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
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace at Stanford University, Stanford, California, on condition that the funds will be used for the construction of a new building, for the equipment of such building, and for the establishment of a capital fund administered by the Hoover Institution, the income from which shall be used for the purchase and processing of books and other documents for the library of the Hoover Institution. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury for making grants under this Act amounts in which the aggregate will not exceed gifts, bequests, and devises of money, securities, and other property, made to the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace after the date of enactment of this Act, except that the aggregate amount so appropriated shall not exceed $5,000,000.
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 · 27 March 1973
Provides that a person shall be subjected to the penalty of death for any offense prohibited by the laws of the United States only if a hearing is held in accordance with this Act. States that when a defendant is found guilty of or pleads guilty to an offense for which one of the sentences provided is death, the judge who presided at the trial or before whom the guilty plea was entered shall conduct a separate sentencing hearing to determine the existence or nonexistence of the factors set forth in this Act for the purpose of determining the sentence to be imposed. Provides that the hearing shll not be held if the government stipulates that none of the aggravating factors set forth in the Act exists or that one or more of the mitigating factors set forth in the Act exists. Provides that in the sentencing hearing the court shall disclose to the defendant or his counsel all material contained in any presentence report, if one has been prepared, except such material as the court determines is required to be withheld for the protection of human life or for the protection of the national security. Sets forth rules of evidence to be used in such hearing. States that the jury or, if there is no jury, the court shall return a special verdict setting forth its findings as to the existence or nonexistence of each of the factors set forth in this Act. Provides that the jury or, of there is no jury, the court finds by a preponderance of the information that one or more of the aggravating factors set forth in the Act exists and that none of the mitigating factors set forth in this Act exists, the court shall sentence the defendant to death. States that if the jury or, if there is no jury, the court finds that none of the aggravating factors exists, or finds that one or more of the mitigating factors exists, the court shall not sentence the defendant to death but shall impose any other sentence provided for the offense for which the defendant was convicted. States that the court shall not impose the sentence of death on the defendant if the jury or, if there is no jury, the court finds by a special verdict as provided in the Act that at the time of the offense there existed one of the specified mitigating factors. Lists the mitigating factors which the courts are to recognize. Sets forth specified crimes and circumstances which shall be considered aggravating factors for the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming technical amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
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 · 22 March 1973
National Mobile Home Safety Standards Act - Title I: Mobile Home Safety Standards - Directs the Secretary of Housing and urban Development to establish by order appropriate Federal mobile home safety standards. Provides that in prescribing standards under this Act, the Secretary shall: (1) consider relevant available mobile home safety data: (2) consult with such State or interstate agencies (including legislative committees) as he deems appropriate; (3) consider whether any such proposed standard is reasonable, practicable, and appropriate for the particular type of mobile home for which it is prescribed; (4) consider whether any such standard will place an undue financial burden upon manufacturers and distributors of mobile homes; (5) consider whether any such standard will result in a substantial increase in the retail price of mobile homes; and (6) consider the extent to which any such standard will contribute to carrying out the purpose of this title. Directs the Secretary to issue initial Federal mobile home safety standards upon the expiration of a one hundred eighty-day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall issue new and revised Federal mobile home safety standards under this title upon the expiration of the three hundred sixty-day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Mobile Home Safety Advisory Council, a majority of which shall be representatives of the general public, including representatives of State and local governments, and the remainder shall include members of the American National Standards Institute Committee on Mobile Homes and Recreational Vehicles and representatives of mobile home manufacturers, dealers and insurers. Provides that the Secretary shall consult with the Advisory Council before establishing or revoking any mobile home safety standard pursuant to this title. Directs the Secretary to conduct research, testing, development and training necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides that no person shall: (1) manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce, or import into the United States, any mobile home manufactured on or after the date any applicable Federal mobile home safety standard takes effect under this title unless it is in conformity with such standard; (2) fail or refuse access to or copying of records, or fail to make reports or provide information, or fail or refuse to permit entry or inspection, as required under this Act; (3) fail to issue a certificate required by this Act, or issue a certificate to the effect that a mobile home conforms to all applicable Federal mobile home safety standards, if such person in the exercise of due care has reason to know that such certificate is false or misleading in a material respect; or (4) fail to furnish notification of any defect as required by this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for each violation of this title. Provides that each violation shall constitute a separate violation, and that the maximum civil penalty shall not exceed $400,000 for any related series of violations. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Establishes the National Mobile Home Safety Bureau within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Provides that the provisions of this title shall be carried out through such Bureau. Title II: Changes in Existing Law - Authorizes Federal participation under the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 in any loan made for the purchase of a mobile home which meets or exceeds the mobile home safety standards established under this Act. Provides for Federal participation in loans made to veterans purchasing mobile homes which meet such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Page, Arizona Community Act - Provides for the incorporation of the Reclamation Townsite of Page, Arizona, Glen Canyon Unit, Colorado River Storage Project (presently under Federal ownership and operation), as a municipality under the laws of the State of Arizona. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 to carry out the purposes o this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Provides that any provision or requirement in any building code or other local law or ordinance, or in any contract or agreement, or any practice or other restraint which interferes with or restricts the use of new or improved techniques, methods, or materials or the use of preassembled products in connection with any development, construction, rehabilitation, or maintenance activity assisted under any program administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall be unlawful with respect to such activity. Provides that any person who is aggrieved because of any provision or requirement in any building code or other local law or ordinance, or because of any contract, agreement, practice, or other restraint unlawful under this Act may bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court notwithstanding any other provision of law and without regard to the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Rolling Stock Utilization and Financing Act - Title I: National Rolling Stock Information Service and Federal Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund - States that the purposes of this Act is: (1) to improve the utilization and distribution of rolling stock to meet the needs of commerce, users, shippers, the national defense, and the consuming public; (2) to assist railroads in acquiring additional rolling stock to provide fast and expeditious service to meet the increasing demands of the Nation's economy; and (3) to assist in achieving full employment by insuring adequate equipment necessary to transport the products of American industry. Defines the terms used in this Act. Creates a Federal Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund to be used to insure the interest on, and the unpaid principal balance of, any equipment obligation determined eligible for insurance. Establishes a Board to administer this Fund. Requires the Board before insuring any equipment obligation to determine in writing that specified limitations and conditions are met, including: (1) that the equipment obligation is secured by rolling stock to be financed or refinanced thereby; (2) that the terms of the equipment obligation require full payment within fifteen years from the date thereof; and (3) that the financing or refinancing of the rolling stock is justified by the present and future demand for transportation services to be rendered by the railroad or car-pooling company for which the rolling stock is procured. Authorizes the Board to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if at any time the moneys in the fund are not sufficient to pay any amount under an agreement entered into under this section. Allows the Board to consent to the modification of the provisions of an equipment obligation as to rate of interest, time of payment of interest or principal, security, or the terms and conditions or any contract of insurance entered into pursuant to this Act. Requires the transactions of the Board to be audited by the Comptroller General in accordance with such rules and regulations as he may prescribe and requires a report to be made to the Congress. Title II: To Improve Utilization - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to design and assist railroads in establishing a national rolling stock information system. Provides that such system shall facilitate equitable distribution and economic utilization of rolling stock by furnishing information to railroads, shippers, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the public about rolling stock with respect to physical characteristics, origin, destination, location, availability for future loadings, and such other information as determined useful. Requires a semiannual report to Congress on progress under this title. Relieves persons contracting for the design of a national information system or the use of such information from the antitrust laws with respect to such contract. Authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for purposes of this provision. Requires the Secretary to develop an index measuring the degree of utilization of freight cars, and to publish such index at least quarterly together with a report setting forth the changes in such utilization and the causes thereof. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission to publish a report on utilization of freight cars thirty days after each report by the Secretary. Provides for a study by the Secretary, with legislative recommendations, on the utilization of freight cars and means to improve such utilization. Provides for a study on the use of abandoned railroad trackage and rights-of-way as recreational trails and camp sites. Title III: Rolling Stock Authority - Authorizes the establishment of a corporation known as the Rolling Stock Authority if substantial progress in freight car supply and utilization has not been made within three and one-half years of enactment of this Act. States that the purposes of the Authority shall be to acquire, maintain, and provide rolling stock, to manage a pool of such rolling stock, and to employ innovative concepts for equitable distribution and efficient use of such rolling stock to meet the needs of the national economy. Provides that the Authority shall have a Board of eleven Directors, consisting of the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of the Treasury, and nine members, to be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of specified railroad, labor, shipping, and consumer organizations. Empowers the Authority to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business; sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of its property and assets; build, own, and maintain rolling stock to be operated for the purpose of providing modern, efficient freight transportation of goods; and conduct research and development related to the purposes of this Act. Provides that every railroad shall pay to the Authority a per diem surcharge of fifty cents per car day on each general service freight car for each day that such a railroad incurs a car-hire charge for the use of such car. States that the levy shall continue until the Board of Directors determines that such sum as may be necessary for this Act but not less than $10,000,000 nor more than $30,000,000 will be due or will have been paid as of a certain date, whereupon the levy will cease. Requires the Authority to issue a negotiable interest-bearing debenture to each railroad in the amount of the per diem surcharge paid by such railroad. Empowers the Authority to incur debts for capital purposes. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase the obligations of the Authority guaranteed by the United States in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 to acquire capital stock of the Authority; and such sums as may be necessary for the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the principal and interest on notes or obligations issued as guarantees under this section. Provides for the audit of expenditures under the Government Corporation Control Act. Requires a plan for the public sale of stock in the Authority, including a program to require refinancing, and to assure that the sale of the stock will result in a wide dispersion in the ownership of the stock. Requires the Authority to establish a national rolling stock information system within one year of enactment if such system is not in operation at the date of incorporation. Provides that the Authority shall establish charges for the use of rolling stock supplied by it, and shall establish terms and conditions governing the use of its equipment. States that the Authority shall be subject to the car service provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act, and the orders of the Commission thereunder to the extent applicable. Provides that the Authority may enforce compliance with any obligation owing to it under this Act by an appropriate civil action. Prohibits a railroad from refusing to transport general service freight cars owned by the Authority. Requires an annual report to the President and the Congress by the Authority on its activities under this Act. Title IV: General Provisions - Requires the Authority, in contracts under this Act: (1) to include equitable arrangements to protect the interests of individual employees affected in their employment by any such contract; (2) to conform to prevailing practices of the railroads and nonrailroads with rolling stock building and rebuilding facilities; and (3) to insure provailing wages for construction work.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Consumer Protection Act - Title I: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes, as an independent, nonregulatory agency, the Consumer Protection Agency. States that the agency shall be headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a four year term coterminous with the term of the President. Provides that the Administrator shall in accordance with this Act perform specified functions, including: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and Federal courts; (2) make grants to States and localities to encourage and assist consumer protection programs; (3) receive and transmit complaints from consumers; and (4) conduct, support, and assist research and other information-gathering activities related to the interests of consumers. States the Administrator shall prepare and submit directly to the Congress and the President, not later than April 1 of each year beginning April 1, 1974, an annual report, which shall include an analysis, evaluation, and review of those matters within his jurisdiction. Permits the Administrator to present to responsible officials in any Federal agency proceeding such relevant information in his possession as he deems necessary to enable the Federal agency to give due consideration to the interests of consumers. Permits the Administrator to request the initiation of a proceeding in a Federal agency. Authorizes the Administrator to participate in any State or local agency or court proceeding where the Administrator determines that the result of such proceeding may substantially affect an important interest of consumers and where his participation has been requested by a specified State official. Provides that each Federal agency which is considering any action which may substantially affect an important consumer interest to provide the Administrator with notice at such time as the public is given notice. Provides a procedure by which the Administrator is to transmit a consumer complaint to the Federal, State or local agency which has authority to enforce any relevant law or to take appropriate action. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct, support and assist research, studies, investigations, conferences and surveys concerning the interests of consumers. Sets forth methods of disclosure to the public of the information gathered. Details the general powers and functions of the Agency. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title II: Consumer Protection Grants Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the States or local public agencies to assist in the development of consumer protection plans. Provides that the Federal share of any program shall not exceed 75 percent. Provides that such grants shall be for programs which perform specified tasks. Sets forth qualifications for recipients of such grants. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth the definition of terms to be used in this Act. States that this Act shall be effective 90 days after enactment or on such earlier date as the President shall prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
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 · 1 March 1973
Establishes an Advisory Commission on the Reconstruction and Redevelopment of Southeast Asia. Authorizes the Commission to: (1) formulate broad and comprehensive recommendations as to the extent and kind of assistance that the United States should provide for the reconstruction and redevelopment of war-torn countries of Southeast Asia; (2) encourage the views of the American people and Members of Congress in promulgating such recommendations; (3) assess the availability of manpower technical know-how; (4) promulgate guidelines for computing the cost benefit ratio for reconstruction and redevelopment projects which take into consideration the budgetary deficits and financial needs of the United States; (5) establish the priorities of reconstruction in Southeast Asia; and (6) determine whether aid should be channeled through multinational organizations or be given on a belated basis or both. Outlines the membership of the Advisory Commission, administrative functions and authorizes those sums necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Employee Strike Vote Act - Provides that it shall be unlawful and an unfair labor practice for a labor organization or its agents to call, continue or resume a strike if a majority of the employees have voted in a secret ballot referendum to accept the employer's current offer or if such a referendum has been requested before the strike begins and the result thereof has not been accepted. Provides that such a referendum may be requested by the involved labor organization and the employer or 10 percent of the members of such bargaining unit. Requires that no such referendum may be held until at least thirty days have elasped following any prior referendum. (Adds 29 U.S.C. 158(b)(8))
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides that under the National Labor Relations Act it shall be an unfair labor practice for an employer to refuse to bargain collectively with the representatives of his employees but such refusal will not be an unfair labor practice unless the representative of the employees have been certified as such under the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act. (Amends 29 U.S.C. 158(a)5)
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1973
