United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Land Use Policy and Planning Assistance Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Purpose - Declares that it is a continuing responsibility of the Federal Government, consistent with the responsibility of State and local governments for land use planning and management, to undertake the development and implementation of a national land use policy which shall incorporate environmental, esthetic, economic, social, and other appropriate factors. Declares it to be the national policy to: (1) favor patterns of land use planning, management, and development which are in accord with sound environmental, economic, and social values and which encourage the wise and balanced use of the Nation's land resources; (2) assist State governments to develop and implement land use programs for non-Federal lands which will incorporate environmental, esthetic, economic, social, and other appropriate factors, and to develop a framework for the formulation, coordination, and implementation of State and local land use policies; (3) assist the State and local governments to improve upon their present land use planning and management efforts with respect to areas of critical environmental concern, key facilities, development and land use of regional benefit, and large scale development; (4) facilitate increased coordination in the administration of Federal programs and in the planning and management of Federal lands and adjacent non-Federal lands so as to encourage sound land use planning and management; and (5) promote the development of systematic methods for the exchange of land use, environmental, economic, and social data and information among all levels of governments. Title II: Aministration of Land Use Policy - Establishes in the Department of the Interior an Office of Land Use Policy Administration. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the office, shall: (1) maintain a continuing study of the land resources of the United States and their use; (2) cooperate with the States in the development of standard methods and classifications for the collection of land use data and in the establishment of effective procedures for the exchange and dissemination of land use data; (3) develop and maintain a Federal Land Use Information and Data Center; (4) make the information maintained at the Data Center available to Federal, regional, State, and local agencies conducting or concerned with land use planning and management and to the public; and (5) administer the grant-in-aid program established under the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Board on Land Use Policy to assist the Secretary in carrying out this Act. Authorizes the States to coordinate land use planning, policies, and programs with appropriate interstate entities, and a reasonable portion of the funds made available to such States under the provisions of this Act may be used therefor. Title III: Program of Assistance to the States - Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to each State to assist each State in developing and administering a State land use program meeting the requirements set forth in this Act. Provides that, as a condition to the continued eligibility of any State for grants after a period of three complete fiscal years following the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall have determined that the State has developed an adequate statewide land use planning process. Sets forth the requirements of such process. Provides that, in the determination of an adequate statewide land use process of any State, the Secretary shall confirm that the State has an eligible State land use planning agency established by the Governor of such State or by law. Provides that, as a condition of the continued eligibility of any State for grants after a period of five complete fiscal years following the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall determine that the State has developed an adequate State land use program. Provides that such program shall include methods of implementation for: (1) assuring that use and development of land in areas of critical environmental concern within the State is not inconsistent with the State land use program; (2) assuring that the use of land in areas within the State which are or may be impacted by key facilities, including the site location and the location of major improvement and major access features of key facilities, is not inconsistent with the State land use program; (3) assuring that any large-scale subdivisions and other proposed large-scale development within the State of more than local significance in its impact upon the environment is not inconsistent with the State land use program; (4) assuring that any source of air, water, noise, or other pollution in the areas or from the uses or activities listed in this part shall not be located where it would result in a violation of any pollution standard or implementation plan; (5) periodically revising and updating the State land use program to meet changing conditions; (6) assuring dissemination of information to appropriate officials or representatives of local governments and members of the public and their participation in the development of and subsequent revisions in the State land use program and in the formulation of State guidelines, rules, and regulations for the development and administration of the State land use program; and (7) conducting a coordinated management program for the land and water resources of any coastal zone within the State in accordance with existing or then applicable Federal or State law. Provides that such methods of implementation shall include either one or a combination of the two following general techniques: (1) implementation by local governments pursuant to criteria and standards established by the State, such implementation to be subject to State administrative review with State authority to disapprove such implementation wherever it fails to meet such criteria and guidelines; and (2) direct State land use planning and regulation. Provides that the Secretary shall not make a grant to any State pursuant to this Act until he has ascertained that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is satisfied that the land use program of such State is in compliance with the goals of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the clean Air Act, and other Federal laws controlling pollution which fall within the jurisdiction of the Administrator. Requires Federal projects and activities significantly affecting land use to be consistent with State land use programs which conform to the provisions of this Act. Establishes a procedure for the withholding of funds under this Title. Title IV: Federal-State Coordination and Cooperation