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Official portrait of Sen. Muskie, Edmund S. [D-ME]

Sen. Muskie, Edmund S. [D-ME]

United States · Official source

Records

430 records where Sen. Muskie, Edmund S. [D-ME] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· SS. 440 (93rd)referred

War Powers Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973

War Powers Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of the Armed Forces of the United States in hostilities, or in situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities. States that the Act is not intended to encroach upon the recognized powers of the President, as Commander in Chief, to conduct hostilities authorized by the Congress, to respond to attacks or the imminent threat of attacks upon the United States, including its territories and possessions, to respond to attacks or the imminent threat of attacks against the Armed Forces of the United States, and under proper circumstances, to rescue endangered citizens of the United States located in foreign countries. Provides that in the absence of a declaration of war by the Congress, the Armed Forces of the United States may be introduced in hostilities, or in situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, only: (a) to repel an armed attack upon the United States, its territories and possessions; to take necessary and appropriate retaliatory actions in the event of such an attack; and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (b) to repel an armed attack against the Armed Forces of the United States located outside of the United States, its territories and possessions, and to forestall the direct and imminent threat of such an attack; (c) to protect while evacuating citizens of the United States, as rapidly as possible, from any country in which such citizens are present with the express or tacit consent of the government of such country, and who are being subject to a direct and imminent threat to their lives, either sponsored by such government or beyond the power of such government to control; or (d) pursuant to specific statutory authorization, but authority to introduce the Armed Forces of the United States into hostilities shall not be inferred from any provision of law, including any provision contained in any appropriation act, unless such provisions specifically authorized the introduction of such Armed Forces in hostilities and exempts the introduction of such armed forces from compliance with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that no treaty in force at the time of the enactment of this Act shall be construed as specific statutory authority for, or a specific exemption permitting, the introduction of the Armed Forces in any such situation. Provides that the use of the Armed Forces of the United States in hosilities pursuant to this Act shall be reported promptly in writing by the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, together with a full account of the circumstances under which such hostilities were initiated, the estimated scope of such hositlities, and the consistency of such hostilities with the applicable provisions of this Act. States that hostilities commenced pursuant to this Act shall not be sustained beyond thirty days from the date of their initiation except as provided in specific legislation enacted for that purpose by the Congress. Provides that hostilities commenced pursuant to this Act may be terminated prior to the thirty day period by statute or joint resolution of Congress. Directs that any bill or resolution, authorizing continuance or termination of military hostilities shall, if sponsored or co-sponsored by one third of the Members of the House of Congress in which it originates, be considered reported to the floor of such House no later than one day following its introduction, unless the Members otherwise determine by yeas and nays; and any such bill or resolution referred to a committee after having passed one House of Congress shall be considered reported from such committee within one day after it is referred to such committee, unless the Members of the House referring it to committee shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays. Provides that any bill or resolution reported shall immediately become the pending business of the House to which it is reported, and shall be voted upon within three days after such report, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays. Declares that this Act will take affect upon enactment.

Bill· SS. 414 (93rd)referred

Bilingual Job Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973

Bilingual Job Training Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for job training programs in the combined languages of English and of the person's dominant language, and to provide for the development of skilled instructors and instructional materials and techniques for bilingual job training. Authorizes to be appropriated $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of making grants under this Act. Provides that 65 percent of such funds shall be utilized for grants for State bilingual job training programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to: (1) develop and disseminate accurate information on the status of bilingual job training in all parts of the Nation; (2) evaluate the impact of such training on the shortages of well-trained personnel, the unemployment of persons of limited English-speaking ability and the ability of such persons to contribute fully to the Nation's economy; and (3) report hig findings annually to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to States, local educational agencies, post-secondary educational institutions, private vocational training institutions, or to nonprofit organizations to assist them in conducting bilingual job training programs in all communities of the State. Provides that grants under this Act may be made to the State Board of Vocational Education upon application to the Secretary, or directly to the institutions and organizations listed above if such individual applications are approved in advance by the State Board of Vocational Education. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States, or directly to educational insitutions, to assist them in conducting training for instructors of bilingual job training programs. Specifies information which shall be included in an application for such a grant. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the development of instructional materials, method and techniques for bilingual job training.

