United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that Guam shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct a number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of the delegation of Guam to the Congress, but in no event more than the least populous State. Provides that the Virgin Islands shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct a number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of the delegation of the Virgin Islands to the Congress, but in no event more than the least populous State. Requires the electors appointed by Guam and the Virgin Islands under the provisions of this amendment to be in addition to those appointed by the States, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a State, and they shall meet in such places in Guam and the Virgin Islands, respectively, as the Congress shall designate and perform their duties under the twelfth article of amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1973
Makes it the sense of Congress that: (1) the President vigorously press our NATO allies to assume a greater proportion of the cost of their own defense; and (2) the President, as Commander in Chief, take whatever steps he deems necessary to implement this burden-sharing concept. Declares that no action taken pursuant to this resolution should weaken either our resolve or our ability to fulfill our commitments under the North Atlantic Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Essential Rail Services Act - Title I: Definitions - Defines the various terms used in this Act. Title II: Northeast Rail Line Corporation - Creates the Northeast Rail Line Corporation. Establishes a thirteen member board of directors. Authorizes the Corporation to issue debentures of a face value of up to $1,000,000,000 for the purpose of financing the acquisition of rail lines of railroad companies in the Northeast region which are presently, or will be in the future, undergoing reorganization in bankruptcy proceedings. Requires the Corporation to maintain accurate books and records. Provides that the accounts of the Corporation shall be audited annually. Requires the Corporation to release to the public quarterly and annual reports. Title III: Acquisition of Rail Lines by the Corporation - Provides procedures for the conveyances of the rail lines of the bankrupt railroad companies. States that the compensation for the rail lines acquired by the Corporation shall be the net liquidation value of the property conveyed. Title IV: Operation of Corporation Rail Lines - Declares that upon the acquisition of the rail lines of any railroad company, the Corporation shall assume responsibility for the rehabilitation and maintenance of such rail lines, and for the operation of signaling and communication devices on such rail lines. Directs the Corporation to make capital improvements. Allows a railroad company which conveys its rail lines to the Corporation shall have the right to continue to carry passengers and freight in return for payment to the Corporation of sixty cents per thousand gross-ton-miles of locomotive and train operation. Grants the Corporation power to fix rights of trains, maximum train speeds, and other operational rules. Provides that the Corporation shall be responsible for all bodily injury and property damage arising out of any accident or occurrence caused by defects in or improper maintenance of track, roadbed, signals, communications, or other facilities owned or controlled by the Corporation or caused by the negligence of a Corporation employee. Title V: Financial Assistance - Authorizes an appropriation to the Secretary of Transportation in fiscal year 1974 of the sum of $5,000,000 to remain available until expended for disbursement to the corporation for the purpose of assisting in the initial organization and operation of the corporation. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary for disbursement to the corporation such sums as may be necessary to bring all rail lines into compliance with the requirements of this Act and of the Rail Safety Act of 1970, but not to exceed $300,000,000 in each of the two fiscal years ending June 30, 1974, and June 30, 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary for disbursement to the corporation such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the corporation for the annual amounts spent for maintenance, State and local property taxes, capital improvements, and overhead expense, over and above annual receipts from user charges imposed by this Act. States that appropriations under this section shall not exceed $100,000,000 in any one fiscal year. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to perform such acts as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Grants jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this Act to the United States district court. Provides that the Corporation or any railroad company violating any rule, regulation, order, or standard of this Act shall be fined between $250 and $2,500, as determined by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Requires States to pass along to individuals who are recipients of aid or assistance under the Federal-State public assistance programs or under specified other Federal programs, and who are entitled to social security benefits, the full amount of the 1972 increase in such benefits, either by disregarding it in determining their need for assistance or otherwise. Makes the same requirement with regard to Veterans' benefits and pensions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Extends the authorizations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965: (1) grants for public works and development facilities; (2) public works and development facility loans; (3) technical assistance, research and information related to public works and development facilities; (4) financial assistance for projects in economic development districts; and (5) supplemental funds for Federal grants-in-aid programs for economic development regions. Provides that no area designated as a redevelopment area for purposes of the Act shall have such designation terminated or modified before June 1, 1974, unless the qualified local governing body of the county specifically requests the such action.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Savings in Farm Subsidies Act - Reduces the limit on subsidy payments which an individual may receive under the wheat, cotton and feed grain programs under the Argiculture Act of 1970 from $55,000 to $20,000 annually for the 1974, 1975, and 1976 crop. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 1307) Digest to follow.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1973
