United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1973
Increases to $3,000 the annual amount which individuals may earn under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) without suffering deductions from benefits on account of excess earnings. Lowers from seventy-two to seventy the age after which deductions on account of excess earnings are no longer made under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Establishes within the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture a Youth Conservation Corps. Specifies that the Corps shall consist of young men and women between the ages of 15 and 19 whom the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture may employ without regard to civil service classification regulations for the purpose of developing, preserving, and maintaining the lands and waters of the U.S. Outlines the functions of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture under this Act. Provides for a program of grants to the States to assist in meeting the costs of this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and Agriculture to prepare a joint report to be annually submitted to the President and Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $150,000,000 for each fiscal year to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the establishment of a Rehabilitation Services Administration and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of HEW under this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in the appropriation Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Part A: General Provisions - Authorizes to be appropriated in order to make grants to States under part B of this title $590,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $610,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $640,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals $35,860,000 for fiscal year 1973. $37,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $39,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Sets forth conditions which shall be included in a State plan for vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services submitted to the Commissioner for approval under this title. Provides for judicial review of an adverse decision of the Commissioner with respect to a State plan submitted for approval under this title. Part B: Basic Vocational and Comprehensive Rehabiliation Services - Provides for the allocation of the funds appropriated under Part A for Part B to the several States. States that the allocation to any State shall not be less than l/4 of 1 percent of the amount appropriated, or $2,000,000, whichever is greater. Provides that for each fiscal year the Commissioner shall pay to each State from each State's allotment an amount equal to the Federal share of the cost of vocational rehabilitation services under an approved State plan. States that this payment shall not exceed such State's allocation under this part. Requires the Commissioner to set aside funds in an amount between $500,000 and $l,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, and up to $2,500,000 but no less than $1,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-1975, to establish a system of client assistance pilot projects to advise clients of benefits available under this Act. Part C: Innovation and Expansion Grants - Entitles States to grants for special programs to expand vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with the most severe handicaps, particularly those who are poor and responsibility for whose treatment is shared by the State. Sets forth provisions for allotments among the States. Directs the Commissioner to conduct a comprehsensive study, which may include a research and demonstration project of the feasibility of methods designed to prepare and assist individuals with the most severe handicaps for entry into programs under this Act. States that the commissioner shall report the findings of the study, research, and demonstrations to the Congress and to the President together with such recommendations for legislative or other action. Title II: Research and Training - Provides that the Commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $550,000 for fiscal year 1973, $500,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $500,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $10,300,000 for fiscal year 1973, $10,300,000 for fiscal year $l0,300,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of services or devices. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects or demonstrations for the provision of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who are migratory agricultrual workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families who are with them. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making grants for special projects and demonstrations, as necessary $12,200,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $17,500,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated a total of $1,200,000 for construction for fiscal years 1973-1975, and such sums as necessary for operations for fiscal years 1973-1975 establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Title IV: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Provides that, in carrying out his duties under this Act, the Commissioner shall: (1) cooperate with, and render technical assistance to, States in matters relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals; (2) provide short-term training and instruction in technical matters relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services; and (3) disseminate information relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services, and otherwise promote the cause of the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and their greater utilization in gainful and suitable employment. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act. Title V: Miscellaneous - Provides that the Vocational Rehabilitation Act is repealed ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees to insure the adequacy of hiring, placement, and advancement practices with respect to handicapped individuals by each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of Government. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, and attitudinal barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes such appropriations as necessary for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the duties and functions of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce in cooperation with the Interagency Craft Committee to establish and administer a program to promote the development of American arts and handicrafts in the U.S. and abroad. Establishes an office of American Arts and Handicrafts within the Department of Commerce to assist the Secretary in carrying out his responsibilities under this Act. Outlines the functions of such office and authorizes the Secretary in cooperation with the Interagency Craft Committee to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Federal Child Support Security Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to assure that parents who have abandoned their children will be required to carry out their obligations for child support and maintenance, and that such children will receive the parental support to which they are entitled. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide, to an authorized person, the most recent address and place of employment of any individual if the Secretary is reasonably satisfied that such information is sought in connection with the enforcement of the legal duty of the individual to provide for the support and maintenance of a child or children of such individual. Authorizes the Secretary to secure such information from other departments and agencies of the Government. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund to be known as the Federal Child Support Security Fund which shall be available to the Secretary to enable him to make child support payments authorized by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the security fund an initial fund of $75,000,000, and thereafter such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to make such child support payments. Provides that the Secretary shall make child support payments under this Act. States that the Secretary shall provide reasonable notice and opportunity for any child who is or claims to be eligible for child support payments under this Act and is in disagreement with any determination of the Secretary shall be subject to judicial review. Provides that the final determination of the Secretary shall be subject to judicial review. Provides penalties for fraud with respect to an application for child support payments under this Act. Provides that any child support payments made under this Act shall be considered to have been made for the benefit of the parent of the child and such parent shall be liable to the United States for the amount of such payments plus interest. Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate appropriate proceedings or the recovery of such amounts due the United States. Declares that it is the duty of recipients of aid to families with dependent children to provide any information which such individual has regarding the identify, address, or place of employment of the parent of such dependent child. States that whoever travels in interstate or foreign commerce to avoid parental responsibilities shall be fined not more than $1,000 and/or imprisoned for not more than one year. Provides that legal services programs shall be operated in such cases involving the securing of parental support for children who have been abandoned by a parent.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the Center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a Board of Trustees. Provides that such Board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the Director of the Center ex officio. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the Board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal Govermnent shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act - Title I: Findings, Declarations, and Definitions - Sets forth congressional findings, declaration of purpose and the defintions of the terms used in this Act. Title II: Disaster Assistance Administration - Provides that all requests for disaster assistance from the Federal Government under this Act shall be made by the Governor of the affected State. Authorizes the President to coordinate, in such manner as he may determine, the activities of all Federal agencies providing disaster assistance. Authorizes any Federal agency discharged with the administration of a Federal assistance program, if so requested by the applicant State or local authorities, to modify or waive for the duration of a major disaster, such administrative procedural conditions for assistance as would otherwise prevent the giving of assistance under such programs if the inability to meet such conditions is a result of the disaster. States that all assistance rendered under this Act shall be provided pursuant to a Federal-State disaster assistance agreement unless specifically waived by the President. Provides that the Federal Government shall not be liable for any claim based upon the exercise or performance of or the failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function or duty on the part of a Federal agency or an employee of the Federal Government in carrying out the provisions of this Act. States that the selection of private organizations, firms, or individuals to enter into contracts with the Federal Government for the performance of work authorized by their Act shall be made with preference given, to the extent feasible and practicable, to those private organizations, firms, and individuals which reside or do business primarily in the disaster area. Provides that any individual willfully violating any order or regulation under this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both for each violation. States that any individual who violates any order or regulation under this Act shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation. Provides that whoever wrongfully misapplies the proceeds of a loan or other cash benefit obtained under any section of this Act shall be civilly liable to the Federal Government in an amount equal to one and one-half times the original principal amount of the loan or cash benefit. Title III: Emergency Assistance - Sets forth the Presidential authority in providing emergency disaster assistance. States that emergency work or services for purposes of this Act shall not extend beyond thirty days following the President's intial determination that emergency services are required, except that this limitation may be waived by the President whre he deems extraordinary circumstances warrant such waiver. Title IV: Disaster Loans - Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to individuals, business concerns, and other legal entities in a major disaster area to replace, restore, or repair private property damaged or lost in the disaster, to the extent it is not covered by insurance. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee loans to small business concerns for working capital and operating expenses, to the extent that a major disaster has created a need for such loans. Authorizes the President to make or guarantee disaster loans to any industrial, commercial, agricultural, governmental, or other enterprise that has constituted a major source of employment in an area suffering a major disaster and is no longer in substantial operation as a result of such disaster. Authorizes the President to make disaster loans to any local government that demonstrates a need, as a result of a major disaster, of financial assistance in order to perform its governmental functions. States that the amount of any such disaster loan shall be based on need, and shall not exceed 10 percent of the annual operating budget of that local government. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such loans. Provides that as a result of a default by a borrower under a guaranteed loan, after the holder thereof has made such further collection efforts and instituted such enforcement proceedings as the President may require, the President shall pay to such holder 90 percent of such loss, as specified in the guarantee contract. Creates within the Treasury a separate fund which shall be available to the President without fiscal year limitation as a revolving fund for the purpose of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be necesssary to provide capital for the fund. Provides that if at any time the moneys available in the fund are insufficient to enable the President to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees under this Act, he shall issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such forms and denominations, bearing such maturities, and subject to such terms and conditions, as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Title V: Disaster Grants for Needy Families - Authorizes the President to make a grant to any State in a major disaster area for the purpose of assisting the State in indemnifying the uninsured property losses of needy families, and thereafter, to aid such families in meeting such other extraordinary disaster-related expenses as the State may recognize. States that the amount of such grant shall be determined by the President on the basis of evidence supplied by the Governor of the affected State as to the number of low-income families affected by the disaster; but the grant to the State shall not exceed an amount equal to $3,000 per low-income family. Provides that the actual disbursement of the funds made available to the State under this Act shall be made by the Governor or his designated representative according to eligibility requirements to be determined by the Governor or his designated representative. States that no family shall receive payments under this Act in excess of $4,000. Title VI: Grants to States - Authorizes the President to make grants to States for the benefit of persons or parties adversely affected by a major disaster, for the following purposes: (1) provision of essential human needs and services, including but not limited to food, communications, water, clothing, utility services, and public transportation; (2) replacement, restoration, repair, or construction of specified facilities; and (3) debris and timber removal from public or private lands and waters, when in the public interest. States that the amount of funds to be granted under this Act shall be based upon 75 percent of the estimated cost of relief for losses sustained as a result of the major disaster in the categories of assistance specified in this Act. Title VII: Disaster Preparedness Assistance - Authorizes the President to establish a program of disaster preparedness that utilizes services of all appropriate agencies. States that upon application by the States, the President is authorized to make grants, not to exceed $250,000, for the development of plans, programs, and capabilities for disaster preparedness. Provides that such grants shall be available for a period of one year from the date of enactment. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that a condition of any disaster loan or grant made under the provisions of this Act, the recipient shall agree that any repair or construction to be financed therewith shall be in accordance with applicable standards of safety, decency, and sanitation and in conformity with applicable codes, specifications, and standards, and shall furnish such evidence of compliance with this Act as may be required by regulation. Provides that where an existing timber sale contract between the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior and a timber purchaser does not provide relief from major physical change not due to negligence of the purchaser prior to approval of construction of any section of specified road or of any other specified development facility and, as a result of a major disaster, a major physical change results in additional construction work in connection with such road or facility by such purchaser with an estimated cost, as determined by the appropriate Secretary, (1) of more than $1,000 for sales under one million board feet; (2) of more than $1 per thousand board feet for sales of one to three million board feet, or (3) of more than $3,000 for sales over three million board feet, such increased construction cost shall be borne by the United States. Authorizes funds to be appropriated for the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1973
