United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Trade Adjustment Assistance Act - Revises the procedure for the determination of trade adjustment assistance under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Provides that applications for such assistance shall be filed with the President. Authorizes community representatives to make such applications. Removes the requirement that an alleged injury forming the basis of eligibility for such assistance be a result in major part of concessions granted under trade agreements. Provides that the Commissioners of the Tariff Commission voting for an affirmative injury determination shall also determine the amount of the increase in, or imposition of, any duty or other import restriction on an article which is necessary to prevent or remedy such injury. Authorizes the Commission to investigate any factors which in its judgment may be contributing to increased imports of the article under investigation. Provides that in the process of determining such adjustment assistance the Commission shall afford interested parties the opportunity to be present, to present evidence, and to be heard at such hearings. Provides that the Commission shall report to the President the determinations and other results of each investigation under such adjustment assistance proceeding. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1901) Provides that the Secretary of Commerce may fail to certify a firm in an industry for such assistance, after receiving an affirmative finding of injury by the Commission, when he determines that the increased quantities of imports have not been a substantial cause or threat of serious injury to such firm. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make a similar determination in the case of workers in an industry applying for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make a similar determination in the case of an affected community applying for such assistance. Authorizes the President to exercise any of his functions with respect to determinations and certifications of eligibility of firms, workers, or communities to apply for adjustment assistance through such agency or other instrumentality of the United States as he may direct. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1902) Removes the minimum period of employment required for assistance to workers. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1941) Increases the trade readjustment allowance payable to an adversely affected worker to 80 percent of his average weekly wage. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1942) Provides that payment of trade readjustment allowances shall be made to an adversely affected worker for the entire period of his retraining, instead of for only 52 weeks as provided under present law. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1943) Provides that in receiving training assistance qualified workers should be provided the opportunity to pursue further training in technical, professional, and academic areas, as well as in vocational areas. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1951) Provides that the term "week of unemployment" shall mean any week for which an individual's remuneration for services performed during such week is less than 100 percent of his average weekly wage, instead of 75 percent under present law. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1978) Provides for an additional program of adjustment assistance, consisting of technical and financial assistance, to communities certified as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce such sums as may be necessary from time to time to carry out his functions in connection with furnishing such adjustment assistance to communities. Provides that the Secretary may provide to a community such technical assistance as in his judgment will materially contribute to the economic adjustment of the community. Provides that the Secretary may provide to a community such financial assistance in the forms of guarantees of loans, agreements for deferred participations in loans, or loans, as in his judgment will materially contribute to the economic adjustment of the community. Sets forth the conditions for such financial assistance. Provides that whoever makes a false statement of a material fact knowing it to be false, or knowingly fails to disclose a material fact, or whoever willfully overvalues any security, for the purpose of influencing in any way the action of the Secretary of Commerce under this part, or for the purpose of obtaining money, property, or anything of value under this part, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both. Provides that in considering whether to increase a tariff rate because of economic injury to a domestic industry the President shall take into account the probable effect of such increase upon consumers. Provides that the Tariff Commission may recommend to the President a reduction or removal of such increase when, in the Commission's judgment, the effect of such increase or imposition is substantially adverse to the interests of consumers, or that the impact on United States exports and exporters is materially adverse. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 351) Authorizes the Commission to make such a recommendation to the President in the case of international trade agreements entered into by the President. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1982) Provides that the President shall take all appropriate steps to insure that the availability of such adjustment assistance is made known in a prompt and effective manner throughout the United States to persons who might need such assistance, including persons in areas of substantial unemployment as determined by the Department of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Provides that any request made by a Federal agency to collect information which has been submitted to the Director of the Bureau of the Budget pursuant to the Federal Reports Act must be acted upon within 60 days or be deemed granted and be accompanied by a full written statement (amends 44 U.S.C. 3509)
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Provides income tax incentives by permitting expenditures for the modification of specified buildings which remove architectural and transportational barriers to the handicapped and elderly to be considered expenses under the Internal Revenue Code. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1973
Establishes grounds for judicial disqualification and allows the acceptance of waiver of such disqualification in any case where a justice or judge of the United States has an interest, to include: specific stockholdings; any case where he has rendered legal service to a party with respect to any matter in controversy; any case in which he is or has been a material witness; any case in which he is connected with a party or attorney so as to create a conflict of interest; any case in which his participation will create an appearance of impropriety; and any other case in which, in his opinion, it would be improper for him to sit. Defines those terms applicable to the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1973
Kidney Transplant Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to make grants to the States, and with the approval of the State health authority, to political subdivisions or instrumentalities of the States for the purpose of assisting in the care and treatment of persons suffering from chronic renal disease. Provides that any State which applies for a grant under this Act shall submit a plan for the approval of the Secretary which shall, in addition to other provisions, provide for the payment of 100 percent of the costs of transportion, hemodialysis or other techniques and related services for the care of the chronically ill renal patient. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or private nonprofit entities: (1) for the establishment, construction, and operation of renal failure centers; (2) for the construction or improvement of transplantation facilities; and (3) for training in the cure and treatment of chronic renal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1973
