United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Rural Job and Business Development Tax Act - Allows a double investment credit under the Internal Revenue Code for property placed in service in rural areas which will assist in providing new employment opportunities. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 46(c)(5))
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Expresses the gratitude of the Congress to the President for attaining an honorable termination of the involvement of the United States in hostilities in Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
Vocational Rehabilitation Amendments - Authorizes to be appropriated for carrying out the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, $697,482,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, and $700,096,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974. Provides for the making of grants to public or nonprofit private agencies for paying part of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating programs to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with spinal cord injuries or to low-achieving deaf individuals. Provides for grants to any State agency designated pursuant to a plan approved under this Act, or to any local agency participating in the administration of such a plan, for paying part of the cost of pilot or demonstration projects for the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor, are migratory agricultural workers, and to members of their families (whether or not handicapped) who are with them, including maintenance and transportation of any such individual and members of his family where necessary to the rehabilitation of that individual. States that whenever the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines that any amount of an allotment to a State for any fiscal year will not be utilized by such State in carrying out the purposes of this Act, he may make such amount available for carrying out the purposes of this Act to one or more other States to the extent he determines such other State will be able to use such additional amount during such year for carrying out such purposes. Provides for the inclusion of American Samoa and Trust Teritory of the Pacific Islands in State Programs. States that the State agency plan submitted for approval must provide satisfactory assurance to the Secretary that the State agency designated (or each State agency if two are so designated) and any sole local agency administering the plan in a political subdivision of the State will take into account, in connection with matters of general policy arising in the administration of the plan, the views of, among others, individuals who are recipients of vocational rehabilitation services, individuals who represent citizen groups, individuals who represent professional groups, and individuals who are providers of vocational rehabilitation services. Increases the training allowances under the Act from $25 or $30. Allows State agencies for the blind to act as State evaluation and work adjustment agencies under this Act. Provides that an individual who, as a part of his rehabilitation under a State plan approved under this Act, participates in a program of work experience in a Federal agency, shall not, by reason thereof, be considered to be a Federal employee or to be subject to the provisions of law relating to Federal employment, including those relating to hours of work, rates of compensation, leave, unemployment compensation, and Federal employee benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Provides that a person shall be subjected to the penalty of death for any offense prohibited by the laws of the United States only if a hearing is held in accordance with this Act. States that when a defendant is found guilty of or pleads guilty to an offense for which one of the sentences provided is death, the judge who presided at the trial or before whom the guilty plea was entered shall conduct a separate sentencing hearing to determine the existence or nonexistence of the factors set forth in this Act for the purpose of determining the sentence to be imposed. Provides that the hearing shll not be held if the government stipulates that none of the aggravating factors set forth in the Act exists or that one or more of the mitigating factors set forth in the Act exists. Provides that in the sentencing hearing the court shall disclose to the defendant or his counsel all material contained in any presentence report, if one has been prepared, except such material as the court determines is required to be withheld for the protection of human life or for the protection of the national security. Sets forth rules of evidence to be used in such hearing. States that the jury or, if there is no jury, the court shall return a special verdict setting forth its findings as to the existence or nonexistence of each of the factors set forth in this Act. Provides that the jury or, of there is no jury, the court finds by a preponderance of the information that one or more of the aggravating factors set forth in the Act exists and that none of the mitigating factors set forth in this Act exists, the court shall sentence the defendant to death. States that if the jury or, if there is no jury, the court finds that none of the aggravating factors exists, or finds that one or more of the mitigating factors exists, the court shall not sentence the defendant to death but shall impose any other sentence provided for the offense for which the defendant was convicted. States that the court shall not impose the sentence of death on the defendant if the jury or, if there is no jury, the court finds by a special verdict as provided in the Act that at the time of the offense there existed one of the specified mitigating factors. Lists the mitigating factors which the courts are to recognize. Sets forth specified crimes and circumstances which shall be considered aggravating factors for the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming technical amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Animal Health Research Act - Sets forth the purpose of this Act and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with the several States for the purpose of encouraging and assisting them in carrying out programs of animal health research at eligible institutions. Authorizes the Congress to appropriate such funds as it may determine to be necessary to support such research programs. Specifies the formula by which funds appropriated under this Act shall be apportioned. