United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1973
Federal Elective Office Campaign Act - Provides that no person shall make any contribution to or for the benefit of any candidate except by making that contribution to a political committee authorized by that candidate to receive contributions on his behalf. States that no political committee shall receive any contribution or make any expenditure on behalf of a candidate unless it is authorized in writing by that candidate to do so. Prohibits a candidate from authorizing more than one political committee to receive contributions or make expenditures in connection with his campaign for nomination for election, or for election, to Federal office. States that no political committee shall receive a contribution, or contributions in the aggregate, from any person in excess of $10 other than in the form of a check drawn on the account of the person making the contribution and that no political committee shall make any expenditure in excess of $10 other than by check drawn on the account of that committee and signed by the treasurer of the committee. Requires reports under the Federal Election Campaign Act to be filed on the first day of January, April, July, September and October in each year, on the tenth day before the date on which any election is held and on the fifth day following that day. Requires the report to detail the identification of any individual who performs any service for the committee without compensation, together with his regular place of employment when not performing services for the committee, and a description of the services performed by him for the committee; and the identification of any individual who is employed by the committee or who, as a consultant or otherwise, performs services for the committee for compensation, together with the amount received by that individual as salary, reimbursement of expenses, or other compensation, and that individual's next previous place of employment and his regular occupation. Sets forth formulae determining the limitations on expenditures for election to Federal Office by a candidate for such office. Provides that no person shall make any charge for services or product furnished to, or for the benefit of, any candidate in connection with his campaign for nonimation for election, or election, in an amount in excess of $100 unless the candidate (or a person specifically authorized by the candidate in writing to do so) certifies in writing to the person making the charge that the payment of that charge will not exceed the expenditure limitations set forth in this Act. States that any person who knowingly or willfully violates the provision of this section shall be subject to a fine of $10,000 or to imprisonment for a period of not more than one year, or both. States that no individual shall make contributions in excess, in the aggregate, of $5,000 to any candidate or to the political committee authorized by the candidate to receive contributions for him, or otherwise for the benefit of that candidate in connection with any of his campaigns. Provides that such limitations on expenditures imposed by this Act shall apply separately to each primary, primary runoff, general, and special election campaign in which a candidate participates. Increases the tax credit for political contributions under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1973
Board for International Broadcasting Act - Establishes a Board for International Broadcasting Provides that the Board shall consist of seven members, two of whom shall be ex officio members. States that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, five voting members, one of whom he shall designate as chairman. Sets forth the terms and compensation of the Board. Authorizes the Board to perform specified functions, including: (1) to make grants to Radio Free Eupope and to Radio Liberty; (2) to review and evaluate the mission and operation of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, and to assess the quality, effectiveness and professional integrity of their broadcasting within the context of the broad foreign policy objectives of the United States; and (3) to encourage the most efficient utilization of available resources by Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and to undertake, or request that Radio Free Europe or Radio Liberty undertake, such studies as may be necessary to identify areas in which the operations of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty may be made more efficient and economical. Provides for an audit of the books, documents, papers, and records of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty by the Board and the Comptroller General. Authorizes to be appropriated, to remain available until expended, $50,300,000 for fiscal year 1974 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973
Provides for the application of the accessibility standards under "An Act to insure that certain buildings financed with Federal funds are so designed and constructed as to be accessible to the physically handicapped" to all Federal programs. Revises the requirements for waivers under this Act. Permits a handicapped person to sue in a Federal District Court to enforce the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973
Allows under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 a deduction for extraordinary transportation expenses of handicapped individuals. Requires that, in determining an individual's income under, title XVI (Grants to States for Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled) of the Social Security Act there be disregarded amounts attributable to extraordinary expenses incurred by handicapped individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973