Requires the President, whenever he impounds funds or authorizes the impounding of funds, to notify the Congress of (1) the amount of funds impounded, (2) the specific projects or governmental functions affected, and (3) the reasons for the impounding of such funds. States that the President shall cease the impounding of funds within sixty days unless Congress passes a resolution ratifying such impounding. Specifies procedures under which the House of Representatives and the Senate may approve the President's action or require the President to cease such action.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Requires the advice and consent of the Senate for appointments to Director of the Office of Management and Budget under the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. (Amends 31 U.S.C. 16)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed (presently "empowered") to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Extends for 5 years, the period within which specified project grants may be made under title V of the Social Security Act (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services). Increases to $630,000,000 (presently $350,000,000) for fiscal year 1973 the authorization to enable States to extend and improve programs under title V of the Social Security Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 701)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Airport and Airway Improvemement Act - Increases, under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, the United States share of allowable project costs under such Act. Prohibits, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, State taxation of persons in air commerce. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1711, 1712(a) and 1714(b))
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes a phased increase, over a specified period of time, in postage rates for second-class publications. States that such increases shall take place in two-year steps. Provides that the rates for the first 250,000 pieces of each issue of a second-class publication shall not exceed sixty-six and two-thirds percent of the applicable rates. Provides that after July 6, 1972, the revenues received from rates for second-class publications shall not exceed fifty percent of the published rate. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to credit to the Postal Service Fund such sums as may be needed to equal the revenues that would have been received if the publishers of second-class publications were to pay one hundred percent of the applicable rate for such postage. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3626)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Comprehensive Child Development Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a variety of quality child development and family services in order to assist parents who request such services in providing their children with an opportunity for a healthful and stimulating development, with priority to those preschool children and families with the greatest economic or social needs, in a manner designed to strengthen family life and to insure decisionmaking at the community level through a partnership of parents, State and local governments and the Federal Government, building upon the experience and success of Headstart and other existing programs. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this Act $2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of providing training, technical assistance, planning, and such other activities as the Secretary deems necessary. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Headstart, Child Development and Family Services Programs - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall provide financial assistance to prime sponsors and to other public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations for the purpose of carrying out child development and family service programs for children and their families, including comprehensive child development services and programs designed to meet individual needs of children, to assist children in attaining their full potential and to prepare them for school. Provides that the Secretary may designate as a prime sponsor for the purpose of entering into arrangements directly with the Secretary to carry out programs under this title within a State the following: (1) any State; (2) a unit of general local government or any combination of such units; (3) any Indian tribal organization; and (4) certain other public or private nonprofit agencies. Sets forth the requirements of a prime sponsorship plan for assistance under this Act, including provision for establishing and maintaining a child and family services council, and assurances that the Council will provide: (1) child-related family, social, and rehabilitative services; (2) coordination with educational agencies and providers of educational services; (3) health and mental health services; (4) nutrition services; (5) training of professional and paraprofessional personnel; and (6) where necessary, full-time administrative personnel to conduct the program. Provides for review in the courts of appeal of the United States of adverse determinations on applications for sponsorship under this title by the Secretary. Provides that each prime sponsor shall establish and maintain a Child and Family Services Council. Provides that at least one-third of the total membership of the Council shall be persons who are economically disadvantaged. Provides that financial assistance under this Act shall be provided to prime sponsors pursuant to a program statement, submitted by the prime sponsor. Sets forth standards for financial assistance under this title to be provided to a project applicant for any fiscal year. Authorizes additional assistance under this title to a State for services under this title upon a determination by the Secretary that there is an adequate agreement between State and local prime sponsors for maximum coordination of child development and family services within the State. Authorizes assistance to educational agencies and institutions in cooperation with other project applicants pursuant to program statements for the purpose of planning, carrying out, and evaluating cooperative programs and activities designed to provide continuity between preschool programs, after-school programs and educational and related programs conducted by such agencies and institutions, and to maximize community involvement in child development and family services programs. Provides a formula for the allocation