United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Biomedical Research Act - Establishes the President's Biomedical Research Panel to be composed of the Chairman of the President's Cancer Panel and two members appointed by the President. Requires the Panel to monitor the development and execution of the biomedical research programs of the National Institutes of Health and to report directly to the President. States that any delays or blockages in rapid execution of the biomedical research programs of the National Institutes of Health shall immediately be brought to the attention of the President and the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1974
National Health Planning and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish health areas throughout the United States, to which health planning agencies shall be designated. Enumerates the requirements to be met by such health areas and defines "health planning agency" for purposes of this Act. States that a health planning agency for a health area shall be incorporated in the State in which it is allocated and shall not be a subsidiary of or otherwise controlled by any other private corporation or other private legal entity. Provides that each health planning agency shall have a governing body composed of not less than ten members and of not more than thirty members. Enumerates the authorized powers and duties of such governing bodies. Specifies the requirements for membership on a governing body. States that the purposes of health planning agencies are to: (1) improve the health of residents of a health area, (2) increase the accessibility, acceptability, continuity, and quality of the health services provided them, and (3) restrain increases in the cost of providing them health services. Outlines the functions which the agencies shall perform in: (1) providing health planning, development, and in making recommendations regarding regulation for its area; (2) implementing its long-range goal plans and short-term priorities plan; (3) coordinating its activities with the professional standards review organizations; (4) reviewing and recommending proposals and establishing priorities; and (5) assisting planning agencies. Enumerates the procedures to be followed for reviews of proposed health system charges. Provides for assistance to entities desiring to be designated as health planning agencies. States that for the purpose of making such assistance grants, there are authorized to be appropriated $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $30,000,000 for 1977. Requires the Secretary to designate a health planning agency for each health area established pursuant to this Act. States that such designation shall be made under an agreement entered into between the Secretary and the entity to be designated as a health planning agency. Details the requirements to be met by such agreements. Directs the Secretary, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act to issue guidelines concerning national health policy. States that the Secretary shall include in the guidelines: (1) requirements respecting the appropriate supply, distribution, and organization of health resources and services; and (2) a statement of national health goals developed after consideration of specified objectives set forth in this Act. Enumerates such objectives. Requires the Secretary to provide health planning agencies and State Health Commission with: (1) model health plans and planning processess; (2) technical materials and standards for use in health planning; and (3) such other technical assistance as they may require to perform their functions. Details the information to be included by the Secretary as technical materials and standards. Provides that the Secretary shall make in each fiscal year a grant to each health planning agency with which there is in effect at the beginning of the fiscal year a designation agreement under this Act. States that the amount of a grant to a health planning agency for any fiscal year may not be less than $150,000. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making payments pursuant to such grants, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Empowers the Secretary to make development grants for area health services development funds. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes through fiscal year 1977. Directs the Secretary to review and approve the annual budget of each health planning agency with which there is in effect a designation agreement, and to review at least every three years the structure, operation, and activities of each health planning agency with which there is in effect a designation agreement. Provides for the designation of State Health Commission, initially on a a conditional basis with a view to determining the capacity of such view to such agency to perform the functions prescribed for such Commissions. Sets forth the requirements necessary prior to approval of a State administrative program for the performance within the State by its State Health Commission of the regulatory functions prescribed by this Act, including: (1) to provide for adequate consultation with the Commission's advisory council; (2) to set forth the qualifications for personnel having responsibilities in the administration of such program; and (3) to provide for such methods of administration as are necessary for the proper and efficient administration of such functions and the administrative program. Requires that each State Health Commission for which a designation agreement is in effect with specified exceptions, perform enumerated regulatory functions, including: (1) review annually the long-range goal plan and short-term priorities plan of each health planning agency; (2) review annually the budget of each such health planning agency; (3) review applications; (4) serve as the designated planning agency of the State for the purposes of the Social Security Act; and (5) license health care facilities and health care delivery personnel in the State. Empowers the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in meeting the costs of developing State Health Commissions. Provides that any grant shall be made for development costs incurred in the one year period beginning on the first day of the first month for which such grant is made and may be for an amount which does not exceed 90 percent of such costs. Authorizes appropriations for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1974
Emergency Energy Employment Assistance Act - Provides for an emergency energy employment assistance program under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. States that in addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated for carrying out such Act, there are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974, and the succeeding fiscal year, such sums, not to exceed $4,000,000,000 in the aggregate for such period, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund to be known as the Emergency Employment Assistance Fund. Provides that under specified circumstances amounts from such fund shall be obligated to provide unemployment and underemployed persons with transitional employment in jobs providing needed public services, and, wherever feasible, related training and manpower services to enable such persons to move into employment or training not supported under this Act. Requires the filing of a special report, within 21 days after enactment, on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1974