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to support research on specific national or regional animal health problems. Provides that in developing plans for the use of such funds the Secretary shall consult the Advisory Board created by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to support costs of providing veterinary medical science research facilities. Provides that such funds shall be apportioned in accordance with the formula set forth in this Act. States that each dean or director of an eligible institution shall submit a brief annual report of research accomplishments on a project-by-project basis. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Veterinary Medical Science Research Advisory Board which shall consist of not less than nine nor more than twelve members. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Provides that upon application therefor a broadcast license may be renewed by the Federal Communication Commission from time to time for a term not to exceed five years if the Commission finds that public interest, convenience and necessity would be served thereby. States that in any hearing involving an application for renewal of a broadcasting license, if the applicant for renewal makes a prima facie showing that its broadcasting service during the preceding license period: (1) has reflected a good-faith effort to serve, and demonstrated a responsiveness to, the needs and interest of its area; and (2) that the operation of the station has not otherwise been characterized by serious deficiencies, then the burden of proof with respect to any petition to deny such application or any other application for the same broadcasting service shall be upon the petitioner or competing applicant to show that it would not be in the public interest, convenience, and necessity to grant the application for renewal.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
Designates the rooms located in the United States Capitol numbered S-113, S-114 as the "Harry Flood Byrd Room", in honor of the great U.S. Senator (1933-1965) from Virginia. Directs the Committee on Rules and Administration to place an appropriate marker or inscription at a suitable location or locations to commemorate and designate such rooms as provided herein.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study with respect to the feasibility of establishing the Bartram Trail as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Consumer Protection Act - Title I: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes, as an independent, nonregulatory agency, the Consumer Protection Agency. States that the agency shall be headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a four year term coterminous with the term of the President. Provides that the Administrator shall in accordance with this Act perform specified functions, including: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and Federal courts; (2) make grants to States and localities to encourage and assist consumer protection programs; (3) receive and transmit complaints from consumers; and (4) conduct, support, and assist research and other information-gathering activities related to the interests of consumers. States the Administrator shall prepare and submit directly to the Congress and the President, not later than April 1 of each year beginning April 1, 1974, an annual report, which shall include an analysis, evaluation, and review of those matters within his jurisdiction. Permits the Administrator to present to responsible officials in any Federal agency proceeding such relevant information in his possession as he deems necessary to enable the Federal agency to give due consideration to the interests of consumers. Permits the Administrator to request the initiation of a proceeding in a Federal agency. Authorizes the Administrator to participate in any State or local agency or court proceeding where the Administrator determines that the result of such proceeding may substantially affect an important interest of consumers and where his participation has been requested by a specified State official. Provides that each Federal agency which is considering any action which may substantially affect an important consumer interest to provide the Administrator with notice at such time as the public is given notice. Provides a procedure by which the Administrator is to transmit a consumer complaint to the Federal, State or local agency which has authority to enforce any relevant law or to take appropriate action. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct, support and assist research, studies, investigations, conferences and surveys concerning the interests of consumers. Sets forth methods of disclosure to the public of the information gathered. Details the general powers and functions of the Agency. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title II: Consumer Protection Grants Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the States or local public agencies to assist in the development of consumer protection plans. Provides that the Federal share of any program shall not exceed 75 percent. Provides that such grants shall be for programs which perform specified tasks. Sets forth qualifications for recipients of such grants. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth the definition of terms to be used in this Act. States that this Act shall be effective 90 days after enactment or on such earlier date as the President shall prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Title I: Wildlife Restoration Fund - Assigns the tax imposed on component parts of ammunition for pistols, revolvers, and other firearms to the Wildlife Restoration Fund for apportionment among the states. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 669c(b)) Title II: Tax on Sale of Firearms Parts and Ammunition Components - Establishes an 11 percent tax, under the Internal Revenue Code, on component parts of ammunition (including but not limited to, cartridge cases, primers, bullets, shot, and powders) for firearms (including pistols and revolvers). (Amends 26 U.S.C. 4181-82)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Exempts from income tax the interest on bonds issued to pay the costs of facilities for furnishing water, whether or not to the general public. Exempts the interest on bond issues totaling less than $5,000,000. Provides that in determining the $5,000,000 total, capital expenditures of $500,000 will not be included. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 103)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademarked licensing contract an 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 · 15 February 1973
