United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1973
Chlorine Allocation Act - Makes it the policy of the Congress to require priority dispersal of chlorine for the treatment of safe drinking water and waste water and to encourage priority dispersal of other chemicals and substances necessary for the treatment of safe drinking water and waste water. Provides that, within 30 days after enactment, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall promulgate regulations providing for mandatory allocation of chlorine from the processing of chlorine to its final use in amounts specified in such regulations to the extent necessary to protect the public health and environment. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations providing for mandatory allocation of other chemicals and substances used in the treatment of drinking water or waste water. Provides that an imminent hazard shall be considered to exist when the evidence is sufficient to show that shortages of chlorine, chemicals, or substances for treating drinking water or waste water will result in any unreasonable threat to human health or the environment prior to the completion of an administrative hearing or other formal proceeding held pursuant to this Act. Provides that, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall promulgate regulations delineating which functions under this Act shall be performed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Preparedness of the General Services Administration, the Department of Commerce, or the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Prescribes criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes any person to commence a civil action for injunctive relief for violations under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish such advisory committees as he determines are necessary. Requires the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to have adequate advance notice of any meeting of such committees and may have an official representative attend and participate in any such meeting. Provides that, within 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, subject to the approval of the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission, shall promulgate, by rule, standards and procedures by which persons engaged in the business of processing, distributing, importing or repackaging of chlorine or other chemical or substance may develop and implement voluntary agreements and plans of action to carry out such agreements which the Administrator determines are necessary to accomplish the objectives. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to each prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out their responsibilities under this Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall terminate on June 30, 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1973
Authorizes the Committee on Commerce to make an investigation of national oceans policy for the purpose of: (1) determining national capabilities in the oceans, (2) determining the adequacy of current Federal programs relating to the oceans and recommending improvements; (3) establishing policies to achieve the goal of full utilization and conservation of living resources for the oceans; (4) assessing the needs for new policies for the development and utilization of the nonliving resources of the oceans; (5) encouraging implementation of coastal zone management; (6) establishing a comprehensive national policy for understanding and protecting the global ocean environment through education, exploration, research, and international cooperation; and (7) making an assessment of proposals for national and international jurisdiction over the oceans. Authorizes, for the purpose of this resolution, the Committee on Commerce to expend, through February 28, 1975, from the contingent fund of the Senate, a sum not to exceed $200,000.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1973
Surveillance Practices and Procedures Act - Expresses the findings and declarations of Congress, including that Congress should establish practices and procedures to be followed by the Government when engaging in surveillance activities so as to reconcile the Government's interest in executing its investigative, law enforcement, and other functions with the Congressional and public interests in protecting the integrity of the individual's right to privacy and other constitutional rights and liberties. Defines the term "foreign agent". Provides that no officer or employee of the United States shall engage in the exercise of any powers by means involving the interception of wire or oral communications unless such officer or employee is first specifically authorized in writing, by the President. Requires authorization for interception of wire or oral communications in national security cases. Sets forth the procedure for interception of such communications relating to national security by requiring applications for an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication to be made in writing upon oath or affirmation to a judge of competent jurisdiction. Specifies the content required in any such application.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1973
Energy Revenue and Development Act - Title I: Short Title; Statement of Policy and Purposes - Declares the findings of Congress, including that it is the policy of the United States to achieve energy independence by 1985 and to reduce progressively the dependence of the United States on foreign sources of energy between now and that date. Title II: Energy Trust Fund ; Tax on Energy Sources - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the "Energy Trust Fund." Authorizes to be appropriated to the Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the taxes received in the Treasury under the Internal Revenue Code's tax on energy sources, created in this Act. Makes it the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to manage the Trust Fund, to report annually to Congress and to invest portions of the Trust Fund. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, a tax on energy sources by imposing a yearly graduated tax on (1) the extraction of oil, gas, or coal within the United States (a tax on the BTU content of the oil, gas, or coal); (2) the production of electricity (or other consumable energy) within the United States using any energy source other than oil, gas, or coal, or any product or derivative (a tax on the BTU content equivalent of the energy source); and (3) the importation into the United States of oil, gas, or coal, or any product or derivative (a tax on the BTU content of the oil, gas, coal, product, or derivative). Title III: Federal Energy Administration Establishment - Establishes the Federal Energy Administration to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Administration, to carry out a national energy program involving energy research, demonstration, development, utilization, and conservation in order to meet the present and future energy needs of the United States. Enumerates the elements of such program and the powers of the Administration. Empowers the Administration to guarantee to non-Federal lenders making loans to any person, firm, association, corporation or entity, payment of principal of and interest on loans, made by such lenders, which are approved under this title. States that all research, development, demonstration, or projects