United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1974
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act - Provides that, for the purposes of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, there is a State "emergency on" indicator for a week if there is a State or National "emergency on" indicator for such a week. Provides, for the same purposes, that there is a State "emergency off" indicator for a week if there is both a State and National "emergency off" indicator for such week. States that, with respect to the period which begins January 1, 1975, no emergency compensation shall be payable after a specified time pursuant to the provisions of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 relating to the payment of extended compensation. Changes the rate of insured unemployment definitive of a national "on" indicator from 4.5 to 4 percent for all States. Provides that there shall be paid to the States 100 percent of the sharable extended compensation and sharable regular compensation paid to individuals under State law.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Extends until December 1, 1975, the time for submission of two studies (on: (1) the interrelationship of benefit programs for the elderly; and (2) the impact of taxes on the elderly), with recommendations, to the Congress by the Federal Council on Aging, as required under the Older Americans Act. (Amends P. L. 93-29).
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1974
Emergency Public Service Employment Act - Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977 such sums as are necessary to carry out public service employment programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. Makes $500,000,000 available for obligation by the Secretary of Labor when the average national rate of unemployment exceeds 4 1/2 percent for three consecutive months during any 12 month period; an additional $500,000,000 if such rate exceeds 5 percent for three consecutive months in any twelve month period; another $1,000,000,000 if such rate exceeds 5 1/2 percent under the same circumstances; and an additional $2,000,000,000 if such rate exceeds 6 percent. Provides for the allocation of funds under this Act to areas in proportion to the number of unemployed persons in such areas as compared to the number of all such persons in all areas under the jurisdiction of the applicant. Authorizes the Secretary to make such reallocations as he deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the well-being of the world and all of its people is gravely threatened by exorbitant or rigged foreign oil prices. States that it is further the sense of the Senate that Congress and the American people support President Ford and Secretary Kissinger in their call to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to lower the price of petroleum.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 1974
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Title I: Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Checks - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish procedures for expedited payment of monthly benefits. Requires the Secretary, within one day after the date an individual files for late payment of benefits, to cause such monthly insurance benefits to be paid. Title II: Expediting of Hearings and Determination - States that in the administration of the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures designed to assure that: (1) any duly requested hearing to which an individual is entitled thereunder will be held within a reasonable period of time after such hearing is so requested, if such hearing is requested with respect to a determination of entitlement to benefits; and (2) not later than ninety days after such a hearing is requested, the Secretary shall render a final determination on the issues which were the subject of such hearing, or if no final determination of the Secretary has been made at that time, the Secretary shall make payments of benefits to such individual in like manner as if a final determination has been made fully in favor of such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1974
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency should, in the application of regulations pursuant to the Clean Air Act with respect to supplying, after July 1, 1974, unleaded gasoline for automobiles: (1) grant reasonable extensions of time for compliance to retailers who are unable to obtain such gasoline or delivery systems for such gasoline; and (2) consult with the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration in order to obtain a fair allocation of such gasoline for all segments of the petroleum industry marketing structure.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1974
Authorizes Congress under the Atomic Energy Act, to concur in or disapprove international agreements for cooperation in regard to certain nuclear technology.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1974
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Commerce to make a full and complete investigation and study for the purpose of determining a policy and role for the Federal Government on tourism in the United States which will most effectively enable the industry to realize fully its potential to contribute to the social well-being, the cultural understanding, and the economic prosperity of the United States. Provides that the chairman and ranking minority member of each of the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Agriculture and Forestry, Interior and Insular Affairs, Public Works, Foreign Relations, Government Operations, Labor and Public Welfare, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Judiciary, and the Select Committee on Small Business, or a member of such committees designated by each such chairman or ranking minority member to serve in his place, shall serve as ex officio members of the Committee on Commerce for purposes of this study. Directs the Committee on Commerce to report its findings, together with its recommendations for such legislation as it deems advisable, to the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1974
Authorizes and directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library. Provides that expenses incurred by the Joint Committee on the Library in carrying out this concurrent resolution, which shall not exceed $2,500, shall be paid out of the contingent fund of the Senate on vouchers approved by the chairman of the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1974
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should immediately terminate the suspension of any Presidential proclamation limiting the total quantity of imports, or withdrawals from warehouses for consumption, of fresh, chilled, or frozen cattle, sheep and other specified meat.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1974
Social Security Recipients Fairness Act - Establishes, under the Social Security Act, a procedure for the prompt payment of social security benefits to individuals whose social security checks have been lost, stolen, or otherwise delayed. Provides for expedited hearings and determinations respecting claims for benefits under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1974
Declares that Dr. Kissinger be commended on his outstanding contributions to the cause of world peace and that deep gratitude to Dr. Kissinger for his services is hereby expressed by the Senate. Declares that the United States Senate holds in high regard Dr. Kissinger, and regards him as an outstanding member of this Administration, as a patriotic Amercian in whom it has complete confidence, and whose integrity, and veracity are above reproach, and that the U.S. Senate wishes for him success in his continuing efforts to achieve a permanent peace in the world.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1974