Provides that no changes or readjustments in the schedule for rating disabilities for veterans made by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall be effective unless: (1) such proposed change or readjustment is first submitted to Congress; and (2) neither House of Congress, prior to the expiration of ninety calendar days of continuous session of Congress following the date of submission of the proposed change or readjustment, has adopted a resolution stating in substance that that House does not favor the proposed change or readjustment. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 355)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Makes it the policy of the Congress that our fishing industry be afforded all support necessary to have it strengthened, and all steps be taken to provide adequate protection for our coastal fisheries against excessive foreign fishing. Declares that the Congress recognizes, encourages, and intends to support the key responsibilities of the several States for conservation and scientific management of fisheries resources within United States territorial waters; and that the Congress particularly commends Federal programs designed to improve coordinated protection, enhancement, and scientific management of all United States fisheries, both coastal and distant, including presently successful Federal aid programs under the Commercial Fisheries Research and Development Act of 1964, and the newly developing Federal-State fisheries management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Makes it unlawful, under the Clayton Act, for any person engaged in commerce to sell, offer to sell, or contract to sell goods below cost for the purpose of destroying competition or eliminating a competion.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of law, a member or former member of a uniformed service who is 60 years of age or older on the date of enactment of this Act or becomes 60 years of age after such date and who is entitled to retired or retainer pay or who is entitled to retired pay for a 30 percent physical disability, is entitled to have that retired or retainer pay recomputed under the rates of basic pay in effect on January 1, 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Provides for the establishment by the Secretary of the Interior of the Cathedral Caverns National Monument in the State of Alabama. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry the provisions of this Act, but not to exceed $700,000 for the acquisition of property specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Uniform Criteria Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to specify appropriate criteria for the formulation of remedies for the orderly elimination of the vestiges of dual school systems. Title I: Assignment Provisions - States that the assignment by an educational agency of a student to the school nearest his place of residence which provides the appropriate grade level and type of education for such student is not a denial of equal protection of the laws unless such assignment is made for the purpose of segregating students on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin. Provides that the failure of an educational agency to attain a balance, on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, or socioeconomic status of students among its schools shall not constitute a denial of equal protection of the laws. Title II: Remedies - Requires a court, department, or agency of the United States in formulating a remedy for a denial of the equal protection of the laws, to seek or impose only such remedies as are essential to correct particular denials of equal protection of the laws. Provides that in formulating a remedy for a denial of the equal protection of the law, which may involve the transportation of students, a court, department, or agency of the United States shall consider and make specific findings on the efficacy in correcting such denial of the following remedies and shall require implementation of the first of the remedies set out below, or on the first combination thereof which would remedy such denial: (1) assigning students to the schools closest to their places of residence which provide the appropriate grade level and type of education for such students, taking into account school capacities and natural physical barriers; (2) assigning students to the schools closest to their places of residence which provide the appropriate grade level and type of education for such student, taking into account only school capacities; (3) permitting students to transfer from a school in which a majority of the students are of their race, color, or national origin to a school in which a minority of the students are of their race, color, or national origin; (4) the creation or revision of attendance zones or grade structures without requiring transportation beyond the next closest school to a student's residence; or (5) the development and implementation of any other plan which is educationally sound and administratively feasible. Prohibits any court, department, or agency of the United States from ordering the implementation of a plan that would require the transportation of any student to a school other than the school closest or next closest to his place of residence which provides the appropriate grade level and type of education for such student. Prohibits any court, departments, or agency of the United States from requiring directly or indirectly the transportation of any student if such transportation poses a risk to the health of such student or constitutes a significant impingement on the educational process with respect to such student. Provides that when a court of competent jurisdiction determines that a school system is desegregated, or that it meets the constitutional requirements, or that it is a unitary system, or that is has no vestiges of a dual system, and thereafter residential shifts in population occur which result in school population changes in any school within such a desegregated school system, no education agency shall because of such shifts be required by any court, department, or agency of the United States to formulate, or implement any new desegregation plan or modify or implement any modification of the court approved desegregation plan to compensate wholly or in part for such shifts in school population. States that in the formulation of remedies under this Act, the lines drawn by a State, subdividing its territory into separate school districts, shall not be ignored or altered except where it is established that the lines were drawn for the purpose of segregating children among public schools on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin. Asserts that nothing in this Act prohibits an educational agency from proposing, adopting, requiring, or implementing any plan of desegregation, otherwise lawful, that is at variance with the standards set out in this title, nor shall any court, department, or agency of the United States be