Authorizes specified members of the Armed Forces of the United States who were captured and held by an enemy force during the Vietnam conflict to enter, without charge, certain designated units of the National Park System and national recreation areas.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1973
Declares that on Memorial Day, May 28, 1973, special remembrance be given by a grateful people to the 1,288 members of the Armed Forces of the United States currently listed as missing in action in Indochina. Declares that all American motorists are encouraged to turn on their automobile lights throughout Memorial Day, May 28, 1973, as a symbol of this remembrance. Provides that every effort be made to secure the cooperation of all parties in the Indochina conflict to insure the fullest and most expeditious resolution of the status of members of the U.S. Armed Forces missing in Indochina.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1973
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act - Title I: Objective - Gives recognition to the problems caused to the States of Arizona, California, Nevada, due to the increasing salinity of the Colorado River. Declares it to be Congress' intent to institute a salinity control program based upon the policy adopted in the Conclusions and Recommendations published in the proceedings of the reconvened seventh session of the conference in the matter of the 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, and approved on June 9, 1972 by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Directs the Secretary of Interior to implement the program generally as described in Chapter VI of the Secretary's report entitled, "Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program", October 1972. Title II: Initial Stage - Authorizes the Secretary to construct as initial units of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program, the La Verkin Springs unit, Paradox Valley unit, and Grand Valley unit. Title III: Continuing Program - Authorizes and directs the Secretary to expedite completion of the planning report on specified units. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the Secretary of Agriculture in his actions toward salinity control. Title IV: Advisory Council - Creates a Colorado River Salinity Control Advisory Council composed of no more than three members appointed by the Governor from each of the seven Colorado River Basin states. States that the Council is to be advisory to the Secretary of the Interior in his work of carrying out the salinity control program. Title V: Allocation of Costs, Repayments - Provides for allocation and repayment of costs. Provides that 75 percent of the total costs of construction, operation, and maintenance and replacement of each unit of the salinity control projects is declared to be non-reimbursable and that the remaining 25 percent is to be allocated to the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund and the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund. Provides for repayment of the costs of the salinity control projects allocated to the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund and the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to raise the rates for electrical energy under all contracts administered under the Colorado River Storage Project Act to the extent necessary to repay the costs allocated to the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund with respect to salinity control projects. Title VI: General Provisions - Provides for biennial reporting by the Secretary on the progress of the salinity control program, and the anticipated work to be accomplished in the future. Authorizes the necessary funds to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1973
Prohibits the sale for human consumption of meat from horses, mules, and other equines under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Prohibits the sale for human consumption of meat from horses, mules, and other equines under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1973
Bilingual Courts Act - Provides for the determination of each of those judicial districts in which at least 5 percent or 50,000 residents of that district, whichever is less, do not speak or understand the English language with reasonable facility, and the certification of each such district as a bilingual judicial district by certificate transmitted to the chief judge of the district court for that district. Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide facilities and personnel for bilingual proceedings. States that any bilingual proceeding shall be recorded verbatim in addition to any stenographic transcript of the proceeding taken. Provides for the distribution of costs of bilingual facilities among the parties using them and authorizes to be appropriated to the Administrative Office of the United States courts sums necessary to carry out the amendments made by this Act. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 604(a); Adds 28 U.S.C. 1827)
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1973
Menominee Restoration Act - Provides for the repeal of the Act of June 17, 1954 which terminated Federal supervision of the Menominee Tribe. Provides that within fifteen days after the date of enactment of this Act the Secretary shall announce the date of a general council meeting of the tribe to elect the Menominee Restoration Committee. States that the Menominee Restoration Committee shall represent the Menominee people in the implementation of this Act and shall have no powers other than those given to it in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Menominee Restoration Committee, under contract with the Secretary, to proceed to make current the membership role of the Menominee Tribe in accordance with the terms of this Act. Requires the Menominee Restoration Committee to conduct elections by secret ballot for the purposes of determining the tribe's constitution and bylaws and the individuals who shall serve as members of the tribe's governing body. States that subject to the approval of the shareholders as required by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, the board of Directors of Menominee Enterprises Incorporated shall transfer to the Secretary all assets held by such corporation. Provides that such assets shall be held in trust by the Secretary, on behalf of the United States for the tribe. Authorizes the Secretary to make such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President immediately designate an individual of the highest character and integrity from outside the Executive Branch to serve as special prosecutor for the government of the United States in any and all criminal investigations, indictments, and actions arising from any illegal activity by any persons, acting individually or in combination with others, in the Presidential election of 1972, or any campaing, canvass, or other activity related to it; (2) the President should grant such special prosceutor all authority necessary and proper to the effective performance of his duties; and (3) the President should submit the name of such designee to the Senate, requesting a resolution of approval thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Midair Collision Avoidance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to expedite the evaluation and selection of a national standard for a collision avoidance system; proceed to develop plans for operating rules and regulations integrating this system into the ground-based air traffic control system; and require the installation of a collision avoidance system on all classes of aircraft by certain dates. Not later than March 30, 1974, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Secretary of Defense acting through the Interdepartment Group on Collision Avoidance and Pilot Warning, shall complete the flight test and evaluation currently competing airborne collision avoidance systems, as defined in the Federal Aviation Act, and, not later than June 30, 1974, shall select a national standard for such systems. Provides that not later than December 30, 1974, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall publish implementation rules and regulations to describe compatible use and operating procedures between CAS systems and the existing air traffic control system. Sets forth minimum standards regarding collison avoidance systems and the specified dates upon which there must be compliance with such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Equal Consumer Credit Act - Provides that it shall be unlawful for any creditor or card issuer to discriminate on account of sex or marital status against any individual with respect to the approval or denial of terms of credit in connection with an consumer credit sale whether or not under an open credit plan, or with respect to the issuance, renewal, denial, or terms of any credit card. Sets forth civil penalties for such an offense.