of loans. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire land and engage in the development of housing projects to be sold under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financing to rural housing associations which meet specified requirements for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of: (1) minimal housing facilities in rural areas and small communities to be rented by eligible persons; (2) water and sewer facilities for such housing; and (3) related community facilities for such housing. Provides that financing of rental units shall be made in the form of a non-interest-bearing loan. Empowers the Administrator to enter into contracts for annual assistance payments with a borrower. Provides that the Administrator may enter into area responsibility agreements with State-chartered rural housing associations. Sets forth the requirements which a local rural housing association must meet prior to receiving loans under this Act, including the chartering of such association and providing for a board of directors. Provides that when a State fails to establish an association within one year, then the Administration shall establish an organization to carry out this Act. Forbids the Administrator to require, as a condition of assistance under this Act, the relocation of any eligible person in order to engage in or to facilitate the economic development of any area. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the operation of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes the Rural Investment Fund to be utilized by the Administration for specified purposes under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1973
Establishes the American Indian Policy Review Commission. States that the Commission shall perform specified functions including: (1) contracting with organizations and individuals whose professional expertise, experience, work, and credibility are generally recognized and accepted; (2) creating such advisory groups to examine particular issues as the Commission deems necessary to achieve adequate Indian involvement on those issues; (3) conducting hearings in various regions and on selected Indian reservations where Indians can most easily attend and make their views known directly to the Commission and where particular illustrations of fact situations may be more easily documented; and (4) studying the Constitution, treaties, statutes, judicial interpretations, and Executive orders to determine the attributes of the unique relationship between the Federal Government, Indians, and Indian tribes, and concerning the lands they possess. Provides that the Commission shall submit its final report to the Congress not later than two years after the passage of the resolution. Authorizes to be appropriated a sum not to exceed $2,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1973
National Fuels and Energy Conservation Act - Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Office of Energy Conservation which shall have a Director appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Office, shall: (1) work with the Council on Environmental Quality in developing new energy conservation initiatives for the Federal Government; (2) cooperate with private industry in developing energy conversation programs in industry; and (3) provide assistance to State governments in developing State energy conservation programs. Authorizes appropriations of $8,000,000 for each of the three fiscal years following enactment of this Act for the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the National Bureau of Standards an energy conservation research and development program to stimulate new or improved manufacturing and industrial processes, better building construction, materials, and techniques. Authorizes $4,000,000 for each of the three years following enactment for the Secretary of the Interior to establish development and testing centers for more efficient equipment for transmission of electrical energy. Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration to use equipment, construction methods and management policies which make the maximum efficient use of energy in design, construction and operation of Federal buildings. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop improved design, lighting, and insulation standards to promote efficient energy use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and publish standards of efficiency for electrical appliances and equipment. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate standards for labeling major electrical appliances and equipment so that shoppers may compare the efficiency of energy usage of such appliances and equipment. Prohibits manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers of electrical appliances and equipment from: (1) selling in interstate commerce any electrical appliance or equipment which is not labeled according to the FTC standard; and (2) advertising any electrical appliance or equipment unless the advertisement contains a statement in accord with the labeling standard. Establishes a $5,000 civil penalty for each violation of such selling and advertising requirements. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prepare proposed minimum standards for average degree of fuel use for motor vehicles, and such standards shall be designed to achieve a substantial increase in degree of fuel use by motor vehicles not in compliance with such standards within three years from the enactment of such standards by Congress, with all motor vehicles being required to meet such standards within five years. Requires manufacturers of motor vehicles to conduct tests and make such reports as the Secretary may require for the purpose of establishing such standards. Requires that all motor vehicles sold or manufactured in the United States shall bear a label stating in nontechnical language the degree of fuel use, and prohibits the advertisement of such vehicles unless the advertisement states the degree of fuel use. Establishes a $1,000 civil penalty for offering an improperly labeled vehicle for sale and a $50,000 penalty for each advertisement not disclosing degree of fuel use. Directs the Federal Power Commission to promulgate regulations requiring electric and gas public utilities to submit to the Commission annual reports on energy conservation policies. Directs each agency of the Federal Government engaged in the sale of electrical energy to submit to the Congress a study of the impact of the rate structure of such agency on the consumption and conservation of energy. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate regulations for advertising and promotion of energy and fuels which: (1) shall be designed to prohibit advertising or promotion of energy or fuels by any person or corporation when such person or corporation is unwilling or unable to meet customers' requirements for energy or fuel; and (2) shall generally prohibit advertising and promotion which are calculated or likely to result in unnecessary energy consumption. Establishes a $50,000 civil penalty for each violation of such advertising and promotion regulations. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to submit to the Congress: (1) a report evaluating the impact on fuel consumption of national and regional systems of freight transportation; and (2) a study of the relationships between motor vehicle sizes, the needs of motor vehicle users, and the public interest. Authorizes for each fiscal year such additional sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1973
Provides that public utility cooperatives serving producers of food, fiber, and other agricultural products shall be eligible to borrow from a bank for cooperatives provided that no less than 60 percent of the voting control of the cooperative is held by farmers, producers, or harvesters of aquatic products. (Amends 85 Stat. 383)
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1973
Petroleum Industry Antitrust Act - Expresses the finding of Congress that an ample supply of energy at reasonable cost is essential to the national interest, and that it is essential that emergency action be taken to reorganize the structure of the petroleum industry. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Provides that, with specified exceptions, no company operating a refinery shall at the same time own or control any interest in any company engaged in the exploration for, development of, or production of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons, or in any company engaged in the marketing of finished products. Makes it unlawful for any pipeline company to transport any crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbon, or any finished product, which is produced or manufactured by such pipeline company or any company which is an affiliate of such pipeline company. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to require companies holding ownership interests in facilities which are prohibited by this Act to submit plans for the divestment of such ownership interest within one year from the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that any violations of this Act, upon application of any Federal court by the United States, or any customer, competitor or person affected by such violation, shall result in the forfeiture of $5,000 for each day such violation continues.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1973
Provides for the annual authorization of appropriations to the United States Postal Service. Requires such Service to keep the appropriate 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 · 29 June 1973
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Sets forth the definition of "mine" under this Act. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standard Amendments - Establishes the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of this Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or physical harm. Provides that the Secretary may by rule promulgate, modify, or revoke any health and safety standard. Provides that the Secretary may request the recommendations of an advisory committee whenever he determines that a rule should be promulgated. Sets forth the time period for the reporting of any recommendations by the Committee. Prescribes procedures for publication and public hearings with respect to any rules proposed by the Secretary, prior to its issuance. Requires the Secretary, in promulgating standards, to set the standard which assures that miners will not suffer impairment of health, functional capacity, or diminished life expectancy even if regularly exposed to the hazards throughout their working lives. Directs the Secretary to consider (1) the latest available scientific data in the field; (2) the feasibility of the standards; and (3) experience gained under this and other health and safety statutes. Provides that any standard promulgated must prescribe the use of labels or other warnings necessary to ensure that miners are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure. Sets forth additional factors which must be prescribed in specified instances. Requires that no safety or health standard promulgated under this Act shall reduce the protection afforded miners below that provided by any safety or health standard previously in effect. States that where the Secretary determines that miners are potentially subjected to physical or mental impairment from exposure to toxic substances, he may promulgate an emergency standard. Sets forth the procedures for the promulgation of such emergency standard. Allows any operator to apply to the Secretary for a temporary order permitting limited non-compliance with a standard. Specifies the circumstances under which such order shall be originally granted and renewed. Allows an operator to apply for a variance from a standard. Permits persons adversely affected by a standard to challenge its validity, within 60 days of its promulgation, in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Empowers the Secretary to appoint advisory committees to assist him in his standard setting functions and advise him on other health and safety matters. Sets forth the composition and compensation of the members of any such committee. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of HEW,: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. States that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Sets forth rules regarding the maintenance of records by operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and all accidents, except specified unintentional roof falls. Provides that if any miner or their representative believes that a standard violation exists that threatens physical harm or that an imminent danger exists, he may request an inspection by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide a minimum of one spot inspection of all or part of a mine during every 5 working days at irregular intervals, if the mine contains some especially hazardous conditions. Provides that if, upon inspection or investigation, the Secretary or his representative believes an operator has violated any standard, he shall issue a citation to the operator, describing the nature of the violation, and fixing a reasonable time for the violation's abatement. Prescribes rules governing (1) gross violations of standards; (2) follow-up inspections; and (3) withdrawal from the area of unabated violations of all but specified personnel. Requires the Secretary to notify within a reasonable time an operator issued a citation of any penalty to be assessed, and that the operator has 15 working days to notify the Secretary that he wishes to contest the citation or proposed penalty. Prohibits discharging, discriminating against, or interfering with the exercise of statutory rights by any mine employee or applicant for employment because he filed a complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act or testified or is about to testify in any such for himself or others. Provides that if an operator notifies the Secretary that he intends to contest a citation, the Secretary shall immediately so advise the Commission, which must then provide an opportunity for a hearing and issue an order affirming, modifying, or vacating the Secretary's order. Permits any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order of the Commission to obtain review of such order in any appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals and specifies the procedures to be followed after a petition for review is filed. Provides procedures for counteracting dangerous conditions, including: (1) issuance of withdrawal orders barring all except specified persons from an area, and (2) issuance of notices where less than imminent dangers exist and investigations into such conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to institute civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction in any appropriate United States district court whenever an operator or his agent: (a) violates or does not comply with any order or decision issued under this Act, (b) hinders the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or their representatives in carrying out the provisions of the Act, (c) refuses to admit such representatives to the mine, (d) refuses to permit the inspection of the mine, or the investigation of an accident or occupational disease related to such mine, (e) refuses to furnish any information or report requested by the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in furtherance of the Act's provisions, or (f) refuses to permit access to and copying of such records as the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines necessary in carrying out provisions of the Act. Provides that a civil penalty of up to $10,000 shall be assessed for each violation of any standard, rule, order or regulation promulgated pursuant to this Act. Provides that any operator who willfully violates any standard shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not more than $25,000 or imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both. Sets forth additional penalties for specified violations of this Act. Provides that if a mine is closed by an order issued under this Act, all miners working during the shift when the order was issued who are idled shall be entitled to full compensation at their regular rates of pay for the period they are idled, but not more than the balance of the shift. Authorizes the Secretary to administer this Act through the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Authorizes the appropriations of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Relationship to Occupational Safety and Health Program - Provides that nothing in this Act applies the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1972 to the working conditions in the mines. Increases the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission from 3 to 5 members appointed by the President with the Senate's consent. Sets forth the duties and procedure for operation of the Commission. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules of procedures for its review of decisions in cases under this Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which shall meet specified standards for review. Authorizes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research related to the development of safety and health standards under this Act and to perform all functions with respect to mines that it performs with respect to employments subject to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Provides that the Secretary, in carrying out his functions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, shall include accurate statistics on the work injuries and illness occurring in the mines. States that nothing in this Act prohibits the application of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to sand and gravel mines. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, and the Federal Metallic and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966 to the Secretary of Labor, except those expressly transferred to the Commission by this Act. Provides that the mandatory and advisory standards relating to mines, which are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, shall remain in effect as mandatory standards under Title I of this Act until the Secretary issues new or revised standards. Establishes in the Labor Department, a Mine Administration for Safety and Health to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, with the Senate's advice and consent. Provides that research activities relating to mine health will be carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Secretary's research activities relating to safety are extended to all mines now covered by this Act. Extends to all mines covered by this Act, the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare's authorization to conduct studies and research involving the protection of life and prevention of diseases relating to certain non-miners who work with or around mine products. Prescribes that any State law or regulation providing for health and safety standards applicable to any mine now covered by this Act and that (1) is more stringent than Federal law, or (2) applies to any area not covered by Federal law, shall not be held to be in conflict with this Act. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1973