Provides a tax credit to the employer for a portion of qualified wages paid or incurred for services of handicapped individuals. States that the credit allowable is 50 percent of qualified wages during the first 12 months of employment and 25 percent during the next 12 months. Provides that the credit is only allowed for wages paid to individuals if such proof that the individual is handicapped as may be required of the Internal Revenue Service is provided by the employer. Sets forth the limitations on the amount of the credit permitted. Defines a handicapped individual as an individual employee who is suffering from a permanent disability or illness which is a hindrance or obstacle to employment. Permits the credit, if it exceeds tax due, to be carried back to offset taxes in the previous three years and forward to offset taxes in the next seven years. States that if the employment of the handicapped individual is terminated during the first two years, the employer must add to his current tax the credits for wages paid the employee for the current year and those previously taken. Allows a credit for qualified workmen's compensation payments paid or incurred under Federal or State workmen's compensation laws, if the employee was a handicapped employee and was further disabled by injury. States that qualified workmen's compensation payments include any death benefits paid under State law, and if death did not occur, all payments after 26 weeks and all medical payments in excess of $1,000. Sets forth limitations and carry over provisions for such a credit.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1973
Motor Vehicle Fuel Economy Act - Provides that the Secretary of Transportation shall promulgate within six months after the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance with the provisions of this Act both interim and final standards of fuel economy applicable to all new models of motor vehicles sold or offered for sale in the United States. States that such standards shall set minimum levels of fuel economy for each class of motor vehicles and apply to any new motor vehicle sold in any State after September 1 of the year in which the regulations are to become effective. Directs the Secretary to promulgate within six months after the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, Standards of performance for those classes of propulsion equipment which, in the judgment of the Secretary, have potential for achieving significant improvement in the fuel economy of used motor vehicles in which such equipment may be installed. Provides that in setting standards under this Act, the Secretary shall consider all relevant factors, including but not limited to fuels, engines, emission characteristics, safety, state of the art in international automotive technology, initial and maintenance costs to consumers, the effects on fuel economy of accessory equipment such as air-conditioning and radial tires, the amount of energy required to produce each fuel, and in the case of motor vehicles powered by electricity the amount of fuel required to generate such electricity. Provides that any person who may be adversely affected by any rule issued under this Act may at any time prior to sixty days after such rule is issued file a petition with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, or any circuit wherein such person resides or has his principal place of buisness, for judicial review of such rule. Sets forth the powers of the Secretary for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act. States that the Secretary shall study and investigate the fuel economy of any motor vehicle which is subject to the standards of fuel economy issued under this Act. Provides that upon the basis of such studies and investigations, the Secretary shall, not later than June 1, 1976, and each year thereafter, prepare and publish a schedule of the fuel economy of each such motor vehicle model with and without accessories which have a significant effect on fuel economy. States that within one year after the date of enactment of this Act and from time to time thereafter, the Secretary shall issue regulations to establish test protocols for continuous testing of fuel economy in actual operation of new motor vehicles sold in the United States. States that each manufacturer and dealer shall cause to be affixed and maintained on each new motor vehicle in a prominent place and easily legible and readable form a sticker indicating the fuel economy which a prospective purchaser can expect from such vehicle and the amount of the fuel conservation fee. Provides that on each new motor vehicle which is subject to the standards of fuel economy issued under this Act, the Secretary shall impose a fuel conservation fee. Sets forth the schedule for determining the amount of such fee. Allows as a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code, automobile propulsion equipment conversion expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year, not to exceed $1,000 per vehicle, by the taxpayer to obtain for his motor vehicle new propulsion equipment manufactured in compliance with regulations issued by the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with the Director of the National Bureau of Standards and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct such research as is necessary to promote the purposes of this Act. States that it shall be unlawful and a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any person (including any partnership, corporation, or association) subject to the provisions of this Act to fail to comply with any requirement imposed on such person by or pursuant to this Act or to violate any prohibition contained in this Act. Prohibits: (1) the failure to comply with any provisions of this Act or any regulation or order issued by the Secretary pursuant to this Act; (2) the failure to provide information as required in accordance with this Act; (3) the failure to permit entry and administrative inspection pursuant to this Act; and (4) the manufacture, processing, sale distribution, or importation into the United States of any motor vehicle or propulsion equipment whenever such manufacture, assembly, sale, distribution, or importation is known to be or should have been known to be for use in violation of this Act or any regulation issued under this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act the moneys collected by the Secretary pursuant to this Act together with such sums as may be necessary, not to exceed $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and not to exceed $3,000,000 for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1975 and June 30, 1976.