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the Civil Aeronautics Board should authorize commercial airlines to provide free air transportation for the former Prisoners of War and their families to and from Dallas, Texas, on June 1, 2, and 3, 1973, for their participation in ceremonies honoring the veterans of the Vietnam War.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Provides that in any proceeding before the Tax Court for the redetermination of a deficiency, the prevailing party may be awarded a judgment of costs to the same extent as is provided for civil actions brought against the United States. States that a judgment of costs entered by the Tax Court shall be treated, for purposes of this Act in the same manner: (1) as an overpayment of tax, in the case of a judgment of costs in favor of the petitioner, and (2) as an underpayment of tax, in the case of a judgment of costs against the petitioner. Provides that interest or penalty shall be allowed or assessed with respect to any judgment of costs. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 7465)
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 · 3 April 1973
Expresses the gratitude of the Congress to the President for attaining an honorable termination of the involvement of the United States in hostilities in Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
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 · 2 April 1973
Vocational Rehabilitation Amendments - Authorizes to be appropriated for carrying out the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, $697,482,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, and $700,096,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974. Provides for the making of grants to public or nonprofit private agencies for paying part of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating programs to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with spinal cord injuries or to low-achieving deaf individuals. Provides for grants to any State agency designated pursuant to a plan approved under this Act, or to any local agency participating in the administration of such a plan, for paying part of the cost of pilot or demonstration projects for the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor, are migratory agricultural workers, and to members of their families (whether or not handicapped) who are with them, including maintenance and transportation of any such individual and members of his family where necessary to the rehabilitation of that individual. States that whenever the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines that any amount of an allotment to a State for any fiscal year will not be utilized by such State in carrying out the purposes of this Act, he may make such amount available for carrying out the purposes of this Act to one or more other States to the extent he determines such other State will be able to use such additional amount during such year for carrying out such purposes. Provides for the inclusion of American Samoa and Trust Teritory of the Pacific Islands in State Programs. States that the State agency plan submitted for approval must provide satisfactory assurance to the Secretary that the State agency designated (or each State agency if two are so designated) and any sole local agency administering the plan in a political subdivision of the State will take into account, in connection with matters of general policy arising in the administration of the plan, the views of, among others, individuals who are recipients of vocational rehabilitation services, individuals who represent citizen groups, individuals who represent professional groups, and individuals who are providers of vocational rehabilitation services. Increases the training allowances under the Act from $25 or $30. Allows State agencies for the blind to act as State evaluation and work adjustment agencies under this Act. Provides that an individual who, as a part of his rehabilitation under a State plan approved under this Act, participates in a program of work experience in a Federal agency, shall not, by reason thereof, be considered to be a Federal employee or to be subject to the provisions of law relating to Federal employment, including those relating to hours of work, rates of compensation, leave, unemployment compensation, and Federal employee benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Requests the President of the United States to take such action as is necessary to begin a national program of public information to inform the commuter of the benefits of car pools and economy cars and that the President report to the Congress on possible legislative incentives to promote such a program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Provides that a person shall be subjected to the penalty of death for any offense prohibited by the laws of the United States only if a hearing is held in accordance with this Act. States that when a defendant is found guilty of or pleads guilty to an offense for which one of the sentences provided is death, the judge who presided at the trial or before whom the guilty plea was entered shall conduct a separate sentencing hearing to determine the existence or nonexistence of the factors set forth in this Act for the purpose of determining the sentence to be imposed. Provides that the hearing shll not be held if the government stipulates that none of the aggravating factors set forth in the Act exists or that one or more of the mitigating factors set forth in the Act exists. Provides that in the sentencing hearing the court shall disclose to the defendant or his counsel all material contained in any presentence report, if one has been prepared, except such material as the court determines is required to be withheld for the protection of human life or for the protection of the national security. Sets forth rules of evidence to be used in such hearing. States that the jury or, if there is no jury, the court shall return a special verdict setting forth its findings as to the existence or nonexistence of each of the factors set forth in this Act. Provides that the jury or, of there is no jury, the court finds by a preponderance of the information that one or more of the aggravating factors set forth in the Act exists and that none of the mitigating factors set forth in this Act exists, the court shall sentence the defendant to death. States that if the jury or, if there is no jury, the court finds that none of the aggravating factors exists, or finds that one or more of the mitigating factors exists, the court shall not sentence the defendant to death but shall impose any other sentence provided for the offense for which the defendant was convicted. States that the court shall not impose the sentence of death on the defendant if the jury or, if there is no jury, the court finds by a special verdict as provided in the Act that at the time of the offense there existed one of the specified mitigating factors. Lists the mitigating factors which the courts are to recognize. Sets forth specified crimes and circumstances which shall be considered aggravating factors for the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming technical amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Authorizes the acquisition of lands within the Vermejo Ranch, New Mexico and Colorado, for addition to the national forest system. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Hemophilia Act - Provides that any individual suffering from hemophilia may file a claim for benefits under this part with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in such form and containing such information as he may reasonably require. States that benefits under this part shall be paid to, or on behalf of a claimant, in an amount equal to 100 percent of the actual cost of providing blood, blood products, and services associated with the treatment of hemophilia, less: (1) amounts payable by third parties (including governmental agencies), and (2) amounts determined by the Secretary (in accordance with this Act) to be payable by the individual suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 1973, and ending June 30, 1976, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of no less than fifteen new centers for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this section $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. Provides that the Secretary shall establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of individuals suffering from hemophilia. States that such program shall be made available through the facilities of the Public Health Service to any individual requesting diagnosis, treatment, or counseling for hemophilia. Permits the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, and to enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals to establish blood fractionation centers, for the purpose of fractionating and making available for distribution blood and blood products, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary to hemophilia treatment and diagnostic centers. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 for this purpose. Establishes in the National Institutes of Health a National Hemophilia Advisory Board to be composed of twenty members. States that it shall be the function of the Board to: (1) establish guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia; and (2) submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress not later than January 31 of each year on the scope of activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Elementary School Reading Emphasis Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide financial assistance to assist local educational agencies to undertake demonstration projects emphasizing reading in elementary schools, to improve the instruction of reading in elementary schools, to provide reading training for teachers, to establish a research center for reading improvement, and to provide a reading achievement award. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to arrange by grant, contract, or otherwise with local educational agencies for the carrying out by such agencies in elementary schools, which have large numbers or high concentrations of children who are not reading at the appropriate level, of reading emphasis demonstration projects in accordance with this Act. Sets forth the requirements necessary for the receipt of a grant as a qualified reading emphasis demonstration project. States that nothing in this Act shall permit the disclosure of individual reading test scores obtained under this Act to any individual other than the parent or guardian or any child being so tested. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into at least one arrangement with a local educational agency in an urban area and a local educational agency in a rural area for a districtwide project conducted in all schools of such agencies. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the reading emphasis projects under this Act $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $55,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $60,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education, through grants or contracts, to enter arrangements with institutions of higher education, public or private agencies or organizations, and individuals for the preparation, production, and distribution for use on public educational television stations of courses for elementary school teachers who are or intend to become reading teachers or reading specialists; and the preparation and distribution of study course material to be used in conjunction with any such course. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter arrangements, through grants or contracts, with institutions of higher education or State or local educational agencies to assist them: (1) in providing training, including short term and regular session institutions and other preservice and inservice training programs, to improve the professional competency of teachers of reading and principals of project schools; (2) in establishing a Reading Corps program, patterned after the Teacher Corps, to attract reading specialists for service during the regular or summer sessions, or both, to project schools and to increase the number of reading specialists and reading teachers; and (3) in improving and broadening the training for the teaching of reading of personnel who are, or are training to become elementary teachers, particularly teachers of grades one through three in project schools with the goal of having all such teachers meeting the minimum requirements of a reading teacher. States that the Director of the National Institute of Education is authorized and directed to designate an existing facility or establish a new facility to be known as the Center for Reading Improvement. Sets forth the areas of research and demonstration in the field of reading on which the Center shall focus. Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitations $10,000,000 to carry out the purposes of the Center. States that in order to motivate and encourage elementary school children to improve their reading skills and to foster competence for excellence in reading among elementary schools, there is hereby established the Presidential Reading Achievement Award.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
National Energy Research and Development Policy Act - Title I: Coordination and Augmentation of Federal Support for Research and Development of Fuels and Energy - Declares it to be the policy of the Congress to establish and maintain a national program of research and development in fuels and energy adequate to meet specified objectives. Establishes an Energy Research Management Project which shall have a Chairman appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the duties of the Project, initiating: (1) to review the full range of Federal activities in and financial support for fuels and energy research and development, giving consideration to research and development being conducted by industry and other non-Federal entities, to determine the capability of ongoing research efforts to carry out the policies established by this Act and other relevant Federal policies, particulary the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; and (2) to formulate a comprehensive energy research and development strategy for the Federal Government which will expeditiously advance the policies established by this Act. Provides that in evaluating proposed opportunities for particular research and development undertakings pursuant to this title, the Management Project shall assign priority to types of projects listed in this title. Requires the President not later than five years from the date of this Act, if the authorities and duties of the Management Project are not reassigned to a permanent agency in the interim, to report to the Congress on his evaluation of the progress of fuels and energy research and development and his recommendation for further management of the Federal research and development programs. Provides that the Chairman shall keep the Congress fully and currently informed of all of the Management Project's activities and shall submit to the Congress an annual report. States that neither the Chairman nor any other member of the Management Project or his employees may refuse to testify before the Congress or to submit information to the legislative or appropriations committees of either House of the Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 annually for the administrative expenses of the Management Project. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $800,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and, subject to annual congressional authorizations, $800,000,000 for each of the four following fiscal years to carry out the provisions of this title with respect to energy research and development. Title II: Establishment of a Coal Gasification Corporation - Establishes the Coal Gasification Development Corporation. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation to select, on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more most technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for manufacturing substitute natural gas from coal. Authorizes the Corporation to design construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical, environmental, and economical feasibility thereof and to design, construct, operate, and maintain, for each such method demonstrated, which is technically and economically feasible, a fullscale, commercial-size facility to manufacture substitute natural gas from coal by such method. Provides that the Corporation shall transmit to the President of the United States and the Congress, annually, commencing one year from the date of the enactment of this Act, and at such other times as it deems desirable, a comprehensive and detailed report of its operations, activities, and accomplishments under this title. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for fiscal year 1974, the sum of $6,000,000, and for each of the next nine succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Establishment of a Shale Oil Development Corporation - States that it is the policy of the Federal Government to bring into being the technology for commercial development of shale oil as quickly as possible by establishing a Government-industry program jointly managed and funded to demonstrate commercial methods of producing environmentally acceptable fuels from shale oil. Establishes the Shale Oil Development Corporation which shall have a Board of nine Directors consisting of individuals who are citizens of the United States, of whom one shall be elected annually by the Board to serve as Chairman. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation to select on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for producing a syncrude from shale oil. Authorizes the Corporation to design, construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical, environmental, and economical feasibility thereof and to design, construct, operate, and maintain, for each such method demonstrated, which is technically and economically feasible, a full-scale, commercial-size facility to produce a syncrude from shale oil by such method. Requires the Corporation to transmit an annual report to the President and the Congress and at such time to submit such legislative recommendations as it deems desirable. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for fiscal year 1974, the sum of $5,000,000 and for each of the next seven succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Establishment of an Advanced Power Cycle Development Corporation - Establishes the Advanced Power Cycle Development Corporation which shall have a Board of nine Directors consisting of individuals who are citizens of the United States, of whom one shall be elected annually by the Board to serve as Chairman. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation to select, on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more most technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for producing electricity at high efficiencies using advanced power cycles with minimum adverse environmental impacts using coal. Authorizes the Corporation to design, construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical and economical feasibility thereof and to design, construct, operate, and maintain, for each such method demonstrated, which is technically and economically feasible a full-scale commercial-size facility to produce electricity from coal by such mehtod. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation for fiscal year 1974, the sum of $6,500,000, and for each of the next nine succeeding fiscal years, such sums as may be necessary. Title V: Establishment of a Geothermal Energy Development Corporation - Establishes the Geothermal Energy Development Corporation which shall have a Board of nine Directors consisting of individuals who are citizens of the United States, of whom one shall be elected annually by the Board to serve as Chairman. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation, on the basis of the best geologic information and after field exploration, to select suitable sites for the construction of two or more demonstration installations to develop technologies for the generation of steam and electric power from geothermal resources. Authorizes the Corporation to operate a full scale commercial-size facility to produce electricity from geothermal energy. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for fiscal year 1974, the sum of $8,000,000, and for each of the next fourteen succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title VI: States that it is the policy of the Federal Government to bring into being the technology for commercial development of coal liquefaction processes as quickly as possible by establishing a Government-industry program jointly managed and funded to demonstrate commercial methods of producing synthetic liquid petroleum products from coal. Establishes the Coal Liquefaction Corporation which shall have a Board of nine Directors consisting of individuals who are citizens of the United States, of whom one shall be elected annually by the Board to serve as Chairman. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation to select, on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for producing synthetic liquid petroleum products from coal. Authorizes the Corporation to design, construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical, environmental, and economical feasiblity thereof and to design, construct, operate, and maintain, for each such method demonstrated, which is technically and economically feasible, a full-scale, commercial-size facility to produce synthetic fuel from coal by such method. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, fiscal year 1974, the sum of $7,500,000, and for each of the next eleven succeeding fiscal years, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Federal Amateur Sports Act - Creates the Federal Amateur Sports Commission within the Department of Commerce consisting of three Commissioners who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the terms of office of the members of the Commission and provides that not more than two of the Commissioners shall be appointed from the same political party. Provides that the Commission shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress on or before October 1 of each year a comprehensive report on the administration of this Act for the preceding fiscal year. Sets forth provisions which such report shall include. Provides that the Commission shall establish a Sports Advisory Council which it may consult before prescribing a sports rule or regulation. States that the Council shall be composed of eight members, each of whom shall be qualified by training and experience in one or more of the fields within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Provides that all proceedings of the Council shall be public and a record of each proceeding shall be available for public inspection. Authorizes the Commission to establish within its organization a Division of Athletic Facilities and a Division of Safety and Health. Outlines the functions of each of these divisions and grants additional powers to be given to the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $5,000,000 for fiscal years 1976-1977 to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1973
Little Cigar Act - Includes "little cigars" within the provisions of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act as amended by the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act. Defines little cigar to mean roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or any substance containing tobacco and of which one thousand units weigh not more than three pounds.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Rolling Stock Utilization and Financing Act - Title I: National Rolling Stock Information Service and Federal Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund - States that the purposes of this Act is: (1) to improve the utilization and distribution of rolling stock to meet the needs of commerce, users, shippers, the national defense, and the consuming public; (2) to assist railroads in acquiring additional rolling stock to provide fast and expeditious service to meet the increasing demands of the Nation's economy; and (3) to assist in achieving full employment by insuring adequate equipment necessary to transport the products of American industry. Defines the terms used in this Act. Creates a Federal Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund to be used to insure the interest on, and the unpaid principal balance of, any equipment obligation determined eligible for insurance. Establishes a Board to administer this Fund. Requires the Board before insuring any equipment obligation to determine in writing that specified limitations and conditions are met, including: (1) that the equipment obligation is secured by rolling stock to be financed or refinanced thereby; (2) that the terms of the equipment obligation require full payment within fifteen years from the date thereof; and (3) that the financing or refinancing of the rolling stock is justified by the present and future demand for transportation services to be rendered by the railroad or car-pooling company for which the rolling stock is procured. Authorizes the Board to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if