Permits the sale of competitive food in food service facilities under the National School Lunch Act if the proceeds will inure to the benefit of the school or a student organization. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to State education departments for programs to increase children's knowledge of the nutritional value of foods and the relationship of nutrition to human health. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as Congress deems necessary, and specifies procedures for the apportionment of funds between States. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 1779, Adds 42 U.S.C. 1787)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Barbiturate Control Act - Moves the following substances from schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act to schedule II: (1) amobarbital; (2) pentobarbital; (3) secobarbital; and (4) butabarbital.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Program Information Act - Directs the President to transmit to Congress no later than May 1 of each regular session a catalog of Federal domestic assistance programs. Requires the catalog to be designed to assist the potential beneficiary to identify all existing Federal domestic assistance programs and to supply information for each program so that the potential beneficiary can determine whether particular assistance on benefits might be available to him for the purpose he wishes. Requires the catalog to contain a detailed index designed to assist the beneficiary to identify all Federal domestic assistance programs related to a particular need. Requires such catalog to be revised on quarterly intervals. Provides that the catalog be made available to the public at prices approximately equal to the cost in quantities adequate to meet the public demand. Provides that limited numbers be distributed to Congress and Federal agencies without cost.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1973
Permits the donation of surplus supplies and equipment to State and local recreation agencies by authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Gifted and Talented Children's Educational Assistance Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to assist State and local educational agencies to develop special educational programs for gifted and talented children and youth. Provides that the Commissioner of Education shall designate an administrative unit within the Office of Education to administer the programs and projects authorized by this Act and to coordinate all Federal programs for gifted and talented children and youth. Authorizes the Commissioner to establish independently or locate in an existing clearinghouse the National Clearinghouse on Gifted and Talented Children and Youth. States that the clearinghouse shall obtain and disseminate to the public information pertaining to the education of such youth. Authorizes to be appropriated for the establishment and operation of the clearinghouse $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $1,000,000 for each of the two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to assist the States in the initiation, expansion, and improvement of programs and projects for the education of such youth at the preschool, elementary and secondary school levels. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making such grants $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for the succeeding fiscal year. Provides that 3 percent of the amounts appropriated for such grants shall be allotted among Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific according to their respective needs. States that 85 percent of the amounts appropriated shall be allocated to the States according to a formula set forth in this Act, except that no State shall be allotted less than $50,000. Provides that 15 percent of such funds shall be used for special project grants. Provides that any State which desires to receive such grants shall submit a State plan through its State educational agency to the Commissioner. Sets forth requirements that each such plan shall contain. Provides for judicial review of the Commissioner's final action with respect to the approval of State plans under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State educational agencies to assist them in establishing or maintaining a program for training personnel engaged in or preparing to engage in educating gifted and talented children and youth. Authorizes to be appropriated $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $20.000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that at least 50 percent of such funds but not more than 75 percent shall be expended for the training of leadership personnel. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct or make grants to or enter into contracts with States or other organizations set forth in this Act for research and related purposes, relating to the education of gifted and talented youth. Authorizes to be appropriated $14,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $16,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $18,000,000 for fiscal year 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by any federally insured bank, savings and loan association, or credit union against any individual on the basis of sex or marital status in credit transactions and in connection with application for credit. Provides civil penalties for persons violating this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Establishes a Joint Congressional Committee on the Budget. Provides that the Committee shall report annually by March 30 to each House recommendations for the maximum amount for total outlays and budget authority in such fiscal year, an estimate of receipts, and a recommendation for any necessary increase in the national debt or in taxes. Provides that a joint resolution shall fix the total amount for outlays and budget authority in such year and the allocations for each subcommittee of the House committee on Appropriations, and shall accompany the report. Provides that no committee shall report a bill authorizing budget outlays in amounts which exceed its allocation as provided in the joint resolution. Provides for a method of revising the ceilings once established, Details the duties and functions of the Joint Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Provides that the Secretary of Transportation, under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, shall establish appropriate Federal motor vehicle safety standards for schoolbuses and schoolbus equipment. Provides that the Secretary shall procure experimental, prototype, and other schoolbuses for research and testing of safety standards. Requires the manufacturers or distributors of schoolbuses to certify that each such schoolbus was individually inspected and test driven for the purpose of determining its conformity to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Provides that the National Transportation Safety Board shall make rules and regulations governing notification, reporting and investigating of each accident involving a schoolbus which results in death to any person.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Provides for the expansion of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Increases the membership ofu the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Community Supervision and Services Act - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Provides that the administrative head of a program of community supervision and services, established under this Act, shall, to the extent possible, interview each person charged with a criminal offense against the United States whom he believes may be eligible for release in accordance with this Act and assist such person in preparing a preliminary plan for his release to a program of community supervision and services. States that any appropriate committing officer may, in his discretion, release any eligible individual charged with a criminal offense to a program of community supervision and services at the time for the setting of bail. Provides that if such person is released to a program of community supervision the administrative head shall report on the progress of such individual at ninety-day intervals following the date of such individual's release. Provides that the criminal charge against the released individual shall be continued for ninety days following such individual's release and authorizes the committing officer to dismiss the charge against him if at the end of such period the administrative head certifies that the individual has successfully completed his plan. States that the chief judge of any district may appoint an advisory committee for a program of community supervision and services, to be composed of the chief judge, who shall serve as chairman, the attorney for the United States, and any other judges of the district or persons residing in the district so designated. Provides that the committee shall plan for the implementation of any such program and shall regularly review the administration and progress of any such program. Sets forth the administrative powers delegated to the Attorney General under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1973 and for each fiscal year thereafter the sum of $2,500,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Makes it unlawful, under the Clayton Act, for any person engaged in commerce to sell, offer to sell, or contract to sell goods below cost for the purpose of destroying competition or eliminating a competion.