United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1974
Solar Energy Research Act - Declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government to pursue a vigorous and viable program of research and development into the utilization of solar energy as a major source for our national energy needs. Provides that, within sixty days from the date of enactment of legislation creating any permanent Federal organization or agency having jurisdiction over the energy research and development functions of the United States Government, the Office of Solar Energy Research shall be established within that agency. Provides that if, within sixty days from the date of enactment of this Act, no agency with jurisdiction over Federal energy research and development has been established, the Office of Solar Energy Research authorized under this Act shall be established, on an interim basis, within the Atomic Energy Commission, until sixty days from the date of enactment of legislation authorizing the new Federal office of energy research and development. Authorizes the Chairman or Administrator to conduct appropriate research and technical development work: (1) to determine, by laboratory and pilot testing, the usable results of scientific research, (2) to develop and fabricate solar energy transformation processes, equipment designs, and components to the point where they can be demonstrated, certified, produced, and operated on a commercially practical scale; (3) to recommend to the Congress, as deemed appropriate, authorizations for the construction and operation or for participation in the construction and operation, of solar energy conversion facilities, and (4) to undertake, through research grants and contracts, studies of possible economic, social, and environmental effects which will result from the use of solar energy. Establishes a Solar Energy Research Council to be chaired by the Chairman or Administrator to coordinate policy and programs in solar energy research. Specifies the composition of the Council. Directs the development of a program to expedite the increased utilization of solar energy technology by the public and private sectors. Establishes a solar energy incentives task force to carry out the following functions: (1) report to the President and the Congress within one hundred and twenty days following enactment, and at least annually thereafter, recommendations for a viable program, of specified, time limited, incentives or modifications to existing and/or proposed incentives programs to accelerate the commercial application of solar energy technology; and (2) carry out a program of research and investigation into the barriers to innovation in the field of solar energy, the barriers to the acceleration of the commercial application of solar energy technology, and the programs needed to remove such barriers. Authorizes the compilation on a semi-annual basis of a listing of all solar energy conversion components, facilities, and equipment, commercially available in the Nation for private or public use. States that utilization of solar energy shall include such applications of solar energy as, but not limited to, the solar heating and cooling of buildings, solar crop drying and other agricultural applications of solar energy, solar thermal and photovoltaic power generation for terrestrial applications, whether situated on the ground or in space, wind energy conversion, ocean thermal gradient conversion, solar stimulated bioconversion, and solar production of synthetic gases and hydrogen. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act the following amounts: (1) for fiscal year 1975, $56,000,000; (2) for fiscal year 1976, $94,000,000; (3) for fiscal year 1977, $150,000,000; (4) for fiscal year 1978, $150,000,000; and (5) for fiscal year 1979, $150,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1974
Indian Food Stamp Program Amendments - Expands the definition of "State agency" under the Food Stamp Act to include, in specified circumstances; (1) the Secretary of the Interior; (2) the official governing body of any Indian tribe; and (3) any State. Provides that upon request to the Secretary of Agriculture by the appropriate officials of any tribe, such tribe is authorized to administer a food stamp program under this Act on behalf of the eligible households of such tribe living on an Indian reservation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior or any State to administer a food stamp program on behalf of any tribe residing on an Indian reservation. States that the Secretary shall pay any tribe administering a food stamp program on any Indian reservation an amount equal to 100 percent of all expenses attributable to the administration of such program and shall reimburse the Department of the Interior or any State administering a food stamp program on any Indian reservation for all expenses incurred by such Department or State in accordance with any agreement entered into under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1974
Model Criminal Justice Reform Act - States that the ever-increasing number of serious crimes committed in the United States, the blacklog of criminal cases in the courts, and the overcrowded and inadequate conditions of correctional institutions require that only comprehensive reform can achieve a truly adequate system of criminal justice in the United States. Authorizes the Administrator of the Law Enforcement Administration to make grants and provide technical assistance to States and localities for demonstration projects in accordance with the provisions of this Act, beginning July 1, 1974, and ending June 30, 1981. Provides that a State or locality is eligible for assistance under this Act only if the Administrator determines, pursuant to regulations established by him, that a plan for comprehensive criminal justice system reform submitted to him pursuant to this Act establishes the reasonable likelihood of substantial and fundamental change in the criminal justice system of such State or locality within four years after the enactment of this Act. Requires each and any locality within such State having jurisdiction over the trial of criminal