prohibited from approving implementation of a plan which goes beyond what can be required under this title, if such plan is voluntarily proposed by the appropriate educational agency. Provides that on the application of an educational agency, court orders, or desegregation plans under title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in effect on the date of enactment of this Act and intended to end segregation of students on the basis of race, color, or national origin, shall be reopended and modified to comply with the provisions of this Act. States that any court order requiring the desegregation of a school system shall be terminated, if the court finds the schools of the defendant educational agency are a unitary school system, one within which no person is to be effectively excluded from any school because of race, color, or national origin, and this shall be so, whether or not such school system was in the past segregated de jure or de facto. Title III: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals the provision of the Emergency School Aid Act authorizing the construction of integrated education parks. Provides that if any provision of this Act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the provisions of the Act and the application of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Federal Financial Disclosure Act - Requires the President, the Vice President, each Member of Congress, each officer and employee of the United States (including any member of a uniformed service) who is compensated at a rate in excess of $24,000 per annum, and any individual occupying the position of an officer or employee of the United States who performs duties of the type generally performed by an individual occupying grade GS-16 of the General Schedule or any higher grade or position, as determined by the Comptroller General, regardless of the rate of compensation of such individual, to file annually, and each individual who is a candidate of a political party in a general election for the office of a Member of Congress but who, at the time he becomes a candidate, does not occupy any such office, to file within one month after he becomes a candidate for such office, with the Comptroller General a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each item of reimbursement for any expenditure and each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from his spouse or any member of his immediate family) received by him or by him and his spouse jointly during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received by him for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other composition for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the value of each asset held by him, or by him and his spouse jointly which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) any transactions in securities of any business entity by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transactions in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 during such year; (4) all transactions in commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; (5) any purchase or sale of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000; and (6) any position held in any public or private organization, any service rendered to any person, and any employment other than employment by the United States, during the preceding calendar year, without regard to whether compensation was received for holding the position, rendering the service, or on account of that employment. Provides that such reports are to be filed no later than May 15 of each year. Provides that any person who willfully fails to file a report, or who knowingly and willfully files a false report, shall be fined $2,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years or both.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Requires that imported meat and meat food products made in whole or in part of imported meat must be labeled "imported" at all stages of distribution until delivery to the ultimate consumer, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. (Amends 21 U.S.C. 620(a))
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Proposes that no public school student shall, because of his race, creed, or color, be assigned to or required to attend a particular school.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Health Care Insurance Act - Provides under the Social Security Act for medical, dental and hospital care through a system of voluntary health insurance financed in whole for low-income groups through issuance of certificates, and in part for all other persons through allowance of tax credits. Adds to the Social Security Act a new title entitled Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Provides that, for the purpose of providing assistance on behalf of the individuals and their dependents whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical, dental, and hospital services, there is established a program of hospital, dental, and medical benefits for any eligible beneficiary and his dependents through the issuance of health insurance certificates, in full payment of allowable premiums on a qualified health care insurance policy of his choice. Asserts that health insurance certificates of entitlement will be redeemable by the carrier by payment from the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Includes as eligible beneficiaries under this title any husband and wife both under age 65 and living together and any unmarried person under age 65 who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child of an eligible beneficiary receiving more than 50 percent of his support from the eligible beneficiary, which child is under 21, or if a student, under age 23. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary whose income results in no individual income tax liability during his base year, whose dependent beneficiaries have no such liability for their taxable years which end during his base year, and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement. Asserts that such certificates shall be applicable in full payment of allowable premiums for a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Requires that such policy or plan shall provide protection for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a 12-month period beginning during his benefit year against the expenses of health care, including catastrophic expenses of illness. Allows tax credits for health care insurance. Asserts that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary who has not elected, where eligible, to receive benefits under the provisions for fully-paid health care insurance for the low-income group and who is not eligible to receive military medical care, shall be allowed at his election: a credit against his income tax liability for his taxable year which ends during his base year; or a health insurance certificate of entitlement acceptable by a qualified carrier in payment toward a premium, under a qualified health care insurance policy. Specifies the amount of the tax credit or the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate on the basis of allowable premiums. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare upon application to him by an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of the premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Specifies that a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier which has been registered by a State agency and which provides basic institutional and medical coverage and castrophic expense coverage. Declares that each such qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be noncancellable and guaranteed renewable so long as the carrier continues to offer to the public one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans, shall provide protection against the expense of health care without regard to any pre-existing conditions, and shall provide for payment under this title of usual and customary charges for services covered under the policy or plan. Stipulates what costs shall be included under basic coverage and under catastrophic expense coverage. Establishes deductibles for each of the two types of coverage. Creates a Health Insurance Advisory Board which shall consist of eleven persons including the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Directs that the remaining members, not otherwise in the employ of the Government, shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointment in the competitive service. Asserts that the Secretary of HEW shall serve as Chairman. Provides that the members shall be selected from persons who are specifically qualified to serve on such Board by virtue of their education, training, or experience. Provides that the Health Insurance Advisory Board shall perform such functions as: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the tax credit program and file an annual report. Grants the States the power to decide which carriers are qualified. Forbids any Federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over the practice of medicine or dentistry or the manner in which medical or dental service are provided, or over the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer or employee or any institution, agency, or person providing health service; or to exercise any supervision or control over the administration or operation of any such institution, agency, or person. Creates in the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund to consist in part of an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Equal Educational Opportunities Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States that all children enrolled in public schools are entitled to equal educational opportunity without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin; and that the neighborhood is the appropriate basis for determining public school assignments. States that the purpose of this Act is to authorize concentration of resources under the Emergency School Aid Act on educationally deprived students and to specify appropriate remedies for the orderly removal of the vestiges of the dual school system. Title I: Assistance - Provides financial assistance for educationally deprived students entolled in schools with a high proportion of students from low-income families, or transferring from such schools to schools enrolling a lower proportion of students from low-income families. Authorizes grants from State educational agencies to local educational agencies adopting and implementing plans for such students. Sets requirements for State educational agency plans and applications under this section. Authorizes appropriations for payments to States under this section of $500,000,000 for each fiscal year. Provides for judicial review for a State following final action on its plan. Title II: Unlawful Practices - States that no State shall deny equal educational opportunity to an individual on account of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin, by: (1) the deliberate segregation by an educational agency of students on the basis of race, color, or national origin among or within schools; (2) the failure of an educational agency which has formerly practiced such deliberate segregation to take affirmative steps, consistent with title IV of this Act, to remove the vestiges of a dual school system; (3) the assignment by an educational agency of a student to a school, other than the one closest to his or her place of residence within the school district in which he or she resides, if the segregation of students on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin among the schools of such agency that would result if such student were assigned to the school closest to his or her place of residence within the school district of such agency providing the appropriate grade level and type of education for such student; (4) discrimination by an educational agency on the basis of race, color, or national origin in the employment, employment conditions, or assignment to schools of its faculty or staff, except to fulfill the purposes of subsection (6) below; (5) the transfer by an educational agency, whether voluntary or otherwise, of a student from one school to another if the purpose and effect of such transfer is to increase segregation of students on the basis of race, color, or national origin among the schools of such agency; or (6) the failure by an educational agency to take appropriate action to overcome language barriers that impede equal participation by its students in its instructional programs. States that the failure of an educational agency to attain a balance, on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin, of students among its schools shall not constitute a denial of equal educational opportunity, or equal protection of the laws. States that the assignment by an educational agency of a student to the school nearest his place of residence which provides the appropriate grade level and type of educational of such student is not a denial of equal educational opportunity or of equal protection of the laws unless such assignment is for the purpose of segregating students on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin, or the school to which such student is assigned was located on its site for the purpose of segregating students on such basis. Title III: Enforcement - Provides for a civil action for appropriate relief in an appropriate district court by an individual denied