United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1973
Randolph-Sheppard Act Amendments - Expresses the findings of Congress. Provides that blind persons licensed under the provisions of this Act shall be authorized to operate vending facilities on any Federal or other property. Gives preference to blind persons licensed by a State agency as provided in this Act. Requires the head of each department or agency in control of Federal property to prescribe regulations assuring such preference. Eliminates the requirement that licensees be 21 years of age. Eliminates the requirement that licensees shall have resided for at least one year in the State for which a license is requested. Requires that in the design, construction, or substantial alteration of each public building after June 30, 1974, there shall be a satisfactory site or sites suitable for the location and operation of a vending facility by a blind person or persons. Authorizes State licensing agencies or any blind licensee to file a complaint with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare who shall convene an arbitration panel to hear appeals when the State licensing agency or licensee feels that any department or agency is failing to comply with the provisions of this Act. States that with specified exceptions, all vending machine income shall accrue to the blind licensee operating the facility. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that its members support the efforts of the President and the Secretary of the State to achieve a cease fire in the Middle East and a return of the parties involved to lines and positions occupied by them prior to the outbreak of the current hostilities.
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 · 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 · 27 September 1973
Directs the Librarian of Congress to establish and maintain a library containing recordings and film prints of television and radio programs, distributed nationally, which the Librarian determines to be substantial public interest. Provides that the Librarian shall conduct and report to Congress on: a study (1) the type of guidelines to be used in determining what programs that it would be in the public interest to preserve, and the cost, and (2) the recordings and film prints necessary in order to have as complete a collection as possible of radio and television programs that have been broadcast and are of historical significance, and of such acquisition. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1973
Directs the President, under the Economic Stabilization Act, to permit all classes of marketers of petroleum products at all levels of distribution a dollar-for-dollar passthrough for increases in the cost of such products.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1973
Congressional Rights to Information Act - Provides, under the Legislative Reorganization Act, that every Federal agency shall keep each joint committee of the Congress or standing committee of either House of Congress fully and currently informed with respect to all matters relating to that agency which are within the jurisdiction of such joint committee or standing committee. Requires a Federal agency, on request of a joint committee of the Congress or of a standing committee of either House of Congress, or two-fifths of its Members, to submit any information requested of it relating to any matter within the jurisdiction of the joint committee or standing committee. States that when an officer or employee of the United States is summoned to testify or to produce information, before either House of Congress, or a joint committee of Congress, or a standing committee of either House, that officer or employee shall appear at the time and place specified and shall answer all questions propounded to him, or produce all information, unless in the case of an officer or employee of a Federal agency in the Executive Branch, either between the date of the summons and the date of the appearance or, in the case of any such information which was first requested at an appearance within five days after that appearance, the President formally and expressly instructs the officer or employee in writing to withhold the information requested, in which event such Presidential instruction shall set forth the grounds on which it is based. Provides that if it is determined that the Presidential instruction is without foundation in law, the officer or employee shall be ordered to appear before the House of Congress, joint committee, or standing committee and to provide the information requested. Sets forth the procedures to be followed if there is a failure to comply with this Act, including introduction of a resolution or concurrent resolution citing such failure. Prescribes the procedure for motions to proceed to the consideration of the resolution or concurrent resolution, motions to postpone and appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to application of rules to the procedures. States that if a House of Congress adopts a resolution, or if the two Houses adopt a concurrent resolution, citing an officer or employee of the United States for failure to comply with the provisions of this Act, no payment shall be made from the Treasury of the United States to such officer or employee, or to any other officer or employee who has supervision or control of the official conduct of such officer or employee, for services rendered after the tenth day after the date on which such resolution or concurrent resolution is adopted, unless or until such officer of employee complies with the provisions of such section or with such order. Provides for judicial review in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia requesting relief, on the grounds that the determination made by the House of Congress, the joint committee, or the standing committee was invalid because: (1) there was no failure to comply; or (2) failure to comply was proper and justified. States that each House of Congress and the standing committees and the joint committees shall take appropriate measures to insure the confidentiality of any information which requires protection against disclosure which would endanger personal privacy or the conduct of the national defense, foreign policy, or law enforcement activities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1973
States that the increases in the monthly benefits and lump-sum death payments under title II of the Social Security Act shall be increased by 7 percent beginning January 1974 (presently increased by the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for June 1973 exceeds that for June 1972, beginning April 1974).
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1973
Establishes the Commission on United States Participation in the United Nations to be composed of nine members as follows: (1) two Members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate from members of the Committee on Foreign Relations, one of whom is a member of the majority party and one a member of the minority party; (2) two Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House from members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, one of whom is a member of the majority party and one a member of the minority party; and (3) five members appointed by the President of the United States from among outstanding citizens in private life known for their intimate knowledge of the United Nations and of the United States role therein. Makes it the duty of the Commission: (1) to assist the President in making full use of the report of the President's Commsssion for the Observance of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations; (2) to conduct a review of the organization, operation, and unrealized potential of the United Nations and its agencies, of the International Court of Justice, and of the United States role therein; and (3) to report at specified periodic intervals to the President, the Congress, and the American people its assessments, criticisms, and recommendations with respect to enumerated operations of the United Nations. Sets forth the powers of the Chairman of the Commission and the rates of compensation of Commission members. Authorizes the Commission to request from any department, agency, or independent instrumentality of the United States any information and assistance it deems necessary to carry out its duties. Provides that to carry out the provisions of this joint resolution there is authorized to be appropriated, for the fiscal year in which this joint resolution is enacted, not to exceed the sum of $150,000 and, for each fiscal year thereafter, such sums as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and Commerce to report to the Congress on all matters concerning the proposed grain sale to the People's Republic of China, including all possible effects such a sale may have on the domestic grain market, effects on the American consumer, farmer, worker, and businessman, and other effects on the economy of this Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Declares that the United States Senate does hereby congratulate and felicitate the distinguished Senator from Mississippi, the Honorable John C. Stennis, on his birthday and expresses the wish that he will enjoy many other such anniversaries in the future. Declares that members of the Senate greatly miss the distinguished Senator and wish for him an early return to the Senate Chamber and to his duties in the Senate. Directs that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and a copy furnished to Mr. Stennis.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1973
Consumer Fuel Disclosure Act - Sets forth the purposes of this Act, including to assist consumers in avoiding the purchase of gasoline with unnecessarily high octane ratings. Prohibits the shipment, transportation, or sale of gasoline which has been shipped in interstate commerce unless the person offering such gasoline for shipment, transportation, or sale has certified the octaine rating of such gasoline. Provides additional octaine-rating prohibitions relating to the sale of such gasoline to consumers and the sale of automobiles. Prescribes penalties for violations of each such prohibition. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish standard methods to measure octaine; (2) conduct a study of the quality of performance of various brands of gasoline; (3) require manufacturers of gasoline which has been moved in interstate commerce to provide adequate substantiation of any claim advertised with respect to the performance of such gasoline or any additive; and (4) perform spot tests of the quality of various brands of gasoline. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1973
