United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Meetinghouse Preservation Act - States that the purpose of this Act is: (1) to celebrate the Bicentennial of this country through the preservation within each of the several States of a historic site that might otherwise be lost; (2) to provide a meetingplace in each of the several States for those citizens interested in retaining their tangible, indigenous heritage, whether historic, cultural, or natural, and in planning for future changes and developments, and (3) to give existing State programs involved with preserving historic and architecturally important structures an illustration of the best possible techniques used in the preservation of such historic sites and structures, and the multiple, significant ways in which such sites and structures can be used. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to each of the several States for the purpose of enabling each State to acquire and restore an historic site within each State for use as a meetinghouse in accordance with the provisions of this Act, except that no grant to any one State shall exceed $1,000,000. Provides that any application for a grant under this Act shall contain an estimated budget of various acquisition, restoration, and maintenance expenses. Sets forth provisions governing the approval of any application. Establishes a Meetinghouse Coordination Board to review each application made in accordance with the provisions of this Act for the purpose of making recommendations to the Secretary as to which of the historic site or sites contained in such application should be approved by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with private or public nonprofit agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance to prepare volunteers to provide tax counseling assistance for elderly individuals in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns. Directs the Secretary to utilize the services of volunteers and to establish the qualifications required and the terms and conditions of service as a volunteer. States that service as a volunteer under this Act shall not be considered service as an employee of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the attention of elderly individuals to pertinent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1974
Food Program Technical Amendments - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, as amended, to purchase, without regard to the provisions of existing law governing the expenditure of public funds, agricultural commodities to maintain the traditional level of assistance for food assistance programs as are authorized by law. Defines "tribal government" and "Indian reservation" for purposes of the Food Stamp Act. Authorizes the Secretary to formulate and administer a food stamp program at the request of any tribal government. Provides that the Secretary is authorized to pay to each State agency an amount equal to 62.5 percent of administrative costs, and to a tribal government or its agent an amount equal to 100 percent of administrative costs. Enables the Secretary to waive compliance with requirements to such Act in the case of any pilot project which he determines is likely to promote raising the levels of nutritional adequacy among low-income households.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
National Arthritis Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to expand the authority of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Disgestive Diseases in order to advance a national attack on arthritis. Establishes a National Task Force on Arthritis to formulate a long-range plan to combat arthritis and related musculoskeletal and other related diseases. Provides that the Arthritis Plan shall include recommendations for the utilization and organizations of national resources for the campaign against arthritis, and a program for the National Institute of Arthritis Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases as a major participant in the campaign against arthritis specifies the composition of the Task Force membership. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000 for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the purposes of the national arthritis program. Establishes within the Institute the position of Associate Director for Arthritis, responsible for programs regarding arthritis within such Institute. Provides that the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall establish an Inter-Institute Arthritis Coordinating Committee to be composed of representatives who can make policy commitments for each of the Institutes and divisions involved in arthritis-related research. Creates within the Federal Government an Interagency Technical Committee on Arthritis which shall be responsible for promoting the coordination of those aspects of all Federal health programs and activities relating to arthritis to assure the adequacy and technical soundness of such programs and activities and to provide for the full communication and exchange of information necessary to maintain adequate coordination of such programs and activities. States that the Director of the Institute shall establish programs for cooperation with other health agencies in the screening, detection, prevention, and control of arthritis which emphasize the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods for arthritis, and the dissemination of the knowledge about these methods to the health professions. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out these provisions $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Provides that the Director of the Institute, shall provide for the development of centers for basic and clinical research into, training, in, and demonstration of, advanced diagnostic, prevention, control, and treatment methods for arthritis. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out these provisions $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires the Director of the Institute after the end of each calendar year, to submit to the President and Congress a report including: (1) a proposal for the Institute's activities during the next five years; and (2) a program evaluation section.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Provides that the Civil Aeronautics Board shall not permit any air carrier which received a Federal subsidy in 1972 to omit, suspend, terminate, or reduce by 50 percent or more, regularly scheduled service, including flag stop service, to a point certificated to be served by that carrier on any day in November 1973, unless the Board finds, that the reduction is in the public interest: (1) that such point will continue to receive adequate regularly scheduled service from another certificated air carrier, or (2) that such air carrier is not providing more than two nonstop round trips per day in each marketpair in which both points are "large hubs" as defined in the most recent edition of "Airport Activity Statistics of Certificated Route Carriers", and (3) that such carrier is using the fuel available to it as efficiently as possible. Requires that notice of any application for authority to omit, suspend, terminate, or reduce, by 50 percent or more, regularly scheduled service shall be published in the Federal Register and shall be sent to all interested persons.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1973
