United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance, or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation and Educational Assistance Rate Adjustments - Increases the base figures for vocational rehabilitation and Educational assistance by eight per cent. Adjusts three-quarter and half-time rates to provide the same proportion as the amount of training taken. Provides increases for trainees pursuing farm-cooperative apprentice programs or other on the jobe training. Provides that veterans of the Vietnam era rated 10 per cent disabled or greater shall automatically be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. Title II: Educational Assistance Program Adjustments - Extends the current 8-year delimiting date for veterans to complete their programs of education to 10 years. Excludes in computing the delimiting date for those veterans and civilians held as prisoners of war in the Vietnam theater of operations, the period of time which they were detained plus any period of time which they were hospitalized immediately subsequent to their release. Provides those recently discharged from military service up to 6 months of educational assistance to pursue refresher training to update knowledge, skills, and technological advances occurring in their fields of employment during their period of active military service. Provides cost-of-living increases for veterans or eligible persons enrolled in apprenticeship or other on-the-job training. Title III: Veterans' Education Loan Program - Establishes a veterans' education loan program. Prescribes the eligibility requirements, the amount and conditions, and interest rate of such loans. Requires that a fee shall be collected from each veteran obtaining a loan for the purpose of insuring against defaults on such loans. Title IV: Veterans, Wives, and Widows Employment Assistance and Preference and Veterans' Reemployment Rights - Extends job counseling, training, and placement services for veterans to include among those eligible to receive services, widows of veterans who have died of service-connected causes and wives of totally disabled veterans. Directs the Administrator of Veterans in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Civil Service Commission to establish an affirmative action plan for every Federal department and agency for the preferential employment of disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. Extends reemployment rights to those who were employed by State or local governments prior to entering the service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that other nations should not construe domestic events as adversely affecting our resolve to uphold our vital interests, nor be tempted to seize upon them as an opportunity to undermine the security of the United States. Expresses the sense of the Senate that other nations should not construe domestic events as impairing the full commitment of our Government to achieve a just and durable peace in the Middle East. Calls upon all friendly nations to join with the United States in pursuance of these vital common objectives, which have as their goal respect for law and a stable and secure peace throughout the world.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Provides that the District Court for the District of Columbia shall have original jurisdiction, without regard to the sum or value of the matter in controversy, over any civil action brought by either House of Congress, any committee of such House, or any joint committee of Congress, to enforce or secure a declaration concerning the validity of any subpoena or order issued by such House or committee, or by any subcommittee of such committee, to any officer, including the President and Vice President, or any employee of the executive branch of the United States Government to secure the production of information, documents, or other materials. States that either House of Congress, or any committee of such House authorized by such House to bring suit, or any joint committee of Congress authorized by Congress to bring suit, in addition to any other available remedies, may commence and prosecute a civil action under this Act in its own name or in the name of the United States in the District Court for the District of Columbia to enforce or secure a declaration concerning the validity of any subpoena or order issued by such House or committee, or by any subcommittee of such committee, against any officer, including the President and Vice President, or any employee of the executive branch of the United States Government to secure the production of information, documents, or other materials. Provides that any House or committee commencing or prosecuting an action pursuant to this section may be represented in such action by such attorneys as it may designate.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Declares, under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, that it is the policy of the Federal Government to announce publicly all requirements for accounting services and to negotiate contracts for such services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of services required at fair and reasonable prices. Sets forth regulations governing requests for data or accounting services. States that an agency shall negotiate a contract with the highest qualified firm for accounting services at compensation which the agency head determines is fair and reasonable to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the announced policy of the United States Government to maintain Israel's deterrent strength be implemented by continuing to transfer to Israel, by whatsoever means necessary, Phantom aircraft and other equipment in the quantities needed by Israel to repel the aggressors.