United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Declares that the United States Senate does hereby congratulate and felicitate the distinguished Senator from Mississippi, the Honorable John C. Stennis, on his birthday and expresses the wish that he will enjoy many other such anniversaries in the future. Declares that members of the Senate greatly miss the distinguished Senator and wish for him an early return to the Senate Chamber and to his duties in the Senate. Directs that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and a copy furnished to Mr. Stennis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1973
Freedom from Surveillance Act - States that, except as expressly provided, whoever, being a civil officer of the United States or an officer of the Armed Forces of the United States, employs any part of the Armed Forces or the militia of any State to conduct investigations into, maintain surveillance over, or record or maintain information regarding, the beliefs, associations, or political activities of any person not a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of any civilian organization, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. Exempts from such provisions the use of the Armed Forces of the United States or the militia of any State: (1) when they have been actually and publicly assigned by the President to the task of repelling invasion or suppressing rebellion, insurrection, or domestic violence pursuant to the Constitution or specified sections of the United States Code; or (2) to investigate criminal conduct committed on a military installation or involving the destruction, theft, or trespass of the property of the United States; or (3) to determine the suitability for employment of any individual for the Armed Forces of the United States, by the militia of any State, or by a defense facility; or (4) whenever the militia of any State is under the command of the chief executive of that State or any other appropriate authorities of that State. Sets forth the definitions of the terms used in this Act, including "surveillance". Prescribes procedures for the bringing of civil actions and special class actions against illegal surveillance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1973
Authorizes the disposal of approximately 258,700 short tons of copper from the national stockpile under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1973
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protect against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act: (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas, and summary and judicial subpenas. Provides that the Secretary of the Treasury may not require an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are required to be maintained by the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1973
Provides that postal employees may choose, for collective bargaining agreements, their own representative in greviance and adverse actions. Provides that the official bargaining representative of the labor organization recognized by the majority of postal employees shall have the right to be present during these proceedings. (Adds 39 U.S.C. 1206(b))
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1973
Provides, under the Securities and Exchange Act, that no broker or dealer shall make use of the mails or of any instrumentality of interstate commerce to effect any transaction in, or induce the purchase or sale of any security (other than an exempted security or commercial paper, bankers' acceptances, or commercial bills) in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Securities Exchange Commission shall prescribe as necessary in the public interest, or for the protection of investors or for the development of an integrated national system for the prompt and accurate processing and settlement of securities transactions to regulate the time and method of making settlements, payments, and deliveries and of opening, maintaining, and closing accounts. Makes it unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, to make use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce to perform the function of a clearing agency with respect to any security unless it is registered under the Act. Provides that applications for such registration shall contain the rules of such agency together with such other information as the Securities and Exchange Commission may by rule require. Prescribes requirements to be met by clearing agencies for eligibility for registration and rule changes. Provides that if any registered clearing agency takes any disciplinary action against any participant therein, such action shall be subject to review by the appropriate regulatory agency. Sets forth guidelines governing such proceedings, and permits the regulatory agency after full review to suspend the clearing agency for a violation of the Act or any regulations thereunder. Directs the Commission to, on or before December 31, 1976, take such steps as are within its power to bring about the elimination of the negotiable stock certificate as a means of settlement among brokers or dealers of transactions consummated on national securities exchanges or by means of the mails or other means or instrumentalities of interstate commerce. Provides that no person shall make use of the mails or of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce in order to perform the function of a transfer agency with respect to any security unless such person is registered in accordance with the Act. Sets forth the requirements for such registration. Provides that compliance with the requirements of this part shall be enforced under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act by the appropriate regulatory agencies other than the Securities and Exchange Commission. Authorizes the Commission, after appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing, to censure, bar, suspend, or place limitations upon any transfer agent. Provides that it shall be unlawful for an issuer who is registered under the Act, by use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of the mails, to issue any securities whose form or format contravenes such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate for the prompt and accurate processing of transactions in such securities. Requires a study and investigation to be made of the practice of registration of securities other than in the name of the beneficial owner and to determine whether such registration is consistent with the policies and purposes of the Securities and Exchanges Act, and if consistent whether steps can be taken to facilitate communications between corporations and their shareholders while at the same time retaining the benefits of such registration. Prohibits a State from taxing the beneficial or record ownership of securities effected through a registered clearing agency unless otherwise taxable by such State if the facilities of such agency were not physically located in the taxing State.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1973
Interim Fisheries Zone Extension and Management Act - Extends the jurisdiction of the United States over specified ocean areas and fish for purposes of protecting the domestic fishing industry. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to carry out the provision of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research in order to promote the conservation of fish originating in the United States territorial sea and contiguous fisheries zone.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1973
Provides that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act concerning the importation of chrome shall not apply to prohibitions or regulations issued under the United Nations Participation Act of 1954. (Amends 22 U.S.C. 287e(a))
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1973
Youth Camp Safety Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States, not to exceed $2.5 million per year, which have acceptable State plans for the development and administration of programs for youth camp safety standards. Limits the Federal contribution to any plan to 50 percent of its costs. Directs the Secretary to develop, within one year after enactment of this Act, Federal youth camp safety standards. Sets forth criteria for State eligibiltiy to participate in this program, including a State plan meeting the requirements of this Act. Limits any individual States's fiscal year share to $50,000. Provides for suspension of Federal assistance to any State failing to comply with the requirements for continuing eligibility. Provides for an appeal from a finding by the Secretary adverse to a State agency to the U.S. Court of Appeals with regard to noncompliance of State plans. Directs the Secretary, to assist in the development of safety standards. Fixes compensation rates for members of the Council. Authorizes an appropriation of $3 million for each of the six fiscal years 1974-1979.