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 · 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 · 16 May 1973
Requires the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, the head of the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration, Department of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1973
Declares that on Memorial Day, May 28, 1973, special remembrance be given by a grateful people to the 1,288 members of the Armed Forces of the United States currently listed as missing in action in Indochina. Declares that all American motorists are encouraged to turn on their automobile lights throughout Memorial Day, May 28, 1973, as a symbol of this remembrance. Provides that every effort be made to secure the cooperation of all parties in the Indochina conflict to insure the fullest and most expeditious resolution of the status of members of the U.S. Armed Forces missing in Indochina.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1973
Provides for grants to interstate metropolitan organizations under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Specifies purposes for which such grants may be utilized. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or private nonprofit institutions to pay the Federal share of the cost of research designed to identify the causes and to develop preventive measures to eliminate sudden infant death syndrome. Sets forth the activities for which a payment may be made under this Act. Provides that payment in any fiscal year to any single institution under this Act may not exceed $50,000. States that the Federal share of the cost of any activities for which application is made under this Act shall be 50 percent. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1973
Authorizes the Commissioner of Eduction to make grants to state education agencies to enable them to develop and carry out programs to provide, through the use of students in institutions of higher education, tutoring and instructional assistance, under the supervision of a qualified teacher, for homebound handicapped children who, though able to benefit from preschool, elementary, or secondary education, are prevented by their handicaps from attending school. Requires local educational institutions that apply for funds under this program to give special consideration to veterans qualified for vocational rehabilitation, and to students with greater financial need. Requires that the compensation for participating college students shall be between the federal minimum wage set by the Commissioner and the maximum wage set by the Commissioner. Requires that the aim of such program shall be to integrate the handicapped into society, and to avoid the development of a segregated, permanent system of education for the handicapped. Provides that the Commissioner shall make grants under this Act to state educational agencies on the merits of their proposals to him which shall be submitted on such application forms and under such guidelines as he shall prescribe. Authorizes $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and necessary funds for fiscal years 1975, and 1976, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Commissioner to allocate the first 25 percent of such funds to each state in proportion to the ratio that the number of children aged three to twenty-one in the state bears to the number of such children in all the states.
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 · 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 · 1 May 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President immediately designate an individual of the highest character and integrity from outside the Executive Branch to serve as special prosecutor for the government of the United States in any and all criminal investigations, indictments, and actions arising from any illegal activity by any persons, acting individually or in combination with others, in the Presidential election of 1972, or any campaing, canvass, or other activity related to it; (2) the President should grant such special prosceutor all authority necessary and proper to the effective performance of his duties; and (3) the President should submit the name of such designee to the Senate, requesting a resolution of approval thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Budget Control Act - Title I: Changes in Rules of House and Senate - Committee on the Budget consisting of 21 members: 7 members from the Committee on Ways and Means, and 7 members appointed by the Speaker of the House. Provides for the selection of the Chairman of the Committee and for the filling of vacancies on the Committee. Refers to the Committee matters relating to (a) the establishment of an overall limitation on budget outlays, and an overall limitation on new budget authority, (b) the determination of the overall level of Federal revenues, (c) the determination of the appropriate level of surplus or deficit in the budget in the light of economic conditions and (d) the allocation of the overall limitation on budget outlays, and the overall limitation on new budget authority. Requires the committee to report