Bill· SS. 472 (93rd)referred

Voter Registration Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973

Voter Registration Assistance Act - Establishes, within the Bureau of the Census, the Voter Registration Administration. Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Administrator and two Associate Administrators for terms of four years each. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administration. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to States and political subdivisions thereof for improving their voter grants for the purpose of carrying out existing voter registration procedures. Provides that such grants shall not exceed 10 cents for each eligible voter in the State or political subdivision receiving the grant. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to any State or political subdivision thereof to increase the percentage of registered voters. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to any State or political subdivision thereof for planning and evaluating a system of voter registration utilizing electronic data processing or other similar procedures. Provides that a grant for such purpose shall not exceed a total of 1/2 cent for each registered voter in the jurisdiction receiving the grant, or $15,000 whichever is greater. Provides that the Administrator may make grants to any State or political subdivision thereof to carry out programs of voter registration by mail. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance in developing programs for the prevention and control of fraud in any State or political subdivision thereof and for improving voter registration and participation. Sets forth requirements which an application for assistance under this Act shall contain. Authorizes the Administrator to issue rules and regulations for the administration of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $45,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years, to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Bill· SS. 448 (93rd)referred

A bill to amend title 45, United States Code, in order to provide that a State may act in the case of labor disputes involving a railroad industry primarily engaged in intrastate operations.

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973

Provides that a State is not precluded in the case of labor disputes involving a railroad industry primarily engaged in intrastate operations from invoking its own procedures and remedies for the settlement of such a labor dispute. (Adds 45 U.S.C. 165)

Bill· SS. 423 (93rd)referred

A bill to establish a Department of Health.

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973

Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Health. Provides for a Secretary of Health, an Under Secretary, 7 Assistant Secretaries, and a Chief Medical Officer, all of whom shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under specified laws. Transfers various functions of the Secretary of H.E.W. in regard to the Public Health Service. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Education and Welfare. Authorizes the Secretary of Health to appoint and fix the compensation of such officers and employees as are necessary to carry out his functions. Transfers to the Secretary the personnel, property, and authorizations of the Acts and functions listed in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a working capital fund for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of common administrative services and equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for certain services and supplies for employees and their dependents stationed at remote localities. Provides that the Secretary shall appoint such advisory committees as appropriate for consultation with the Department in the performance of its functions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with educational institutions and public or private agencies for research into problems related to authorized programs.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 21 (93rd)referred

A joint resolution to create an Atlantic Union delegation.

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973

Creates an Atlantic Union delegation, composed of 18 eminent citizens, which is authorized to organize and participate in a convention made up of similar delegations from such North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies as desire to join in the enterprise, and other parliamentary democracies the convention may invite, to explore the possibility of agreement on: (a) a declaration that the goal of their peoples is to transform their present relationship into a more effective unity based on Federal principles; (b) a timetable for the transition by stages to this goal; and (c) a commission to facilitate advancement toward such stages. Requires the convention's recommendations to be submitted to the Congress. Provides that not more than half of the delegation's members shall be from one political party, and that 6 of the delgates shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, after consultation with the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, 6 by the President of the Senate, after consultation with the Senate committee on Foreign Relations, and 6 by the President of the United States. Allows all members of the delegation to speak and vote individually in the convention. Authorizes the delegation in carrying out the purposes of this Act: (a) to seek to arrange an international convention and such other meetings and conferences as it may deem necessary; (b) to employ and fix the compensation within prescribed limits of such temporary professional and clerical staff as it deems necessary; and (c) to pay not in excess of $100,000 toward such expenses as may be involved as a consequence of holding any meetings or conferences authorized by subparagraph (a) above. Authorizes not to exceed $200,000 to be appropriated to the Department of State to carry out the purposes of this resolution, payments to be made upon vouchers approved by the Chairman of the delegation subject to the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the obligation and expenditure of appropriated funds. Requires the delegation to make semiannual reports to Congress accounting for all expenditures and such other information as it deems appropriate. Provides that the delegation shall cease to exist at the expiration of the three-year period beginning on the date of the approval of this resolution.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 23 (93rd)referred

A joint resolution to authorize the emergency importation of oil into the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the level of supplies of home heating oil has not been adequate to meet the needs of homes across the Nation, and (2) the major cause of the inadequate supply of such oil is the limitation on imports of petroleum and petroleum products. Provides that, beginning on the date of enactment of this resolution, the limitation shall not apply to the importation of crude oil or number 2 fuel oil (home heating oil) until the ninety-first day after the date of enactment of this resolution (in the case of crude oil) or April 1, 1974 (in the case of number 2 fuel oil).