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 · 9 May 1973
Fire Prevention And Control Act - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that the federal government must help to develop solutions to fire problems. States that the intention of Congress is to supplement existing programs of fire research, training, and education, and to encourage new and improved programs and activities by State and local governments. Title I: United States Fire Administration - Establishes, within the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Fire Administration. Sets forth the duties of the Administration, including: (1) to survey the fire problem, evaluate progress in fire prevention, assess new problem areas, and to evaluate the cost; (2) to recommend actions to be taken by federal, state, and local governments and private organizations and individuals to improve fire prevention; (3) to act as a coordinator of studies of fire protection methods; (4) to cooperate with and render assistance to other federal departments, and to all organizations in matters relating to fire prevention and control; and (5) to undertake research relating to fire prevention and control. Title II: National Fire Academy - Establishes, within the Administration, a National Fire Academy; (1) to facilitate specialized training in fire protection; (2) to assist State and local jurisdictions in planning and implementing fire protection programs; (3) to assist in the dissemination of information on fire prevention and control; and (4) to encourage fire protection agencies to give greater attention to fire prevention measures. Directs the Academy to establish a Nationa Fire Academy Advisory Board. Sets forth composition and compensation of Board members. Title III: National Fire Data System - Establishes within the Administration a National Fire Data System. Directs the System to collect data on fire injuries and deaths, property losses, and information concerning causes, locations, and numbers of fires, to be incorporated into an information retrieval system. Title IV: Research and Development - Sets forth the functions and responsibilities of the Administration, including to (1) evaluate the total area of fire research needs in the Federal, state, and local government sectors and the private sector; (2) sponsor and encourage research into promising but highly unconventional solutions to fire problems; and (3) encourage research or firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment for firefighters. Title V: Grants for State and Local Program Assistance - Directs the Administration to make grants to States for (1) the establishment and operation of state fire prevention and control planning agencies; and (2) for programs to improve and strengthen fire prevention and control. Sets forth the requirements a State plan must encompass in order to receive grants. Directs the allocation of funds appropriated to the Administration for the purpose of making grants. Title VI: Functions of Certain Other Federal Agencies - Expands the authorizations of the Secretary of Commerce to include specified fire research and safety programs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, within the National Institutes of Health, a program to augment current sponsorship of research on burns and burn treatment. Requires the Federal Insurance Administration to provide low-cost insured loans to homeowners and businessmen for the purpose of installing fire protection equipment. Title VII: Administrative Provisions - Grants the Administration specified powers in carrying out its functions including (1) the power to hold hearings; and (2) to use services of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sets forth the procedure to be followed when an application for a grant has been rejected. Directs the Administration to carry out the programs of this Act during fiscal year 1974, and for the five succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $128,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for succeeding fiscal years such sums as the Congress might authorize. Title VIII: General Provisions - Makes the provisions of this Act separable if one is found invalid.
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 · 30 April 1973
Provides, under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, that all agencies of the Federal Government shall consider economic and social considerations in complying with the provisions of such Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4332)
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1973
Midair Collision Avoidance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to expedite the evaluation and selection of a national standard for a collision avoidance system; proceed to develop plans for operating rules and regulations integrating this system into the ground-based air traffic control system; and require the installation of a collision avoidance system on all classes of aircraft by certain dates. Not later than March 30, 1974, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Secretary of Defense acting through the Interdepartment Group on Collision Avoidance and Pilot Warning, shall complete the flight test and evaluation currently competing airborne collision avoidance systems, as defined in the Federal Aviation Act, and, not later than June 30, 1974, shall select a national standard for such systems. Provides that not later than December 30, 1974, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall publish implementation rules and regulations to describe compatible use and operating procedures between CAS systems and the existing air traffic control system. Sets forth minimum standards regarding collison avoidance systems and the specified dates upon which there must be compliance with such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Lobster Conservation and Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to provide for effective control of lobster fisheries on the Continental Shelf of the United States until such time as the United States can enter into an appropriate treaty or treaties providing for such control. Includes lobster as a Continental Shelf fishery resource within the meaning of the Act entitled an Act to prohibit fishing in the territorial waters of the United States and in certain other areas by vessels other than vessels of the United States and by persons in charge of such vessels. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1085(a))
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1973
Expresses the gratitude of the Congress to the President for attaining an honorable termination of the involvement of the United States in hostilities in Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Federal Election Campaign Reform Act - Provides that no candidate or political committee in a campaign for nomination or in a campaign for election to Federal elective office may, directly or indirectly, in any way whatsoever: (1) accept or arrange for any contribution, or expend or contract for any obligation, prior to the beginning of the calendar year in which the election is scheduled; or (2) accept any contribution, or contract for any obligation, after a date two weeks prior to the scheduled election date; or (3) make expenditures or contributions in excess of $5,000 from his personal funds, or the personal funds of his immediate family, or from such funds being contributed or expended through the use of a third party. States that a candidate may establish no more than one political committee, in such candidate's own name. Provides that the name of the committee, as well as the name of its chairman and treasurer, shall be filed with the Comptroller General immediately upon its formation. Provides that each treasurer of a political committee supporting a candidate or candidates for Federal elective office, or each candidate, should such candidate not establish a political committee in his own name shall file a report with the Comptroller General two weeks prior to a scheduled primary election date and two weeks prior to a scheduled election date for such candidate or candidates. Specifies information which shall be included in such report. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to invalidate or make inapplicable any provision of any State law, except where compliance with such provision of law would result in a violation of, or extend or limit, a provision of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Provides for the repayment of specified sums advanced to providers of services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Health Insurance For The Aged) by June 30, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