in the Planning and Management of Federal and Adjacent Non-Federal Lands - States that all agencies of the Federal Government charged with responsibility for the management of Federal lands shall consider State land use programs prepared pursuant to this Act and attempt to coordinate the State and Federal programs. Provides that the Secretary, at his discretion or upon the request of the Governor of any State involved, shall establish an Ad Hoc Federal-State Joint Committee or Committees to review specific problems arising from the management of Federal lands and adjacent non-Federal lands. States that, upon receipt of the recommendations of such committee, the Secretary shall take any appropriate action to minimize such conflict. Directs the Secretary to report biennially to the President and Congress concerning the coordination of the management of Federal land and adjacent non-Federal lands. Title V: General - Authorizes the President to designate an agency or agencies to issue guidelines to the Federal agencies to assist them in carrying out the requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary, with the assistance of the Office and the Board, to report biennially to the President and the Congress on land resources, uses of land, and current and emerging problems of land use. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants provided for in this Act in any amount not to exceed 66 2/3 percent of the estimiated cost of developing the State land use programs for the two fiscal years following the enactment of this Act. Provides that for the following three fiscal years grants may be made in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the estimated cost of developing and administering such programs. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants to the States under this Act $40,000,000 for each of the first two fiscal years following the enactment of this Act and $30,000,000 for each of the next three fiscal years. Authorizes to be appropriated, for each of the five full fiscal years following the enactment of this Act, $10,000,000 to the Secretary to be used exclusively for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the city of Anchorage, Alaska, interests of the United States in parcels of land described under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Older Americans Comprehensive Services Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Objectives - States that the general purpose of this Act is to make available comprehensive health, education, and social service programs to our older citizens. Title II: Administration on Aging - Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Administration on Aging to carry out this Act. Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Administration. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource ClearingHouse for the Aging to collect, review, organize, publish, and disseminate information and data related to the particular problems caused by aging, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting such problems. Establishes the Federal Council on the Aging to advise and assist the President as he may direct on matters relating to the special needs of Older Americans; to assist the Commissioner on Aging in carrying out his functions under this Act; to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress on policies and programs for the aged. Provides that, not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a complete report on the activities carried out under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs to concentrate resources in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development of comprehensive systems to serve older persons, to include services designed to assist older Americans in avoiding institutionalization. Authorizes appropriations totalling $600,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Provides that the Commissioner shall not finally disapprove any State plan, or any modification thereof, without first affording the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Title IV: Training and Research - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for the purpose of: (1) publicizing available opportunities for careers in the field of aging; (2) encouraging qualified persons to enter or re-enter the field of aging; (3) encouraging persons from other professions to undertake assignments on a part-time basis in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study in the field of aging. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct a study of the transportation problems of older Americans, with emphasis upon solutions that are practicable and can be implemented in a timely fashion. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for purposes of such transportation studies and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of: (1) establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; (2) conducting basic research on the problem of the aged; (3) providing consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and (4) creating opportunities for research projects with respect to aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to, and training personnel in, the field of aging; and for research and development projects. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology. Title V: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to units of general purpose local government or other public or nonprofit private agencies to pay not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of leasing, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Establishes standards to be followed by the Commissioner in making such grants and authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the provisions of this section. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure mortgages on multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making grants to meet the costs of compensation of professional and technical personnel for the initial operation of multipurpose senior centers. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Program - Provides that no compensation paid to individual volunteers under the Retired Senior volunteer program under the Older Americans Act shall be considered income for any purposes. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amount of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the continuation of the Foster Grandparent Program under the Older Americans Act. Title VII: Nutrition Programs - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation may donate specified products acquired by them to a recipient of a grant or contract for providing nutritional services for the elderly. Title VIII: Amendments to Other Acts - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States which have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for library services for older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher education to assist such institutions in planning, developing, and carrying out programs specifically designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies for educational programs for elderly persons whose ability to speak and read the English language is limited and who live in an area with a culture different from their own. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3001, 3011(b); 42 U.S.C. 3012(3), (4); 42 U.S.C. 3044; 42 U.S.C. 3044a, 3044b; Amends 20 U.S.C. 354, 355, 355nts; 20 U.S.C. 1504(a) (2); 20 U.S.C. 1505(a); 20 U.S.C. 1078; 20 U.S.C. 1209, 1210, 1211; 20 U.S.C. 954) Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older American - Older Americans Community Service Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an older American community service program in order to promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons 55 years old or older who have poor employment prospects Makes provisions for allotment of funds to State, local and private organizations to further the purposes of the program. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 to carry out this title. Title X: Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training - Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, through the Manpower Administration, to make loans and grants for manpower training, including on-the-job, institutional, residential, and other training, designed to upgrade the work skills and capabilities of middle-aged and older persons. Authorizes the Secretary to make such studies, rules and provisions as necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out this title in fiscal year 1973 from funds otherwise available for similar programs. Authorizes appropriations in fiscal year 1974 of $100,000,000 for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Provides that the appointments of United States Marshals shall be made by the Attorney General (now made by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate). Applies this provision relating to U.S. Marshal appointments to Guam and to the Canal Zone. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 561(a); 48 U.S.C. 1424(b); Repeals 28 U.S.C. 561(b), 565)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Provides for the awarding of a Medal of Honor for Firemen to a fireman from each state by the President. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physician's prescription or certification shall be included among the items and service covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Requires any bill or joint resolution reported by a Senate or House Committee to contain: (1) a copy of the probable matter and format of each new form or report (or the revision of any such existing form or report), required by the enactment of such bill or joint resolution, which is to be provided by the United States Government for completion by any person other than a State or Federal employee; (2) in lien of any such copy, a statement listing each such form or report for which that copy is not contained in the report, with a statement of the reasons why the copy is not so included; or (3) a statement, accompanied by reasons, that such bill or joint resolution does not require, or its enactment is not likely to have as a result, any such new form or report or any revision of an existing form or report.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, reduced fares on the airlines on a space-available basis for individuals twenty-one years of age or younger or sixty-five years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Provides that if the post of a Federal employee is located within the United States in a remote area, and the employee must travel a distance of at least two hundred miles from his post of duty to a place where daily airplane or rail service is available, leave granted to such employee is exclusive of time actually and necessarily occupied in going between his post of duty and a place where daily airplane or rail service is available and time necessarily occupied awaiting transportation to travel between such post and place.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
World War I Pension Act - Increases non service-connected disability pensions of World War I veterans, their widows and children, by 10 percent. Increases the monthly rate payable to any World War I veteran for regular aid and attendance by $15 and increases the monthly rate for such veterans with permanent and total disability by $6 a month. Provides that the monthly rate to which any child or children of a veteran of World War I shall be increased by $8 in the case of one child and by $1 for each additional child. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 521(b), (c), (d), (e), 542)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Exempts State-owned passenger vessels which carry the automobiles of passengers and which arrive in the United States on regular schedules from the requirement of paying for overtime services of customs officers and employees under the Tariff Act of 1930. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1451)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Provides a 25 percent cost-of-living adjustment in civil service retirement annuities for retired employees in Alaska as long as such retired employee continues to reside in Alaska. States that such employee must have performed 10 years of service in Alaska prior to separation. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8339)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Requires termination by July 1, 1975, of all weapons range activities conducted on or near the island of Culebra complex of the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range. Prohibits funds from being appropriated by the Congress after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Opportunities Industrialization Assistance Act - Authorizes $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purposes of this Act. Provides that appropriations not obligated in one fiscal year may be obligated in the next fiscal year and that obligated funds may be expended for two years after obligations. Directs the Secretary of Labor to assist the States in the establishment and operation of opportunities industrialization centers designed to provide comprehensive employment services and job opportunities for low-income persons who are unemployed or underemployed. Requires assurances that residents of the area to be served participate in the planning and operation of the center and that local businessmen will be consulted as to its development and operation. Gives