at any time the moneys in the fund are not sufficient to pay any amount under an agreement entered into under this section. Allows the Board to consent to the modification of the provisions of an equipment obligation as to rate of interest, time of payment of interest or principal, security, or the terms and conditions or any contract of insurance entered into pursuant to this Act. Requires the transactions of the Board to be audited by the Comptroller General in accordance with such rules and regulations as he may prescribe and requires a report to be made to the Congress. Title II: To Improve Utilization - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to design and assist railroads in establishing a national rolling stock information system. Provides that such system shall facilitate equitable distribution and economic utilization of rolling stock by furnishing information to railroads, shippers, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the public about rolling stock with respect to physical characteristics, origin, destination, location, availability for future loadings, and such other information as determined useful. Requires a semiannual report to Congress on progress under this title. Relieves persons contracting for the design of a national information system or the use of such information from the antitrust laws with respect to such contract. Authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for purposes of this provision. Requires the Secretary to develop an index measuring the degree of utilization of freight cars, and to publish such index at least quarterly together with a report setting forth the changes in such utilization and the causes thereof. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission to publish a report on utilization of freight cars thirty days after each report by the Secretary. Provides for a study by the Secretary, with legislative recommendations, on the utilization of freight cars and means to improve such utilization. Provides for a study on the use of abandoned railroad trackage and rights-of-way as recreational trails and camp sites. Title III: Rolling Stock Authority - Authorizes the establishment of a corporation known as the Rolling Stock Authority if substantial progress in freight car supply and utilization has not been made within three and one-half years of enactment of this Act. States that the purposes of the Authority shall be to acquire, maintain, and provide rolling stock, to manage a pool of such rolling stock, and to employ innovative concepts for equitable distribution and efficient use of such rolling stock to meet the needs of the national economy. Provides that the Authority shall have a Board of eleven Directors, consisting of the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of the Treasury, and nine members, to be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of specified railroad, labor, shipping, and consumer organizations. Empowers the Authority to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business; sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of its property and assets; build, own, and maintain rolling stock to be operated for the purpose of providing modern, efficient freight transportation of goods; and conduct research and development related to the purposes of this Act. Provides that every railroad shall pay to the Authority a per diem surcharge of fifty cents per car day on each general service freight car for each day that such a railroad incurs a car-hire charge for the use of such car. States that the levy shall continue until the Board of Directors determines that such sum as may be necessary for this Act but not less than $10,000,000 nor more than $30,000,000 will be due or will have been paid as of a certain date, whereupon the levy will cease. Requires the Authority to issue a negotiable interest-bearing debenture to each railroad in the amount of the per diem surcharge paid by such railroad. Empowers the Authority to incur debts for capital purposes. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase the obligations of the Authority guaranteed by the United States in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 to acquire capital stock of the Authority; and such sums as may be necessary for the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the principal and interest on notes or obligations issued as guarantees under this section. Provides for the audit of expenditures under the Government Corporation Control Act. Requires a plan for the public sale of stock in the Authority, including a program to require refinancing, and to assure that the sale of the stock will result in a wide dispersion in the ownership of the stock. Requires the Authority to establish a national rolling stock information system within one year of enactment if such system is not in operation at the date of incorporation. Provides that the Authority shall establish charges for the use of rolling stock supplied by it, and shall establish terms and conditions governing the use of its equipment. States that the Authority shall be subject to the car service provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act, and the orders of the Commission thereunder to the extent applicable. Provides that the Authority may enforce compliance with any obligation owing to it under this Act by an appropriate civil action. Prohibits a railroad from refusing to transport general service freight cars owned by the Authority. Requires an annual report to the President and the Congress by the Authority on its activities under this Act. Title IV: General Provisions - Requires the Authority, in contracts under this Act: (1) to include equitable arrangements to protect the interests of individual employees affected in their employment by any such contract; (2) to conform to prevailing practices of the railroads and nonrailroads with rolling stock building and rebuilding facilities; and (3) to insure provailing wages for construction work.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Occupational Safety and Health Act Amendments - Requires that when a proposed rule, which would establish a new occupational safety and health standard, or which would affect an existing standard, is published in the Federal Register, it shall be accompanied by a statement summarizing its economic impact on affected employers, including an estimate of the total cost which would be incurred by employers in each affected industry in complying with such rule. Provides that after a violation of an occupational safety and health standard has been abated an employer need not continue to post the citation for such violation at or near the site of the violation. Establishes a procedure whereby an employer receiving a citation can obtain a variance from the standard violated by persuading the Secretary that work procedures in operation at the time of the citation are equally effective in protecting his employees. Changes from mandatory to permissive the assessment of fines for serious violations. States that determining whether a fine should be assessed, due consideration would be given to the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer and the history of previous violations. Requires the Secretary of Labor to provide advice and technical assistance through consultation at the work sites of employers who have 100 or fewer employees, and who request such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Federal Election Campagin Act Amendments - Creates a six-member independent Federal Elections Commission appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Specifies that the Commission shall have full legal powers. Authorizes the Commission to use the personnel and facilities of the Department of Justice and the General Accounting Office. Requires the Commission to submit its budget directly to Congress along with any recommendations it may have for legislation. Transfers specified functions of the Secretary of the Senate, the GAO and the Clerk of the House to the Commission. Requires each candidate for Federal office to have a central campaign committee through which all reports must pass. Requires the central committee to file its report with the Commission. Specifies that reports contain all contributions in excess of $100 and that cash contributions of $2,500 or more be reported within 24 hours. Requires a financial report to be filed 10 days before an election. Requires a candidate to file a statement as to the consideration for which any debt is settled for less than full value or the circumstances surrounding such settlement. Authorizes those sums necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Provides income tax incentives by permitting expenditures for the modification of specified buildings which remove architectural and transportational barriers to the handicapped and elderly to be considered expenses under the Internal Revenue Code. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Campaign Mail Act - Permits candidates for Federal office to send out a specified number of pieces of political mail at postal rates paid by nonprofit organizations. Allows a major party candidate to mail campaign mail equal to two times the voting age population and allows a minor party candidate to mail one-half that of the major party candidate. Stipulates that mail may only be addressed to persons in the area in which the candidate is eligible for office.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make water available for a minimum recreation pool in Elephant Butte Reservoir from the San Juan-Chama unit of the Colorado River storage project.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Exempts from the equal time requirements of the Communication Act all candidates for Federal offices. Expands the definition of a legally qualified candidate for purposes of the Act to include persons who have publicly announced for office or have knowledge that contributions and expenditures have been made in their behalf. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to study the effect of the equal time suspension on the congressional and presidential compaigns in 1974 and 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Department of Education Act - Cites the importance of education to the interests of the Nation; and states that the United States is the only major Nation which does not have a Cabinet level department of education. Establishes a Department of Education. Creates the office of the Secretary, Under Secretary, six Assistant Secretaries, and General Counsel. States that the function of the Department is to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States, to advise the President respecting the programs of education, to develop policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of educational resources and facilities, to coordinate Federal activities affecting education, to conduct surveys, collect and analyze data, and disseminate information, to provide information and assistance to aid in the maintenance of school, college, and university systems, to encourage long-range planning by State and local government, and to facilitate the continuing renewal of the American educational system. Transfers to the Department of Education all the officers, employees, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records of the following agencies and organizations: the Office of Education, the Office of Child Development, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for Education, and any advisory committee in HEW concerning education. Transfers the following functions to the Department: those of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare respecting educational television broadcasting facilities and of the Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962 relating to institutional manpower training. Transfers the following programs and activities to the Department: Head Start; Follow Through; Job Corps; Department of Defense dependents' schools; schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; the Graduate School operated by the Department of Agriculture; and the National School Lunch Act. Transfers to the Department the provisions, under the Housing Act of 1950, for college housing; and transfers the functions of the Secretary of Labor under Title III of the Manpower Development and Training Act which relate to institutional manpower training and the functions of the National Science Foundation relating to curriculum development, computer innovations in education, and teacher retraining. Redesignates the Department of Health Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Welfare. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to make those recommendations necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Authorizes the Committee to be composed of a Chairman and a representative from each of the following departments: Department of State; Department of Defense; Department of Agriculture; Department of Labor; Department of Health and Welfare; National Science Foundation, Atomic Energy Commission, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; National Endowment for the Arts; and National Endowment for the Humanities. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education composed of 15 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate to: review the operation of Federal education programs, advise the Secretary on educational needs, goals, and renewal, conduct objective evaluations of education programs and projects, make recommendations for the improvement of Federal programs, consult with Federal, State and local agencies respecting the improvement of the quality of education, and conduct conferences on the assessment, improvement, and renewal of education. Authorizes the Commission to assist the Secretary of Education in establishing a rational and well-integrated advisory structure for the Department. Defines the powers and duties of the Secretary. Requires an annual report containing objective data on education including the results and outcomes of education, five-year budget projections, progress toward the renewal of education in the Nation, a report on the advisory structure of the Department, and a complete analysis of major educational policy issues. Makes provisions for all transferred personnel insuring no loss of rank, grade, senority, or rate of compensation because of transfer. Revises the Communication Act of 1934 by making the Secretary of Education an ex officio member of the Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Requires the Secretary to submit within two years of enactment a proposed codification of all laws which contain functions transferred to the Secretary by this Act. Prohibits Federal control of education with respect to any State or local educational agency. Establishes the effective date of the Act as 90 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Timber Export Administration Act - Declares that it is national policy to alleviate the harmful effects of the excessive exportation of logs by limiting the volumes thereof that may be exported from the United States. Provides that, except for specific quantities of timber that are found to be surplus, no logs may be exported from Federal lands after January 1, 1974, and that no logs may be exported from any lands after January 1, 1977. Establishes the procedures to be followed by the Secretary of Commerce in determining whether a given quantity of logs are surplus to the needs of domestic users and processers. Provides for a general exemption from coverage for logs cut under Federal timber sales contracts entered into prior to March 1, 1973. Outlines the procedures to be followed by the Secretary's determinations in order to phase out, over a three-year period, all non-Federal log exports. Requires each person who exports timber, under the phase-out quota system, or under the surplus quantities provision in this Act to file an annual report with the Secretary of Commerce detailing his precise level of exports and the sources of his logs. Requires exporters to provide the Secretary with access to related books, records, and accounts, and log storage areas. Provides for a maximum penalty of $10,000 or one year in prison or both for each violation of the provisions of this title. Provides that any party violating this title shall be prohibited from exporting logs for five years. (Amends 50 App. U.S.C. 2401-2413)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Provides that a charitable organization shall be denied exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code where amounts paid or incurred by such organization during each taxable year to influence legislation, including an attempt to affect the opinion of the general public, normally exceeds five percent of the yearly expenditures; or where such amounts exceed twenty percent of the yearly expenditures in any attempt to influence legislation, on a matter which directly affects any purpose for which the organization is organized through communication with its own members or with any member or employee of a legislative body, or with any other government official or employee who may participate in the formulation of the legislation. Defines charitable organization for purposes of this Act, and designates certain activities which are not included within the term "influence legislation". Provides that no income tax deduction shall be allowed for a contribution to a charitable organization if the contribution is made for the purpose of influencing legislation. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 501, 1970)
![Official portrait of Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000407_200.jpg)