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that its members support the efforts of the President and the Secretary of the State to achieve a cease fire in the Middle East and a return of the parties involved to lines and positions occupied by them prior to the outbreak of the current hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Social Services Amendments - Outlines the objectives to be achieved under this Act, including: (1) the goal of self-support; (2) the goal of family care or self-care; (3) the goal of community-based care; and (4) the institional care goal. Provides, under the Social Security Act, for maximum freedom for each State to determine which services will make available, the persons eligible for such services, the manner in which such services are provided, and any limitations on the receipt of such services. Requires that social services to be offered at the option of the States to all elibible persons shall include: (1) day care services for children; (2) day care services for children with special needs; (3) service for children in foster care; (4) protective services for children; (5) family planning services; (6) protective services for adults; (7) services for adults in foster care; (8) homemaker services for individuals in their own homes; (9) chore services; (10) home delivered or congregate meals; (11) day care services for adults; (12) health related services; (13) home management and other functional education services; (14) housing improvement services; (15) a full range of legal services; (16) transportation services necessary to travel to and from community facilities or resources for receipt of services; (17) educational and training services; (18) employment services; (19) information, referral, and determination of eligibility and the need for services, without regard to individual eligibility criteria; (20) special services for the mentally retarded, or special adaptations of generic services; (21) special services for the blind; (22) services for alcoholism and drug addiction; (23) special services for the emotionally disturbed as defined by the State; (24) special services for the physically handicapped as defined by the State; and (25) any other proposed services at the request of a State. Provides that States are entitled to Federal financial participation for the delivery of mandatory and optional social services under the State plan to the extent of the appropriations allocated by the Congress. Requires that State plans submitted with respect to the services program shall contain provision for a fair hearing, under which applicants and recipients may appeal exclusion from a service program. Provides that State plans shall provide for the establishment of a Social Services Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medical Assistance Reform Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance Program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for indviduals. Provides that every individual who: (A) is fully insured or otherwise entitled to monthly insurance benefits under title II of such Act; (B) is the wife, husband, widow, or widower, or dependent child of an individual who is fully insured or otherwise entitled to monthly insurance benefits; and (C) has appropriately applied therefor, shall be entitled to castastrophic health insurance benefits. Delimits the scope of benefits. Includes therein hospital insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital, home health, outpatient physical therapy and medical and other health services) and medical insurance benefits (medical and other health services and emergency hospital services). Sets forth the terms and conditions for payment, deductibles and coinsurance. Directs that a payment shall be made from the Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to an eligible individual equal to the reasonable cost of services covered by this Act which are furnished after the 60th day of inpatient hospital services, reduced by a coinsurance amount equal to one-fourth of the inpatient hospital deductible as determined by title XVIII of this Act. Enumerates such reductions as they apply to other types of hospital insurance benefits. Provides for a general deductible from: (a) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past the 60th day; and (b) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (1) $2,000, or (2) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $50 increments). Provides for State agreements for coverage of annuitants and members of retirement systems and their dependents and survivors in order to extend the benefits of this Act to such individuals. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a "Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund" to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. Imposes a tax for catastrophic health insurance protection under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, on the self-employment income of every individual and other individuals income in the following amounts for the calendar years indicated: (a) 0.30 percent of income for 1974, 1975, and 1976; (b) 0.35 percent of income for 1977 through 1981; and (c) 0.40 percent of income for each year thereafter. Imposes similarly, an excise tax on employers on the amount of wages paid by the employer in the same percentages for the respective years indicated above. Title II: Medical Assistance Plan for Low-Income People - Provides, for low-income individuals and families, assistance toward the costs of necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, medical, and other health care services. Guarantees free choice by patients of health services from any person, institution, or agency qualified under this Act. Permits individuals the option of obtaining other health insurance protection. Describes the medical assistance plan, what individuals are eligible to receive its health benefits, and the application procedure. Enumerates the scope of benefits under the plan, including: (1) 60 days of inpatient hospital services; (2) skilled nursing facility services; and (3) home health services. Prescribes the co-payment requirements and procedures of persons eligible for benefits. Makes special provisions relating to Medicade eligibles and the circumstances under which such persons are eligible for health benefits under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to require consolidation of facilities of carriers and intermediaries in geographic regions with minimum size populations of persons covered under this title. Creates the Medical Coverage Trust Fund to consist of gifts and bequests and held by a Board of Trustees. Makes provisions for State constitutions to the Fund. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this title, including the meaning of "income," "health care expenses," and "inpatient hospital services." Prohibits exclusion by employers of specified employees from coverage under group health insurance plans. Title III: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - States that any insurer may provide any health insurance policy to the Secretary for his examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall not certify any such insurance policy.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1973