Health Services Research and Development, Health Statistics, and Medical Libraries Act - Title I: Health Services Research Development and Evaluation; Health Statistics - Health Services Research Development, and Evaluation and Health Statistics Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to undertake, through the National Centers for Health Services Research and Health Statistics and such other units of the Department as he may select, to support health statistical activities and health services research, evaluation, and demonstration. Declares that the Secretary may do the following: (1) utilize physical resources of the Department, permit the utilization of physical resources of the Department, provide technical assistance and advice, make grants to public and nonprofit private entities and individuals, and enter into contracts for health services research, evaluation, and demonstrations and for health statistical activities; (2) admit and treat at hospitals and other facilities of the Service persons not otherwise eligible for admission and treatment at such facilities; (3) secure the assistance and advice of experts and consultants from the United States or abroad; and (4) acquire, construct, improve, repair, operate, and maintain laboratory, research, and other facilities and equipment, and such other real or personal property (including patents) as the Secretary deems necessary; and acquire buildings or parts of buildings in the District of Columbia or communities located adjacent to the District of Columbia. Establishes in the Department the National Center for Health Services Research and the National Center for Health Statistics. Declares that the Secretary, acting through Centers, may undertake and support research, evaluation, and demonstration projects in specified health services areas. Directs the Secretary to collect statistics in enumerated health areas. Provides that the Secretary shall assist nonprofit entities in meeting the costs of new centers, for multidisciplinary health services research, evaluations, and demonstrations. Sets forth the requirements to be met prior to the making of grants and contracts for such assistance. States that for the purpose of advancing the status of the health sciences in the United States, the Secretary may participate with other countries in cooperative endeavors in biomedical research and the health services, research and statistical activities authorized by this Act. Requires the Secretary to call annual conferences of the health authorities of the several States. Provides that not later than September 1 of each year, the Secretary shall make a report to Congress regarding the administration of this Act during the preceding fiscal year and the current state and progress of health services research and health statistics. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Revision and Extension of Medical Library Assistance Programs - Extends the authorization of appropriation for medical library assistance programs for fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Requires the Administrator of the Federal Energy Office to insure that trucks involved in the transportation of perishable produce receive 100 percent of their current fuel requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1974
Criminal Justice Information Control and Protection of Privacy Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Policy; Definitions - Declares that in order to insure the security of criminal justice information systems, and to protect the privacy of individuals named in such systems, it is necessary and proper for the Congress to regulate the exchange of such information. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title II: Collection and Dissemination of Criminal Justice Information and Criminal Justice Intelligence Information - Provides that criminal justice information can only be used for criminal justice purposes unless a State or Federal statute specifically authorizes dissemination of conviction records to non-criminal justice agencies. Permits researchers access to the information only if the privacy of the subjects of the information is protected. Provides that only conviction records may be exchanged among criminal justice agencies, with enumerated exceptions: (1) reactions and release information can be disseminated outside of the agency which collected it only where expressly authorized by State or Federal statute; (2) fingerprint information may be freely disseminated as long as no stigma is attached; (3) wanted persons information; and (4) raw arrest records and records of criminal proceedings which did not result in conviction could be exchanged in defined situations. Prohibits agencies or persons who lawfully gain access to information from using the information for a purpose or from disseminating the information in a manner not permitted by this Act. Places limitations on access to criminal justice information via categories other than name. Requires every agency information system covered by this Act to promulgate regulations on security, accuracy, updating and purging. Sets out what such regulations must provide, including that they must provide a method for informing users of changes in disseminated information and for the purging of old, outdated and irrelevant information. Requires every agency or information system to establish a process for access and challenge of incorrect or inaccurate information. Details what such regulations must provide. Places limitations on the collection and dissemination of intelligence information. States that such information may not be maintained in automated systems and must be kept separate and apart from all other criminal justice files. Title III: Administrative Provisions; Regulations; Civil Remedies; Criminal Penalties - Creates a Federal-State administrative structure for enforcement of this Act. Establishes a Federal Information Systems Board as an independent agency with general responsibility for administration and enforcement of this Act. Provides that the Board would be composed of representatives of the Department of Justice and two other Federal agencies, plus six other members nominated by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the Board would have the authority to issue general regulations applying the Act's policies. Empowers the Board to: (1) operate the interstate information system authorized by this Act; (2) conduct audits; (3) conduct general studies of information systems; and (4) make recommendations to the Congress for additional legislation. Creates an Information Systems Advisory Committee, composed of one representative from each State, to advise the Board on all of the Board's responsibilities and on the Board's operation of the interstate information system. Requires the Federal Information Systems Board to issue regulations to implement this Act. Requires each State to establish a central administrative agency, separate and apart from existing criminal justice agencies, with authority to oversee operation of criminal justice information systems in that State. Requires every information system or agency to give public notice, once annually, of the type of information it collects and disseminates, its sources, purpose, function, administrative director or other pertinent information. Requires every system or agency to give public notice of an expansion and any new system to give public notice before it becomes operational so that interested parties will have an opportunity to comment. Requires audits of systems and agencies which collect and disseminate information. States that such audits are to be conducted by the Federal Information Systems Board, by an independent State agency and by each criminal justice agency. Permits the Federal Government to operate an interstate criminal justice information system under the policy control of the Federal-State board. Limits information contained in such system to an index containing the subject's name and the name of the State or local agency which possesses a more complete file. Lists administrative actions that may be taken by the Federal Information Systems Board in the event that a criminal justice information system is found to have violated any provision of this Act. Provides the judicial machinery for the exercise of the right granted in this Act. Provides that aggrieved individuals may obtain both injunctive relief and damages, $100 recovery for each violation, actual and general damages, attorney's fees, and other litigation costs whether violations were willful or negligent. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides that any State statute, State regulation or Federal regulation which imposes stricter privacy requirements on the operation of criminal justice information systems or upon the exchange of criminal justice information takes precedence over this Act or any regulations issued pursuant to this Act or any other State law when a conflict arises. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as the Congress deems necessary for the purposes of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1974
Indian Health Care Improvement Act - Declares that it is the policy of this Nation, in fulfillment of its special responsibilities and legal obligation to the American Indian people, to meet the national goal of providing the highest possible health status to Indians and to provide existing Indian health services with all resources necessary to effect that policy. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make scholarship grants to individuals: (1) who are enrolled in medical schools; schools of optometry, osteophathy, dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, public health, or nursing, or schools licensed by a State to train persons in the allied health professions, and (2) who agree to provide their professional services to Indians after completion of their professional training. Establishes a priority according to which the Secretary shall award scholarship grants under this Act. States that any scholarship grant awarded to any individual under this Act shall be awarded under the condition that such individual will, after the completion of his professional training, provide his professional services to Indians for a reasonable period of time as prescribed by the Secretary. Sets forth a formula by which the United States shall be entitled to recover scholarship grants from individuals who fail to comply with such condition for the full period. Authorizes to be appropriated for this program: $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $16,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $22,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $30.000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $34,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and for each succeeding fiscal year, such sums as may be necessary to continue to make such grants to individuals who (prior to July 1, 1979) have received such grants and who are eligible for such grants under this Act during such succeeding fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to make scholarship grants for a period not to exceed two academic years to Indians who: (1) have successfully completed their high school education; and (2) have demonstrated an aptitude for being capable of successfully completing a premedical, predental, or preosteopathy course of study. Authorizes to be appropriated for the above program: $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $3,000,000 for each of the next three fiscal years. Permits the Secretary to provide continuing education allowances to Indian Health Service physicians. Authorizes to be appropriated for such programs: $350,000 each year for fiscal years 1975 and 1976; $375,000 for fiscal year 1977, $390,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $410,000 for fiscal year 1979. Title II: Health Services - Authorizes the Secretary to expend over a five-fiscal-year period $123,500,000, in addition to the annual appropriations required to continue the health service program to the Indian people, and to employ additional personnel for the purpose of eliminating backlogs in Indian health care services and to supply known, unmet medical, surgical, dental and other Indian health needs. Title III: Health Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary to expend $400,000,000 over a five-fiscal-year period for the purpose of eliminating inadequate, outdated, and otherwise unsatisfactory Service hospitals, health centers, health stations, and other Service facilities. Enables the Secretary to expend $470,000,000 within a five-fiscal-year period to supply unmet needs for safe water and sanitary waste disposal facilities in existing and new Indian homes and communities. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan, together with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to assure that the five-year schedule provided for in this Act will be met. Title IV: Access to Health Services - States that the Service facilities used to provide health care and services to Indians are hereby deemed to be accredited facilities for the purposes of title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Title V: Access to Health Services for Urban Indians - Defines "Urban Indian", "urban Indian organization" and "urban center" as used in this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to provide Federal assistance to such organizations for the purpose of establishing and administering outreach programs to make urban Indians in the urban centers in which such organizations are situated knowledgeable of the health service resources available within such centers and the means of gaining access to those resources. Directs the Secretary to prescribe the criteria for selecting urban Indian organizations with which to contract pursuant to this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for this program: $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Provides that, within six months after the end of fiscal year 1976, the Secretary shall review the above program and shall submit to the Congress his assessment of it and recommendations for any further legislation. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on progress made in effecting the purposes of this Act. States that within three months after the end of fiscal year 1978, the Secretary shall review the programs established or assisted under this Act and shall submit to the Congress his assessment and recommendations of additional programs or additional assistance necessary to, at a minimum provide health services to Indians, and insure a health status for Indians, which is at a parity with the health services available to, and the health status of, the general population. Provides that the funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Consumer Controversies Resolution Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to assure all consumer controversy resolution mechanism which is effective, fair, inexpensive, and expeditious, and to facilitate better representation of consumer interests. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish a Bureau of Consumer Redress. Directs the Commission to perform enumerated duties, including: (1) allocate and pay to the States funds appropriated for financial assistance to States under cooperative agreements; (2) review the operation of each State plan for the resolution of controversies involving consumers which has been approved under this Act; and (3) articulate and evaluate the goals for a model State system of consumer controversy resolution. Provides for the allocation to States of monies appropriated for financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used, including public education and publicity relating to the availability and proper use of consumer controversy resolution mechanisms and settlement procedures. States that, by the end of six months after the date of enactment of this Act, a State may submit a plan in accordance with this Act for the resolution of controversies involving consumers. Calls for the review of such plans periodically, but not less than once every two years, by the Bureau. Provides that a consumer controversy resolution mechanism is responsive to national goals if: (1) procedures are easy and inexpensive for the citizens and free from technicalities; (2) it is designed so that appropriate personnel can be provided consumers in pursuing claims and collecting judgments; (3) it is open or available for the adjudication or resolution of controversies during hours and on days that consumers and other citizens can easily utilize it; (4) it has a reasonable jurisdictional limit; and (5) it is governed by procedures which are published and approved by the Administrator. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary, not to exceed $500,000 for fiscal year 1974; $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that whenever the Bureau submits any legislative recommendations, proposed testimony, or comments on legislation to the President or the Office of Management and Budget, it shall concurrently transmit a copy thereof to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Requires the Armed Forces to provide special educational and health services to dependents of members serving on active duty who are deaf, hard of hearing, seriously emotionally disturbed, moderately or severely mentally retarded, crippled, or have a speech or health impairment or specific learning disability requiring special education and related services. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1079 (d))
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Extends the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs, established by S. Res. 281, Ninetieth Congress, through February 28, 1975. Authorizes the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs in studying matters pertaining to the lack of food, medical assistance, and other related necessities of life and health from March 1, 1974, through February 28, 1975, in its discretion: (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to employ personnel, (3) to subpena witnesses and documents, (4) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, to use on a reimbursable basis the services of personnel, information, and facilities of any such department or agency, (5) to procure the temporary services (not in excess of one year) or intermittent services of individual consultants, or oragnizations thereof, (6) to interview employees of the Federal, State, and local governments and other individuals, and (7) to take depositions and other testimony. Provides that the minority shall receive fair consideration in the appointment of staff personnel pursuant to this resolution. Limits the expenses of the committee under this resolution to $399,000.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Extends the life of the Special Committee on Aging, established by Senate Resolution 33, 87th Congress, and makes it a permanent, special committee of the Senate. Provides that the committee shall continue to consist of twenty-two members appointed by the President of the Senate, thirteen of whom shall be appointed from the majority party and nine of whom shall be appointed from the minority party. Directs the committee to make a continuing study and investigation of any and all matters pertaining to problems and opportunities of older people, including but not limited to, problems and opportunities, of maintaining health, of assuring adequate income, of finding employment, of engaging in productive and rewarding activity, of securing proper housing, and, when necessary, of obtaining care or assistance. Provides that the minority shall receive fair consideration in the appointment of staff personnel pursuant to this resolution. Grants the Committee specified powers to carry out its functions. Limits the expenses of the committee under this resolution for the period from March 1, 1974, through February 28, 1975, to $415,000. Requires the committee to report the results of its study and investigation, together with such recommendations as it may deem advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, but not later than February 28, 1975. Makes this resolution effective March 1, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Provides that mail fraud penalties shall be imposed upon persons when the result of a scheme to defraud is on purpose, as an incident to, or as a result of such scheme. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 1341)
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Boston Naval Shipyard Historic Site, Boston, Massachusetts. Provides that the Site shall be developed in accordance with a plan adopted by the Secretary of the Interior and approved by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the mayor of the city of Boston. Requires that such plan include a requirement that the United States Ship Constitution shall be located at Boston, and shall be maintained by the United States Navy. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1974
National Cancer Act Amendments - Increases the authorization of appropriations under the Public Health Service Act for the basic cancer research and training program and the prevention and control program. Extends such act for three years with appropriations of $750,000,000, $830,000,000 and $985,000,000 for fiscal years 1975-1977, respectively. Authorizes the awarding of grants for the improvement of basic research laboratory facilities, including those related to biohazard control, as deemed necessary, for the national cancer program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1974
Directs the President, immediately upon the enactment of this Act, to issue an order to establish a ceiling on prices of crude oil and petroleum products at levels not greater than the highest levels during the fourteen-day period ending January 19, 1974, for like or similar commodities. Provides that, as soon as practicable, but not later than thirty days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall by written order roll back prices for crude oil and petroleum products to levels no higher than those prevailing in the seven-day period ending November 1, 1973, in order to reduce inflation. Requires the President to issue rules to insure that all corporations or other entities engaging in sales of crude petroleum at the refinery level or petroleum products at the wholesale level reflect, in sales to any purchaser, the average costs of its foreign and domestic crude oil and petroleum products.
