United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Public Documents Act - Defines "elected official of the United States" and "public documents" as used in this Act. Declares that, within 180 days after an elected official of the United States ceases to hold his office, the Administrator of General Services shall obtain any objects or materials of that elected official which the Administrator determines to be public documents and such elected official shall transmit such documents to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator of General Services to deposit in the National Archives of the United States the public documents of each elected official of the United States obtained under this Act. (Adds 44 U.S.C. 3901-3904)
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
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
Declares that specified lands administered by the Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, White Earth Reservation, are to be held by the United States in trust for the tribe, and the lands shall be a part of the reservation established for the tribe. Directs the Indian Claims Commission to determine the extent to which the value of the beneficial interest conveyed by this Act should or should not be set off against any claim against the United States.
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
Allows an individual, under the Internal Revenue Code, a credit against tax of $200 multiplied by the number of personal exemptions he is entitled to for the taxable year. Provides that such election to take a credit in lieu of a deduction for exemptions shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1973.
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 to exercise his authority under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act and under the Economic Stabilization Act to specify ceiling prices for sales of crude oil, refined petroleum products, residual fuel oil, and for goods and services directly related to their production, refining, and transportation, produced in or imported into the United States, which avoid price increases resulting from the current energy emergency. Requires that such ceiling prices shall provide for no more than: (1) a passthrough for crude petroleum production cost increases actually incurred, and (2) a passthrough at any level of supply or distribution for refined petroleum products or residual fuel oil of crude oil, refining, transportation, and marketing costs actually incurred.
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 · 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
Food Program Technical Amendments - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, as amended, to purchase, without regard to the provisions of existing law governing the expenditure of public funds, agricultural commodities to maintain the traditional level of assistance for food assistance programs as are authorized by law. Defines "tribal government" and "Indian reservation" for purposes of the Food Stamp Act. Authorizes the Secretary to formulate and administer a food stamp program at the request of any tribal government. Provides that the Secretary is authorized to pay to each State agency an amount equal to 62.5 percent of administrative costs, and to a tribal government or its agent an amount equal to 100 percent of administrative costs. Enables the Secretary to waive compliance with requirements to such Act in the case of any pilot project which he determines is likely to promote raising the levels of nutritional adequacy among low-income households.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
National Arthritis Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to expand the authority of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Disgestive Diseases in order to advance a national attack on arthritis. Establishes a National Task Force on Arthritis to formulate a long-range plan to combat arthritis and related musculoskeletal and other related diseases. Provides that the Arthritis Plan shall include recommendations for the utilization and organizations of national resources for the campaign against arthritis, and a program for the National Institute of Arthritis Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases as a major participant in the campaign against arthritis specifies the composition of the Task Force membership. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000 for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the purposes of the national arthritis program. Establishes within the Institute the position of Associate Director for Arthritis, responsible for programs regarding arthritis within such Institute. Provides that the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall establish an Inter-Institute Arthritis Coordinating Committee to be composed of representatives who can make policy commitments for each of the Institutes and divisions involved in arthritis-related research. Creates within the Federal Government an Interagency Technical Committee on Arthritis which shall be responsible for promoting the coordination of those aspects of all Federal health programs and activities relating to arthritis to assure the adequacy and technical soundness of such programs and activities and to provide for the full communication and exchange of information necessary to maintain adequate coordination of such programs and activities. States that the Director of the Institute shall establish programs for cooperation with other health agencies in the screening, detection, prevention, and control of arthritis which emphasize the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods for arthritis, and the dissemination of the knowledge about these methods to the health professions. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out these provisions $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Provides that the Director of the Institute, shall provide for the development of centers for basic and clinical research into, training, in, and demonstration of, advanced diagnostic, prevention, control, and treatment methods for arthritis. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out these provisions $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Requires the Director of the Institute after the end of each calendar year, to submit to the President and Congress a report including: (1) a proposal for the Institute's activities during the next five years; and (2) a program evaluation section.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1973
Expresses the concern of Congress with respect to the actions of Japan and the Soviet Union which violate the spirit and intent of the agreements of the International Whaling Commission which would cause further depletion of whales. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to determine and report to the Congress what action can be taken to promote international compliance with conservation measures agreed to by the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, and other national agreements to which the United States is a party.
