United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Earthquake Hazards Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce: (1) to collect, analyze, and disseminate date and information with respect to all aspects of earthquakes, seismic events, and other natural tectonic processes so as to minimize the loss of life, injury to persons, and damage to property; (2) to assess earthquake hazards in the various areas of the United States and to develop and publish maps, reports, and other data with respect to such hazards; and (3) to develop technology to assist in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of earthquake-related data and information, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior, to investigate and develop the technology and knowledge necessary for the prediction and control of earthquakes. Details activities which the Secretaries of Commerce and Interior shall initiate in order to carry out the monitoring and engineering program authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall develop a comprehensive national program, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior, the National Science Foundation, and such other Federal agencies as he may deem appropriate, to accomplish the objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report with respect to the actions taken by Federal agencies pursuant to the development of the comprehensive national plan. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1972 and for each of the following nine fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace at Stanford University, Stanford, California, on condition that the funds will be used for the construction of a new building, for the equipment of such building, and for the establishment of a capital fund administered by the Hoover Institution, the income from which shall be used for the purchase and processing of books and other documents for the library of the Hoover Institution. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury for making grants under this Act amounts in which the aggregate will not exceed gifts, bequests, and devises of money, securities, and other property, made to the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace after the date of enactment of this Act, except that the aggregate amount so appropriated shall not exceed $5,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Establishes within the Department of State a Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental Affairs to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of State. Transfers to this Bureau those functions of the Department of State relating to oceans, environmental, fisheries, wildlife and conservation affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1973
Provides that a person shall be subjected to the penalty of death for any offense prohibited by the laws of the United States only if a hearing is held in accordance with this Act. States that when a defendant is found guilty of or pleads guilty to an offense for which one of the sentences provided is death, the judge who presided at the trial or before whom the guilty plea was entered shall conduct a separate sentencing hearing to determine the existence or nonexistence of the factors set forth in this Act for the purpose of determining the sentence to be imposed. Provides that the hearing shll not be held if the government stipulates that none of the aggravating factors set forth in the Act exists or that one or more of the mitigating factors set forth in the Act exists. Provides that in the sentencing hearing the court shall disclose to the defendant or his counsel all material contained in any presentence report, if one has been prepared, except such material as the court determines is required to be withheld for the protection of human life or for the protection of the national security. Sets forth rules of evidence to be used in such hearing. States that the jury or, if there is no jury, the court shall return a special verdict setting forth its findings as to the existence or nonexistence of each of the factors set forth in this Act. Provides that the jury or, of there is no jury, the court finds by a preponderance of the information that one or more of the aggravating factors set forth in the Act exists and that none of the mitigating factors set forth in this Act exists, the court shall sentence the defendant to death. States that if the jury or, if there is no jury, the court finds that none of the aggravating factors exists, or finds that one or more of the mitigating factors exists, the court shall not sentence the defendant to death but shall impose any other sentence provided for the offense for which the defendant was convicted. States that the court shall not impose the sentence of death on the defendant if the jury or, if there is no jury, the court finds by a special verdict as provided in the Act that at the time of the offense there existed one of the specified mitigating factors. Lists the mitigating factors which the courts are to recognize. Sets forth specified crimes and circumstances which shall be considered aggravating factors for the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming technical amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Congressional Free Speech Act - Provides that no court or grand jury shall inquire of a Member or an aide either directly or indirectly into the protected legislative activities of a Member in a criminal proceeding without the Member's consent. Requires the Attorney General of the United States to personally approve the issuance of any subpena to a Member who is at that time serving in Congress, and to notify in writing that Member, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in the case of a Representative, and the President pro tempore of the Senate, in the case of a Senator, not less than forty-eight hours in advance of the issuance of the subpena. Provides that when an aide is served with a subpena which he has reason to believe may require his testimony on the protected legislative activity of a Member, the aide shall immediately inform that Member. Permits any Member to move in United States district court to quash any subpena issued by a court or grand jury in a criminal proceeding requiring him or an aide to appear to give testimony where the Member believes that the subpena seeks testimony about protected legislative activity. Sets forth the procedure for such a motion.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
National Mobile Home Safety Standards Act - Title I: Mobile Home Safety Standards - Directs the Secretary of Housing and urban Development to establish by order appropriate Federal mobile home safety standards. Provides that in prescribing standards under this Act, the Secretary shall: (1) consider relevant available mobile home safety data: (2) consult with such State or interstate agencies (including legislative committees) as he deems appropriate; (3) consider whether any such proposed standard is reasonable, practicable, and appropriate for the particular type of mobile home for which it is prescribed; (4) consider whether any such standard will place an undue financial burden upon manufacturers and distributors of mobile homes; (5) consider whether any such standard will result in a substantial increase in the retail price of mobile homes; and (6) consider the extent to which any such standard will contribute to carrying out the purpose of this title. Directs the Secretary to issue initial Federal mobile home safety standards upon the expiration of a one hundred eighty-day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall issue new and revised