Small Business Emergency Relief Act - States that it is the policy of Congress to provide equitable relief to small business concerns which have fixed price Government contracts in cases where such concerns encounter significant unavoidable difficulties during performance because of the energy crisis or rapid and unexpected escalations of contract costs. Authorizes the head of any agency of the Federal Government or his delegate to make appropriate modification in the terms of an existing fixed price contract or a fixed priced contract completed after December 31, 1972, with a small business concern which demonstrates that: (1) during the performance of the contract, it has experienced significant unanticipated cost increases directly related to the contract; and (2) the conditions which caused such increases were not peculiar to that particular small business concern but were generally experienced by other small business concerns in the market at that time. Directs each agency of the Federal Government to include in any fixed price contract with a small business concern an economic price adjustment clause which provides for upward or downward adjustments in the contract price based on cost increases or decreases experienced by the small business concern in the performance of the contract.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1974
Harry S. Truman Memorial Scholarship Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares that it is especially appropriate to honor former President Harry S. Truman through the creation of a perpetual educational scholarship program to develop increased opportunities for young Americans to prepare and pursue careers in public service. Establishes, as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States Government, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, to be subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees. Authorizes the Foundation to award fifty-one scholarships in any fiscal year beginning after June 30, 1973, for undergraduate study for persons who plan to pursue a career in public service. States that each recipient shall be known as a Truman scholar. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) the scholarship requirements; (2) the procedure for selection of Truman scholars; (3) stipends and institutional allowances; and (4) the scholarship conditions. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Harry S. Truman Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund. Prescribes the procedure for expenditures from the fund. Directs that there shall be an Executive Secretary of the Foundation, appointed by the Board, who shall be the chief executive officer and shall carry out the functions of the Foundation subject to the supervision and direction of the Board. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 to the fund. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for administrative expenses incident to carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1974
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue documents as may be necessary to remove the cloud on title with respect to specified lands in the State of Nevada.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1974
Extends the congratulations and wholehearted best wishes of the Congress to the students, faculty, administration, Board of Regents, and all the benefactors of the University of Nevada upon the occasion of its centennial anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1974
Declares it to be the sense of the Senate that it most strongly condemns all acts of terrorism; and that the President and the Secretary of State should and are hereby urged and requested to call upon all governments to condemn inhuman acts of violence against innocent victims and to strongly urge the countries where these groups and individuals are found to take appropriate action to rid their countries of those who subvert the peace through terroism and senseless violence.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1974
Comprehensive National Health Insurance Act - Title I: National Health Insurance Program - National Health Insurance Program - Provides that this Act shall not interfere with the freedom of every physician and every patient to choose where and how they will give or receive health care. States that the national health insurance program established by this title shall be administered by the Board of the Social Security Administration established by this Act. Provides the following benefits under the National Health Insurance Program: (1) inpatient hospital services with no day or dollar limitation; (2) physicians' services, in home, office, or elsewhere, with no dollar limitation; (3) medical and other health services (as defined under medicare); (4) home health services-100 visits per year; (5) post-hospital extended care services-100 days per year; (6) mental health services-inpatient, 30 full days in a psychiatric hospital or 60 partial days; outpatient services in a comprehensive community care center equivalent to the costs of 30 visits to a private practitioner or outpatient services of a private practitioner equal to half the costs of 30 visits; (7) outpatient prescription drugs and biologicals for specified chronic conditions; (8) preventive care services, including (a) routine dental services for children under age 13; (b) developmental vision care services, routine eye and vision exams, and lenses or eyeglasses for children under age 13; (c) hearing aids and exams for children under age 13; (d) well-child care to age 6; (e) prenatal care; and (f) family planning services. Makes services, except those listed under preventive care, subject to a combined annual per person deductible of $150 except that no family would have to meet more than 2 deductibles. States that all services, except drugs, would be subject to a 25-percent coinsurance. Provides that patient drugs would be subject to a separate copayment of $1 per prescription drug. Makes all residents who are not eligible for Medicare eligible for the program through their contributions to the Social Security System, contributions being made by all Americans who have earned or unearned income of any kind, including governmental benefits. Makes each person who is fully or currently insured, as defined under the present social security law, and his dependents eligible. Provides immediate coverage under the plan for the individuals who are not fully or currently insured. Provides that coverage be extended to an employee during the first week during which he worked 25 hours or more, coverage not ending until after there were three consecutive weeks in each of which he did not work 25 hours or more. Provides that people beginning self-employment, or starting to receive unearned income, would be eligible beginning with the first day of the first year in which they have such income. Makes all social security and railroad retirement cash beneficiaries (including widows and widowers under age 65) who are not eligible for coverage under Medicare, eligible for the program. Directs the Social Security Administration to establish for each eligible individual an account against which such individual may charge the cost of obtaining any items and services furnished him under this title, without regard to any deductible or coinsurance requirement which may be applicable. Requires that payment for items and services furnished an eligible individual be made by the Social Security Administration to the providers of services on the basis of charges against such individual's account. States that the Administration shall have full responsibility for the collection of any deductible and coinsurance amounts due from an individual. Provides for a special waiver of or limitation on deductibles and coinsurance for lower income families. Enumerates the conditions of and limitations on payment for the following: (1) requirement of requests and certifications, (2) no payments to Federal providers of services, (3) payment for emergency hospital services, (4) payment for inpatient hospital services prior to notification of noneligibility, (5) payment for posthospital extended care