offenses to implement such necessary reforms as will insure that: (1) the trial of all such offenses (excluding juvenile offenses) will be commenced no later than sixty days from the date on which the defendant was arrested or from the date on which the defendant was charged by the authorities with such offense, whichever occurs first, and (2) the charges will be dismissed with prejudice for failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph, except that the Administrator shall, by regulation, provide for the exclusion from such sixty-day period of any periods of delay that he designates as may reasonably be necessitated in the interest of justice. Directs each State and, where appropriate, each such locality within such State eligible to receive assistance under this Act: (1) to establish a system for classifying persons charged with, or convicted of, criminal offenses so as to permit individualized treatment and security standards appropriate to the individual; and (2) to establish a range of correctional facilities that are adequately equipped and staffed to treat the particular classifications of inmates assigned there, including small-unit, community-based correctional institutions. Requires each State to study, through an appropriate and responsible group, the consolidation of law enforcement agencies within such State, as best suited to the particular needs of that State; and to report to the Administrator on its findings not later than two years following the approval of its State plan under this Act. Provides that any State desiring to receive assistance under this Act shall submit a State plan consistent with such regulations as the Administrator may establish under this Act. States that a grant under this Act pursuant to an approved State plan for criminal justice reform may be made to the appropriate State at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator deems necessary. Authorizes the Administrator to issue regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, and contract with, States and localities to pay 50 percent of the cost of planning and developing State plans and project applications under this Act. Directs the Administrator to pay in any fiscal year to each State which has a plan approved pursuant to this Act for that fiscal year that Federal share of the cost of such plan as determined by him. Sets forth the conditions under which the Administrator may withhold such payments. States that the Administrator and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access, for the purpose of audit and examination, to any books, documents, papers, and records of a grant recipient that are pertinent to the grant received. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1974
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to relocate, reconstruct, and rehabilitate those portions of the relocated road in the vicinity of Glendo Dam and Reservoir, Platte County, Wyoming, which have deteriorated. Authorizes the appropriation of $284,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1974
Social Security Administration Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. Title I: Social Security Administration - Establishes, as an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such Administration, by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records, which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held, or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1974
Provides loans under the Small Business Act to any small business concern seriously and adversely affected by a shortage of: (1) fuel; (2) electrical energy; (3) energy-producing resources; or (4) raw or processed materials resulting from such shortages. Requires that the Small Business Administration determine that a concern has suffered or is likely to suffer substantial economic injury prior to the making of such loans. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 636(6))
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Declares that the Senate disapproves the recommendations of the President with respect to rates of pay, referred to in the Federal Salary Act of 1967 (relating to Members of Congress), transmitted to the Congress on February 4, 1974, pursuant to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1974
Provides, relating to travel expenses of persons going to and from a Veterans' Administration facility, that in no event shall the per diem rate for meals and lodging be less than $20 or the mileage rate be less than the current Department of Transportation estimate of the average costs of operating an automobile. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 111(a))
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1974
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to amend retroactively regulations of the Department of Agriculture pertaining to the computation of price support payments under the National Wool Act in order that the amount of such payments may, in the case of any rancher or farmer, be computed on the basis of the net sales proceeds received, or, in the case of any rancher or farmer who failed to realize the amount provided for in the sales document, the lesser of the following: (1) the net sales proceeds based on the price the rancher or farmer would have received had there been no default of payment under such document, or (2) the fair market value of the commodity at the time of the sale.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1974
Declares the policy of Congress with regard to Federal pay fixing, including that for employees under statutory pay systems: (1) there be equal pay for substantially equal work; (2) pay distinctions be maintained in keeping with work and performance distinctions; and (3) Federal pay rates be comparable with private enterprise pay rates for the same levels of work. Directs the President to require the Federal Pay Commission, established under this Act, to prepare and submit to him annually a report. Specifies the content of such report. Provides that if, because of national emergency or economic conditions, the President should consider it inappropriate to make the pay adjustment required by this Act, he shall transmit to Congress such alternative plan with respect to a pay adjustment as he considers appropriate, together with the reasons therefor. Establishes the Federal Pay Commission to be composed of eleven members. Describes their terms of office. States that the Bureau of Labor Statistics shall commence its annual survey on the rates of pay levels of work in private enterprise which are the same as levels of work under the statutory pay systems not earlier than March 15 of each year and submit the results of its survey to the Commission not later than June 30 of the same year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1974