Joint Funding Simplification Act - Allows the heads of Federal agencies to take action, by internal agency order or interagency agreement, including but not limited to: (1) identification of related programs appropriate for providing joint support for specific projects; (2) development of guidelines to assist in the planning and development of projects drawing support from different programs; (3) review of administrative requirements with a view to modifying these to allow joint support of projects; (4) establishment of common rules among related programs; and (5) creation of joint supervision procedures. Requires that application processing assure: (1) that reviews and approvals are handled expeditiously; (2) that full account is taken of any special considerations of timing that are made known by the applicant that would affect the feasibility of a jointly funded project; (3) a minimum number of Federal representatives are involved; (4) that applicants are promptly informed of decisions; and (5) that the applicant need not get information for one agency about another that would best be handled by interagency communications. Allows the agencies to establish uniform technical or administrative requirements with respect to accounting, auditing, timing of Federal payments, forms of assistance, and accountability for property. Permits a review by one board for all agencies rather than one per agency. Allows agencies to delegate certain powers to other agencies to better carry out this Act. Provides for the establishment of joint management fund for these projects.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1973
Emergency Rural Housing Act - Finds that there are millions of substandard dwelling units in rural areas, that existing agencies operating under existing authorities could not meet the needs of millions of the rural poor, and that there is a need for emergency action in rural housing programs. Establishes an Emergency Rural Housing Administration, the management of which shall be vested in an Administrator appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Makes it the duty of the Administrator to provide minimal housing facilities for eligible persons in rural areas and small communities and to do so, to the extent possible, within a five-year period. Forbids the duties and powers of the Administration to be transferred to any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to eligible persons to finance the acquisition of land and the construction thereon of minimal housing facilities, or to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing facilities in accordance with minimum housing facilities standards. Provides that at least 50 percent of the principal amount of any loan made shall be amortized over a period of not more than forty years, shall bear interest at a rate of not less than one percent per year, and shall be secured by a first mortgage. Authorizes the Administration to make rehabilitation grants up to $3,500 to owners who occupy substandard housing and whose income is too low to repay specified types of loans. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire land and engage in the development of housing projects to be sold under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financing to rural housing associations which meet specified requirements for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of: (1) minimal housing facilities in rural areas and small communities to be rented by eligible persons; (2) water and sewer facilities for such housing; and (3) related community facilities for such housing. Provides that financing of rental units shall be made in the form of a non-interest-bearing loan. Empowers the Administrator to enter into contracts for annual assistance payments with a borrower. Provides that the Administrator may enter into area responsibility agreements with State-chartered rural housing associations. Sets forth the requirements which a local rural housing association must meet prior to receiving loans under this Act, including the chartering of such association and providing for a board of directors. Provides that when a State fails to establish an association within one year, then the Administration shall establish an organization to carry out this Act. Forbids the Administrator to require, as a condition of assistance under this Act, the relocation of any eligible person in order to engage in or to facilitate the economic development of any area. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the operation of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes the Rural Investment Fund to be utilized by the Administration for specified purposes under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1973
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Sets forth the definition of "mine" under this Act. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standard Amendments - Establishes the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of this Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or physical harm. Provides that the Secretary may by rule promulgate, modify, or revoke any health and safety standard. Provides that the Secretary may request the recommendations of an advisory committee whenever he determines that a rule should be promulgated. Sets forth the time period for the reporting of any recommendations by the Committee. Prescribes procedures for publication and public hearings with respect to any rules proposed by the Secretary, prior to its issuance. Requires the Secretary, in promulgating standards, to set the standard which assures that miners will not suffer impairment of health, functional capacity, or diminished life expectancy even if regularly exposed to the hazards throughout their working lives. Directs the Secretary to consider (1) the latest available scientific data in the field; (2) the feasibility of the standards; and (3) experience gained under this and other health and safety statutes. Provides that any standard promulgated must prescribe the use of labels or other warnings necessary to ensure that miners are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure. Sets forth additional factors which must be prescribed in specified instances. Requires that no safety or health standard promulgated under this Act shall reduce the protection afforded miners below that provided by any safety or health standard previously in effect. States that where the Secretary determines that miners are potentially subjected to physical or mental impairment from exposure to toxic substances, he may promulgate an emergency standard. Sets forth the procedures for the promulgation of such emergency standard. Allows any operator to apply to the Secretary for a temporary order permitting limited non-compliance with a standard. Specifies the circumstances under which such order shall be originally granted and renewed. Allows an operator to apply for a variance from a standard. Permits persons adversely affected by a standard to challenge its validity, within 60 days of its promulgation, in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Empowers the Secretary to appoint advisory committees to assist him in his standard setting functions and advise him on other health and safety matters. Sets forth the composition and compensation of the members of any such committee. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of HEW,: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. States that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Sets forth rules regarding the maintenance of records by operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and all accidents, except specified unintentional roof falls. Provides that if any miner or their representative believes that a standard violation exists that threatens physical harm or that an imminent danger exists, he may request an inspection by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide a minimum of one spot inspection of all or part of a mine during every 5 working days at irregular intervals, if the mine contains some especially hazardous conditions. Provides that if, upon inspection or investigation, the Secretary or his representative believes an operator has violated any standard, he shall issue a citation to the operator, describing the nature of the violation, and fixing a reasonable time for the violation's abatement. Prescribes rules governing (1) gross violations of standards; (2) follow-up inspections; and (3) withdrawal from the area of unabated violations of all but specified personnel. Requires the Secretary to notify within a reasonable time an operator issued a citation of any penalty to be assessed, and that the operator has 15 working days to notify the Secretary that he wishes to contest the citation or proposed penalty. Prohibits discharging, discriminating against, or interfering with the exercise of statutory rights by any mine employee or applicant for employment because he filed a complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act or testified or is about to testify in any such for himself or others. Provides that if an operator notifies the Secretary that he intends to contest a citation, the Secretary shall immediately so advise the Commission, which must then provide an opportunity for a hearing and issue an order affirming, modifying, or vacating the Secretary's order. Permits any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order of the Commission to obtain review of such order in any appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals and specifies the procedures to be followed after a petition for review is filed. Provides procedures for counteracting dangerous conditions, including: (1) issuance of withdrawal orders barring all except specified persons from an area, and (2) issuance of notices where less than imminent dangers exist and investigations into such conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to institute civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction in any appropriate United States district court whenever an operator or his agent: (a) violates or does not comply with any order or decision issued under this Act, (b) hinders the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or their representatives in carrying out the provisions