Federal mobile home safety standards under this title upon the expiration of the three hundred sixty-day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Mobile Home Safety Advisory Council, a majority of which shall be representatives of the general public, including representatives of State and local governments, and the remainder shall include members of the American National Standards Institute Committee on Mobile Homes and Recreational Vehicles and representatives of mobile home manufacturers, dealers and insurers. Provides that the Secretary shall consult with the Advisory Council before establishing or revoking any mobile home safety standard pursuant to this title. Directs the Secretary to conduct research, testing, development and training necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides that no person shall: (1) manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce, or import into the United States, any mobile home manufactured on or after the date any applicable Federal mobile home safety standard takes effect under this title unless it is in conformity with such standard; (2) fail or refuse access to or copying of records, or fail to make reports or provide information, or fail or refuse to permit entry or inspection, as required under this Act; (3) fail to issue a certificate required by this Act, or issue a certificate to the effect that a mobile home conforms to all applicable Federal mobile home safety standards, if such person in the exercise of due care has reason to know that such certificate is false or misleading in a material respect; or (4) fail to furnish notification of any defect as required by this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for each violation of this title. Provides that each violation shall constitute a separate violation, and that the maximum civil penalty shall not exceed $400,000 for any related series of violations. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Establishes the National Mobile Home Safety Bureau within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Provides that the provisions of this title shall be carried out through such Bureau. Title II: Changes in Existing Law - Authorizes Federal participation under the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 in any loan made for the purchase of a mobile home which meets or exceeds the mobile home safety standards established under this Act. Provides for Federal participation in loans made to veterans purchasing mobile homes which meet such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that wherein public education is provided by a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States, such public education shall be provided by the State, District of Columbia, territory or possession of the United States equally on a statewide basis to all the citizens of the United States residing therein.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Allows any Senator, or former Senator, to refuse to testify before any court or grant jury in a criminal proceeding concerning his legislative activity while a Member of the Senate. Prohibits an aide or former aide to a Senator or to a former Senator from testifying before a court or grand jury in a criminal prosecution in the performance of legislative activity by that Senator while he was a member of the Senate, unless otherwise instructed by that Senator. Provides that no memorial or other paper presented to the Senate, except original treaties, finally acted upon, shall be withdrawn from its files except by order of the Senate, except that when an act may pass for the settlement of any private claim, the Secretary is authorized to transmit to the officer charged with the settlement the papers on file relating to the claim, (contained in House Rule XXX). Provides that no memorial or other paper upon which an adverse report has been made shall be withdrawn from the files of the Senate unless copies thereof shall be left in the Office of the Secretary (presently contained in House Rule XXX). Requires a Senator to immediately notify the President Pro Tempore of any demands for testimony or documents made upon him or an aide which might fall within the provisions of this rule.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Grand Canyon National Park Enlargement Act - Provides for the recognition of the entire Grand Canyon as a natural feature of national and international significance. Prohibits the transfer of any lands held in trust for any Indian Tribe. Establishes the Grand Canyon Zone of Influence which gives the Secretary of the Interior the authority to coordinate a protective management program for those lands adjacent to the Grand Canyon or affecting the environment of the Grand Canyon. Institutes programs for the recreational, historical and cultural development of the area, and authorizes cooperative agreements between the States, Indian Tribes, and the Federal Government for the regulation of the area. Provides for the Administration of wilderness land under the Wilderness Act. Authorizes those sums as are necessary for the carrying out of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Extends the provisions of the National Sea Grant College and Program Act through fiscal year 1976 and authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act. Sets forth, circumstances under which the Secretary of Commerce may grant payments in excess of 66 2/3 percent for supporting programs relating to the development of marine resources. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake, through the National Sea Grant College Program, a study of the means of sharing, through cooperative programs with other nations, the results of marine research useful in the exploration, development, conservation, and management of marine resources. Requires the Secretary shall submit to the President and to the Congress the results and findings of such study, including specific recommendations, not later than June 30, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Provides that members of the advisory committee appointed pursuant to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Act of 1950 shall be paid for specified expenses incurred incident to the performance of their duties under such Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 983)
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Authorizes common carriers, engaged in interstate or foreign communications by wire or radio and subject to the Communications Act to provide free or reduced rate service for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. (Amends 47 U.S.C. 210)
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Limits the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to impose, by regulations, restrictions upon the availability and use of Federal funds authorized for social services under the public assistance programs established by the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Provides monthly insurance benefits for qualified dependent brothers and sisters of insured individuals under the Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance Benefits provisions of the Social Security Act. Prescribes that every brother or sister of an individual entitled to old age or disability insurance benefits, or of an individual who dies a fully and currently insured individual, shall be entitled to a brother's or sister's insurance benefit if such brother or sister: (1) has not attained the age of sixty-two; (2) has filed an application for brother's or sister's insurance benefits and was unmarried at the time such application was filed; (3) was receiving at least one-half of his support, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, from a brother or sister meeting specified requirements under this Act; and (4) is not entitled to old-age or disability insurance benefits or is entitled to such benefits which are less than he or she would be entitled to under this Act. Establishes provisions for the termination of benefits afforded under this Act. Stipulates that brother's or sister's insurance benefits for each month shall be equal to 82 1/2 percent of the primary insurance amount of the insured individual if such individual has died in or prior to such month. (Adds 42 U.S.C. 402 (w) (i); Amends 42 U.S.C. 402 (h) (i), 402 (h) (2); Amends 42 U.S.C. 402 (q), 402 (r); Amends 402 (b), (d), (e), (f), (q), (k), (o), (p), (s)). (Amends 42 U.S.C. 405 (b), (c); Amends 42 U.S.C. 416 (b), (c), (f), (g), (h))