Small business Joint Export Development Act - Establishes the United States Joint Export Agency. Authorizes the Agency to secure from any department or agency of the United States any information relating to international trade and United States foreign policy necessary to enable it to carry out its duties under this Act. Provides that the Agency shall: (1) foster the development of United States export associations composed of small businesses which have not actively engaged in substantial export sales operations; (2) survey and identify small businesses which possess undeveloped export potential and which are interested in joining with other small businesses in United States export associations in order to develop a joint export operation; (3) obtain operating and other business information from such small businesses and from any other person engaged in exporting in order to provide assistance and advice to such small businesses with respect to the identification of products which have export potential, the combination of products for efficient exportation, and the development of export markets; (4) provide technical assistance and advice and financial support through grants and loans in accordance with the provisions of this Act; (5) provide institutional leadership to bring together small businesses who are interested in entering into joint exporting arrangements through the formation of a United States export assocation and to provide assistance in the formation of such associations; and (6) establish and conduct programs for the development of technical, professional, and managerial skills necessary to the establishment and operation of United States export associations, and for the development of liaison between the Agency, United States export associations, and international financial, investment, and marketing institutions. Provides for the Agency to assist associations of small businesses which have associated for the purpose of securing export advice and assistance in developing the operating agreements necessary to further joint export operations. Authorizes the agency to make technical assistance grants to such associations to finance management seminars and instruction for association members relating to market analysis, export marketing, channels of export distribution, the identification of original market areas for American products, the development of common catalogs and other marketing aids, and such other export information determined by the Agency to be appropriate. Authorizes as a deduction from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 a deficit in earnings and profits of an export association covered by this Act. Provides for the apportionment of such loss among the members of the export association. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums for each fiscal year as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademarked licensing contract an agreement for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a trademarked food product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in free and open competition with products of the same general class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 41)
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Provides that evidence shall not be excluded from any Federal criminal proceeding solely because that evidence was obtained in violation of the fourth amendment of the Constitution, unless the court finds that such violation was substantial. Provides criteria for determining whether a violation is substantial. States that the United States shall be liable for an illegal search and seizure conducted in violation of the Constitution by any employee of the Government, or by any person acting under him, or at his direction or request, or by any person whose compensation is paid in whole or in part by the United States. Authorizes punitive damages to be awarded in such actions and limits recovery under such actions to $25,000 including actual and punitive damages. Provides that an attorney may not charge a fee of more than 25 percent of any judgment rendered pursuant to his Act and establishes specific criminal penalties for violation of this section. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction over claims brought under this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3505, 2691-2694)
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Provides for the trial of unfair labor practice cases in U.S. district courts. Provides that the district courts of the United States, the district court of the Virgin Islands and the United States District Court for the District of the Canal Zone shall have jurisdiction to prevent any person from engaging in any unfair labor practice affecting commerce. Asserts that any person aggrieved by any such unfair labor practice may, within six months after the date on which such unfair labor practice occured, either: (1) file and prosecute such a complaint in any court having jurisdiction of the parties; or (2) file a charge of such unfair labor practice with the United States attorney for the appropriate district and request him to file and prosecute such a complaint. Directs that whenever a person aggrieved by an unfair labor practice is prevented by reason of service in the Armed Forces from filing a charge or complaint he may do so within six months after the date of his discharge. Provides that such proceedings shall be tried by the court without a jury. Provides that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure shall apply in such proceedings. Asserts that, in any case in which the pleadings present issues of fact, the court may appoint a master and the order of reference may require the master to submit with his report a recommended order. Allows the court to grant such temporary relief or restraining order as it deems appropriate pending final disposition of any proceeding, but only after publicly hearing testimony of witnesses (with opportunity for cross-examination) in support of the allegations of a complaint made under oath, and testimony in opposition thereto, if offered; and only after findings of fact by the court to the effect: (1) that one or more acts constituting an unfair labor practice have been committed and will be continued unless restrained; (2) that substantial and irreparable injury to the complainant will follow; (3) that as to each item of relief granted greater injury will be inflicted by the denial of relief than will be inflicted by the granting of relief; and (4) that complainant has no adequate remedy at law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Makes it the policy of the Federal Government, in the administration of all Federal programs, that religious beliefs which proscribe the performance of abortions or sterilization procedures (or limit the circumstances under which abortions or sterilizations may be performed) shall be respected. Provides that any provision of law, regulation, contract, or other agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, on and after the enactment of this joint resolution, shall not be imposed, applied, or enforced, in or in connection with the administration of any program established or financed totally or in part by the Federal Government which provides or assists in paying for health care services for individuals or assists hospitals or other health care institutions which would result in causing or attempting to cause, or in