during each regular session of Congress at least two concurrent resolutions concerning matters referred to the Committee and to make continuing studies of the effect on budget outlays of existing and proposed legislation and to report the results of these studies to the House of Representatives. Establishes in the United States Senate a Committee on the Budget consisting of 15 members: 5 members from the Committee on Appropriations, 5 members from the Committee on Finance, and 5 members appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate. Grants to the Senate Committee the same matters for consideration and the same duties as the House Committee. Declares that annually, on or before May 1, Congress shall complete action on a concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1. States that the concurrent resolution shall include with respect to budget outlays and with respect to new budget authority: (1) a general contingency reserve (for allocation only by a subsequent concurrent resolution on the budget) for possible new legislation (including enlargements of existing programs and activities); and (2) an emergency reserve (in amounts which do not exceed 2 percent of the amount of budget outlays otherwise allocated to the Committees on Appropriations and 2 percent of the amount of new budget authority otherwise allocated to such committees) which shall be available only for allocation by the Committees on Appropriations to specific programs and activities (or to subcommittees) to meet emergencies and other unforeseen contingencies. Provides for other matters which may be dealt with in the concurrent resolution. Sets forth a timetable for the first concurrent resolution on the budget for the fiscal year. Requires Congress to adopt a final concurrent resolution on the budget before adjourning and provides for consideration of concurrent resolution to be expedited. Declares that a tax surcharge is required where the budget deficit will be greater, or the surplus will be smaller, than that determined to be appropriate. States the requirements for amendments to concurrent resolutions. Provides that legislation dealing with the congressional budget must be handled by budget committees and that the concurrent resolution on budget must be adopted before appropriations and changes in revenues and public debt limit are made. Sets forth the requirements for legislation and amendments providing new budget authority, and declares that budget authority legislation may be required to contain outlay limitations. Places limitations on new permanent budget authority and on new spending authority. Requires the legislative committees to authorize the enactment of new budget authority before the beginning of the fiscal year. Authorizes the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Appropriations to consider and to report legislation rescinding budget authority. Provides for technical and conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and to the Standing Rules of the United States Senate, as well as amendments to the Legislative Reorganization Acts of 1946 and 1970. Title II: Legislative Budget Director and Staff - Establishes a Joint Legislative Budget Staff, headed by a Legislative Budget Director appointed by the record vote of a majority of the members of the Committee on the Budget of each House, and provides for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Legislative Budget Director to secure directly from any executive department or instrumentality of the government, information, data, estimates, and statistics relating to the function of the Joint Legislative Budget Staff. Directs the Joint Legislative Budget Staff to develop methods of using computers and other techniques for the analysis of information to improve not only the quantitative but the qualitative evaluation of budgetary requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Home Buyer and Home Owner Protection Act - States that in any case where a mortgage covering property improved by a one- to four-family dwelling is insured under any provision of the National Housing Act and the mortgage is approved for such insurance prior to the beginning of construction, the seller or such other person as may be required by the Secretary shall deliver to the mortgagor a warranty that the dwelling is constructed in substantial conformity with the plans and specifications on which the Secretary based his valuation of the dwelling, and has no structural or other defects which could seriously affect the use and livability of the dwelling. States that the warranty required by this Act shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, all other rights and privileges which the mortgagor may have under any other law or instrument. Provides that if the owner of any property which is improved by a one- to four-family dwelling covered by a mortgage insured under any provision of this Act requests assistance from the Secretary within five years after the insurance of the mortgage, the Secretary is authorized: (1) to correct structural defects in any such property or any other defects in such property which seriously