Small Business Tax Simplification and Reform Act - Title I: Tax Simplification Relating to Small Business - Creates a Committee on Tax Simplification for Small Business for the purpose of devoting continued attention to the simplification of the Internal Revenue Code to small business, and the regulations, instructions, procedures, and other publications relating to small business taxation. Provides that the membership of the Committee would include representatives of the Secretary of the Treasury (for policy matters); Internal Revenue Service (for technical matters); Office of Management and Budget (for coordinating the paperwork aspects of IRS forms, in view of the Federal Reports Act) and the Small Business Administration (to express the interests of the small business community). Creates in the Treasury Department an Office of Small Business Analyst, which would be responsible for looking at tax problems primarily from the view of small business and the free enterprise system. Calls upon the Treasury Department to make a comprehensive study of depreciation policies with particular attention to: the impact of legislation; the rapid advances in technology to which small business must adopt; and the practices of other industrialized nations. Calls upon the Treasury to study the entire range of pension, retirement, health, medical, and insurance benefits in the larger context of what both corporations (including large corporate enterprise) and other forms of business are providing for their employees and executives. Authorizes a special study of the differential effect of tax law changes on businesses of different sizes. Title II: Adjustment of Corporate Normal Tax - Effects a progressive reform in the entire corporate tax structure by providing for reductions in normal corporate tax rates based on the corporations earning. Provides that as corporate earnings rise above $1 million per year the normal tax would incline upward to a maximum of 24 percent for corporations earning over $1 billion annually. Title III: Special Provisions to Encourage Establishment of New Small Business Enterprises - Permits eligible new small business corporations an income tax deduction equal to the corporations net operating income, so long as that amount does not exceed $83,333. Allows an income tax deduction to a partnership for its organizational expenses ratably over a period of 60 months. Provides for a bad debt tax deduction for guarantors of obligations of, and lenders to, small business corporations. Title IV: Provisions to Assist Small Business Growth - Increases the additional first-year depreciation limitation for small business property from $10,000 to $20,000. Reinstates the 7 percent investment credit for specified small business property. Provides that corporate manufacturing would be allowed $50,000 worth of qualified investment. Extends the period for use of the loss carryover provisions for small businesses by allowing existing corporations to carry these losses over a ten year period. Raises the earning credit in accordance with the costs of doing business to $150,000. Allows research and development expenses of small businesses to be amortized beginning at the time they are made. Permits a limited number of surtax exemptions (up to 5) in the event members of a family are placed in proprietary positions where they have ownership of at least 50 percent of the stock (or other interest) and full time management of a separately incorporated unit of a family business. Title V: Provisions Relating to Partnerships - Allows the closing of the partnership year for a decedent at any of the following times: (1) normal close of the partnership year if there has been no prior sale, exchange, or liquidation of the partnership interest; (2) the date of any of the above described transactions; or (3) the day after the partner's death. Permits a partner to deduct currently his share of partnership losses in excess of the adjusted basis of his partnership interests, in the event that the partner is unconditionally obligated for his share of such partnership losses. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Subchapter S Corporations - Increases the Subchapter S "tax-option" to small business corporations in the following 3 ways: (1) initial shareholders could number 15, rather than the present 10; (2) shareholders in excess of this ceiling who take their stock by reason of heirship would not disqualify election; and (3) after 5 years, the number of permissible shareholders would increase to 25. Provides that the classes of shareholders shall be expanded to include: (1) trusts where stock passes pursuant to a will, and where the trust is used merely to convey the stock to a long term eligible holder within 60 days; (2) trusts where the entire income is taxable to the grantor; and (3) certain small business investment companies. Provides for nondisqualification of a Subchapter S corporation by reason of exceeding the limit of 20 percent passive income in a single year. Provides that the election privilege shall be lost pursuant to this proposal if the limit is exceeded in any 2 of 4 consecutive years. Provides that if the corporation is able to establish that the termination was, in fact, inadvertent and can gain full compliance within 90 days of notification, its Subchapter S status would be preserved for future years. Title VII: Business Development Corporations - Permits State and local development companies to extend long-term financing to non-bankable new enterprises and such companies would be permitted a bad-debt reserve deduction up to 10 percent of outstanding loans. Provides that certain types of business development corporations would be nontaxable upon the condition that the proceeds from such unusual transactions are re-invested within the area of service and no part of these proceeds inures to the benefit of any individual or private institution. Title VIII: Preservation of Small Business Independence - Allows recovery of losses in 1 or 2 quarters to the extent the newly estimated tax for the year is less than the amount already paid in. Disallows interest deductions beyond $500,000 on any loan for small business acquisition purposes. Permits valuation comparisons with any similar closely held corporation whether or not it is listed on an exchange. Changes the standard of "undue hardship" (required to qualify for 10-year estate tax installments) to "hardship". Directs the Treasury Department to conduct a comprehensive examination of the pressures of income taxes, capital gains tax, reorganization rules, and estate and gift taxes which are causing so many small businesses to sell or merge out of existence rather than continue in independent form.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Essential Rail Services Act - Title I: Findings, Purposes and Definitions - States that Congress finds that modern, efficient rail service is essential to interstate commerce and to national defense. States that the purpose of the Act is to provide Federal financial assistance for rehabilitation, maintenance, modernization, and any necessary restructuring of essential rail lines. Sets forth the definition of terms to be used in this Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires the designation of an interstate railroad system which would identify main lines in the United States which must be upgraded to standards which would insure dependable operation of freight trains at speeds up to 60 miles an hour and passenger trains at speeds up to 80 miles an hour. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide within 2 years a report on the long term capital needs for railroads. Title III: Northeast Rail Line Corporation - Provides for the creation of a Northeast Rail Line Corporation. States that the corporation shall be a not-for-profit entity with 13 members on the Board of Directors appointed by the President, affected States, railroads, Amtrak, rail labor, and shippers. Sets for th the powers of the corporation. Title IV: Acquisition of Rail Lines By the Corporation - Provides that, within 6 months after enactment of the Act, the Corporation will acquire all track and roadbed--exclusive of terminals and declassification yards--owned by bankrupt railroads in the Northeast in exchange for debentures equivalent to the net liquidation value of the property conveyed. States that on different terms the rail lines of other Northeast carriers may also be acquired. Title V: Operation of Corporation Rail Lines - Requires that the Corporation assume responsibility for rehabilitation and maintenance of all lines it owns, including secondary and branch lines, and for the operation of signalling and communication devices. Requires that line abandonments be in accordance with procedures providing substantial notice, Interstate Commerce Commission approval, plus an opportunity for affected States, communities, or private companies to retain the service to share on a 50-50 basis the maintenance and rehabilitation costs. Requires the payment of user charges by railroads or Amtrak on a 60 cents per thousand gross ton-miles of locomotive and train operations. States that 60 cents represents a cost figure for maintenance and rehabilitation by some of the railroads. Title VI: Financial Assistance - Provides for an authorization of $50 million for organization expenses of the Corporation; $300 million in each of the first 2 years for rail lines; $100 million per year for maintenance, capital improvements and overhead expense of the Corporation; $1 billion for Federal guarantees for debentures for the acquistion of track and roadbed by the Corporation; and loan guarantees not to exceed $200 million to all qualified railroads throughout the United States for track and roadbed improvements to meet Federal standards.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1973
