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United States · Official source
987 records where Sen. Baker, Howard H., Jr. [R-TN] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1973
Establishes a system for the scheduling of committee meetings to be known as the Senatorial Scheduling System. Requires the System to keep an easily accessible record of all committee and subcommittee meetings.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1973
Provides for the relief of Carl Johnstone, Jr.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1973
Refers S. 1970, entitled "A bill for the relief of Carl Johnstone, Jr.," to the Chief Commissioner of the United States Court of Claims for a report thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1973
Designates June 5 as "World Environment Day".
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Board for International Broadcasting Act - Establishes a Board for International Broadcasting Provides that the Board shall consist of seven members, two of whom shall be ex officio members. States that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, five voting members, one of whom he shall designate as chairman. Sets forth the terms and compensation of the Board. Authorizes the Board to perform specified functions, including: (1) to make grants to Radio Free Eupope and to Radio Liberty; (2) to review and evaluate the mission and operation of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, and to assess the quality, effectiveness and professional integrity of their broadcasting within the context of the broad foreign policy objectives of the United States; and (3) to encourage the most efficient utilization of available resources by Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and to undertake, or request that Radio Free Europe or Radio Liberty undertake, such studies as may be necessary to identify areas in which the operations of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty may be made more efficient and economical. Provides for an audit of the books, documents, papers, and records of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty by the Board and the Comptroller General. Authorizes to be appropriated, to remain available until expended, $50,300,000 for fiscal year 1974 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Provides that Federal agencies keep standing congressional committees fully and currently informed of matters relating to that agency which are within the jurisdiction of such committee.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1973
Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as may be necessary to effectuate the transfer of all naval weapons range activities from the island of Culebra to the islands of Desecheo and Monito not later than July 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the Center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a Board of Trustees. Provides that such Board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the Director of the Center ex officio. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the Board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal Govermnent shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act - Title I: Findings, Declarations, and Definitions - Sets forth congressional findings, declaration of purpose and the defintions of the terms used in this Act. Title II: Disaster Assistance Administration - Provides that all requests for disaster assistance from the Federal Government under this Act shall be made by the Governor of the affected State. Authorizes the President to coordinate, in such manner as he may determine, the activities of all Federal agencies providing disaster assistance. Authorizes any Federal agency discharged with the administration of a Federal assistance program, if so requested by the applicant State or local authorities, to modify or waive for the duration of a major disaster, such administrative procedural conditions for assistance as would otherwise prevent the giving of assistance under such programs if the inability to meet such conditions is a result of the disaster. States that all assistance rendered under this Act shall be provided pursuant to a Federal-State disaster assistance agreement unless specifically waived by the President. Provides that the Federal Government shall not be liable for any claim based upon the exercise or performance of or the failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function or duty on the part of a Federal agency or an employee of the Federal Government in carrying out the provisions of this Act. States that the selection of private organizations, firms, or individuals to enter into contracts with the Federal Government for the performance of work authorized by their Act shall be made with preference given, to the extent feasible and practicable, to those private organizations, firms, and individuals which reside or do business primarily in the disaster area. Provides that any individual willfully violating any order or regulation under this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both for each violation. States that any individual who violates any order or regulation under this Act shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation. Provides that whoever wrongfully misapplies the proceeds of a loan or other cash benefit obtained under any section of this Act shall be civilly liable to the Federal Government in an amount equal to one and one-half times the original principal amount of the loan or cash benefit. Title III: Emergency Assistance - Sets forth the Presidential authority in providing emergency disaster assistance. States that emergency work or services for purposes of this Act shall not extend beyond thirty days following the President's intial determination that emergency services are required, except that this limitation may be waived by the President whre he deems extraordinary circumstances warrant such waiver. Title IV: Disaster Loans - Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to individuals, business concerns, and other legal entities in a major disaster area to replace, restore, or repair private property damaged or lost in the disaster, to the extent it is not covered by insurance. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee loans to small business concerns for working capital and operating expenses, to the extent that a major disaster has created a need for such loans. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to any industrial, commercial, agricultural, governmental, or other enterprise that has constituted a major source of employment in an area suffering a major disaster and is no longer in substantial operation as a result of such disaster. Authorizes the President to make disaster loans to any local government that demonstrates a need, as a result of a major disaster, of financial assistance in order to perform its governmental functions. States that the amount of any such disaster loan shall be based on need, and shall not exceed 10 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such loans. Provides that as a result of a default by a borrower under a guaranteed loan, after the holder thereof has made such further collection efforts and instituted such enforcement proceedings as the President may require, the President shall pay to such holder 90 percent of such loss, as specified in the guarantee contract. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund which shall be available to the President without fiscal year limitation as a revolving fund for the purpose of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be necesssary to provide capital for the fund. Provides that if at any time the moneys available in the fund are insufficient to enable the President to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees under this Act, he shall issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such forms and denominations, bearing such maturities, and subject to such terms and conditions, as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Title V: Disaster Grants for Needy Families - Authorizes the President to make a grant to any State in a major disaster area for the purpose of assisting the State in indemnifying the uninsured property losses of needy families, and thereafter, to aid such families in meeting such other extraordinary disaster-related expenses as the State may recognize. States that the amount of such grant shall be determined by the President on the basis of evidence supplied by the Governor of the affected State as to the number of low-income families affected by the disaster; but the grant to the State shall not exceed an amount equal to $3,000 per low-income family. Provides that the actual disbursement of the funds made available to the State under this Act shall be made by the Governor or his designated representative according to eligibility requirements to be determined by the Governor or his designated representative. States that no family shall receive payments under this Act in excess of $4,000. Title VI: Grants to States - Authorizes the President to make grants to States for the benefit of persons or parties adversely affected by a major disaster, for the following purposes: (1) provision of essential human needs and services, including but not limited to food, communications, water, clothing, utility services, and public transportation; (2) replacement, restoration, repair, or construction of specified facilities; and (3) debris and timber removal from public or private lands and waters, when in the public interest. States that the amount of funds to be granted under this Act shall be based upon 75 percent of the estimated cost of relief for losses sustained as a result of the major disaster in the categories of assistance specified in this Act. Title VII: Disaster Preparedness Assistance - Authorizes the President to establish a program of disaster preparedness that utilizes services of all appropriate agencies. States that upon application by the States, the President is authorized to make grants, not to exceed $250,000, for the development of plans, programs, and capabilities for disaster preparedness. Provides that such grants shall be available for a period of one year from the date of enactment. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that a condition of any disaster loan or grant made under the provisions of this Act, the recipient shall agree that any repair or construction to be financed therewith shall be in accordance with applicable standards of safety, decency, and sanitation and in conformity with applicable codes, specifications, and standards, and shall furnish such evidence of compliance with this Act as may be required by regulation. Provides that where an existing timber sale contract between the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior and a timber purchaser does not provide relief from major physical change not due to negligence of the purchaser prior to approval of construction of any section of specified road or of any other specified development facility and, as a result of a major disaster, a major physical change results in additional construction work in connection with such road or facility by such purchaser with an estimated cost, as determined by the appropriate Secretary, (1) of more than $1,000 for sales under one million board feet; (2) of more than $1 per thousand board feet for sales of one to three million board feet, or (3) of more than $3,000 for sales over three million board feet, such increased construction cost shall be borne by the United States. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1973