contracted for, or financially assisted by the Administration pursuant to this Act, shall require as a condition of Federal participation that all information--whether patented or unpatented, in the form of trade secrets, knowhow, proprietary information or otherwise--resulting from federally assisted research shall be made available at the earliest possible date to the general public. Authorizes the Administrator to make a monetary award to any individual, partnership, corporation, association, institution, or other entity, for any scientific or technical contribution to the Administration which is determined by the Administrator to have significant value in the conduct of energy activities. Authorizes to be appropriated out of the Energy Trust Fund (established by title II of this Act) such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Transfers to the Administration, all functions (including powers, duties, activities, facilities, and parts of functions) which were carried out by the Atomic Energy Commission and which relate primarily to the peaceful uses of atomic energy. Title IV: Commission on Energy Technology Assessment - Establishes the Commission on Energy Technology Assessment which shall be independent of the executive departments. States that the Commission shall consist of an Energy Technology Assessment Board and a Commissioner appointed by the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Enumerates the basic functions of the Commission, including (1) to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to, the Administration; (2) to provide early indications of the probable beneficial and adverse impacts of the applications of technology related to energy; and (3) to establish standards and goals for research, development, and demonstration on a priority basis in accordance with the present and future energy needs of the United States. Outlines the powers of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1975 as necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its functions under this section. States that to enable the Commission to carry out its functions each fiscal year thereafter, there is authorized to be appropriated out of moneys in the trust fund established pursuant to title II of this Act an amount equal to one percent of moneys received by such fund during the preceding fiscal year. Title V: Termination of Price Controls - Provides, under the Economic Stabilization Act, that the authority to stabilize the prices of petroleum products, crude oil, natural gas, and coal shall terminate. Provides that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall not apply in enumerated instances. Title VI: Tax Enforcement Provisions - Imposes, under the Internal Revenue Code, an excise tax equal to 40 percent of the profits from energy sources of every person for the taxable year to the extent such profits are not reinvested in qualified energy projects. Sets forth related provisions regarding (1) determination of the tax base; (2) capital gains and losses of taxpayers other than corporations; (3) accelerated depreciation; (4) deductions for income taxes; and (5) withdrawal of an investment. Title VII: Imports of Petroleum and Petroleum Products, Natural Gas, and Certain Drilling and Mining Equipment - Provides variable import duties for portions of the Tariff Schedules of the United States. States that imports of specified articles from Saudi Arabia, Libya, Algeria, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Egypt, Oman, Iraq, Syria, Qatar, and Bahrain shall not exceed 5 percent of the estimated United States consumption of such articles for such year. Directs the Secretary of Interior to issue licenses for the importation into the United States of articles the importation of which is limited by a proclamation of the President under this title. Requests the President to: (1) enter into negotiations with foreign countries which have voluntarily limited the quantity of steel products which may be imported into the United States to permit the importation of increased steel products which the Secretary of the Interior certifies are in short supply in the United States and are used in the extraction, refining, or transportation of crude oil or gas, or in the extraction of coal; and (2) enter into negotiations with foreign countries which are major importers of petroleum and petroleum products for the purpose of forming an organization which will be authorized by each member country to represent that country in negotiations with foreign countries which are major exporters of petroleum and petroleum products. Title VIII: Export Controls on Petroleum, Petroleum Products, Natural Gas and Coal, and Certain Drilling and Mining Equipment - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, at least quarterly during any period of nationwide energy emergency, and at least annually during any other period, to determine the quantity of each energy producing commodity, if any, and the quantity of each essential drilling or mining article, if any, that will be available for export during the succeeding quarter or year. States that no energy producing commodity or essential drilling or mining article may be exported to any foreign country unless the exporter has been issued a license by the Secretary, or unless such export is exempt under the provisions of this Act. Enumerates such exemptions. Title IX: Tax Incentives for Increased Production of Energy Sources - Permits a tax credit for domestic exploratory drilling and secondary and teritiary recovery costs. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. Title X: Miscellaneous Tax Provisions - Provides for the removal of preferential tax treatment for new oil and gas wells located outside the United States. Provides, in the case of an individual, a credit against the tax imposed by this Act in an amount equal to 50 percent of so much of the residential energy conservation expenditures paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year as does not exceed $1,000. Permits an election to take a tax credit in lieu of such deduction. Title XI: Transfer to the Secretary of the Interior of Jurisdiction Over the Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves; Increased Production on Federal Lands - Provides that all jurisdiction and control of the Secretary of the Navy (including those powers and functions conferred on the Secretary of the Navy which are necessary to the Secretary of the Interior to enable him to carry out his duties under this title) over all properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves of the United States (including lands covered by leases) are transferred to the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to require that any oil and gas field on lands or interests in lands owned by the United States, including lands on the Outer Continental Shelf: (1) be fully developed as expediently as is reasonably justified; (2) be produced at the maximum efficient rate of production where such field has not been so developed and produced; or (3) be produced in excess of its maximum efficient rate of production if the Secretary finds that production at such rates is necessary to meet essential national energy requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance, or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Title I: Water Resources Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake the design stage of specified water resources development projects. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such projects. Directs the Secretary to establish the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary to cause surveys to be made at specified locations for flood control, removal of debris, and other allied purposes. Shoreline Erosion Control Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary to conduct, for a period of five fiscal years, a national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Provides for the establishment of a Shoreline Erosion Advisory Panel. Sets forth the duties of such Panel. Authorizes appropriations of $8,000,000 per year to carry out such provisions. Directs the Secretary to conduct a five-year national stream-bank erosion prevention and control demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations of $25,000,000 to carry out such program. Directs the Secretary of the Army to conduct navigational and flood-control projects on specified public works. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such projects. Provides that the Secretary shall annually submit a list of authorized projects for works of improvement of rivers and harbors, beach erosion, flood control which should no longer be authorized and the reasons for such recommendations. Title II: River Basin Monetary Authorizations - River Basin Monetary Authorization Act - Authorizes specified amounts to be appropriated for the prosecution of development plans of enumerated river basins. States that such sums shall not exceed $764,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1973
Increases the rates of educational assistance allowances to eligible veterans. Provides, in addition to such allowances, for the payment of tuition, the extension of educational assistance entitlement, acceleration of educational assistance allowances, and expansion of the work-study program. Establishes a Vietnam Era Veterans Communication Center to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of veterans outreach services programs; (2) make recommendations to the President and Congress for establishing new, and improving existing, procedures for informing Vietnam era veterans of all benefits and services to which they may be entitled; (3) coordinate all Federal programs pertaining to veterans of the Vietnam era; and (4) promote efforts for job employment opportunities for veterans. Creates the Vietnam Era Veterans Advisory Committee to consult with the Communication Center regarding all matters pertaining to the duties of the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1973
Provides that appropriations and funds available to the judicial branch of the Government, for the pay of officers and employees of that branch (including judges of the United States) stationed outside the continental United States or in Alaska are available to provide a cost-of-living allowance to such officers and employees. States that such allowance shall be based on living costs substantially higher than in the District of Columbia but shall not exceed 25 percent of the rate of salary or compensation of such employee.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Increases from thirty-six to forty-eight months the maximum period of educational assistance to which an eligible veteran may become entitled. Extends from eight to fifteen years the period within which an eligible veteran must complete his program of education under such chapter after his discharge from military service. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661, 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1973
Authorizes the administrator of any direct Federal loan program or any federally guaranteed loan program to renegotiate or reschedule repayment by any person or business suffering severe economic harm as a result of the energy crisis on a loan under any such program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1973
Establishes a joint committee of the Congress to be known as the Joint Committee on the Continuing Study of the Need to Reorganize the Departments and Agencies Engaging in Surveillance. Specifies the composition of such committee. Makes it the function of the joint committee: (1) to make a continuing study of the need to reorganize the departments and agencies of the United States engaged in the investigation or surveillance of induviduals; (2) to make a continuing study of intergovernmental relationships between the United States insofar as that relationship involves the area of investigation or surveillance of individuals; (3) to make a continuing study of the collection, processing, analysis, storage, and dissemination of information concerning specific individuals, collected by any department, agency, or independent establishment of the United States Government; and (4) to guide the committes of the Congress dealing with legislation with respect to the activities of the United States Government involving the area of surveillance. Authorizes the joint committee, or any subcommittee: (1) to make expenditures, (2) to employ personnel, (3) to adopt rules respecting its organization and procedures, (4) to hold hearings, (5) to sit and act at any time or place, (6) to subpoena witnesses and documents (in accordance with this Act), (7) with the prior consent of the agency concerned, to use on a reimbursable basis the services of personnel information, and facilities of any such agency, (8) to procure printing and binding, (9) to procure the services of consultants.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1973
Provides that the numerical value appearing in the four corners on the face of all paper money of the United States which is printed after January 1, 1975, shall be embossed indicating the denomination thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1973
Authorizes, under the Clean Air Act, the temporary suspension of emission requirements during the period from November 15, 1973, through May 15, 1974, as to any fuel burning stationary source which would be in violation of such requirement due to actions ordered by the President under the National Emergency Fuels Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that funds authorized and appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the housing, housing assistance, and community development programs administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the housing and housing assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture should be obligated or expended (to the extent current appropriations or other obligational authority permit) at rates which are not less than the rates at which funds were obligated or expended for such programs during calendar year 1972, until such time as these programs are terminated by the Congress or new housing and community development programs are enacted by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1973