Chlorine Allocation Act - Makes it the policy of the Congress to require priority dispersal of chlorine for the treatment of safe drinking water and waste water and to encourage priority dispersal of other chemicals and substances necessary for the treatment of safe drinking water and waste water. Provides that, within 30 days after enactment, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall promulgate regulations providing for mandatory allocation of chlorine from the processing of chlorine to its final use in amounts specified in such regulations to the extent necessary to protect the public health and environment. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations providing for mandatory allocation of other chemicals and substances used in the treatment of drinking water or waste water. Provides that an imminent hazard shall be considered to exist when the evidence is sufficient to show that shortages of chlorine, chemicals, or substances for treating drinking water or waste water will result in any unreasonable threat to human health or the environment prior to the completion of an administrative hearing or other formal proceeding held pursuant to this Act. Provides that, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall promulgate regulations delineating which functions under this Act shall be performed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Preparedness of the General Services Administration, the Department of Commerce, or the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Prescribes criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes any person to commence a civil action for injunctive relief for violations under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish such advisory committees as he determines are necessary. Requires the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to have adequate advance notice of any meeting of such committees and may have an official representative attend and participate in any such meeting. Provides that, within 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, subject to the approval of the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission, shall promulgate, by rule, standards and procedures by which persons engaged in the business of processing, distributing, importing or repackaging of chlorine or other chemical or substance may develop and implement voluntary agreements and plans of action to carry out such agreements which the Administrator determines are necessary to accomplish the objectives. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to each prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out their responsibilities under this Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall terminate on June 30, 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1973
Authorizes the Committee on Commerce to make an investigation of national oceans policy for the purpose of: (1) determining national capabilities in the oceans, (2) determining the adequacy of current Federal programs relating to the oceans and recommending improvements; (3) establishing policies to achieve the goal of full utilization and conservation of living resources for the oceans; (4) assessing the needs for new policies for the development and utilization of the nonliving resources of the oceans; (5) encouraging implementation of coastal zone management; (6) establishing a comprehensive national policy for understanding and protecting the global ocean environment through education, exploration, research, and international cooperation; and (7) making an assessment of proposals for national and international jurisdiction over the oceans. Authorizes, for the purpose of this resolution, the Committee on Commerce to expend, through February 28, 1975, from the contingent fund of the Senate, a sum not to exceed $200,000.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that real property which is farmland, woodland, or open scenic land and forms part of an estate be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value as farmland, woodland, or open scenic land (rather than at its fair market value) if it continues to be used as such for at least 5 years after the date on which the estate tax returned is filed. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 2031)
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1973
Surveillance Practices and Procedures Act - Expresses the findings and declarations of Congress, including that Congress should establish practices and procedures to be followed by the Government when engaging in surveillance activities so as to reconcile the Government's interest in executing its investigative, law enforcement, and other functions with the Congressional and public interests in protecting the integrity of the individual's right to privacy and other constitutional rights and liberties. Defines the term "foreign agent". Provides that no officer or employee of the United States shall engage in the exercise of any powers by means involving the interception of wire or oral communications unless such officer or employee is first specifically authorized in writing, by the President. Requires authorization for interception of wire or oral communications in national security cases. Sets forth the procedure for interception of such communications relating to national security by requiring applications for an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication to be made in writing upon oath or affirmation to a judge of competent jurisdiction. Specifies the content required in any such application.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1973
Solar Energy Research Act - Declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government to pursue a program of research and development into the utilization of solar energy as a major source for our national energy needs. Establishes within the Atomic Energy Commission an Office of Solar Energy Research. Provides that the Director of the Office of Solar Energy Research shall be appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate. Directs the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, acting through the Office, to: (1) conduct, encourage and coordinate by means of research grants and contracts, research to develop processes and methods for using solar energy; (2) utilize the managerial and technical expertise of other agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation and the National Bureau of Standards; (3) recommend to the Congress authorizations for the construction and operation, of solar energy conversion facilities; and (4) undertake, through research grants and contracts, studies of possible environmental effects which will result from the use of solar energy. Establishes a Solar Energy Research Council to be chaired by the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission to coordinate policy and programs in solar energy research. Specifies the composition and compensation of Council members. Directs the Chairman to develop and carry out specified programs to assure that unnecessary delays are avoided in making available to public and private sectors the benefits of solar energy research. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act: for fiscal year 1975, $56,000,000; for fiscal year 1976, $94,000,000; for fiscal year 1977, $150,000,000; for fiscal year 1978, $150,000,000; and for fiscal year 1979, $150,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1973