services, (6) payment for home health services, (7) limitation on payment for outpatient drugs and biologicals, (8) limitations on payment for surgery and other specialized services, (9) limitation on payment for practitioner services furnished in nonparticipating hospitals, (10) limitation on payment for certain prosthetic devices, (11) payment for certain outpatient services furnished by nonparticipating hospitals, and (12) collection by hospitals of customary charges for certain outpatient services. Makes provisions for payment to the providers of services and for prospective determination of payment to providers of services. Directs the Administration to award on an annual basis quality management payments to any provider of services under this title whenever either the percentage amount or the dollar amount of increase in such provider's prospective rate for a fiscal year is less than the average annual increase in such rate for the three previous fiscal years for all providers in the same class, such payment to be equal to 50 percent of the difference between such provider's total costs to the program and what its costs to the program would have been had they increased at the class average rate. Lists the agreements a provider of services must file with the Administration in order to qualify to participate and to be eligible for payments under this title. Authorizes the Administration to use public agencies or private organizations to facilitate payment to providers of services. Authorizes the Administation to use carriers, as defined in this Act, for the administration of noninstitutional benefits. Requires that payment for services rendered by a physician be made in accordance with a single fee schedule applicable throughout that area. Provides a method to determine the fee schedule. Allows all physicians to elect whether to participate or not to participate. States that each fee schedule in effect and the names and addresses of all participating physicians shall be made available to the public throughout the State involved, in such manner and at such times as the Administration may consider appropriate, by the Administration or by the appropriate State agency with the approval of the Administration. Establishes, within the Social Security Administration, a National Health Insurance Formulary Committee, a majority of whose members shall be physicians and which shall consist of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and of four individuals (not otherwise in the employ of the Federal Government) who do not have a direct or indirect financial interest in the compensation of the Formularly established under this Act and who are of recognized professional standing and distinction in the fields of medicine, pharmacology, or pharmacy, to be appointed by the Administration without regard to the statutory provisions governing appointments in the competitive service. Provides that the Chairman of the Committee shall be elected annually from the appointed members, by majority vote of the members of the Committee. Requires the Formulary to compile, publish, and make available a National Health Insurance Formulary, containing an alphabetically arranged listing, by established name, of those drug entities within specified therapeutic categories which the Committee decides are necessary for individuals using such drugs. States that a fee, charge, or billing allowance shall not be payable under this title with respect to any drug entity that is furnished as an incident to a physician's professional service, and is of a kind commonly furnished in physicians' offices and commonly either rendered without charge or included in the physicians' bills. Provides a reasonable allowance for outpatient drugs and biologicals. Makes special provisions for physicians dispensing outpatient drugs and biologicals where the Administration determines that no participating licensed pharmacies exist in a community. Creates on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the National Health Insurance Trust Fund and a body to be known as the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund, composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, the Chairman of the Board of the Social Security Administration, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Directs the Administration to consult with State agencies and other organizations to develop conditions of participation for providers of services. Provides for the use of State agencies to determine compliance by providers of services with the conditions of participation. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this title, and the determination of the amount of such benefits, shall be made by the Administration in accordance with regulations prescribed by it. Provides that where overpayments on behalf of individuals occur, proper adjustment shall be made under regulations prescribed by the Administration, by decreasing subsequent payments. Provides for the settlement of claims for benefits on behalf of deceased individuals. Provides criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Creates a National Health Insurance Benefits Advisory Council consisting of 19 persons, not otherwise in the employ of the United States, appointed by the Board without regard to statutory provisions governing appointments in the competitive service. Lists criteria for serving on the Council. Declares that it shall be the function of the Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Administration on matters of general policy with respect to this title. Imposes the following taxes for each taxable year for health insurance purposes: two and one half percent of the amount of an individual's self-employment income (and unearned income); on the income of every individual, one percent of the person's wages; and on every employer, an excise tax equal to three percent of the wages paid by him with respect to employment. Provides special coverage provisions, under the Social Security Act, for purposes of National Health Insurance Taxes. Title II: Changes in Medicare Program - Establishes, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare), a voluntary program to provide long-term care benefits for aged and disabled individuals who elect to enroll under such program, financed from permium payments by enrollees together with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by the States. Lists criteria for eligibility for long-term care service benefits. Provides that the benefits provided to an individual by the program established by this Act shall consist of (1) home health services, (2) homemaker services, (3) nutrition services, (4) long-term institutional care services, (5) day care and foster home services, and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Enumerates the requirements for a State long-term care agency. Provides for the payment of premiums for benefits received under this Act. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trund fund to be known as the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund. Creates a body to known as the Board of Trustees, composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, the Chariman of the Board of the Social Security Administration, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall be the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees and that the Executive Director of the Social Security Administration shall serve as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees. Provides that the Board of Trustees shall meet not less frequently than once each calendar year. Enumerates the duties of the Board of Trustees. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (i) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (ii) who resides in the area served by such center, and (iii) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less that annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) performs such other functions as the Administration may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effective carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides a formula for payments to States for the reimbursement of community long-term care centers. Directs the Administration, after consultation with organizations representing the chief executives of the various States, and other interested parties, to develop and make available to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act on a prospective basis. States that once a community long-term care center elects a particular prospective method, it may not alter its election without the prior approval of the Administration. Provides that whenever the Administration finds that the number of community long-term care centers electing a particular prospective payment method promulgated in accordance with this Act is not sufficient to provide an adequate basis for either the operation or evaluation of that method, the Administration shall withdraw that method and allow the community long-term care centers which have elected such method to select another method within 30 days of notice of such withdrawal. Permits a Governor of a State to certify to the Administration a method of prospective payment other than those promulgated under this Act. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Administration in accordance with regulations it prescribes. Provides coverage for prescription drugs. Declares that no further deductible or coinsurance requirement shall be imposed under this Act with respect to items or services furnished to or for any individual in any calendar year after the total of the deductibles and coinsurance paid by or on behalf of such individual and the other members of his family in that year equals $1,000. Eliminates the posthospital requirement for home health services under Medicare and the durational limits on inpatient hospital services. Title III: Independent Social Security Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency of the executive branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration to be headed by a Board, consisting of three members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer specified programs of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title IV: Amendment to Public Health Service Act - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the Health Resources Development Board which shall be composed of three members to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides for an Executive Director and for the recruitment of qualified persons experienced in the administration or operation of private health insurance and health prepayment plans, or experienced in other fields pertinent to the national health insurance program. Requires the Board to make an annual report to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the United States House of Representatives and to the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare of the United States Senate. Enumerates the functions of the Board including: studies and evaluations, system development, tests and demonstrations, research, and planning. Establishes a National Health Insurance Resources Advisory Council, consisting of the Chairman of the Board, the Chairman of the Social Security Board, and twenty members, not otherwise in the employ of the United States, appointed by the Secretary on recommendation of the Board, without regard to the statutory provisions governing appointments in the competitive service. Provides criteria for membership on the Council. Enumerates the functions of the Council. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this title: $400,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975; and $600,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the Administration's certfication of Supplemental Private Health Insurance Policies. Sets standards with respect to supplemental health insurance policies. Leaves existing employer-employee health benefit plans unaffected. Provides regulations for planning by health care providers and the conditions for payment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1974
Declares that the Congress hereby calls upon the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of General Services to cause to be conducted on or about August 10, 1974, appropriate ceremonies in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States, in the town of West Branch, Iowa.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1974
Provides for displaying for public viewing at the Arlington National Cemetery the names of veterans who died after February 17, 1967. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1974
Solar Energy Research Act - Declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government to pursue a vigorous and viable program of research and development into the utilization of solar energy as a major source for our national energy needs. Provides that, within sixty days from the date of enactment of legislation creating any permanent Federal organization or agency having jurisdiction over the energy research and development functions of the United States Government, the Office of Solar Energy Research shall be established within that agency. Provides that if, within sixty days from the date of enactment of this Act, no agency with jurisdiction over Federal energy research and development has been established, the Office of Solar Energy Research authorized under this Act shall be established, on an interim basis, within the Atomic Energy Commission, until sixty days from the date of enactment of legislation authorizing the new Federal office of energy research and development. Authorizes the Chairman or Administrator to conduct appropriate research and technical development work: (1) to determine, by laboratory and pilot testing, the usable results of scientific research, (2) to develop and fabricate solar energy transformation processes, equipment designs, and components to the point where they can be demonstrated, certified, produced, and operated on a commercially practical scale; (3) to recommend to the Congress, as deemed appropriate, authorizations for the construction and operation or for participation in the construction and operation, of solar energy conversion facilities, and (4) to undertake, through research grants and contracts, studies of possible economic, social, and environmental effects which will result from the use of solar energy. Establishes a Solar Energy Research Council to be chaired by the Chairman or Administrator to coordinate policy and programs in solar energy research. Specifies the composition of the Council. Directs the development of a program to expedite the increased utilization of solar energy technology by the public and private sectors. Establishes a solar energy incentives task force to carry out the following functions: (1) report to the President and the Congress within one hundred and twenty days following enactment, and at least annually thereafter, recommendations for a viable program, of specified, time limited, incentives or modifications to existing and/or proposed incentives programs to accelerate the commercial application of solar energy technology; and (2) carry out a program of research and investigation into the barriers to innovation in the field of solar energy, the barriers to the acceleration of the commercial application of solar energy technology, and the programs needed to remove such barriers. Authorizes the compilation on a semi-annual basis of a listing of all solar energy conversion components, facilities, and equipment, commercially available in the Nation for private or public use. States that utilization of solar energy shall include such applications of solar energy as, but not limited to, the solar heating and cooling of buildings, solar crop drying and other agricultural applications of solar energy, solar thermal and photovoltaic power generation for terrestrial applications, whether situated on the ground or in space, wind energy conversion, ocean thermal gradient conversion, solar stimulated bioconversion, and solar production of synthetic gases and hydrogen. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act the following amounts: (1) for fiscal year 1975, $56,000,000; (2) for fiscal year 1976, $94,000,000; (3) for fiscal year 1977, $150,000,000; (4) for fiscal year 1978, $150,000,000; and (5) for fiscal year 1979, $150,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1974