Provides that any regulations published or promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency for grants for the construction of treatment works under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, prior to the date of enactment of this joint resolution are hereby set aside and are declared to be of no legal effect and no moneys appropriated shall be distributed in accordance with such regulations. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, within thirty days after enactment of this joint resolution, to publish and submit to the Congress regulations for grants for the construction of treatment works so as to effect an equitable allocation of appropriated funds among all qualified projects on which construction was initiated after June 20, 1966, but before July 1, 1972. Within thirty days of congressional session following the receipt of such regulations. Authorizes the Committee on Public Works of either House to report a resolution of disapproval of such regulations. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at the time such regulations are submitted to the Congress, to notify each State.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1973
Removes, under the Higher Education Act, the needs provision for families with income less than $15,000 a year from the student loan subsidy provision of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the President, in exercising the authority conferred by the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 with respect to price levels applicable to sales of gasoline or diesel fuel grade number two, should permit the passthrough of any increase in the cost to the seller of gasoline or diesel fuel grade number two which was lawfully put into effect on or after August 1, 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
Combined Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Income Tax Reporting Amendments - Title I: Amendments to Title II of the Social Security Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make available specified tax returns to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Empowers the Secretary of HEW and the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement for the processing of information contained in such returns. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide to the Secretary of the HEW any documents they agree are necessary for such processing. Directs the Managing Trustee of the Trust Funds, including the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, to pay into the Treasury the amounts he and the Secretary of HEW estimate will be expended from the general fund of the Treasury by the Department of HEW and Treasury for the administration of (1) titles II, XVIII of the Social Security Act, and (2) specified chapter and subchapters of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of HEW to apportion (between each Trust Fund and the general fund in the Treasury) the costs of administratering titles II, XVI and XVIII of the Social Security Act and its costs in carrying out specified functions of this Act. Provides that average monthly wage, quarters of coverage, and coverage credits derived from self-employment income for taxable years beginning before 1974 are to be determined on a basis of income credited to calender quarters. Limits quarters coverage to quarters occuring before 1974 and make additonal modification to taxation of self-employed persons. Allocates, under the Social Security Act, coverage credits for earnings before 1974 based on quarters of coverage and after 1973 on the basis of earnings durings the calendar year. Provides that a person will satisfy the requirements prerequisite to a determination of disability if he has 20 or more coverage credits which were credited to the period ending on the day the disability arose and consisting of that part of the current calendar year up until the day the disability began and the nine prior calendar years. Redefines a "fully insured individual" in terms of coverage credits rather than quarters of coverage." States that any person upon obtaining the age of 62 with the proper number of coverage credits is fully insured. Provides that specified benefits be paid to individuals not citizens of the United States who amassed sufficient coverage credits. Title II: Amendments Preserving Relationship Between Railroad Retirement and Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Provides, under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, that in the calculation of an employee's "average monthly renumeration" after calendar 1974 an individual employee shall obtain the benefit of full allowable coverage credits, irrespective of whether particular quarters of coverage were otherwise available for calculation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
Defense Manpower Study Act - Establishes a seven-member Defense Manpower Commission to conduct a comprehensive study and investigation of the overall manpower requirements of the department of Defense on both a short-term and long-term basis with a view to determining what the manpower requirements are and will be over the next ten years, and how manpower can be more effectively utilized in the Department of Defense. Empowers the Commission to hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and places as the Commission or such subcommittee or member may deem advisable. Directs the Commission to submit interim reports to the Congress and to the President regarding its duties under this Act, and to include in any such report its findings together with such recommendations for administrative or legislative action as the Commission considers advisable. Requires the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress and to the President not more than eighteen months after the appointment of the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall cease to exist sixty days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriation to the Commission of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1973
Directs the Department of Transportation, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Department of Agriculture jointly and in full cooperation to conduct a pilot investigation to determine the impact of de facto transportation factors (such as rates, ratings, routings, availability of equipment financing, scheduling, damaged and lost claims, lack of service, restrictions such as interlinings, and so forth) on economic opportunities, living patterns, and the cost of doing business in South Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Provides, under the Economic stabilization Act of 1970, that the President, in exercising authority with respect to retail pride levels, shall permit the passthrough of all increases in the cost of goods sold or services performed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1973
States that the increases in the monthly benefits and lump-sum death payments under title II of the Social Security Act shall be increased by 7 percent beginning January 1974 (presently increased by the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for June 1973 exceeds that for June 1972, beginning April 1974).