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 · 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
National Diabetes Research and Education Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to expand the authority of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases in order to advance the national attack on diabetes mellitus. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Task Force on Diabetes to formulate a long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus. Specifies the content of such plan. Provides that the task force shall also develop a program to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases respecting diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic diseases. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this part $500,000 for fiscal year 1974. Provides that the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases, shall establish programs in the epidemiology, prevention, control, and evaluation of diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, appropriately emphasizing the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of such diseases in children. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out such purposes $2,500,000 for fiscal 1975; $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Provides for the establishment of national diabetes research and training centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000, $15,000,000, and $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 through 1977, respectively. Instructs the Director of the National Institutes of Health to establish an Inter-Institute Diabetes Mellitus Coordinating Committee. Directs the Secretary to establish an Interagency Technical Committee on Diabetes Mellitus, responsible for coordinating Federal health programs and activities relating to diabetes mellitus.
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 · 13 December 1973
National Employment Priorities Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act: (1) to require prenotification to employees and communities of dislocation of business concerns; (2) to prevent Federal support for unjustified dislocation; and (3) to provide assistance to employees, business concerns, and affected communities threatened with dislocation. Defines the terms used in this Act. Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Employment Relocation Administration, to be headed by an Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that, in order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to perform enumerated functions and duties, including: (1) conduct investigations on any proposed closing or transfer of operations of a business concern; (2) provide adjustment assistance to employees because of a closing or transfer of operations of an establishment of a business concern; and (3) conduct research into the problems of business closing, transfers of operations, and unemployment. Establishes a National Employment Relocation Advisory Council. Specifies the composition and compensation rates of members of such Council. Directs the Council to perform enumerated functions, including to advise the Secretary and Administrator with respect to the activities of the National Employment Relocation Administration and evaluate the effectiveness of programs carried out under this Act. Requires written notice be given to the Secretary whenever (1) a business concern intends to close or transfer all or part of the operations of an establishment of that business concern; and (2) at least l2 percent of the employees who are members of any labor organization or 15 percent of all employees in that establishment will suffer an eligible employment loss as a result of any such closing or transfer. Specifies the items to be included in such notices. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate a proposed closing or transfer of operations under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of adjustment assistance for employees suffering an eligible employment loss. Provides that such adjustment shall include: (1) income maintenance payments; (2) maintenance of pension and health benefits; (3) job placement and retraining benefits; (4) relocation allowances; (5) early retirement benefits; (6) emergency mortgage and rent payments; and (7) food stamps and surplus commodities. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to place each employee in substantially equivalent full employment in accordance with his capacity and prospective employment opportunities. Provides that a unit of local government is eligible for assistance under this Act upon determination by the Secretary that the closing or transfer of operations of business establishments has contributed substantially to an unemployment rate within such jurisdiction exceeding 8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Enumerates the types of assistance available under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a retraining program for employees who will be required to acquire new or additional skills as a result of the economic adjustment assistance proposal. Provides that whenever the Secretary determines, afteran investigation conducted under this Act that: (1) the closing or transfer of operations of an establishment or a business concern was not justified; or (2) if the transfer or closing could have been avoided if the business concern had accepted assistance under this Act; or (3) the eligible employment loss could have been avoided except for the failure to file a notice of intent to close or transfer, or because of some other unreasonable delay, bad faith or misrepresentation on the part of the business concern; or (4) the transfer of operations is to a new location outside the United States while other alternatives to such transfer of operations exist, then such business concern shall be ineligible for specified benefits under the Internal Revenue Code for a period not to exceed l0 years. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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 · 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