Declares that on Memorial Day, May 28, 1973, special remembrance be given by a grateful people to the 1,288 members of the Armed Forces of the United States currently listed as missing in action in Indochina. Declares that all American motorists are encouraged to turn on their automobile lights throughout Memorial Day, May 28, 1973, as a symbol of this remembrance. Provides that every effort be made to secure the cooperation of all parties in the Indochina conflict to insure the fullest and most expeditious resolution of the status of members of the U.S. Armed Forces missing in Indochina.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1973
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion $1,000,000,000 of the sums authorized to be apportioned for fiscal year 1974 for immediate expenditure on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000,000 for the Federal-aid primary system, the Federal-aid secondary system, and for their extensions within urban areas for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974. Provides for the availability of such sums on a percentage basis.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1973
Extends through fiscal year 1974 the pilot operator training program for wastewater treatment plants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1973
Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for services necessary to the nonperforming arts functions of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1973
Deepwater Port Facilities Act - Provides that the Secretary of the Interior shall prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary to accommodate the exploration and exploitation of the oil and gas and other mineral resources of the Outer Continental Shelf with the construction and operation of deepwater port facilities licensed by him. Title I: - States that the purpose of this Act is to authorize and regulate the construction and operation of deepwater port facilities in accordance with the policy of this Act. Provides that no citizen of the United States may construct or operate or make any significant addition to a deepwater port facility without first receiving a license from the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary to issue to any citizen of the United States a license to construct or operate a deepwater port facility if he first determines that: (1) the applicant is financially responsible and has demonstrated his ability and willingness to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and license conditions; (2) the construction and operation of the proposed deepwater port facility will not unreasonably interfere with international navigation or other reasonable uses of the high seas, and is consistent with the international obligations of the United States; and (3) the facility will be located, constructed, or operated in a manner which will minimize or prevent any adverse significant environmental effects. Provides that licenses issued under this Act shall be for a term of no longer than thirty years, with preferential right in the licensee to renew under such terms and for such period not to exceed thirty years as the Secretary determines is reasonable. States that the Secretary shall consult with the Governor of any State off whose coasts the facility is proposed to be located to insure that the operation of the facility and directly related land-based activities would be consistent with the State land-use program. Provides that in carrying out all of his functions under this Act, the Secretary shall consult with all interest or affected Federal agencies. Sets forth the procedures for issuing licenses. Provides that any person adversely affected by an order of the Secretary granting or denying a license may, within sixty days after such order is issued, seek judicial review thereof in the United States court of appeals for the circuit nearest to which the facility is sought to be located. Authorizes the Secretary to include in any license granted under this Act any conditions he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that any licensee who violates any condition of his license or any rule or regulation of the Secretary issued under this Act may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary, in a determination on the record after opportunity for a hearing, of not more than $10,000 for each day during which such violation occurs. States that any person who willfully and knowingly violates any provision of this Act or of any rule, regulation, restriction, or condition made or imposed by the Secretary under the authority of this Act shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be punished criminally by a fine of not more than $25,000 for each day during which such offense occurs. Provides for the revocation or suspension of a license for a failure to comply with applicable rules or regulations. States that the Constitution and the laws and treaties of the United States shall apply to deepwater port facilities licensed under this Act and insofar as consistent with international law to activities connected with the operation and use of such deepwater port facilities in the same manner as if the facilities were located in the navigable waters of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Family Planning Services and Population Research Amendments - Requires the Assistant Secretary for Family Planning and Population Science to report (through the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to Congress not later than six months after enactment of this Act on: (1) the number of individuals in need of family planning services - organized and otherwise - and a timetable for serving them; (2) the types of information and educational materials to be developed; (3) research goals to be established and a timetable for their achievement; and (4) the manpower required to meet these objectives. Requires the Assistant Secretary to submit progress reports annually on specific achievements made in reaching goals established by the six-month report. Authorizes grants to assist in the establishment and operation of voluntary family planning programs and projects. Authorizes appropriations for a three-year period-fiscal years 1974 ($159.5 million), 1975 ($207.5 million) and 1976 ($255.5 million). Extends appropriations authorizations for a three-year period-fiscal years 1974 ($5 million), 1975 ($7.5 million), and 1976 ($10 million) for training grants and contracts for the training of such personnel to carry out family planning services programs eligible for support under this Act as are needed to meet program objectives specified in the plan. Specifies that grants and contracts awarded under this Act must be made with the concurrence of the Assistant Secretary for Family Planning and Population Science and be carried on through the National Center for Family Planning Services and in consultation with the National Advisory Council. Authorizes the Secretary, throught the Assistant Secretary for Family Planning and Population Science, to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities and enter into contracts with public or private entities and individuals for: (1) the development of educational and informational materials on voluntary family planning; (2) the development of educational and informational materials on the causes and consequences of demographic characteristics and trends; and (3) the distribution of such materials to all persons desiring such information and materials. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the development and distribution of such materials. Provides that grants and contracts made under this Act shall be made in accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe. States that the acceptance by any individual of family planning services or family planning or population information provided through financial assistance under this Act shall be voluntary and shall not be a prerequisite to eligibility for or receipt of any other service or assistance from, or to participation in, any other program of the entity or individual that provided such services or information. Directs that none of the funds appropriated under this Act shall be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Office of Family Planning and Population Science to be directed by an Assistant Secretary for Family Planning and Population Science who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the functions of the Assistant Secretary. Establishes within the Office a National Center for Family Planning Services and a National Center for Population Science, which shall, respectively, be assigned and carry out the functions assigned to such Centers by this Act and such other duties and responsibilities as the Assistant Secretary may specify in regulations. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Family Planning and Population Science Advisory Council with which he and the Assistant Secretary shall consult on a continuing and regular basis in administering this title. Specifies the membership of the Council.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Designates the American marigold as the national floral emblem of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1973