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the Washington Energy Conference should consider: (1) conservation measures in major oil consuming countries which are necessary to reduce demand, and should be a major part of the policy adopted in concert by the oil consuming nations; (2) an effective plan for the emergency sharing of oil resources which could be acted on subject to the constitutional processes of each country; (3) guidelines for bilateral agreements between individual oil consuming and oil producing countries, which in the present situation of embargo and skyrocketing prices could prove very harmful to the interests of the major oil consuming nations, and could incur the danger of introducing excessive and sophisticated arms into the oil producing nations beyond their legitimate needs for their own security; (4) coordination of research efforts in developing conservation practices and alternative sources of energy; (5) the responsibility for and the means to help to alleviate the plight of the developing countries in the oil crisis; and (6) closer coordination of fiscal and monetary policies to prevent excessive strain on the international monetary systems and the currencies of oil importing countries.
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 · 1 February 1974
Provides, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, for coverage under medicare for routine Papanicolaou tests for the diagnosis of uterine cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Provides that veterans' pension and compensation will not be reduced as a result of increases in monthly social security benefits resulting from the enactment of Public Law 93-66 or any subsequent cost-of-living adjustment under title II of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1974
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, or any subcommittee thereof, 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, and (3) 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 of any such department or agency. Limits the expenses of the committee under this resolution to $235,000. Requires the committee to report its findings, together with such recommendations for legislation as it deems advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date, but not later than February 28, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act - States that, within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, each county shall elect whether it wishes to proceed under the terms of this Act to receive payments from the Federal Government equal to the real property taxes otherwise due from public lands within such county, or to continue to receive whatever payments such county is entitled to receive under any existing applicable Federal law providing for Federal payments for such county similar to those available under this Act for payment to such county of part of the revenue derived from such public land. Establishes procedures for the appraisal of public lands. Provides that when any county within a State has elected to proceed under the terms of this Act, there shall be established for that State a State board of appraisal appeal. Provides that each board shall consider and decide any appeal from a county within the State relating to the appraisal of public land within such county. States that decisions of the board shall not be subject to judicial review unless arbitrary or capricious. States that, begining in the first complete fiscal year after the acceptance of such appraisal by both the county involved and the Administrator, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to pay annually to the State in which such county is located an amount equivalent to the State, county, and local real property taxes on public lands within such county, based on the tax rate applicable to similar private lands at the value arrived at under the appraisal conducted under this Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall interfere with the right of State or local governments to levy possessory interests taxes on private owners of improvements made by private users on public lands. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to administer this Act and to make the payments authorized by it.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1974
Makes it the sense of the Congress that: (1) world without war is possible; and (2) in such a world nations will rely for their external protection on a world institution strong enough to stop any nation from making war, capable of assuring peaceful and just settlements of international disputes and reliable enough to be entrusted with such powers. Declares it to be the policy of the United States to initiate and to implement with other nations practical steps consistent with our commitment to the United Nations for the expeditious realization of such institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1974
Food and Fiber Production Incentive Act - Increases, under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act, established prices for 1974 crops to $2.49 per bushel for wheat, $1.67 per bushel for corn, and 47 cents per pound for cotton. Provides a cost-of-production adjustment for the price for the 1975 crop year. Gives the Secretary of Agriculture authority to set an established price which may be higher than the minimum provided in the Act. Requires that the national acreage allotment for feed grain, established annually by the Secretary, be not less than 100 million acres.
