United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Provides that the Federal government will withhold sums from its employees' compensation whenever a city provides for tax collection by withholding the tax on employees. Forbids Federal agencies from accepting compensation from the State or city for services of withholding tax. Defines "city" to mean only a city which is incorporated under State law, and which had a population of at least sixty thousand according to the last decennial census.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Lobster Conservation and Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for effective control of lobster fisheries on the Continental Shelf of the United States until such time as the United States can enter into an appropriate treaty or treaties providing for such control. Includes lobster as a Continental Shelf fishery resource within the meaning of the Act entitled an Act to prohibit fishing in the territorial waters of the United States and in certain other areas by vessels other than vessels of the United States and by persons in charge of such vessels. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1085(a))
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Creates a temporary select committee composed of ten Members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate to conduct a thorough and complete study with respect to the operation and implementation of rules XXIV, XXV, and XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, including committee structure of the Senate, the number and optimum size of committees, their jurisdiction, the number of subcommittees, committee rules and procedures, media coverage of meetings, staffing, space, equipment, other committee facilities and appointment of Senate conferees to committees of conference. Directs the select committee to report to the Senate with respect to any matters covered by this resolution and to make a report with respect to its study and investigation by January 30, 1974. Provides that expenses of the select committee, not to exceed $1,500,000 to be available one-half to the majority and one-half to the minority, shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate on vouchers approved by the chairman of the select committee. Provides that the select committee shall cease to exist on January 2, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
Provides that children's benefits received by an individual under the Social Security Act shall be disregarded in determining whether that individual is a dependent of a taxpayer under the Internal Revenue Code. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 152)
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Provides that no Federal agency shall permit the construction or operation of a deepwater development until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall have certified that such development will not cause or contribute to environmental degradation or otherwise result in failure to comply with or cause a violation of effluent limitations or other standards or requirements imposed by this Act, the Clean Air Act, or any other Act which the Administrator is assigned responsibility to administer. States that any person desiring to construct or operate a deepwater development shall at the time of application for any permit, license, or other approval from any Federal agency submit, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Administrator, detailed plans of such development; and such submission to the Administrator shall be at least two years prior to the expected date of the beginning of construction. Provides that the Administrator may certify a deepwater development only after he has (1) received the concurrence of the Governor of the adjacent State or States, (2) held a public hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, and (3) determined that the location, construction, and operation of the proposed deepwater port facility will not cause or contribute to environmental degradation. Provides that whoever begins to construct, constructs, or operates a deepwater development after the effective date of this Act without a prior certification by the Administrator shall be fined not less than $50,000 for each day after that date on which notice of violation is given and construction or other operations continue without a certification obtained in accordnace with this Act. States that the requirement for concurrence of the Governor of an adjacent State shall be waived two years after the date of enactment of this Act, unless such State shall have adopted and the Administrator shall have approved an environmental protection permit program applicable to areas potentially impacted by deepwater development which assures compliance with the specified environmental protection criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Provides for disaster assistance under the Disaster Relief Act of 1970, in the case of substantial economic loss resulting from other than natural causes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Limits the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to impose, by regulations, restrictions upon the availability and use of Federal funds authorized for social services under the public assistance programs established by the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Title I: Coordination, and Personnel - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, shall coordinate efforts, in carrying out the purposes of all other Federal health, welfare, rehabilitation, highway safety, law enforcement and economic opportunity legislation, to deal with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Provides that the Director of the Institute may employ and prescribe the functions of such officers and employees, including attorneys, as are necessary to administer the programs and authorities under the Act. Title II: Federal Assistance for State and Local Programs - Authorizes further appro- priations for grants to States under the Act of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that State plans for assistance under the Act must set forth standards for construction and licensing of public and private treatment facilities, as well as standards for other community services or resources available to assist individuals to meet problems resulting from alcohol abuse. Provides that the Secretary acting through the Institute is authorized to make grants to the states for the implementation of the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act. Transfers all authorities pertaining to alcohol abuse and alcoholism under the Community Mental Health Centers Act to the authority authorized under the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act. Provides that grants under the Community Mental Health Centers Act for the construction of facilities for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism shall be approved in accordance with plans setting forth: (1) a description of the site of the project; (2) plans and specifications therefor in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary for general standards of construction and equipment for facilities of different classes and different types of locations; and (3) reasonable assurance that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors of the project will be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Removes the requirement under the Act that grants for specialized facilities may be made only to facilities which are a part of or affiliated with a Community Mental Health Center providing at least those essential elements of comprehensive community mental health services which are prescribed by the Secretary. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out part B of the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, 120,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and 120,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974, and each of the next nine fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to continue to make grants for staffing with respect to sections under such part for which a staffing grant was made from appropriations under the above for any fiscal year ending before July 1, 1976. Removes the compulsory suspension of Federal financial assistance, under the Act, to private and public hospitals for refusing to admit or treat alcoholics.