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Permits a married couple to deduct under the Internal Revenue Code household and depandent care expenses when one spouse is a full-time student to the same extent that a deduction would be allowable were both spouses employed. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 214 (e))
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Title I: Coordination, and Personnel - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, shall coordinate efforts, in carrying out the purposes of all other Federal health, welfare, rehabilitation, highway safety, law enforcement and economic opportunity legislation, to deal with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Provides that the Director of the Institute may employ and prescribe the functions of such officers and employees, including attorneys, as are necessary to administer the programs and authorities under the Act. Title II: Federal Assistance for State and Local Programs - Authorizes further appro- priations for grants to States under the Act of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that State plans for assistance under the Act must set forth standards for construction and licensing of public and private treatment facilities, as well as standards for other community services or resources available to assist individuals to meet problems resulting from alcohol abuse. Provides that the Secretary acting through the Institute is authorized to make grants to the states for the implementation of the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act. Transfers all authorities pertaining to alcohol abuse and alcoholism under the Community Mental Health Centers Act to the authority authorized under the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act. Provides that grants under the Community Mental Health Centers Act for the construction of facilities for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism shall be approved in accordance with plans setting forth: (1) a description of the site of the project; (2) plans and specifications therefor in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary for general standards of construction and equipment for facilities of different classes and different types of locations; and (3) reasonable assurance that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors of the project will be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Removes the requirement under the Act that grants for specialized facilities may be made only to facilities which are a part of or affiliated with a Community Mental Health Center providing at least those essential elements of comprehensive community mental health services which are prescribed by the Secretary. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out part B of the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, 120,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and 120,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974, and each of the next nine fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to continue to make grants for staffing with respect to sections under such part for which a staffing grant was made from appropriations under the above for any fiscal year ending before July 1, 1976. Removes the compulsory suspension of Federal financial assistance, under the Act, to private and public hospitals for refusing to admit or treat alcoholics.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Occupational Safety and Health Act Amendments - Requires that when a proposed rule, which would establish a new occupational safety and health standard, or which would affect an existing standard, is published in the Federal Register, it shall be accompanied by a statement summarizing its economic impact on affected employers, including an estimate of the total cost which would be incurred by employers in each affected industry in complying with such rule. Provides that after a violation of an occupational safety and health standard has been abated an employer need not continue to post the citation for such violation at or near the site of the violation. Establishes a procedure whereby an employer receiving a citation can obtain a variance from the standard violated by persuading the Secretary that work procedures in operation at the time of the citation are equally effective in protecting his employees. Changes from mandatory to permissive the assessment of fines for serious violations. States that determining whether a fine should be assessed, due consideration would be given to the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer and the history of previous violations. Requires the Secretary of Labor to provide advice and technical assistance through consultation at the work sites of employers who have 100 or fewer employees, and who request such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Small Business Tax Simplification and Reform Act - Title I: Tax Simplification Relating to Small Business - Creates a Committee on Tax Simplification for Small Business for the purpose of devoting continued attention to the simplification of the Internal Revenue Code to small business, and the regulations, instructions, procedures, and other publications relating to small business taxation. Provides that the membership of the Committee would include representatives of the Secretary of the Treasury (for policy matters); Internal Revenue Service (for technical matters); Office of Management and Budget (for coordinating the paperwork aspects of IRS forms, in view of the Federal Reports Act) and the Small Business Administration (to express the interests of the small business community). Creates in the Treasury Department an Office of Small Business Analyst, which would be responsible for looking at tax problems primarily from the view of small business and the free enterprise system. Calls upon the Treasury Department to make a comprehensive study of depreciation policies with particular attention to: the impact of legislation; the rapid advances in technology to which small business must adopt; and the practices of other industrialized nations. Calls upon the Treasury to study the entire range of pension, retirement, health, medical, and insurance benefits in the larger context of what both corporations (including large corporate enterprise) and other forms of business are providing for their employees and executives. Authorizes a special study of the differential effect of tax law changes on businesses of different sizes. Title II: Adjustment of Corporate Normal Tax - Effects a progressive reform in the entire corporate tax structure by providing for reductions in normal corporate tax rates based on the corporations earning. Provides that as corporate earnings rise above $1 million per year the normal tax would incline upward to a maximum