Bill· SS. 373 (93rd)open

A bill to insure the separation of Federal powers and to protect the legislative function by requiring the President to notify the Congress whenever he impounds or authorizes the impounding of funds, and to provide a procedure under which the Senate and House of Representatives may approve the President's action or require the President to cease such action.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973

Requires the President, when he impounds funds appropriated or otherwise obligated for a specific purpose or project, within ten days thereafter transmit to the Senate and the House of Representatives a special message specifying: (1) the amount of the funds impounded; (2) the date on which the funds were ordered to be impounded; (3) the date the funds were impounded; (4) any account, department, or establishment of the Government to which such impounded funds would have been available for obligation except for such impoundment; (5) the period of time during which the funds are to be impounded; (6) the reasons for the impoundment; and (7) to the maximum extent practicable, the estimated fiscal, economic, and budgetary effect of the impoundment. Requires the President to cease the impounding of funds set forth in each special message within sixty calendar days of continuous session after the message is received by the Congress unless the specific impoundment shall have been ratified by the Congress by passage of a resolution. Establishes rules of debate for such resolutions.

Law· SS. 394 (93rd)open

An Act to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, to establish a Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund to provide adequate funds for rural electric and telephone systems through insured and guaranteed loans at interest rates which will allow them to achieve the objectives of the Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973

Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amend 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)

Bill· SS. 352 (93rd)referred

Voter Registration Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1973

Voter Registration Act - Establishes within the Bureau of the Census the Voter Registration Administration. Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Administrator and two Associate Administrators for terms of four years each. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administration. Authorizes the Administration to establish a voter registration program in accordance with this Act for all Federal elections and, when requested by the States, for State elections. Provides that an individual who is eligible to vote under State law and who is registered to vote under the provisions of this Act shall be entitled to vote in Federal elections in that State. Directs the Administration to prepare voter registration forms in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administration to enter into agreements with the Postal Service, with departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and with State officials for the distribution of registration forms. Requires the Administration to assist State officials in detecting fraudulent voter registration, when such assistance is requested by the State. Provides that whoever knowingly or willfully gives false information as to his name, address, residence, age, or other information for the purposes of establishing his eligibility to register or vote under this chapter, or conspires with another individual for the purpose of encouraging his false registration to vote or illegal voting, or pays or offers to pay or accepts or offers to accept payment either for registration to vote or for voting shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. States that any person who deprives, or attempts to deprive, any other person of any right under this chapter shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Authorizes the Administration to pay to each appropriate State the reasonable cost of processing registration forms prescribed under this Act.

Bill· SS. 319 (93rd)referred

New England States Fuel Oil Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973

New England States Fuel Oil Act - Authorizes the importation of No. 2 home heating oil, without regard to the existing quota system on petroleum products, for the purpose of residential heating in the New England States and authorizes the creation of a Northeast Oil Area. Removes the restrictions on the import of No. 2 home heating oil into the New England States. Directs the Secretary of State to undertake negotiations with the Government of Canada to eliminate all trade restrictions in petroleum and petroleum products between the United States and Canada and for the establishing of a "Northeastern Regional Oil Area" consisting of Eastern Canada and the New England States. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within one year, and each year thereafter until the negotiations are successful.