Provides that on or after June 30, 1973, no import quota or other nontariff trade restriction shall be imposed by or pursuant to law with respect to the importation into the United States of petroleum and petroleum products. (Amends 19 U.S.C. 1862)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, that exclusive territorial arrangements in any trademarked licensing contract an agreement for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a trademarked food product shall not be deemed unlawful, provided: (1) that such product is in free and open competition with products of the same general class manufactured, distributed, and sold by others; (2) the licensee is in free and open competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product in accordance with the provisions of the Trademark Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 41)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Emergency Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Benefits Program Amendments - Provides for the permanent elimination of the 120 percent State "on" and "off" indicators which determines elibility for participation in the unemployment compensation benefits program. Provides that the number of workers who have exhausted their regular unemployment compensation benefits will be counted in determing the level of insured unemployment. Eliminates the requirement that a State which triggers out of the program must wait at least 13 weeks before it may requalify.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1973
Authorizes Federal savings and loan associations and national banks to own stock in and invest in loans to certain State housing corporations. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide a means for private financial institutions to assist in providing housing, particularly for low or moderate income families, through such purchases and investments. (Amends 12 U.S.C. 1464 (c), 24)
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 · 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 · 7 February 1973
Provides that the provisions of the Export Administration Act shall not be exercised with respect to any agricultural commodity, including fats and oils, but excluding skins and hides, during any period for which the supply of such commodity is determined by the Secretary of Agriculture to be in excess of the requirements of the domestic economy, except to the extent required to effectuate the policies set forth in specified sections of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Spirit of '76 High Speed Rail Act - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation in conjunction with the Corps of Engineers to establish high speed rail passenger service between Boston, New York, and Washington, District of Columbia. Authorizes appropriations of funds to finance equipment, construction and terminal improvements. Permits the Secretary of Transportation to accept donation of lands, easements, rights-of-way or materials required for such work. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress with respect to activities carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Provides that after January 1, 1975, the Secretary of Transportation shall not approve a State highway safety program unless he determines that the State has established a program, certified as adequate by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to inspect the auto emission control systems of motor vehicles which have been sold in accordance with certifications granted under the provisions of the Clean Air Act. Provides that funds authorized be appropriated to carry out this Act shall be used to aid the States in establishing and operating emission control system inspection centers and shall be available to pay up to 75 percent of the cost to the State of establishing and maintaining such centers. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation for the implementation of this Act, out of the Highway Trust Fund, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $400,000,000 for fiscal year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Repeals the bread tax on the 1973 wheat crop, imposed under the Agricultural Adjustment Act, upon person engaged in the processing of food products. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 1379e)
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Provides that the Secretary of Transportation, upon the joint request of a State Governor and the local governments concerned, shall withdraw his approval for any route or portion thereof designated or selected as part of the Federal-aid primary system, the Federal-aid secondary system, or the Interstate System within an urbanized area where he determines that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified that the air quality region which contains such urbanized area will fail to achieve, by July 1, 1975, levels of air quality in accordance with the Clean Air Act. Provides that amounts appropriated to a State for projects on routes or portions thereof for which approval has been withdrawn in accordance with this Act shall be transferred to and added to the amounts apportioned to such State under the Federal-aid urban system for the account of the urbanized area from which the withdrawal of the routes or portions thereof was made. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 103) Provides for emergency assistance for transportation system improvements in those air quality regions within a State which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified necessary will fail to achieve, by July 1, 1975, levels of air quality. Makes ten percent of the funds appropriated for expenditure upon the Federal-aid systems available for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Extends to all unmarried individuals the tax treatment of income splitting now utilized by married individuals filing joint returns under the Internal Revenue Code. Directs the Secretary of Treasury to prescribe and publish tables reflecting the amendments made by this Act which shall apply in lieu of the tables set forth in the Internal Revenue Code with respect to wage paid on or after January 1, 1974,
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Highways and Related Transportation Systems Improvement Act - Sets forth findings that highway congestion, air pollution, and related safety problems are impairing the efficiency of the highway system; and declares that the level of efficiency can be improved by developing related systems, and that both highways and related systems can best be improved by giving States and local communities greater flexibility in the use of Federal highway funds. Revises the present authorizations of $4,000,000,000 for the Interstate System of highways for fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976, to the sum of $3,250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make 1974 and 1975 Interstate System apportionments using the factors set forth in Table 5 of House Public Works Committee Print 92-29. Extends the time for completing the Interstate System by four years, from June 1976 to June 1980. Requires the Secretary to continue to report to Congress the cost of completing the Interstate System every second year, using the estimate shown therein for making apportionments for the subsequent two-year-period, upon approval of Congress. Authorizes additional mileage for the Interstate System to be used in making modifications or revisions in the Interstate System. Provides that upon joint request of the local governments, the Secretary may withdraw his approval of any route or portion thereof on the System within a State if he determines that such route is not essential to the completion of a unified and connected Interstate System. States that after the Secretary has withdrawn his approval the mileage of such route and the additional mileage authorized by this Act shall be available to the State to provide the essential connection of the Interstate System in lieu of the route or portions thereof which were withdrawn. Extends the ten percent penalty, applicable to Federal-aid highway funds appropriated to a State, for failure to control outdoor advertising displays and devices which can be seen from the nearest roadway for the period after January 1, 1973. Extends the appropriations for carrying out