of 24 percent for corporations earning over $1 billion annually. Title III: Special Provisions to Encourage Establishment of New Small Business Enterprises - Permits eligible new small business corporations an income tax deduction equal to the corporations net operating income, so long as that amount does not exceed $83,333. Allows an income tax deduction to a partnership for its organizational expenses ratably over a period of 60 months. Provides for a bad debt tax deduction for guarantors of obligations of, and lenders to, small business corporations. Title IV: Provisions to Assist Small Business Growth - Increases the additional first-year depreciation limitation for small business property from $10,000 to $20,000. Reinstates the 7 percent investment credit for specified small business property. Provides that corporate manufacturing would be allowed $50,000 worth of qualified investment. Extends the period for use of the loss carryover provisions for small businesses by allowing existing corporations to carry these losses over a ten year period. Raises the earning credit in accordance with the costs of doing business to $150,000. Allows research and development expenses of small businesses to be amortized beginning at the time they are made. Permits a limited number of surtax exemptions (up to 5) in the event members of a family are placed in proprietary positions where they have ownership of at least 50 percent of the stock (or other interest) and full time management of a separately incorporated unit of a family business. Title V: Provisions Relating to Partnerships - Allows the closing of the partnership year for a decedent at any of the following times: (1) normal close of the partnership year if there has been no prior sale, exchange, or liquidation of the partnership interest; (2) the date of any of the above described transactions; or (3) the day after the partner's death. Permits a partner to deduct currently his share of partnership losses in excess of the adjusted basis of his partnership interests, in the event that the partner is unconditionally obligated for his share of such partnership losses. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Subchapter S Corporations - Increases the Subchapter S "tax-option" to small business corporations in the following 3 ways: (1) initial shareholders could number 15, rather than the present 10; (2) shareholders in excess of this ceiling who take their stock by reason of heirship would not disqualify election; and (3) after 5 years, the number of permissible shareholders would increase to 25. Provides that the classes of shareholders shall be expanded to include: (1) trusts where stock passes pursuant to a will, and where the trust is used merely to convey the stock to a long term eligible holder within 60 days; (2) trusts where the entire income is taxable to the grantor; and (3) certain small business investment companies. Provides for nondisqualification of a Subchapter S corporation by reason of exceeding the limit of 20 percent passive income in a single year. Provides that the election privilege shall be lost pursuant to this proposal if the limit is exceeded in any 2 of 4 consecutive years. Provides that if the corporation is able to establish that the termination was, in fact, inadvertent and can gain full compliance within 90 days of notification, its Subchapter S status would be preserved for future years. Title VII: Business Development Corporations - Permits State and local development companies to extend long-term financing to non-bankable new enterprises and such companies would be permitted a bad-debt reserve deduction up to 10 percent of outstanding loans. Provides that certain types of business development corporations would be nontaxable upon the condition that the proceeds from such unusual transactions are re-invested within the area of service and no part of these proceeds inures to the benefit of any individual or private institution. Title VIII: Preservation of Small Business Independence - Allows recovery of losses in 1 or 2 quarters to the extent the newly estimated tax for the year is less than the amount already paid in. Disallows interest deductions beyond $500,000 on any loan for small business acquisition purposes. Permits valuation comparisons with any similar closely held corporation whether or not it is listed on an exchange. Changes the standard of "undue hardship" (required to qualify for 10-year estate tax installments) to "hardship". Directs the Treasury Department to conduct a comprehensive examination of the pressures of income taxes, capital gains tax, reorganization rules, and estate and gift taxes which are causing so many small businesses to sell or merge out of existence rather than continue in independent form.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Establishes grounds for judicial disqualification and allows the acceptance of waiver of such disqualification in any case where a justice or judge of the United States has an interest, to include: specific stockholdings; any case where he has rendered legal service to a party with respect to any matter in controversy; any case in which he is or has been a material witness; any case in which he is connected with a party or attorney so as to create a conflict of interest; any case in which his participation will create an appearance of impropriety; and any other case in which, in his opinion, it would be improper for him to sit. Defines those terms applicable to the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Veterans' Administrative Accountability Act - Modifies those powers exercised by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs with respect to readjustment of the schedule of ratings for the disabilities of veterans. Requires that notice of closing must be given to Congress in writing before the closing of a hospital or domiciliary facility over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. Prohibits the sale or transfer of Government property under the jurisdiction of the Veterans' Administration unless notice of such transfer or sale is first given to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademarked licensing contract an agreement for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a trademarked food product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in free and open competition with products of the same general class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 41)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides that, in those cases in which a suit by or against the United States is maintained in a frivolous or dilatory manner, or initiated in bad faith or caprice, the other party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and expenses should he prevail. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 2412)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the United States Government should seek the agreement of other governments to a treaty providing for the complete cessation of any research, experimentation, and use of any environmental or geophysical modification activity as a weapon of war. Declares that the Parties to this Treaty: (1) recognizes the vast scentific potential for human betterment through environmental and geophysical controls; (2) are aware of the great danger to the world ecological system of uncontrolled and indiscriminate use of environmental and geophysical modification activities; (3) recognizes that the development of weapons-oriented environmental and geophysical modification techniques will create a threat to peace and world order; and (4) proclaim as their principal aim the achievement of an agreement on the complete cessation of research, experimentation, and use of environmental and geophysical modification activities as weapons of war. Sets forth the Articles and terms of the proposed Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Federal Narcotics and Drug Abuse Law Enforcement Reorganization Act - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury leading to arrests in drug trafficking in narcotics and all functions of the customs service and the Commissioner of Customs determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to be related to narcotics law enforcement. Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of State which are administered with respect to the Cabinet Committee on International Narcotics Control. Provides that the Attorney General shall make necessary provisions with respect to terminating the affairs of the Cabinet Committee on International Narcotics Control. Establishes, within the Department of Justice, as a division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Division of Narcotics and Dangerious Drugs which shall administer those functions transferred to the Attorney General under this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to delegate authority over the functions to be performed by the Division to the Director of the FBI. Provides that the Division shall be headed by an Associate Director for Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs of the FBI who shall be appointed by the Attorney General. Establishes the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Office of Drug Abuse Law Enforcement and the Office of National Narcotics Intelligence and authorizes the Attorney General to delegate to the Director of the FBI authority over functions performed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service with respect to narcotics law enforcement. Delegates to the FBI those functions performed by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration with respect to awarding grants for narcotics law enforcement. Provides for policy directives by the President directing the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense, and Director of CIA with respect to those functions in narcotics law enforcement. Establishes a Policy Committee on Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and outlines those procedures to be used and functions to be performed by that Committee. Authorizes the Attorney General, in consultation with the Director of the FBI, to undertakes those matters and details involved in the transfer of functions from the various agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Entitles those individuals who have attained the age of 60 but not age 65 and who are entitled to widow's or widower's insurance benefits or who are wives and husbands of persons entitled to such benefits, to obtain, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare), coverage for hospital insurance benefits. Prescribes those procedures for enrollment under the plan established by this Act and specifies that the coverage to which an individual so enrolled is entitled. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review and revise premium rates. Designates all premiums paid to be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Provides that all individuals eligible for the hospital insurance plan of this Act shall also be eligible for supplementary medical insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1973
Accords borrowers the right to employ qualified attorneys of their choice in performing necessary legal services in connection with loans under title V of the Housing Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1973
Authorizes insurance, under the National Housing Act, in connection with loans to finance the purchase of, and improvements to, lots on which mobile homes will be placed. Provides that the principal amount of the obligation for the purchase of a mobile home shall not exceed $10,000 ($15,000 in the case of a mobile home composed of two or more modules) plus an additional amount, prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury to cover the cost of necessary site preparation. States that the maximum maturity of any such obligation shall not exceed twelve years and thirty-two days (fifteen years and thirty-two days in the case of a two modules home). Provides that in the case of an obligation financing the purchase of a mobile home and an undeveloped lot on which to place the home, the principal amount of the obligation shall not exceed the maximum amount specified above and such amount not to exceed $5,000 as may be necessary to cover the cost of purchasing the lot. Provides that the maximum maturity of any such obligation shall not exceed fifteen years and thirty-two days. Provides insurance for construction purposes, other than the purchaser of a mobile home, with the following limitations; the principal amount of the obligation shall not exceed $5,000, and the maturity of the obligation shall not exceed three years and thirty-two days (seven years and thirty-two days in any case where the Secretary determines that an extension in such period is in the public interest after giving consideration to the general effect of the extension upon borrowers, the building industry, and the general economy). States that the foregoing limitations on the maturity of any such obligation shall not apply if the loan, advance of credit, or purchase is for the purpose of financing the construction of a new structure for use in whole or in part for agricultural purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1973
Permits the donation of surplus supplies and equipment to State and local recreation agencies by authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1973
Extends the definition of "housing" under Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 to include mobile homes. Authorizes loans for such housing and prescribes minimum property standards for the site on which such home will be located.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Provides that no changes or readjustments in the schedule for rating disabilities for veterans made by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall be effective unless: (1) such proposed change or readjustment is first submitted to Congress; and (2) neither House of Congress, prior to the expiration of ninety calendar days of continuous session of Congress following the date of submission of the proposed change or readjustment, has adopted a resolution stating in substance that that House does not favor the proposed change or readjustment. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 355)