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Speedy Trial Act - Title I: Speedy Trials - Provides in any case involving a criminal defendant for the commencement of trial within 60 days from the date the defendant is arrested, served charged with an offense the appropriate judicial officer shall set a day certain for trial. with a summons, indicted or has an information filed against him. States that for the first 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act the time limit shall be 180 days and for the next 12 months such time limit shall be 120 days. Provides that certain pretrial motions, hearings or interlocutory appeals shall not be included in the 60 day computation. Permits the exclusion of periods of delay resulting from the defendant's absence, incompetence or an agreement with the prosecution. Provides that if a defendant is not brought to trial within the 60 day period, the information or indictment shall be dismissed on defendant's motion. Provides sanctions on either the counsel for the defendant or the government if they knowingly engage in dilatory practices. Provides that the Act is to become effective one year after its enactment. Directs in the interim that every judicial district adopt a plan to insure a speedy trial. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Pretrial Services Agencies - Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to establish in the 10 judicial districts a pretrial services agency authorized to maintain effective supervision and control over, and to provide supportive services to, defendants released under 18 U.S.C. chapter 207. Vests the powers of each pretrial services agency in a Board of Trustees appointed by the chief judge of that judicial district. Specifies the functions and powers of such pretrial services agencies and provides that the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall annually report to Congress on the accomplishments of the pretrial services agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Regulatory Agencies Independence Act - Authorizes each of the following agencies to transmit its estimates and requests for regular, supplemental, and deficiency appropriations directly to the Senate and House of Representatives: the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Provides that any communication to Congress respecting legislation, made by any of these regulatory agencies, shall not be submitted to, or subject to change by, the Office of Management and Budget or any other authority. States that such regulatory agencies shall not require clearance or approval by the Office of Management and Budget to collect information. Authorizes each regulatory agency, in any civil action, to act in its own name and through its own attorneys, who shall have the power to supervise or conduct litigation in which the agency is a party. Requires Senate confirmation of Presidential appointments of agency chairmen and vice chairmen. Gives the officer having administrative control over an independent regulatory agency's appropriations the power to apportion such funds. Directs the Comptroller General to review from time to time actions taken by each independent regulatory agency related to appropriations, and to recommend such measures as appropriate to bring about compliance with provisions of law affecting appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Consumer Protection Organization Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services, which are made available to them through commerce or which affect commerce, by establishing a Council of Consumer Advisers, an independent Consumer Protection Agency, and a program of grants to States, local and private nonprofit consumer protection agencies and organizations. Title I: Council of Consumer Advisers - Requires the President to transmit to the Congress not later than February 1 of each year a Consumer Report of the President which shall include an analysis, evaluation, and review of: (1) the overall impact of Federal programs and activities upon consumers; (2) the effectiveness of Federal consumer protection programs and activities: (3) the degree of cooperation and coordination among Federal agencies in carrying out consumer protection programs and activities.; (4) a program for remedying any deficiencies or weaknesses in Federal consumer protection programs and activities; and (5) national policies and resources for achieving the purposes of this Act together with recommendations for new legislation. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Council of Consumer Advisors which shall be composed of three members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the functions of the Council. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,500,000 annually for fiscal year 1974 - 1975 to carry the provisions of this title. Title II: Consumer Protection Agency - Establishes the Consumer Protection Agency as an independent nonregulatory agency in the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Agency shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of four years coterminous with the term of the President. Sets forth the functions of the Administrator, including: (1) to represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and Federal courts in accordance with this title; (2) to make grants to States and localities to encourage and assist consumer protection programs; (3) to receive and transmit complaints from consumers; (4) to disseminate to the public information of importance to consumers; and (5) to encourage private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers. Grants the Administrator authority to intervene and participate in the proceedings of Federal agencies if he determines that such proceedings may substantially affect an important interest of consumers. Provides that such proceedings must be subject to specified provisions of the Administrative procedure Act. Grants the Administrator the right to participate in Federal agency activity which is not covered by the specified provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that whenever the Administrator determines that it would be in the interest of consumers to do so, he may request or petition a Federal agency to initiate a proceeding or activity or to take such other action as may be within the authority of such agency. Allows the Administrator to use an agency's discovery process where he is intervening or participating in an agency proceeding or activity. Authorizes the Administrator to intervene as a party or to participate in any State or local agency or court proceeding, except a criminal proceeding, where the Administrator determines that the result of such proceeding may substantially affect an important interest of consumers and when such participation has been requested in writing by an appropriate State official or agency or by the Governor of the State. Authorizes the Administrator to secure judicial review of any Federal agency action reviewable under law. Provides that each Federal agency considering any action which may substantially affect an important interest of consumers shall, upon request by the Administrator, notify him of any such proceeding or activity at such time as public notice is given. States that the Administrator shall conduct, support, and assist research, studies, investigations, conferences, and surveys concerning the interests of consumers. Authorizes the Administrator, subject to the provisions of this title, to disclose to the public information he determines appropriate in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this title $l5,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Title III: Consumer Protection Grants - Authorizes to be appropriated $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title. Provides that the Administrator shall make planning and program grants to States and local public agencies to assist in the preparation and operation of consumer protection programs. States that the Federal share of any such program shall not exceed 75 percent of the costs of such program. Provides that no State shall receive more than 15 percent of such funds. Provides that no grants shall be made under this title unless an application therefor has been submitted to, and approved by, the Administrator, meeting specified criteria. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Provides for public participation in agency activity. Exempts the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, the national security or intelligence functions of the Department of Defense including the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and the Office of Emergency Preparedness from the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Runaway Youth Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to establish local institutions to deal primarily with youth runaways outside the traditional law enforcement, juvenile justice system. Requires that grants be made on the basis of the number of runaways in the community and the present availability of services for runaways. States that priority be given to private organizations who have had experience dealing with runaways. Establishes the requirements which runaways houses must meet to be eligible to receive grants including: (1) location in an area frequented or reachable by runaways; (2) a maximum capacity of not more than 20; and (3) the development of adequate plans to insure proper contact with the child's parents and with the police, safe return of the runaway, and adequate after-care counseling. Provides that each proposed grantee must keep statistical surveys of their clients and report them annually to the Secretary. Requires that a plan meet the above requirements before it may be approved by the Secretary. Provides that nothing in this Act shall give the Federal Government and its agencies control over the staffing and personnel decisions of facilities receiving Federal funds, except that the staffs of such facilities must meet the standards under this Act. Includes Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands in the term "State". Authorizes $10,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976 to carry out the provisions of this title. Requires that the Federal share of the cost of constructing such houses be not more than fifty percent. Establishes the Federal share of the cost of renovating existing structures, providing counseling services and staff training, and general operating expenses at ninety percent. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct research on all aspects of the runaway problems. Authorizes $500,000 to be spent for this purpose and requires the Secretary to report to Congress not later than June 30, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Provides that the Postal Service shall be obligated to provide postal services at rates which will encourage and support the widest possible dissemination of news, opinion, scientific, cultural, and educational matter. States that postal rates shall be established to apportion the costs of all postal operations to all users of mail on a fair and equitable basis that takes into consideration all aspects of postal policy. Provides that the rates of postage established for matter mailed at reduced rates may not include a per piece charge that is added to the basic rate of postage established for such mail matter. Provides that each rate of reduced postage for specified types of matter shall be at the rates that existed for such matter on June 1, 1972, for the first 250,000 copies of each issue mailed.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Extends the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs through February 28, 1974. Authorizes the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs from March 1, 1973, through February 28, 1974, in studying matters pertaining to the lack of food, medical assistance, and other related necessities of life and health: (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to employ personnel, (3) to subpena witnesses and documents, (4) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, to use on a reimbursable basis the services of personnel, information, and facilities of any such department or agency, (5) to procure the temporary services (not in excess of one year) or intermittent services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof, (6) to interview employees of the Federal, State and local governments and other individuals and (7) to take depositions and other testimony. Provides that the minority shall receive fair consideration in the appointment of staff personnel pursuant to this resolution. Limits the expenses of the committee under this resolution to not exceed $291,000.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to private nonprofit organizations and any public agency of a unit of local government in any State to develop programs to detect and treat incidents of lead-based paint poisoning under the Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act. Increases from seventy-five percent to ninety percent the limit on the Federal share of the cost of developing such programs. Stipulates that any organizations receiving funds under this Act shall make available to the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States any books and records necessary to assist them in auditing funds received under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct appropriate research on multiple layers of dried paint film, containing the various lead compounds commonly used, in order to ascertain the safe level of lead in residential paint products. States that, within eight months after the day of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a full report of his findings and recommendations as developed pursuant to such programs. Directs the Secretary to take such steps as are necessary to prohibit the application of lead-based paint to any toy, furniture, cooking utensil, drinking utensil, or eating utensil manufactured and distributed after the date of enactment of this Act. Lowers, over a two-year period, the percentage of lead contained in a paint for such paint to qualify as a lead-based paint for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $45,000,000 yearly for grants used for the detection and treatment of lead-based paint poisoning, $50,000,000 yearly for grants used for the elimination of lead-based paint poisoning, and $5,000,000 yearly for Federal demonstration and research programs on the elimination of lead-based paint poisoning. Establishes a National Childhood Lead Based Paint Poisoning Advisory Board to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on policy relating to the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish procedures to minimize the hazards of lead-based paint poisoning with respect to any existing housing which is covered by an application for mortgage insurance or assistance under a program administered by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Requires that future appointments of the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council, the Executive Secretary of the Domestic Council, and the Executive Director of the Council on International Economic Policy be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Removes specified limitations imposed by Public Law 92-512 upon grants to states for social services and old-age assistance and medical assistance for the aged.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1973