Bill· SS. 261 (93rd)reported

A bill to amend the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to provide for minimum Federal payments for four additional years.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973

Extends until July 1, 1976 (presently July 1, 1972) the provision under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 requiring a Federal agency to pay 100 percent of the first $25,000 of relocation payments required for a State to furnish real property incident to a Federal program. Extends until July 1, 1974, the provision requiring 100 percent Federal payment of costs resulting from the transfer of real property to a State. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4627) Authorizes the head of a Federal agency, until June 30, 1973, to pay such sums in excess of the first $25,000 of cost as necessary to a State not in compliance with the Act. Makes provisions for non-approval of grants to the State and for deductions from Federal funds after that date. Provides that whenever the acquisition of real property for a program or project, to be undertaken by a person or State agency furnished Federal financial assistance by a Federal agency pursuant to a grant, contract, or agreement, will result in the forced displacement of any person on or after the effective date of this Act, the head of the Federal agency furnishing such financial assistance shall provide: (1) fair and reasonable relocation payments and assistance to or for such displaced persons; (2) relocation assistance programs; and (3) decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwellings to such displaced persons. Provides that no Government agency administering any Federal program shall, for the purpose of assuring compliance with the Act, impose any limitation on the removal of vacant improvements located on real property acquired in connection with such a Federally assisted project.

Law· SS. 50 (93rd)open

Older Americans Comprehensive Services Amendments of 1973

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

Older Americans Comprehensive Services Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Objectives - States that the general purpose of this Act is to make available comprehensive health, education, and social service programs to our older citizens. Title II: Administration on Aging - Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Administration on Aging to carry out this Act. Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Administration. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource ClearingHouse for the Aging to collect, review, organize, publish, and disseminate information and data related to the particular problems caused by aging, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting such problems. Establishes the Federal Council on the Aging to advise and assist the President as he may direct on matters relating to the special needs of Older Americans; to assist the Commissioner on Aging in carrying out his functions under this Act; to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress on policies and programs for the aged. Provides that, not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a complete report on the activities carried out under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs to concentrate resources in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development of comprehensive systems to serve older persons, to include services designed to assist older Americans in avoiding institutionalization. Authorizes appropriations totalling $600,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Provides that the Commissioner shall not finally disapprove any State plan, or any modification thereof, without first affording the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Title IV: Training and Research - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for the purpose of: (1) publicizing available opportunities for careers in the field of aging; (2) encouraging qualified persons to enter or re-enter the field of aging; (3) encouraging persons from other professions to undertake assignments on a part-time basis in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study in the field of aging. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct a study of the transportation problems of older Americans, with emphasis upon solutions that are practicable and can be implemented in a timely fashion. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for purposes of such transportation studies and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of: (1) establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; (2) conducting basic research on the problem of the aged; (3) providing consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and (4) creating opportunities for research projects with respect to aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to, and training personnel in, the field of aging; and for research and development projects. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology. Title V: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to units of general purpose local government or other public or nonprofit private agencies to pay not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of leasing, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Establishes standards to be followed by the Commissioner in making such grants and authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the provisions of this section. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure mortgages on multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making grants to meet the costs of compensation of professional and technical personnel for the initial operation of multipurpose senior centers. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Program - Provides that no compensation paid to individual volunteers under the Retired Senior volunteer program under the Older Americans Act shall be considered income for any purposes. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amount of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the continuation of the Foster Grandparent Program under the Older Americans Act. Title VII: Nutrition Programs - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation may donate specified products acquired by them to a recipient of a grant or contract for providing nutritional services for the elderly. Title VIII: Amendments to Other Acts - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States which have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for library services for older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher education to assist such institutions in planning, developing, and carrying out programs specifically designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies for educational programs for elderly persons whose ability to speak and read the English language is limited and who live in an area with a culture different from their own. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3001, 3011(b); 42 U.S.C. 3012(3), (4); 42 U.S.C. 3044; 42 U.S.C. 3044a, 3044b; Amends 20 U.S.C. 354, 355, 355nts; 20 U.S.C. 1504(a) (2); 20 U.S.C. 1505(a); 20 U.S.C. 1078; 20 U.S.C. 1209, 1210, 1211; 20 U.S.C. 954) Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older American - Older Americans Community Service Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an older American community service program in order to promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons 55 years old or older who have poor employment prospects Makes provisions for allotment of funds to State, local and private organizations to further the purposes of the program. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 to carry out this title. Title X: Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training - Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, through the Manpower Administration, to make loans and grants for manpower training, including on-the-job, institutional, residential, and other training, designed to upgrade the work skills and capabilities of middle-aged and older persons. Authorizes the Secretary to make such studies, rules and provisions as necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out this title in fiscal year 1973 from funds otherwise available for similar programs. Authorizes appropriations in fiscal year 1974 of $100,000,000 for the purposes of this title.