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 · 17 December 1973
Surveillance Practices and Procedures Act - Expresses the findings and declarations of Congress, including that Congress should establish practices and procedures to be followed by the Government when engaging in surveillance activities so as to reconcile the Government's interest in executing its investigative, law enforcement, and other functions with the Congressional and public interests in protecting the integrity of the individual's right to privacy and other constitutional rights and liberties. Defines the term "foreign agent". Provides that no officer or employee of the United States shall engage in the exercise of any powers by means involving the interception of wire or oral communications unless such officer or employee is first specifically authorized in writing, by the President. Requires authorization for interception of wire or oral communications in national security cases. Sets forth the procedure for interception of such communications relating to national security by requiring applications for an order authorizing or approving the interception of a wire or oral communication to be made in writing upon oath or affirmation to a judge of competent jurisdiction. Specifies the content required in any such application.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1973
Increases the readjustment allowance for Peace Corp volunteers from $75 per month of satisfactory service to $150 per month and increases the allowance for volunteer leaders from $125 per month of satisfactory service to $250 per month. Provides that upon written request of a volunteer or leader the President shall deposit on behalf of such volunteer or leader, in a savings account of a federally insured bank or savings and loan association, the amounts of the readjustment allowance which the volunteer or leader is entitled to receive for each month of satisfactory service performed by him. States that such allowance shall be increased by a percentage equal to the average percentage of increase in the basic pay of Federal employees. Authorizes to be appropriated a sum of $10,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 13 December 1973
State Taxation of Interstate Commerce Act - Title I: Taxing Power - Provides that each State shall have power to require persons subject to a uniform State and local tax to collect and remit that tax on sales made by persons within that State. Provides that no State or political subdividion of a State may impose a sales tax or a use tax, other than a uniform State and local tax described in this Act imposed and administered in accordance with the provisions of this Act, with respect to the sale within that State or political subdivision of tangible personal property by a person who-- (1) does not have a business location in that State, or (2) does not regularly make household deliveries in that State. Title II: Rules for Application of Taxes - Provides for the reduction of multiple taxation through: (1) restrictions on taxation of out-of-state sales; (2) credits for taxes paid; and (3) refunds of taxes. States that no State or political subdivision shall have power to impose a sales tax, use tax, or uniform State and local tax under which charges for transporting the tangible personal property are used in determining the tax payable with respect to the sale or use of that property if the freight charges or other charges are separately stated in writing by the seller to the purchaser, and if such charges do not exceed a reasonable charge. Enumerates the circumstances under which no seller shall be liable for the collection or payment of a sales or use tax. Title III: Definitions and Rules - Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act, including "sales tax," "use tax," and "destination of a sale." Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that no State or political subdivision may impose a sales tax, use tax, or uniform State and local tax under which a person liable for the payment or collection of that tax is liable for the payment or collection of a higher rate of tax than any other person because: (1) he is incorporated or qualified to do business in another State or political subdivision, or because he engages in any activity in another State or political subdivision; (2) he is taxable under the laws of another State or political subdivision of that State, or (3) other persons are engaged in activities in another State or political subdivision of that State which affect him. Empowers any State or political subdivision which imposes a sales tax or use tax to conduct audits of the records of any person who is liable for the payment or collection of that tax. Title V: Administrative Provisions - States that a State or political subdivision may require the filing of returns by persons liable for the payment of any sales tax or use tax imposed by that State or political subdivision. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make available to the States a standard form for the return of the uniform State and local tax which shall be used by any State which imposes such a tax. Title VI: Remedy; Effective Date - States that any person who is liable for the payment of a tax imposed by a State or political subdivision with respect to the sale of tangible personal property within that State may bring an action in any district court of the United States for a district located within that State for a declaratory judgment with respect to whether the law under which that tax is imposed meets the requirements of this Act. Declares that is is the intention of the Congress in enacting this Act to provide a single integrated statutory framework for the State taxation of interstate commerce. Provides that if any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid under the Constitution by any court of the United States, then, if such holding is not appealed, the remainder of this Act shall cease to be effective on the day after the last date on which an appeal could have been timely filed with respect to such holding.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to continue making educational assistance and subsistence allowance payments to eligible veterans and eligible persons during periods when the educational institutions in which they are enrolled are temporarily closed pursuant to a policy proclaimed by the President or because of emergency conditions. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1780(a))