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Domestic Volunteer Service Act - Title I: National Volunteer Anti-Poverty Programs - Provides for the Volunteers in Service to America (Vista) program of full-time volunteer service, together with appropriate powers and responsibilities designed to assist in the development and coordination of such program. Authorizes the Director to recruit, select, and train persons to serve in the VISTA program. Authorizes the Director to assign VISTA Volunteers, upon the request of Federal, State, or local agencies or private nonprofit organizations. Directs the Director, wherever feasible, to assign low-income VISTA volunteers to serve in their home communities in teams with nationally recruited VISTA volunteers having an appropriate specialty which would benefit that community. Requires the Director to terminate the assignment of an individual VISTA volunteer within thirty days of a Governor's request or within a mutually agreeable time frame. Requires that VISTA Volunteers make a full-time, personal commitment to combating poverty, including, to the extent practicable, a commitment to live among and at the economic levels of the people with whom they are assigned to work, and to remain available for services without regard to regular working hours, at all times during their term of service except for authorized periods of leave. Authorizes a two-year term of enrollment for VISTA Volunteers. States that no volunteer shall serve for more than five years. Directs the Director to support volunteers serving under this Act through living allowances, travel allowances, and leave allowances, and through housing, supplies, equipment, subsistence, clothing, health and dental care, transportation, supervision, technical assistance, and any other support which he deems necessary or appropriate for volunteers to carry out their assignments. Directs the Director, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of HEW, the Secretary of Labor, and appropriate State officials, to conduct a special emphasis program by assigning VISTA, UYA, or other ACTION volunteers to departments of corrections in a State, county, city, or public school district in futherance of the purpose of the Act. Directs him to place a special emphasis on the recruitment of rehabilitated criminal offenders as participating volunteers. Provides that the Director, in consultation with the VA Administrator, the Commissioner of Education and the Secretary of Labor, shall conduct a program in furtherance of the purpose of this Act, with a special emphasis on the recruitment as volunteers of persons who are Vietnam-era veterans. Directs the Director, in consultation with the Director of the Special Action Office on Drug Abuse Prevention, the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, and the VA Administrator, to conduct the special emphasis program by assigning VISTA, UYA, or other ACTION volunteers to programs in furtherance of the purpose of rehabilitating drug abusers. Title II: National Older American Volunteer Programs - Provides for the making of grants by the Director of ACTION to State agencies to develop a volunteer service program, limiting those volunteers to individuals over 55 years of age. Requires the Director to coordinate programs under this title with relevant programs in other Federal agencies in disseminating information about the availability of assistance under this title, and in promoting the identification and interest of older persons whose services may be utilized under this title. Title III: National Volunteer Programs to Assist Small Business and Promote Voluntary Service by Small Businessmen - Directs the Director to consult with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in order that they may cooperate in the operation of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and Active Corps of Executives (ACE) program which provides managerial and other assistance to small businesses. States that the Director shall be responsible for: (1) conducting a national publicity and recruitment effort to publicize the accomplishments of these programs and to encourage others to serve in them; (2) providing general budgetary planning for the SCORE/ACE program and appropriate logistical support (including office space and supplies when the SBA has none available to the SCORE/ACE volunteers serving Small Business Administration clients; and (3) expanding the application of the expertise of SCORE and ACE volunteers to other projects and agencies, besides the Small Business Administration, to carry out programs authorized by this Act or the Economic Opportunity Act. Declares that such volunteers, while working on SBA projects or new programs under this title, shall be considered Federal employees for purposes of Federal tort claims and compensation for work injuries. Prohibits SCORE/ACE volunteers serving in connection with the responsibilities of the Director of the ACTION Agency under this Act from participating in any screening or evaluation activities on behalf of the Small Business Administration in connection with applications for loans from the Administration, and prohibits them from providing services to a client of the Small Business Administration with a delinquent loan outstanding except when specifically requested by such a client after the loan has become delinquent. Title IV: Administration and Coordination - Provides the Director with general authorities which are in addition to those given him by other provisions of the Act. Prohibits funds appropriated to carry out programs under the Act or to carry out the Act from being used to finance political activity or election, and authorizes the Director to issue rules and regulations for the enforcement of these political prohibitions and similar prohibitions in any programs assisted under the Act. Prohibits agencies or organizations to which volunteers are assigned, or which operates or supervises any volunteer program authorized by this Act, from requesting or receiving any compensation for services of those volunteers. Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act from being used to finance labor or anti-labor organizations. Authorizes the Director to prescribe requirements for volunteer service in programs authorized by this Act and requires volunteers and prospective volunteers to provide information concerning their qualifications. Establishes in the ACTION Agency a National Voluntary Service Advisory Council to be composed of not more than 25 members appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the President. Provides that the Council shall advise the Director with respect to administrative and policy matters, and at his request, review the effectiveness of the programs operating under this and the Peace Corps Act. Prohibits the Director from providing financial assistance for any program under this Act unless the financial arrangement specifically prohibits discrimination because of race, creed, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, or belief. Provides that the stipend paid to volunteers under this Act shall not be taxed until actually received by the volunteers. Exempts from the income tax the allowances received by VISTA and University Year for ACTION volunteers and volunteers serving in full-time programs of at least one-year's duration under part C of title of this Act, except for stipends (to VISTA or UYA Volunteers or Volunteer Leaders), leave allowances, and that part of the living allowance which the Director determines is basic compensation. Title V: Authorization of Appropriations - Provides authorization for appropriation for each of the programs under ACTION for the next three fiscal years. Prohibits the expenditure in excess of ten percent of the total amount appropriated and made available for this Act for administrative expenditures, including the compensation of Federal employees. Title VI: Amendments to Other Laws and Repealers - Supersedes the program and administrative provisions of Reorganization Plan No. 7 relating to domestic volunteer programs. Provides that all official actions taken by the Director of the ACTION Agency his designee, or any other person under the authority of such Reorganization Plan which are in force on the effective date of this Act and for which there is continuing authority under the provisions of this Act shall continue in full force and effect until modified, superseded or revoked by the Director. Provides that VISTA, University Year for ACTION Volunteers, and volunteers serving in full-time programs of at least one-year's duration under title I of this Act who subsequently become members of the Federal Civil Service shall have their volunteer service time counted as creditable toward Civil Service retirement, in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Provides that veterans who serve in VISTA or the Peace Corps shall have an extension on the time period in which they are eligible for veterans educational assistance under the GI Bill equal to the time which they spent in VISTA or Peace Corps training and service.