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1973
Defines "employer", under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, to include persons who have twenty or more employees (formerly twenty-five or more employees). Includes State and local governments and instrumentalities and interstate agencies within the definition of "employer" for purposes of such Act. Increases the amount authorized to be appropriated for the Act from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000. Prohibits discrimination on account of age in any personnel action affecting employees or applicants for employment in the Federal Government, including military departments, the United States Postal Service, the units of the District of Columbia Government, and the legislative and judicial branches having positions in the competitive service. Authorizes the Civil Service Commission to enforce this prohibition against age discrimination through appropriate remedies. Requires an individual to file a notice with the Commission within 180 days after an alleged unlawful practice.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Provides, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individuals' earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Declares that the United States Senate does hereby congratulate and felicitate the distinguished Senator from Mississippi, the Honorable John C. Stennis, on his birthday and expresses the wish that he will enjoy many other such anniversaries in the future. Declares that members of the Senate greatly miss the distinguished Senator and wish for him an early return to the Senate Chamber and to his duties in the Senate. Directs that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and a copy furnished to Mr. Stennis.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1973
Provides for grants under the Public Health Service Act to public and private nonprofit organizations to assist them in purchasing mobile health units to serve residents of medically underserved areas. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1974-1976, respectively, of $10,000,000; $15,000,000; and $20,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1973
Offshore Shrimp Fisheries Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue permits to vessels to engage in shrimp fishing under requirements of the existing treaty between Brazil and the United States, this Act and other regulations. Limits the number of vessels at present which are subject to permits to 325 or a different number as specified in the treaty from time to time. Outlines the requirements of the permits and allows such permits to be suspended or revoked by the Secretary for failure to comply with any terms or conditions. Gives the permittee, upon suspension, the right to a prompt hearing by the Secretary. Declares the decision of the Secretary to be final and binding. Allows permits to be returned to the Secretary and reissued. Sets annual fees for a permit for 1973 at $1,230 plus not more than $200 for administrative costs. Provides that the method and time for application of permits be announced in advance by the Federal Register. Outlines the procedure for granting permits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a letter of voluntary compliance to a vessel owner whose vessels have engaged in fishing in the area after May 9, 1972, who have met treaty requirements, and who have prior to August 1, 1972 deposited $700 to the Offshore Shrimp Fisheries Fund. Establishes the Offshore Shrimp Fisheries Fund to be used by the Secretary to make payments for enforcement expenses under article VI of the treaty. Requires each person in charge of a vessel with a permit to keep a logbook in such form and manner as prescribed under the treaty. Requires owners of such vessels to give additional information on shrimp fishery to Secretary. Requires such information to be treated as confidential commercial information. Gives the Secretary power to subpena all such logbooks, records or other information. Prohibits fishing or transship of shrimp in area of agreement unless the vessel is operating under permit issued under this Act. Prohibits any attempt to prevent duly authorized officers from searching or seizing any vessel pursuant to his duties under the treaty. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Requires that the minimum penalty assessed be sufficient to cover enforcement expense incurred by the United States pursuant to article VI. Requires such minimum civil penalty to be deposited directly into the Offshore Shrimp Fisheries Fund. Provides that this Act be enforced jointly by the Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of the department over the Coast Guard, and the Secretary of the Treasury. Empowers any duly authorized law enforcement officer of Brazil (acting under article V of the treaty) to act on behalf of the United States to enforce provisions of the treaty relating to search and seizure of any vessel. Authorizes the Secretary to issue all regulations necessary to carry out objectives of the treaty and this Act. Requires that prior to issue of any regulations dealing with marketing vessels or use of radio-telephone frequencies, the Secretary shall consult with Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Authorizes appropriations necessary for expenses pursuant to article VI of the treaty to be deposited in the Offshore Shrimp Fisheries Fund. Authorizes appropriation necessary for domestic enforcement expenses and the expenses of administering the provisions of the treaty, the Act and the regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Provides, under Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, for a ten-year term for the appointment of the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1973
Campaign Gift Tax Act - Provides for rules governing the application of gift tax laws to political contribuitons made to more than one political committee. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to notify political committees that they must preserve their financial records for tax purposes. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 2503(b))
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1973