Increases the readjustment allowance for Peace Corp volunteers from $75 per month of satisfactory service to $150 per month and increases the allowance for volunteer leaders from $125 per month of satisfactory service to $250 per month. Provides that upon written request of a volunteer or leader the President shall deposit on behalf of such volunteer or leader, in a savings account of a federally insured bank or savings and loan association, the amounts of the readjustment allowance which the volunteer or leader is entitled to receive for each month of satisfactory service performed by him. States that such allowance shall be increased by a percentage equal to the average percentage of increase in the basic pay of Federal employees. Authorizes to be appropriated a sum of $10,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1973
Food Supplement Amendment - Defines the term "food supplement" for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mean food for special dietary uses, and defines the meaning of "special dietary uses" as particular uses of food for man which meets specified requirements. Provides that in administering such Act the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall not limit the potency, number, combination, amount, or variety of any synthetic or natural vitamin, mineral, or other nutritional substance, or ingredient of any food for special dietary uses if the amount recommended to be consumed does not ordinarily render it injurious to health.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1973
Directs the President to initiate immediate action to improve agricultural yields in the production of soybeans through the establishment of a Soybean Research Institute jointly supported by the United States and the People's Republic of China. Authorizes the President to bring together representatives from the two countries for the purpose of establishing a Sino-American Soybean Research Institute. Directs the Institute to: (1) devote its facilities to the need for increased soybean yields and soybean adaptability to new producing regions, (2) develop additional uses for soybeans and soybean products as sources of human and animal protein; and (3) serve as a basis for full cooperation and coordination between the People's Republic of China and the United States in the field of soybean research and technology. Provides that for the immediate establishment and initial operation of the Institute, the President is authorized to use $2,000,000 annually out of any funds available for the activities of the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, or from funds available to any other appropriate Federal Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to continue making educational assistance and subsistence allowance payments to eligible veterans and eligible persons during periods when the educational institutions in which they are enrolled are temporarily closed pursuant to a policy proclaimed by the President or because of emergency conditions. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1780(a))
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Requires that the three United States Commissioners on the International Joint Commission of the United States and Canada be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Establishes fixed terms of office for such Commissioners. Makes the Commission bipartisan.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should determine and take immediate steps to reduce Federal Government consumption of fuels by a third; (2) the President should initiate a program within the Federal Government to immediately reduce nonessential uses of all Government vehicles and equipment, and commercial and mass transportation should be utilized whenever practical in the conduct of government business; (3) the President should allot Federal Government departments and agencies a fixed quantity of fuel for a fixed period for essential purposes only, and critical national security activities and other vital services may be exempted on a case-by-case basis; (4) the Secretary of Defense should immediately initiate innovative measures to reduce the amount of fuels used for defense activities; and (5) the President should immediately urge State, local, and other public authorities to adopt similar measures.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1973
Increases the rates of educational assistance allowances to eligible veterans. Provides, in addition to such allowances, for the payment of tuition, the extension of educational assistance entitlement, acceleration of educational assistance allowances, and expansion of the work-study program. Establishes a Vietnam Era Veterans Communication Center to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of veterans outreach services programs; (2) make recommendations to the President and Congress for establishing new, and improving existing, procedures for informing Vietnam era veterans of all benefits and services to which they may be entitled; (3) coordinate all Federal programs pertaining to veterans of the Vietnam era; and (4) promote efforts for job employment opportunities for veterans. Creates the Vietnam Era Veterans Advisory Committee to consult with the Communication Center regarding all matters pertaining to the duties of the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1973
Permits the Secretary of Agriculture to make available a portion of exportable supplies of agricultural commodities to be used to carry out the humanitarian objectives of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Increases from thirty-six to forty-eight months the maximum period of educational assistance to which an eligible veteran may become entitled. Extends from eight to fifteen years the period within which an eligible veteran must complete his program of education under such chapter after his discharge from military service. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661, 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Energy Information Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Bureau of Energy Information - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Commerce a Bureau of Energy Information, to be a main line component of the Social and Economic Statistics Administration, coequal with the Bureau of the Census. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to perform the duties conferred upon the Bureau by this title or delegate any of them. Provides that the Bureau shall be headed by a Director of Energy Information to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the principal function of the Bureau shall be to operate, maintain, and improve the National Energy Information System established by title II of this Act. Enumerates the work priorities of the Bureau. Title II: National Energy Information System - Establishes a National Energy Information System, to be operated and maintained by the Bureau. Directs that the components of the System shall be: (1) a public library of energy information; (2) a confidential library of energy information for restricted governmental use; and (3) a secret library of energy information for use only in preparing anonymous statistics. Specifies the characteristics of the system. States that the purpose of the public library is to make available to the general public promptly and conveniently as much of the information in the System as can be released consistently with national security and reasonable competitive equities. States that the purpose of the secret library is to serve the Nation's need for accurate statistical information on mineral fuel reserves, natural energy resources, and energy industries. Directs the Director to place in the secret library information obtained under authority of this Act for which either the