Public Safety Officers Memorial Scholarship Act - Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Authorizes the United States Commissioner of Education to award a scholarship to any eligible applicant for full-time undergraduate study at an eligible institution. Requires applicants to submit an application and a certification from the head of the agency which employed the public safety officer upon whom the applicant was dependent, stating that such officer was the victim of a homicide while engaged in the performance of his official duties. Sets the maximum scholarship amount at $3,500. Prescribes additional requirements that the student be full-time and maintain good standing. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into agreements with eligible institutions in which any student receiving a scholarship award under this Act has enrolled or is accepted for enrollment. Specifies the content of such agreements. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Authorizes reduced rate transportation for handicapped persons and for persons who are sixty-five years of age or older or twenty-one years of age or younger under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and the Interstate Commerce Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Confers jurisdiction upon the United States District Court for the District of Alaska to hear, determine and render judgment with regard to claims concerning certain lands in the city of Fairbanks, Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Solar Home Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Expresses the findings of Congress. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act Establishes a National Solar Energy Coordinating Council to advise the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on the implementation of this Act. Outlines the composition of Council membership. Delegates to the Council the responsibility for developing practices designed to maximize effort and eliminate duplication among the operations of the various departments of the Federal Government responsible for research and demonstration of solar energy technology. Directs the Secretary to initiate a program for the development and demonstration of solar heating systems for use in residential dwellings. Requires the Secretary, in carrying out such program, to: (1) prescribe performance criteria for solar heating equipment and systems to be used in residential dwellings; (2) approve, on the basis of open competitions, at least three designs for residential dwellings suitable for the installation of solar heating systems meeting such criteria; and (3) enter into contracts for the development and manufacture of solar heating systems meeting the performance criteria. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program for the development and demonstration of combined solar heating and cooling systems for use in residential dwellings. Requires that the residential dwellings of such program shall be located in at least five climatic regions in the United States to assure a realistic demonstration of the combined solar heating and cooling systems involved under climatic conditions that vary as much as possible. Provides for the development of solar heating and combined solar heating and cooling systems for public buildings and commercial use. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, jointly with the Secretary in consultation with the Council, and upon recommendation of appropriate scientific peer review panels, to initiate, support, and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the "Solar Energy Trust Fund" for obligation and expenditure by the Secretary for purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make available to the public full information with respect to activities conducted under this Act. Requires the Secretary to, directly or by grant or contract: (1) study and investigate the effect of existing building codes, zoning ordinances, and other laws, upon the practical use of solar energy to heat and cool buildings; and (2) determine the extent to which such laws should be changed to facilitate such use. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President and the Congress summarizing activities under this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall maintain continuing liaison with the building industry and related industries and interests to assure that the projected benefits of such programs are and will continue to be effectively realized. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Solar Energy Trust Fund, out of any amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for fiscal year 1974, $50,000,000, which shall remain available without fiscal year limitation through 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Department under which the United States Coast Guard is operating to cause the vessel Miss Keku, owned by Clarence Jackson of Juneau, Alaska, to be documented as a vessel of the United States with coastwise privileges.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Enlarges the data base for Federal wage surveys in areas of the United States where: (1) there is insufficient private industry to determine comparable wages; or (2) where State and local governments exert a major influence on wage rates. Includes those wages paid by State and local governments in the Wage survey in those areas. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5343(c)(l))
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1973
Independent Special Prosecutor Act - Directs the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to appoint a Special Prosecutor who shall have the duties and powers prescribed in this Act. Authorizes the Chief Judge to appoint a Deputy Special Prosecutor, to assist the Special Prosecutor in the performance of his duties and who, in the event of the disability of the Special Prosecutor or vacancy in the office of Special Prosecutor, shall temporarily become Special Prosecutor until the Chief Judge appoints a Special Prosecutor. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to have exclusive jurisdiction, to investigate, as he deems appropriate, and prosecute against and in the name of the United States: (1) offenses arising out of the unauthorized entry into Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate; (2) other offenses arising out of the 1972 Presidential election; (3) offenses alleged to have been committed by the President, Presidential appointees, or members of the White House staff; (4) all other matters referred to the former Special Prosecutor pursuant to regulations of the Attorney General; and (5) offenses relating to or arising out of any such matters. Empowers the Special Prosecutor with authority with respect to specified matters set forth in this Act; including (1) to determine whether or not to contest the assertion of Executive Privilege or any other testimonial privilege; and (2) to receive appropriate national security clearance and review all evidence sought to be withheld on grounds of national security and if necessary contest in court any claim of privilege or attempt to withhold evidence on grounds of national security. Provides that all investigations, prosecutions, litigation and grand jury or other proceedings initiated by the former Special Prosecutor shall be continued, as the Special Prosecutor deems appropriate, by him, and he shall become successor counsel for the United States in all such proceedings, notwithstanding any substitution of counsel made after October 20, 1973. States that the Special Prosecutor shall carry out his duties under this Act within two years, except as necessary to complete trial or appellate action on indictments then pending. Empowers the Chief Judge to dismiss the Special Prosecutor or the Deputy Special Prosecutor if he determines they have willfully violated the provisions of this Act or committed other extraordinary improprieties, and for no other reason. Provides that the Special Prosecutor solely shall exercise the powers and perform the duties specified in this Act and that neither the Chief Judge or the President of the United States, nor any other officer of the United States shall have any authority to direct, countermand, or interfere with any action taken by the Special Prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Provides that neither the President of the United States, nor any other officer of the United States, shall have any authority to remove the Special Prosecutor from office. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Carpool Incentives Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out demonstration projects designed to encourage the use of carpools in urban areas throughout the country while not adversely affecting bus and other mass transportation ridership in such areas. Provides that from proposals submitted by the States to the Secretary, the Secretary shall approve for funding those projects which offer the best prospects of achieving the objectives of this Act and which provide a reasonable balance among cities of various population sizes, traffic patterns, and geographical locations. States that the Federal share of the cost of such work shall be 90 per cent, except that the Federal share shall not exceed $1,000,000 for any single project. Directs the Secretary to give permits to demonstration projects proposed for cities or areas in air quality control regions after consultation with the Environment Protection Agency as to the value of such projects as a part of a transportation control plan for such region. Directs the Secretary to conduct a full investigation of the effectiveness of measures employed in the demonstration projects authorized by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $10,000,000 from the Highway Trust Fund to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the announced policy of the United States Government to maintain Israel's deterrent strength be implemented by continuing to transfer to Israel, by whatsoever means necessary, Phantom aircraft and other equipment in the quantities needed by Israel to repel the aggressors.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1973
Emergency Rural Housing Act - Title I: Presents the finding of the Congress that there are millions of substandard dwelling units in rural areas, that existing agencies operating under existing authorities could not meet the needs of millions of the rural poor, and that there is a need for emergency action in rural housing programs. Establishes an Emergency Rural Housing Administration, the management of which shall be vested in an Administrator appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Makes it the duty of the Administrator to provide minimal housing facilities for eligible persons in rural areas and small communities and to do so, to the extent possible, within a five-year period. Forbids the duties and powers of the Administration to be transferred to any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to eligible persons to finance the acquisition of land and the construction thereon of minimal housing facilities, or to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing facilities in accordance with minimum housing facilities standards. Provides that at least 50 percent of the principal amount of any loan made shall be amortized over a period of not more than forty years, shall bear interest at a rate of not less than one percent per year, and shall be secured by a first mortgage. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire land and engage in the development of housing projects to be sold under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to finance all or part of the acquisition, and maintenance of: (1) minimal housing facilities in rural areas and small communities to be rented by eligible persons; (2) water and sewer facilities for such housing; and (3) related community facilities for such housing. Provides that the Administrator may enter into area responsibility agreements with any local agency. Forbids the Administrator to require, as a condition of assistance under this Act, the relocation of any eligible person in order to engage in or to facilitate the economic development of any area. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the operation of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 per year, reduced by an amounts paid into the Treasury each such year on the loans made by the Administrator. Title II: Extends the provisions of the Rural Housing Program to the Island of Guam. Provides for the financing of indebtedness for specified eligible loan applicants under this Act. Authorizes loans to leasehold owners under the Housing Act's rural programs. Makes provisions for veterans preferences for veterans of the Vietnam Era under Housing Act. Provides for direct and insured loans for purpose providing housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas covered by this Act. Defines the terms rural area as applicable under this Act. Provides for direct and insured loans to provide condominium housing for low-and-moderate-income families in rural areas covered by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure titles to land which are otherwise uninsurable by private insurance companies because of remote outstanding claims or encumbrances to enable eligible persons holding such land to benefit from this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
National Food Bank Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for the storage of food commodities in geographically dispersed areas of the United States so that such commodities will be readily available for distribution in any area which suffers a major disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to take such action as he deems necessary to maintain fresh, nutritious supplies of food commodities and to provide for the periodic turnover of such commodities to avoid spoilage.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1973
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause the vessel Miss Keku, owned by Clarence Jackson of Juneau, Alaska, to be documented as a vessel of the United States with coast-wise privileges.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that its members support the efforts of the President and the Secretary of the State to achieve a cease fire in the Middle East and a return of the parties involved to lines and positions occupied by them prior to the outbreak of the current hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Women's Educational Equity Act - Establishes within the Office of Education a Council on Women's Educational Programs to help provide educational equity for women in the United States. States that funds shall be available to such Council to make contracts and engage in activities: (1) to encourage the development of new and improved curriculums; (2) to demonstrate the use of such curriculums in model educational programs and to evaluate the effectiveness thereof: (3) to provide support for the initiation and maintenance of programs concerning women at all levels of education (preschool through adult education); (4) to disseminate instructional materials and other information for use in educational programs throughout the Nation; (5) to provide for the planning of women's resource centers; (6) to provide improved career, vocational, and physical education programs, and to provide for community education programs; (7) to provide programs on the status, roles, and opportunities for women in this society; and (8) to provide for the preparation and dissemination of materials for use in mass media. Authorizes the Council to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare concerning the administration of, preparation of, general regulations for, and operations of, programs assisted under this Act. Sets forth requirements for programs and for applications for financial assistance under this Act. Provides that the Secretary, in cooperation with the heads of other agencies with relevant jurisdiction, shall, upon request, render technical assistance to local educational agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, institutions at all levels of education, agencies of State, local and Federal governments and other agencies deemed by the Secretary to affect the status of women in this society. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for planning and carrying out community-oriented education programs or projects on women in American society for the benefit of interested and concerned adults, young persons, ethnic and cultural groups, community and business leaders, and other individuals and groups within a community. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act - Declares the policies of Congress. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an agency to be known as the Office of Federal Procurement Policy. Directs the Administrator of such Office to provide overall guidance and direction of procurement policy, and to the extent he considers appropriate, to prescribe policies and regulations which shall be followed by executive agencies in the area of procurement. States that the functions of the Administrator shall include the following: (1) establishing a system of government wide, coordinated, uniform procurement regulations; (2) establishing criteria and procedures for an effective method of soliciting the viewpoints of interested parties in the development of procurement policies; and (3) monitoring and revising as necessary policies and regulations concerning reliance on the private sector to provide needed goods and services. Sets forth the administrative powers of the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to submit a report to Congress annually, and at such other times as may be necessary, with recommendations for amendment or repeal of existing laws or adoption of new laws. Provides that neither the administrator nor employees of the Office may refuse to testify before or submit information to Congress or any duly authorized committees thereof. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of providing overall guidance for Federal assistance programs. Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1973
Establishes in the legislative branch of the Government the Office of Constituent Assistance, to be under the direction and control of the Director of the Office and Assistant Director. Provides that the Director shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Gives the Office duties of assisting a Member of Congress, standing committees, special committees, select committees, or joint committees in answering any request presented to it including: to conduct investigations of specified administrative actions which might be: (1) contrary to law or regulation; (2) unfair, unreasonable, or oppressive; (3) mistaken in law or arbitrary in ascertainment of facts; and (4) unclear or inadequately explained when reasons should have been revealed. Requires the Director to issue a weekly questionnaire to Members and committees requesting information pertaining to a list of issues. Prescribes the requiremnts of such questionnaire. Enumerates additional functions and powers of the Office. Specifies matters to be exempted from coverage under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the performance of the duties of the Office under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1973
Directs the Librarian of Congress to establish and maintain a library containing recordings and film prints of television and radio programs, distributed nationally, which the Librarian determines to be substantial public interest. Provides that the Librarian shall conduct and report to Congress on: a study (1) the type of guidelines to be used in determining what programs that it would be in the public interest to preserve, and the cost, and (2) the recordings and film prints necessary in order to have as complete a collection as possible of radio and television programs that have been broadcast and are of historical significance, and of such acquisition. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1973
Combined Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Income Tax Reporting Amendments - Title I: Amendments to Title II of the Social Security Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make available specified tax returns to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Empowers the Secretary of HEW and the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement for the processing of information contained in such returns. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide to the Secretary of the HEW any documents they agree are necessary for such processing. Directs the Managing Trustee of the Trust Funds, including the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, to pay into the Treasury the amounts he and the Secretary of HEW estimate will be expended from the general fund of the Treasury by the Department of HEW and Treasury for the administration of (1) titles II, XVIII of the Social Security Act, and (2) specified chapter and subchapters of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of HEW to apportion (between each Trust Fund and the general fund in the Treasury) the costs of administratering titles II, XVI and XVIII of the Social Security Act and its costs in carrying out specified functions of this Act. Provides that average monthly wage, quarters of coverage, and coverage credits derived from self-employment income for taxable years beginning before 1974 are to be determined on a basis of income credited to calender quarters. Limits quarters coverage to quarters occuring before 1974 and make additonal modification to taxation of self-employed persons. Allocates, under the Social Security Act, coverage credits for earnings before 1974 based on quarters of coverage and after 1973 on the basis of earnings durings the calendar year. Provides that a person will satisfy the requirements prerequisite to a determination of disability if he has 20 or more coverage credits which were credited to the period ending on the day the disability arose and consisting of that part of the current calendar year up until the day the disability began and the nine prior calendar years. Redefines a "fully insured individual" in terms of coverage credits rather than quarters of coverage." States that any person upon obtaining the age of 62 with the proper number of coverage credits is fully insured. Provides that specified benefits be paid to individuals not citizens of the United States who amassed sufficient coverage credits. Title II: Amendments Preserving Relationship Between Railroad Retirement and Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Provides, under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, that in the calculation of an employee's "average monthly renumeration" after calendar 1974 an individual employee shall obtain the benefit of full allowable coverage credits, irrespective of whether particular quarters of coverage were otherwise available for calculation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1973