an equal educational opportunity as defined by this Act, or by the Attorney General in his behalf. States that when a court of competent jurisdiction determines that a school system is desegregated, or that it meets the constitutional requirements, or that it is a unitary system, or that it has no vestiges of a dual system, and thereafter residential shifts in population occur which result in school population changes in any school within such a desegregated school system, such school population changes so occurring shall not, per se, constitute a cause for civil action for a new plan of desegregation or for modification of the court approved plan. Title IV: Remedies - Provides that in formulating a remedy for a denial of equal educational opportunity or a denial of the equal protection of the laws, which may involve the transportation of students, a court, department or agency of the United States shall require implementation of the first of the remedies set out below, or on the first combination thereof which would remedy such denial: (1) assigning students to the schools closest to their places of residence which provide the appropriate grade level and type of education for such students, taking into account school capacities and natural physical barriers; (2) assigning students to the schools closest to their places of residence which provide the appropriate grade level and type of education for such students, taking into account only school capacities; (3) permitting students to transfer from a school in which a majority of the students are of their race, color, or national origin to a school in which a minority of the students are of their race, color, or national origin; (4) the creation or revision of attendance zones or grade structures without requiring transportation beyond that described in this title; (5) the establishment of new or magnet schools or the closing of inferior schools; or (6) the development and implementation of any other plan which is educationally sound and administratively feasible, subject to the provisions of this title. Prohibits a court or department order that would require the transportation of any student to a school other than the school closest or next closest to his place of residence which provides the appropriate grade level and type of education for such student. Prohibits a transportation order where such transportation would pose a risk to the health of a student or constitute a significant impingement on his educational process. Prohibits the requirement of a new desegregation plan involving transportation of students where residential shifts in population occur in previously approved desegregated school systems. Provides that State-drawn school district lines shall not be ignored or altered except where it is established that the lines were drawn for the purpose, and had the effect, of segregating children among public schools on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin. Permits an educational agency to propose voluntarily or implement a desegregation plan, otherwise lawful, at variance with the standards set out in this title. Provides that upon application of an educational agency, court orders, or desegregation plans under title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in effect at enactment of this Act and intended to end segregation of students on the basis of race, color, or national origin, shall be reopened and modified to comply with the provisions of this Act. Provides that any court order requiring, directly or indirectly, the transportation of students for the purpose of remedying a denial of the equal protection of the laws shall, to the extent of such transportation, be terminated if the court finds the defendant educational agency is not effectively excluding any person from any school because of race, color, or national origin, and this shall be so, whether or not the schools of such agency were in the past segregated de jure or de facto. Provides that no additional order requiring such educational agency to transport students for such purpose shall be entered unless such agency is found to be effectively excluding any person from any school because of race, color, or national origin, and this shall be so, whether or not the schools of such agency were in the past segregated de jure or de facto. Requires the termination of any court order requiring the desegregation of a school system if the court finds the schools of the defendant educational agency are a unitary school system, one within which no person is to be effectively excluded from any school because of race, color, or national origin, and this shall be so, whether or not such school system was in the past segregated de jure or de facto. Provides that no additional order shall be entered against such agency for such purpose unless the schools of such agency are no longer a unitary school system. Title V: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals the provision of Emergency School Aid Act authorizing the construction of integrated education parks. States that if any provision or application of this Act is held invalid, the remainder of the provisions of this Act and of the amendments made by this Act and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected therefy.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Navy to allow a member of the National Guard who is not on active duty to make allotments from his military pay for the payment of premiums under a group life insurance program sponsored by the military department of the State in which such member holds his National Guard membership or by the National Guard association of such State. (Adds 37 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amend 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare or his designee to receive, investigate, settle, and pay all claims against the United States for death or permanent mental or physical injury resulting from participation in the continuing study conducted by the Public Health Service in Macon County, Alabama, beginning in 1932, to determine the medical consequences of untreated syphilis. Authorizes the Secretary to issue rules of procedure for the consideration and disposition of claims filed under this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine the validity and amounts of such claims and to pay such amount within twelve months from the date on which the claim was submitted. Prohibits the Secretary from awarding in excess of $25,000 for any claim for death or permanent mental or physical injuries. Provides that the award shall be in full settlement and discharge of all claims of such person against the United States. Prevents the assignment or transfer of such claims except to the United States. Requires the Secretary to submit a report within two years of enactment of this Act to the Congress setting forth the details of each settlement and those claims which have not been settled. Authorizes necessary funds to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Tuskegee Institute National Historical Park, in the State of Alabama. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