Establishes 1974 (rather than 1975) as the first year in which adjustments in benefits can be made under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Provisions of the Social Security Act on account of increases in the cost of living.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the establishment of a Rehabilitation Services Administration and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of HEW under this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in the appropriation Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Part A: General Provisions - Authorizes to be appropriated in order to make grants to States under part B of this title $590,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $610,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $640,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals $35,860,000 for fiscal year 1973. $37,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $39,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Sets forth conditions which shall be included in a State plan for vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services submitted to the Commissioner for approval under this title. Provides for judicial review of an adverse decision of the Commissioner with respect to a State plan submitted for approval under this title. Part B: Basic Vocational and Comprehensive Rehabiliation Services - Provides for the allocation of the funds appropriated under Part A for Part B to the several States. States that the allocation to any State shall not be less than l/4 of 1 percent of the amount appropriated, or $2,000,000, whichever is greater. Provides that for each fiscal year the Commissioner shall pay to each State from each State's allotment an amount equal to the Federal share of the cost of vocational rehabilitation services under an approved State plan. States that this payment shall not exceed such State's allocation under this part. Requires the Commissioner to set aside funds in an amount between $500,000 and $l,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, and up to $2,500,000 but no less than $1,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-1975, to establish a system of client assistance pilot projects to advise clients of benefits available under this Act. Part C: Innovation and Expansion Grants - Entitles States to grants for special programs to expand vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with the most severe handicaps, particularly those who are poor and responsibility for whose treatment is shared by the State. Sets forth provisions for allotments among the States. Directs the Commissioner to conduct a comprehsensive study, which may include a research and demonstration project of the feasibility of methods designed to prepare and assist individuals with the most severe handicaps for entry into programs under this Act. States that the commissioner shall report the findings of the study, research, and demonstrations to the Congress and to the President together with such recommendations for legislative or other action. Title II: Research and Training - Provides that the Commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $550,000 for fiscal year 1973, $500,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $500,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $10,300,000 for fiscal year 1973, $10,300,000 for fiscal year $l0,300,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of services or devices. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects or demonstrations for the provision of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who are migratory agricultrual workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families who are with them. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making grants for special projects and demonstrations, as necessary $12,200,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $17,500,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated a total of $1,200,000 for construction for fiscal years 1973-1975, and such sums as necessary for operations for fiscal years 1973-1975 establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Title IV: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Provides that, in carrying out his duties under this Act, the Commissioner shall: (1) cooperate with, and render technical assistance to, States in matters relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals; (2) provide short-term training and instruction in technical matters relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services; and (3) disseminate information relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services, and otherwise promote the cause of the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and their greater utilization in gainful and suitable employment. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act. Title V: Miscellaneous - Provides that the Vocational Rehabilitation Act is repealed ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees to insure the adequacy of hiring, placement, and advancement practices with respect to handicapped individuals by each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of Government. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, and attitudinal barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes such appropriations as necessary for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the duties and functions of the Board.
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 · 15 May 1973
Transfers the authority for the administration of the Federal Reports Act from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to the General Accounting Office under the Comptroller General. Establishes within the General Accounting Office a unit to review tax forms and other public use documents prepared by the Internal Revenue Service and to make recommendations for their simplification, frequency with which such forms should be completed and the scope of such forms. Sets forth a procedure by which the Comptroller General may order the simplification, combining or completion use frequently of any such tax form.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1973
Designates the section of the Rio Grande River in Texas, extending from the West Boundary of Brewster County downstream to Shafter Crossing in Terrell County as part of the national wild and scenic rivers systems to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1274(a))