Social Security Administration Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. Title I: Social Security Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such Administration, by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records, which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held, or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1974
Provides loans under the Small Business Act to any small business concern seriously and adversely affected by a shortage of: (1) fuel; (2) electrical energy; (3) energy-producing resources; or (4) raw or processed materials resulting from such shortages. Requires that the Small Business Administration determine that a concern has suffered or is likely to suffer substantial economic injury prior to the making of such loans. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 636(6))
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1974
Provides for the suspension of the annual nominal assessment requirement on mining claims held by location in the United States in order to conserve energy and provide for a significant savings in the expenditure of fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1974
Provides, relating to travel expenses of persons going to and from a Veterans' Administration facility, that in no event shall the per diem rate for meals and lodging be less than $20 or the mileage rate be less than the current Department of Transportation estimate of the average costs of operating an automobile. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 111(a))
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1974
Cargo Security Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of this Act. Title I: Amendments to Interstate Commerce Act and Federal Aviation Act of 1958 - Provides that the Interstate Commerce Commission shall prescribe reasonable limits on the amount of cargo lost, missing, stolen, presumed stolen, or otherwise unaccounted for, from common carriers during such period or periods as may be specified by the Commission. States that the Commission may prescribe different limits for different classes of carriers and different types of cargo and provide for appropriate exceptions, including losses resulting from acts of God or other occurrences beyond the control of the carrier. Imposes penalties on any carrier that violates the limits prescribed. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each fiscal year to effect such limitation provisions. Requires the making of regulations prescribing reasonable limits on cargo losses by air carriers and foreign air carriers and forwarders. Title II: Customs Port Security - Customs Port Security Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this title to establish a security program for international maritime cargo, which takes into consideration differences in port topography, and the type and volume of cargo handled. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish such cargo security measures as he may find necessary to protect and safeguard cargo at terminals at a port of entry. Imposes civil penalties on any carrier or terminal operator who fails to comply with any regulation issued pursuant to this title. Provides that if the Secretary determines that the imposition of civil penalties or other sanctions against a terminal operator are unavailing to secure its compliance with procedures made applicable to such terminal pursuant to this title he may prohibit the unlading of imported cargo or the lading of cargo for export at such terminal until compliance is achieved, except that, in the case of cargo transiting the United States destined for another country, it may be unladed and laded at such terminal for purposes of immediate transfer from one carrier to another carrier. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000 for each fiscal year to effect the purposes of this title. Title III: Studies and Other Provisions - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Civil Aeronautics Board, and the Department of Transportation to conduct studies to determine and evaluate for the purpose of improving cargo security: (1) methods to deter cargo theft, including analysis of labor-management practices; (2) packaging and labeling of cargo; (3) containerization; (4) claims rules and practices; (5) documentation and waybill practices; (6) carrier insurance and liability standards; and (7) such other matters as may be appropriate. Authorizes to be appropriated such amounts as may be necessary for such purposes. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out specified programs relating to cargo security systems. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Establishes an Interagency Council on Transportation Security. Provides that the functions of the Council shall be to: (1) identify Federal department and agency responsibilities in improving cargo security; (2) facilitate interagency communication; (3) obtain and exchange the views and advice of member departments and agencies having statutory responsibilities or a substantial interest in cargo security; (4) propose and review plans, activities, and programs within the Federal Government dealing with cargo security; (5) coordinate Federal activities in carrying out the provisions of this Act; and (6) coordinate State and local government agencies activities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the Washington Energy Conference should consider: (1) conservation measures in major oil consuming countries which are necessary to reduce demand, and should be a major part of the policy adopted in concert by the oil consuming nations; (2) an effective plan for the emergency sharing of oil resources which could be acted on subject to the constitutional processes of each country; (3) guidelines for bilateral agreements between individual oil consuming and oil producing countries, which in the present situation of embargo and skyrocketing prices could prove very harmful to the interests of the major oil consuming nations, and could incur the danger of introducing excessive and sophisticated arms into the oil producing nations beyond their legitimate needs for their own security; (4) coordination of research efforts in developing conservation practices and alternative sources of energy; (5) the responsibility for and the means to help to alleviate the plight of the developing countries in the oil crisis; and (6) closer coordination of fiscal and monetary policies to prevent excessive strain on the international monetary systems and the currencies of oil importing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1974