the outdoor advertising program as follows: $20,500,000 for 1972; and $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated for control of junkyards in areas adjacent to the Interstate System and Federal-aid primary system highways $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $7,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to apportion money from the Highway Trust Fund to assist States and local governments to operate, maintain, and improve highways and other transportation services, including public transit, if sufficient funds are not available from other Federal sources. Authorizes to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund the following amounts: $2,750,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $3,250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. Provides that ninety percent of these amounts are to be appropriated in accordance with a prescribed formula, and the remaining ten percent shall be available to the Secretary as a discretionary fund. States that unwarranted reductions of allocations by States to local governments for transportation purposes may result in a reduction of a like amount of Federal funds to the State concerned. Requires each State to have a comprehensive State and local transportation plan, subject to approval by the Secretary of Transportation. States that such a plan must reflect transportation needs of the State and its communities and take into consideration the social and environmental impact of the alternate means available. Provides that it must be administered by a single State agency with full authority for executing the State's plan. States that local governments shall develop an areawide plan incorporating long-range plans for highway and related transportation systems, with a schedule of projects to be undertaken annually. Provides that the local plan is to be developed by the local transportation planning agency, and be submitted to the Governor of the State and to the Secretary of Transportation for review. Provides that where a State or metropolitan plan is rejected by the Secretary, the State or local unit shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing. Limits planning and administrative costs of State or local units to three percent of the respective allocation. Provides for recordkeeping, audits, and reports. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe rules, regulations, and standards in implementing the highway and related transportation services improvement chapter. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and Congress on the developments and effectiveness of these activities. Specifies that no Federal contribution in addition to funds herein allocated shall be provided for relocation payments and assistance for those replaced by transportation activities. Provides that nothing in this chapter shall diminish the requirements respecting the establishment by States of highway safety programs approved by the Secretary of Transportation. Requires the Secretary to take such action as may be necessary to insure that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors in the performance of construction work financed with the assistance of loans or grants under this Act shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended. Provides that the Secretary shall not approve any such loan or grant without first obtaining adequate insurance that required labor standards will be maintained upon the construction work.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1973
Permits the mailing of lottery tickets and related matter, the broadcasting or televising of lottery information, and the transportation and advertising of lottery tickets in interstate commerce, but only where the lottery is conducting by a State agency or the District of Columbia, acting under authority of law. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 16)
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
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 · 16 January 1973
Requires the President, when he impounds funds appropriated or otherwise obligated for a specific purpose or project, within ten days thereafter transmit to the Senate and the House of Representatives a special message specifying: (1) the amount of the funds impounded; (2) the date on which the funds were ordered to be impounded; (3) the date the funds were impounded; (4) any account, department, or establishment of the Government to which such impounded funds would have been available for obligation except for such impoundment; (5) the period of time during which the funds are to be impounded; (6) the reasons for the impoundment; and (7) to the maximum extent practicable, the estimated fiscal, economic, and budgetary effect of the impoundment. Requires the President to cease the impounding of funds set forth in each special message within sixty calendar days of continuous session after the message is received by the Congress unless the specific impoundment shall have been ratified by the Congress by passage of a resolution. Establishes rules of debate for such resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Establishes a contiguous fishery zone (to the outer limits of the Continental Shelf) beyond the territorial sea of the United States, in which the United States shall exercise exclusive rights as it has in its territorial sea, subject to the continuation of traditional fishing by foreign states within this zone as may be recognized by the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of State, together with the Secretary of the Interior and in consultation with the affected foreign countries, to determine the extent to which foreign fisheries may be permitted to operate within the zone, including the manner, species, and allowable with catch. Prescribes a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment up to one year, or both, for violation of the provisions of this Act. Requires forfeiture of all equipment and fish for a violation of this Act. Defines terms for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Broadens the provisions of existing law relating to the care and treatment of animals to cover common carriers and retail pet stores, and to cover any bird when used in connection with a retail pet store. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2132(f) (g)) Provides that the standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture under such provisions of law for the humane treatment of animals shall apply with respect to the facilities of any person licensed under such provisions of law and also to terminal facilities used by any common carrier licensed thereunder. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2143)
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
News Media Source Protection Act - States that the policy of the United States is to permit the flow of information from individuals through the media to the public with reasonable freedom from governmental intrusion, so that constitutional protection of a free flow of news is divested only when a compelling and overriding interest in the source of such information can be demonstrated. Sets forth the following procedural determinations needed prior to any consideration of compulsory disclosure of news media sources: (1) a demonstration that there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, and that the testimony sought is directly relevant to a central issue in that criminal allegation; and (2) a demonstration that no reasonable alternative for obtaining the testimony is available. Extends the protection of this Act to any legitimate member of the professional news media, including an individual regularly engaged in gathering, collecting, photographing, filming, writing, editing, interpreting, announcing, or broadcasting local, national, or worldwide events or other matters of public concern, or public interest, or affecting the public welfare, for publication or transmission through a news medium. Describes the sources of writtin, oral or pictorial information or communication to which protection under this Act is assured. Provides that no legitimate member of the professional news media shall be held in contempt, or adversely prejudiced, before any grand jury, agency, department, or commission of the United States or by either House of or any committee of Congress for refusing to disclose information or communication as to news media sources. States that where a person seeks disclosure of any news media information or communication from a person who is a legitimate member of the professional news media and who refuses to make such disclosure in a proceeding before any Federal court of the United States, such person seeking disclosure may apply to a United States district court for an order providing such disclosure. Requires such application to state in writing the name of any specific individual from whom disclosure is sought, the specific nature of the source or content of information sought, the direct relevance of such evidence, and any information demonstrating that such evidence is not reasonably available by alternative means. Allows appeals as a matter of rights, of any order entered pursuant to an application under this Act, and permits a stay of such order. Provides that an application for disclosure shall be granted when the applicant has established that the person seeking protection of a source is not a legitimate member of the professional news media, or that the information sought is not a news media information source, or information or communication affecting a news media source. Permits the granting of an application for disclosure when: (1) the applicant has established that the source to be disclosed is of substantial and direct relevance to a central issue of the action; (2) the applicant is able to demonstrate that the source is not reasonably available by alternative means; and (3) the action which is the subject of the court proceeding is murder, forcible rape, aggravated assault, kidnaping, airline hijacking, or when a breach of national security has been established. Allows a person to waive rights and protections afforded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