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Requires that the three United States Commissioners on the International Joint Commission of the United States and Canada be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Establishes fixed terms of office for such Commissioners. Makes the Commission bipartisan.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1973
Health Benefits and Health Services Distribution Education Act - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Declares that the Federal Government has an obligation to insure that each area of the country has adequate health personnel and facilities. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title II: Minimum Health Benefits - Requires that business associations and other entities engaged in commerce shall provide to their employees and families, as a cost of doing business, a minimum level of health benefits, including: (1) one complete diagnostic examination and associated tests sufficient to analyze a person's overall medical condition; (2) such visits to a physician, an outpatient clinic, or other ambulatory health facilities which may be necessary for treatment of an illness or injury necessary for the prevention of illness or injury; (3) up to twelve days of inpatient hospital care for treatment of a serious illness or injury, or for surgery; and (4) up to ten days of care in an extended care unit necessary for recovery from a serious illness, accident, or surgery. Sets forth limitations on such minimum benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to insure a high quality of minimum benefits. Provides that a person entitled to minimum benefits who has been denied provision of those benefits may sue in Federal district court for the costs of his lost benefits, reasonable damages, and for a court order requiring him to be provided with the minimum benefits to which he is entitled. Title III: Creation of Community Health and Education Corporations - Authorizes to be created community health and education corporations whose purposes shall be: (1) to provide health services to an identified population on an accessible basis in a specified service area; (2) to provide minimum health benefits to which persons may be entitled from a contractee; (3) to provide for the education and development of qualified health personnel necessary to provide health services and minimum health benefits; and (4) to provide for the operation of facilities required to provide health service, benefits, and for the education of health personnel. States that a corporation shall have a board of fifteen directors consisting of individuals who are citizens of the United States. Provides for the financing of corporations through the issuance of common and preferred stock. Enumerates the general powers of the corporation, including to provide comprehensive health care services and minimum health benefits through prospective contracts, arrangements for prepaid group practices or through other efficient arrangements and to contract with States and the United States for the provision of health services authorized by the Social Security Act. Sets forth the duties of community health and education corporations. Provides that a physician, optometrist, or podiatrist legally authorized to practice his profession in a State is a qualified provider of services for a corporation or as an employee of a corporation, subject to specified limitations. States the circumstances under which a general hospital and a skilled nursing home are qualified providers for a corporation or as a division of a corporation. Title IV: Federal Financial Assistance - Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary in each fiscal year through fiscal year 1990 such sums as may be necessary for payment to corporations for the purpose of assisting in: (1) the initial organization and operation of corporations; (2) the financing of health care services to low-income individuals; (3) the financing of health care benefits through corporations for employees of small businesses and charitable organizations; (4) for the subsidization of medical education; and (5) for the construction and staffing of hospitals, and ambulatory and diagnostic centers. Provides for record-keeping procedures and audits of corporations. Title V: Regional Planning Councils - Directs the Secretary to establish planning councils in each major geographic region of the country. States the purposes of such councils, including to develop plans for the provision of comprehensive health services to all persons within the region and for the allocation of health manpower and facilities adequate to provide comprehensive health services to all persons within the region. Provides for the appointment of members of the regional planning councils by the Secretary, specifying their terms of office. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such funds as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that the provisions of this Act supersede any other provisions of law in conflict with the purposes 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
Provides that the tax on the amounts paid for communication services shall not apply to the amount of the State and local taxes paid for such services under the Internal Revenue Code.