priority to programs in the inner-city areas with high unemployment or underemployment. Authorizes the Secretary to establish criteria for the equitable distribution of money to the States. Limits Federal financial assistance to 90 percent of the program costs. Permits contributions in excess of this percentage if the Secretary determines that this is necessary in furtherance of the objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to assure that these programs are operated in a manner designed to best fulfill the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to include, in the annual Department of Labor report, information as to activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Offshore Marine Environment Protection Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the fullest protection of the marine environment possible to prevent adverse impact which may result from the construction and operation of large-scale offshore artificial structures. Provides that no person shall construct or operate an artificial structure as defined in this Act until the Secretary of the Department in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is operating shall have certified that the artificial structure does not pose an unreasonable threat to the integrity of the marine environment in which it is to be located, and that all possible precautions have been taken to minimize adverse impact on the marine environment. Establishes criteria to be considered by the Secretary in reviewing and evaluating applications to build artificial offshore structures. Directs that copies of any communications, documents, reports, or information received or sent by any applicant (except those which relate to trade secrets) shall be made available to the public upon identifiable request. Provides that, in evaluating the effect of any proposed artificial structure on navigation, the Secretary shall consult with and obtain the views of the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Prescribes a fine of not less than $50,000 nor more than $200,000 for any person who begins to construct, constructs, or operates an artificial structure after the effective date of this Act without a prior certification by the Secretary. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 each for the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976 for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Prohibits the expenditure of funds, subject to the provisions of this Act, heretofore or hereafter appropriated for longer than thirty days after enactment of this Act to support the deployment of United States Armed Forces or any other military or paramilitary personnel under the control of the United States in the conduct of military or paramilitary operations in or over the Republic of Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos. Provides that funds appropriated may not be expended after the date of enactment of this Act to conduct offshore naval bombardment of, or to bomb (including the use of napalm, other incendiary devices, or chemical agents), rocket, or otherwise attack by air, from any type aircraft, any target whatsoever within Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, or the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Provides that funds appropriated may not be expended after the date of enactment of this Act to conduct offshore naval bombardment of, or to bomb (including the use of napalm, other incendiary devices, or chemical agents), rocket, or otherwise attack by air, from any type aircraft, any target whatsoever within the Republic of Vietnam unless the President determines any such bombardment of air operation clearly is necessary to provide for the immediate safety of United States Armed Forces during their withdrawal from the Republic of Vietnam, and submits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House for immediate transmission to the respective bodies of the Congress, within forty-eight hours of each such bombardment or operation (or if the Congress is not in session, as soon thereafter as it may return), a written report setting forth the time, place, nature, and reasons for conducting such bombardment or operation. Provides that if, by twenty days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and other adversary forces in Indochina holding American prisoners of war have not made arrangements for the release and repatriation by such date of all such prisoners: (1) such date shall be extended for thirty days; and (2) the Congress may by joint resolution authorize such further action as is recommended by the President to secure the release and repatriation of American prisoners of war. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the authority of the President to arrange asylum or other means of protection for individuals who might be physically endangered by the withdrawal of United States military or paramilitary personnel from the Republic of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos, to arrange for the return of United States equipment or stores from the Republic of Vietnam, or to deactivate mines within the coastal waters of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
National Science Policy and Priorities Act - States the Congressional declaration that the total Federal investment in science and technology must be raised to an expenditure level which is adequate to the human needs of the nation; and that Federal programs for civilian research and engineering must be focused in such priority problem areas as health care, poverty, public safety, pollution, unemployment, productivity, housing, education, transportation, nutrition, communications, and energy resources. Title I: Science Policy and Priorities for Civilian Research and Engineering - Science Policy Act - Requires the National Science Foundation to identify, research, and report on priority areas of civilian research and engineering likely to contribute to the resolution of such national problem areas as stated above. Authorizes appropriations totalling $50,000,000 for fiscal years 1974-1976 for such purposes. Title II: Design and Demonstration of Civil Science Systems - Civil Science Systems Act - Authorizes the Foundation to initiate and support programs which use science, technology, and advanced analytical techniques, such as systems analysis, to design civil science systems which are capable of providing improved public services in such areas as health care delivery, public safety, public sanitation, pollution control, housing, transportation, public utilities, communications, and education. Establishes within, the NSF, the Civil Science Systems Administration to administer programs carried out under this title. Establishes the Civil Science Systems Advisory Council, composed of 