Makes it the sense of Congress that: (1) our national Indian policy shall give full recognition to and be predicated upon the unique relationship that exists between this group of citizens and the Federal Government and that a governmentwide commitment shall derive from this relationship that will be designed to give Indians the freedom and encouragement to develop their individual, family, and community potential and to determine their own future to the maximum extent possible; (2) this statement of national Indian policy replaces the policy set forth in House Concurrent Resolution 108, Eighty-third Congress (August 1, 1953); (3) improving the quality and quantity of social and economic development efforts for Indian people and maximizing opportunities for Indian control and self-determination shall be a major goal of our national Indian policy; (4) there should be a recognition of Federal responsibility to see that those Indians residing beyond the areas served by special Indian programs and services are given equal consideration with other citizens in the provision of services by other Federal, State, and local agencies. (5) Indian property will be protected, Indian culture and identity will be respected, and Congress will commit and dedicate itself to support a policy of developing the necessary programs and services to bring Indians to a social and economic level of full participating citizens; (6) the Office of Management and Budget should submit an annual report to the Congress showing combined expenditures made by all departments and agencies of the Federal Government for the social and economic betterment of Indians; and (7) as used in this resolution the term "American Indian" or "Indian" shall include "Alaska Natives".
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1973
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program, under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1974 for the making of grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1973
Campaign Gift Tax Act - Provides for rules governing the application of gift tax laws to political contribuitons made to more than one political committee. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to notify political committees that they must preserve their financial records for tax purposes. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 2503(b))
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1973
Authorizes the President, under the Foreign Assistance Act, to provide assistance for the purpose of aiding South Vietnamese children through (1) governmental agencies of South Vietnam; (2) day care centers, orphanages, and health and welfare programs; and (3) adoption by United States citizens of South Vietnamese children. Allocates specified amounts of funds appropriated under the Foreign Assistance Act for the purpose carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1973
Establishes 1974 (rather than 1975) as the first year in which adjustments in benefits can be made under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Provisions of the Social Security Act on account of increases in the cost of living.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1973
Indian Economic Development and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into arrangements with eligible applicants to provide employment in jobs providing needed public services and training which would otherwise be unavailable. Requires that an application for assistance for a public service employment program under this Act shall include specified provisions, including: (1) assurances that the activities will be administered by or under the supervision of the applicant; (2) a description of the area to be served by such programs; (3) assurances that special consideration will be given to the finding of jobs which provide prospects for advancement by providing specified training and manpower services; (4) a description of recruitment methods, unmet public service needs, and jobs to be filled; and (5) assurances that all persons employed by the applicant shall be Indians except for good cause shown in isolated cases. Provides for the allocation of funds under this Act. Requires that not less than 80 percent of the funds shall be expended only for wages and employment benefits to persons employed in public service jobs pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for periodic reviews by an appropriate agency of the status of each of the applicant tribes and of each of the persons employed in a public service job under this Act. Sets forth the circumstances under which the Secretary shall not provide financial assistance under this Act. Requires the submission of periodic reports to the Secretary including data on (1) characteristics of participants including age, sex, race, health, education level, and previous wage and employment experience; (2) duration in employment situations, and (3) total dollar cost per participant. Authorizes for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act appropriations of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1973
Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Individual Rights. States that the functions of the joint committee shall include: (1) making continual studies of the extent of surveillance of individuals by the U.S. Government as such surveillance relates to the right to privacy; (2) making a continuing study of the collection, processing , analysis, storage and dissemination of information concerning specific individuals collected by the U.S. government, including the authority and need for such processes; and (3) guiding the several committees of the Congress dealing with legislation with respect to the activities of the U.S. government and the constitutional rights of individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the President is urged and requested to submit proposals to the Congress, beginning with extending the coverage provided under the supplementary medical insurance program of part B of Medicare to cover essential out-of-hospital prescription drugs. Requests the President to submit additional recommendations to the Congress for legislation to strengthen and improve Medicare coverage by September 1, 1973. Provides that the recommendation of the President to increase out-of-pocket payments for the aged and disabled under Medicare should be withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1973
Federal Election Finance Act - Sets forth the definition of terms employed in this Act. Establishes, as an independent establishment of the Government of the United States, a commission to be known as the Federal Election Commission, which shall be composed of seven members consisting of the Comptroller General of the United States, and six appointive members. Sets forth the administrative functions and duties, authorization of the Commission under this Act. Authorizes the Commission to institute, prosecute, defend, or appeal, in the name of the Commission and through its own legal representatives, any civil or criminal action deemed necessary for the enforcement of any provision of this Act in any district court of the United States in which jurisdiction over the person or subject matter of such proceeding may be lawfully obtained and any such court shall, upon a proper showing and without bond, grant any appropriate relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other appropriate order, and may punish any refusal or failure to obey such order, or any noncompliance with any subpoena or order of the Commission, as a contempt. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a special fund to be known as the Federal Election Campaign Fund which shall be available without fiscal year limitation for disbursement to candidates for Federal offices in general election campaigns by the Federal Election Commission and shall consist of such amounts as may be appropriated to it. Authorizes to be appropriated into the Fund from the Treasury of the United States $40,000,000 in Fiscal 1974 and in subsequent fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that the amount which may be paid out of the Fund to the account of a major party candidate for election to Federal office shall not exceed one-third of the expenditure ceiling applicable to such office under this title. Provides that the maximum amount which may be paid out of the Fund to the account of a minor party candidate shall be determined by a specified formula. States that no amount shall be transferred under this Act to the account of any candidate in excess of the amount by which that candidate's outstanding campaign debts exceed the campaign funds available to that candidate other than under this Act. Sets forth the procedure to be followed in applying for advances of funds. States that upon application made by a qualified candidate, the Commission shall transfer to the central depository bank account designated by the candidate, the amount to which he is entitled from the Fund for payment of his campaign expenses. States that all payments received from the Fund, and all personal resources of the candidate shall be deposited in the candidate's central campaign account. Provides that other receipts and contributions may be deposited either in the central depository account or in a secondary depository account as provided for in this Act. States that no person authorized to make withdrawals from the candidate campaign account shall pay any amount out of that account for goods or services furnished, other than staff salaries, except upon the presentation of an invoice submitted by the person to whom the payment is to be made. Provides that such invoices and statements shall be preserved by the candidate and made available for reasonable inspection by employees of the Commission. States that amounts received by a candidate from the Federal Elections Campaign Fund may be retained for the liquidation of all obligations incurred during the campaign for a period not exceeding six months after the date of the election; and all obligations having been liquidated, that portion of any unexpended balance remaining in the candidate's accounts which bears the same ratio to the total unexpended balance as the total amount received from the Funds bears to the total of all deposits made into the candidate's accounts shall promptly be repaid to the Fund. Sets forth formulae for determining the limitations on campaign expenditures for Federal officers. States that no candidate for nomination for, or election to, Federal office shall; (1) receive contributions from any person in connection with his primary election campaign or his general election campaign, which, in the aggregate, exceed $3,000; and (2) receive contributions from all donors which, in the aggregate, exceed the maximum amount expendable by a candidate for nomination for, or election to, that office under this Act, less the amounts received by him from the fund. Provides that no person shall make contributions to any candidate which, in the aggregate, exceed the limitations imposed by this Act. States that in the event that a candidate, his agent or political committees shall receive either an anonymous contribution in excess of $25, a contribution in violation of this Act, or a contribution which, in conjunction with other contributions received exceeds the maximum amount of contributions that candidate is permitted to receive under this Act, such contribution or excess portion thereof shall be paid to the Commission for covering into the fund. Provides that each candidate shall designate one political committee as his central campaign committee, which shall receive all