national security or reasonable competitive equities require that the information be wholly suppressed or be published only in statistical aggregations of a size and type sufficient to prevent any person from learning or inferring the data furnished by any particular establishment or individual. Prescribes the priorities for entry of information into the system. Enumerates the standards for entry of information into the public, confidential, and secret libraries. Imposes penalties on any employee of the Bureau or other employee who, having taken and subscribed the oath of office, publishes or communicates, without the written authority of the Secretary or the Director, any information coming into his possession by reason of his employment from or for entry in the confidential library or the secret library of the System. Penalizes refused or neglect to provide information, and the providing of false information, under this Act. Title III: Energy Resources Inventories and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis an inventory of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources in the public lands of the United States, including the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifies the content of such compilation. Title IV: Information on Mineral Fuel Reserves and Natural Energy Resources - Makes it the duty of every substantial energy resources company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce to report annually to the Director full and complete details of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources which it, together with its affiliates, owns or controls anywhere in the world. Provides that all reports required by this title and title V shall be entered by the Director, immediately upon receipt, into one of the three libraries of the System. Title V: Information on the Energy Industries - Makes it the duty of every major energy company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce, to report annually to the Director on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Specifies the content of such reports. Authorizes the requiring of additional reports, at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce or the Director. Title VI: General Accounting Office Oversight - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to review and evaluate the procedures and activities of the Bureau. Title VII: Conformance of and with Other Statutes - Provides that whenever any of the information obtained from any major energy company under this Act is contained in any other report of such company, such report having been filed prior to the effective date of this Act, the Director may excuse such company from filing a report with him, containing the same information. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Reports Act. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Provides that if any provision of this Act or the applicability thereof is held invalid the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior such amounts as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such Departments by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation and Educational Assistance Rate Adjustments - Increases the base figures for vocational rehabilitation and Educational assistance by eight per cent. Adjusts three-quarter and half-time rates to provide the same proportion as the amount of training taken. Provides increases for trainees pursuing farm-cooperative apprentice programs or other on the jobe training. Provides that veterans of the Vietnam era rated 10 per cent disabled or greater shall automatically be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. Title II: Educational Assistance Program Adjustments - Extends the current 8-year delimiting date for veterans to complete their programs of education to 10 years. Excludes in computing the delimiting date for those veterans and civilians held as prisoners of war in the Vietnam theater of operations, the period of time which they were detained plus any period of time which they were hospitalized immediately subsequent to their release. Provides those recently discharged from military service up to 6 months of educational assistance to pursue refresher training to update knowledge, skills, and technological advances occurring in their fields of employment during their period of active military service. Provides cost-of-living increases for veterans or eligible persons enrolled in apprenticeship or other on-the-job training. Title III: Veterans' Education Loan Program - Establishes a veterans' education loan program. Prescribes the eligibility requirements, the amount and conditions, and interest rate of such loans. Requires that a fee shall be collected from each veteran obtaining a loan for the purpose of insuring against defaults on such loans. Title IV: Veterans, Wives, and Widows Employment Assistance and Preference and Veterans' Reemployment Rights - Extends job counseling, training, and placement services for veterans to include among those eligible to receive services, widows of veterans who have died of service-connected causes and wives of totally disabled veterans. Directs the Administrator of Veterans in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Civil Service Commission to establish an affirmative action plan for every Federal department and agency for the preferential employment of disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. Extends reemployment rights to those who were employed by State or local governments prior to entering the service.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1973
Authorizes the administrator of any direct Federal loan program or any federally guaranteed loan program to renegotiate or reschedule repayment by any person or business suffering severe economic harm as a result of the energy crisis on a loan under any such program.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Authorizes the President to issue regulations to reduce or stabilize insurance premiums in the automobile insurance industry to prevent windfall profits by persons engaged in the business of issuing such insurance as a result of reduced casualty rates attributable to Federal, State, or local official action under the Economic Stabilization Act or under any other provision authorizing the rationing, allocation, or conservation of petroleum products. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the President to prescribe an insurance rate which is in excess of that rate prescribed under applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Authorizes under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to any State adjacent to the Great Lakes for the acquisition of unique areas. Requires such shoreland areas to be indentified in a comprehensive shorelines management plan developed by the State and approved by the Secretary. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 406-l-8)
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1973