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
Makes it the sense of the Congress: (1) that new efforts should be made by the Government of the United States through appropriate diplomatic and international channels to persuade the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the Provisional Revolutionary Government of Vietnam, and the Lao Patriotic Front to comply with their obligations with respect to personnel captured or killed during the Vietnam conflict and with respect to personnel still in a missing status; (2) that every effort should be made to obtain the cooperation of the various Cambodian authorities in providing information with respect to personnel missing in Cambodia; and (3) that further efforts should be made to obtain necessary cooperation for search teams to inspect crash sites and other locations where personnel may have been lost.
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 · 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 · 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 · 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
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 · 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 · 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 · 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
Makes it the sense of the Senate that other nations should not construe domestic events as adversely affecting our resolve to uphold our vital interests, nor be tempted to seize upon them as an opportunity to undermine the security of the United States. Expresses the sense of the Senate that other nations should not construe domestic events as impairing the full commitment of our Government to achieve a just and durable peace in the Middle East. Calls upon all friendly nations to join with the United States in pursuance of these vital common objectives, which have as their goal respect for law and a stable and secure peace throughout the world.
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 · 5 November 1973
Provides that not more than 25 percent of the total amount allocated to a State under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act may be used for the development of indoor recreation facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Provides that if Federal employee health insurance contract benefits include services which may be provided by a licensed psychologist or optometrist, then the employee beneficiary, annuitant or family member covered by such contract shall be free to select such psychologist or optometrist of his or her choice, shall have direct access to the same, without supervision or referral by another health practitioner, and shall be entitled under such contract to have benefits paid to him or on his behalf for such service or services. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8902)
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Establishes the Interdisciplinary Clearcutting Practice Study Commission to investigate the practice of clearcutting of timber resources of the United States on Federal lands. States that the Commission shall be composed of seventeen members from the Senate, House and public. Directs the Commission to transmit to the Congress a report of its study and its recommendations. Provides that the Commission shall cease to exist sixty days after the submission of its report to the Congress. Provides that, on and after the date of enactment of this Act, no clearcutting of timber resources of the United States shall be permitted on any Federal lands until the expiration of ninety days following the submission of the report or the expiration of the twenty-four-month period, whichever first occurs. Defines "clearcutting" as the practice customarily used in the timber industry which requires the removal of substantially the entire stock of timber within a particular designated area for the purpose of commercial harvest of timber or silviculture management of timber. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums, not to exceed $2,500,000, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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
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 · 4 October 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that a world food conference to include representatives from governments, multinational organizations, academic and research institutions, relief organizations and industry, be organized under United Nations auspices in 1974, to discuss means of increasing food production, improving distribution of food, developing a world policy on food reserves and providing for world relief in cases of natural disasters.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Electrical Energy Conservation Act - Declares the policy and purposes of this Act. States that the Federal Power Commission shall make available to State commissions such information and reports as may be of assistance in State regulation of public utilities. Directs the commission to issue regulations governing the promotional practices of all electric and gas public utilities. Provides that the commission may confer with any State commission regarding the relationship between rate structures, costs, accounts, charges, practices, classifications, and regulations of public utilities subject to the jurisdiction of such State commission and of those subject to the jurisdiction of the commission. Authorizes the commission to conduct investigations and maintain information regarding the generation, transmission, distribution, promotion, sale, and use of electrical energy, however produced, throughout the United States, whether or not otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the commission. Directs the commission, the Bonneville Power Administration, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and other instrumentalities to prepare and submit to the Congress a report detailing the results of a study conducted by it of the impact of rate structures on the efficiency of generation, consumption, and conservation of electrical energy.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Authorizes to be appropriated, under the Foreign Assistance Act, additional funds of: (1) $95,000,000 for use by the President for emergency and recovery needs in connection with damage caused by floods in Pakistan; (2) $15,000,000 for emergency and recovery needs in connection with the damage caused by the earthquake in Nicaragua; and (3) $40,000,000 for emergency and recovery needs for the drought-stricken Sahelian nations of Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1973
Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medical Assistance Reform Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance Program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for indviduals. Provides that every individual who: (A) is fully insured or otherwise entitled to monthly insurance benefits under title II of such Act; (B) is the wife, husband, widow, or widower, or dependent child of an individual who is fully insured or otherwise entitled to monthly insurance benefits; and (C) has appropriately applied therefor, shall be entitled to castastrophic health insurance benefits. Delimits the scope of benefits. Includes therein hospital insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital, home health, outpatient physical therapy and medical and other health services) and medical insurance benefits (medical and other health services and emergency hospital services). Sets forth the terms and conditions for payment, deductibles and coinsurance. Directs that a payment shall be made from the Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to an eligible individual equal to the reasonable cost of services covered by this Act which are furnished after the 60th day of inpatient hospital services, reduced by a coinsurance amount equal to one-fourth of the inpatient hospital deductible as determined by title XVIII of this Act. Enumerates such reductions as they apply to other types of hospital insurance benefits. Provides for a general deductible from: (a) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past the 60th day; and (b) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (1) $2,000, or (2) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $50 increments). Provides for State agreements for coverage of annuitants and members of retirement systems and their dependents and survivors in order to extend the benefits of this Act to such individuals. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a "Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund" to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. Imposes a tax for catastrophic health insurance protection under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, on the self-employment income of every individual and other individuals income in the following amounts for the calendar years indicated: (a) 0.30 percent of income for 1974, 1975, and 1976; (b) 0.35 percent of income for 1977 through 1981; and (c) 0.40 percent of income for each year thereafter. Imposes similarly, an excise tax on employers on the amount of wages paid by the employer in the same percentages for the respective years indicated above. Title II: Medical Assistance Plan for Low-Income People - Provides, for low-income individuals and families, assistance toward the costs of necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, medical, and other health care services. Guarantees free choice by patients of health services from any person, institution, or agency qualified under this Act. Permits individuals the option of obtaining other health insurance protection. Describes the medical assistance plan, what individuals are eligible to receive its health benefits, and the application procedure. Enumerates the scope of benefits under the plan, including: (1) 60 days of inpatient hospital services; (2) skilled nursing facility services; and (3) home health services. Prescribes the co-payment requirements and procedures of persons eligible for benefits. Makes special provisions relating to Medicade eligibles and the circumstances under which such persons are eligible for health benefits under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to require consolidation of facilities of carriers and intermediaries in geographic regions with minimum size populations of persons covered under this title. Creates the Medical Coverage Trust Fund to consist of gifts and bequests and held by a Board of Trustees. Makes provisions for State constitutions to the Fund. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this title, including the meaning of "income," "health care expenses," and "inpatient hospital services." Prohibits exclusion by employers of specified employees from coverage under group health insurance plans. Title III: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - States that any insurer may provide any health insurance policy to the Secretary for his examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall not certify any such insurance policy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act - Declares the policies of Congress. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an agency to be known as the Office of Federal Procurement Policy. Directs the Administrator of such Office to provide overall guidance and direction of procurement policy, and to the extent he considers appropriate, to prescribe policies and regulations which shall be followed by executive agencies in the area of procurement. States that the functions of the Administrator shall include the following: (1) establishing a system of government wide, coordinated, uniform procurement regulations; (2) establishing criteria and procedures for an effective method of soliciting the viewpoints of interested parties in the development of procurement policies; and (3) monitoring and revising as necessary policies and regulations concerning reliance on the private sector to provide needed goods and services. Sets forth the administrative powers of the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to submit a report to Congress annually, and at such other times as may be necessary, with recommendations for amendment or repeal of existing laws or adoption of new laws. Provides that neither the administrator nor employees of the Office may refuse to testify before or submit information to Congress or any duly authorized committees thereof. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of providing overall guidance for Federal assistance programs. Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1973
Authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000; $175,000,000; and $200,000,000 for fiscal years 1975-1977, respectively, for the nutrition program for the aged under title VIII of the Elder Americans Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. McGee, Gale W. [D-WY]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000445_200.jpg)