of the Act, (c) refuses to admit such representatives to the mine, (d) refuses to permit the inspection of the mine, or the investigation of an accident or occupational disease related to such mine, (e) refuses to furnish any information or report requested by the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in furtherance of the Act's provisions, or (f) refuses to permit access to and copying of such records as the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines necessary in carrying out provisions of the Act. Provides that a civil penalty of up to $10,000 shall be assessed for each violation of any standard, rule, order or regulation promulgated pursuant to this Act. Provides that any operator who willfully violates any standard shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not more than $25,000 or imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both. Sets forth additional penalties for specified violations of this Act. Provides that if a mine is closed by an order issued under this Act, all miners working during the shift when the order was issued who are idled shall be entitled to full compensation at their regular rates of pay for the period they are idled, but not more than the balance of the shift. Authorizes the Secretary to administer this Act through the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Authorizes the appropriations of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Relationship to Occupational Safety and Health Program - Provides that nothing in this Act applies the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1972 to the working conditions in the mines. Increases the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission from 3 to 5 members appointed by the President with the Senate's consent. Sets forth the duties and procedure for operation of the Commission. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules of procedures for its review of decisions in cases under this Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which shall meet specified standards for review. Authorizes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research related to the development of safety and health standards under this Act and to perform all functions with respect to mines that it performs with respect to employments subject to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Provides that the Secretary, in carrying out his functions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, shall include accurate statistics on the work injuries and illness occurring in the mines. States that nothing in this Act prohibits the application of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to sand and gravel mines. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, and the Federal Metallic and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966 to the Secretary of Labor, except those expressly transferred to the Commission by this Act. Provides that the mandatory and advisory standards relating to mines, which are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, shall remain in effect as mandatory standards under Title I of this Act until the Secretary issues new or revised standards. Establishes in the Labor Department, a Mine Administration for Safety and Health to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, with the Senate's advice and consent. Provides that research activities relating to mine health will be carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Secretary's research activities relating to safety are extended to all mines now covered by this Act. Extends to all mines covered by this Act, the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare's authorization to conduct studies and research involving the protection of life and prevention of diseases relating to certain non-miners who work with or around mine products. Prescribes that any State law or regulation providing for health and safety standards applicable to any mine now covered by this Act and that (1) is more stringent than Federal law, or (2) applies to any area not covered by Federal law, shall not be held to be in conflict with this Act. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1973
Mutual Development and Cooperation Act - Transfers the office and functions of the Agency for International Development to the Mutual Development and Cooperation Agency, which shall have the responsibility for coordinating all United States development-related activities. Authorizes $300,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-75 to be appropriated to the President to furnish assistance to people living in rural overseas areas for agriculture, rural development, and nutrition. Authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-75 for population planning and health; $115,000,000 annually for education, public administration, and human resource development; $93,000,000 annually to help solve social and economic development problems in fields such as the transportation and power, industry, urban development and export development; and $60,000,000 annually to support the general economy of recipient countries or for development programs conducted by private or international organizations. Directs the President to establish a system for coordination of United States policies and programs which affect U.S. interests in the development of low-income countries. Authorizes the establishment of a Development Coordination Committee to advise the President on coordination of policies and programs in developing countries, including bilateral and multilateral development assistance programs. Establishes the United States Export Development Credit Fund to provide extensions of credit and to refinance U.S. exporter credits for the purpose of facilitating the sale of U.S. goods and services to the lowest income countries which advance their development. Sets forth provisions for the financing of such Fund. Provides for the continuation of the Fund through December 31, 1977, and requires a detailed report semiannually on the Fund. States that nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation on the powers of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Prohibits the extension of credit under this section for defense articles or services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1973
Makes the unemployment compensation benefits provided for Federal employees applicable to United States citizen employees of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1106)
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1973
Provides that, when an officer or employee of the United States is summoned and requested to testify or to produce information, records, documents or other material before either House of Congress, any joint committee of Congress, any committee of either House or any subcommittee thereof, that officer or employee shall appear pursuant to a request specifying the time and the place and shall answer all questions propounded to him, and produce all information, including records, documents and other material sought, unless the President formally and expressly instructs the officer or employee in writing to refuse to provide the information requested, including answers to specific questions, or specific records, documents or other material, in which event such Presidential instruction shall set forth the grounds on which the refusal is based. Provides that when a joint committee of the Congress, or a committee, or subcommittee of either House of Congress determines that a Presidential instruction to withhold information requested by it is without foundation in law, it shall, within ten days, file: (1) in the case of a joint committee, a concurrent resolution with both Houses of Congress; and (2) in the case of a committee or subcommittee, a resolution with its House of Congress; a report and record of its proceedings relating to such Presidential instruction.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the President is urged and requested to submit proposals to the Congress, beginning with extending the coverage provided under the supplementary medical insurance program of part B of Medicare to cover essential out-of-hospital prescription drugs. Requests the President to submit additional recommendations to the Congress for legislation to strengthen and improve Medicare coverage by September 1, 1973. Provides that the recommendation of the President to increase out-of-pocket payments for the aged and disabled under Medicare should be withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Provides that Federal agencies keep standing congressional committees fully and currently informed of matters relating to that agency which are within the jurisdiction of such committee.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on the Handicapped within two years of enactment in order to develop recommendations for further research and action in the field of the handicapped, and to further the policies set forth in this joint resolution. Provides that such conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with the cooperation and assistance of such other Federal departments and agencies, including the assignment of personnel, as may be appropriate. Requires a final report of the White House Conference on the Handicapped to be submitted to the President not later than 120 days following the date on which the conference is called, and the findings and recommendations included therein to be made available immediately to the public. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after the submission of such report, to transmit to the President and the Congress his recommendations for the administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the recommendations contained in such report. Gives the Secretary administrative powers to carry out this Resolution. Provides that in carrying out his functions under this joint resolution, the Secretary shall employ handicapped persons. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on the White House Conference on the Handicapped composed of 28 members, of whom not less than 10 shall be handicapped or parents of handicapped persons. Provides that such Advisory Committee shall cease to exist 90 days after the submission of the final report required by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the establishment of a Rehabilitation Services Administration and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of HEW under this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in the appropriation Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Part A: General Provisions - Authorizes to be appropriated in order to make grants to States under part B of this title $590,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $610,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $640,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals $35,860,000 for fiscal year 1973. $37,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $39,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Sets forth conditions which shall be included in a State plan for vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services submitted to the Commissioner for approval under this title. Provides for judicial review of an adverse decision of the Commissioner with respect to a State plan submitted for approval under this title. Part B: Basic Vocational and Comprehensive Rehabiliation Services - Provides for the allocation of the funds appropriated under Part A for Part B to the several States. States that the allocation to any State shall not be less than l/4 of 1 percent of the amount appropriated, or $2,000,000, whichever is greater. Provides that for each fiscal year the Commissioner shall pay to each State from each State's allotment an amount equal to the Federal share of the cost of vocational rehabilitation services under an approved State plan. States that this payment shall not exceed such State's allocation under this part. Requires the Commissioner to set aside funds in an amount between $500,000 and $l,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, and up to $2,500,000 but no less than $1,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-1975, to establish a system of client assistance pilot projects to advise clients of benefits available under this Act. Part C: Innovation and Expansion Grants - Entitles States to grants for special programs to expand vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with the most severe handicaps, particularly those who are poor and responsibility for whose treatment is shared by the State. Sets forth provisions for allotments among the States. Directs the Commissioner to conduct a comprehsensive study, which may include a research and demonstration project of the feasibility of methods designed to prepare and assist individuals with the most severe handicaps for entry into programs under this Act. States that the commissioner shall report the findings of the study, research, and demonstrations to the Congress and to the President together with such recommendations for legislative or other action. Title II: Research and Training - Provides that the Commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $550,000 for fiscal year 1973, $500,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $500,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $10,300,000 for fiscal year 1973, $10,300,000 for fiscal year $l0,300,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of services or devices. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects or demonstrations for the provision of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who are migratory agricultrual workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families who are with them. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making grants for special projects and demonstrations, as necessary $12,200,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $17,500,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated a total of $1,200,000 for construction for fiscal years 1973-1975, and such sums as necessary for operations for fiscal years 1973-1975 establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Title IV: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Provides that, in carrying out his duties under this Act, the Commissioner shall: (1) cooperate with, and render technical assistance to, States in matters relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals; (2) provide short-term training and instruction in technical matters relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services; and (3) disseminate information relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services, and otherwise promote the cause of the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and their greater utilization in gainful and suitable employment. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act. Title V: Miscellaneous - Provides that the Vocational Rehabilitation Act is repealed ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees to insure the adequacy of hiring, placement, and advancement practices with respect to handicapped individuals by each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of Government. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, and attitudinal barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes such appropriations as necessary for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the duties and functions of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Provides that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act concerning the importation of chrome shall not apply to prohibitions or regulations issued under the United Nations Participation Act of 1954. (Amends 22 U.S.C. 287e(a))
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1973
American Folklife Preservation Act - Creates an American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. Provides that the Center shall be subject to the supervision and direction of a Board of Trustees. Provides that such Board shall be composed of four members appointed by the President eight members appointed by the Librarian of Congress the Librarian of Congress ex officio and the Director of the Center ex officio. Authorizes the Center to establish and implement a program of contracts, grants, revitalize and scholarships to preserve, protect, revitalize and disseminate American folklife traditions and arts. Provides that no payment shall be made pursuant to this Act to carry out any research or training over a period in excess of two years. States that such research or training may be extended to a period not to exceed five years with the concurrance of at least two-thirds of the members of the Board. Provides that no former employee of the Federal Govermnent shall be eligible to receive any grant or other assistance under this Act in the two year period following the termination of such employment. Requires the Center to submit to the Library of Congress, for inclusion in its annual report to the Congress, an annual report of its operations under this Act. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1973
Commission on Mental Health and Illness of the Elderly Act - Establishes a temporary commission to be known as the Commission on Mental Health and Illness of the Elderly. Provides that such Commission shall exist for a period not to exceed five years. States that it shall be the duty of the Commission to: (1) develop a national policy for the proper maintenance of mental health for aged and aging persons and the care and treatment of mental illness for such persons; (2) undertake studies to assess future needs for mental health facilities, manpower, research, and training to meet the mental health care needs of aged and aging persons; (3) submit to the President for transmittal to Congress an annual report describing major developments concerning the treatment and care of elderly persons suffering from mental illness, identifying priority issues, and propose recommendations for solving these problems; (4) recognizing that proper physical health and proper mental health are inseparable, evaluate present mental health programs to determine whether such programs are responsive to the needs of aged and aging persons; (5) develop priorities for programs designed to increase knowledge about various aspects of mental illness among aged and aging persons; and (6) cooperate with the executive and legislative branches for the purpose of implementing the policy proposals recommended at the 1971 White House Conference on Aging. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of nine members to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the Commission shall include at least one member from each of the fields of psychology, psychiatry, social science, social work, and nursing. Sets forth the powers and authority of the Commission. Establishes an Advisory Council on Mental Health and Illness of the Elderly to be composed of nine members appointed by the President for terms of two years. Provides that the Council shall advise the Commission on policy matters relating to mental health and illness. Provides that the Commission shall cease to exist sixty days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1973
Declares that the Attorney General-Designate should vest the special prosecutor to investigate the Watergate case with all necessary attributes of independence, including but not limited to the following: (1) final authority over questions of convening and conducting proceedings before grand juries, subpoenaing witnesses, initiating prosecutions, framing indictments and seeking in court grants of immunity from prosecution for witnesses; (2) final authority over the selection of an adequate staff of attorneys, investigators and other personnel answerable only to himself; (3) assurance that the investigatory and other resources of the Department of Justice and funds to defray all expenses incurred in connection with the activities of the special prosecutor will remain available for the time necessary to complete the investigation and prosecute any offenders; (4) assurance that he will not be subject to removal from his position except for malfeasance in office; (5) assurance that he will enjoy full access to the relevant documents and personnel of the Department of Justice and all other officials and agencies of the Executive Branch; and (6) assurance that the special prosecutor can freely, and upon their request, appear before, consult with and cooperate in other respects with all Congressional committees having jurisdiction over any aspect of the special prosecutor's activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Full Employment and Job Development Act - States that the purpose of the Act is to provide for the implementation of a full employment policy through the establishment of a Federal Full Employment Board and the provision of assistance for job development in the public and non-profit private sectors and related training and assistance. Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch a Federal Full Employment Board, to consist of five members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate as follows: one representative of labor, one of management, one distinguished economist, one distinguished manpower expert; and one member of the general public. Authorizes and directs the Board to: (1) recommend to the President and to the Congress a program to achieve full employment; (2) undertake manpower planning and long-range and short-term surveys in terms of demand, supply and sector; (3) review decisions made by public and private employers affecting full employment; (4) develop guidelines and standards for use of public funds in job development programs; (5) review the implementation of manpower training and employment implementation of manpower training and employment programs in terms of the extent to which they contribute to full employment; (6) direct the Secretary of Labor to obligate funds made available under the Full Employment Assistance Fund; (7) hold nationwide and regional conferences; (8) analyze the extent to which the Federal budget may assist in reaching full employment; (9) evaluate programs; and (10) carry out such other functions as the President may direct. Authorizes $3,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974 and for each fiscal year thereafter for the activities of the Board. Provides for an annual Full Employment Report setting forth the Board's recommendations with respect to implementation of a full employment policy for each fiscal year and for succeeding fiscal years. Establishes the Full Employment Assistance Fund and authorizes therefor $1 billion for fiscal 1974, and such funds as necessary for each year thereafter. Provides that the Secretary of Labor is to provide assistance from the fund pursuant to specific directions of the Board to public agencies and non-profit private organizations (including prime sponsors of manpower training and employment programs) for public service job development programs, and related training and assistance. Provides that assistance is to be provided by the Secretary only by application submitted to the Secretary and approved by him. States that each application must set forth a program to provide employment and related training and assistance for unemployed persons to enable them to obtain employment not supported under the Act and meet other special requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to use such sums as may be necessary from those appropriated to the Fund for training and other services related to employment. Requires the President to establish an Intergovernmental Full Employment Advisory Council, which shall meet at least twice a year to advise the Board with regard to matters related to achieving the objective of full employment. Provides that in selecting members of the Council, the President shall assure an equitable balance in political and geographical affiliation of its members and shall insure inclusion of State and local prime sponsors and other public and private agencies and organizations responsible for conducting manpower training and employment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Family Planning Services and Population Research Amendments - Requires the Assistant Secretary for Family Planning and Population Science to report (through the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to Congress not later than six months after enactment of this Act on: (1) the number of individuals in need of family planning services - organized and otherwise - and a timetable for serving them; (2) the types of information and educational materials to be developed; (3) research goals to be established and a timetable for their achievement; and (4) the manpower required to meet these objectives. Requires the Assistant Secretary to submit progress reports annually on specific achievements made in reaching goals established by the six-month report. Authorizes grants to assist in the establishment and operation of voluntary family planning programs and projects. Authorizes appropriations for a three-year period-fiscal years 1974 ($159.5 million), 1975 ($207.5 million) and 1976 ($255.5 million). Extends appropriations authorizations for a three-year period-fiscal years 1974 ($5 million), 1975 ($7.5 million), and 1976 ($10 million) for training grants and contracts for the training of such personnel to carry out family planning services programs eligible for support under this Act as are needed to meet program objectives specified in the plan. Specifies that grants and contracts awarded under this Act must be made with the concurrence of the Assistant Secretary for Family Planning and Population Science and be carried on through the National Center for Family Planning Services and in consultation with the National Advisory Council. Authorizes the Secretary, throught the Assistant Secretary for Family Planning and Population Science, to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities and enter into contracts with public or private entities and individuals for: (1) the development of educational and informational materials on voluntary family planning; (2) the development of educational and informational materials on the causes and consequences of demographic characteristics and trends; and (3) the distribution of such materials to all persons desiring such information and materials. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the development and distribution of such materials. Provides that grants and contracts made under this Act shall be made in accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe. States that the acceptance by any individual of family planning services or family planning or population information provided through financial assistance under this Act shall be voluntary and shall not be a prerequisite to eligibility for or receipt of any other service or assistance from, or to participation in, any other program of the entity or individual that provided such services or information. Directs that none of the funds appropriated under this Act shall be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Office of Family Planning and Population Science to be directed by an Assistant Secretary for Family Planning and Population Science who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the functions of the Assistant Secretary. Establishes within the Office a National Center for Family Planning Services and a National Center for Population Science, which shall, respectively, be assigned and carry out the functions assigned to such Centers by this Act and such other duties and responsibilities as the Assistant Secretary may specify in regulations. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Family Planning and Population Science Advisory Council with which he and the Assistant Secretary shall consult on a continuing and regular basis in administering this title. Specifies the membership of the Council.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Emergency Manpower and Defense Workers Assistance Act - Title I: Establishment of Defense Workers Manpower Assistance Agency - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Labor to establish within the Department of Labor an agency, to be known as the Defense Workers Manpower Assistance Agency. Provides that the Agency shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the administrative duties and functions of the Agency. Title II: Economic and Manpower Assistance to Workers - Provides that any adversely affected worker may file an application with the Secretary for one or more of the forms of economic adjustment assistance provided under this title. States that economic adjustment assistance under this title consists of: (1) readjustment allowances; (2) training and counseling benefits; (3) relocation allowances; (4) early retirement benefits; and (5) health benefits. States that the Secretary shall determine whether an applicant is entitled to receive the economic adjustment assistance for which application is made and shall furnish such assistance if the applicant is so entitled. Provides that such determination shall be made as soon as possible after the date on which application is filed but in any event not later than thirty days after such date. Sets forth the qualifying requirements and amount limitations applicable to each of the forms of economic adjustment assistance. Title III: Public Service Employment Opportunities - States that notwithstanding any other provision of law, from sums appropriated pursuant to this Act, the Secretary is authorized to provide financial assistance to any State or locality for public service employment programs for adversely affected workers on terms and conditions as substantially similar to the provisions of the Emergency Employment Act of 1971 as the Secretary determines to be consistent with the purposes of this Act. Title IV: General Provisions - Provides that no person designated by the Secretary as a certifying officer, or disbursing officer shall, in the absence of gross negligence or intent to defraud the United States, be liable with respect to the payment of any allowance certified by him under this Act. States that whoever makes a false statement of a material fact knowing it to be false, or knowingly fails to disclose a material fact, for the purpose of obtaining or increasing for himself or for any other person any payment or assistance authorized to be furnished under this Act shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States prisoners of war have been released; (2) all United States combat forces have been withdrawn from Indochina; (3) the United States has no commitment to Cambodia to provide for its defense; (4) the bombing of Cambodia and elsewhere in Indochina is an act of war; and (5) the territory of the United States or its vital national interests are not endangered by any nation in Indochina. Makes it the sense of Congress that any combat actions by the United States Armed Forces in, over, or off the shores of Indochina are contrary to the laws of the United States. Declares that the Senate advises the President: (1) to cease immediately any hostilities in Indochina by United States Armed Forces, and (2) that any future engagement of United States Armed Forces in Indochina only be undertaken in conformity with statutes and in accordance with constitutional processes.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1973