New England States Fuel Oil Act - Authorizes the importation of No. 2 home heating oil, without regard to the existing quota system on petroleum products, for the purpose of residential heating in the New England States and authorizes the creation of a Northeast Oil Area. Removes the restrictions on the import of No. 2 home heating oil into the New England States. Directs the Secretary of State to undertake negotiations with the Government of Canada to eliminate all trade restrictions in petroleum and petroleum products between the United States and Canada and for the establishing of a "Northeastern Regional Oil Area" consisting of Eastern Canada and the New England States. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within one year, and each year thereafter until the negotiations are successful.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Government in the Sunshine Act - Title I: Congressional Procedures - Requires each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives, including meetings to conduct hearings, shall be open to the public. Provides that a portion or portions of such meetings may be closed to the public if the committee or subcommittee determines by vote of a majority of the members present that the matters to be discussed or the testimony to be taken: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national security or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to matters of committee staff personnel or internal staff management or procedure; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, injure the professional standing or otherwise expose to public contempt or obloquy any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose the identity of any informer or law enforcement agent or of any information relating to the investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense that is required to be kept secret in the interests of effective law enforcement; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets of financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives to make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting (whether open or closed to the public) at least one week before such meeting unless the committee or subcommittee determines by a vote of the majority of its members that committee business requires that such meeting be called at an earlier date, in which case the committee shall make public announcement of the date, place and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript, including a list of all persons attending and their affiliation, shall be made of each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee. Provides that a copy of each such transcript shall be made available for public inspection within seven days of each such meeting, and additional copies of any transcript shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Provides that all the aforegoing requirements and exceptions applicable to the meetings of the committees and subcommittees of the House and Senate shall also be applicable to each meeting of a committee of conference. Establishes procedures to review and reverse any committee and subcommittee vote to close a meeting to the public or to delete from the publicly available copy a portion of a meeting transcript. Title II: Agency Procedure - Requires all meetings of any Federal agency to be open to the public unless a majority of the entire membership of an agency determines the meeting: (1) will probably disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national security or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and procedures or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, injure the professional standing or otherwise expose to public contempt of obloquy any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will probably disclose the identity of any informer or law enforcement agent or of any information relating to the investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense that is required to be kept secret in the interests of effective law enforcement; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each agency to make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting at which official action is considered or discussed (whether open or closed to the public) at least one week before each meeting unless the agency determines by a vote of the majority of its members that agency business requires that such meetings be called at an earlier date, in which case the agency shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript, including a list of all persons attending and their affiliations, shall be made of each meeting of each agency at which official action is considered or discussed (whether open or closed to the public). Provides that a copy of each such meeting shall be made available to the public for inspection, and additional copies of any transcript shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Requires each agency to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this title. States that any citizen or person resident in the United States may bring a proceeding in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit: (1) to require an agency to promulgate such regulations if such agency has not promulgated such regulations within the time period specified herein; or (2) to set aside agency regulations issued pursuant to this Act that are not in accord with the requirements of this title and to require the promulgation of regulations that are in accord with such requirements. Gives the district courts of the United States jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this title by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Provides that such actions may be brought by any citizen or person resident in the United States. Provides that such actions shall be brought in the district wherein the plaintiff resides, or has his principal place of business, or where the agency in question has its headquarters.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Older Americans Comprehensive Services Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Objectives - States that the general purpose of this Act is to make available comprehensive health, education, and social service programs to our older citizens. Title II: Administration on Aging - Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Administration on Aging to carry out this Act. Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Administration. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource ClearingHouse for the Aging to collect, review, organize, publish, and disseminate information and data related to the particular problems caused by aging, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting such problems. Establishes the Federal Council on the Aging to advise and assist the President as he may direct on matters relating to the special needs of Older Americans; to assist the Commissioner on Aging in carrying out his functions under this Act; to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress on policies and programs for the aged. Provides that, not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a complete report on the activities carried out under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs to concentrate resources in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development of comprehensive systems to serve older persons, to include services designed to assist older Americans in avoiding institutionalization. Authorizes appropriations totalling $600,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Provides that the Commissioner shall not finally disapprove any State plan, or any modification thereof, without first affording the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Title IV: Training and Research - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for the purpose of: (1) publicizing available opportunities for careers in the field of aging; (2) encouraging qualified persons to enter or re-enter the field of aging; (3) encouraging persons from other professions to undertake assignments on a part-time basis in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study in the field of aging. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct a study of the transportation problems of older Americans, with emphasis upon solutions that are practicable and can be implemented in a timely fashion. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for purposes of such transportation studies and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of: (1) establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; (2) conducting basic research on the problem of the aged; (3) providing consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and (4) creating opportunities for research projects with respect to aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to, and training personnel in, the field of aging; and for research and development projects. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology. Title V: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to units of general purpose local government or other public or nonprofit private agencies to pay not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of leasing, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Establishes standards to be followed by the Commissioner in making such grants and authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the provisions of this section. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure mortgages on multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making grants to meet the costs of compensation of professional and technical personnel for the initial operation of multipurpose senior centers. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Program - Provides that no compensation paid to individual volunteers under the Retired Senior volunteer program under the Older Americans Act shall be considered income for any purposes. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amount of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the continuation of the Foster Grandparent Program under the Older Americans Act. Title VII: Nutrition Programs - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation may donate specified products acquired by them to a recipient of a grant or contract for providing nutritional services for the elderly. Title VIII: Amendments to Other Acts - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States which have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for library services for older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher education to assist such institutions in planning, developing, and carrying out programs specifically designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies for educational programs for elderly persons whose ability to speak and read the English language is limited and who live in an area with a culture different from their own. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3001, 3011(b); 42 U.S.C. 3012(3), (4); 42 U.S.C. 3044; 42 U.S.C. 3044a, 3044b; Amends 20 U.S.C. 354, 355, 355nts; 20 U.S.C. 1504(a) (2); 20 U.S.C. 1505(a); 20 U.S.C. 1078; 20 U.S.C. 1209, 1210, 1211; 20 U.S.C. 954) Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older American - Older Americans Community Service Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an older American community service program in order to promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons 55 years old or older who have poor employment prospects Makes provisions for allotment of funds to State, local and private organizations to further the purposes of the program. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 to carry out this title. Title X: Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training - Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, through the Manpower Administration, to make loans and grants for manpower training, including on-the-job, institutional, residential, and other training, designed to upgrade the work skills and capabilities of middle-aged and older persons. Authorizes the Secretary to make such studies, rules and provisions as necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out this title in fiscal year 1973 from funds otherwise available for similar programs. Authorizes appropriations in fiscal year 1974 of $100,000,000 for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Requires termination by July 1, 1975, of all weapons range activities conducted on or near the island of Culebra complex of the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range. Prohibits funds from being appropriated by the Congress after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
National Science Policy and Priorities Act - States the Congressional declaration that the total Federal investment in science and technology must be raised to an expenditure level which is adequate to the human needs of the nation; and that Federal programs for civilian research and engineering must be focused in such priority problem areas as health care, poverty, public safety, pollution, unemployment, productivity, housing, education, transportation, nutrition, communications, and energy resources. Title I: Science Policy and Priorities for Civilian Research and Engineering - Science Policy Act - Requires the National Science Foundation to identify, research, and report on priority areas of civilian research and engineering likely to contribute to the resolution of such national problem areas as stated above. Authorizes appropriations totalling $50,000,000 for fiscal years 1974-1976 for such purposes. Title II: Design and Demonstration of Civil Science Systems - Civil Science Systems Act - Authorizes the Foundation to initiate and support programs which use science, technology, and advanced analytical techniques, such as systems analysis, to design civil science systems which are capable of providing improved public services in such areas as health care delivery, public safety, public sanitation, pollution control, housing, transportation, public utilities, communications, and education. Establishes within, the NSF, the Civil Science Systems Administration to administer programs carried out under this title. Establishes the Civil Science Systems Advisory Council, composed of 31 members, 18 of whom shall serve for terms of 3 years and be chosen from the following areas: business, labor, engineers, social and behavioral scientists, environmental and other community groups, and consumers. Authorizes the Director of the Administration to conduct and contract for planning studies for the design and demonstration of civil science systems capable of providing improved public services. Authorizes contracts: (1) for the conduct of applied social research into the economic, sociological, political, legal, administrative, and psychological aspects of the design, development, and implementation of such civil science systems; and (2) for research, testing, and evaluation of such civil science systems which make use of advanced science and technology. Authorizes the Director to establish a computerized Civil Science Systems Information Service, which shall collect the information pertaining to civil science systems resulting from programs under this title, and shall provide information to interested Government, educational, and private organizations. Requires the Director, in conducting programs under this title, to maintain coordination with appropriate Federal, State, regional, and local governmental agencies. Authorizes appropriations for this title of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $400,000,000 for 1975, and $600,000,000 for 1976. Title III: Transition of Technical Manpower to Civilian Programs - Technical Manpower Transition Act - Authorizes the Foundation to plan and assist in the transition of scientific and technical manpower from research and engineering programs which have been terminated or significantly reduced to other civilian-oriented research and engineering activities. Establishes an Advisory Panel on Transition of Scientific and Technical Manpower to Civilian Programs, to be composed of 31 members, 18 of whom shall serve for terms of 3 years and be chosen from the following categories: engineering and natural sciences, economics and social sciences, industry, labor, public affairs and manpower training, and unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians. Authorizes the Foundation to make grants: (1) for the conduct of research designed to study and appraise the social, economic, and managerial aspects of transition from defense research and engineering