Establishes an Institute for Continuing Studies of Juvenile Justice to serve as a coordinating center for the collection and dissemination of information in the field of juvenile delinquency and control, including comparisons and analysis of State and Federal laws and model laws and recommendations designed to promote effective and efficient systems of juvenile justice; and as a training center for representatives of all levels of government who are connected with the treatment and control of juvenile offenders. Provides that the Institute shall be under the supervision of a Director, appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who will supervise the staff, faculty, and administrative personnel necessary to the Institute's functioning. Gives the Institute powers to carry out the objectives of this Act. Creates an advisory Commission to design a curriculum for the Institutes enrollees and to supervise the overall policy and operations of the Institute. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 5041-5048)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data. Extends coverage to all Federal and federally assisted or licensed programs which alter the terrain and potentially cause loss of scientific, prehistorical, historical or archeological data. Directs Federal agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior if in their operations archeological or other scientific data are revealed or threatened. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior, upon notification by any responsible authority that a Federal program is threatening, damaging, or destroying such data, may evaluate (after reasonable notice to the responsible agency) the situation and cause a survey or other investigation to be made to the extent necessary to protect the public interest. Directs Federal agencies whose programs are causing damage or destruction of scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior a small portion of the program funds to protect or recover such data prior to its loss. Provides additional Federal funding activities to recover data on archeological programs affected by any Federal activity. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides that appointments to the offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Comprehensive Child Nutrition Act - Declares it to be the policy of Congress that every child in the United States be provided an adequate nutritional diet throughout the entire year, that such diet be provided under comprehensive child nutrition programs carried out by the Nation's schools, child development institutions, and other agencies and organizations concerned with the development of children, and that special emphasis under such programs be given to economically disadvantaged children. Provides that funds appropriate under this Act may be used for planning and developing, and surveying child nutrition programs. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, for each fiscal year, to be disbursed to each State, and amount equal to a sum determined by: (1) multiplying 10 cents by the number of children residing in each State, and multiplying the product thereof by 160; and (2) multiplying 50 cents by the number of children residing in each State who are members of households whose annual incomes are not above the applicable family size income level set forth in the income eligibility guidelines, and multiplying the product thereof by 160. Authorizes the Secretary to disburse such funds directly to nonprofit private schools when such disbursements are prohibited by State law. Provides that meals, snacks, and milk provided in child nutrition programs under this Act shall be served without cost to any child who is a member of a household which has an annual income not above the applicable household size income level set forth in the income eligibility guidelines established by the Secretary. Provides that each child nutrition program shall utilize commodities designated from time to time by the Secretary as being in abundance nationally or in the program area. Provides that each State educational agency shall, not later than April 1 of each fiscal year, submit to the Secretary, for approval by him as a prerequisite to receipt of Federal funds for the next fiscal year, a State plan of child nutrition operations for such next fiscal year. Provides that each child development institution or public or private nonprofit agency or organization operating a child nutrition program through funds from a State under this Act shall file an annual report with the Secretary giving a description of the manner in which it used funds provided under this Act to meet the requirements of this Act. Provides that each school food authority participating in a child nutrition program shall report to its State educational agency within ten days after the close of each school month the average daily number of children who received free and nonfree meals, snacks, and milk during the immediately preceding month, together with a detailed accounting of program disbursements, and such data shall be reported to the Secretary by each State. Provides that the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act are repealed effective one year after the date of enactment 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 · 23 January 1973
Food Distribution Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to expand and improve the food distribution program so that it meets the criteria sets forth in this Act and, in combination with the food stamp program, helps eliminate hunger and malnutrition for every low-income household in the United States. Provides that in the administration of the food distribution program the Secretary of Agriculture shall provide that any household shall be eligible to participate in such program of its income and other financial resources are within the criteria established by the Secretary under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, as amended. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency standards of eligibility for households which are victims of any disaster which has disrupted commercial channels of food distribution when he determines that such households are in need of temporary food assistance. Provides that food distributed pursuant to the food distribution program shall not be restricted to surplus commodities, but shall include commodities that (1) are suited to the particular ethnic, religous, or other taste preferences of the recipient households, and (2) are appropriately fortified with vitamins and minerals to overcome proven nutritional deficiencies. Sets forth packaging and labeling standards for food distributed under this Act. Provides that the distributing agency for any State or any subdivision of a State shall assume responsibility for the certification of applicant households and for the distribution of food allotments pursuant to the requirements of this Act. States that the Secretary shall pay each distributing agency an amount equal to all of the operating expenses incurred by the agency in administering the food distribution program. Authorizes to be appropriated $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 and for each fiscal year thereafter the sum of $100,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Allows an income tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for the costs of maintaining the exterior appearance and structural soundness of historic buildings and structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Open Government Act - Directs each legislative agent, within five days after making his final initial influence legislation, to file a notice of representation with the Comptroller General. Provides that such notice of representation shall be in such form and detail as the Comptroller General shall prescribe and shall include, but not be limited to, the following information: (1) an identification of the legislative agent filing such notice; (2) an identification of each person by whom such legislative agent is retained as a legislative agent; (3) an identification of each person on whose behalf such legislative agent is to perform services as a legislative agent; (4) the financial terms and conditions on which such legislative agent is retained; (5) each specific area of legislative activity with respect to which such legislative agent is retained; and (6) an identification of each person who makes a covered communication to influence legislation, acting for such legislative agent, in each specific area of legislative activity with respect to which such legislative agent is retained. Defines the class of persons required to maintain records. Prescribes that such records shall reflect the total income received in the filing period to make covered communications to influence legislation; including the name and addresses of, and amount received from, any person from whom income is received for such purpose in the filing period; and reflecting total expenditures made in the filing period, including an itemization of any expenditure of at least $50 in value. Provides that a person shall not be required to report the name and address of any person from whom income of less than $25 in value is received in the filing period to make covered communications to influence legislation and, in the case of a voluntary membership organization, such organization shall not be required to report the name and address of any member whose payments in the filing period for making covered communications to influence legislation did not exceed 5 percent of the total expenditures of the organization for such purposes. Provides for a waiver of such requirement, in the case of an individual whose payments exceed 5 percent and do not exceed 30 percent, if the Comptroller General determines that such waiver will not impede the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that compliance with the filing requirements of this Act shall not be taken into consideration, for the purposes of the Internal Revenue Code, in determining whether a substantial part of the activities of an organization is the carrying on of propaganda to influence legislation. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) develop and prescribe forms and standards for the notices of representation and reports filed by persons required to maintain records; (2) compile information contained in notices of representation and reports filed, with respect of each filing period; (3) report such information to the Congress after the end of each filing period; (4) make available for public inspection at reasonable times in the General Accounting Office in the District of Columbia, for a period of six years following the date of filing, all notices of representation, amendments thereto, and reports filed by persons required to maintain records; (5) have each notice of representation and each amendment thereto which is filed by any legislative agent published in the Congressional Record within three days after each such notice is received by the Comptroller General; (6) ascertain whether any person required to maintain records has failed to file a report, or has filed an incomplete or inaccurate report, and promptly notify such persom to file or amend such report in order to satisfy the requirements of this Act or regulations prescribed by the Comptroller General under this Act; and (7) prepare a special study and report upon the request of any Member of the House of Representatives or the Senate from information in the records of the Comptroller General. Provides that any person who knowingly and willfully violates specified provisions of this Act shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years or both (except for violations of filing notices of representation which shall be punished by a maximum fine of $5,000). Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act. (Repeals 2 U.S.C. 261-170)
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Provides that upon enactment of this Act, no non-Federal building or structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places shall be sold, substantially altered, or demolished except as provided for under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire any building or structure covered by the provisions of this Act in any case in which the Secretary determines that such action is in the best interest of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to remove from the Register the designation of a building or structure as a historic place, if he determines that the preservation of that building or structure is not in the best interests of the United States.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Bill of Rights for the Mentally Retarded - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish standards which assure the humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded in residential facilities, and to improve the system for the provision of services to the mentally retarded through the encouragement of the support for the planning and development of strategies to implement such standards, minimize inappropriate admissions to residential facilities and stimulate the development of regional and community programs integrating such residential facilities which conform to such standards. Provides for a new title to the Public Health Service Act: Title XII: Support of Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to aid them with the cost of bringing existing residential facilities into compliance with the standards established under this Act, and to improve existing residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years, for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of assisting States in meeting the expenses for bringing publicly operated facilities and publicly assisted facilities into conformity with the standards established by this Act. Stipulates that any State desiring to receive such a grant shall submit a plan to the Secretary setting forth a schedule for compliance with such standards. Provides that the total of the grants with respect to any such project bringing facilities into conformity with the standards imposed by this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the necessary cost thereof as determined by the Secretary. Requires five years after the date of enactment of this Act, that no residential facility for the mentally retarded shall be eligible to receive payments either directly or indirectly under under any Federal law, unless such facility meets the standards promulgated under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private non-profit agency, organization or institution to meet the costs of development, improvement, extension, or expansion of community resources and community living situations for the mentally retarded other than living-in-residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Standards for Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed in the implementation of the standards established under this Act; (2) study and evaluate such standards authorized by this Act; and (3) recommend to the Secretary any changes, revisions, modifications, or improvements in the standards established under this Act. Provides that the ultimate aim of the residential facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Requires such facilities to be located within, and conveniently accessible to, the population served, so as to have access to necessary generic community services. Provides that the facility and the surrounding community should be encouraged to share their services and resources on a reciprocal basis. Provides that residents of the facility should be integrated to the greatest possible extent with the general population. Provides that the facility shall have a written outline of the philosophy, objectives, and goals it is striving to achieve. Requires such outline to be available for distribution to staff, consumer representatives, and the interested public. Provides that the governing body of the facility shall exercise general direction and shall establish policies concerning the operation of the individuals served. Provides that the administration of the facility shall provide for effective staff and resident participation and communication. Requires the facility to designate a percentage of its operating budget for self-renewal purposes. Provides that the facility shall have a description of services for residents that is available to the public. Provides that the facility shall provide for meaningful and extensive consumer-representative and public participation. Provides that a public education and information program should be established that utilizes all communication media, and all service, religious and civil groups, to develop attitudes of understanding and acceptance of mentally retarded persons in all aspects of community living. Provides that admission and release procedures shall: (1) encourage voluntary admission; (2) give equal priority to person of comparable need; (3) facilitate emergency, partial, and short-term residential care; and (4) utilize the maximum feasible amount of voluntariness in each individual case. Authorizes the residential facility to admit only residents who have had a comprehensive evaluation. Provides that all admissions to the residential facility shall be considered temporary Provides that there