Makes it unlawful for any Executive Branch officer or any person acting under such officer's authority to require any of the following from any United States Government employee or any applicant for employment in the Executive Branch of the Government: (1) disclose their race, religion, or national origin; (2) attend Government-sponsored meetings and lectures or participate in outside activities unrelated to their employment; (3) report on their outside activites or undertakings unrelated to their work; (4) submit to questioning about their religion, personal relationships or sexual attitudes through interviews, psychological tests, or polygraphs; and (5) support political candidates or attend political meetings. Permits inquiries into national origin when necessary for the national interest or overseas work. Allows agency officers to advise employees of charges of sexual misconduct as long as the employee has an opportunity to refute the charge. Makes it illegal to coerce an employee to buy bonds or make charitable contributions; or to require him to disclose his own personal assets, liabilities, or expenditures, or those of any member of his family unless they would show a conflict of interest. Provides a right to have a counsel or other person present, if the employee wishes, at an interview which may lead to disciplinary proceedings. Makes it unlawful for any Civil Service Commission officer to require any executive department or agency to do any prohibited act; or to require a person seeking to establish Civil Service status or employment in the executive branch to submit to interrogation, polygraph testing, or psychological testing designed to elicit views regarding religion, personal relationships, or sexual attitude. Accords the right to a civil action in a Federal court for violation or threatened violation of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to defend all persons sued who acted pursuant to an order or who, in his opinion, did not willfully violate this Act. Establishes a three-member Board on Employees' Rights with members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Grants the Board the authority and duty to receive and investigate written complaints from any person claiming to be aggrieved by any violation or threatened violation of this Act and to conduct a hearing on each such complaint. Grants the Board powers which will eliminate violation of this Act. Directs the Board to make an annual report of its activities to Congress. Excludes the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency from the provisions of this Act. Permits the establishment of agency grievance procedures to enforce this Act, but the existence of such procedures shall not preclude the use of other remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1973
Menominee Restoration Act - Provides for the repeal of the Act of June 17, 1954 which terminated Federal supervision of the Menominee Tribe. Provides that within fifteen days after the date of enactment of this Act the Secretary shall announce the date of a general council meeting of the tribe to elect the Menominee Restoration Committee. States that the Menominee Restoration Committee shall represent the Menominee people in the implementation of this Act and shall have no powers other than those given to it in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Menominee Restoration Committee, under contract with the Secretary, to proceed to make current the membership role of the Menominee Tribe in accordance with the terms of this Act. Requires the Menominee Restoration Committee to conduct elections by secret ballot for the purposes of determining the tribe's constitution and bylaws and the individuals who shall serve as members of the tribe's governing body. States that subject to the approval of the shareholders as required by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, the board of Directors of Menominee Enterprises Incorporated shall transfer to the Secretary all assets held by such corporation. Provides that such assets shall be held in trust by the Secretary, on behalf of the United States for the tribe. Authorizes the Secretary to make such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1973
Prohibits any material to be enclosed with any social security check which contains the name, signature, or title of any Federal officer other than the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. (Adds 42 U.S.C. 405(n))
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1973
North Slope Energy Resources Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, to grant, issue, or renew rights-of-way over, upon, or through the Federal lands for any purpose authorized by said Act except for those purposes prohibited by this Act, in such widths as he may deem necessary and proper, after complying with all existing applicable statutes, regulations, and proceedings pertaining to granting, issuance, or renewal of such permits, for a period of two years from the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to submit to Congress a catalog of existing rights-of-way laws; a description of the extent to which Federal lands are now dedicated to private rights-of-way; a comprehensive Federal plan for the granting of rights-of-way across the Federal lands; and the required environmental impact statements thereon, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Requests the President of the United States, utilizing the services of the Secretary of State, to enter into negotiations with the appropriate officials of the Government of Canada to ascertain within one hundred and eighty days of the date of enactment of this Act the feasibility of construction, operation, and maintenance of a transportation corridor for the North Slope oil and gas. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to undertake a study of the feasibility of alternatives for a corridor for the delivery of North Slope oil and natural gas insofar as such a corridor: (1) affects the national interest and welfare of the United States, and (2) poses environmental risks along the length of its route. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior, within three hundred and thirty days of the date of enactment of this Act, shall submit to the Committee on the Interior of the House and Senate his recommendations as to the most desirable route for transmission of North Slope Alaska oil and natural gas to the other States of the United States. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Congressional Budgetary Procedures Act - Establishes a standing Committee of the Senate to be known as the Committee on the Budget and a Standing Committee of the House of Representatives to be known as the Committee on the Budget. Outlines the composition and duties of each committee. Authorizes these committees to consider those bills introduced in each respective House, providing new advance obligational authority. Provides that neither committee of the House or Senate shall consider such new budgetary measures after the first of May except in emergency or the waiver of such time limitation by 2/3 vote. Creates a Congressional Office of the Budget and outlines the duties of such Office. Provides that the function of the office is to provide information to the Budget Committees of the two Houses and to other Committees of the two Houses with respect to budget and appropriation bills. Abolishes the joint committee on reduction of Federal Expenditures. Requires the office to recommend to each budget committee of the two houses the amount by which budget outlays of the U.S. should exceed revenues expected to be received or the amount by which such revenues should exceed such budget outlays in order to provide for appropriate growth and stability of the economy of the U.S. Requires each budget committee to give consideration to such recommendations and make a report to the office concerning such budget considerations. Requires that by March 1 of each year the Committees submit a concurrent resolution to their respective Houses containing specified budget information. Outlines those procedures for review and debate of such concurrent resolution. Provides that there shall be a conference of two Houses to resolve any difference between the concurrent resolutions passed by each House. Makes conforming amendments in the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. Provides that all bills and resolutions providing budget authority with respect to any fiscal year shall provide a limit on budget outlays in such fiscal year under such budget authority. Provides that the provisions of this Act are enacted by Congress as an exercise of the rulemaking powers of the House and Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1973
Creates the Military Installation closing Commission with members from specified Government agencies, the legislative branch, and the private sector. States that the Commission's duties shall be to review and evaluate any decision of the Department of Defense to close any military installation with a view toward determining whether the losing of such installation is in the best interests of national defense, the nation's economy, and military efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Lobster Conservation and Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for effective control of lobster fisheries on the Continental Shelf of the United States until such time as the United States can enter into an appropriate treaty or treaties providing for such control. Includes lobster as a Continental Shelf fishery resource within the meaning of the Act entitled an Act to prohibit fishing in the territorial waters of the United States and in certain other areas by vessels other than vessels of the United States and by persons in charge of such vessels. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1085(a))