activities to civilian-oriented research and engineering activities; (2) for programs designed to facilitate the transition of scientific and technical activities to civilian programs at the State, local, or regional level; (3) for training programs for officers and employees of Federal, State, and local government who will be responsible for administering Government-assisted programs for civilian, social oriented research and engineering activities; (4) for establishing community conversion corporations which shall conduct civilian-oriented research and development activities focusing on the particular problems of the community where the corporation is located; (5) for job transition programs involving the hiring of unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians to work on civilian-oriented projects for which they are not yet fully qualified; (6) for career transition fellowships to unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians to enable them to pursue a course of study through which they can acquire specialized technical knowledge and skills in fields other than the ones in which they are already proficient; (7) for placement programs for unemployed or underemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians; and (8) for education programs which design courses and curriculums intended to prepare students for careers in civilian, socially oriented research and engineering activities, in areas such as pollution control, mass transit, solid waste disposal systems, public utilities, public safety systems, and health care technology. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this title $152,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $203,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $205,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Title IV: Protection of Pension Rights of Scientists and Engineers - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to develop recommendations for modifications of Federal procurement regulations to insure that scientists, engineers, and those employed under Federal procurement, construction, or research contracts or grants, shall be protected against forfeiture of pension or retirement benefits as a consequence of job transfers or loss of employment resulting from terminations or modifications of Federal contracts or procurement policies. Title V: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Authorizes the Director to appoint additional personnel and advisory committees, and use the services of Federal, State, and local government organizations, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Makes provisions for the payment and withholding of funds under this Act. Requires records to be kept of costs by recipients of assistance under this Act. Provides for an audit of records of recipients of assistance. Requires provisions in grants or contracts under this Act governing the disposition of inventions produced thereunder in a manner calculated to protect the public interest and the equities of the individual or organization with which the grant or contract is executed. Prohibits any Foundation employee from retaining or transferring any rights, under the patent laws or transfering any rights, under the patent laws of the United States, in any invention which he may produce in connection with performing his assigned activities and which is directly related to the subject matter thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Title I: Organization - Establishes within the Department of Labor an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent. Provides that the functions, records and personnel of the Office of Labor Management Services Administration necessary for the administration of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act are transferred to the Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration. Requires that, unless exempt, the provisions of the Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Requires administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to file applications with the Secretary of Labor for registration of such plans. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - Requires that no pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan may require, as a condition of eligibility to participate in the plan, a period of service longer than one year or an age greater than 25, whichever occurs later, except that any plan which provides 100 percent immediate vesting upon entry into the plan may restrict participation to those who have attained age 30, or three years of service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes the Secretary to defer, in whole or in part, applicability of the vesting provisions for a period not to exceed five years from the effective date of such requirements where a plan makes a showing that the vesting requirements would increase the employer's costs or contributions to the plan to an extent that substantial economic injury would result to the employer and to the interests of the participants. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing funding of multi-employer plans that cover a substantial portion of the industry or employees in a specific geographic area to assure that such plans are provided with sufficient assets to cover benefits under the plan. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program known as the Voluntary Portability Program for portability of vested pension credits. Requires that, plans which are members of this program are required to pay, to a central portability fund administered by the Secretary, monies representing the value of the participant's vested rights when he is separated from the plan prior to retirement. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance Program Established - Establishes a Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program administered by the Secretary, which requires plans to insure unfunded vested liabilities incurred prior to enactment of the Act, as well as after enactment of the Act. Requires the insurance program to insure participants against loss of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the Secretary shall make arrangements with employers on equitable terms for the reimbursement of insurance paid. Title V: Disclosure and Fiduciary Standards - Requires that annual reports filed are required to be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. Restructures the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans so that it will serve as an advisory council for both the WPPDA and the Retirement Income Security for Employees Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition the Federal courts to compel a pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan to comply with the Act or effect recoveries of moneys which may be due under the Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for interference with the rights of a pensioner or his beneficiary. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for the provisions in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Vietnam Disengagement Act - Limits the use of funds appropriated under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to military actions in Indochina to the purpose of withdrawing all United States ground, naval, and air forces and protecting such forces as they are withdrawn. Requires the withdrawal of all United States forces from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to be carried out within two months after the date of enactment of this act conditioned upon the release within the two month period of all American prisoners of war held by the Government of North Vietnam and forces allied with such Government, and an accounting of all Americans missing in action who have been held by or known to such Government or such forces.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
States that in providing technical and managerial aids to small-business concerns through various public and non-profit private groups, under the Small Business Act, the Small Business Administration shall: (1) rent for the use of such an individual or group such office facilities, parking space, and related materials and services as would not otherwise be available for the purpose and as the Administration deems appropriate; (2) pay, as the Administration deems appropriate, the expenses of disseminating through advertising media information to small business concerns respecting the availability of such individuals or groups; (3) pay, as the Administration deems appropriate, the expense of placing in telephone directories an independent listing of the telephone numbers of such individuals or groups; and (4) reimburse any such individual for the cost incurred in making any telephone call from his home in furtherance of the purposes of such Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(B))
![Official portrait of Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000253_200.jpg)