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 · 4 December 1973
Presidential Campaign Financing Act - Increases the amounts allowable under the Internal Revenue Code for political contribution credits and deductions. Sets forth the procedure for designation of income tax payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to give publicity to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, including prominent notice in explanatory material sent to individuals, posters, and the use of the media. Requires that, in order to be eligible to receive any payment, the candidates of a major, minor, or new party in a presidential election shall certify to the Comptroller General, under penalty of perjury, that they and their authorized committees will not incur qualified campaign expenses in excess of the $30,000,000 limit. Provides criminal penalties for excess campaign expenses and contributions. Presidential Primary Matching Payment Fund Act - Sets forth the definitions used in this Act, including that of "qualified campaign expense." Prescribes the requirements for eligibility to receive payments under this Act, including that a candidate, in writing, agree to furnish to the Comptroller General any evidence he may request of qualified campaign expenses. Provides that each candidate in the Presidential primaries is entitled to matching payments from the Treasury for the first $100 or less received from each individual contributor. States that no candidate may spend more than $15 million in his campaign for the Presidential nomination. Establishes the "Presidential Primary Matching Payment Fund." Authorizes to be appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary. Requires each candidate to furnish the Comptroller General with a detailed statement on proposed expenses. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on campaign expenses incurred by the candidates. Details the content of such report. Provides for the participation by the Comptroller General in judicial proceedings under this Act. Imposes criminal penalties for exceeding the overall primary spending limits, and for unlawful use of payments, false statements to the Comptroller General, and kickbacks and illegal payments. Requires each candidate to designate one political committee as his central campaign committee, and allows specified candidates to designate one political committee in each State in which he is a candidate as his State campaign committee for that State. Directs each candidate to designate one National or State bank as his campaign depository. Requires the central campaign committee of that candidate, and any other political committee authorized by him to receive contributions or to make expenditures on his behalf to maintain a checking account at the depository so designated by the candidate and shall deposit any contributions received by that committee into that account. Provides that a political committee may maintain a petty cash fund out of which it may make expenditures not in excess of $50 to any person in connection with a single purchase or transaction. States that no political committee shall receive a contribution, or contributions in the aggregate, from any person of $50 or more other than in the form of a check drawn on the account of the person making the contribution. Provides that no person may make any contribution during any calendar year to or for the benefit of any candidate in excess of $3,000 to such candidate. Prescribes penalties for embezzlement or conversion of political contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Denies, under the Internal Revenue Code, the tax deduction of intangible drilling and development costs in the case of oil and gas wells located in countries restricting exports of oil and gas to the United States. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 263)
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Denies, under the Internal Revenue Code, a tax credit or deduction for taxes paid or accrued on income attributable to oil and gas wells located in countries restricting exports of oil and gas to the United States. Provides that the taxes so paid or accrued shall be treated as royalty payments. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 905)
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Denies percentage depletion, under the Internal Revenue Code, to oil and gas wells located in any foreign country which is a restricted export country. Defines the term "restricted export country" to mean a foreign country the government of which is determined by the Secretary of State to be restricting for political or diplomatic reasons the export to the United States of oil or gas produced within that country. Provides that this Act shall apply with respect to gross income from oil and gas produced on or after December 3, 1973. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 613)
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1973
Authorizes under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to any State adjacent to the Great Lakes for the acquisition of unique areas. Requires such shoreland areas to be indentified in a comprehensive shorelines management plan developed by the State and approved by the Secretary. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 406-l-8)
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1973
Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to make an investigation of grain car distribution practices by railroads subject to the Interstate Commerce Act in order to determine to what extent and in what manner existing practices may be unjust, unreasonable, discriminatory or unduly preferential and to make in accordance with the law such changes and adjustments of rules as may be necessary to correct any defects found to exist. States that the ICC shall give due consideration to the desirability, as a means of removing undue prejudice or unjust discrimination, of requiring carriers to provide specifically in their tariffs the terms under which, during any period of time when the supply of cars available for grain gathering does not equal the requirements, all shippers may demand and secure upon even terms the use of cars employed upon the lines of any railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Broadens the conditions under which post-hospital home health services and home health services may be provided under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare).
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
House Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1973
National Homestead Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to transfer without payment to a local public agency any real property: (1) which is improved by a single family dwelling; (2) to which the Secretary holds title; (3) which is not occupied; (4) which is suitable for use by such agency in an urban homestead program which meets the requirements of this Act; and (5) which is requested by such agency for use in such an urban homestead program. Enumerates the criteria under which the Secretary may approve an urban homestead program carried out by a local public agency, including the conditional conveyance of abandoned residential property by a local housing agency to an individual or a family without any substantial consideration. Requires the Secretary to conduct a continuing evaluation of programs carried out pursuant to this Act and, beginning with the third year, transmit an annual report to the Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1973
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 · 5 November 1973
Authorizes the printing of one thousand additional copies of Senate hearings on the Child Abuse Prevention Act, 1973, for the use of the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare.
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 · 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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mondale, Walter F. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000851_200.jpg)