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Parole Commission Act - Creates as an agency of the Department of Justice the United States Parole Commission, the members of which shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the President shall designate from among the Commissioners one to serve as Chairman, five to serve as National Parole Commissioners and such others as may be necessary to serve as Regional Parole Commissioners. Specifies the duties of the Chairman of the Commission. Provides that the national Parole Commissioners, by majority vote, shall: (1) have authority to accept, reject, or modify any decision of any Regional Parole Commissioner; (2) give reasons in detail for their decisions in any appropriate case, including the review of any decision of any region; (3) transfer to themselves the authority to grant, modify, or revoke an order paroling any eligible person when the national well-being so requires; and (4) perform other functions specified in this Act. Authorizes a Regional Commissioner to carry out specified duties, including: (1) to grant or deny any application or recommendation to parole or re-parole any eligible person, (2) to specify reasonable conditions of any order granting parole; and (3) to re-parole any person whose parole has been revoked and who is not otherwise ineligible for parole. Makes a person eligible for parole after serving one-third of his term or terms or after serving fifteen years of a life sentence or of a sentence of more than forty-five years. Provides that once a person is eligible for parole he must be given a parole appearance and at least one additional parole appearance every two years. Authorizes the Commission to release such a person if it appears from a report and recommendation by proper institution officers that such person has observed the rules of the institution, that there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law and if in the opinion of the Commission such release is not incompatible with the welfare of society. Sets forth the procedures for an appearance of a person before the Parole authority. Provides that a warrant for the retaking of any person who is alleged to have violated his parole may be issued by any Commissioner within the maximum term or terms for which such prisoner was sentenced. States that such person shall be given a hearing before a United States magistrate as soon as possible subsequent to his being retaken pursuant to such a warrant. Provides that counsel may be appointed if the alleged violator is unable to retain counsel. Authorizes the magistrate to release the parolee on bail until a determination has been made as to whether or not his parole will be revoked. Provides that, upon entering a judgement of conviction, the court having jurisdiction to impose sentence, when in its opinion the ends of justice and best interests of the public require that the defendant be sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, may: (1) designate in the sentence of imprisonment imposed a minimum term at the expiration of which the person shall become eligible for parole, which term may be less than but shall not be more than one-third of the maximum sentence imposed by the court, or (2) fix the maximum sentence of imprisonment to be served in which event the court may specify that the person may become eligible for parole at such time as the Commission may determine. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, upon the commitment of any person sentenced to imprisonment under any law of the United States for a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, and under such regulations as the Attorney General may prescribe, to cause a complete study to be made of the person and to furnish to the Commission a summary report, together with any recommendations which in the Director's opinion would he helpful in determining the suitability of the prisoner for parole. Creates an Advisory Corrections Council and specifies the members of such Council. Provides that the Council shall consider problems of treatment and corrections of all offenders against the United States and shall make such recommendations to the Congress, the President, the Judicial Conference of the United States and other appropriate officials as may improve the administration of criminal justice and assure the coordination and integration of policies of the Federal agencies, private industry, labor and local jurisdictions respecting the disposition, treatment and correction of all persons convicted of crime. Provides that the Commission may grant or deny any application or recommendation for parole, modify, or revoke any order of parole of any person sentenced pursuant to the Federal Youth Corrections Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to designate one Commissioner to serve as Youth Corrections Comissioner. States that it shall be the responsibility of such Commissioner to oversee the policies pertaining to offenders sentenced under such Act, and to serve as vice chairman of the Commission. Re-enacts applicable sections of the Federal Youth Corrections Act to make the language conform to the changes made by this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
Tax Reform Act - Title I: Amendments Primarily Affecting Individuals - Provides that the minimum tax for tax preferences is altered by (1) reducing the exemption to $10,000; (2) imposing a graduated tax rate on additional amounts of tax preferences; and (3) eliminating deferral of the minimum tax. Imposes a tax for the purposes of computing taxable income, on the appreciation of capital assets transferred at death or by gift. Excludes from this tax specified property passing to spouses and charities. Reduces the amount of the exemption for interest paid by an individual borrowing for large investments from $25,000 to $10,000. Expands the definition of "investment interest" to include interest paid on passive oil, gas, mineral or real estate investments. Repeals the present law which allows U.S. citizens who live abroad to exclude from taxable income $25,000 (if they are bona fide residents of a foreign country) or $20,000 (if they live abroad for at least 17 out of 18 months). Title II: Amendments Primarily Affecting Corporations - Restricts the investment tax credit for investments in machinery and equipment to allow a credit only for net increases in investment. Repeals rapid amortization for (1) rehabilitation of low-income rental housing, (2) emergency facilities, (3) pollution control facilities, (4) specified railroad rolling stock, (5) specified coal mine safety equipment, and (6) specified expenditures for on-the-job training and child care facilities. Terminates specified provisions governing bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Repeals the deduction allowed for trade corporations operating in Western Hemisphere countries other than the United States. Requires United States shareholders of controlled foreign corporations to include in gross income their pro rata share of the corporations's earnings. Terminates the provisions for domestic international sales corporations which allow such export corporations to defer a percentage of their income. Increases the corporate tax rate on long-term capital gains from 30 percent to 35 percent. Title III: Amendments Affecting Individuals and Corporations - Sets forth tax rules for investments in real property, including: (1) restricts depreciation to the straight line method and to the owner's actual equity; (2) requires capitalization of interest and taxes incurred on undeveloped real estate held for investment and during construction ; (3) recaptures in full at the time of sale the excess depreciation taken on real property; (4) includes in taxable income specified proceeds from a mortgage loan which exceeds the depreciated cost of the real property; and (5) provides for review of the useful lives of buildings. Requires that intangible drilling, mine exploration, and development costs, be capitalized. Provides for the recapture of past deductions when such mineral property is sold. Reduces the allowable deductions of a taxpayer engaged in farming to less than a specified sum of gross income and special deductions. Sets forth special rules for farming deductions in the case of married individuals and members of controlled groups of corporations. Increases farm loss deductions to include (1) taxes; (2) interest; (3) losses from fire or storm; (4) abandonment or theft; (5) drought and (6) losses from sales, exchanges and involuntary conversions. Reduces percentage depletion rates for mines, wells, and other natural deposits. Terminates the exemption from taxation of specified income earned in possessions of the United States. Provides that no foreign corporation shall be treated as a less developed country corporation for any taxable year which begins after the date of enactment of this Act. Title IV: Estate and Gift Tax Amendments - Sets forth new rates for the imposition of taxes on the transfer of a taxable estate by decedents, residents and citizens of the United States. Prescribes new rate schedules for gift taxation. Imposes a tax, equal to three-fifths of the normal estate tax, on the transfer of that portion of the taxable estate of a decedent which consists of a generation-skipping transfer. Provides for the imposition of a tax on transfers in trust. States that such taxes may be imposed on more than one occasion. Grants exceptions to the skipped-generation transfer taxation in specified situations. Title V: State and Local Bonds - Allows state and local governments, at their option, to issue bonds which pay taxable interest. Provides that the federal government shall pay 50 percent of the interest cost of state and local governments elect to make interest on their bonds taxable.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Congressional Budget Control Act - Requires the Budget of the United States Government to be organized and submitted on the basis of national needs, agency programs, and basic program steps. Sets forth the meaning of terms used in this Act, and the requirements for each Government agency.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Establishes within the Department of State a Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental Affairs to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of State. Transfers to this Bureau those functions of the Department of State relating to oceans, environmental, fisheries, wildlife and conservation affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