Makes it unlawful for any Executive Branch officer or any person acting under such officer's authority to require any of the following from any United States Government employee or any applicant for employment in the Executive Branch of the Government: (1) disclose their race, religion, or national origin; (2) attend Government-sponsored meetings and lectures or participate in outside activities unrelated to their employment; (3) report on their outside activites or undertakings unrelated to their work; (4) submit to questioning about their religion, personal relationships or sexual attitudes through interviews, psychological tests, or polygraphs; and (5) support political candidates or attend political meetings. Permits inquiries into national origin when necessary for the national interest or overseas work. Allows agency officers to advise employees of charges of sexual misconduct as long as the employee has an opportunity to refute the charge. Makes it illegal to coerce an employee to buy bonds or make charitable contributions; or to require him to disclose his own personal assets, liabilities, or expenditures, or those of any member of his family unless they would show a conflict of interest. Provides a right to have a counsel or other person present, if the employee wishes, at an interview which may lead to disciplinary proceedings. Makes it unlawful for any Civil Service Commission officer to require any executive department or agency to do any prohibited act; or to require a person seeking to establish Civil Service status or employment in the executive branch to submit to interrogation, polygraph testing, or psychological testing designed to elicit views regarding religion, personal relationships, or sexual attitude. Accords the right to a civil action in a Federal court for violation or threatened violation of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to defend all persons sued who acted pursuant to an order or who, in his opinion, did not willfully violate this Act. Establishes a three-member Board on Employees' Rights with members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Grants the Board the authority and duty to receive and investigate written complaints from any person claiming to be aggrieved by any violation or threatened violation of this Act and to conduct a hearing on each such complaint. Grants the Board powers which will eliminate violation of this Act. Directs the Board to make an annual report of its activities to Congress. Excludes the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency from the provisions of this Act. Permits the establishment of agency grievance procedures to enforce this Act, but the existence of such procedures shall not preclude the use of other remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1973
Authorizes the President to proclaim June 17, 1973, as a day of commemoration of the opening of the upper Mississippi River by Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet in 1673.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Extends until November 1, 1978, the existing exemption of the steamboat Delta Queen from specified vessel laws requiring construction of large passenger boats to be of fire retardant material.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Fair Housing Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the sale or rental of housing. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3604, 3605, 3606)
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Provides that no person engaged in commerce in the business of refining petroleum into gasoline and furnishing gasoline to retail distributors of gasoline for sale to the public shall fail to furnish gasoline to independent retail distributors of gasoline, whether or not franchised by such person, at wholesale prices in reasonable quantities as long as he continues to furnish gasoline to retail distributors of gasoline which are wholly owned by him or operated under a franchise granted by him.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to approve as a project each physical or financial phase of a treatment work which meets the requirements of such Act. (Amends 33 U.S.C. 1158(1))
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Provides for the relief of Dr. Lawrence Chin Bong Chan.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Provides that any kind of tobacco for which marketing quotas are not in effect that is produced in an area where it has not been traditionally produced and where producers who are engaged in the production of a kind of tobacco traditionally produced in the area have approved marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act shall be subject to the quota for the kind of tobacco traditionally produced in the area. Provides that marketing quotas are in effect for more than one kind of tobacco in an area, any nonquota tobacco not traditionally produced in the area shall be subject to quotas for the kind of tobacco traditionally produced in the area having the highest price support under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Provides for the repeal of subtitle H of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (relating to financing of Presidential election campaigns). Provides that any amount in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund established by the Internal Revenue Code shall be transferred to the General Fund of the Treasury one day after the enactment of this Act. (Repeals 26 U.S.C. 9001-9013)
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Establishes the National Commission on Executive Security to: (1) conduct a study of all laws, and of all rules, regulations, and orders, relating to the classification and protection of information, and the practices and procedures of Federal agencies with respect to such matters for the purpose of determining what reorganization, if any, of the executive branch needs to be made to insure full disclosure of information, consistent with the security of the United States; (2) determine which such laws, rules, regulations, orders, and procedures are necessary, appropriate, and consistent with the freedom of speech, press, and assembly guaranteed by the first amendment to the Constitution, the freedom of information, and the efficient and equitable operation of Government; (3) determine what, if any, modifications of existing laws, rules, regulations, orders, and procedures are required to insure a more efficient, equitable, and uniform system for maximum possible disclosure of information, consistent with the security of the United States; (4) make recommendations for legislation or other governmental action to preserve and protect the security of the United States in a manner consistent with the right of the people of the United States to full disclosure of information relating to their Government; and (5) determine whether an independent agency should be established to insure the maximum disclosure of information. Directs the Chairman of the Commission to hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, administer such oaths, and require by subpena or otherwise the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and documents as the Commission may deem advisable. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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
Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund, to be known as the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund. Sets forth the method of funding such fund. States that the assets of the fund shall be available only for specified purposes, including: (1) loans which could be insured under this title, and for advances in connection with such loans and loans previously made; (2) payment of principal when due on outstanding loans to the Administrator from the Secretary of the Treasury for electrification and telephone purposes; and (3) payment of amounts to which the holder of notes is entitled on insured loans. Authorizes the Administrator to make and issue interim notes to the Secretary of the Treasury for the purpose of obtaining funds necessary for discharging obligations of the fund and for making loans, advances, and authorized expenditures out of the fund. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase for resale obligations insured through the fund when offered by the Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator to make insured loans under this Act and at the interest rates hereinafter provided to the full extent of the assets available in the fund, subject only to limitations as to amounts authorized for loans and advances as may be from time to time imposed by the Congress of the United States for loans to be made in any one year, which amounts shall remain available until expended. States that insured loans made under this Act shall bear interest at either 2 percent or 5 percent. Sets forth the conditions under which a 2 percent loan is to be made. States that the Administrator may provide financial assistance to borrowers for purposes provided in the Rural Electrification Act by guaranteeing loans, to the extent of 90 percent thereof, made by the Rural Telephone Bank, National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, and any other legally organized lending agency, or by accommodating or subordinating liens or mortgages in the fund held by the Administrator as owner or as trustee or custodian for purchases of notes from the fund, or by any combination of such guarantee, accommodation, or subordination. States that at the request of the borrowers, the Administrator is authorized and directed to refinance with loans which may be insured under this Act, any loans made for rural electric and telephone facilities under any provision of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
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 · 29 March 1973