Declares the purposes of the Act, including to encourage the manufacture and importation of automobiles which efficiently consume fuel. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for an excise tax on new automobiles manufactured, produced, or imported at specified rates, calculated with respect to the fuel consumption rate of such automobiles. Provides for an increase in the amount of the tax beginning July 1, 1981. States that the Secretary of Transportation shall investigate the fuel consumption rates of automobiles which are subject, or may be subject, to the tax. Requires that such investigations include tests: (1) of each automobile model subject to such tax equipped: (a) with each available engine size, (b) with each, and combinations of each, type of optional accessory which has a significant effect on fuel consumption economy; and (2) which shall be conducted under specified controlled conditions. Requires, under the Automobile Information Disclosure Act, that every label required to be affixed shall include, in the case of any automobile on which a tax was imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (relating to automobile fuel economy taxes): (1) the fuel consumption rate determined to be applicable for such automobile; and (2) the tax paid.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1973
Rape Prevention and Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to conduct a continuing study and investigation of specified areas, including: (1) the effectiveness of existing Federal, State and local laws dealing with rape; (2) the relationship, if any, between traditional legal and social attitudes toward sexual roles, the act of rape, and the formulation of laws dealing with rape; (3) the treatment of the victims of rape by law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or other medical institutions, prosecutors, and the courts; (4) the causes of rape; and (5) sexual assaults in correctional institutions. Provides that the Center shall compile and publish annually a summary of its findings. Directs the Center to develop an information clearinghouse with regard to enumerated materials regarding rape and rehabilitation of offenders. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Provides that the Secretary, through the National Center for the Control and Prevention of Rape, shall make grants to community mental health centers, nonprofit private organizations, and public agencies for the purpose of conducting research and demonstration projects concerning the control and prevention of rape. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to him on matters relating to rape prevention and control.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Elementary and Secondary Education Assistance Act - Title I: General Grants for Elementary and Secondary Education Grants Authorized - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make payments to State educational agencies for the Federal share of the cost of grants to local educational agencies and for other elementary and secondary education programs. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commissioner, for the purpose of carrying out this title, $4,500,000 annually for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years. Provides for the reservation of specified precentages for enumerated purposes, and for the apportionment of sums not reserved. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Provides that any State desiring to receive financial assistance shall submit a plan to reduce disparities in per pupil expenditures among local educational agencies within such State. Enumerates the criteria to be met by such plan. Requires the chief State officer to submit annually to the Commissioner an application in such detail and containing or accompanied by such information as the Commissioner deems necessary. States that a local educational agency may receive a grant from the appropriate State educational agency under this title for any fiscal year only upon an application approved by the appropriate State educational agency, upon its determination consistent with such basic criteria as the Commissioner may establish, including: (1) that the programs and activities will be administered by or under the supervision of the applicant; and (2) that such agency will make provisions for the benefit of children in schools of secular, neutral, and nonideological educational services, materials, and equipment. Provides that the State shall not finally disapprove any application for funds without first affording the local educational agency reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Provides that the Commissioner shall pay to each State which has established eligibility under this Act, in advance or by way of reimbursement, the amount of such State's apportionment. States that no payments shall be made to any State in which per pupil expenditures for elementary and secondary education for the preceding year from State sources, excluding the payment of the State share for grants, programs, and activities undertaken pursuant to this Act, are less in such State than such expenditures for the second preceding fiscal year. States that if any State or local educational agency is dissatisfied with the Commissioner's final action with respect to the approval of its application, they may file with the United States court of appeals for the circuit for which such agency is located a petition for review of that action. Title II: Experimental Achievement Progress Test - States that, after consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Education, the Commissioner is directed, on an experimental basis, to conduct a program to demonstrate the feasibility of administrating achievement progress tests in reading and mathematics to be given by local educational agencies to the elementary and secondary school children, in order to provide financial assistance to such agencies, in accordance with this Act, based upon the improvement reflected in such achievement progress tests.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1973
Provides, under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, that specified revenues from leases on the Outer Continental Shelf shall be made available to the States on the following basis: (1) 50 percent to the State adjacent to the Outer Continental Shelf; (2) 25 percent, in equal amounts, to each State other than the adjacent State; and (3) 25 percent to be deposited in the Treasury of the United States and credited to miscellaneous receipts. (Amends 43 U.S.C. 1338)
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1973
Permits, under the Internal Revenue Code, aircraft owners to choose, under specified conditions, the yearly period for application of the tax on use of civil aircraft. Provides for election to use a year other than the period beginning July 1 only if the person required to pay the tax on the use of the aircraft establishes that climatic conditions beyond his control will prevent him from using such aircraft for a continuous period of 90 days or more during the one year. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 4492 (c)(1)).