of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act. Provides that applications for financial assistance for projects including construction or acquisition may be approved only if the Secretary determines that construction or acquisition of such facilities is essential to the provision of adequate child care services, and that rental, lease, or lease-purchase, remodeling, or renovation of adequate facilities is not practicable. Provides that the Secretary shall pay an amount not in excess of 90 percent of the cost of carrying out programs, services, and activities under this title. Provides that the Secretary shall pay an amount equal to 100 percent of the costs of providing child development and family services programs for children of migrant agricultural workers and their families under this title, and for children in Indian tribal organizations under this title. Title II: Training, Technical Assistance, Planning, and Evaluation - Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to enable individuals employed or preparing for employment in child development and family services programs assisted under this Act, including volunteers, to participate in programs of preservice or inservice training for professional and nonprofessional personnel, to be conducted by public or private nonprofit organizations including institutions of higher education, State and local child development and family service agencies, State and local educational agencies, agencies carrying out child development and family service programs, organizations engaged in teacher training, teacher training institutions, national child development and family service organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to make technical assistance available to prime sponsors and to project applicants participating or seeking to participate in programs assisted under this Act on a continuing basis, to assist them in planning, developing, and carrying out child development and family services programs. Title III: Supportive Services and Special Activities - Authorizes the Secretary to make an evaluation of Federal involvement in activities and services for children and families. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program of research and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance for the purpose of establishing and operating child care programs for the children of employees of the Federal Government. Provides that, within six months after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate a common set of program standards which shall be applicable to all programs providing child development and family services under this Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Special Committee on Federal Standards for Child Development and Family Services to advise him on the formulation of such standards. Directs the Secretary to appoint a special committee to develop a uniform minimum code for facilities, to be used in licensing child development and family services facilities receiving assistance under this Act or in which programs receiving assistance under this Act are operated. Authorizes the Secretary to provide mortgage insurance for child development facilities under this Act on mortgages not exceeding $250,000. Directs the Secretary to establish an office of Child Development in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to coordinate child development and family service programs under his jurisdiction. Establishes a Child Development Research Council consisting of representatives of various agencies to assure coordination of child development and related family service activities under their respective jurisdictions. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold payments under this Act for failure to comply with certain requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Act for Freedom of Emigration in East-West Trade - States that after October 15, 1972, products from any nonmarket economy country shall not be eligible to receive most-favored-nation treatment, such country shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly, and the President of the United States shall not conclude any commercial agreement with any such country during the period beginning with the date on which the President determines that such country: (1) denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate; (2) imposes more than a nominal tax on emigration or on the visas or other documents required for emigration, for any purpose or cause whatsoever; or (3) imposes more than a nominal tax, levy, fine, fee, or other charge on any citizen as a consequence of the desire of such citizen to emigrate to the country of his choice. Provides that, before any of the aforementioned commercial agreements are entered into with any foreign country, the President shall submit to the Congress a report indicating that such country is not in violation of any of the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Endangered Species Conservation Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to provide a program for the conservation, protection, restoration, or propagation of species and subspecies of fish and wildlife and flora that are threatened with extinction, or are likely within the foreseeable future to become threatened with extinction. Sets forth the procedure by which the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce shall determine if a species or subspecies of fish or wildlife or flora shall be regarded as an endangered species. Lists the following factors to be considered in determining if a species or subspecies is threatened with extinction or will likely become threatened with extinction: (1) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (2) overutilization for commercial, sporting, scientific, or educational purposes; (3) disease or predation; (4) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (5) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. Provides that the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, not less than annually, a list by scientific and common name or names of species and subspecies determined to be endangered. Provides that the Secretary may, from time to time, by regulation, revise such list. Provides that the Secretary shall utilize the land acquisition and other authorities of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, as amended, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as appropriate, to carry out a program in the United States of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating those species and subspecies of fish and wildlife that he lists as endangered species pursuant to this Act. Provides that, in carrying out the program authorized by this Act, the Secretary shall cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the several States. States that such cooperation shall include consultation before the acquisition of any land for the purpose of conserving, protecting, restoring, or propagating any endangered species. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate to a State the authority to regulate the taking by any person of endangered species or subspecies when he determines that such State maintains an adequate and active endangered species program consistent with the policies and purposes of this Act. Provides that any person who: (1) imports into or exports from the United States, receives or causes to be so imported, received, or exported; or (2) takes or causes to be taken within the United States, the territorial sea of the United States, Federal lands, or upon the high seas; or (3) ships, carries, or receives by any means in interstate commerce any species or subspecies which is listed as an endangered species; shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Allows exceptions from the prohibitions contained in this Act to permit the taking of an endangered species for scientific purposes and for the propagation of such fish and wildlife in captivity for preservation purposes. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that any person who engages in business as an importer of fish and wildlife must register with the Secretary of the Treasury his name and address of each place of business at which, and all trade names under which, he conducts such business. Requires each such person to keep such records as will fully and correctly disclose each importation of fish and wildlife made by him and the subsequent disposition of such fish and wildlife. States that the Secretary, through the Secretary of State, shall seek the convening of an international ministerial meeting on fish and wildlife prior to July 1, 1973, to assure the worldwide conservation of endangered species and to avoid unnecessary harm to affected United States industries. Provides that, whenever the Secretary determines that a species of fish or wildlife is an endangered species, the Secretary of Agriculture may use all authorities available to him with respect to research, investigations, conservation, protection, control and management of such endangered species.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademark licensing contract or agreement for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a trademarked food product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in free and open competition with products of the same general class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 41)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides that the exemption from antitrust laws to agreements covering the telecasting of sports contest shall not apply if any member club and any other person enter into any arrangement which permits the telecasting of all or a substantial part of any professional football game on any Friday after 6 P.M. or an any Saturday during the period beginning on the second Friday in September and ending on the the second Saturday in December in any year from any telecasting station located within seven-five miles of the game site of any intercollegiate or interscholastic football contest scheduled to be played on such a date if: (1) such intercollegiate football contest is between institutions of higher learning both of which confer degrees upon students following completion of sufficient credit hours to equal a four-year course, or (2) in the case of an interscholastic football contest, such contest is between secondary schools, both of which are accredited or certified under the laws of the State or States in which they are situated and offer courses continuing though the twelfth grade of the standard school curriculum, or the equivalent, and (3) such intercollegiate or interscholastic football contest and such game site were announced through publication in a newspaper of general circulation prior to August 1 of such year as being regularly scheduled for such day and place. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1293)
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
States that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) help control urban sprawl; (2) prevent the spread of urban plight and deterioration; (3) encourage more economic, environmentally sound urban development; (4) assist in preserving areas and properties of historic or architectural value; and (5) help provide necessary recreational, conservation, and scenic areas. Establishes the Urban Parkland Heritage Corporation as an independent establishment in the executive branch to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that the Corporation shall be subject to the direction and supervision of a Board of Directors. Specifies the membership of the Board. States that all grants and loans made by the Corporation shall be approved by the Board which shall meet no less than four times annually. Authorizes the Corporation to make loans and grants to States and local public bodies to help finance the acquisition and development of open-space land in urban areas. States that the amount of any such grant shall not exceed 75 percent of the eligible project cost, as approved by the Corporation. Raises the amount of such grant to 90 percent if the State or local public body could not otherwise reasonably meet its need for open-space lands. Provides that the amount of any loan granted under this Act may not exceed 50 percent of the eligible project cost. Authorizes the Corporation to make grants for the operation and maintenance of open-space or other land in urban areas for open-space uses for the first four fiscal years of the operation of such lands. Provides that the initial grant shall not exceed 75 percent of the eligible cost and shall decrease to 30 percent of such costs over the four year period. Provides that the Corporation shall consult with appropriate agencies and officers of the Federal Government to establish and operate a program to provide technical assistance, upon request, to States and local public bodies. States that no grant or loan shall be made to any State or local public body in any fiscal year unless the State or local public body makes assurances to the Corporation that the amount available for expenditure from non-Federal sources for the acquisition and development of open-space land in that fiscal year will not be less than the amount expended for such purposes from non-Federal sources during the preceding fiscal year. Authorizes the