Establishes a joint committee of the Congress to be known as the Joint Committee on the Continuing Study of the Need to Reorganize the Departments and Agencies Engaging in Surveillance. Specifies the composition of such committee. Makes it the function of the joint committee: (1) to make a continuing study of the need to reorganize the departments and agencies of the United States engaged in the investigation or surveillance of induviduals; (2) to make a continuing study of intergovernmental relationships between the United States insofar as that relationship involves the area of investigation or surveillance of individuals; (3) to make a continuing study of the collection, processing, analysis, storage, and dissemination of information concerning specific individuals, collected by any department, agency, or independent establishment of the United States Government; and (4) to guide the committes of the Congress dealing with legislation with respect to the activities of the United States Government involving the area of surveillance. Authorizes the joint committee, or any subcommittee: (1) to make expenditures, (2) to employ personnel, (3) to adopt rules respecting its organization and procedures, (4) to hold hearings, (5) to sit and act at any time or place, (6) to subpoena witnesses and documents (in accordance with this Act), (7) with the prior consent of the agency concerned, to use on a reimbursable basis the services of personnel information, and facilities of any such agency, (8) to procure printing and binding, (9) to procure the services of consultants.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1973
Provides that the numerical value appearing in the four corners on the face of all paper money of the United States which is printed after January 1, 1975, shall be embossed indicating the denomination thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1973
Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to make an investigation of grain car distribution practices by railroads subject to the Interstate Commerce Act in order to determine to what extent and in what manner existing practices may be unjust, unreasonable, discriminatory or unduly preferential and to make in accordance with the law such changes and adjustments of rules as may be necessary to correct any defects found to exist. States that the ICC shall give due consideration to the desirability, as a means of removing undue prejudice or unjust discrimination, of requiring carriers to provide specifically in their tariffs the terms under which, during any period of time when the supply of cars available for grain gathering does not equal the requirements, all shippers may demand and secure upon even terms the use of cars employed upon the lines of any railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1973
Authorizes the President of the United States to appoint a National Commission for the Control of Epilepsy and its Consequences. States that the Commission shall consist of not more than fifteen members qualified by reason of experience or training. Sets forth the duties of such Commission, including: (1) to call together a national conference of concerned organizations, under the coordinating arm of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, with the purpose of stating the problems and defining the gaps in and barriers to existing health care delivery systems; (2) to develop a comprehensive national plan for the control of epilepsy and its consequences based on the most thorough, complete, and accurate data and information available on the disorder; and (3) to transmit to the President and the Congress no later than one year after the National Conference of Concerned Organization is convened, a report detailing the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with such recommendations, including recommendations for legislation and appropriations, as it deems advisable. Authorizes appropriations of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1973
Federal Election Financing Act - Provides, under the Federal Election Campaign Act, for the public financing of election campaigns. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Establishes, as an independent establishment of the executive branch, a commission to be known as the Federal Election Commission, to be composed of seven members who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including: (1) to require any person to submit in writing reports and answers to questions the Commission may prescribe; (2) to administer oaths; (3) to require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses; and (4) to initiate, defend, or appeal any court action in the name of the Comission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this title and of title III. Requires each candidate to designate one political committee as his central campaign committee. States that no political committee may accept contributions or make expenditures in connection with the campaign of a candidate unless that candidate designates that committee as one of his authorized political committees. Directs, each candidate to designate one National or State bank as his campaign depository. Provides that no expenditure may be made by any candidate or committees except by check drawn on that account upon written order of the candidate or the written order of another person authorized in writing by the candidate to make such expenditures, other than petty cash expenditures. Requires every candidate to: (1) agree to obtain and to furnish to the Commission any evidence it may request about his campaign expenses and contributions; (2) agree to keep and to furnish to the Commission any records, books, and other information it may request; (3) agree to an audit and examination by the Commission and to pay any amounts required; and (4) agree to furnish statements of campaign expenses and proposed campaign expenses. Sets limitations on the amount of expenditures a candidate may make in connection with his primary election campaign. Provides that no person may make a contribution on behalf of a candidate for use in connection with that candidate's campaign for nomination for election, or election, which, when added to all other contributions made by that person on behalf of the candidate during the twelve month period ending with the month during which the contribution is made, equals an amount in excess of $250. Establishes within the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Federal Election Campaign Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund for each fiscal year an amount equal to the sum of the amounts designated for payment into the fund under the Internal Revenue Code. Provides that, upon receipt of a certification from the Commission, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer from the fund to the account in the campaign depository, as designated by the candidate, the amount certified by the Commission. Requires the Commission, after each Federal election to conduct a thorough examination and audit of the campaign expenses of all candidates for Federal office. Directs every candidate to, as the Commission may require, furnish to the Commission a detailed statement of campaign expenses incurred. Requires the Commission, as soon as practicable after each Federal election, to submit a full report to the Senate and House of Representatives. Provides that violation of any provision of this title is punishable by a fine of not more than $50,000, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission, for the purpose of carrying out its functions under this title, such funds as are necessary for the fiscal year ending July 30, 1974, and each fiscal year thereafter. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act. Repeals the provisions of Federal law relating to the designation of income tax payments for the financing of Presidential election campaigns.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Broadens the conditions under which post-hospital home health services and home health services may be provided under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare).