Federal Election Campaign Financing Act - Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Enumerates the conditions for eligibility for payments under this Act, including that a candidate shall: (1) agree to furnish the Commission such evidence as it may request of the qualified campaign expenses with respect to which payments are sought; and (2) agree to an audit and examination by the Commission. Sets forth provisions governing payments to major parties, minor parties, and new parties. Provides that an eligible candidate of a major party in a Federal election shall be entitled to payments equal in the aggregate to the greater of: (1) 15 cents multiplied by the voting age population of the geographical area in which the election is held; (2a) $175,000, if the Federal office sought is that of Senator, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Representative from a State which is entitled to only one Representative; or (b) $90,000, if the Federal office sought is that of Representative from a State which is entitled to more than one Representative. Places limitations and restrictions on the total amount of payments to which an eligible candidate or political party is entitled. Provides for the certification by the Commission of payments to be made under this Act. Authorizes the transfer from the general fund of the Treasury such amounts of moneys in the fund as are in excess of the amounts which eligible candidates are or will be entitled to receive. Provides that, the national committee of a major party may receive contributions and make expenditures in connection with a Federal election; and a State committee of a major party may accept contributions and make expenditures in connection with a Federal election in such State. Requires that, after each Federal election, the Commission shall conduct a thorough examination and audit of the qualified campaign expenses of the candidate of each political party for Federal office. Prescribes the procedures for repayments of funds, when excess funds were paid to a candidate. Requires that a candidate shall furnish to the Commission a detailed statement of: (1) the qualified campaign expenses incurred by him and his authorized committees prior to the date of such statement; and (2) the qualified campaign expenses which he and his authorized committees propose to incur on or after the date of such statement. Provides for reports to Congress by the Commission after each Federal election. Provides for participation by the Commission in judicial proceedings under this Act and for judicial review of actions by the Commission. Makes it unlawful for an eligible candidate of a political party for Federal office in a Federal election or any of his authorized committees knowingly and willfully to incur qualified campaign expenses in excess of the total amount of payments to which they are entitled. Provides penalties for the unlawful use of payments and making of false statements under this Act. Penalizes other enumerated violations of the provisions of this Act. Establishes an advisory board to be known as the Federal Election Campaign Fund Advisory Board to counsel and advise the Commission in the performance of the duties and functions imposed on it under this Act. Establishes the Federal Election Commission as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. 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 require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all documentary evidence; and (3) in any proceeding or investigation to order testimony to be taken by deposition. Sets limitations on the contributions by individuals. States that no individual shall during any calendar year make, and no person shall accept: (1) any contribution to a political committee, or (2) any contribution to or for the benefit of any candidate, which, when added to all other contributions which were made in that calendar year, exceeds $25,000. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, such funds as are necessary for fiscal year 1974, and each fiscal year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1973
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should propose the establishemnt of a World Energy Commission and convening of a World Energy Conference.
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 · 27 November 1973
Fair Labor Standards Amendments - Provides for an increase in the minimum wage to $2.20 a hour over a specified period for employees covered before 1966, nonagricultural employees covered in 1966 and 1973, and agricultural employees. States that such increase shall not apply to employees in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, of the United States or of the government of the Virgin Islands; of a hotel, motel, or restaurant; or of any other retail or service establishment engaged in the offering of food. Establishes the minimum wage rate for such employees as equal to that of employees in States, as prescribed under this Act. Provides for the appointment of a special industry committee to recommend for employees in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the highest minimum wage rates. Includes Federal and State employees in the minimum wage coverage and defines such employees. Establishes minimum wage rates for domestic service employees and retail and service establishments. Excludes from overtime rates specified tobacco employees. Exempts for two years, telegraph agency employees from the maximum hours provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Establishes overtime rate and maximum hour requirements for telegraph agency employees, seafood canning and processing employees, nursing home employees; hotel, motel and restaurant employees; salesmen, partsmen, and mechanics; food service employees; bowling employees; substitute parents for institutionalized children; employees of conglomerates; seasonal industry employees; cotton ginning and sugar processing employees; local transit employees; and cotton and sugar services employees. Establishes special minimum wage rates for full-time students. Exempts specified agricultural workers from the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Establishes a civil penalty for violation of the child labor provisions. Requires the Secretary to conduct studies on the justification or lack thereof for each of the special overtime rate exemptions set and the economic effects of the application of such exemptions to such employees, and to submit a report of his findings and recommendations to the Congress with respect to the studies conducted not later than January 1, 1976. Provides for nondiscrimination on account of age in Government employment and Federal Government employment. Provides that, except as otherwise specifically provided, the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the first day of the first full month which begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
Directs the Attorney General to: (1) acquire, collect, classify, and preserve identification, criminal identification, crime, and other records; and (2) exchange these records with, and for the official use of, the Federal Government, the States, cities, and penal and other institutions for law enforcement purposes. Authorizes the Attorney General to exchange such records with the officials of federally chartered or insured banking institutions. Provides that all copies of records of information filed as a result of an arrest that is legally terminated in favor of the arrested individual shall be returned to that individual within sixty days of final disposition and shall not be maintained in the files of any Federal agency, if a copy of the formal court order disposing of the case is presented, or upon formal notice from one criminal justice agency to another. States that the Attorney General's authority to disseminate records indicating that an individual was arrested or charged with any criminal offense to noncriminal justice agencies shall expire on December 31, 1974.