Corporation to incur obligations on behalf of the United States in amounts aggregating $5,000,000,000 to finance grants and loans under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for the liquidation of the obligations incurred under this Act not to exceed $1,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1974, not to exceed an aggregate of $2,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1975, not to exceed an aggregate of $3,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1976, not to exceed an aggregate of $4,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1977, and not to exceed an aggregate of $5,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Requires the President to notify within ten days each House of the Congress by special message of every instance in which he impounds funds or authorizes such impoundment by any officer of the United States. States that such message must specify the amount of impounded funds, the specific programs affected, and the reasons for the impoundment of funds. Provides that the President shall cease the impounding of funds set forth in each special message within sixty days of continuous session after the message is received by the Congress unless the specific impoundment shall have been ratified by the Congress by the passage of a resolution in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1973
Provides that on or after June 30, 1973, no import quota or other nontariff trade restriction shall be imposed by or pursuant to law with respect to the importation into the United States of petroleum and petroleum products. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1862)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Consumer Protection Agency Act - Title I: Office of Consumer Affairs - Creates an Office of Consumer Affairs within the Executive Office of the President. Provides that the office shall be headed by a Director and a Deputy Director, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Director powers to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Director to transmit to Congress and the President in January of each year a report of the activities of the Office during the preceding year including a summary of consumer complaints and recommendations for additional legislation deemed necessary to protect the interests of U.S. consumers. Provides that it shall be the function of the Office to: (1) coordinate the programs and activities of all Federal agencies relating to the interests of consumers in order to achieve effectiveness, avoid duplications and inconsistencies, and to promote the purposes of this title; (2) encourage and assist in the development and implementation of consumer programs and activities in the Federal Government; (3) assure that the interests of consumers are taken into consideration by appropriate Federal agencies both in the formulation of policies with respect to consumers and in the operation of programs that may affect consumer interests; (4) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Administrator of the Consumer Protection Agency in carrying out its functions under title II of this Act; (5) advise and make recommendations to all Federal agencies with respect to general policy matters concerning the effectiveness of programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers; (6) submit recommendations to the Congress and the President on the means by which programs and activities relating to the interests of consumers can be improved; (7) conduct conferences and surveys concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (8) encourage, initiate, coordinate, and participate in consumer education and counseling programs (including credit counseling); (9) cooperate with and give technical assistance to State and local governments in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (10) cooperate with and assist private enterprise in the promotion and protection of consumer interests; (11) publish and distribute in a Consumer Register material which will include notice of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules and orders, and other useful information, translated from its technical form into language which is understandable by the public; and (12) keep the appropriate committees of the Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities. Title II: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government the Consumer Protection Agency, headed by an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator, both of whom shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Gives the Agency powers to carry out the objective of this Act. States that the functions of the Agency shall be to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this title; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the consumer interest; (4) publish and distribute material developed pursuant to carrying out its responsibilities under this Act which will inform consumers of matters of interest to them; (5) conduct conferences, surveys, and investigations, including economic surveys, concerning the needs, interests, and problems of consumers which are not duplicative in significant degree to similar activities conducted by other Federal agencies; (6) keep the appropriate committees of Congress fully and currently informed of all its activities; and (7) cooperate with and, when requested, provide assistance to the Director of the Office in the carrying out of his functions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Comprehensive Older Americans Services Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Objectives - States that the general purpose of this Act is to make available comprehensive health, education, and social service programs to our older citizens. Title II: Administration on Aging - Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Administration on Aging to carry out this Act. Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Administration. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource Clearing House for the Aging to collect, review, operate, publish, and disseminate information and data related to the particular problems caused by aging, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting such problems. Establishes the Federal Council on the Aging to advise and assist the President as he may direct on matters relating to the special needs of Older Americans: to assist the Commissioner on Aging in carrying out his functions under this Act; to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government; and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress on policies and programs for the aged. Provides that, not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a complete report on the activities carried out under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs to concentrate resources in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development or comprehensive systems to serve older persons, to include services designed to assist older Americans in avoiding institutionalization. Authorizes appropriations totalling $600,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Provides that the Commissioner shall not finally disapprove any State plan, or any modification thereof, without first affording the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Title IV: Training and Research - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for the purpose of: (1) publicizing available opportunities for careers in the field of aging; (2) encouraging qualified persons to enter or re-enter the field of aging; (3) encouraging persons from other professions to undertake assignments on a parttime bais in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct a study of the transportation problems of older Americans, with emphasis upon solutions that are practicable and can be implemented in a timely fashion. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for purposes of such transportation studies and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of: (1) establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; (2) conducting basic research on the problem of the aged; (3) providing consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and (4) creating opportunities for research projects with respect to aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to, and training personnel in, the field of aging; and for research and development projects. Authorizes appropriations for $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology. Title V: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to units of general purpose local government or other public or nonprofit private agencies to pay not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of leasing, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Establishes standards to be followed by the Commissioner in making such grants and authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the provisions of this section. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure mortgages on multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making grants to meet the costs of compensation of professional and technical personnel for the initial operation of multipurpose senior centers. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Program - Provides that no compensation paid to individual volunteers under the Retired Senior Volunteer Program under the Older Americans Act shall be considered income for any purposes. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amount of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the continuation of the Foster Grandparent Program under the Older Americans Act. Title VII: Nutrition Programs - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation may donate specified products acquired by them to a recipient of a grant or contract for providing nutritional services for the elderly. Title VIII: Amendments to Other Acts - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States which have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for library services for older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions in planning, developing, and carrying out programs specifically designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies for educational programs for elderly persons whose ability to speak and read the English language is limited and who live in an area with a culture different from their own. Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older Americans - Older Americans Community Service Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an older American community service program in order to promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons 55 years old or older who have poor employment prospects. Makes provisions for allotment of funds to State, local, and private organizations to further the purposes of the program. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 to carry out this title. Title X: Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training - Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, through the Manpower Administration, to make loans and grants for manpower training, including on-the-job, institutional, residential, and other training, designed to upgrade the work skills and capabilities of middle-aged and older persons. Authorizes the Secretary to make such studies, rules and provisions as necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out this title in fiscal year 1973 from funds otherwise available for similar programs. Authorizes appropriations in fiscal year 1974 of $100,000,000 for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Act - Authorizes an urgent supplemental appropriation for the fiscal year 1973 of $1,800,000 for an additional amount for operating expenses for the national industrial reserve established by the National Industrial Reserve Act of 1948.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Provides that a person connected with or employed by the news media or press, or who is independently engaged in gathering information for publication or broadcast, shall not be required to disclose before the Congress or any Federal court, grand jury, or administrative entity any information, written or oral, or pictorial material or the source of that information or material procured for publication or broadcast. Provides that the above provisions shall not apply with respect to the source of any allegedly defamatory information in any case where the defendant in a civil action for defamation asserts a defense based on the source of such information.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1973