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
House Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1973
National Homestead Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to transfer without payment to a local public agency any real property: (1) which is improved by a single family dwelling; (2) to which the Secretary holds title; (3) which is not occupied; (4) which is suitable for use by such agency in an urban homestead program which meets the requirements of this Act; and (5) which is requested by such agency for use in such an urban homestead program. Enumerates the criteria under which the Secretary may approve an urban homestead program carried out by a local public agency, including the conditional conveyance of abandoned residential property by a local housing agency to an individual or a family without any substantial consideration. Requires the Secretary to conduct a continuing evaluation of programs carried out pursuant to this Act and, beginning with the third year, transmit an annual report to the Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1973
Authorizes the United States Capitol Historical Society, under the direction of the Architect of the Capitol, to prepare a feasability study to determine the desirability of installing within the United States Capitol Grounds, at the east front of the United States Capitol, all items of equipment and other facilities required for a sound and light performance, consisting of an interplay of light, music, narrative, and sound effects (without the use of live actors), which, when projected onto the imposing facade of the east front of the United States Capitol, will re-create the evolution of American history, based on a foundation of thorough historical research. Requires the Architect of the Capitol to review such report and submit the same, with his recommendations, to the Speaker and majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives and to the majority and minority leaders of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1973
Emergency Export Administration Act Amendments - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to initiate a one hundred percent validated export licensing system with respect to any article, material, or supply whenever the President determines the initiation of such system with respect to such article, material or supply is necessary to protect the United States against a future shortage thereof or to protect the economy. States that no action taken by the Secretary of Commerce with the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture under this Act shall be construed to limit the authority of the President to sell or otherwise dispose of any agricultural commodity under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 if such sale or other disposition is made to a friendly foreign country and is determined by the President to be necessary to further significantly the foreign policy of the United States and to fulfill its international responsiblities. (Amends 50 U.S.C. 2403)
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Authorizes the United States Governor to pay to the International Development Association $1,500,000,000 as the United States contribution to the Fourth Replenishment of the Resources of the Association. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,500,000,000 for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Declares that the Senate hereby calls upon the Secretary of Defense to continue to provide such escort, briefing, musical organization and color guard, and other supportive services and courtesies as may be requested and appropriate, and without additional expense to the Federal Government, during a one week period in the annual operation of the high school Senate Youth program in Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Authorizes reduced rate transportation for handicapped persons and for persons who are sixty-five years of age or older or twenty-one years of age or younger under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and the Interstate Commerce Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Solar Home Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Expresses the findings of Congress. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act Establishes a National Solar Energy Coordinating Council to advise the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on the implementation of this Act. Outlines the composition of Council membership. Delegates to the Council the responsibility for developing practices designed to maximize effort and eliminate duplication among the operations of the various departments of the Federal Government responsible for research and demonstration of solar energy technology. Directs the Secretary to initiate a program for the development and demonstration of solar heating systems for use in residential dwellings. Requires the Secretary, in carrying out such program, to: (1) prescribe performance criteria for solar heating equipment and systems to be used in residential dwellings; (2) approve, on the basis of open competitions, at least three designs for residential dwellings suitable for the installation of solar heating systems meeting such criteria; and (3) enter into contracts for the development and manufacture of solar heating systems meeting the performance criteria. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program for the development and demonstration of combined solar heating and cooling systems for use in residential dwellings. Requires that the residential dwellings of such program shall be located in at least five climatic regions in the United States to assure a realistic demonstration of the combined solar heating and cooling systems involved under climatic conditions that vary as much as possible. Provides for the development of solar heating and combined solar heating and cooling systems for public buildings and commercial use. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, jointly with the Secretary in consultation with the Council, and upon recommendation of appropriate scientific peer review panels, to initiate, support, and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the "Solar Energy Trust Fund" for obligation and expenditure by the Secretary for purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make available to the public full information with respect to activities conducted under this Act. Requires the Secretary to, directly or by grant or contract: (1) study and investigate the effect of existing building codes, zoning ordinances, and other laws, upon the practical use of solar energy to heat and cool buildings; and (2) determine the extent to which such laws should be changed to facilitate such use. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President and the Congress summarizing activities under this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall maintain continuing liaison with the building industry and related industries and interests to assure that the projected benefits of such programs are and will continue to be effectively realized. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Solar Energy Trust Fund, out of any amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for fiscal year 1974, $50,000,000, which shall remain available without fiscal year limitation through 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1973
Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments - Defines "special immigrants" to include immediate relatives. Provides special immigrant status to aliens performing duties related to the religious activities of a religious denomination. Establishes a worldwide ceiling of 300,000 immigrants annually, exclusive of special immigrants, to become operative on July 1, 1976 who may be lawfully admitted to the United States. Extends the present 20,000 annual limitation on immigration from any one country in the Eastern Hemisphere to Western Hemisphere countries, with the exceptions that Canada and Mexico are given a maximum of 35,000 each. Provides that the preference system shall become operative on a worldwide basis simultaneously with the effective date of the world ceiling. States that in the interim the preference system shall operate separately in each hemisphere. Alters preference system category percentages: (1) the percentage of first preference (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens) is changed from 20 to 10; (2) expands the second preference to include parents of permanent resident aliens and increases the percentage from 20 to 24; (3) increases the percentage of third preference (members of professions or persons of exceptional ability in the sciences and arts) from 10 to 12; (4) eliminates under the fifth preference (brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens) and decreases the percentage from 24 to 20; (5) increases the percentage of sixth preference (skilled and unskilled workers in short supply) from 10 to 12; and (6) increases the percentage of the seventh preference is from 6 to 12 and defines the term "alien refugee" as any alien who is outside the country of his nationality or who, not having a nationality, is outside the country of his habitual residence, and who is unable or unwilling to return to such country because of persecution or well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, or who has been uprooted by catastrophic natural calamity or military operations. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to parole into the country additional numbers of refugees in times of emergency, if he determines it to be in the public interest. Provides a permanent authority to adjust the status of refugee parolees to that of permanent residence. Sets forth the procedures for such action. Regulates the flow of employable commuter aliens from Canada and Mexico. Removes the renewal provision for re-entry permits, and extends their validity from one to three years. Provides for the naturalization of persons over 50 years who have been living in the United States for at least 10 years. Establishes a temporary program to facilitate the adjustment of status of certain nonimmigrant aliens in the Virgin Islands. Establishes a temporary program making additional immigrant visas available to specified countries disadvantaged in the transition from the national origins system to the first-come, first-served system, established by the Immigration Act of October 3, 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Establishes a temporary Joint Committee on Foreign Trade to be composed of twenty members. Provides for the membership and the chairmanship of such committee. Directs the joint committee to perform specified functions, including: (1) exercise oversight of the United States role in foreign trade negotiations; (2) maintain liaison between the Congress and the foreign trade negotiators of the United States and monitor foreign trade negotiations for the Congress; (3) communicate the intent of the Congress to the special representative for trade negotiation on issues before the trade negotiators; and (4) inform the Congress of the application and effect of all foreign trade laws and policies. Requires the President, through his special representative for trade negotiations, to report regularly on such negotiations and assist the joint committee in carrying out its functions. Provides that the joint committee shall appoint a chief of staff of the joint committee. Enumerates the powers of the chief of staff. Provides for payment of committee expenses from the contingent fund of the House, upon vouchers approved by the chairman. Directs that the joint committee shall cease to exist ninety days after the date of expiration of any authority granted to the President to engage in mulilateral trade negotiations or in five years, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1973
Independent Special Prosecutor Act - Directs the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to appoint a Special Prosecutor who shall have the duties and powers prescribed in this Act. Authorizes the Chief Judge to appoint a Deputy Special Prosecutor, to assist the Special Prosecutor in the performance of his duties and who, in the event of the disability of the Special Prosecutor or vacancy in the office of Special Prosecutor, shall temporarily become Special Prosecutor until the Chief Judge appoints a Special Prosecutor. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to have exclusive jurisdiction, to investigate, as he deems appropriate, and prosecute against and in the name of the United States: (1) offenses arising out of the unauthorized entry into Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate; (2) other offenses arising out of the 1972 Presidential election; (3) offenses alleged to have been committed by the President, Presidential appointees, or members of the White House staff; (4) all other matters referred to the former Special Prosecutor pursuant to regulations of the Attorney General; and (5) offenses relating to or arising out of any such matters. Empowers the Special Prosecutor with authority with respect to specified matters set forth in this Act; including (1) to determine whether or not to contest the assertion of Executive Privilege or any other testimonial privilege; and (2) to receive appropriate national security clearance and review all evidence sought to be withheld on grounds of national security and if necessary contest in court any claim of privilege or attempt to withhold evidence on grounds of national security. Provides that all investigations, prosecutions, litigation and grand jury or other proceedings initiated by the former Special Prosecutor shall be continued, as the Special Prosecutor deems appropriate, by him, and he shall become successor counsel for the United States in all such proceedings, notwithstanding any substitution of counsel made after October 20, 1973. States that the Special Prosecutor shall carry out his duties under this Act within two years, except as necessary to complete trial or appellate action on indictments then pending. Empowers the Chief Judge to dismiss the Special Prosecutor or the Deputy Special Prosecutor if he determines they have willfully violated the provisions of this Act or committed other extraordinary improprieties, and for no other reason. Provides that the Special Prosecutor solely shall exercise the powers and perform the duties specified in this Act and that neither the Chief Judge or the President of the United States, nor any other officer of the United States shall have any authority to direct, countermand, or interfere with any action taken by the Special Prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Provides that neither the President of the United States, nor any other officer of the United States, shall have any authority to remove the Special Prosecutor from office. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1973