obligating, any physician, other health care personnel, or any hospital or other health care institution, to perform, assist in the performance, or make facilities or personnel available for or to assist in the performance, of any abortion or sterilization procedure on any individual, if the performance of such abortion or sterilization procedure on such individual would be contrary to the religious beliefs of such physician or other health care personnel, or of the person or group sponsoring or administering such hospital or other institution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Permits the recomputation of retired pay for any member or former member of the Armed Services who was on active duty or in an active status before April 1, 1958, for a period of not less than 10 years, and who became or will become entitled to retired pay based upon age, length of service, or physical disability under the provisions of the Career Compensation Act of 1949. Provides that the Act shall not retroactively entitle any member or former member to additional retired or retainer pay. Provides that the Act shall not reduce the retired or retainer pay to which a member or former member was entitled before this enactment. States that eligibility for recomputation under this Act begins on the first day of the first month after the member or former member reaches 60 years of age.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Increases the percentage of moneys collected as grazing fees to be returned to the States for the benefit of the county or counties from which they were collected, from twelve and one-half percent to fifty percent. (Amends 43 U.S.C. 315(i))
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes assistance, under the Small Business Act, to small business concerns in financing structural, operational, or other changes to meet standards required pursuant to Federal or State laws. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 636(b))
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Speedy Trial Act - Title I: Speedy Trials - Provides in any case involving a criminal defendant for the commencement of trial within 60 days from the date the defendant is arrested, served charged with an offense the appropriate judicial officer shall set a day certain for trial. with a summons, indicted or has an information filed against him. States that for the first 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act the time limit shall be 180 days and for the next 12 months such time limit shall be 120 days. Provides that certain pretrial motions, hearings or interlocutory appeals shall not be included in the 60 day computation. Permits the exclusion of periods of delay resulting from the defendant's absence, incompetence or an agreement with the prosecution. Provides that if a defendant is not brought to trial within the 60 day period, the information or indictment shall be dismissed on defendant's motion. Provides sanctions on either the counsel for the defendant or the government if they knowingly engage in dilatory practices. Provides that the Act is to become effective one year after its enactment. Directs in the interim that every judicial district adopt a plan to insure a speedy trial. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Pretrial Services Agencies - Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to establish in the 10 judicial districts a pretrial services agency authorized to maintain effective supervision and control over, and to provide supportive services to, defendants released under 18 U.S.C. chapter 207. Vests the powers of each pretrial services agency in a Board of Trustees appointed by the chief judge of that judicial district. Specifies the functions and powers of such pretrial services agencies and provides that the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall annually report to Congress on the accomplishments of the pretrial services agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Runaway Youth Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to establish local institutions to deal primarily with youth runaways outside the traditional law enforcement, juvenile justice system. Requires that grants be made on the basis of the number of runaways in the community and the present availability of services for runaways. States that priority be given to private organizations who have had experience dealing with runaways. Establishes the requirements which runaways houses must meet to be eligible to receive grants including: (1) location in an area frequented or reachable by runaways; (2) a maximum capacity of not more than 20; and (3) the development of adequate plans to insure proper contact with the child's parents and with the police, safe return of the runaway, and adequate after-care counseling. Provides that each proposed grantee must keep statistical surveys of their clients and report them annually to the Secretary. Requires that a plan meet the above requirements before it may be approved by the Secretary. Provides that nothing in this Act shall give the Federal Government and its agencies control over the staffing and personnel decisions of facilities receiving Federal funds, except that the staffs of such facilities must meet the standards under this Act. Includes Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands in the term "State". Authorizes $10,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976 to carry out the provisions of this title. Requires that the Federal share of the cost of constructing such houses be not more than fifty percent. Establishes the Federal share of the cost of renovating existing structures, providing counseling services and staff training, and general operating expenses at ninety percent. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct research on all aspects of the runaway problems. Authorizes $500,000 to be spent for this purpose and requires the Secretary to report to Congress not later than June 30, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Provides that whoever: (1) uses any firearm to commit a felony with respect to which the district courts of the United States have original and exclusive jurisdiction, or carries a firearm during the commission of any such felony, or (2) uses any firearm transported in interstate or foreign commerce or affecting such commerce to commit, or carries such a firearm unlawfully during the commission of any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and is convicted of such crime in a court of any State, shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such felony or crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for not less than five years, nor more than ten years. States that in the case of his second or subsequent conviction, such person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for any term of years not less than ten, or to life imprisonment. Provides that the court shall not suspend the sentence in the case of any person convicted under this Act, or give him a probationary sentence, nor shall the term of imprisonment imposed under this Act run concurrently with any term of imprisonment imposed for the commission of such felony or crime. Reduces from twenty-one to eighteen the age limit for various provisions concerning firearms under chapter 44 of title 18 of the U.S. Code. Eliminates the requirement, with regard to the sale or delivery of ammunition, of obtaining the individual's name, age, and place of residence.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Provides under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, that where a State has, on or before December 28, 1972, submitted a proposed State occupational safety and health standards plan, the Secretary of Labor may enter into an agreement with the State under which the State may enforce under the provisions of State law standards covering issues contained in such proposed plan pending final approval of such plan, or until December 28, 1973, whichever is earlier. (Amends 29 U.S.C. 667(a))