31 members, 18 of whom shall serve for terms of 3 years and be chosen from the following areas: business, labor, engineers, social and behavioral scientists, environmental and other community groups, and consumers. Authorizes the Director of the Administration to conduct and contract for planning studies for the design and demonstration of civil science systems capable of providing improved public services. Authorizes contracts: (1) for the conduct of applied social research into the economic, sociological, political, legal, administrative, and psychological aspects of the design, development, and implementation of such civil science systems; and (2) for research, testing, and evaluation of such civil science systems which make use of advanced science and technology. Authorizes the Director to establish a computerized Civil Science Systems Information Service, which shall collect the information pertaining to civil science systems resulting from programs under this title, and shall provide information to interested Government, educational, and private organizations. Requires the Director, in conducting programs under this title, to maintain coordination with appropriate Federal, State, regional, and local governmental agencies. Authorizes appropriations for this title of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $400,000,000 for 1975, and $600,000,000 for 1976. Title III: Transition of Technical Manpower to Civilian Programs - Technical Manpower Transition Act - Authorizes the Foundation to plan and assist in the transition of scientific and technical manpower from research and engineering programs which have been terminated or significantly reduced to other civilian-oriented research and engineering activities. Establishes an Advisory Panel on Transition of Scientific and Technical Manpower to Civilian Programs, to be composed of 31 members, 18 of whom shall serve for terms of 3 years and be chosen from the following categories: engineering and natural sciences, economics and social sciences, industry, labor, public affairs and manpower training, and unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians. Authorizes the Foundation to make grants: (1) for the conduct of research designed to study and appraise the social, economic, and managerial aspects of transition from defense research and engineering activities to civilian-oriented research and engineering activities; (2) for programs designed to facilitate the transition of scientific and technical activities to civilian programs at the State, local, or regional level; (3) for training programs for officers and employees of Federal, State, and local government who will be responsible for administering Government-assisted programs for civilian, social oriented research and engineering activities; (4) for establishing community conversion corporations which shall conduct civilian-oriented research and development activities focusing on the particular problems of the community where the corporation is located; (5) for job transition programs involving the hiring of unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians to work on civilian-oriented projects for which they are not yet fully qualified; (6) for career transition fellowships to unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians to enable them to pursue a course of study through which they can acquire specialized technical knowledge and skills in fields other than the ones in which they are already proficient; (7) for placement programs for unemployed or underemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians; and (8) for education programs which design courses and curriculums intended to prepare students for careers in civilian, socially oriented research and engineering activities, in areas such as pollution control, mass transit, solid waste disposal systems, public utilities, public safety systems, and health care technology. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this title $152,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $203,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $205,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Title IV: Protection of Pension Rights of Scientists and Engineers - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to develop recommendations for modifications of Federal procurement regulations to insure that scientists, engineers, and those employed under Federal procurement, construction, or research contracts or grants, shall be protected against forfeiture of pension or retirement benefits as a consequence of job transfers or loss of employment resulting from terminations or modifications of Federal contracts or procurement policies. Title V: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Authorizes the Director to appoint additional personnel and advisory committees, and use the services of Federal, State, and local government organizations, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Makes provisions for the payment and withholding of funds under this Act. Requires records to be kept of costs by recipients of assistance under this Act. Provides for an audit of records of recipients of assistance. Requires provisions in grants or contracts under this Act governing the disposition of inventions produced thereunder in a manner calculated to protect the public interest and the equities of the individual or organization with which the grant or contract is executed. Prohibits any Foundation employee from retaining or transferring any rights, under the patent laws or transfering any rights, under the patent laws of the United States, in any invention which he may produce in connection with performing his assigned activities and which is directly related to the subject matter thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Title I: Organization - Establishes within the Department of Labor an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent. Provides that the functions, records and personnel of the Office of Labor Management Services Administration necessary for the administration of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act are transferred to the Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration. Requires that, unless exempt, the provisions of the Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Requires administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to file applications with the Secretary of Labor for registration of such plans. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - Requires that no pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan may require, as a condition of eligibility to participate in the plan, a period of service longer than one year or an age greater than 25, whichever occurs later, except that any plan which provides 100 percent immediate vesting upon entry into the plan may restrict participation to those who have attained age 30, or three years of service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes the Secretary to defer, in whole or in part, applicability of the vesting provisions for a period not to exceed five years from the effective date of such requirements where a plan makes a showing that the vesting requirements would increase the employer's costs or contributions to the plan to an extent that substantial economic injury would result to the employer and to the interests of the participants. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing funding of multi-employer plans that cover a substantial portion of the industry or employees in a specific geographic area to assure that such plans are provided with sufficient assets to cover benefits under the plan. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program known as the Voluntary Portability Program for portability of vested pension credits. Requires that, plans which are members of this program are required to pay, to a central portability fund administered by the Secretary, monies representing the value of the participant's vested rights when he is separated from the plan prior to retirement. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance Program Established - Establishes a Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program administered by the Secretary, which requires plans to insure unfunded vested liabilities incurred prior to enactment of the Act, as well as after enactment of the Act. Requires the insurance program to insure participants against loss of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the Secretary shall make arrangements with employers on equitable terms for the reimbursement of insurance paid. Title V: Disclosure and Fiduciary Standards - Requires that annual reports filed are required to be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. Restructures the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans so that it will serve as an advisory council for both the WPPDA and the Retirement Income Security for Employees Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition the Federal courts to compel a pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan to comply with the Act or effect recoveries of moneys which may be due under the Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for interference with the rights of a pensioner or his beneficiary. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for the provisions in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the establishment of a Rehabilitation Services Administration and to establish an Office for the Handicapped and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of HEW under titles I through IV of this Act. Creates within such Administration a Division of Research,Training, and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title IV of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in the appropriation Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds, pursuant to regulations prescribed by th President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Part A: General Provisions - Authorizes to be appropriated in order to make grants to States under part B of this title $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; and $975,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Sets forth conditions which shall be included in a State plan for vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services submitted to the Commissioner for approval under this title. Provides for judicial review of an adverse decision of the Commissioner with respect to a State plan submitted for approval under this title. Part B: Basic Vocational and Comprehensive Rehabiliation Services - Provides for the allocation of the funds appropriated under Part A for Part B to the several States. States that the allocation to any State shall not be less than 1/4 of 1 percent of the amount appropriated, or $2,000,000, whichever is greater. Provides that for each fiscal year the Commissioner shall pay to each State an amount equal to the Federal share of the cost of vocational rehabilitation services under an approved State plan. States that this payment shall not exceed such State's allocation unde this part. Requires the Commissioner to set aside funds in an amount between $1,000,000 and $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, and up to $5,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-1975, to establish a system of client assistance pilot projects to advise clients of benefits available under this Act. Part C: Innovation and Expansion Grants - Entitles States to grants for special programs to expand vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with the most severe handicaps, particularly those who are poor and responsibility for whose treatment is shared by the State. Sets forth provisions for allotments among the States. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - Authorizes grants to assist the several States in developing and implementing continuing plans for meeting the current and future needs of handicapped individuals for whom a vocational goal is not possible or feasible, including the assessment of disability and rehabilitation potential, and for the training of specialized personnel needed for the provision of services to such individuals and research related thereto. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $80,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, for such purposes. Sets forth provisions for allotments to the States, with a minimum assurance of $150,000 per State. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants and contracts for the construction of rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or private nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Provides that an application for a grant under this title must conform to the general grant and contract requirements of this title. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making vocational training grants $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit private organizations and agencies to pay 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals in public and nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Requires the Commissioner to make the following determinations prior to making such grants: (1) that the purpose of the project is to prepare handicapped, especially severely handicapped, individuals for gainful and suitable employment; (2) that the individuals to receive training services under such project will include only those individuals who are determined to be suitable for and in need of such training services by the States agency or agencies of the State in which the rehabilitation facility is located; (3) that the full range of training services will be made available to such individual; and (4) that the project meets such other requirements as he may prescribe in regulations for providing such services. Authorizes the Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage which covers construction of a public or nonprofit rehabilitation facility, including equipment to be used in its operation. Sets forth conditions for the insurance of such mortgages. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used as a revolving fund to carry out this title. States that the total amount of outstanding mortgages insured shall not exceed $250,000,000. Provides that the Commissioner may make annual interest grants to State and public and nonprofit agencies to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commissioner such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purpose of making grants for special projects and demonstrations. States that such grants may pay 90 percent of the cost of the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families. Establishes the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults which shall: (1) demonstrate methods of: (a) providing the specialized intensive services, and other services, needed to rehabilitate handicapped individuals who are both deaf and blind; and (b) training the professional and allied personnel needed adequately to staff facilities specially designed to provide such services and training to such personnel who have been or will be working with deaf-blind individuals; (2) conduct research in the problems of, and ways of meeting the problems of, rehabilitating deaf-blind individuals; and (3) aid in the conduct of related activities which will expand or improve the services for or help improve public understanding of the problems of deaf-blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropraited for the purpose of establishing and operating such center $5,000,000 for construction which shall remain available until expended, and $800,000 for operations for fiscal year 1973; $1,200,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Provides for the establishment of Rehabilitation Centers for Deaf Individuals, and National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for special services for the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease and to provide rehabilitation services for older blind individuals. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of the Handicapped consisting of twenty members appointed by th Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Provides that any State which receives assistance under this Act shall establish and maintain a State Advisory Council which shall be appointed by the Governor, or in specified cases by the State board which governs vocational rehabilitation. Sets forth the functions of such council. Title IV: Research and Training - Provides that the Commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving states goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the function of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees to insure the adequacy of hiring, placement, and advancement practices with respect to handicapped individuals within the Federal Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to consider problems in the areas that impede the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals. Establishes the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Sets forth the function of such Board. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the duties and functions of such Board. Requires any contract entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provison requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
States that in providing technical and managerial aids to small-business concerns through various public and non-profit private groups, under the Small Business Act, the Small Business Administration shall: (1) rent for the use of such an individual or group such office facilities, parking space, and related materials and services as would not otherwise be available for the purpose and as the Administration deems appropriate; (2) pay, as the Administration deems appropriate, the expenses of disseminating through advertising media information to small business concerns respecting the availability of such individuals or groups; (3) pay, as the Administration deems appropriate, the expense of placing in telephone directories an independent listing of the telephone numbers of such individuals or groups; and (4) reimburse any such individual for the cost incurred in making any telephone call from his home in furtherance of the purposes of such Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(B))
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Shoreline Erosion Control Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of the Army, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a five year national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program consisting of operating control devices, both engineered and vegetative, including development of new dredging techniques for the artificial restoration of beaches. Provides that both vegetative and low-cost shorelines erosion control devices would be tested on sites along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts and along the Great Lakes. Requires the Secretary of the Army to establish a fifteen member Shoreline Erosion Advisory Panel to advise him in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit annually a program progress report to the Congress. Provides that the Secretary shall submit a comprehensive evaluation at the conclusion of the five year program. Authorizes an appropriation of not more that $6,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are, covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet some other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended furing the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of, methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amendable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land in order to establish the Tule Elk National Wildlife Refuge within the Owen River watershed area, California. Declares that the tule elk shall be deemed a species of wildlife threatened with extinction for purposes of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 4601-9)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating a week as "National Welcome Home Our Prisoners Week" upon the release and return to the United States of American prisoners of war in Southeast Asia.
![Official portrait of Sen. Gravel, Mike [D-AK]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000388_200.jpg)