affect the use and livability of the dwelling; (2) to pay the claims of such owners arising from any such defect or from any substantial nonconformity with any plans and specifications on which the Secretary based his valuation of the dwelling; or (3) to acquire title to property in which any such defect or nonconformity exists. Permits the Secretary to require from the seller of any dwelling an agreement to reimburse him for any payments made pursuant to this subsection with respect to such dwelling. Authorizes the Secretary to provide, in connection with the operation of the Federal Housing Administration, neighborhood counseling services in areas in which he determines that there is a special interest in and need for federally assisted homeownership programs. Sets forth the provisions of such programs. Directs the Secretary by regulation to prescribe 'fair-dealing requirements' which must be observed by any person selling real property, if the property is to be occupied by the purchaser or his family as a residence, and the sale is to be financed with assistance under this Act. Sets forth the requirements of such regulations. Establishes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development an Office of Consumer Affairs which shall represent and be an advocate in behalf of the interests of housing consumers in proceedings within the Department. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to transmit to the Congress a report on the need for and the feasibility of: (1) a program to provide, by insurance or otherwise, home repair assistance for low- and moderate-income homeowners; and (2) a program whereby mortgagors under mortgages insured by the Secretary pay a monthly fee or premium into an escrow account to be utilized for repairs resulting from latent defects.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Equal Consumer Credit Act - Provides that it shall be unlawful for any creditor or card issuer to discriminate on account of sex or marital status against any individual with respect to the approval or denial of terms of credit in connection with an consumer credit sale whether or not under an open credit plan, or with respect to the issuance, renewal, denial, or terms of any credit card. Sets forth civil penalties for such an offense.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to allow participants in the plan B feed grain set-aside program to transfer into the plan A set aside program.
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 · 12 April 1973
Makes it the sense of the Senate that the Civil Aeronautics Board should authorize commercial airlines to provide free air transportation for the former Prisoners of War and their families to and from Dallas, Texas, on June 1, 2, and 3, 1973, for their participation in ceremonies honoring the veterans of the Vietnam War.
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
Provides for an extension through June 30, 1975, of authorization for special project grants under title V of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Maternal and Child Welfare).
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Establishes the National Commission on Executive Security to: (1) conduct a study of all laws, and of all rules, regulations, and orders, relating to the classification and protection of information, and the practices and procedures of Federal agencies with respect to such matters for the purpose of determining what reorganization, if any, of the executive branch needs to be made to insure full disclosure of information, consistent with the security of the United States; (2) determine which such laws, rules, regulations, orders, and procedures are necessary, appropriate, and consistent with the freedom of speech, press, and assembly guaranteed by the first amendment to the Constitution, the freedom of information, and the efficient and equitable operation of Government; (3) determine what, if any, modifications of existing laws, rules, regulations, orders, and procedures are required to insure a more efficient, equitable, and uniform system for maximum possible disclosure of information, consistent with the security of the United States; (4) make recommendations for legislation or other governmental action to preserve and protect the security of the United States in a manner consistent with the right of the people of the United States to full disclosure of information relating to their Government; and (5) determine whether an independent agency should be established to insure the maximum disclosure of information. Directs the Chairman of the Commission to hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, administer such oaths, and require by subpena or otherwise the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and documents as the Commission may deem advisable. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Requests the President to enter into negotiations with the major oil importing countries for the purposes of establishing an international organization of oil importing countries and establishing common practices and policies affecting oil pricing, importation, and consumption.