National Institute of Justice Act - Establishes an agency to be known as the National Institute of Justice to be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the functions of the Institute, including: (1) undertake surveys, and collect, analyze, and disseminate information relating to the operation of the judicial system in the United States at all levels, with particular emphasis upon information with respect to improvements and innovations in the operation of that system, and (2) conduct, either directly or through contracts, grants, or other arrangements, an evaluation of the principal sources of delay in the administration of justice, criminal and civil, designed to identify existing problems and to provide a diagnosis of new anticipated problems in the timely and efficient disposition of civil and criminal cases. Sets forth the administrative functions and duties of the Director and of the Institute. Provides that no officer or employee of the Institute shall take any active part in political management or in political campaigns and no such officer or employee shall use his official position or influence for the purpose of interfering with any election or affecting the result of any election. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Provides that whenever the Small Business Administration determines that action is necessary or desirable to assist small business concerns whose participation in the free enterprise system is hampered because of social or economic considerations not generally applicable to other business enterprises to obtain the equity capital needed for viable and prudently managed business operations, it may guarantee equity investments in such concerns made by investment companies or other qualified investors. States that such guarantee shall be made pursuant to an agreement by the Administration to purchase equity securities evidencing the interest of an investor in such a concern in accordance with terms and conditions prescribed by the Administration subject to specified limitations and restrictions. States that a guarantee agreement entered into under this Act by the Administration shall obligate the Administration to purchase securities covered by the agreement and held by an investor. Provides that the Administration shall fix a uniform fee which it deems reasonable and necessary for any guarantee issued under this Act to be payable at such time and under such conditions as may be determined by the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Highway Safety Act - Provides for the deletion of the express requirement for inclusion in each State's comprehensive program of a driver education program and to add a requirement for the inclusion in the comprehensive program of provisions for planning, administration, and evaluation. Authorizes the expenditure of Federal funds for the training of personnel required to implement the highway safety programs, and the conducting of demonstration programs that the Secretary determines will contribute directly to the reduction of accidents, and deaths and injuries resulting. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend, when he deems it to be in the public interest, and for such periods as he deems necessary, the prohibition against his apportioning any Federal funds to a State that is not implementing a qualified program approved by him. Provides for the apportionment of such funds in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to increase, to the extent necessary, the Federal share of the costs to an Indian tribe of implementing a qualified program. Authorizes the Secretary to perform any of the research and development activities authorized by the section through the giving of grants. Authorizes the Secretary where he deems it to be in furtherance of the purposes of chapter 4 of title 23, to vest in State or local governments, on such terms and conditions as he deems appropriate, title to equipment purchased for demonstration projects by such government with funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out purposes of this Act. Prohibits the admission into evidence of any portion of any statement or information relating to a highway crash that has been furnished by any individual to the Secretary relating such crash or investigation thereof pursuant to section 403, of title 23 or of any portion of any report of the Secretary relating such crash or investigation thereof pursuant to section 403, in any subsequent criminal, civil or administrative proceeding except administrative proceedings held by the National Transportation Safety Board and administrative proceedings held by the Department of Transportation under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Authorizes the appropriations for the various programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Authorizes appropriations for the Office of Environmental Quality and the Council on Environmental Quality for fiscal year 1974 and for each fiscal year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that nothing contained in the U.S. Constitution shall prohibit the several States and the District constituting the seat of government of the United States from providing for voluntary prayer in the public schools of that jurisdiction, nor shall it abridge the right of persons lawfully assembled in any public building to participate in voluntary prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the month of May in each year as "National Arthritis Month".
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Creates a special tariff provision under the Tariff Schedules of the United States for imported glycine and related products. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1202)
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Occupational Safety and Health Amendments - Excludes from the definition "employers," for purposes of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, any nonagricultural employer who employed not more than 7 employees at any time during the preceding calendar year, or a small farmer. Provides that an employer may establish a safety committee for purposes of this Act, without violating the National Labor Relations Act. Provides that the Secretary of Labor shall evaluate as soon as possible after enactment of these amendments, existing Federal standards for occupational safety and health and to determine the applicability of each such standard to employers within each industry or business. Provides that the Secretary shall prescribe the cost per unit to the average employer for compliance with such safety standards, and determine the possibility of performance of required procedures; or if compliance with such standards is impossible, rescind the standard. Provides that failure of an employer or employee to comply with an occupational safety and health standard which has been adopted without compliance with the establishment administrative procedures shall not in itself be used in any civil action as evidence of negligence. Provides that the Secretary's regulations may require physical examinations of employees upon the inception of their employment in industry. Requires that a citation to an employer for violation of this Act specify the action to be taken for abatement of such violation. Provides as affirmative defenses to any proceeding under this Act that the employer furnished adequate notice and exerted all reasonable efforts to obtain compliance of his employees; that the employer had less than 30 days notice of a new standard; and that the standard which is the subject of the violation charged would not have effectively constituted an improvement of occupational safety and health in the circumstances under which the charge is brought. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with an employer to waive or defer penalty provisions under this Act on condition that the employer comply with standards on terms that the Secretary determines appropriate under the circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to employers with less than 100 employees when it appears necessary to comply with this Act's Standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to employers for the cost incurred in complying with a standard adopted without com- pliance with established administrative procedures. Provides that standards under this Act shall be applicable to employers with less than 100 employees only after one year following enactment of this Act. Makes the other amendments of this Act effective two months after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Interns for Political Leadership Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, under title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to enter into a contract or other arrangement with a private nonprofit agency (to be known as the "National Coordinating Agency") under which such Agency will plan, develop and carry out an internship program under which third-and fourth-year students at institutions of higher education will be provided practical political involvement with elected officials in the performance of their duties at all levels of government through internships in their offices. Provides that such internship program shall be carried out through arrangements with institutions of higher education and State and local governments under which students will serve as interns in offices of State and local elected officials. Provides that the students who have participated in the internship programs at State and local levels may become interns in the offices of Members of Congress for up to three months during the first year following the receipt of their bachelor's degree. Stipulates that students shall be chosen by the Agency from among those whose names are proposed by participating institutions. Limits the Federal contribution to the Program to one-half its cost. Authorizes the Agency to prescribe and administer the terms and conditions of internships, including stipends therefor. Authorizes an appropriation of $3 million in each of the three fiscal years 1974-1976, for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1973
Coal Strip Mine Control Act - Declares that the practice of surface mining for coal in the United States has resulted in the devastation of vast areas of land, in substantial environmental degradation, in an economic and social hardship on the people of these areas, and in the loss of significant scenic and natural resources. Title I: Federal Interim Program - Provides that on and after the date of enactment of this Act any coal surface mine the products of which enter commerce or the operations of which affect commerce shall be subject to the provisions of this Act. Requires the issuance of a permit issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act before any person can, after 270 days from the date of enactment of this Act, engage in or carry out surface mining activities. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, within 90 days following the date of enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations in connection with surface mining of coal. Sets forth criteria which such regulation shall contain. Provides that such regulations shall insure that: (1) reclamation of the site will return said land to a use and topographical conformance substantially as it existed prior to commencement of operations or to a different use or topographical conformance if proposed in the application for a permit if the Administrator determines that such alternative plan meets the intent and purpose of this Act; (2) mining and reclamation operations will control or prevent erosion, flooding, and pollution of water, release of toxic substances accidental land or rocklides, damage to fish or wildlife or their habitat, or public or private property, waste or mineral resources, destruction or loss of valuable scenic resource, and hazards to public health and safety; and (3) techniques employed in mining and reclamation under this Act conform to the best practicable technology for operations upon land of like nature and character. States that any regulation issued by the Administrator shall be subject to review in the District Court for the District of Columbia. Sets forth procedures for the approval of applications for permits and for renewal of applications. Provides for administrative hearings and for judicial review of such decisions. States that a permit issued under this title shall be valid for a period of one year following its date of issuance and requires the posting of a performance bond with the Administrator before such permit shall be issued. Provides for the immediate termination of any operation in violation of any of the provisions under which a permit was issued and the person holding such permit shall have 15 days within which to repair damages caused by such operation. Makes provision for the revocation of the permit if such person has not terminated his operation or repaired the damages caused by such operation. States that whoever knowingly violates the provisions of this Act or obtains a permit or renewal thereof through fraudulent means shall be fined not more than $10,000. Provides for a fine in an amount equal to not more than $5,000 for each acre of land stripped in violation of provisions of this Act. Makes provision for the release of performace bonds if it shall appear that said bond may be released consistent with the requirements of this title. Provides that if the Administrator does not approve the reclamation performed by the permittee he shall notify the permittee within twenty days after the request for release is filed. Provides for judicial review of any decision. Title II: State Regulatory Program - Provides that each State in which surface mining for coal is conducted shall adopt and submit to the Administrator, within 8 months after the promulgation of criteria and guidelines by the Administrator, a program which provides for the regulation of surface mining in such State. States that the Administrator shall approve or disapprove such program within four months. Sets forth criteria that such a program shall include. States that after the effective date of any regulatory program under this title, each State shall transmit to the Administrator a copy of any permit application received by such State and provide notice to the Administrator of all actions related to the consideration of the applications, including all permits proposed to be issued by the State. Provides that no permit shall be issued until the Administrator is satisfied that the conditions to be imposed by the State meet the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to require any person owning or operating any surface coal mine to establish and maintain records, install, use, and maintain monitoring equipment and provide such other information as he may reasonable require. Provides that the Administrator or his representative shall have a right of entry to, upon, or through any surface coal mine or any premise in which any records required to be maintained are kept. States that such records, reports, or other information required by this title shall be available to the public unless such access would devulge methods or processes entitled to protection as trade secrets. Provides for Federal enforcement of violations of a State regulatory program or of any order issued by the Administrator under this title. Makes provisions for judicial review of actions of the Administrator in approving a State regulatory program under this title. Title III: - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture upon request of States to provide to the States and soil conservation districts technical assistance for developing plans for the reclamation and rehabilitation of land damaged by surface mining. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to carry out the purpose of such a plan. Title IV: - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as determined by Congress for fiscal years 1974 and 1975, and thereafter such sums as may be required for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Title I: Coordination, and Personnel - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, shall coordinate efforts, in carrying out the purposes of all other Federal health, welfare, rehabilitation, highway safety, law enforcement and economic opportunity legislation, to deal with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Provides that the Director of the Institute may employ and prescribe the functions of such officers and employees, including attorneys, as are necessary to administer the programs and authorities under the Act. Title II: Federal Assistance for State and Local Programs - Authorizes further appro- priations for grants to States under the Act of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that State plans for assistance under the Act must set forth standards for construction and licensing of public and private treatment facilities, as well as standards for other community services or resources available to assist individuals to meet problems resulting from alcohol abuse. Provides that the Secretary acting through the Institute is authorized to make grants to the states for the implementation of the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act. Transfers all authorities pertaining to alcohol abuse and alcoholism under the Community Mental Health Centers Act to the authority authorized under the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act. Provides that grants under the Community Mental Health Centers Act for the construction of facilities for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism shall be approved in accordance with plans setting forth: (1) a description of the site of the project; (2) plans and specifications therefor in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary for general standards of construction and equipment for facilities of different classes and different types of locations; and (3) reasonable assurance that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors of the project will be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Removes the requirement under the Act that grants for specialized facilities may be made only to facilities which are a part of or affiliated with a Community Mental Health Center providing at least those essential elements of comprehensive community mental health services which are prescribed by the Secretary. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out part B of the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, 120,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and 120,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974, and each of the next nine fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to continue to make grants for staffing with respect to sections under such part for which a staffing grant was made from appropriations under the above for any fiscal year ending before July 1, 1976. Removes the compulsory suspension of Federal financial assistance, under the Act, to private and public hospitals for refusing to admit or treat alcoholics.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Occupational Safety and Health Act Amendments - Requires that when a proposed rule, which would establish a new occupational safety and health standard, or which would affect an existing standard, is published in the Federal Register, it shall be accompanied by a statement summarizing its economic impact on affected employers, including an estimate of the total cost which would be incurred by employers in each affected industry in complying with such rule. Provides that after a violation of an occupational safety and health standard has been abated an employer need not continue to post the citation for such violation at or near the site of the violation. Establishes a procedure whereby an employer receiving a citation can obtain a variance from the standard violated by persuading the Secretary that work procedures in operation at the time of the citation are equally effective in protecting his employees. Changes from mandatory to permissive the assessment of fines for serious violations. States that determining whether a fine should be assessed, due consideration would be given to the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer and the history of previous violations. Requires the Secretary of Labor to provide advice and technical assistance through consultation at the work sites of employers who have 100 or fewer employees, and who request such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Interstate Recycling Expansion Act - Sets forth the purposes and definitions of the Act - Title I: Establishment of Nondiscriminatory Rates and Charges for the Transportation of Recyclable and Recycled Solid Waste Materials in Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Maritime Commission to investigate all freight rate discriminations against recyclable commodities and within two years to enter appropriate orders terminating all such unreasonable discrimination in transportation charges. Title II: Expansion of Recycling Through Federal Procurement - Directs all Federal procurement agencies to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency in the establishment of new rules and procedures to maximize the procurement of recyclable materials and products which contain recycled materials. Title III: Modifications of Other Federal Impediments to Expanded Recycling in Commerce - States that labels under the Wool Products Labeling Act shall use the term recycled rather than reused or reprocessed. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Provides that this Act shall be effective on the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Federal Election Campagin Act Amendments - Creates a six-member independent Federal Elections Commission appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Specifies that the Commission shall have full legal powers. Authorizes the Commission to use the personnel and facilities of the Department of Justice and the General Accounting Office. Requires the Commission to submit its budget directly to Congress along with any recommendations it may have for legislation. Transfers specified functions of the Secretary of the Senate, the GAO and the Clerk of the House to the Commission. Requires each candidate for Federal office to have a central campaign committee through which all reports must pass. Requires the central committee to file its report with the Commission. Specifies that reports contain all contributions in excess of $100 and that cash contributions of $2,500 or more be reported within 24 hours. Requires a financial report to be filed 10 days before an election. Requires a candidate to file a statement as to the consideration for which any debt is settled for less than full value or the circumstances surrounding such settlement. Authorizes those sums necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, within eighteen months after the enactment of this Act, to: (1) identify hazardous wastes; (2) establish standards for treatment and disposal of such waste; and (3) establish guidelines for State programs for implementing such standards. Requires the guidelines to provide that: (1) with respect to disposal sites for hazardous wastes, the State program requires that any person obtain from the State a permit to operate such site; (2) such permits require compliance with the minimum standards of performance acceptable set by the guidelines; and (3) the State have such regulatory and other authorities as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act. Directs the administrator to promulgate regulations establishing requirements for generators of hazardous waste in such a manner so as to: (1) maintain records indicating the quantities of hazardous waste generated and the disposition thereof; (2) package hazardous waste in such a manner so as to protect human health and other living organisms, and label such packaging so as to identify accurately such wastes; (3) treat or dispose of all hazardous waste at a hazardous waste disposal site or treatment facility for which a permit has been issued under this Act; (4) handle and store all hazardous waste in such a manner so as not to pose a threat to human health or other living organisms; and (5) submit reports to the Administrator, at such times as the Administrator deems necessary. Allows injunctive relief for noncompliance with standards and regulations. Establishes a maximum civil penalty of $25,000 per day for continued noncompliance. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct, encourage, cooperate with, and render financial and other assistance to appropriate public and private agencies, institutions, and individuals for research, development, investigations, and other activities concerning waste management. Permits any person to commence a civil action for injunctive relief on his own behalf. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Environmental Protection Agency such sums as may be necessary for the purposes and administration of this Act. Provides that a petition for review of action of the Administrator in promulgating of any regulation shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Provides that any person who will be adversely affected by a final order or other final determination may file a petition with the United States court of appeals for the circuit wherein such person resides or has his principal place of business.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Provides income tax incentives by permitting expenditures for the modification of specified buildings which remove architectural and transportational barriers to the handicapped and elderly to be considered expenses under the Internal Revenue Code. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Provides that political contributions are not subject to the gift tax under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 2503(b))
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
National Health Care Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - States that: (1) America confronts a critical testing of its capacity to meet for all of its citizens one of the most basic of human needs, that of protecting and maintaining personal health; (2) every citizen of the United States of America should have access to quality health care, but too many Americans find it difficult to secure quality health care when they need it, where they need it, at prices they can afford; and (3) the nation needs systems of health care organization, delivery, and financing which combine the high scientific and technical competence of the medical and allied health professions; the flexibility, innovativeness, efficiency, and managerial skills of private enterprise; the legislative and fiscal capacities of government at all levels; and the potentialities of consumer and community participation in developing and maintaining such systems of health care. Declares the purposes of this Act to be to improve the organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all Americans by increasing health personnel, promoting ambulatory care, strengthening health planning, establishing national standards of health care benefits, encouraging provision of such benefits through comprehensive health care insurance, and by assisting persons of low income or in poor health to secure that insurance. Title II: Provisions to Increase the Supply and Improve the Distribution of Health Care Personnel - Allows a medical student to borrow the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs. Provides that the loan will be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent a year in return for practice in an area found by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the appropriate State comprehensive planning agency to be in need of physicians, optometrists, or dentists. Authorizes, $100 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for this purpose. Provides that loan provisions for student nurses are amended to allow loans covering the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies and other related costs. Directs that up to half of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit private institution or agency and that up to 100 percent of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a substantial shortage of nurses. Authorizes, $75 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 for this purpose. Provides that scholarship grants may, in accordance with regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, be awarded according to the needs of the individual, up to the full cost of his tuition, fees, books, equipment and living expenses. Authorizes for this purpose $10 million for fiscal year 1973, $30 million for fiscal year 1974, and $50 million a year for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977. Allows loans for students in the allied health professions covering the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs. Provides that up to half of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit private institution or agency and that up to 100 percent of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a substantial shortage of allied health professionals. Authorizes $7.5 million for fiscal year 1973, $15 million for fiscal year 1974, $40 million for fiscal year 1975, $60 million for fiscal year 1976, and $75 million for fiscal year 1977 for this purpose. Includes junior colleges, colleges and universities which offer training in health care center administration or curriculums providing the allied health-professionals needed to operate comprehensive ambulatory health care centers under the training grant provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Establishes a new program of special project grants to help education institutions meet the cost of developing curriculums and training programs to develop the skills needed to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Authorizes $10 million for fiscal year 1973, $25 million for fiscal year 1974, $40 million for fiscal year 1975, and $50 million a year for fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for this purpose. Establishes a program of Federal grants to medical personnel in return for service in urban and rural areas of critical need to alleviate the maldistribution of health care personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to contract with individual health professionals who agree to provide health care services for a period of at least two years in an area designated by the Secretary, upon recommendation of the appropriate State comprehensive health planning agency as having a critical need for those services. Provides that the amount of the grant is that amount which, when added to the recipient's income from providing health care services for each contract year, provides a total income equal to 110 percent of the national annual median income for persons of comparable education and training, or 110 percent of his earnings from providing health care services in the previous year, whichever is greater. Provides that in determining the precise amount of the grant, the Secretary may consider such factors as he deems relevant. Requires that he must consider, however: (1) the national median annual income for the applicant's profession; (2) the cost of living in the area of need; (3) the background, training, and education of the applicant; (4) the amount of income the applicant can reasonably expect to receive from service in the area; (5) the number of persons of the applicant's profession needed in the area; and (6) where appropriate, cost of equipment, supplies, and facilities. Title III: Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Provides grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Sets up a special category of grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers which offer a greater range of medical services than current law now specifies for "out-patient facilities" grants. Revises the declaration of purpose of title VI of the Public Health Service Act to recognize specifically the concept of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Provides that for fiscal years commencing after June 30, 1973, an additional $200 million is provided hereunder in grant authority to be used for the construction of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities, or the modernization of such existing facilities. Provides this sum through a new allotment category which is separate from existing allotment categories for construction and modernization of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that a portion of the funds available for grants hereunder be used to assist nearly-constructed facilities to pay initial start-up and operation expenses during the first three years of operation of such centers. Directs that funds available for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers will be allotted to the several states on the same basis as allotments are now made for construction of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that transfers from allotments for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities to allotments for the construction of other types of facilities are not authorized. Permits carryovers of unused allotments from one fiscal year to the other. Requires that priorities for awarding grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers be given to proposed facilities in densely populated areas now lacking such facilities. Provides that in its evaluation of the health needs of its citizens, the State health planning agency would be required to determine as part of its planning process the number of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed in the State and a plan for distribution of such centers. Requires the adoption of a program providing for construction of those comprehensive ambulatory health care centers identified as needed in its State plan, or for modernizing such existing facilities. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of health facilities from which recovery of Federal funds may be made by the Federal Government from facilities which no longer qualify. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of facilities which qualify for Public Health Service Act loans, guarantees and interest subsidies for construction or modernization of health facilities. Defines comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to emcompass only facilities which provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for ambulatory patients and thus relieve overutilization of general hospitals and make health care more accessible. Title IV: Provisions To Strengthen Health Care Planning - Provides that beginning in 1974, the President shall make a health report to the Congress no later than July 1 of each year on the status of the nation's health needs and health care system with a program for meeting those needs. Creates a three-man Council of Health Policy Advisers in the Executive Office of the President, its members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Council to hire officers, employees and such experts and consultants as may be needed. Requires the Council to make an annual health report to the President not later that April 1 of each year, starting in 1974, to be transmitted to the Congress as a supplement to the next Health Report of the President to the Congress. Provides that in its first report to the President the Council shall specifically review and advise the President on health programs. Requires the Council to develop and recommend goals for a national health policy to promote efficiency, eliminate waste and duplication in the utilization of health facilities and resources, and to recommend specific programs to streamline and consolidate health manpower programs. Directs the Council to consult with the National Advisory Health Council, and other advisory councils or committees as well as such representatives of the private sector as it deems advisable and to utilize the services, facilities and information of other public and private organizations to the fullest extent to avoid unnecessary overlapping or duplication of effort. Provides that the chairman shall be compensated at the rate of Level II and the other members at the rate of Level IV of the Executive Schedule Pay Rates. Authorizes such sums as are needed to enable the Council to function, not to exceed $1 million in any fiscal year. Requires every agency of the Federal Government to include, to the fullest extent possible, in each report on proposals for legislation or other major Federal action significantly affecting health or the health care system, the impact of the proposal on the nation's health care system, adverse effects, alternatives, the relative priority established by the Council of Health Policy Advisers, and any irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources involved. Provides that prior to making this report the responsible Federal official shall consult with and obtain the comments of any Federal agency which has jurisdiction by law or special expertise relative to the health impact of the proposal. Provides that these comments, with comments of appropriate Federal, State and local agencies, shall be made available to the President, the Council, and the public, and shall accompany the proposal through the existing agency review process. Provides that these provisions shall not affect the obligations imposed on Federal agencies by other Federal status. Adopts for purposes of the entire Public Health Service Act the definition of "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" provided in this bill. Provides that in order to qualify for the comprehensive health planning grants currently provided by section 314 of the Public Health Service Act, a State plan for comprehensive State health planning must, in addition to existing requirements, provide for the project certification procedures established by this Act. Increases the funds authorized for project grants for areawide health planning to $60 million for fiscal year 1973, and $100 million for fiscal years 1974 and 1975. Directs that to be eligible for the grants the agency must be prepared to function as the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" for the area or region. Requires the agency to be prepared to play a strengthened role in coordinating areawide health affairs, including the determination of health needs, capital expenditures programs, cooperative use of facilities, optimum use of available manpower and improved management techniques. Requires the agency to provide for consultation with the areawide health planning council and other groups, for the representation of health care facilities and physicians for enlisting public support, and for educating the public concerning the proper use of facilities and services available. Provides that in the case of applications for Federal grants, loans, or other financial aid involving more than $100,000 which require certification by the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency, the application may be approved by the Secretary only after he is satisfied that the review provisions of this section have been met. Requires that the agency have reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the application, and has certified to its essential need and high priority. Provides that if the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" is a metropolitan or other local planning agency, that agency, after reviewing the application, must have communicated its comments to both the applicant and the State agency. Directs the State planning agency to make its own determination that the application fits in with the State's overall needs and priorities as expressed in the State plan. Requires that if two or more States are involved, each State agency must make a separate certification as to the need and priority of the project in its State. Provides that in the case of a project affecting an entire State, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the agency designated in the State plan. Provides that in the case of a project affecting a region, metropolitan area, or other local area, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the areawide comprehensive health planning agency or such other public or nonprofit private agency determined in accordance with regulations to be performing the required health planning functions. Title V: Provisions to Make Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Available to All - Contains provisions designed to accomplish three major objectives: (1) to establish minimum nationwide standards for individual health care benefits; (2) to establish a system of nationwide health care insurance, utilizing both privately and publicly financed plans, which will assure that every individual requiring medical care will have the funds required to pay the cost of the care when his need for it arises, irrespective of his economic status; and (3) to control the cost and quality of medical care to the consumer by strengthening controls over the prices charged by institutional and individual providers of medical care that may be exercised by the public and private insurers who pay the providers' charges. Prescribes minimum national standards for the health care of all individuals. Requires that benefits paying for not less than the health care required under the minimum standards must be included in private or State established health care plans as a condition of eligibility for the federal tax or other public financial assistance accorded under this bill. Permits additional benefits and allows a qualified private health care plan to provide for a covered individual's payment of medical expenses exceeding established "deductible" and "co-payment" standards. Permits qualifying health care plans to include various other "optional" provisions. Assures that the minimum standards of health care required to be provided to needy and uninsurable individuals will be no less than those required for others. Requires the timing of benefit implementation to be faster under publicly assisted plans for needy and uninsurable individuals than under private qualified plans. Bars higher co-payments for ambulatory-treatment of a given condition than for institutional treatment of the same condition. Assigns one of three "priority designations" to each of the benefits in the Table of Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits and requires benefits in the several priority categories to be phased-in in accordance with a schedule prescribed in the law. Provides that to permit the flexibility required to deal with unexpected shortfalls in development of the health care facilities and services needed to deliver the care covered by a particular benefit, the President is empowered, under restricted conditions stated in the law, to defer the scheduled time for phase-in of benefits that have not become mandatory at the time he acts. Revises the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Federal income tax deduction otherwise allowable to an employer for any amount paid or incurred by the employer for medical care of any employee or his dependents. Restricts this deduction to 50 percent of the described expense for medical care of the employee prior to 1975, 75 percent for 1976 and 100 percent for all time after 1976. Provides that if the employer establishes and maintains a Qualified Employee Healthcare Plan, the restriction will not apply, and 100 percent of the described expense is deductible. Applies such provisions to taxable years after December 31, 1974, except that, in the case of any employer plan providing medical care for employees which was established pursuant to a collectively-bargained agreement, the restrictions on the