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Provides that evidence shall not be excluded from any Federal criminal proceeding solely because that evidence was obtained in violation of the fourth amendment of the Constitution, unless the court finds that such violation was substantial. Provides criteria for determining whether a violation is substantial. States that the United States shall be liable for an illegal search and seizure conducted in violation of the Constitution by any employee of the Government, or by any person acting under him, or at his direction or request, or by any person whose compensation is paid in whole or in part by the United States. Authorizes punitive damages to be awarded in such actions and limits recovery under such actions to $25,000 including actual and punitive damages. Provides that an attorney may not charge a fee of more than 25 percent of any judgment rendered pursuant to his Act and establishes specific criminal penalties for violation of this section. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction over claims brought under this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3505, 2691-2694)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue, from time to time, United States conservation savings bonds, the proceeds of which shall be deposited in a trust fund. Asserts that conservation savings bonds shall bear such rates of interest; shall be in such form; shall be offered in such amounts, subject to the overall debt limitation; shall be issued in such manner; and shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including any restrictions on their transfer, as the Secretary of the Treasury may from time to time prescribe. Creates within the Treasury of the United States a conservation saving bond trust fund. Provides that all proceeds from the sale of conservation savings bonds shall be deposited in the fund. Directs that amounts in the fund are authorized to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation for expenditures for conservation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Provides that upon application therefor a broadcast license may be renewed by the Federal Communications Commission from time to time for a term not to exceed five years if the Commission finds that public interest, convenience and necessity would be served thereby. States that in any hearing involving an application for renewal of a broadcasting license, if the applicant for renewal makes a prima facie showing that its broadcasting service during the preceding license period: (1) has reflected a good-faith effort to serve, and demonstrated a responsiveness to, the needs and interest of its area; and (2) that the operation of the station has not otherwise been characterized by serious deficiencies, then the burden of proof with respect to any petition to deny such application or any other application for the same broadcasting service shall be upon the petitioner or competing applicant to show that it would not be in the public interest, convenience, and necessity to grant the application for renewal.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Oil Pollution Compensation Act - Title I: International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage - Provides that the owner of any ship shall be liable for pollution damage caused by the escape or discharge of oil from his ship. States that such liability shall apply exclusively to pollution damage (other than preventive measures) caused on the territory, including the territorial sea, of the United States or of any foreign country which is party to the Liability Convention, and to preventive measures, wherever taken, to prevent or minimize such damage. Provides that the owner shall not be liable for pollution damage if he proves that the damage: (1) resulted from an act of war, hostilities, civil war, insurrection or a natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable, and irresistible character; or (2) was wholly caused by an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by a third party; or (3) was wholly caused by the negligence or wrongful act of any government or other authority responsibile for the maintenance of lights or other navigational aids in the exercise of that function. States that if the owner proves that the pollution damage resulted wholly or partially either from an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by the person who suffered the damage or from negligence of that person, the owner may be exonerated, to the same extent, from his liability to such person. Allows the owner of a ship to limit his liability under this Act in respect to any one incident to an aggregate amount equal to the dollar equivalent of 2,000 francs for each ton of the ship's tonnage; provided that the aggregate amount of an owner's liability in respect of any one incident shall not exceed the dollar equivalent of 210,000,000 francs. States that if the incident occurred as a result of the actual fault or privity of the owner, he shall not be entitled to avail himself of such limitation provided in this subsection. Provides that the owner of a ship registered in the United States which is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo shall maintain insurance or other financial security in the sums fixed by applying the limits of liability prescribed in this Act. Authorizes the President to issue a certificate to each ship registered in the United States whic is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo attesting that such insurance or other financial security has been obtained. Stipulates that no ship registered in the United States which is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo, and no other ship, wherever registered, actually carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo, shall enter or leave a port in the United States, or be permitted to arrive at or leave an offshore terminal in the territorial waters of the United States unless the ship has on board a valid certificate issued by the United States or a foreign country party to the Convention. Provides a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for a violation of this provision. Title II: International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage - Establishes an International Oil Pollution Fund for compensation of oil pollution damage. States that contributions to the Fund shall be made by any person who has received more than 150,000 tons of crude oil during the calendar year in the ports or terminal installations of the United States. Provides for contributions to be made to the Fund by specified subsidiaries and commonly controlled entities. Establishes a civil penalty of $5,000 for any person who is liable to the Fund and fails to make such payment. Authorizes the President to assess and compromise any such penalty. Provides that any person suffering pollution damage arising out of an incident occurring more than one hundred and twenty days after the entry into force of the Convention shall be entitled to compensation from the Fund if that person has been unable to obtain full and adequate compensation for the damage under the terms of title I of this Act. States that if the Fund proves that the pollution damage resulted wholly or partially either from an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by the person who suffered damage or from the negligence of that person, the Fund may be exonerated from its obligation to pay compensation to such person. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over actions against the Fund for compensation. Title III: Apportionment of Claims and Subrogation; Exclusive Remedy; Effective Date - Provides for the apportionment of established claims among the assets of the owner's fund and the compensation fund. States that this Act shall be effective upon the date of enactment of this Act or the date of entry into force of the Convention, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Authorizes assistance, under the Small Business Act, to small business concerns in financing structural, operational, or other changes to meet standards required pursuant to Federal or State laws. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 636(b))