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 · 3 April 1973
Creates a temporary select committee composed of ten Members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate to conduct a thorough and complete study with respect to the operation and implementation of rules XXIV, XXV, and XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, including committee structure of the Senate, the number and optimum size of committees, their jurisdiction, the number of subcommittees, committee rules and procedures, media coverage of meetings, staffing, space, equipment, other committee facilities and appointment of Senate conferees to committees of conference. Directs the select committee to report to the Senate with respect to any matters covered by this resolution and to make a report with respect to its study and investigation by January 30, 1974. Provides that expenses of the select committee, not to exceed $1,500,000 to be available one-half to the majority and one-half to the minority, shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate on vouchers approved by the chairman of the select committee. Provides that the select committee shall cease to exist on January 2, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
National Institute of Justice Act - Establishes an agency to be known as the National Institute of Justice to 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 functions of the Institute, including: (1) undertake surveys, and collect, analyze, and disseminate information relating to the operation of the judicial system in the United States at all levels, with particular emphasis upon information with respect to improvements and innovations in the operation of that system, and (2) conduct, either directly or through contracts, grants, or other arrangements, an evaluation of the principal sources of delay in the administration of justice, criminal and civil, designed to identify existing problems and to provide a diagnosis of new anticipated problems in the timely and efficient disposition of civil and criminal cases. Sets forth the administrative functions and duties of the Director and of the Institute. Provides that no officer or employee of the Institute shall take any active part in political management or in political campaigns and no such officer or employee shall use his official position or influence for the purpose of interfering with any election or affecting the result of any election. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Congressional Free Speech Act - Provides that no court or grand jury shall inquire of a Member or an aide either directly or indirectly into the protected legislative activities of a Member in a criminal proceeding without the Member's consent. Requires the Attorney General of the United States to personally approve the issuance of any subpena to a Member who is at that time serving in Congress, and to notify in writing that Member, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in the case of a Representative, and the President pro tempore of the Senate, in the case of a Senator, not less than forty-eight hours in advance of the issuance of the subpena. Provides that when an aide is served with a subpena which he has reason to believe may require his testimony on the protected legislative activity of a Member, the aide shall immediately inform that Member. Permits any Member to move in United States district court to quash any subpena issued by a court or grand jury in a criminal proceeding requiring him or an aide to appear to give testimony where the Member believes that the subpena seeks testimony about protected legislative activity. Sets forth the procedure for such a motion.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Allows any Senator, or former Senator, to refuse to testify before any court or grant jury in a criminal proceeding concerning his legislative activity while a Member of the Senate. Prohibits an aide or former aide to a Senator or to a former Senator from testifying before a court or grand jury in a criminal prosecution in the performance of legislative activity by that Senator while he was a member of the Senate, unless otherwise instructed by that Senator. Provides that no memorial or other paper presented to the Senate, except original treaties, finally acted upon, shall be withdrawn from its files except by order of the Senate, except that when an act may pass for the settlement of any private claim, the Secretary is authorized to transmit to the officer charged with the settlement the papers on file relating to the claim, (contained in House Rule XXX). Provides that no memorial or other paper upon which an adverse report has been made shall be withdrawn from the files of the Senate unless copies thereof shall be left in the Office of the Secretary (presently contained in House Rule XXX). Requires a Senator to immediately notify the President Pro Tempore of any demands for testimony or documents made upon him or an aide which might fall within the provisions of this rule.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Grand Canyon National Park Enlargement Act - Provides for the recognition of the entire Grand Canyon as a natural feature of national and international significance. Prohibits the transfer of any lands held in trust for any Indian Tribe. Establishes the Grand Canyon Zone of Influence which gives the Secretary of the Interior the authority to coordinate a protective management program for those lands adjacent to the Grand Canyon or affecting the environment of the Grand Canyon. Institutes programs for the recreational, historical and cultural development of the area, and authorizes cooperative agreements between the States, Indian Tribes, and the Federal Government for the regulation of the area. Provides for the Administration of wilderness land under the Wilderness Act. Authorizes those sums as are necessary for the carrying out of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake emergency erosion control projects. Authorizes an appropriation of $35,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. (Amends 33 U.S.C. 426)