reports made by any other political committee accepting contributions or making expenditures for the purpose of influencing the nomination for election, or election, of the candidate who designated it as his central campaign committee. Provides that no political committee may be designated as the central campaign committee of more than one candidate. States that each candidate shall designate one central campaign treasurer who shall be the treasurer of the candidate's central campaign committee. Requires each candidate to designate one (1) bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as the central campaign depository for the central campaign treasurer and may designate an additional secondary depository in the District, State, or States in which he seeks election. Requires all contributions and other funds received and all expenditures made by the candidate or his campaign treasurer to pass through accounts in the central campaign depository or secondary depository. States that no contribution or expenditure, including contributions or expenditures of a candidate himself or of his family, or transfer of funds shall be directly or indirectly made or received, in furtherance of the candidacy of any person for nomination or election to political office or on behalf of any political committee except by check through the duly appointed campaign treasurer of the candidate or political committee and the appropriate designated depository except as provided in this Act. Sets forth restrictions upon the operation of campaign petty cash funds. Provides for the reporting of contributions and details the information to be reported. Provides that copies of such reports shall be available from the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1973
Makes it a crime, in connection with the sale or distribution of goods, services, or other property in interstate or foreign commerce or by the use of the mails, to sell, offer, or attempt to sell a participation or the right to participate in a pyramid sales scheme. Provides for a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both for anyone who violates the provisions of this Act. Makes any contract made in violation of this Act void and provides that any person who induces another person to participate in such a sales scheme liable to that person in an amount equal to the sum of twice the amount of consideration paid, plus a reasonable attorney's fee. Authorizes the Attorney General or the chief law enforcement officer of the State in which any person is engaged in a pyramid sales scheme to bring an action in the appropriate United States district court to enjoin such act or practice.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1973
Provides that there shall be held in the Senate, on at least one day in any calendar week in which the Senate is in session a question and report period, which shall not consume more than two hours, during which heads of executive departments and agencies are requested to answer orally, written and oral questions propounded by Members of the Senate. Requires each written question to be submitted in triplicate to the committee having jurisdiction of the subject matter of such question and if approved by such committee, one copy shall be transmitted to the head of the department or agency concerned, with an invitation to appear before the Senate, with one copy to the Committee on Rules and Administration with a request for allotment of time in a question period to answer such question. Permits live television and radio coverage of proceedings authorized under this paragraph. Provides that the Committee on Rules and Administration shall make all appropriate arrangements and establish appropriate procedures for providing such coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Provides that Federal agencies keep standing congressional committees fully and currently informed of matters relating to that agency which are within the jurisdiction of such committee.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Hobby Protection Act - Makes it unlawful to manufacture in the United States, import into the United States, or introduce or distribute in commerce: (1) any imitation political item which is not plainly and permanently marked with the calendar year in which such item was manufactured; and/or (2) any imitation numismatic item which is not plainly and permanently marked :COPY:. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules for the required markings. Permits any person to commence a civil action for injunctive relief and damages in any United States District Court for a district in which the defendant resides or has an agent.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Provides that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act concerning the importation of chrome shall not apply to prohibitions or regulations issued under the United Nations Participation Act of 1954. (Amends 22 U.S.C. 287e(a))
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce in cooperation with the Interagency Craft Committee to establish and administer a program to promote the development of American arts and handicrafts in the U.S. and abroad. Establishes an office of American Arts and Handicrafts within the Department of Commerce to assist the Secretary in carrying out his responsibilities under this Act. Outlines the functions of such office and authorizes the Secretary in cooperation with the Interagency Craft Committee to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Authorizes the Small Business Administrator to grant to any innocent person for any uninsured loss or injury which arose out of, or was caused by, the disturbance at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, or any related disturbance, an amount equal to 100 percent of such loss or injury. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress within 30 days of enactment hereof on the amount and extent of damage resulting from such disturbances. Provides that the Government may be subrogated to any right of action of any person compensated by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Abourezk, James [D-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000017_200.jpg)