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Congressional Election Finance Act - States that the purpose of the Act is to provide adequate financing for candidates without regard to the private resources available to them; to prevent undue influence by the wealthy and the opportunity for such influence which diminishes public faith in the political system; to determine the degree to which present campaign expenditures are excessive; and to reduce pressures on candidates to become beholden to large contributors. Sets forth the definitions of terms to be used in the Act. Establishes a fund in the Treasury to be known as the Congressional Campaign Assistance Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $500,000 for such fund. Establishes a 7-member Congressional Election Finace Board with staggered six year terms. Requires the Board to make annual fiscal and operational reports to Congress and to the President. Requires the Board to develop appropriate forms, bookkeeping and reporting methods, and a filing and retrieval system. Requires the Board to preserve reports filed with it and keep them available for public inspection. Directs the Board to consult with the Senate Secretary, the House Clerk, and the Comptroller General in order to utilize to the greatest extent possible the reporting, filing, and accounting procedures used to comply with the 1971 Campaign Reform Act. Directs the Board to conduct a final audit of all subsidized campaigns and report the results. Authorizes the Board to issue rules and regulations, to require reports and records and to conduct interim reviews. Requires a hearing before any determination that a candidate has received more money from the fund than he was entitled to and must repay it. States that the statute of limitations on recouping overpayment is one year. Directs the Board to report violations to law enforcement authorities. Prohibits candidates who have previously failed to comply with the Act from receiving further subsidies. Prohibits candidates from using unrestricted private funding in the primary election. Prohibits candidates receiving primary assistance from then running in the general election outside this Act. Requires prompt notification by the Board that a candidate has qualified and of the amount to which he will be entitled in the primary, and if he is nominated, in the general election. Provides for the payment of the subsidy by the Board in approximately equal amounts monthly into an earmarked account in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation bank, during the period beginning at the time of notification of eligibility. Provides for payments in unequal amounts upon request and a justification by the candidate. Provides that, at the time a primary candidate becomes eligible to receive transfers from the fund, if no other candidate has qualified under state law, the applicant shall initially receive only one-third of the subsidy for which he is eligible in such installments. States that if prior to the filing deadline, at least one other candidate qualifies under state law, then the Board shall transfer the remaining two-thirds of the applicant's primary subsidy in similar installments. Requires the Board, if it determines there are insufficient monies in the fund, to pay each candidate the appropriate subsidy, to so advise the candidates and the Congress with recommendation to the latter of the necessary supplemental appropriation. Requires the Board in such cases to reduce pro rata the subsidy to each candidate and notify them of the reduction by registered mail. Requires the candidate to establish a single campaign account and to deposit therein all subsidies and contributions received. Limits the power to withdraw from this account to the candidate and, at most, three other individuals he designates who also each are responsible for compliance with all provisions of the Act. Provides that a major party primary candidate for Senate nomination shall receive the greater of: 10 cent multiplied by the voting age population, or $75,000. Provides that a major party candidate in a general Senate election shall receive the greater of: 15 cents multiplied by the voting age population, or $150,000. Provides that a major party candidate for nomination to a House seat shall receive 14 cents multiplied by the voting age population; and that a House candidate of a major party in the general election shall receive 20 cents multiplied by the voting age population. Provides that a minor party candidate shall receive 20% of the amount of subsidy to which the corresponding major party candidate would be entitled. States that a subsidized cnadidate may utilize private resources as specified in this Act. Permits a major party Senate candidate to raise privately: (1) 2 cents multiplied by the voting age population for the primary election (with a $25,000 minimum); and (2) 3 cents multiplied by the voting age population in the general election (with a $50,000 minimum). Permits majority party House candidates to raise privately: (1) 3 cents multiplied by the voting age population in the primary election; and (2) 5 cents multiplied by the voting age population in the general election. Provides that subject to specified limitations, a minor party candidate can raise private funds such that the sum of the private funding and the subsidy to which he is entitled equals the total funds available to a corresponding major party candidate. Limits the amount any person may contribute in any manner to an aggregate of $250 per candidate. Requires that contributions in excess of the limits permited be returned or covered into the fund. Prohibits contributions made in the name of another. Makes the limitations applicable to any contribution made before the candidate files for subsidies, as long as they were used for campaign expenditures. Prohibits pooling of the contributions permitted each person. Provides that the total expenditures a candidate may utilize in his campaign shall not exceed the sum of the subsidy he may receive under this Act and the amount of private funds he may raise under this Act. Permits the state central committee or national committee of a political party to underwrite all or a portion of the private financial assistance permitted subsidized candidates. Requires the national or state committee to establish a single Party Campaign Account registered with and monitored by the Board. Provides that only contributions expressly made to this Account can be used and no other party funds may be transferred to it. Requires a record of deposits and withdrawals from Party Campaign Accounts. Provides that a committee may only aid its party's nominees and only in the general election. Empowers the Board to seek to prevent actions in violation of the provisions of the Act. Permits private persons to file complaints of such violations. Permits the Board to make findings and issue an appropriate order. States that if the order is not complied with, the Board may institute a civil action and if the Board fails to act or to order a cessation of a violation, or to institute suit for failure to comply with an order, then the private party who filed the complaint with the Board may institute such a suit. Permits a candidate who is receiving or has applied for subsidy to appeal Board determinations affecting his right to subsidy or the amount of subsidy, or to challenge the Board's failure to act or any other action. Requires the Board to review the complaint and hold a prompt hearing. Permits the aggrieved candidate to seek judicial review. Provides that for a willful violation of the individual contribution limitations, or the overall spending limitations, or falsification of information, or misuse of federal subsidies, a person may be punished by a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than the greater of $50,000 or the full amount of subsidies received, and not less than 6 months nor more than 5 years imprisonment. Punishes all other violations by a fine of not more than $10,000 or one year's imprisonment, or both. Authorizes additional appropriations as needed for subsidies and as needed for administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1973