Bill· SS. 200 (93rd)referred

A bill to require that new forms and reports, and revisions of existing forms, resulting from legislation be contained in reports of committees reporting the legislation.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

Requires any bill or joint resolution reported by a Senate or House Committee to contain: (1) a copy of the probable matter and format of each new form or report (or the revision of any such existing form or report), required by the enactment of such bill or joint resolution, which is to be provided by the United States Government for completion by any person other than a State or Federal employee; (2) in lien of any such copy, a statement listing each such form or report for which that copy is not contained in the report, with a statement of the reasons why the copy is not so included; or (3) a statement, accompanied by reasons, that such bill or joint resolution does not require, or its enactment is not likely to have as a result, any such new form or report or any revision of an existing form or report.

Bill· SS. 136 (93rd)referred

Opportunities Industrialization Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

Opportunities Industrialization Assistance Act - Authorizes $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purposes of this Act. Provides that appropriations not obligated in one fiscal year may be obligated in the next fiscal year and that obligated funds may be expended for two years after obligations. Directs the Secretary of Labor to assist the States in the establishment and operation of opportunities industrialization centers designed to provide comprehensive employment services and job opportunities for low-income persons who are unemployed or underemployed. Requires assurances that residents of the area to be served participate in the planning and operation of the center and that local businessmen will be consulted as to its development and operation. Gives priority to programs in the inner-city areas with high unemployment or underemployment. Authorizes the Secretary to establish criteria for the equitable distribution of money to the States. Limits Federal financial assistance to 90 percent of the program costs. Permits contributions in excess of this percentage if the Secretary determines that this is necessary in furtherance of the objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to assure that these programs are operated in a manner designed to best fulfill the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to include, in the annual Department of Labor report, information as to activities conducted under this Act.

Bill· SS. 32 (93rd)referred

National Science Policy and Priorities Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