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 · 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
Makes it the sense of the Congress that funds authorized and appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the housing, housing assistance, and community development programs administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the housing and housing assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture should be obligated or expended (to the extent current appropriations or other obligational authority permit) at rates which are not less than the rates at which funds were obligated or expended for such programs during calendar year 1972, until such time as these programs are terminated by the Congress or new housing and community development programs are enacted by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 26 October 1973
Independent Special Prosecutor Act - Directs the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to appoint a Special Prosecutor who shall have the duties and powers prescribed in this Act. Authorizes the Chief Judge to appoint a Deputy Special Prosecutor, to assist the Special Prosecutor in the performance of his duties and who, in the event of the disability of the Special Prosecutor or vacancy in the office of Special Prosecutor, shall temporarily become Special Prosecutor until the Chief Judge appoints a Special Prosecutor. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to have exclusive jurisdiction, to investigate, as he deems appropriate, and prosecute against and in the name of the United States: (1) offenses arising out of the unauthorized entry into Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate; (2) other offenses arising out of the 1972 Presidential election; (3) offenses alleged to have been committed by the President, Presidential appointees, or members of the White House staff; (4) all other matters referred to the former Special Prosecutor pursuant to regulations of the Attorney General; and (5) offenses relating to or arising out of any such matters. Empowers the Special Prosecutor with authority with respect to specified matters set forth in this Act; including (1) to determine whether or not to contest the assertion of Executive Privilege or any other testimonial privilege; and (2) to receive appropriate national security clearance and review all evidence sought to be withheld on grounds of national security and if necessary contest in court any claim of privilege or attempt to withhold evidence on grounds of national security. Provides that all investigations, prosecutions, litigation and grand jury or other proceedings initiated by the former Special Prosecutor shall be continued, as the Special Prosecutor deems appropriate, by him, and he shall become successor counsel for the United States in all such proceedings, notwithstanding any substitution of counsel made after October 20, 1973. States that the Special Prosecutor shall carry out his duties under this Act within two years, except as necessary to complete trial or appellate action on indictments then pending. Empowers the Chief Judge to dismiss the Special Prosecutor or the Deputy Special Prosecutor if he determines they have willfully violated the provisions of this Act or committed other extraordinary improprieties, and for no other reason. Provides that the Special Prosecutor solely shall exercise the powers and perform the duties specified in this Act and that neither the Chief Judge or the President of the United States, nor any other officer of the United States shall have any authority to direct, countermand, or interfere with any action taken by the Special Prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Provides that neither the President of the United States, nor any other officer of the United States, shall have any authority to remove the Special Prosecutor from office. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
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.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1973
Randolph-Sheppard Act Amendments - Expresses the findings of Congress. Provides that blind persons licensed under the provisions of this Act shall be authorized to operate vending facilities on any Federal or other property. Gives preference to blind persons licensed by a State agency as provided in this Act. Requires the head of each department or agency in control of Federal property to prescribe regulations assuring such preference. Eliminates the requirement that licensees be 21 years of age. Eliminates the requirement that licensees shall have resided for at least one year in the State for which a license is requested. Requires that in the design, construction, or substantial alteration of each public building after June 30, 1974, there shall be a satisfactory site or sites suitable for the location and operation of a vending facility by a blind person or persons. Authorizes State licensing agencies or any blind licensee to file a complaint with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare who shall convene an arbitration panel to hear appeals when the State licensing agency or licensee feels that any department or agency is failing to comply with the provisions of this Act. States that with specified exceptions, all vending machine income shall accrue to the blind licensee operating the facility. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
National Food Bank Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for the storage of food commodities in geographically dispersed areas of the United States so that such commodities will be readily available for distribution in any area which suffers a major disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to take such action as he deems necessary to maintain fresh, nutritious supplies of food commodities and to provide for the periodic turnover of such commodities to avoid spoilage.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1973