Kidney Transplant Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to make grants to the States, and with the approval of the State health authority, to political subdivisions or instrumentalities of the States for the purpose of assisting in the care and treatment of persons suffering from chronic renal disease. Provides that any State which applies for a grant under this Act shall submit a plan for the approval of the Secretary which shall, in addition to other provisions, provide for the payment of 100 percent of the costs of transportion, hemodialysis or other techniques and related services for the care of the chronically ill renal patient. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or private nonprofit entities: (1) for the establishment, construction, and operation of renal failure centers; (2) for the construction or improvement of transplantation facilities; and (3) for training in the cure and treatment of chronic renal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) continue in operation the Office of Economic Opportunity administering and supervising the important programs and activities entrusted to that Office under the provisions of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 utilizing fully funds appropriated by the Congress for such purposes; and (2) submit a revised budget request for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, requesting appropriations for the Office of Economic Opportunity and its administration of programs and activities entrusted to it under and in accordance with the provisions of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senat that the President of the United States: (1) should propose an immediate suspension on underground nuclear testing to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from underground testing; and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialists Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear tests.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1973
Congressional Budgetary Review Reform Act - Provides that the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation shall make estimates of the expected revenues of the United States and report to the Congress on such estimate. Authorizes the Joint Committee to hold hearings not later than 10 days after the budget has been submitted to Congress and to make recommendations to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the outlays and revenues expected for such fiscal year. Requires that the Appropriations Committees of each House of Congress report a bill to their respective Houses within a set time establishing the total amount of outlays to be made during the fiscal year. Gives to such budgetary bill reported in each House a privileged status, and limits debate to not more than five consecutive calendar days. Outlines procedures involving debate of the measure. Directs the appointment of Conferees to settle differences between the bills presented to each House of Congress. Provides that the total amount of outlays of the budget must be enacted into law within 45 days of a continuous session of Congress. Provides that only one appropriation measure shall be reported with respect to any one fiscal year which shall specifically enumerate activities and programs and those amounts obligated to each. Prohibits amendment to the appropriation measure reported unless such amendment specifies the amount of outlays for that fiscal year that may be made with respect to such activity or program and includes a reduction in some other outlay or a direction that the Committee on Appropriations recommend and report a reduction in outlay so that total outlays shall not exceed those of the originally reported measure. Allows recommendation for revision of the budget after it has been enacted into law by the Congress or President. Outlines that procedure by which certain recommendations shall become immediately effective with respect to such fiscal year. Restricts supplemental, emergency, deficiency appropriations to the total amount originally specified with respect to such fiscal year. Specifies the content of committee reports accompanying each budget measure in each house. Provides that the President shall have the power to reserve any amount of an obligational authority given by such appropriation only if such amount to be reserved is not necessary for the efficient operation of the activity or program, and such program or activity can continue fully without the amount so reserved.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1973
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week of April 23, 1973, as "Nicolaus Copernicus Week" marking the quinquecentennial of his birth.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Provides that no changes or readjustments in the schedule for rating disabilities for veterans made by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall be effective unless: (1) such proposed change or readjustment is first submitted to Congress; and (2) neither House of Congress, prior to the expiration of ninety calendar days of continuous session of Congress following the date of submission of the proposed change or readjustment, has adopted a resolution stating in substance that that House does not favor the proposed change or readjustment. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 355)
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Makes it the policy of the Federal Government, in the administration of all Federal programs, that religious beliefs which proscribe the performance of abortions or sterilization procedures (or limit the circumstances under which abortions or sterilizations may be performed) shall be respected. Provides that any provision of law, regulation, contract, or other agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, on and after the enactment of this joint resolution, shall not be imposed, applied, or enforced, in or in connection with the administration of any program established or financed totally or in part by the Federal Government which provides or assists in paying for health care services for individuals or assists hospitals or other health care institutions which would result in causing or attempting to cause, or in obligating, any physician, other health care personnel, or any hospital or other health care institution, to perform, assist in the performance, or make facilities or personnel available for or to assist in the performance, of any abortion or sterilization procedure on any individual, if the performance of such abortion or sterilization procedure on such individual would be contrary to the religious beliefs of such physician or other health care personnel, or of the person or group sponsoring or administering such hospital or other institution.