Independent Investigation Act - Expresses the findings of Congress. Establishes an Office of Special Prosecutor to investigate: (1) possible violations of Federal law, and possible instances of official misconduct by Federal officials, which occurred in connection with the 1972 Presidential primaries and general election and any campaign, canvass, or other activities related to such election; and (2) allegations of other illegal conduct or official misconduct on the part of the President, members of the White House staff, or Presidential appointees. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Special Prosecutor, who shall be appointed by the chief judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia pursuant to the Constitution of the United States. States that the Special Prosecutor shall serve for a term beginning upon his appointment and ending on June 30, 1977, and shall be removable only by impeachment. States that the Special Prosecutor shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the conduct of all investigations, prosecutions, and civil actions on behalf of the United States to enforce all provisions of Federal law violated by: (1) any person in connection with the Presidential primaries and general election of 1972, and any campaign, canvass, or other activity related to such election; or (2) by the President, members of the White House staff, or Presidential appointees. Directs the Attorney General to cooperate with the Special Prosecutor to the fullest extent possible to insure that the Special Prosecutor has exclusive control of all activities relating to any such investigation and prosecution resulting from such election. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Special Prosecutor is vested with all of the powers and duties of the Attorney General of the United States and of the United States attorney. Directs each department, agency, and independent instrumentality of the Government to cooperate with the Special Prosecutor. Provides that the Office shall remain in existence until such time as the Special Prosecutor certifies to the chief judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia that all investigations and prosecutions conducted pursuant to this Act have been completed, or on June 30, 1977, whichever occurs first. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that all funds appropriated to the Watergate Special Task Force pursuant to the State-Justice-Commerce Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1974 and not previously expended shall be transferred on the date of enactment of this Act to the account of the Office. Directs the Office to submit its budget requests directly to the Congress and furnish the Office of Management and Budget with informational copies. Provides that in the event that the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, prior to the enactment of this legislation, appoints one or more persons to serve as special counsel grand jury currently investigating incidents relating to the 1972 Presidential campaign, and in the event that funds to compensate such person or persons for services rendered or expenses incurred are unavailable, any funds transferred to or appropriated for the Office shall be utilized to compensate or reimburse such person or persons. States that in the event that the President of the United States, or anyone acting on his behalf, or any other person, initiates legal proceedings challenging the constitutionality of any provision of this Act, the Office shall have the right to defend the constitutionality of this Act in any such proceeding, and shall be entitled to utilize the funds transferred or appropriated to the Office to defray any expenses incurred in the course of such a defense. Provides that no decision invalidating any portion of this Act shall take effect until such decision becomes final. States that exclusive jurisdiction over lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of this Act shall reside in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Provides that the invalidation of any provision of this Act shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
National Emergency Petroleum Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Purposes - States the purposes of this Act, including to: (1) protect the public welfare and the national security in the face of critical energy shortages; and (2) provide a national program to conserve scarce energy resources, through mandatory and voluntary rationing and conservation measures. Title II: Emergency Fuel Shortage Contingency Programs - Authorizes the President to declare a national or regional emergency requiring implementation of emergency fuel shortage contingency programs as provided for in this title. States that the President shall promulgate reguirements for emergency rationing, conservation, and contingency programs to be implemented by State and local governments in the event there is an emergency fuel shortage. Provides that such programs shall include: (1) an established priority system and plan for rationing of scarce fuel among distributors and consumers during periods of critical shortages, and (2) measures to reduce energy consumption in the affected area by 10 percent within ten days, and by 25 percent within four weeks after implementation. Directs the President, in time of actual or impending emergency fuel shortage, to: (1) reguire existing electrical powerplants burning petroleum or natural gas which have the capability, to revert to burning coal; (2) authorizes independent regulatory authorities to permit variances form existing schedules and routings in order to conserve fuel; and (3) develop and implement federally sponsored incentives for the public transportation. Provides mandatory Federal actions to increase available domestic petroleum supplies. Authorizes the President to take specified actions to extend and develop contigency supplies of oil and gas reserves. Title II: Administration and Authorization - Directs the President to submit to Congress requirements for the emergency fuel shortage contingency programs to be approved by Congress unless the Congress specifically disapproves and offers alternative provisions. Authorizes the Cost of Living Council to develop incentives to encourage private industry and individual persons to subscribe to the goals of this Act. Authorizes the President to make grants to any State or major metropolitan government for the purpose of assisting in developing, administering, and enforcing emergency fuel shortage contingency plans under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $150,000,000 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Carpool Incentives Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out demonstration projects designed to encourage the use of carpools in urban areas throughout the country while not adversely affecting bus and other mass transportation ridership in such areas. Provides that from proposals submitted by the States to the Secretary, the Secretary shall approve for funding those projects which offer the best prospects of achieving the objectives of this Act and which provide a reasonable balance among cities of various population sizes, traffic patterns, and geographical locations. States that the Federal share of the cost of such work shall be 90 per cent, except that the Federal share shall not exceed $1,000,000 for any single project. Directs the Secretary to give permits to demonstration projects proposed for cities or areas in air quality control regions after consultation with the Environment Protection Agency as to the value of such projects as a part of a transportation control plan for such region. Directs the Secretary to conduct a full investigation of the effectiveness of measures employed in the demonstration projects authorized by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $10,000,000 from the Highway Trust Fund to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the announced policy of the United States Government to maintain Israel's deterrent strength be implemented by continuing to transfer to Israel, by whatsoever means necessary, Phantom aircraft and other equipment in the quantities needed by Israel to repel the aggressors.
![Official portrait of Sen. Humphrey, Hubert H. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000953_200.jpg)