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 · 8 May 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to make annual grants, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, to each school of medicine or osteopathy which has entered into an agreement under this Act for the improvement of the educational program of such school. Sets forth the formula for computing the amount of such grant and the contents of the above mentioned agreement. States that the Secretary shall pay to each individual who is a participant: (1) the full regular tuition and fees imposed by the school; and (2) an annual stipend of $5,000. States that no individual shall be a participant under this Act until and unless he has entered into an agreement with the Secretary. Provides that any such agreement with any individual shall provide that such individual will, upon completion of his professional training, serve, as an employee of the Federal Government, for a period of threee years in any physician-shortage area to which he is assigned by the Secretary. Provides that an individual who fails to commence within a reasonable time to serve his three years will be obligated to pay $60,000 to the United States. States that the Secretary shall, to the extent that they are available, assign at least two physician-participants to each physician-shrotage area, or a physician and a registered nurse to each such area. Provides that the Secretary shall provide for physician-participants assigned to any area such office space, equipment, and supplies as may be necessary to enable them to practice their profession in meeting the needs for primary care of the resident in such area. States that fees collected by any physician-participant shall be deposited in the Treasury. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1973
Declares that the Attorney General-Designate should vest the special prosecutor to investigate the Watergate case with all necessary attributes of independence, including but not limited to the following: (1) final authority over questions of convening and conducting proceedings before grand juries, subpoenaing witnesses, initiating prosecutions, framing indictments and seeking in court grants of immunity from prosecution for witnesses; (2) final authority over the selection of an adequate staff of attorneys, investigators and other personnel answerable only to himself; (3) assurance that the investigatory and other resources of the Department of Justice and funds to defray all expenses incurred in connection with the activities of the special prosecutor will remain available for the time necessary to complete the investigation and prosecute any offenders; (4) assurance that he will not be subject to removal from his position except for malfeasance in office; (5) assurance that he will enjoy full access to the relevant documents and personnel of the Department of Justice and all other officials and agencies of the Executive Branch; and (6) assurance that the special prosecutor can freely, and upon their request, appear before, consult with and cooperate in other respects with all Congressional committees having jurisdiction over any aspect of the special prosecutor's activities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1973
Bilingual Courts Act - Provides for the determination of each of those judicial districts in which at least 5 percent or 50,000 residents of that district, whichever is less, do not speak or understand the English language with reasonable facility, and the certification of each such district as a bilingual judicial district by certificate transmitted to the chief judge of the district court for that district. Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide facilities and personnel for bilingual proceedings. States that any bilingual proceeding shall be recorded verbatim in addition to any stenographic transcript of the proceeding taken. Provides for the distribution of costs of bilingual facilities among the parties using them and authorizes to be appropriated to the Administrative Office of the United States courts sums necessary to carry out the amendments made by this Act. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 604(a); Adds 28 U.S.C. 1827)
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 · 18 April 1973
Budget Control Act - Title I: Changes in Rules of House and Senate - Committee on the Budget consisting of 21 members: 7 members from the Committee on Ways and Means, and 7 members appointed by the Speaker of the House. Provides for the selection of the Chairman of the Committee and for the filling of vacancies on the Committee. Refers to the Committee matters relating to (a) the establishment of an overall limitation on budget outlays, and an overall limitation on new budget authority, (b) the determination of the overall level of Federal revenues, (c) the determination of the appropriate level of surplus or deficit in the budget in the light of economic conditions and (d) the allocation of the overall limitation on budget outlays, and the overall limitation on new budget authority. Requires the committee to report during each regular session of Congress at least two concurrent resolutions concerning matters referred to the Committee and to make continuing studies of the effect on budget outlays of existing and proposed legislation and to report the results of these studies to the House of Representatives. Establishes in the United States Senate a Committee on the Budget consisting of 15 members: 5 members from the Committee on Appropriations, 5 members from the Committee on Finance, and 5 members appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate. Grants to the Senate Committee the same matters for consideration and the same duties as the House Committee. Declares that annually, on or before May 1, Congress shall complete action on a concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1. States that the concurrent resolution shall include with respect to budget outlays and with respect to new budget authority: (1) a general contingency reserve (for allocation only by a subsequent concurrent resolution on the budget) for possible new legislation (including enlargements of existing programs and activities); and (2) an emergency reserve (in amounts which do not exceed 2 percent of the amount of budget outlays otherwise allocated to the Committees on Appropriations and 2 percent of the amount of new budget authority otherwise allocated to such committees) which shall be available only for allocation by the Committees on Appropriations to specific programs and activities (or to subcommittees) to meet emergencies and other unforeseen contingencies. Provides for other matters which may be dealt with in the concurrent resolution. Sets forth a timetable for the first concurrent resolution on the budget for the fiscal year. Requires Congress to adopt a final concurrent resolution on the budget before adjourning and provides for consideration of concurrent resolution to be expedited. Declares that a tax surcharge is required where the budget deficit will be greater, or the surplus will be smaller, than that determined to be appropriate. States the requirements for amendments to concurrent resolutions. Provides that legislation dealing with the congressional budget must be handled by budget committees and that the concurrent resolution on budget must be adopted before appropriations and changes in revenues and public debt limit are made. Sets forth the requirements for legislation and amendments providing new budget authority, and declares that budget authority legislation may be required to contain outlay limitations. Places limitations on new permanent budget authority and on