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Makes it the policy of the Congress that our fishing industry be afforded all support necessary to have it strengthened, and all steps be taken to provide adequate protection for our coastal fisheries against excessive foreign fishing. Declares that the Congress recognizes, encourages, and intends to support the key responsibilities of the several States for conservation and scientific management of fisheries resources within United States territorial waters; and that the Congress particularly commends Federal programs designed to improve coordinated protection, enhancement, and scientific management of all United States fisheries, both coastal and distant, including presently successful Federal aid programs under the Commercial Fisheries Research and Development Act of 1964, and the newly developing Federal-State fisheries management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Makes it unlawful, under the Clayton Act, for any person engaged in commerce to sell, offer to sell, or contract to sell goods below cost for the purpose of destroying competition or eliminating a competion.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Spirit of '76 High Speed Rail Act - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation in conjunction with the Corps of Engineers to establish high speed rail passenger service between Boston, New York, and Washington, District of Columbia. Authorizes appropriations of funds to finance equipment, construction and terminal improvements. Permits the Secretary of Transportation to accept donation of lands, easements, rights-of-way or materials required for such work. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress with respect to activities carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Provides that after January 1, 1975, the Secretary of Transportation shall not approve a State highway safety program unless he determines that the State has established a program, certified as adequate by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to inspect the auto emission control systems of motor vehicles which have been sold in accordance with certifications granted under the provisions of the Clean Air Act. Provides that funds authorized be appropriated to carry out this Act shall be used to aid the States in establishing and operating emission control system inspection centers and shall be available to pay up to 75 percent of the cost to the State of establishing and maintaining such centers. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation for the implementation of this Act, out of the Highway Trust Fund, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $400,000,000 for fiscal year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Consumer Protection Organization Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services, which are made available to them through commerce or which affect commerce, by establishing a Council of Consumer Advisers, an independent Consumer Protection Agency, and a program of grants to States, local and private nonprofit consumer protection agencies and organizations. Title I: Council of Consumer Advisers - Requires the President to transmit to the Congress not later than February 1 of each year a Consumer Report of the President which shall include an analysis, evaluation, and review of: (1) the overall impact of Federal programs and activities upon consumers; (2) the effectiveness of Federal consumer protection programs and activities: (3) the degree of cooperation and coordination among Federal agencies in carrying out consumer protection programs and activities.; (4) a program for remedying any deficiencies or weaknesses in Federal consumer protection programs and activities; and (5) national policies and resources for achieving the purposes of this Act together with recommendations for new legislation. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Council of Consumer Advisors which shall be composed of three members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the functions of the Council. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,500,000 annually for fiscal year 1974 - 1975 to carry the provisions of this title. Title II: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes the Consumer Protection Agency as an independent nonregulatory agency in the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Agency shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of four years coterminous with the term of the President. Sets forth the functions of the Administrator, including: (1) to represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and Federal courts in accordance with this title; (2) to make grants to States and localities to encourage and assist consumer protection programs; (3) to receive and transmit complaints from consumers; (4) to disseminate to the public information of importance to consumers; and (5) to encourage private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers. Grants the Administrator authority to intervene and participate in the proceedings of Federal agencies if he determines that such proceedings may substantially affect an important interest of consumers. Provides that such proceedings must be subject to specified provisions of the Administrative procedure Act. Grants the Administrator the right to participate in Federal agency activity which is not covered by the specified provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that whenever the Administrator determines that it would be in the interest of consumers to do so, he may request or petition a Federal agency to initiate a proceeding or activity or to take such other action as may be within the authority of such agency. Allows the Administrator to use an agency's discovery process where he is intervening or participating in an agency proceeding or activity. Authorizes the Administrator to intervene as a party or to participate in any State or local agency or court proceeding, except a criminal proceeding, where the Administrator determines that the result of such proceeding may substantially affect an important interest of consumers and when such participation has been requested in writing by an appropriate State official or agency or by the Governor of the State. Authorizes the Administrator to secure judicial review of any Federal agency action reviewable under law. Provides that each Federal agency considering any action which may substantially affect an important interest of consumers shall, upon request by the Administrator, notify him of any such proceeding or activity at such time as public notice is given. States that the Administrator shall conduct, support, and assist research, studies, investigations, conferences, and surveys concerning the interests of consumers. Authorizes the Administrator, subject to the provisions of this title, to disclose to the public information he determines appropriate in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this title $l5,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Title III: Consumer Protection Grants - Authorizes to be appropriated $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title. Provides that the Administrator shall make planning and program grants to States and local public agencies to assist in the preparation and operation of consumer protection programs. States that the Federal share of any such program shall not exceed 75 percent of the costs of such program. Provides that no State shall receive more than 15 percent of such funds. Provides that no grants shall be made under this title unless an application therefor has been submitted to, and approved by, the Administrator, meeting specified criteria. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Provides for public participation in agency activity. Exempts the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, the national security or intelligence functions of the Department of Defense including the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and the Office of Emergency Preparedness from the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Provides that the Secretary of Transportation, upon the joint request of a State Governor and the local governments concerned, shall withdraw his approval for any route or portion thereof designated or selected as part of the Federal-aid primary system, the Federal-aid secondary system, or the Interstate System within an urbanized area where he determines that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified that the air quality region which contains such urbanized area will fail to achieve, by July 1, 1975, levels of air quality in accordance with the Clean Air Act. Provides that amounts appropriated to a State for projects on routes or portions thereof for which approval has been withdrawn in accordance with this Act shall be transferred to and added to the amounts apportioned to such State under the Federal-aid urban system for the account of the urbanized area from which the withdrawal of the routes or portions thereof was made. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 103) Provides for emergency assistance for transportation system improvements in those air quality regions within a State which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified necessary will fail to achieve, by July 1, 1975, levels of air quality. Makes ten percent of the funds appropriated for expenditure upon the Federal-aid systems available for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