Public Service Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into arrangements with eligible applicants in order to make financial assistance available for the purposes of providing, during each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975, employment for five hundred thousand unemployed and underemployed persons in jobs providing needed public services. Requires at least eighty-five percent of the funds appropriated pursuant to this Act to be expended only for wages and employment benefits. Provides that programs assisted under this Act shall be designed with a view toward: (1) developing new careers; (2) providing opportunities for career advancement; (3) providing opportunities for continued training, including on the job training; or (4) providing transitional public service employment which will enable the individuals so employed to move into public or private employment. Requires applications for financial assistance for a public service employment program under this Act to include provisions enumerated in this Act. Directs that the amounts authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year be allocated by the Secretary among the States on the basis of the proportion which the total number of unemployed persons in each such State bears to the total number of such persons in the United States, determined on the basis of the monthly average for the fourth calendar quarter of the fiscal year immediately preceding the one for which the apportionment is made. States that the Secretary shall not provide financial assistance for any program or activity under this Act unless he determines that specified goals and requirements will be met by such program or activity. Requires the Secretary to transmit to the Congress at least annually a detailed report setting forth the activities conducted under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated during each of fiscal years 1974 and 1975 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1973
National No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act - Prohibits any person from registering any motor vehicle upon a public street or road unless such vehicle is insured under a qualifying no-fault policy pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation or provides a security bond, proof of qualification as a self insurer, or other securities affording security equivalent to that afforded under a qualifying no-fault policy. Provides for a fine of not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment for not to exceed six months, or both, for knowingly violating the above requirements. Requires that to be a qualifying no-fault policy, an insurance policy, except as to the occupants of a motor vehicle other than the insured vehicle or the operator or user of a motor vehicle engaging in criminal conduct, must provide benefits as follows: (1) to any person injured an amount equal to the net economic loss, as defined by this Act, sustained by such person as a result of such injury; and (2) to the legal representative of any person killed for the benefit of the surviving spouse and any dependent, without regard to fault, an amount equal to the net economic loss sustained by such spouse and dependent as a result of the death of such person. Provides for the payment for net economic loss as such losses are incurred except that in the case of death payment may at the option of the beneficiary be made immediately as a lump sum payment. Requires, in the case of injury or death to any person, that the insurer pay compensation for damages other than economic loss. Requires the insurer to pay any person for damages to property arising from the use of the insured vehicle. Exempts any person who is the owner, operator, or user of an insured motor vehicle or the operator or user of an uninsured vehicle who has no reason to believe that such vehicle is uninsured from tort liability for damages unless that person is engaging in criminal conduct. Forbids any person from proceeding to trial and prohibits any judgment from being rendered (except by the consent of all parties) in a suit including a claim for damage other than economic loss unless (a) all claims for net economic losses have been satisfied, or (b) there exists a claim for a net economic loss which is agreeably the result of the accidental harm for which the claim for damage is made and which has not been paid within thirty days after the insurer has received reasonable notice of the fact and a demand for payment, or (c) three years have elapsed since the date of the event upon which the claim is based or one year has elapsed since the date of the event and all claims attributable to economic losses have been satisfied. Renders unenforceable any contract for settlement of any claim for damage other than payment in consideration of any economic loss. Establishes the statute of limitations for bringing suit under provisions providing compensation for damages other than economic loss at four years from the date of the accident or one year after the last payment for economic loss, whichever is shorter. Allows additional coverages and benefits not inconsistent with the requirements of this Act. Subjects any insurer to $5,000 civil penalty for each policy issued in violation of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a uniform statistical plan for the allocation and compilation of claims and loss experience data, such plan to be followed by every insurer writing qualifying no-fault policies and by every rating or advisory organization or statistical agent. Requires the Secretary to organize an assigned claims bureau and assigned claims plan in each State, the cost for the maintaining of which shall be assessed against insurers in each State by the appropriate State insurance supervisory authority. Forbids any insurer to write any qualifying no-fault policy unless the insurer participates in the assigned claims bureau in each State in which it writes such policies. Establishes standards by which a claimant may obtain benefits under the assigned claims plan. Allows the awarding of reasonable attorney's fees to any person making a claim under a qualifying no-fault policy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Health. Provides for a Secretary of Health, an Under Secretary, 7 Assistant Secretaries, and a Chief Medical Officer, all of whom shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under specified Federal laws. Transfers various functions of the Secretary of HEW in regard to the Public Health Service. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Education and Welfare. Authorizes the Secretary of Health to appoint and fix the compensation of such officers and employees as are necessary to carry out his functions. Transfers to the Secretary the personnel, property, and authorizations of the Acts and functions listed in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a working capital fund for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of common administrative services and equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for certain services and supplies for employees and their dependents stationed at remote localities. Provides that the Secretary shall appoint such advisory committees as appropriate for consultation with the Department in the performance of its functions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with educational institutions and public or private agencies for research into problems related to authorized programs. Establishes the National Advisory Commission on Health Planning to be composed of 19 members, which shall conduct a study of the programs of the Department, and shall submit a comprehensive report of its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the President, the Secretary, and the Congress. Provides that the Commission shall also conduct a detailed study of the current and future health needs of the United States, and issue a national health plan for health needs over the next ten years. Authorizes expenditures by the Commission not to exceed $5,000,000. Requires the Secretary to make a report in writing to the President for submission to the Congress on the activities of the Department during the preceding fiscal year. Continues all rules, contracts, and privileges effective under any Act previously listed, until suspended. Provides that this Act shall not affect any proceedings pending at the time of enactment. Makes the provisions of this Act effective 90 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Consumer Product Warranties and Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act - Title I: Consumer Product Warranties - Provides that any supplier warranting a consumer product in writing shall fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of such warranty pursuant to any rules issued by the Federal Trade Commission in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe rules for determining the manner and form in which information with respect to any written warranty of a consumer product shall be clearly and conspicuously presented or displayed so as not to mislead the reasonable, average consumer, when such information is contained in advertising, labeling, point-of-sale material, or other representations in writing. Provides that no warrantor of a consumer product may condition his warranty of such product on the consumer's using, in connection with such product, any article or service which is directly or indirectly identified by brand, trade, or corporate name. States that, in order to incorporate the Federal minimum standards for warranty, a supplier warranting a consumer product in writing must, as a minimum, undertake the repair or replacement, within a reasonable time and without charge, of such consumer product in the case of a breach of such written warranty. Provides that the warrantor shall not impose any duty other than notification upon any consumer as a condition of securing repair or replacement of any consumer product which does not conform to the written warranty unless the warrantor can demonstrate that such a duty is reasonable. Provides that nothing in this title shall prohibit the selling of a consumer product which has both full and limited warranties if such warranties are clearly and conspicuously differentiated. States that nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent a supplier from selling a service contract to the consumer in addition to or in lieu of a warranty in writing if such contract fully and conspicuously discloses in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of the service contract. Provides that there shall be no express disclaimer of implied warranties to a consumer if any express warranty of a consumer product is made by a supplier to a consumer in writing. Declares it to be the policy of Congress to encourage warrantors to establish procedures whereby consumer disputes are fairly and expeditiously settled through informal dispute settlement mechanisms. Provides that it shall be a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any person subject to the provisions of this title to fail to comply with any requirement imposed on such person by or pursuant to this title or to violate any prohibition contained in this title. Allows any person damaged by the failure of a supplier to comply with any obligations assumed under an express or implied warranty or service contract with respect to a consumer product to bring suit in an appropriate U.S. district court or in any court of competent jurisdiction in any State or the District of Columbia. Provides that nothing contained in this title shall be construed to repeal, invalidate, or supersede the Federal Trade Commission Act or any statute defined therein as an antitrust act or any remedies otherwise available under State law. Title II: Federal Trade Commission Improvements - Extends the definition of unfair methods of competition under the Federal Trade Commission Act to mean activities "in or affecting commerce." (Amends 15 U.S.C. 45) Increases to $10,000 the civil penalty for violating an order of the commission. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 45(L)) Provides that the Commission shall have the power to classify corporations and to issue procedural rules, and rules defining with specificity acts or practices which are unfair or deceptive to consumers. Provides that when making such rules the Commission shall: (1) issue an order of proposed rulemaking stating with particularity the reason for the proposed rule; (2) allow interested persons to comment on the proposed rule in writing and make all such comments publicly available; (3) hold an informal hearing at which interested persons may comment orally on the proposed rule; and (4) promulgate, if appropriate, a final rule together with a statement of basis and purpose based on the information and comments compiled in accordance with clauses (1), (2), and (3). States that any violation of such rules promulgated shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes judicial review of such rules in a United States court of appeals on petition by a person adversely affected. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 46(g)) Provides that whenever the Commission has reason to believe: (1) that any person, partnership, or corporation is engaged in, or is about to engage in, any act or practice which is unfair or deceptive to a consumer; and (2) that the enjoining thereof pending the issuance of a complaint by the Commission, and until such complaint is dismissed by the Commission or set aside by the court on review, or until the order of the Commission made thereon has become final; the Commission may bring a suit in a district court of the United States to enjoin any such act or practice. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 53)
![Official portrait of Sen. Adams, Brock [D-WA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000031_200.jpg)