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that no provision of the U. S. Constitution shall abridge the inherent freedom of persons to pray. Includes within the freedom of prayer, the right of persons lawfully assembled in any public school or other public building to participate voluntarily in nondenominational prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Makes it the policy of the Congress that our fishing industry be afforded all support necessary to have it strengthened, and all steps be taken to provide adequate protection for our coastal fisheries against excessive foreign fishing. Declares that the Congress recognizes, encourages, and intends to support the key responsibilities of the several States for conservation and scientific management of fisheries resources within United States territorial waters; and that the Congress particularly commends Federal programs designed to improve coordinated protection, enhancement, and scientific management of all United States fisheries, both coastal and distant, including presently successful Federal aid programs under the Commercial Fisheries Research and Development Act of 1964, and the newly developing Federal-State fisheries management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Establishes the Everglades-Big Cypress National Recreation Area in the State of Florida. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Requires the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service to conduct open public hearings into the conduct of the Postal Service. Provides that the committee shall undertake such other investigations into the Postal Service, including, but not limited to, on-the-spot investigations of postal facilities and installations without advance notice; interviews on and off the record with postal officials, administrators, and employees; investigation of official documents and statistics of postal services relating to volume, revenue, costs, levels of service, employment, and other matters as determined by the committee; and such other matters as the committee may deem necessary. Requires the committee to report its finding, including recommendations for legislation, not later than August 31, 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Speedy Trial Act - Title I: Speedy Trials - Provides in any case involving a criminal defendant for the commencement of trial within 60 days from the date the defendant is arrested, served charged with an offense the appropriate judicial officer shall set a day certain for trial. with a summons, indicted or has an information filed against him. States that for the first 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act the time limit shall be 180 days and for the next 12 months such time limit shall be 120 days. Provides that certain pretrial motions, hearings or interlocutory appeals shall not be included in the 60 day computation. Permits the exclusion of periods of delay resulting from the defendant's absence, incompetence or an agreement with the prosecution. Provides that if a defendant is not brought to trial within the 60 day period, the information or indictment shall be dismissed on defendant's motion. Provides sanctions on either the counsel for the defendant or the government if they knowingly engage in dilatory practices. Provides that the Act is to become effective one year after its enactment. Directs in the interim that every judicial district adopt a plan to insure a speedy trial. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Pretrial Services Agencies - Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to establish in the 10 judicial districts a pretrial services agency authorized to maintain effective supervision and control over, and to provide supportive services to, defendants released under 18 U.S.C. chapter 207. Vests the powers of each pretrial services agency in a Board of Trustees appointed by the chief judge of that judicial district. Specifies the functions and powers of such pretrial services agencies and provides that the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall annually report to Congress on the accomplishments of the pretrial services agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of law, a member or former member of a uniformed service who is 60 years of age or older on the date of enactment of this Act or becomes 60 years of age after such date and who is entitled to retired or retainer pay or who is entitled to retired pay for a 30 percent physical disability, is entitled to have that retired or retainer pay recomputed under the rates of basic pay in effect on January 1, 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1973
Rural Health Act - Establishes an Office of Rural Health Care within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that such Office shall be directed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Rural Health Care who shall be appointed by the Secretary of H.E.W. Specifies the functions of the Deputy Assistant Secretary. Assigns one or more representatives of the Office to each regional office of the Department for the purpose of providing technical assistance to rural communities and to entities and individuals interested in the improvement of health care in rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint a National Council on Rural Health to consist of ten members selected from among individuals who are recognized authorities in the fields of rural development, rural health care delivery, and health professions education. Requires the Council to conduct a study and submit a report to the Secretary and the Congress, within two years after its appointment, on: (1) the health of persons residing in rural areas of the United States; (2) the adequacy of health care delivery to such persons; and (3) the extent to which Federal programs are involved in, and effectively assist in, the improvement of the health of such persons and health care delivery for them. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Office of Rural Health Care. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000 for fiscal year 1974; $100,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $150,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of operating and maintaining the National Council on Rural Health.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
National Institute of Health Care Delivery Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a National Institute of Health Care Delivery and regional and special emphasis centers to improve health care delivery and to help speed the delivery of the benefits of medical science and the scientific discovery system to the people of the United States. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a National Institute of Health Care Delivery. Provides that the Institute shall carry out a multidisciplinary research and development program to improve delivery of health care services and shall be the principal Government agency for the improvement of health care in the United States. Provides that the Director and Deputy Director of the Institute shall be appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Director to appoint up to four Assistant Directors. Provides that it shall be the function of the Institute to pursue methods and opportunities to improve and advance the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of health care delivery in the States, regions, and communities of the United States through initiation and support of studies, research, experimentation, development, demonstration and evaluation of areas and subjects set forth in this Act. Provides that the Institute shall: (1)develop methods for, and support of, training of individuals to plan and conduct research, development, demonstrations, and evaluation of health care delivery and related services; (2) provide technical assistance and development of methods for the transfer of new knowledge, components, and systems to public and private agencies, programs, institutions, and individuals engaged in the improvement of health care delivery ; and (3) collaborate with governments