National Diabetes Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to expand the authority of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases in order to advance the national attack on diabetes. Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Disease, with the advice of the National Advisory Council of the Institute, to develop a plan for a national diabetes program. Sets forth general guidelines for such program and provides that the program shall be coordinated with the other programs conducted or administered by the research institutes of the National Institute of Health. Provides that the plan required to be developed by this Act shall be developed within two hundred seventy days after the effective date of this Act. Requires the Director of the Institute, at the end of each calendar year, to prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report on the activities, progress and accomplishments under the program during the preceding year and a plan for the program for the succeeding five-year period. Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases to establish programs as necessary in cooperation with other Federal health agencies, State, local, and regional public health agencies, and nonprofit private health agencies, in the prevention, control, and evaluation of diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, appropriately emphasizing the prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of such diseases in children. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $35,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,1975, and $45,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, for the purpose of establishing such programs. States that the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases may provide for the development of not less than fifteen centers for basic and clinical research into, training in, and demonstration of advanced diagnostic, prevention, and treatment methods for diabetics. Outlines a diabetes prevention program for the centers. States that support of such a center may be for a period of not to exceed five years and may be extended by the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases for additional periods of not more than five years each, after review of the operations of the center by a scientific review group established by the Director. Establishes an Interagency Technical Committee on Diabetes which shall be responsible for coordinating those aspects of all Federal health programs and activities relating to diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Increases, (to $3,000) under title II of the Social Security Act, (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance), the amount which individuals may earn without suffering deductions from benefits on account of excess earnings. Increases to $12,300 the amount of earnings which may be counted annually for social security tax withholding purposes pursuant to title II of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physician's prescription or certification shall be included among the items and service covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Medicare Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary. Makes technical amendments with regard to various funding dates and amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Authorizes members of the Armed Forces and Federal employees who were in a missing status for any period during the Vietnam conflict to receive double credit for such period for retirement purposes. Provides for the payment of pay and allowances for such period to individuals in an amount equal to that which they would have received if they has been stationed during such period in Saigon, South Vietnames and had no Government quarters furnished and no Government messing facilities available. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1405(b), 559; 5 U.S.C. 8332(l), 5562(e))
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Limits the term of service of the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to four years, effective after January 3, 1973. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 532 nt)
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
War Powers Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of the Armed Forces of the United States in hostilities, or in situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities. States that the Act is not intended to encroach upon the recognized powers of the President, as Commander in Chief, to conduct hostilities authorized by the Congress, to respond to attacks or the imminent threat of attacks upon the United States, including its territories and possessions, to respond to attacks or the imminent threat of attacks against the Armed Forces of the United States, and under proper circumstances, to rescue endangered citizens of the United States located in foreign countries. Provides that in the absence of a declaration of war by the Congress, the Armed Forces of the United States may be introduced in hostilities, or in situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, only: (a) to repel an armed attack upon the United States, its territories and possessions; to take necessary and appropriate retaliatory actions in the event of such an attack; and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (b) to repel an armed attack against the Armed Forces of the United States located outside of the United States, its territories and possessions, and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (c) to protect while evacuating citizens of the United States, as rapidly as possible, from any country in which such citizens are present with the express or tacit consent of the government of such country, and who are being subject to a direct and imminent threat to their lives, either sponsored by such government or beyond the power of such government to control; or (d) pursuant to specific statutory authorization, but authority to introduce the Armed Forces of the United States into hostilities shall not be inferred from any provision of law, including any provision contained in any appropriation act, unless such provisions specifically authorized the introduction of such Armed Forces in hostilities and exempts the introduction of such armed forces from compliance with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that no treaty in force at the time of the enactment of this Act shall be construed as specific statutory authority for, or a specific exemption permitting, the introduction of the Armed Forces in any such situation. Provides that the use of the Armed Forces of the United States in hosilities pursuant to this Act shall be reported promptly in writing by the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, together with a full account of the circumstances under which such hostilities were initiated, the estimated scope of such hositlities, and the consistency of such hostilities with the applicable provisions of this Act. States that hostilities commenced pursuant