National Science Policy and Priorities Act - States the Congressional declaration that the total Federal investment in science and technology must be raised to an expenditure level which is adequate to the human needs of the nation; and that Federal programs for civilian research and engineering must be focused in such priority problem areas as health care, poverty, public safety, pollution, unemployment, productivity, housing, education, transportation, nutrition, communications, and energy resources. Title I: Science Policy and Priorities for Civilian Research and Engineering - Science Policy Act - Requires the National Science Foundation to identify, research, and report on priority areas of civilian research and engineering likely to contribute to the resolution of such national problem areas as stated above. Authorizes appropriations totalling $50,000,000 for fiscal years 1974-1976 for such purposes. Title II: Design and Demonstration of Civil Science Systems - Civil Science Systems Act - Authorizes the Foundation to initiate and support programs which use science, technology, and advanced analytical techniques, such as systems analysis, to design civil science systems which are capable of providing improved public services in such areas as health care delivery, public safety, public sanitation, pollution control, housing, transportation, public utilities, communications, and education. Establishes within, the NSF, the Civil Science Systems Administration to administer programs carried out under this title. Establishes the Civil Science Systems Advisory Council, composed of 31 members, 18 of whom shall serve for terms of 3 years and be chosen from the following areas: business, labor, engineers, social and behavioral scientists, environmental and other community groups, and consumers. Authorizes the Director of the Administration to conduct and contract for planning studies for the design and demonstration of civil science systems capable of providing improved public services. Authorizes contracts: (1) for the conduct of applied social research into the economic, sociological, political, legal, administrative, and psychological aspects of the design, development, and implementation of such civil science systems; and (2) for research, testing, and evaluation of such civil science systems which make use of advanced science and technology. Authorizes the Director to establish a computerized Civil Science Systems Information Service, which shall collect the information pertaining to civil science systems resulting from programs under this title, and shall provide information to interested Government, educational, and private organizations. Requires the Director, in conducting programs under this title, to maintain coordination with appropriate Federal, State, regional, and local governmental agencies. Authorizes appropriations for this title of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $400,000,000 for 1975, and $600,000,000 for 1976. Title III: Transition of Technical Manpower to Civilian Programs - Technical Manpower Transition Act - Authorizes the Foundation to plan and assist in the transition of scientific and technical manpower from research and engineering programs which have been terminated or significantly reduced to other civilian-oriented research and engineering activities. Establishes an Advisory Panel on Transition of Scientific and Technical Manpower to Civilian Programs, to be composed of 31 members, 18 of whom shall serve for terms of 3 years and be chosen from the following categories: engineering and natural sciences, economics and social sciences, industry, labor, public affairs and manpower training, and unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians. Authorizes the Foundation to make grants: (1) for the conduct of research designed to study and appraise the social, economic, and managerial aspects of transition from defense research and engineering activities to civilian-oriented research and engineering activities; (2) for programs designed to facilitate the transition of scientific and technical activities to civilian programs at the State, local, or regional level; (3) for training programs for officers and employees of Federal, State, and local government who will be responsible for administering Government-assisted programs for civilian, social oriented research and engineering activities; (4) for establishing community conversion corporations which shall conduct civilian-oriented research and development activities focusing on the particular problems of the community where the corporation is located; (5) for job transition programs involving the hiring of unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians to work on civilian-oriented projects for which they are not yet fully qualified; (6) for career transition fellowships to unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians to enable them to pursue a course of study through which they can acquire specialized technical knowledge and skills in fields other than the ones in which they are already proficient; (7) for placement programs for unemployed or underemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians; and (8) for education programs which design courses and curriculums intended to prepare students for careers in civilian, socially oriented research and engineering activities, in areas such as pollution control, mass transit, solid waste disposal systems, public utilities, public safety systems, and health care technology. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this title $152,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $203,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $205,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Title IV: Protection of Pension Rights of Scientists and Engineers - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to develop recommendations for modifications of Federal procurement regulations to insure that scientists, engineers, and those employed under Federal procurement, construction, or research contracts or grants, shall be protected against forfeiture of pension or retirement benefits as a consequence of job transfers or loss of employment resulting from terminations or modifications of Federal contracts or procurement policies. Title V: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Authorizes the Director to appoint additional personnel and advisory committees, and use the services of Federal, State, and local government organizations, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Makes provisions for the payment and withholding of funds under this Act. Requires records to be kept of costs by recipients of assistance under this Act. Provides for an audit of records of recipients of assistance. Requires provisions in grants or contracts under this Act governing the disposition of inventions produced thereunder in a manner calculated to protect the public interest and the equities of the individual or organization with which the grant or contract is executed. Prohibits any Foundation employee from retaining or transferring any rights, under the patent laws or transfering any rights, under the patent laws of the United States, in any invention which he may produce in connection with performing his assigned activities and which is directly related to the subject matter thereof.

Law· SS. 37 (93rd)open

An Act to amend the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the advice and consent of the Senate for future appointments to the offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

Requires the advice and consent of the Senate for appointments to Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget under the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. (Amends 31 U.S.C. 16)