new spending authority. Requires the legislative committees to authorize the enactment of new budget authority before the beginning of the fiscal year. Authorizes the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Appropriations to consider and to report legislation rescinding budget authority. Provides for technical and conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and to the Standing Rules of the United States Senate, as well as amendments to the Legislative Reorganization Acts of 1946 and 1970. Title II: Legislative Budget Director and Staff - Establishes a Joint Legislative Budget Staff, headed by a Legislative Budget Director appointed by the record vote of a majority of the members of the Committee on the Budget of each House, and provides for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Legislative Budget Director to secure directly from any executive department or instrumentality of the government, information, data, estimates, and statistics relating to the function of the Joint Legislative Budget Staff. Directs the Joint Legislative Budget Staff to develop methods of using computers and other techniques for the analysis of information to improve not only the quantitative but the qualitative evaluation of budgetary requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to allow participants in the plan B feed grain set-aside program to transfer into the plan A set aside program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Provides that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall apply to the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce, to the sale in interstate commerce of natural gas for resale for domestic commercial industrial or other uses, and to natural gas companies engaged in such transportation. States that the Act shall not apply to any other transportation or sale of natural gas, as to the local destruction of natural gas, to the facilities used for such destruction, to the production or gathering of natural gas, or to the sale of natural gas in interstate commerce intended for ultimate public consumption. Limits the power of the Interstate Commerce Commission to change rates and changes that have been set.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the Civil Aeronautics Board should authorize commercial airlines to provide free air transportation for the former Prisoners of War and their families to and from Dallas, Texas, on June 1, 2, and 3, 1973, for their participation in ceremonies honoring the veterans of the Vietnam War.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Congressional Budgetary Procedures Act - Establishes a standing Committee of the Senate to be known as the Committee on the Budget and a Standing Committee of the House of Representatives to be known as the Committee on the Budget. Outlines the composition and duties of each committee. Authorizes these committees to consider those bills introduced in each respective House, providing new advance obligational authority. Provides that neither committee of the House or Senate shall consider such new budgetary measures after the first of May except in emergency or the waiver of such time limitation by 2/3 vote. Creates a Congressional Office of the Budget and outlines the duties of such Office. Provides that the function of the office is to provide information to the Budget Committees of the two Houses and to other Committees of the two Houses with respect to budget and appropriation bills. Abolishes the joint committee on reduction of Federal Expenditures. Requires the office to recommend to each budget committee of the two houses the amount by which budget outlays of the U.S. should exceed revenues expected to be received or the amount by which such revenues should exceed such budget outlays in order to provide for appropriate growth and stability of the economy of the U.S. Requires each budget committee to give consideration to such recommendations and make a report to the office concerning such budget considerations. Requires that by March 1 of each year the Committees submit a concurrent resolution to their respective Houses containing specified budget information. Outlines those procedures for review and debate of such concurrent resolution. Provides that there shall be a conference of two Houses to resolve any difference between the concurrent resolutions passed by each House. Makes conforming amendments in the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. Provides that all bills and resolutions providing budget authority with respect to any fiscal year shall provide a limit on budget outlays in such fiscal year under such budget authority. Provides that the provisions of this Act are enacted by Congress as an exercise of the rulemaking powers of the House and Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1973
Federal Bureau of Investigation Improvement Act - Establishes as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States Government, the Federal Bureau of Investigation. States that the Bureau shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of seven years. Transfers to the Bureau all functions carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice. Sets forth the functions and duties of the Director. Provides that the Director may appoint such personnel as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service. Authorizes the Director to fix the compensation of the personnel of the Bureau and to prescribe their functions and duties. Sets forth the administrative privileges and duties of the Director. Authorizes the Bureau to detect and prosecute crimes against the U.S., assist in the protection of the President, and conduct official investigations. States that appropriations for the Bureau are available for expenses of unforeseen emergencies of a confidential character, when so specified in the appropriation concerned, to be spent under the direction of the Director. Provides that the Director shall certify the amount spent that he considers advisable not to specify, and his certification is a sufficient voucher for the amount therein expressed to have been spent. Directs the Director, as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, to make a report in writing to the President for submission to the Congress on the activities of the Bureau during the preceding fiscal year. Provides that this Act shall not affect any pending or granted orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts, certificates, licenses or privileges. States that this Act shall take effect 90 days after enactment or on such prior date after enactment as the President shall prescribe and publish in the Federal Register.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bentsen, Lloyd M. [D-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000401_200.jpg)