to this Act shall not be sustained beyond thirty days from the date of their initiation except as provided in specific legislation enacted for that purpose by the Congress. Provides that hostilities commenced pursuant to this Act may be terminated prior to the thirty day period by statute or joint resolution of Congress. Directs that any bill or resolution, authorizing continuance or termination of military hostilities shall, if sponsored or co-sponsored by one third of the Members of the House of Congress in which it originates, be considered reported to the floor of such House no later than one day following its introduction, unless the Members otherwise determine by yeas and nays; and any such bill or resolution referred to a committee after having passed one House of Congress shall be considered reported from such committee within one day after it is referred to such committee, unless the Members of the House referring it to committee shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays. Provides that any bill or resolution reported shall immediately become the pending business of the House to which it is reported, and shall be voted upon within three days after such report, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays. Declares that this Act will take affect upon enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Requires all meetings of all Standing, Joint, Special and Select Committees and their subcommittees of the Senate to be open to the public, except when the subject matter of the meeting involves the national security, and then only when a motion to meet in executive session shall be adopted by majority vote of the members of such committee who are present at the meeting; and except meetings of any committee or subcommittee in which testimony or evidence presented or considered may tend to defame, degrade or incriminate any person, in which case such testimony or evidence shall be received and considered in executive session, and then only when a motion to meet in executive session shall be adopted by majority vote of the members of such committee who are present at the meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Provides that there be printed for the use of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service one thousand seven hundred additional copies of its committee print of the current Congress entitled "United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions."
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Older Americans Comprehensive Services Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Objectives - States that the general purpose of this Act is to make available comprehensive health, education, and social service programs to our older citizens. Title II: Administration on Aging - Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Administration on Aging to carry out this Act. Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Administration. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource ClearingHouse for the Aging to collect, review, organize, publish, and disseminate information and data related to the particular problems caused by aging, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting such problems. Establishes the Federal Council on the Aging to advise and assist the President as he may direct on matters relating to the special needs of Older Americans; to assist the Commissioner on Aging in carrying out his functions under this Act; to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress on policies and programs for the aged. Provides that, not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a complete report on the activities carried out under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs to concentrate resources in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development of comprehensive systems to serve older persons, to include services designed to assist older Americans in avoiding institutionalization. Authorizes appropriations totalling $600,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Provides that the Commissioner shall not finally disapprove any State plan, or any modification thereof, without first affording the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Title IV: Training and Research - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for the purpose of: (1) publicizing available opportunities for careers in the field of aging; (2) encouraging qualified persons to enter or re-enter the field of aging; (3) encouraging persons from other professions to undertake assignments on a part-time basis in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study in the field of aging. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct a study of the transportation problems of older Americans, with emphasis upon solutions that are practicable and can be implemented in a timely fashion. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for purposes of such transportation studies and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of: (1) establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; (2) conducting basic research on the problem of the aged; (3) providing consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and (4) creating opportunities for research projects with respect to aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to, and training personnel in, the field of aging; and for research and development projects. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology. Title V: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to units of general purpose local government or other public or nonprofit private agencies to pay not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of leasing, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Establishes standards to be followed by the Commissioner in making such grants and authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the provisions of this section. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure mortgages on multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making grants to meet the costs of compensation of professional and technical personnel for the initial operation of multipurpose senior centers. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Program - Provides that no compensation paid to individual volunteers under the Retired Senior volunteer program under the Older Americans Act shall be considered income for any purposes. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amount of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the continuation of the Foster Grandparent Program under the Older Americans Act. Title VII: Nutrition Programs - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation may donate specified products acquired by them to a recipient of a grant or contract for providing nutritional services for the elderly. Title VIII: Amendments to Other Acts - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States which have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for library services for older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher education to assist such institutions in planning, developing, and carrying out programs specifically designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies for educational programs for elderly persons whose ability to speak and read the English language is limited and who live in an area with a culture different from their own. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3001, 3011(b); 42 U.S.C. 3012(3), (4); 42 U.S.C. 3044; 42 U.S.C. 3044a, 3044b; Amends 20 U.S.C. 354, 355, 355nts; 20 U.S.C. 1504(a) (2); 20 U.S.C. 1505(a); 20 U.S.C. 1078; 20 U.S.C. 1209, 1210, 1211; 20 U.S.C. 954) Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older American - Older Americans Community Service Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an older American community service program in order to promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons 55 years old or older who have poor employment prospects Makes provisions for allotment of funds to State, local and private organizations to further the purposes of the program. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 to carry out this title. Title X: Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training - Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, through the Manpower Administration, to make loans and grants for manpower training, including on-the-job, institutional, residential, and other training, designed to upgrade the work skills and capabilities of middle-aged and older persons. Authorizes the Secretary to make such studies, rules and provisions as necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out this title in fiscal year 1973 from funds otherwise available for similar programs. Authorizes appropriations in fiscal year 1974 of $100,000,000 for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Requires termination by July 1, 1975, of all weapons range activities conducted on or near the island of Culebra complex of the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range. Prohibits funds from being appropriated by the Congress after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to extend the time period (for not more than four years) within which veterans may be entitled to educational assistance after their discharge or release from active duty. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662(a))
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 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 establish an Office for the Handicapped 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 titles I through IV of this Act. Creates within such Administration a Division of Research,Training, and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title IV of 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 th 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 $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; and $975,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. 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 $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $75,000,000 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 1/4 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 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 unde this part. Requires the Commissioner to set aside funds in an amount between $1,000,000 and $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, and up to $5,000,000 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. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - Authorizes grants to assist the several States in developing and implementing continuing plans for meeting the current and future needs of handicapped individuals for whom a vocational goal is not possible or feasible, including the assessment of disability and rehabilitation potential, and for the training of specialized personnel needed for the provision of services to such individuals and research related thereto. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $80,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, for such purposes. Sets forth provisions for allotments to the States, with a minimum assurance of $150,000 per State. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants and contracts for the construction of rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or private nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Provides that an application for a grant under this title must conform to the general grant and contract requirements of this title. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making vocational training grants $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit private organizations and agencies to pay 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals in public and nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Requires the Commissioner to make the following determinations prior to making such grants: (1) that the purpose of the project is to prepare handicapped, especially severely handicapped, individuals for gainful and suitable employment; (2) that the individuals to receive training services under such project will include only those individuals who are determined to be suitable for and in need of such training services by the States agency or agencies of the State in which the rehabilitation facility is located; (3) that the full range of training services will be made available to such individual; and (4) that the project meets such other requirements as he may prescribe in regulations for providing such services. Authorizes the Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage which covers construction of a public or nonprofit rehabilitation facility, including equipment to be used in its operation. Sets forth conditions for the insurance of such mortgages. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used as a revolving fund to carry out this title. States that the total amount of outstanding mortgages insured shall not exceed $250,000,000. Provides that the Commissioner may make annual interest grants to State and public and nonprofit agencies to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commissioner such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purpose of making grants for special projects and demonstrations. States that such grants may pay 90 percent of the cost of the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families. Establishes the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults which shall: (1) demonstrate methods of: (a) providing the specialized intensive services, and other services, needed to rehabilitate handicapped individuals who are both deaf and blind; and (b) training the professional and allied personnel needed adequately to staff facilities specially designed to provide such services and training to such personnel who have been or will be working with deaf-blind individuals; (2) conduct research in the problems of, and ways of meeting the problems of, rehabilitating deaf-blind individuals; and (3) aid in the conduct of related activities which will expand or improve the services for or help improve public understanding of the problems of deaf-blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropraited for the purpose of establishing and operating such center $5,000,000 for construction which shall remain available until expended, and $800,000 for operations for fiscal year 1973; $1,200,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Provides for the establishment of Rehabilitation Centers for Deaf Individuals, and National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for special services for the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease and to provide rehabilitation services for older blind individuals. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of the Handicapped consisting of twenty members appointed by th Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Provides that any State which receives assistance under this Act shall establish and maintain a State Advisory Council which shall be appointed by the Governor, or in specified cases by the State board which governs vocational rehabilitation. Sets forth the functions of such council. Title IV: 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 V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving states goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the function of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 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 within the Federal Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to consider problems in the areas that impede the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals. Establishes the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Sets forth the function of such Board. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the duties and functions of such Board. Requires any contract entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provison requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating a week as "National Welcome Home Our Prisoners Week" upon the release and return to the United States of American prisoners of war in Southeast Asia.
![Official portrait of Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000444_200.jpg)