Bill· SS. 4 (93rd)passed

Retirement Income Security for Employees Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Title I: Organization - Establishes within the Department of Labor an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent. Provides that the functions, records and personnel of the Office of Labor Management Services Administration necessary for the administration of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act are transferred to the Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration. Requires that, unless exempt, the provisions of the Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Requires administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to file applications with the Secretary of Labor for registration of such plans. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - Requires that no pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan may require, as a condition of eligibility to participate in the plan, a period of service longer than one year or an age greater than 25, whichever occurs later, except that any plan which provides 100 percent immediate vesting upon entry into the plan may restrict participation to those who have attained age 30, or three years of service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes the Secretary to defer, in whole or in part, applicability of the vesting provisions for a period not to exceed five years from the effective date of such requirements where a plan makes a showing that the vesting requirements would increase the employer's costs or contributions to the plan to an extent that substantial economic injury would result to the employer and to the interests of the participants. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing funding of multi-employer plans that cover a substantial portion of the industry or employees in a specific geographic area to assure that such plans are provided with sufficient assets to cover benefits under the plan. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program known as the Voluntary Portability Program for portability of vested pension credits. Requires that, plans which are members of this program are required to pay, to a central portability fund administered by the Secretary, monies representing the value of the participant's vested rights when he is separated from the plan prior to retirement. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance Program Established - Establishes a Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program administered by the Secretary, which requires plans to insure unfunded vested liabilities incurred prior to enactment of the Act, as well as after enactment of the Act. Requires the insurance program to insure participants against loss of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the Secretary shall make arrangements with employers on equitable terms for the reimbursement of insurance paid. Title V: Disclosure and Fiduciary Standards - Requires that annual reports filed are required to be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. Restructures the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans so that it will serve as an advisory council for both the WPPDA and the Retirement Income Security for Employees Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition the Federal courts to compel a pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan to comply with the Act or effect recoveries of moneys which may be due under the Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for interference with the rights of a pensioner or his beneficiary. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for the provisions in this Act.

Bill· SS. 7 (93rd)enacted

Rehabilitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 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 establish an Office for the Handicapped 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 titles I through IV of this Act. Creates within such Administration a Division of Research,Training, and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title IV of 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 th 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 $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; and $975,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. 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 $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $75,000,000 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 1/4 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 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 unde this part. Requires the Commissioner to set aside funds in an amount between $1,000,000 and $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, and up to $5,000,000 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. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - Authorizes grants to assist the several States in developing and implementing continuing plans for meeting the current and future needs of handicapped individuals for whom a vocational goal is not possible or feasible, including the assessment of disability and rehabilitation potential, and for the training of specialized personnel needed for the provision of services to such individuals and research related thereto. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $80,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, for such purposes. Sets forth provisions for allotments to the States, with a minimum assurance of $150,000 per State. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants and contracts for the construction of rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or private nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Provides that an application for a grant under this title must conform to the general grant and contract requirements of this title. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making vocational training grants $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit private organizations and agencies to pay 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals in public and nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Requires the Commissioner to make the following determinations prior to making such grants: (1) that the purpose of the project is to prepare handicapped, especially severely handicapped, individuals for gainful and suitable employment; (2) that the individuals to receive training services under such project will include only those individuals who are determined to be suitable for and in need of such training services by the States agency or agencies of the State in which the rehabilitation facility is located; (3) that the full range of training services will be made available to such individual; and (4) that the project meets such other requirements as he may prescribe in regulations for providing such services. Authorizes the Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage which covers construction of a public or nonprofit rehabilitation facility, including equipment to be used in its operation. Sets forth conditions for the insurance of such mortgages. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used as a revolving fund to carry out this title. States that the total amount of outstanding mortgages insured shall not exceed $250,000,000. Provides that the Commissioner may make annual interest grants to State and public and nonprofit agencies to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commissioner such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purpose of making grants for special projects and demonstrations. States that such grants may pay 90 percent of the cost of the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families. Establishes the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults which shall: (1) demonstrate methods of: (a) providing the specialized intensive services, and other services, needed to rehabilitate handicapped individuals who are both deaf and blind; and (b) training the professional and allied personnel needed adequately to staff facilities specially designed to provide such services and training to such personnel who have been or will be working with deaf-blind individuals; (2) conduct research in the problems of, and ways of meeting the problems of, rehabilitating deaf-blind individuals; and (3) aid in the conduct of related activities which will expand or improve the services for or help improve public understanding of the problems of deaf-blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropraited for the purpose of establishing and operating such center $5,000,000 for construction which shall remain available until expended, and $800,000 for operations for fiscal year 1973; $1,200,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Provides for the establishment of Rehabilitation Centers for Deaf Individuals, and National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for special services for the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease and to provide rehabilitation services for older blind individuals. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of the Handicapped consisting of twenty members appointed by th Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Provides that any State which receives assistance under this Act shall establish and maintain a State Advisory Council which shall be appointed by the Governor, or in specified cases by the State board which governs vocational rehabilitation. Sets forth the functions of such council. Title IV: 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 V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving states goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the function of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 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 within the Federal Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to consider problems in the areas that impede the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals. Establishes the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Sets forth the function of such Board. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the duties and functions of such Board. Requires any contract entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provison requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Bill· SS. 48 (93rd)referred