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act - Title I: Programs Downstream from Imperial Dam - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to proceed with a program of works of improvement for the enhancement and protection of the quality of water available in the Colorado River for use in the United States and the Republic of Mexico, in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to construct, operate, and maintain a desalting complex, including: (1) a desalting plant to reduce the salinity of drain water from the Wellton-Mohawk division of the Gila project, Arizona, (2) the necessary appurtenant works including the intake pumping plant system, product waterline, power transmission facilities, and permanent operating facilities; (3) the necessary extension of the existing bypass drain to carry the reject stream from the desalting plant and other drainage waters to the Santa Clara Slough in Mexico, subject to arrangements made pursuant to this Act; (4) replacement of the metal flume in the existing main outlet drain extension with a concrete siphon; (5) reduction of irrigation return flows through acquisition of lands to reduce the size of the division, and irrigation efficiency improvements to limit return flows; and (6) regulation of Gila River floodwaters entering the division, including possible acquisition of private lands above Painted Rock Dam in Arizona. Provides that the desalting plant shall be designed to reduce the salinity of approximately one hundred and twenty-nine million gallons a day of drain water by a membrane process using advanced technology commercially available. Requires that the Secretary shall use sources of electric power supply for the desalting complex that will not diminish the supply power to preference customers from Federal power systems operated by the Secretary. Authorizes the appropriation of $153,500,000 to accomplish the purposes of this title. Title II: Measures Upstream from Imperial Dam - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the salinity control policy adopted for the Colorado River in the "Conclusions and Recommendations" published in the Proceedings of the Reconvened Seventh Session of the Conference in the Matter of Pollution of the Interstate Waters of the Colorado River and Its Tributaries in the States of California, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, held in Denver, Colorado, on April 26-27, 1972, under the authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $121,200,000 to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1974
Provides, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, for coverage under medicare for routine Papanicolaou tests for the diagnosis of uterine cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Extends the life of the Special Committee on Aging, established by Senate Resolution 33, 87th Congress, and makes it a permanent, special committee of the Senate. Provides that the committee shall continue to consist of twenty-two members appointed by the President of the Senate, thirteen of whom shall be appointed from the majority party and nine of whom shall be appointed from the minority party. Directs the committee to make a continuing study and investigation of any and all matters pertaining to problems and opportunities of older people, including but not limited to, problems and opportunities, of maintaining health, of assuring adequate income, of finding employment, of engaging in productive and rewarding activity, of securing proper housing, and, when necessary, of obtaining care or assistance. Provides that the minority shall receive fair consideration in the appointment of staff personnel pursuant to this resolution. Grants the Committee specified powers to carry out its functions. Limits the expenses of the committee under this resolution for the period from March 1, 1974, through February 28, 1975, to $415,000. Requires the committee to report the results of its study and investigation, together with such recommendations as it may deem advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, but not later than February 28, 1975. Makes this resolution effective March 1, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Authorizes the Senate Select Committee on Small Business to examine, investigate, and make a complete study of the problems of American small and independent business and to make recommendations concerning those problems to the appropriate legislative committees of the Senate. Authorizes the committee, or any subcommittee thereof, from March 1, 1974, through February 28, 1975, in its discretion: (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to employ personnel, (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, to use on a reimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency, (4) to procure the temporary services (not in excess of one year) or intermittent services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof, and (5) to provide assistance for the members of its professional staff in obtaining specialized training. Limits the expenses of the committee under this resolution to $192,000. Requires the committee to report its findings, together with such recommendations for legislation as it deems advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, but not later than February 28, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1974
Declares that any time during the consideration of a bill or resolution in the Senate it shall be in order to move that no amendment which is not germane or relevant to the subject matter of the bill or resolution, shall thereafter be in order. Provides that if such a motion is agreed to by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Seantors present and voting, then an amendment thereafter proposed (except amendments proposed by the committee which reported such bill or resolution) which is not germane or relevant to the subject matter of such bill or resolution, or to the subject matter of an amendment proposed by the committee which reported such bill or resolution shall not be in order.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1974
Directs the President to exercise his authority under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act and under the Economic Stabilization Act to specify ceiling prices for sales of crude oil, refined petroleum products, residual fuel oil, and for goods and services directly related to their production, refining, and transportation, produced in or imported into the United States, which avoid price increases resulting from the current energy emergency. Requires that such ceiling prices shall provide for no more than: (1) a passthrough for crude petroleum production cost increases actually incurred, and (2) a passthrough at any level of supply or distribution for refined petroleum products or residual fuel oil of crude oil, refining, transportation, and marketing costs actually incurred.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress and the purposes of the Act. Defines the terms used in the Act. Declares that, except as authorized pursuant to the provisions of this Act or under a treaty ratified by the United States, no person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States shall engage directly or indirectly in the development of hard mineral resources of the deep seabed. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept applications from and to issue licenses to eligible applicants for the development of hard mineral resources of the deep seabed. Sets forth the provisions for the issuing of such licenses. Declares that in no event shall any license issued under this Act authorize the commercial recovery of such resources prior to January 1, 1976, and that except to the extent that such licenses are authorized pursuant to the provisions of an international agreement establishing a regime for the development of mineral resources of the international seabed area beyond the limits of costal State territorial or resource jurisdiction, no licenses shall be issued under this Act subsequent to the ratification by the United States of any such international agreement. Provides that every license issued under this Act shall remain in force for 10 years. Makes provisions for licensing procedures under this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, prior to the issuance of any license under this Act, to establish and apply criteria for evaluating the potential impact on the marine environment of deep seabed hard mineral mining operations. Sets forth a table of minimum expenditures per licensed block until commercial recovery from such block is initiated. Authorizes the Secretary to begin commercial recovery and for the withdrawal of areas from licensing. Makes provisions for investment guaranty and insurance through the Secretary of Commerce. Provides a civil penalty of $10,000 per day during which violations of this Act occur and a criminal penalty of $25,000 per day for willful and knowing violations of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for the current fiscal year and the two succeeding fiscal years sums as may be necessary for the administration of this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal years 1976-1978 to implement the investment guaranty provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Office to obtain from oil producers, refiners, distributors, and pipeline entities, engaged in interstate or foreign commerce, information with respect to current supplies of crude oil and petroleum products for the purpose of determining the total aggregate inventory of crude oil and other petroleum products under their control. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Office to report to Congress within 45 days of the enactment of this Act his findings with respect to the total aggregate amount of crude oil and petroleum products held as of the 25th day following the date of the enactment of this Act. Provides penalties of imprisonment for not more than three months or a fine of not more than $10,000 or both for willful failure to comply or for willful failure to comply truthfully with the reporting requirements under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with private or public nonprofit agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance to prepare volunteers to provide tax counseling assistance for elderly individuals in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns. Directs the Secretary to utilize the services of volunteers and to establish the qualifications required and the terms and conditions of service as a volunteer. States that service as a volunteer under this Act shall not be considered service as an employee of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the attention of elderly individuals to pertinent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
National Arthritis Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to expand the authority of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Disgestive Diseases in order to advance a national attack on arthritis. Establishes a National Task Force on Arthritis to formulate a long-range plan to combat arthritis and related musculoskeletal and other related diseases. Provides that the Arthritis Plan shall include recommendations for the utilization and organizations of national resources for the campaign against arthritis, and a program for the National Institute of Arthritis Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases as a major participant in the campaign against arthritis specifies the composition of the Task Force membership. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000 for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the purposes of the national arthritis program. Establishes within the Institute the position of Associate Director for Arthritis, responsible for programs regarding arthritis within such Institute. Provides that the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall establish an Inter-Institute Arthritis Coordinating Committee to be composed of representatives who can make policy commitments for each of the Institutes and divisions involved in arthritis-related research. Creates within the Federal Government an Interagency Technical Committee on Arthritis which shall be responsible for promoting the coordination of those aspects of all Federal health programs and activities relating to arthritis to assure the adequacy and technical soundness of such programs and activities and to provide for the full communication and exchange of information necessary to maintain adequate coordination of such programs and activities. States that the Director of the Institute shall establish programs for cooperation with other health agencies in the screening, detection, prevention, and control of arthritis which emphasize the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods for arthritis, and the dissemination of the knowledge about these methods to the health professions. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out these provisions $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Provides that the Director of the Institute, shall provide for the development of centers for basic and clinical research into, training, in, and demonstration of, advanced diagnostic, prevention, control, and treatment methods for arthritis. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out these provisions $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires the Director of the Institute after the end of each calendar year, to submit to the President and Congress a report including: (1) a proposal for the Institute's activities during the next five years; and (2) a program evaluation section.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Provides that the Civil Aeronautics Board shall not permit any air carrier which received a Federal subsidy in 1972 to omit, suspend, terminate, or reduce by 50 percent or more, regularly scheduled service, including flag stop service, to a point certificated to be served by that carrier on any day in November 1973, unless the Board finds, that the reduction is in the public interest: (1) that such point will continue to receive adequate regularly scheduled service from another certificated air carrier, or (2) that such air carrier is not providing more than two nonstop round trips per day in each marketpair in which both points are "large hubs" as defined in the most recent edition of "Airport Activity Statistics of Certificated Route Carriers", and (3) that such carrier is using the fuel available to it as efficiently as possible. Requires that notice of any application for authority to omit, suspend, terminate, or reduce, by 50 percent or more, regularly scheduled service shall be published in the Federal Register and shall be sent to all interested persons.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1973
Provides, under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, for the collection of special recreation use fees at specified campgrounds. Provides that the permittee and any person accompanying him in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle, or alternatively, the permittee and his spouse, children, and parents accompanying him where entry to the area is by any means other than private, noncommercial vehicle, shall be entitled to general admission. Provides that there be no charge for the use of drinking water, wayside exhibits, roads, trails, overlook sites, visitors' centers, scenic drives, toilet facilities, back country campgrounds without automobile access, or picnic areas or boat ramps without specialized facilities or services. States that the head of any Federal agency may contract to provide visitor reservation services, and any such contract may provide that the contractor shall be permitted to deduct a commission to be fixed by the agency head from the amount charged the public for providing such services. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 460l)
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1973
Authorizes the Committee on Commerce to make an investigation of national oceans policy for the purpose of: (1) determining national capabilities in the oceans, (2) determining the adequacy of current Federal programs relating to the oceans and recommending improvements; (3) establishing policies to achieve the goal of full utilization and conservation of living resources for the oceans; (4) assessing the needs for new policies for the development and utilization of the nonliving resources of the oceans; (5) encouraging implementation of coastal zone management; (6) establishing a comprehensive national policy for understanding and protecting the global ocean environment through education, exploration, research, and international cooperation; and (7) making an assessment of proposals for national and international jurisdiction over the oceans. Authorizes, for the purpose of this resolution, the Committee on Commerce to expend, through February 28, 1975, from the contingent fund of the Senate, a sum not to exceed $200,000.