National Mobile Home Safety Standards Act - Title I: Mobile Home Safety Standards - Directs the Secretary of Housing and urban Development to establish by order appropriate Federal mobile home safety standards. Provides that in prescribing standards under this Act, the Secretary shall: (1) consider relevant available mobile home safety data: (2) consult with such State or interstate agencies (including legislative committees) as he deems appropriate; (3) consider whether any such proposed standard is reasonable, practicable, and appropriate for the particular type of mobile home for which it is prescribed; (4) consider whether any such standard will place an undue financial burden upon manufacturers and distributors of mobile homes; (5) consider whether any such standard will result in a substantial increase in the retail price of mobile homes; and (6) consider the extent to which any such standard will contribute to carrying out the purpose of this title. Directs the Secretary to issue initial Federal mobile home safety standards upon the expiration of a one hundred eighty-day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall issue new and revised Federal mobile home safety standards under this title upon the expiration of the three hundred sixty-day period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Mobile Home Safety Advisory Council, a majority of which shall be representatives of the general public, including representatives of State and local governments, and the remainder shall include members of the American National Standards Institute Committee on Mobile Homes and Recreational Vehicles and representatives of mobile home manufacturers, dealers and insurers. Provides that the Secretary shall consult with the Advisory Council before establishing or revoking any mobile home safety standard pursuant to this title. Directs the Secretary to conduct research, testing, development and training necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides that no person shall: (1) manufacture for sale, sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce, or import into the United States, any mobile home manufactured on or after the date any applicable Federal mobile home safety standard takes effect under this title unless it is in conformity with such standard; (2) fail or refuse access to or copying of records, or fail to make reports or provide information, or fail or refuse to permit entry or inspection, as required under this Act; (3) fail to issue a certificate required by this Act, or issue a certificate to the effect that a mobile home conforms to all applicable Federal mobile home safety standards, if such person in the exercise of due care has reason to know that such certificate is false or misleading in a material respect; or (4) fail to furnish notification of any defect as required by this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for each violation of this title. Provides that each violation shall constitute a separate violation, and that the maximum civil penalty shall not exceed $400,000 for any related series of violations. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Establishes the National Mobile Home Safety Bureau within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Provides that the provisions of this title shall be carried out through such Bureau. Title II: Changes in Existing Law - Authorizes Federal participation under the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 in any loan made for the purchase of a mobile home which meets or exceeds the mobile home safety standards established under this Act. Provides for Federal participation in loans made to veterans purchasing mobile homes which meet such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Provides that no Federal agency shall permit the construction or operation of a deepwater development until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall have certified that such development will not cause or contribute to environmental degradation or otherwise result in failure to comply with or cause a violation of effluent limitations or other standards or requirements imposed by this Act, the Clean Air Act, or any other Act which the Administrator is assigned responsibility to administer. States that any person desiring to construct or operate a deepwater development shall at the time of application for any permit, license, or other approval from any Federal agency submit, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Administrator, detailed plans of such development; and such submission to the Administrator shall be at least two years prior to the expected date of the beginning of construction. Provides that the Administrator may certify a deepwater development only after he has (1) received the concurrence of the Governor of the adjacent State or States, (2) held a public hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, and (3) determined that the location, construction, and operation of the proposed deepwater port facility will not cause or contribute to environmental degradation. Provides that whoever begins to construct, constructs, or operates a deepwater development after the effective date of this Act without a prior certification by the Administrator shall be fined not less than $50,000 for each day after that date on which notice of violation is given and construction or other operations continue without a certification obtained in accordnace with this Act. States that the requirement for concurrence of the Governor of an adjacent State shall be waived two years after the date of enactment of this Act, unless such State shall have adopted and the Administrator shall have approved an environmental protection permit program applicable to areas potentially impacted by deepwater development which assures compliance with the specified environmental protection criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Property Tax Relief and Reform Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Enumerates the findings of Congress and declares the general purposes of this Act to be to: (1) provide for a program of assistance to State governments in reforming their real property tax laws, and (2) provide relief from real property taxes for low-income individuals. Title II: The Office of Property Tax Relief and Reform - Establishes, within the Department of the Treasury, the Office of Property Tax Relief and Reform to administer the real property tax relief and reform programs established under this Act. Provides that the office be headed by a Director, to be appointed by the President. Sets forth the functions of the Office, including: (1) administering property tax relief and reform programs; developing compatible fiscal and administrative systems of property taxation among Federal, State and local governments; (2) acting as a clearinghouse of information for State and local governments with respect to the Federal programs affecting the administration of property taxes; (3) providing technical and training assistance to States; (4) providing financial assistance for special experimental programs in the administration of property tax laws; (5) evaluating all Federal efforts in the areas of property tax relief and reform; and (6) reviewing Federal laws applicable to, or having an effect on property taxes. Title III: Real Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Individuals - Authorizes the Office to make grants to States which operate a qualified program of real property tax relief. Requires a State program, to qualify for such aid, to provide relief to both homeowners and renters of residential property (including apartments) which meets minimum standards specified in this Act. Empowers the Director to reduce the amount of the payments to a State unless the State has substantially implemented the reforms and complied with the guidelines of title IV and V of this Act. Title IV: Reform of Property Tax Administration; Disclosure, Access, and Appeal - Requires a State to publish the assessment-sales ratio of specified classifications of residential, commercial, industrial and vacant property for each taxing jurisdiction within the State. Stipulates that a State program must provide a real property assessment appeal procedure for taxpayers. Requires a State to provide public access to real property tax data, including a separate listing of all tax-exempt real property assessments. Authorizes loans to States for the purposes of fulfilling the requirements of this Title. Title V: Reform of Property Tax Administration; Uniform Assessment Practice - Requires that a State program shall provide for: (1) the certification of professionally qualified officials for assessing and appraising property; (2) training such officials; (3) the sharing of the cost of assessment personnel by taxing jurisdictions which lack the resources to maintain such personnel separately; (4) the compiling of maps to disclose the location of property and improvements and identification of ownership of such property; (5) the determination of (a) the degree to which State taxes on residential personal property, commercial inventories, farm personal property, personal holdings of bank deposits, and securities and other financial assets are uniformly enforced and (b) the cost of administering such taxes. Authorizes the Office to make loans to qualifying State programs for the purposes of carrying out this Title. Title VI: Federal Assistance to Training and Technical Programs - Provides that the Office shall grant assistance to States for the training of real property tax assessment and appraisal personnel. Authorizes the Office to develop, jointly with States, and provide grants for, special experimental programs to improve the administration of property tax laws. Title VII: Miscellaneous: Conditions of Grants and Loans - Provides that the Director shall establish standards for the qualification of firms engaged in providing property appraisal services to State and local governments, and shall certify any such firm which meets those standards. Authorizes appropriations to the Office such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act (other than title III and other than the grant and loan programs authorized by title IV and V) for the fiscal year 1974, and for each of the succeeding nine fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
States that whenever any officer or employee of any department or establishment submits any estimate or request for appropriations to the President or the Office of Management and Budget, he shall concurrently transmit a copy of such estimate or request, together with copies of any documents submitted with such estimate or request to the Senate and the House of Representatives. Provides that no officer or employee of the United States shall have authority to approve, or to require any department or establishment, or any officer or employee thereof, to submit, prior to the submission of such estimate or request to the Senate and the House of Representatives.
![Official portrait of Sen. Muskie, Edmund S. [D-ME]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001121_200.jpg)