deduction will not apply until the expiration of the agreement, or December 31, 1976, whichever occurs first. Requires that each Qualified Employee Healthcare Plan provide at least the Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits described in this Act and be in writing, adopted by the employer, and communicated to his employees. Provides that substantially all active full-time employees must be eligible to be covered, and the coverage must continue upon certain terminations of employment or certain temporary absences of the employee. Requires that a coordination of benefits provision be included in a qualified plan to avoid costly duplication of coverage and also the plan must permit eligible employees to seek coverage instead from any approved health maintenance organization in cases in which specified conditions are satisfied. Allows 100 percent of medical care insurance premiums as an income tax deduction, if such expenses are paid by an individual who is covered by a Qualified Individual Healthcare Plan, a Qualified Employee Healthcare Plan, or a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Requires that each Qualified Individual Healthcare Plan provide at least the Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits described in this Act. Requires that a qualified individual insurance contract contain provisions which obligate the insurer to renew the policy, and allows covered dependents to continue their coverage under the policy after the death of the insured as if he were still alive. Adds a new title XX to the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of publicly subsidized health care insurance plans on a State by State basis. Provides that each State will have a health insurance pool, which all private entities in that State (both profit and non-profit) which currently indemnify the cost of health care would be required to underwrite. Directs that one or more private insurance carriers will be designated by the State to administer the State plan on a retention accounting basis. Provides that these State plans will guarantee that Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits are made available to individuals and families who previously were unable to purchase health care insurance, either because of their low income or their extremely poor health. Provides that in order to encourage a State to establish a plan, federal appropriations otherwise payable to the State pursuant to titles V and XIX of the Social Security Act are conditioned on the State's having in operation a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Provides that individuals or families who are eligible to receive public cash assistance under a program financed in whole or in part by federal funds will be enrolled in the State plan automatically, and without cost. Permits those individuals who are financially capable of procuring health insurance, but who are uninsurable because of poor health, to enroll in the State plan at their own expense; however, these individuals may not be charged more than the established rate for other individuals enrolled in that State plan. Provides that enrollment of other individuals and families who had low incomes the previous year (less than $4,000 for single individuals, less than $6,000 for a family of two, and less than $8,000 for a family of three or more) is voluntary. Allows such individuals and families to elect to be enrolled once each year and requires them to make modest contributions toward the cost of insuring their own health care, depending on the size of their family and the amount of their income. Requires no assets or other means tests. Provides that the premiums to be charged for each policy year under a State plan will be actuarially determined in each State, and for each family size risk category. Directs that if the established premiums are found to be unjustifiably high within a particular State, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may direct a reduction in the federal appropriation for the State's premium cost. States that each State has the primary obligation to provide the uncontributed premium costs for its plan; but if the State implements and utilizes controls which are designed to promote the delivery of lower-cost higher-quality institutional health care services, if it exempts Qualified State Healthcare Plan transactions from State taxation, and if it eliminates discriminatory State tax treatment of health care insurers, then the State will receive federal appropriations reimbursing it for a percentage of its total uncontributed premium cost. Provides that the base figure may be between 70 and 90 percent, depending on the State's per capita income, but further adjustments to this percentage may be made if instituitonal rates charged in any particular State for health care services are unjustifiably high in comparison with other States. Gives States the authority to review in advance the rates to be charged by health care insitutions for their services, and to refuse to approve these rates for payment under the State plan. Controls the cost and quality of health care services provided by physicians and other medical practitioners in each State. Provides that a professional service, otherwise covered by these State plans, shall be reimbursed only if it falls within professionally established utilization guidelines or is found to be necessary health care by a qualified peer review committee. Asserts that no charge for a necessary service shall be reimbursed to the extent that it exceeds the prevailing charge in a locality for similar services. Provides that if the premiums collected and other monies received under the State plan are not sufficient to pay the claims incurred and the other costs of operating the State plan, the private underwriters of the plan shall bear the losses to the extent of 3 percent of the premiums collected for that year. Directs the State to bear the excess losses which will be reimbursed by a federal appropriation for that portion of the excess losses equal to the base federal percentage for that State's premium cost. Provides that enrollment is not available to those individuals or families covered under a Qualified Employee Healthcare Plan; enrollment. Makes provisions to protect the federal government against having to bear such part of the cost of a Qualified State Healthcare Plan as may be attributable to a State's decision to have the plan provide greater benefits than the minimum required for qualification under title XX. Provides that applicants for enrollment in the State plan must provide and certify all information required to make an eligibility determination. States that any Federal or State agency may be required to furnish information deemed by the administering carrier to be necessary to verify eligibility. Revises title V of the Social Security Act (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Excludes payment for items and services now covered under title V, if they also would be covered under a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Provides that title V will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by Qualified State Healthcare Plans. Revises section 1837 of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove existing limitations on Medicare Part B enrollment which might prevent otherwise eligible State plan enrollees from qualifying for Qualified State Healthcare Plan coverage. Requires each State which has a Qualified State Healthcare Plan to pay the premium for supplementary medical insurance benefits under Part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act for individuals and families who are eligible to enroll in the Part B program and who are also eligible to receive public cash assistance under a federally financed program. Revises section 1843 of title XVIII to allow a State to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to which all of these indigent State plan enrollees will be enrolled under the program established by Part B of title XVIII. Revises title XIX of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Provides that on July 1, 1973, or upon a State's establishment of a Qualified State Healthcare Plan, whichever occurs first, payment for items and services now covered under title XIX would be excluded if they also would be covered under a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Directs that title XIX will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by Qualified State Healthcare Plans. Establishes standards for strengthening controls over the quality and cost to enrollees for health care service provided by physicians or other medical practitioners and for health care services rendered to State plan enrollees in health care institutions. Provides that these standards shall apply to determine "reasonable cost" under the existing federally subsidized health care programs established by title V, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act. Requires that the premiums and other monies received pursuant to the operation of a Qualified State Healthcare Plan will, to the extent feasible, be invested by the administering carrier in interest-bearing obligations and other income-yielding securities. Exempts this interest or other income from federal income taxation. Requires insurance carriers to pool their efforts and resources to insure that all individuals and families will receive higher-quality, lower-cost health care benefits. Provides that these carriers will not be subject to Federal or State antitrust legislation solely as a result of their efforts to comply with the provisions of title V of the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Campaign Mail Act - Permits candidates for Federal office to send out a specified number of pieces of political mail at postal rates paid by nonprofit organizations. Allows a major party candidate to mail campaign mail equal to two times the voting age population and allows a minor party candidate to mail one-half that of the major party candidate. Stipulates that mail may only be addressed to persons in the area in which the candidate is eligible for office.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Exempts from the equal time requirements of the Communication Act all candidates for Federal offices. Expands the definition of a legally qualified candidate for purposes of the Act to include persons who have publicly announced for office or have knowledge that contributions and expenditures have been made in their behalf. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to study the effect of the equal time suspension on the congressional and presidential compaigns in 1974 and 1976.