National Forest Wild Areas Act - Title I: Establishes a "wild area system" within the national forest system. Designates specified areas as components of the National Forest Wild Areas System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and submit to the President areas recommended for inclusion in the wild area system which meet the requirements of this Act. Provides that the President shall advise the United States Senate and the House of Representatives of his recommendations with respect to the designation as a wild area of each area submitted. Provides that each recommendation of the President for such designation shall become effective only if so provided by an Act of Congress. Directs the Secretary to administer the system in accordance with the following provisions: (1) primitive, natural, and wild conditions will be restored, maintained, and protected to provide for public use and enjoyment for recreation, scientific, and educational purposes in a natural setting free from the activities and highly developed works of man; (2) public use shall be permitted consistent with the ability of the area to support such use and retain its primitive, natural, and wild characteristics; (3) subject to existing private rights, there shall be no permanent road within any wild area designated by this Act and, except as necessary to meet the minimum requiresments for the administration of the area for the purpose of this Act, there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area; (4) within wild areas designated by this Act such measures may be taken as may be necessary in the control of fire, insects, and diseases, subject to such conditions as the Secretary deems desireable; (5) no timber stand modification shall be permitted; and (6) no grazing of domestic livestock shall be allowed except those necessary to achieve the purposes of the Act. Establishes the National Forest Wild Areas Citizen's Advisory Committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters of policy concerning the system. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on the status of the national Forest Wild Areas System for transmission to Congress. Title II: Establishes the Sipsey Wild Area within the Bankhead National Forest in Alabama.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Older Americans Comprehensive 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 ClearingHouse for the Aging to collect, review, organize, 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 of 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 part-time basis in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study in the field of aging. 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 of $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 of higher education to assist such 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. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3001, 3011(b); 42 U.S.C. 3012(3), (4); 42 U.S.C. 3044; 42 U.S.C. 3044a, 3044b; Amends 20 U.S.C. 354, 355, 355nts; 20 U.S.C. 1504(a) (2); 20 U.S.C. 1505(a); 20 U.S.C. 1078; 20 U.S.C. 1209, 1210, 1211; 20 U.S.C. 954) Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older American - 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 · 4 January 1973
World War I Pension Act - Increases non service-connected disability pensions of World War I veterans, their widows and children, by 10 percent. Increases the monthly rate payable to any World War I veteran for regular aid and attendance by $15 and increases the monthly rate for such veterans with permanent and total disability by $6 a month. Provides that the monthly rate to which any child or children of a veteran of World War I shall be increased by $8 in the case of one child and by $1 for each additional child. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 521(b), (c), (d), (e), 542)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Title I: Organization - Establishes within the Department of Labor an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent. Provides that the functions, records and personnel of the Office of Labor Management Services Administration necessary for the administration of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act are transferred to the Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration. Requires that, unless exempt, the provisions of the Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Requires administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to file applications with the Secretary of Labor for registration of such plans. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - Requires that no pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan may require, as a condition of eligibility to participate in the plan, a period of service longer than one year or an age greater than 25, whichever occurs later, except that any plan which provides 100 percent immediate vesting upon entry into the plan may restrict participation to those who have attained age 30, or three years of service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes the Secretary to defer, in whole or in part, applicability of the vesting provisions for a period not to exceed five years from the effective date of such requirements where a plan makes a showing that the vesting requirements would increase the employer's costs or contributions to the plan to an extent that substantial economic injury would result to the employer and to the interests of the participants. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing funding of multi-employer plans that cover a substantial portion of the industry or employees in a specific geographic area to assure that such plans are provided with sufficient assets to cover benefits under the plan. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program known as the Voluntary Portability Program for portability of vested pension credits. Requires that, plans which are members of this program are required to pay, to a central portability fund administered by the Secretary, monies representing the value of the participant's vested rights when he is separated from the plan prior to retirement. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance Program Established - Establishes a Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program administered by the Secretary, which requires plans to insure unfunded vested liabilities incurred prior to enactment of the Act, as well as after enactment of the Act. Requires the insurance program to insure participants against loss of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the Secretary shall make arrangements with employers on equitable terms for the reimbursement of insurance paid. Title V: Disclosure and Fiduciary Standards - Requires that annual reports filed are required to be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. Restructures the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans so that it will serve as an advisory council for both the WPPDA and the Retirement Income Security for Employees Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition the Federal courts to compel a pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan to comply with the Act or effect recoveries of moneys which may be due under the Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for interference with the rights of a pensioner or his beneficiary. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for the provisions in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Continuity of Education Act - Stipulates that, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no order of a court, department, or agency of the United States, requiring the transportation of any student incident to the transfer of that student from one elementary or secondary school to another such school in a local educational agency pursuant to a plan requiring such transportation for the racial desegregation of any school in that agency, shall be effective until the beginning of an academic school year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
National Diabetes Research and Education Act - Directs the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases to establish a National Task Force on Diabetes to formulate a long-range plan to combat diabetes with specific recommendations concerning the utilization and organization of national resources for that purpose after conducting a comprehensive study and survey investigating the magnitude of diabetes mellitus, its epidemiology, its economic and social consequences, and an evaluation of available scientific information and the national resources capable of dealing with the problem. Requires that such National Task Force shall provide for: (1) a coordinated research program encompassing the programs of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases, related programs of the other research institutes, and other Federal and non-Federal programs; (2) the utilization of existing research facilities and personnel of the National Institutes of Health for accelerated exploration of opportunities of special promise in scientific areas related to the known complications of diabetes mellitus; (3) a system for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of all data useful in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes mellitus, including the establishment of a diabetes research data bank to collect, catalog, store, and disseminate insofar as is practicable the results of diabetes research undertaken for the use of any person involved in diabetes research; (4) support of manpower programs of training in fundamental sciences and clinical disciplines to provide an expanded and continuing manpower base from which to select investigators, physicians, and allied health professions personnel, for participation in clinical and basic research and treatment programs relating to diabetes including, where appropriate, the use of training stipends, fellowships, and career awards; (5) budget estimates and projections reflecting the funds required to fully implement the recommended plan; (6) methods of education for persons having diabetes; and (7) an emphasis on the counseling to persons, especially children, having diabetes and to their families with regard to adjustments and medical regimen required of such persons. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for the purpose of establishing the National Task Force under this Act. Directs the Director to establish programs for cooperation with State and other health agencies in the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes as well as programs of public, professional, and patient education. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975, and the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary thereafter, for the diabetes control program. Authorizes the Director to make grants to, or contract with States, political subdivisions, universities, hospitals, and other public or nonprofit private institutions, agencies, or organizations, which are community oriented, for projects and programs for the conduct of research, demonstration, training in and utilization of allied health personnel, or public and professional education for the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus, or counseling and assistance in self-management. Provides that such grants shall cover a maximum of 75 percent of the costs of such projects and programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and a like sum for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years, and such sums as may be necessary thereafter, for the purpose of such grants under this Act. Authorizes the Director to establish not more than six model diabetes research, treatment, and education clinics throughout the United States within the framework of existing programs. Provides that the purpose of such clinics shall be to test the feasibility of such clinics with regard to: (1) the development of improved methods of detecting diabetes; (2) the development of improved methods of intervention against high-risk factors which cause diabetes; and (3) the development of highly skilled manpower in diabetes diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Authorizes the appropriation for the establishment of the clinics authorized under this Act $6,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, and a like sum for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years and such sums as are necessary thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to utilize Department of Defense resources for the purpose of providing medical emergency transportation services to civilians.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that nothing in the Constitution shall abridge the right of persons lawfully assembled, in any public school or other public building, to participate voluntarily in nondenominational prayer or meditation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating a week as "National Welcome Home Our Prisoners Week" upon the release and return to the United States of American prisoners of war in Southeast Asia.