Comprehensive Bilingual Education Amendments Act (Bilingual Education Act) - Sets forth the policy considerations of this Act. Authorizes, to be appropriated for carrying out the provisions of this Act, $135,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each succeeding fiscal year prior to July 1, 1977; and further authorizes to be appropriated such additional sums as the Congress may determine. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. States that funds available for grants shall be used for: (1) the establishment of bilingual education programs; (2) planning and providing technical assistance for such programs; (3) training designed to prepare persons to participate in such programs; and (4) auxiliary community activities designed to facilitate the implementation of a program. Specifies the requirements which an application for a grant must meet for approval. States that for carrying out programs for individuals on reservations serviced by elementary and secondary schools operated for Indian children, a nonprofit organization of the Indian tribe which operates any such school may be considered to be a local educational agency for purposes of this Act. Establishes in the Office of Education a Division of Bilingual Education through which the Commissioner shall carry out his responsibilities relating to bilingual education and headed by a Director of Bilingual Education. Requires the Director to prepare and submit to the Congress and the President an annual report on the condition of bilingual education in the Nation. Specifies the items to be included in such report. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Bilingual Education to be composed of fifteen members, to advise the Commissioner in the preparation of general regulations and with respect to policy matters arising in the administration of this Act. Directs the National Institute of Education to carry out a program of research in the field of bilingual education in order to assist local educational agencies in planning and operating effective programs of bilingual education.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1973
Bilingual Education Reform Act - Extends the Bilingual Education Act of 1967 through fiscal year 1978 with increased appropriations. Designates 35 percent of all appropriations in excess of $35 million for bilingual teacher training programs. Defines "bilingual education program." Requires that a bilingual education program make provision for the voluntary enrollment, of children whose language is English, in order that they may learn the language and cultural heritage of the children of limited English-speaking ability for whom the particular program of bilingual education is designed. Authorizes the making of grants to institutions for the establishment, and improvement of training programs for persons participating in bilingual education programs. Establishes, within the Office of Education, a Bureau of Bilingual Education to be headed by a Director of Bilingual Education. Requires the Director to submit to Congress a report on the activities of the Bureau. Specifies the items to be included in such report. Authorizes contracts with public agencies, institutions, and organizations in order to conduct research and experimental projects in the field of bilingual and bicultural education. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Bilingual Education consisting of 15 members appointed by the President. Provides that the Council shall review and evaluate the administration of this Act, including its effectiveness in improving the educational attainment of children with limited English-speaking ability. Provides, under the Vocational Education Act, for the development of bilingual education vocational programs. Authorizes $40,000,000 for the establishment of this program in each of the next 2 fiscal years. Provides, under the Adult Education Act and the Library Services and Construction Act, for bilingual programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1973
Provides, under the Freedom of Information Act, that each agency, upon any request for records which describes such records and is made in accordance with the procedural rules of this Act, shall make the records promptly available to any person. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to promulgate regulations regarding duplication and search fees applicable to all agencies. States that such fees shall ordinarily not be charged when: (1) the person requesting the records is indigent; (2) such fees would amount to less than $3; (3) the requested records are not found; and (4) the records are exempt from disclosure. Describes the complaint procedure to be followed when records are improperly withheld. Requires each agency to submit an annual report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives, detailing statistics relating to requests for records.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Social Services Amendments - Outlines the objectives to be achieved under this Act, including: (1) the goal of self-support; (2) the goal of family care or self-care; (3) the goal of community-based care; and (4) the institional care goal. Provides, under the Social Security Act, for maximum freedom for each State to determine which services will make available, the persons eligible for such services, the manner in which such services are provided, and any limitations on the receipt of such services. Requires that social services to be offered at the option of the States to all elibible persons shall include: (1) day care services for children; (2) day care services for children with special needs; (3) service for children in foster care; (4) protective services for children; (5) family planning services; (6) protective services for adults; (7) services for adults in foster care; (8) homemaker services for individuals in their own homes; (9) chore services; (10) home delivered or congregate meals; (11) day care services for adults; (12) health related services; (13) home management and other functional education services; (14) housing improvement services; (15) a full range of legal services; (16) transportation services necessary to travel to and from community facilities or resources for receipt of services; (17) educational and training services; (18) employment services; (19) information, referral, and determination of eligibility and the need for services, without regard to individual eligibility criteria; (20) special services for the mentally retarded, or special adaptations of generic services; (21) special services for the blind; (22) services for alcoholism and drug addiction; (23) special services for the emotionally disturbed as defined by the State; (24) special services for the physically handicapped as defined by the State; and (25) any other proposed services at the request of a State. Provides that States are entitled to Federal financial participation for the delivery of mandatory and optional social services under the State plan to the extent of the appropriations allocated by the Congress. Requires that State plans submitted with respect to the services program shall contain provision for a fair hearing, under which applicants and recipients may appeal exclusion from a service program. Provides that State plans shall provide for the establishment of a Social Services Advisory Committee.
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