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
Energy Information Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Bureau of Energy Information - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Commerce a Bureau of Energy Information, to be a main line component of the Social and Economic Statistics Administration, coequal with the Bureau of the Census. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to perform the duties conferred upon the Bureau by this title or delegate any of them. Provides that the Bureau shall be headed by a Director of Energy Information to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the principal function of the Bureau shall be to operate, maintain, and improve the National Energy Information System established by title II of this Act. Enumerates the work priorities of the Bureau. Title II: National Energy Information System - Establishes a National Energy Information System, to be operated and maintained by the Bureau. Directs that the components of the System shall be: (1) a public library of energy information; (2) a confidential library of energy information for restricted governmental use; and (3) a secret library of energy information for use only in preparing anonymous statistics. Specifies the characteristics of the system. States that the purpose of the public library is to make available to the general public promptly and conveniently as much of the information in the System as can be released consistently with national security and reasonable competitive equities. States that the purpose of the secret library is to serve the Nation's need for accurate statistical information on mineral fuel reserves, natural energy resources, and energy industries. Directs the Director to place in the secret library information obtained under authority of this Act for which either the national security or reasonable competitive equities require that the information be wholly suppressed or be published only in statistical aggregations of a size and type sufficient to prevent any person from learning or inferring the data furnished by any particular establishment or individual. Prescribes the priorities for entry of information into the system. Enumerates the standards for entry of information into the public, confidential, and secret libraries. Imposes penalties on any employee of the Bureau or other employee who, having taken and subscribed the oath of office, publishes or communicates, without the written authority of the Secretary or the Director, any information coming into his possession by reason of his employment from or for entry in the confidential library or the secret library of the System. Penalizes refused or neglect to provide information, and the providing of false information, under this Act. Title III: Energy Resources Inventories and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis an inventory of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources in the public lands of the United States, including the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifies the content of such compilation. Title IV: Information on Mineral Fuel Reserves and Natural Energy Resources - Makes it the duty of every substantial energy resources company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce to report annually to the Director full and complete details of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources which it, together with its affiliates, owns or controls anywhere in the world. Provides that all reports required by this title and title V shall be entered by the Director, immediately upon receipt, into one of the three libraries of the System. Title V: Information on the Energy Industries - Makes it the duty of every major energy company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce, to report annually to the Director on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Specifies the content of such reports. Authorizes the requiring of additional reports, at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce or the Director. Title VI: General Accounting Office Oversight - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to review and evaluate the procedures and activities of the Bureau. Title VII: Conformance of and with Other Statutes - Provides that whenever any of the information obtained from any major energy company under this Act is contained in any other report of such company, such report having been filed prior to the effective date of this Act, the Director may excuse such company from filing a report with him, containing the same information. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Reports Act. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Provides that if any provision of this Act or the applicability thereof is held invalid the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior such amounts as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such Departments by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1973
Authorizes increased production of petroleum from the Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve at a rate to help insure that the needs of national defense are met, but not to exceed the maximum efficient rate in accordance with sound engineering and economic principles. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the production herein authorized by means of sales effected by competitive bid. Provides that full and equal opportunity for acquisition of the oil shall be accorded to all interested companies, including major and independent oil refineries alike. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Account. States that funds in the account shall be available for the expenses of: (1) production, including preparation for production, as authorized by this resolution and as may hereafter be authorized; (2) all capital costs necessary for facilities both within and outside the reserve incident to production and delivery of crude petroleum; and (3) exploration, prospecting, conservation, development, use, and operation of the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bible, Alan [D-NV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000436_200.jpg)