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1973
Permits, under the Internal Revenue Code, owners of highway motor vehicles to choose, under specified conditions, the yearly period for application of the tax on use of such vehicles. Provides for election to use a year other than the period beginning July 1 only if the person required to pay the tax establishes that climatic conditions beyond his control will prevent him from using the vehicle for a continuous 90-day period or more during the one year. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 4481-4485)
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1973
Establishes the Commission on United States Participation in the United Nations to be composed of nine members as follows: (1) two Members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate from members of the Committee on Foreign Relations, one of whom is a member of the majority party and one a member of the minority party; (2) two Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House from members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, one of whom is a member of the majority party and one a member of the minority party; and (3) five members appointed by the President of the United States from among outstanding citizens in private life known for their intimate knowledge of the United Nations and of the United States role therein. Makes it the duty of the Commission: (1) to assist the President in making full use of the report of the President's Commsssion for the Observance of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations; (2) to conduct a review of the organization, operation, and unrealized potential of the United Nations and its agencies, of the International Court of Justice, and of the United States role therein; and (3) to report at specified periodic intervals to the President, the Congress, and the American people its assessments, criticisms, and recommendations with respect to enumerated operations of the United Nations. Sets forth the powers of the Chairman of the Commission and the rates of compensation of Commission members. Authorizes the Commission to request from any department, agency, or independent instrumentality of the United States any information and assistance it deems necessary to carry out its duties. Provides that to carry out the provisions of this joint resolution there is authorized to be appropriated, for the fiscal year in which this joint resolution is enacted, not to exceed the sum of $150,000 and, for each fiscal year thereafter, such sums as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Provides, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individuals' earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and Commerce to report to the Congress on all matters concerning the proposed grain sale to the People's Republic of China, including all possible effects such a sale may have on the domestic grain market, effects on the American consumer, farmer, worker, and businessman, and other effects on the economy of this Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Establishes a temporary, select committee of the Senate to be known as the Select Committee on Regulatory Commissions and the United States Economy to conduct a complete study and investigation on regulatory commissions and agencies of the United States Government, including: (1) the influence and impact of the activities, procedures, rules, orders, and decisions of such regulatory commissions and agencies, in particular, the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission; (2) the accountability of such regulatory commissions and agencies to the Congress, the relationships of these commissions and agencies to other departments, agencies, and independent establishments of the executive branch of the United States Government, the relationship of each such commission or agency to any sectors of private or public enterprise the commission or agency is charged by statute with regulating, and the relationships of those commissions and agencies to the United States consumer; (3) the appropriateness of regulation for given sectors of the economy, the adequacy of current legislative statutes, and the economic consequences of commission and and agency regulatory activities for the United States consumer; and (4) such other matters as the committee considers appropriate. Directs the committee to submit a final report to the Senate not later than January 20, 1976, containing a comprehensive summary of the work of the committee and to include such recommendations as the committee deems appropriate. Provides that the Committee shall have no authority to report any legislative measure to the Senate nor shall it otherwise have legislative jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Declares that the United States Senate does hereby congratulate and felicitate the distinguished Senator from Mississippi, the Honorable John C. Stennis, on his birthday and expresses the wish that he will enjoy many other such anniversaries in the future. Declares that members of the Senate greatly miss the distinguished Senator and wish for him an early return to the Senate Chamber and to his duties in the Senate. Directs that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and a copy furnished to Mr. Stennis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1973
Freedom from Surveillance Act - States that, except as expressly provided, whoever, being a civil officer of the United States or an officer of the Armed Forces of the United States, employs any part of the Armed Forces or the militia of any State to conduct investigations into, maintain surveillance over, or record or maintain information regarding, the beliefs, associations, or political activities of any person not a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of any civilian organization, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. Exempts from such provisions the use of the Armed Forces of the United States or the militia of any State: (1) when they have been actually and publicly assigned by the President to the task of repelling invasion or suppressing rebellion, insurrection, or domestic violence pursuant to the Constitution or specified sections of the United States Code; or (2) to investigate criminal conduct committed on a military installation or involving the destruction, theft, or trespass of the property of the United States; or (3) to determine the suitability for employment of any individual for the Armed Forces of the United States, by the militia of any State, or by a defense facility; or (4) whenever the militia of any State is under the command of the chief executive of that State or any other appropriate authorities of that State. Sets forth the definitions of the terms used in this Act, including "surveillance". Prescribes procedures for the bringing of civil actions and special class actions against illegal surveillance.
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