Vietnam Disengagement Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

Vietnam Disengagement Act - Limits the use of funds appropriated under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to military actions in Indochina to the purpose of withdrawing all United States ground, naval, and air forces and protecting such forces as they are withdrawn. Requires the withdrawal of all United States forces from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to be carried out within two months after the date of enactment of this act conditioned upon the release within the two month period of all American prisoners of war held by the Government of North Vietnam and forces allied with such Government, and an accounting of all Americans missing in action who have been held by or known to such Government or such forces.

Bill· SS. 44 (93rd)referred

A bill to amend the Small Business Act to increase the availability of management counseling to small business concerns.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

States that in providing technical and managerial aids to small-business concerns through various public and non-profit private groups, under the Small Business Act, the Small Business Administration shall: (1) rent for the use of such an individual or group such office facilities, parking space, and related materials and services as would not otherwise be available for the purpose and as the Administration deems appropriate; (2) pay, as the Administration deems appropriate, the expenses of disseminating through advertising media information to small business concerns respecting the availability of such individuals or groups; (3) pay, as the Administration deems appropriate, the expense of placing in telephone directories an independent listing of the telephone numbers of such individuals or groups; and (4) reimburse any such individual for the cost incurred in making any telephone call from his home in furtherance of the purposes of such Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(B))

Bill· SS. 12 (93rd)referred

A bill to amend title VII of the Housing Act of 1961 to establish an Urban Parkland Heritage Corporation to provide funds for the acquisition and operation of open space.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

States that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) help control urban sprawl; (2) prevent the spread of urban plight and deterioration; (3) encourage more economic, environmentally sound urban development; (4) assist in preserving areas and properties of historic or architectural value; and (5) help provide necessary recreational, conservation, and scenic areas. Establishes the Urban Parkland Heritage Corporation as an independent establishment in the executive branch to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that the Corporation shall be subject to the direction and supervision of a Board of Directors. Specifies the membership of the Board. States that all grants and loans made by the Corporation shall be approved by the Board which shall meet no less than four times annually. Authorizes the Corporation to make loans and grants to States and local public bodies to help finance the acquisition and development of open-space land in urban areas. States that the amount of any such grant shall not exceed 75 percent of the eligible project cost, as approved by the Corporation. Provides that the amount of any loan granted under this Act may not exceed 50 percent of the eligible project cost. Authorizes the Corporation to make grants for the operation and maintenance of open-space or other land in urban areas for open-space uses for the first four fiscal years of the operation of such lands. Provides that the initial grant shall not exceed 75 percent of the eligible cost and shall decrease to 30 percent of such costs over the four year period. Provides that the Corporation shall consult with appropriate agencies and officers of the Federal Government to establish and operate a program to provide technical assistance, upon request, to States and local public bodies. States that no grant or loan shall be made to any State or local public body in any fiscal year unless the State or local public body makes assurances to the Corporation that the amount available for expenditure from non-Federal sources for the acquisition and development of open-space land in that fiscal year will not be less than the amount expended for such purposes from non-Federal sources during the preceding fiscal year. Authorizes the Corporation to incur obligations on behalf of the United States in amounts aggregating $5,000,000,000 to finance grants and loans under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for the liquidation of the obligations incurred under this Act not to exceed $1,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1974, not to exceed an aggregate of $2,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1975, not to exceed an aggregate of $3,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1976, not to exceed an aggregate of $4,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1977, and not to exceed an aggregate of $5,000,000,000 prior to July 1, 1978.

Bill· SS. 3 (93rd)referred

Health Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are, covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet some other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended furing the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of, methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amendable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 4 (93rd)referred

A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to issue a proclamation designating a week as "National Welcome Home our Prisoners Week" upon the release and return to the United States of American prisoners of war in Southeast Asia.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973

Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating a week as "National Welcome Home Our Prisoners Week" upon the release and return to the United States of American prisoners of war in Southeast Asia.