and private care institutions and programs in foreign countries for the exchange of information and support of research, experiments, demonstrations, and training in order to advance health care delivery in the United States and cooperating nations. Sets forth the administrative powers of the Director under this Act. Provides that where funds are advanced for a single project under this Act by more than one Federal agency the Director may act for all in administering the funds advanced and a single non-Federal share requirement may be established according to the proportion of the funds advanced by each Federal agency. Provides for the transfer of research funds from other Government departments and agencies, with the approval of the head of the department or agency involved, for such use as is consistent for the purposes for which the funds were provided. Transfers the National Center for Health Services Research and Development from the Health Services and Mental Health Administration to the Institute. Authorizes the President, for a period of two years after the date of enactment of this Act, to transfer to the Institute any functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare which relate primarily to the functions, powers and duties of the Director, as described by this Act. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Health Care Delivery to be composed of twenty-one members. States that the Council shall consist of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Chief Medical Officer of the Veterans' Administration, a medical officer designated by the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the Health Services and Mental Health Administration, the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Director of the National Institute of Health Care Delivery, who shall be ex officio members, and fifteen members, who are not otherwise full-time employees of the United States, to be appointed by the President. Provides that the appointed members shall be: (1) leaders in the field of medical science, or in the organization, delivery or financing of health care; (2) leaders in the management sciences; and (3) representatives of the consumers of health care. Provides that the Council shall: (1) review programs, policies, and priorities of the Institute and centers established under this Act and advise the Director on the development and conduct of the programs of the Institute and centers; (2) examine and coordinate health care delivery efforts within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and other Federal departments and agencies so as to avoid duplication; and (3) assure that significant research and development findings of the Institute and centers are being disseminated to the health care system, and evaluate the extent such findings are making an impact on the health care delivery system. Provides that the Director shall, within one year after the date of his appointment and prior to February 1 of each year thereafter, prepare and submit a written report to the Secretary for his transmittal to the President and the Congress. Creates within the Institute an Office of Health Care Delivery Information Services. States that the office shall: (1) provide indexing, abstracting, translating and other services leading to a more effective dissemination of information on research and development in health care delivery to public and private agencies, institutions, and individuals engaged in the improvement of health care delivery and to the general public; and (2) undertake programs to develop new or improved methods for making such information available. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act (except for the provisions dealing with regional and special emphasis centers) the sum of $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Provides that any unexpended sums may be carried over without fiscal year limitation. Authorizes the Director to enter into cooperative arrangements with public or private nonprofit agencies or institutions to pay all or part of the cost of planning, establishing, and providing operating support for: (1) not to exceed eight regional centers to carry out multidisciplinary research and development in health care delivery; (2) the Health Care Technology Center which shall focus on all forms of technology and its application in health care delivery; and (3) the Health Care Management Center which shall focus on the improvement of management and organization in the health field, the training and retraining of administrators, and the development of leaders, planners and policy analysts in such field. Provides that Federal support shall not exceed $2,000,000 per year per center, except for the Health Care Technology Center, and such support may be funded for an initial period of not to exceed three years. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of providing such support $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $35,000,000 for fiscal 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Provides that any unexpended sums may be carried over without fiscal year limitation. Authorizes the Director to provide funds to be used to increase the Federal contribution to research and demonstration projects, which have been designated by the National Advisory Council as essential, above the maximum level of Federal contributions otherwise authorized by any applicable law. Provides that the increased Federal contribution shall not exceed eighty percent of the cost of such projects. Provides that not to exceed ten percent of the funds authorized by this Act shall be available for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Extends the program for health services for domestic agricultural migrant workers, under the Public Health Service Act, by authorizing appropriations for such program of $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $105,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $120,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $135,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes appropriations for a total of $155,000,000 for fiscal years 1973-1977 for hospital care to domestic agricultural migratory workers and their families. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 242h)
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Removes specified limitations imposed by Public Law 92-512 upon grants to states for social services and old-age assistance and medical assistance for the aged.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data. Extends coverage to all Federal and federally assisted or licensed programs which alter the terrain and potentially cause loss of scientific, prehistorical, historical or archeological data. Directs Federal agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior if in their operations archeological or other scientific data are revealed or threatened. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior, upon notification by any responsible authority that a Federal program is threatening, damaging, or destroying such data, may evaluate (after reasonable notice to the responsible agency) the situation and cause a survey or other investigation to be made to the extent necessary to protect the public interest. Directs Federal agencies whose programs are causing damage or destruction of scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior a small portion of the program funds to protect or recover such data prior to its loss. Provides additional Federal funding activities to recover data on archeological programs affected by any Federal activity. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000725_200.jpg)