shall be a regular, at least annual, joint review of the status of each resident by all relevant personnel. Provides that at the time of permanent release or transfer there shall be recorded a summary of findings, progress, and plans for protective supervision and other followup services in the resident's new environment. Provides that the performance of each employee of the facility shall be evaluated at least annually. Provides that staffing shall be sufficient so that the facility is not dependent upon the use of residents or volunteers for productive services. Provides that food services shall recognize and provide for the physiological, emotional, and cultural needs of each resident, through provision of a planned, nutritionally adequate diet. Provides that each resident shall have an adequate allowance of neat, clean, fashionable, and seasonable clothing. Provides that residents shall be trained to exercise maximum independence in health, hygiene, and grooming practices. Provides that living unit components or groupings shall be small enough to insure the development of meaningful interpersonal relationships among residents and between residents and staff. Requires dental services to be provided all residents in order to maximize their general health by maintaining an optimal level of daily oral health, through preventive measures and correcting existing oral diseases. Provides that educational services, defined as deliberate attempts to facilitate the intellectual, sensorimotor, and affective development of the individual, shall be available to all residents, regardless of chronological age, degree of retardation, or accompanying disabilities or handicaps. Provides that food and nutrition services shall be provided in order to: (1) insure optimal nutritional status of each resident, thereby enhancing his physical, emotional and social well-being; and (2) provide a nutritionally adequate diet, in a form consistent with developmental level, to meet the dietary needs of each resident. Makes library services, which include the location, acquisition, organization, utilization, retrieval, and delivery of materials in a variety of media, available to the facility, in order to support and strengthen its total habilitation program by providing complete and integrated multimedia information services to both staff and residents. Provides that medical services shall be provided in order to: (1) achieve and maintain an optimal level of general health for each resident; (2) maximize normal function and prevent disability; and (3) facilitate the optimal development of each resident. Provides that residents shall be provided with nursing services, in accordance with their needs, in order to: (1) develop and maintain an environment that will meet their total health needs; (2) foster optimal health; (3) encourage maximum self-care and independence; and (4) provide skilled nursing care. Provides that, where appropriate to the facility, there shall be a pharmacy and therapeutics committee, that includes one or more pharmacists, to develop policy on drug usage in the facility, and to develop and maintain a current formulary. Provides that physical and occupational therapy services shall be provided in order to: (1) prevent abnormal development and further disability; (2) facilitate the optimal development of each resident; and (3) enable the resident to be a contributing and participating member of the community in which he resides. Requires that psychological services be provided in order to facilitate, through the application of psychological principles, techniques, and skills, the optimal development of each resident. Provides that recreation services should provide each resident with a program of activities that: (1) promotes physical and mental health; (2) promotes optimal sensorimotor, cognitive,9 affective, and social development; (3) encourages movement from dependent to independent and interdependent functioning; and (4) provides for the enjoyable use of leisure time. Makes religious services available to residents, in accordance with their basic right to freedom of religion. Provides that all social services shall be available to all residents and their families in order to foster and facilitate: (1) maximum personal and social development of the resident; (2) positive family functioning; and (3) effective and satisfying social and community relationships. Provides that speech pathology and audiology services shall be available, in order to: (1) maximize the communications skills of all residents; and (2) provide for the evaluation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of those residents with speech, hearing and/or language handicaps. Requires each facility to provide all its residents with rehabilitation services, which include the establishment, maintenance, and implementation of those programs that will ensure the optimal development or restoration of each resident physically, psychologically, socially and vocationally. Provides that volunteer services shall be provided in order to enhance opportunities for the fullest realization of the potential of each resident by: (1) increasing the amount, and improving the quality, of services and programs; and (2) facilitating positive relationships between the facility and the community which it serves. Provides that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habitation program; (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to his habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Provides that the administration of the facility shall make provision for the design and conduct, or the supervision, of research that will objectively evaluate the effectiveness of program components and contribute to informed decisionmaking in the facility. Provides that the requirements of the Secretary shall be met, with specific reference to the following: (1) provision of adequate and alternate exits and doors; (2) provision of exit ramps, with nonskid surface and slope not exceeding one foot in twelve; and (3) provision for handrails on stairways. Provides that there shall be records that document strict compliance with the sanitation, health, and environmental safety codes of the State or local authorities having primary jurisdiction over the facility. Provides that adequate, modern administrative support shall be provided to efficiently meet the needs of, and contribute to, program services for residents, and to facilitate attainment of the goals and objectives of the facility. Provides that funds shall be budgeted and spent in accordance with the principles and procedures of program budgeting. Provides that there shall be written purchasing policies regarding authority and approvals for supplies, services and equipment.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Designates specified lands in the Isle Royale National Park in Michigan as wilderness. Designates the Gull Islands included in the Isle Royale National Park by this Act as wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Children's Dental Health Act - Provides the following fund authorization for grants to State agencies or other oganizations to carry out programs of dental care for preschool and school age children who are unable to obtain such services: fiscal year 1973-$5,000,000; fiscal year 1974-$15,000,000; and $175-$30,000,000. Provides the following authorizations for grants for water treatment programs to prevent dental disease: fiscal year 1973-$2,000,000; fiscal year 1974-$3,000,000; and fiscal year 1975-$4,000,000. Provides for the Federal Government to share a portion of the costs of these programs. Authorizes grants totaling $57,000,000 covering the fiscal years 1973-1975 to public and private non-profit institutions to educate veterans and other persons as auxiliary dental personnel. Authorizes grants totaling $26,000,000 covering fiscal years 1973-1975 to dental schools and other organizations for projects to promote the most effective use of auxiliary dental personnel. Directs the President to appoint a seven member Dental Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on programs to meet the dental needs of the country. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the progress of the implementation and administration of the programs established by this Act. Gives the Secretary the power to regulate dentifrices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
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).