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Requires that imported meat and meat food products made in whole or in part of imported meat must be labeled "imported" at all stages of distribution until delivery to the ultimate consumer, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. (Amends 21 U.S.C. 620(a))
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data. Extends coverage to all Federal and federally assisted or licensed programs which alter the terrain and potentially cause loss of scientific, prehistorical, historical or archeological data. Directs Federal agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior if in their operations archeological or other scientific data are revealed or threatened. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior, upon notification by any responsible authority that a Federal program is threatening, damaging, or destroying such data, may evaluate (after reasonable notice to the responsible agency) the situation and cause a survey or other investigation to be made to the extent necessary to protect the public interest. Directs Federal agencies whose programs are causing damage or destruction of scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior a small portion of the program funds to protect or recover such data prior to its loss. Provides additional Federal funding activities to recover data on archeological programs affected by any Federal activity. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Allows an income tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the costs of maintaining the exterior appearance and structural soundness of historic buildings and structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Extends the provisions of the interest equalization tax under the Internal Revenue Code until March 31, 1975 (formerly March 31, 1973). (26 U.S.C. 4911(d))
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Veterans Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Act - Permits the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to furnish hospital care and medical services for the treatment of drug or alcohol addiction or drug or alcohol dependency to eligible veterans and members of their immediate families who request such care or service. Provides that, if the Administrator determines it necessary to the effective treatment of any eligible veteran applying for treatment under the provisions of this Act, he may require, as a condition to providing such treatment, that such veteran agree in writing to make himself available for such treatment for such minimum period of time and on such terms and conditions as the Administrator may prescribe. Allows the Administrator to refuse further treatment under this Act to any veteran who violates the terms of any agreement entered into with the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides that upon enactment of this Act, no non-Federal building or structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places shall be sold, substantially altered, or demolished except as provided for under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire any building or structure covered by the provisions of this Act in any case in which the Secretary determines that such action is in the best interest of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to remove from the Register the designation of a building or structure as a historic place, if he determines that the preservation of that building or structure is not in the best interests of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Lyndon B. Johnson, a former President of the United States, and a former Representative and former Senator from the State of Texas. Provides that in recognition of his illustrious statesmanship, his leadership in national and world affairs, his distinguished public service to his State and his Nation, and as a mark of respect to one who has held such eminent public station in life, the Presiding Officer of the Senate appoint a committee to consist of all of the members of the Senate to attend the funeral of the former President. Declares that the Senate tenders its deep sympathy to the members of the family of the former President in their sad bereavement, and that the Secretary communicate these resolutions to the House of Representatives and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the former President.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
National Resource Lands Management Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and maintain on a continuing basis an inventory of all national resource lands, and their resource and other values, giving priority to areas of critical environmental concern. Defines the term "national resource lands" as all lands and interests in lands now or hereafter administered by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management, except the Outer Continental Shelf. Directs the Secretary to develop, with public participation, maintain, and when appropriate, revise land use plans for the national resource lands consistent with the terms and conditions of this Act and coordinated so far as he finds feasible and proper, or as may be requires by the enactment of a National Land Use Policy or other law, with the land use plans of State and local governments and other Federal agencies. Provides that the Secretary shall manage the national resource lands in accordance with the policies and procedures of this Act and with any land use plans developed pursuant to this Act which he has prepared except to the extent that other applicable law provides otherwise. Authorizes the Secretary to sell national resource lands, if he determines that the sale of such tract will not cause needless degradation of the environment. Provides that sales of land under this Act shall be conducted under competitive bidding procedures to be established by the Secretary. Provides that all conveyance of title issued by the Secretary under this Act shall reserve to the United States all minerals in the lands, together with the right to prospect for, mine, and remove the minerals under applicable law and such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe. Provides that the Secretary shall insert in any patent or other documents of conveyance he issues under this Act such terms, covenants, and conditions as he deems necessary to insure proper land use, environmental integrity, and protection of the public interest. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, exchange, donation, or otherwise lands or interests therein needed for the management of the national resource lands including, but not limited to, lands needed to provide access by the general public to national resource lands. Provides that the use, occupancy, or development of any portion of the national resource lands contrary to any regulation of the Secretary issued pursuant to and in conformity with this Act or contrary to any order issued pursuant to any such regulations is unlawful and prohibited. Provides that the Secretary shall not impair or diminish any valid existing rights except under due process and upon payment of just compensation. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to prescribe such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors to prevent trades on the exchange but off the floor by members, directly or indirectly, for their own account, or for the account of any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with any such member, which do not yield priority, parity, or precedence to public orders and which do not contribute to the maintenance of a fair and orderly market. States that it shall be unlawful for a member of a national securities exchange to affect any transaction on such exchange with or for its own account, the account of any affiliate of such member, or any managed institutional account. Provides that such provisions shall not apply to transactions effected during the following periods: (1) prior to the last date on which any national securities exchange maintains or enforces any rule fixing minimum commission rates with respect to any portion of a transaction in excess of $100,000; (2) for a period of twelve months following such date, if the total value of all such transactions affected by a person who is a member of a national securities exchange does not exceed 20 percent of the total value of all transactions effected by such person on all national securities exchanges during such period; and (3) for a period of twelve months following the period specified in (2) if the total value of all such transactions by such person does not exceed 10 percent of the total value of all transactions effected by such person on all national securities exchanges during such period. Provides that it shall not be deemed unlawful or a breach of fiduciary duty for an investment advisor to cause a registered investment company to pay a commission to a broker for effecting a transaction, which is in excess of commissions charged by other brokers on similar transactions, if such investment advisor determines in good faith that research service provided by such broker for the benefit of such investment company justify such payment. Provides that an investment adviser of a registered investment company, or an affiliated person of such investment adviser, may receive any amount of benefit in connection with a transaction which results in an assignment of an investment advisory contract with such investment company. Provides that, in the event of any such transaction, not more than 25 percent of the directors of the investment company who are interested persons of either party to the transaction shall serve in such office effective at the date of commencement of the new advisory contract. Provides that it shall be unlawful for the directors of a registered investment company, in connection with their evaluation of the terms of any contract whereby a person undertakes regularly to serve or act as investment adviser of such investment company, to take into account the purchase price or other consideration such person may have paid in connection with a transaction within the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Bilingual Job Training Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for job training programs in the combined languages of English and of the person's dominant language, and to provide for the development of skilled instructors and instructional materials and techniques for bilingual job training. Authorizes to be appropriated $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of making grants under this Act. Provides that 65 percent of such funds shall be utilized for grants for State bilingual job training programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to: (1) develop and disseminate accurate information on the status of bilingual job training in all parts of the Nation; (2) evaluate the impact of such training on the shortages of well-trained personnel, the unemployment of persons of limited English-speaking ability and the ability of such persons to contribute fully to the Nation's economy; and (3) report hig findings annually to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to States, local educational agencies, post-secondary educational institutions, private vocational training institutions, or to nonprofit organizations to assist them in conducting bilingual job training programs in all communities of the State. Provides that grants under this Act may be made to the State Board of Vocational Education upon application to the Secretary, or directly to the institutions and organizations listed above if such individual applications are approved in advance by the State Board of Vocational Education. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States, or directly to educational insitutions, to assist them in conducting training for instructors of bilingual job training programs. Specifies information which shall be included in an application for such a grant. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the development of instructional materials, method and techniques for bilingual job training.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Creates an Atlantic Union delegation, composed of 18 eminent citizens, which is authorized to organize and participate in a convention made up of similar delegations from such North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies as desire to join in the enterprise, and other parliamentary democracies the convention may invite, to explore the possibility of agreement on: (a) a declaration that the goal of their peoples is to transform their present relationship into a more effective unity based on Federal principles; (b) a timetable for the transition by stages to this goal; and (c) a commission to facilitate advancement toward such stages. Requires the convention's recommendations to be submitted to the Congress. Provides that not more than half of the delegation's members shall be from one political party, and that 6 of the delgates shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, after consultation with the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, 6 by the President of the Senate, after consultation with the Senate committee on Foreign Relations, and 6 by the President of the United States. Allows all members of the delegation to speak and vote individually in the convention. Authorizes the delegation in carrying out the purposes of this Act: (a) to seek to arrange an international convention and such other meetings and conferences as it may deem necessary; (b) to employ and fix the compensation within prescribed limits of such temporary professional and clerical staff as it deems necessary; and (c) to pay not in excess of $100,000 toward such expenses as may be involved as a consequence of holding any meetings or conferences authorized by subparagraph (a) above. Authorizes not to exceed $200,000 to be appropriated to the Department of State to carry out the purposes of this resolution, payments to be made upon vouchers approved by the Chairman of the delegation subject to the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the obligation and expenditure of appropriated funds. Requires the delegation to make semiannual reports to Congress accounting for all expenditures and such other information as it deems appropriate. Provides that the delegation shall cease to exist at the expiration of the three-year period beginning on the date of the approval of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Individual Retirement Benefits Act - Establishes minimum standards for participation and for vesting of benefits under pension and profitsharing plans. Provides that no employee may be excluded from participation in an employer-sponsored plan if he has attained the age of 30 years and has been an employee for at least three years, except an employee who is within five years of retirement age. Adopts a vesting standard under which every pension must be half vested when an employee's age plus the number of years he has participated in the plan equals 50. Provides that the remaining portion of his pension must vest ratably over the next five years. Grants the Secretary regulatory authority to require more restrictive rules for plans where inadequate vesting and eligibility provisions would be likely to result in discrimination prohibited by existing law. Grants tax deductions under the Internal Revenue Code to individuals for personal savings for retirement. Provides that the deductible amount is 20 percent of the individual's earned income for the year, as does not exceed $7,500. Allows the tax deduction for employee contributions to employer-sponsored plans and, in the case of an individual who is not covered by employer-sponsored plans (or who is inadequately covered by an employer-sponsored plan), a deduction is allowed for amounts set aside by the individual for his own retirement in an individual retirement account. Provides that amounts held in individual retirement accounts shall be allowed to earn tax-free income. Increases the deductible contribution which may be made on behalf of self-employed individuals business coporations to a retirement plan which covers themselves and their employees to 15 percent, or $7,500, whichever is less.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Prohibits the distribution of food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, to any household where the head of the household is engaged in a labor strike, except where such household was eligible for participation in such program prior to the time the head of the household went on strike. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2013)
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Provides that property which is required to be divested pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 may be distributed by a bank holding corporation to its stockholders without the recognition of gain to the stockholders. States that this would only apply to the distribution of property under the Bank Holding Company Act which had been acquired prior to July 1, 1970. Denies nonrecognition treatment for any distribution if, in connection with such distribution, the distributing corporation retains or transfers, after July 7, 1970, to any corporation, property (other than prohibited property) as part of a plan one of the principal purposes of which is the distribution of the earnings and profits of any corporation. Requires the Federal Reserve Board to certify prior to a distribution that such distribution is necessary or appropriate to effectuate the policies of this Act. Requires a distribution to the stockholder of prohibited property or bank property to be completed within three years after the first distribution of such property is made. Provides for the nonrecognition of gain where a bank holding corporation sells prohibited property or bank property pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments. States that the gain from such sale shall be recognized only to the extent that the amount realized upon such sale exceeds the cost of qualifying replacement property purchased during the reinvestment period. Defines such replacement property as: (1) stock of another corporation if, immediately after the purchase, the acquiring corporation has control (eighty percent stock interest of such other corporation); or (2) substantially all the assets of another corporation used in the trade or business of such corporation. States that the basis of any stock or assets which are acquired as replacement property would be reduced by the amount of the deferred gain. Sets forth definitions used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Provides that the price-regulation provisions of the Natural Gas Act relating to rates and charges shall not apply to persons engaged in the production or gathering and sale but not in the transmission of natural gas. Provides that the Federal Power Commission shall have no power to deny that portion of the rates and charges made, demanded or received by any natural gas company to or for a person exempt under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Act to Regulate State Taxation of Federally Insured Financial Institutions - Provides that, for the purposes of any tax law enacted under authority of the United States or any State, a federally chartered financial institution shall be treated as an institution organized and existing under the laws of the State or other jurisdiction within which its principal office is located. Permits a State or political subdivision thereof to impose on any federally insured institution having its principal office within the State any tax that is imposed generally on a nondiscriminatory basis throughout the jurisdiction, except that no tax may be imposed on intangible personal property owned by any such institution unless there is a beneficial owner of such property held by such an institution in a fiduciary capacity. Allows the legislature of a State to impose taxes on any federally insured financial institution not having its principal office in such State provided that the taxes are imposed generally throughout the jurisdiction on a nondiscriminatory basis. States that such taxes include: (1) sales taxes and use taxes; (2) taxes on real property or on the occupancy of real property located within such jurisdiction; (3) taxes on the execution, delivery, or recordation of documents within such jurisdiction; and (4) payroll taxes based on persons employed in such jurisdiction. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make a study of all pertinent matters relating to the application of State "doing business" taxes on out-of-State insured commercial banks and to submit a report of the results of its study and recommendations no later than June 30, 1974.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bennett, Wallace F. [R-UT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000384_200.jpg)