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Makes the fact findings that there is a need for further research and study in determining the causes and means of preventing shore line erosion. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to secure the assistances of the States in entering into research studies on shore line erosion. Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Extends until 1975 the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank to regulate the interest rates on deposits and share accounts in financial institutions. (Amends 12 U.S.C. 461 nt) Prohibits depository institutions from permitting negotiable orders of withdrawal to be made with respect to any deposit or account on which interest or dividends are paid. Extends the authority of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to include interest and dividends paid on deposits by noninsured banks. (Amends 12 U.S.C. 1828(g))
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
Limits the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to impose, by regulations, restrictions upon the availability and use of Federal funds authorized for social services under the public assistance programs established by the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Child Abuse Prevention Act - Establishes a National Center of Child Abuse and Neglect to monitor research, maintain a clearinghouse on child abuse programs, and compile and publish training materials for persons working in the field. Establishes a program of demonstration grants to be used in training personnel in the fields of medicine, law and social work and to support innovative projects aimed at preventing or treating child abuse or neglect. Creates a National Commission on Child Abuse and Neglect to examine some of the issues relating to child abuse including the effectiveness of existing laws and the proper role of the Federal Government in the area of child abuse. Modifies existing legislation authorizing child welfare programs to require a State plan outlining the system used to deal with child abuse. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Federal Amateur Sports Act - Creates the Federal Amateur Sports Commission within the Department of Commerce consisting of three Commissioners who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the terms of office of the members of the Commission and provides that not more than two of the Commissioners shall be appointed from the same political party. Provides that the Commission shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress on or before October 1 of each year a comprehensive report on the administration of this Act for the preceding fiscal year. Sets forth provisions which such report shall include. Provides that the Commission shall establish a Sports Advisory Council which it may consult before prescribing a sports rule or regulation. States that the Council shall be composed of eight members, each of whom shall be qualified by training and experience in one or more of the fields within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Provides that all proceedings of the Council shall be public and a record of each proceeding shall be available for public inspection. Authorizes the Commission to establish within its organization a Division of Athletic Facilities and a Division of Safety and Health. Outlines the functions of each of these divisions and grants additional powers to be given to the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $5,000,000 for fiscal years 1976-1977 to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Rolling Stock Utilization and Financing Act - Title I: National Rolling Stock Information Service and Federal Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund - States that the purposes of this Act is: (1) to improve the utilization and distribution of rolling stock to meet the needs of commerce, users, shippers, the national defense, and the consuming public; (2) to assist railroads in acquiring additional rolling stock to provide fast and expeditious service to meet the increasing demands of the Nation's economy; and (3) to assist in achieving full employment by insuring adequate equipment necessary to transport the products of American industry. Defines the terms used in this Act. Creates a Federal Railroad Equipment Obligation Insurance Fund to be used to insure the interest on, and the unpaid principal balance of, any equipment obligation determined eligible for insurance. Establishes a Board to administer this Fund. Requires the Board before insuring any equipment obligation to determine in writing that specified limitations and conditions are met, including: (1) that the equipment obligation is secured by rolling stock to be financed or refinanced thereby; (2) that the terms of the equipment obligation require full payment within fifteen years from the date thereof; and (3) that the financing or refinancing of the rolling stock is justified by the present and future demand for transportation services to be rendered by the railroad or car-pooling company for which the rolling stock is procured. Authorizes the Board to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if at any time the moneys in the fund are not sufficient to pay any amount under an agreement entered into under this section. Allows the Board to consent to the modification of the provisions of an equipment obligation as to rate of interest, time of payment of interest or principal, security, or the terms and conditions or any contract of insurance entered into pursuant to this Act. Requires the transactions of the Board to be audited by the Comptroller General in accordance with such rules and regulations as he may prescribe and requires a report to be made to the Congress. Title II: To Improve Utilization - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to design and assist railroads in establishing a national rolling stock information system. Provides that such system shall facilitate equitable distribution and economic utilization of rolling stock by furnishing information to railroads, shippers, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the public about rolling stock with respect to physical characteristics, origin, destination, location, availability for future loadings, and such other information as determined useful. Requires a semiannual report to Congress on progress under this title. Relieves persons contracting for the design of a national information system or the use of such information from the antitrust laws with respect to such contract. Authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for purposes of this provision. Requires the Secretary to develop an index measuring the degree of utilization of freight cars, and to publish such index at least quarterly together with a report setting forth the changes in such utilization and the causes thereof. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission to publish a report on utilization of freight cars thirty days after each report by the Secretary. Provides for a study by the Secretary, with legislative recommendations, on the utilization of freight cars and means to improve such utilization. Provides for a study on the use of abandoned railroad trackage and rights-of-way as recreational trails and camp sites. Title III: Rolling Stock Authority - Authorizes the establishment of a corporation known as the Rolling Stock Authority if substantial progress in freight car supply and utilization has not been made within three and one-half years of enactment of this Act. States that the purposes of the Authority shall be to acquire, maintain, and provide rolling stock, to manage a pool of such rolling stock, and to employ innovative concepts for equitable distribution and efficient use of such rolling stock to meet the needs of the national economy. Provides that the Authority shall have a Board of eleven Directors, consisting of the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of the Treasury, and nine members, to be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of specified railroad, labor, shipping, and consumer organizations. Empowers the Authority to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business; sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of its property and assets; build, own, and maintain rolling stock to be operated for the purpose of providing modern, efficient freight transportation of goods; and conduct research and development related to the purposes of this Act. Provides that every railroad shall pay to the Authority a per diem surcharge of fifty cents per car day on each general service freight car for each day that such a railroad incurs a car-hire charge for the use of such car. States that the levy shall continue until the Board of Directors determines that such sum as may be necessary for this Act but not less than $10,000,000 nor more than $30,000,000 will be due or will have been paid as of a certain date, whereupon the levy will cease. Requires the Authority to issue a negotiable interest-bearing debenture to each railroad in the amount of the per diem surcharge paid by such railroad. Empowers the Authority to incur debts for capital purposes. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase the obligations of the Authority guaranteed by the United States in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 to acquire capital stock of the Authority; and such sums as may be necessary for the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the principal and interest on notes or obligations issued as guarantees under this section. Provides for the audit of expenditures under the Government Corporation Control Act. Requires a plan for the public sale of stock in the Authority, including a program to require refinancing, and to assure that the sale of the stock will result in a wide dispersion in the ownership of the stock. Requires the Authority to establish a national rolling stock information system within one year of enactment if such system is not in operation at the date of incorporation. Provides that the Authority shall establish charges for the use of rolling stock supplied by it, and shall establish terms and conditions governing the use of its equipment. States that the Authority shall be subject to the car service provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act, and the orders of the Commission thereunder to the extent applicable. Provides that the Authority may enforce compliance with any obligation owing to it under this Act by an appropriate civil action. Prohibits a railroad from refusing to transport general service freight cars owned by the Authority. Requires an annual report to the President and the Congress by the Authority on its activities under this Act. Title IV: General Provisions - Requires the Authority, in contracts under this Act: (1) to include equitable arrangements to protect the interests of individual employees affected in their employment by any such contract; (2) to conform to prevailing practices of the railroads and nonrailroads with rolling stock building and rebuilding facilities; and (3) to insure provailing wages for construction work.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Provides, under the Freedom of Information Act, that each Federal agency, upon a request under the Act that records be made available to the public, shall: (1) determine within ten days after the receipt of any such request whether to comply with such request and immediately notify the person making such request that such person has a period of twenty days within which to appeal such determination to such agency; and (3) make a determination with respect to such appeal within twenty days after the receipt of such appeal. Provides that in the case of an action in the United States district courts to enjoin an agency from withholding agency records and to order the production of any agency records improperly withheld the United States or an officer or agency thereof shall serve an answer to any complaint made in such action within twenty days after the service upon the United States attorney of the pleading in which such complaint is made. Provides that the court may assess against the United States reasonble attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in such action in which the United States or an officer or agency thereof has not prevailed. Provides that such disclosures under the Act may be obtained in the case of investigatory records for law enforcement purposes to the extent that such records are scientific tests, reports, or data, inspection reports of any agency which relates to health or safety, or records which serve as a basis for any public policy statement made by any agency or officer or employee of the United States or which serves as a bisis for rulemaking by any agency. Provides that each agency shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Government Operations of the Senate which shall include statistics on the request and appeal procedures of the Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552)
![Official portrait of Sen. Percy, Charles H. [R-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000222_200.jpg)