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Requires all meetings of all Standing, Joint, Special and Select Committees and their subcommittees of the Senate to be open to the public, except when the subject matter of the meeting involves the national security, and then only when a motion to meet in executive session shall be adopted by majority vote of the members of such committee who are present at the meeting; and except meetings of any committee or subcommittee in which testimony or evidence presented or considered may tend to defame, degrade or incriminate any person, in which case such testimony or evidence shall be received and considered in executive session, and then only when a motion to meet in executive session shall be adopted by majority vote of the members of such committee who are present at the meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Increases to 90 percent the Federal share of funds to assist States and local public agencies in financing the acquisition, construction, and improvement of facilities and equipment for use in mass transportation service in urban areas.. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants or loans to any State or local public body to enable it to assist any mass transportation system which maintains mass transportation service in an urban area to pay operating expenses incurred as a result of providing such service. Specifies conditions for such grants or loans. Provides that, in order to finance such grants and loans, the Secretary is authorized to incur obligations on behalf of the United States in the form of grant agreements or otherwise in amounts aggregating not to exceed $800,000,000. Increases to $6,100,000,000 the authorization for obligations to finance other specified mass transportation programs. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1602, 1603)
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1973
Magnuson-Moss Act - Title I: Consumer Product Warranties - Requires any supplier warranting in writing a consumer product to fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of said warranty pursuant to any regulations issued by the Federal Trade Commission under this title. Provides that the Commission shall determine the manner and form in which information with respect to any written warranty shall be clearly and conspicuously presented or displayed when such information is contained in advertising, labeling, point-of-sale material, or other representations in writing. Requires any supplier warranting in writing a consumer product to undertake at a minimum the following duties in order to be deemed to have incorporated the Federal standards for warranty: (1) to repair or replace any malfunctioning or defective warranted consumer product; (2) within a reasonable time; and (3) without charge. Provides that in fulfilling such duties the warrantor shall not impose any duty other than notification upon any purchaser as a condition of securing repair or replacement of any malfunctioning or defective consumer product unless the warrantor can demonstrate that such a duty is reasonable. Provides that nothing in this title shall be construed to prevent a supplier from selling a service contract to the purchaser in addition to or in lieu of a warranty in writing if such contract fully and conspicuously discloses in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of the contract. Provides that arrangements made by a warrantor for a representative to perform duties under a written warranty shall not relieve the warrantor of his direct responsibilities to the purchaser. Provides that there shall be no express disclaimer of implied warranties to a purchaser if any warranty in writing or service contract in writing of a consumer product is made by a supplier to a purchaser. Declares it to be the policy of Congress to encourage suppliers to establish procedures whereby consumer disputes are fairly and expeditiously settled through informal dispute settlement mechanisms. Provides that any purchaser damaged by the failure of a supplier to comply with any obligations assumed under a written warranty or written service contract subject to this title may bring suit for breach of such warranty or service contract in an appropriate district court of the United States, and any purchaser damaged by the failure of a supplier to comply with any obligations assumed under a written warranty or written service contract subject to this title may bring suit in any State or District of Columbia court of competent jurisdiction. Allows any purchaser who prevails in any suit or proceeding for breach of an express or implied warranty or service contract obligation to recover as part of the judgement a sum equal to the aggregate amount of cost and expenses, including attorney's fees based on actual time expended, determined by the court to have been reasonably incurred by such purchaser for, or in connection with, the institution and prosecution of such suit or proceeding. Makes it unlawful and a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any person subject to the provisions of this title to fail to comply with any requirement imposed on such person by or pursuant to this title or to violate any prohibition contained in this title. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this title in an action by the Attorney General or by the Federal Trade Commission by any of its attorneys designated by it for such purpose. Invests the Attorney General with investigative powers concerning possible violations of this title. Provides that the provisions of this title and the powers granted hereunder to the Commission and the Attorney General shall extend to all sales of consumer products and service contracts affecting interstate commerce. Title II: Federal Trade Commission Improvements - Allows the Commission to initiate civil actions in the district courts of the United States against persons, partnerships, or corporations engaged in any act or practice which is unfair or deceptive to a consumer. Provides for a maximum fine of $10,000 for each violation. States that, after an order of the Commission to cease and desist from engaging in acts or practices which are unfair or deceptive to consumers, the Commission may institute civil actions in the district courts of the United States to obtain such relief as the court shall find necessary to redress injury to consumers caused by the acts or practices which were the subject of the cease and desist order. Authorizes the Commission to issue procedural rules to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to issue legislative rules defining with specificity acts or practices which are unfair or deceptive to consumers. Provides that any person seeking judicial review of a rule may obtain such review in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, or any circuit where such person resides or has his principal place of business. Provides that upon application of the Attorney General of the United States or the Commission, acting through any of its attorneys designated by it for such purpose, the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus commanding any person or corporation to comply with the provisions of this Act or any order of the Commission made in pursuance thereof. Provides that whenever the Commission has reason to believe: (1) that any person, partnership, or corporation is engaged in, or is about to engage in, any act or practice which is unfair or deceptive to a consumer, and (2) that the enjoining thereof pending the issuance of a complaint by the Commission, and until such complaint is dismissed by the Commission or set aside by the court on review, or the order of the Commission made thereon has become final; the Commission by any of its attorneys designated by it for such purpose may bring suit in a district court of the United States to enjoin any such act or practice.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1973
Provides that each notification of a defect or failure to comply with any Federal motor vehicle safety standard, as required under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, shall contain: (1) a clear description of such failure to comply with any applicable motor vehicle safety standard or such defect; (2) an evaluation of the risk to traffic safety reasonably related to such defect; (3) a statement of the measures to be taken to repair such failure to comply; (4) the commitment of such manufacturer to cause such defect or failure to comply to be remedied without charge; (5) the date when such commitment to remedy such defect or failure to comply will initially be honored and (6) a description of the procedure that a consumer must follow to inform the Secretary of a manufacturer's failure to honor such commitment. States that whenever such notification is required: (1) the manufacturer of each such motor vehicle presented for remedy pursuant to such notice shall cause such defect or failure to comply in such motor vehicle (including any item of original motor vehicle equipment) to be remedied without charge; or (2) the manufacturer of each such item of motor vehicle equipment presented for remedy pursuant to such notice shall cause such defect or failure to comply in such item of motor vehicle equipment to be remedied without charge. Provides that the manufacturer of each such tire presented for remedy pursuant to such notice shall replace such tire without charge for a period up to sixty days following the receipt of notification or the availability of replacement tires, whichever is later. Stipulates that if a manufacturer can establish to the satisfaction of the Secretary, at a hearing structured to proceed as expeditiously as practicable, that a failure to comply with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard is of such inconsequential nature that the purposes of this title and the public interest would not be served by requiring the applicable manufacturer to remedy such defect or failure to comply without charge, the Secretary may, upon publication of his reasons for such findings, exempt such manufacturer from the requirements of this subsection with respect to such failure. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 1397, 1402)
![Official portrait of Sen. Percy, Charles H. [R-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000222_200.jpg)