United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Flood Disaster Protection Act - Title I: Expansion of National Flood Insurance Program - Increases, under the National Flood Insurance Act, to $35,000 the aggregate liability for any single-family dwelling, and to $100,000 for any residential structure containing more than one dwelling unit. Increases to $100,000 the aggregate liability in the case of business properties which are owned, leased and operated by small business concerns. Increases, in the case of any other properties which may become eligible for flood insurance coverage under the Act, to $100,000 the aggregate liability for any single structure, and to $100,000 the aggregate liability per unit for any contents related to such unit. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4013) Provides that no Federal office or agency shall approve any financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes on and after July 1, 1973, for use in any area that has been identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as an area having special flood hazards and in which the sale of flood insurance is authorized under this Act, unless the building or mobile home and any personal property to which such financial assistance relates is, during the anticipated economic or useful life of the project, covered by flood insurance in an amount at least equal to its development or project cost or to the maximum limit of coverage authorized for the particular type of property under the Act, whichever is less. Removes the limit of outstanding notes and obligations that may be issued for purposes of financing the provisions of the Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4016) Increases from $4,000,000,000 to $10,000,000,000 the total authorized face amount of flood insurance outstanding and in force at any one time under the Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4026) Title II: Disaster Mitigation Requirements - Provides that no Federal officer or agency shall approve any financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes on and after July 1, 1975, for use in any area that has been identfied by the Secretary as an area having special flood hazards unless the community in which such area is situated is then participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. Provides that each Federal instrumentality responsible for the supervision, approval, regulation, or insuring of banks, savings and loan associations, or similar institutions shall by regulation prohibit such institutions on and after July 1, 1975, from making, increasing, extending, or renewing any loan secured by improved real estate or a mobile home located or to be located in an area that has been identified by the Secretary as an area having special flood hazards, unless the community in which such area is situated is then participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. Repeals the disaster assistance penalty provision of the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Provides that any executive agreement made on or after the date of enactment of this Act shall be transmitted to the Secretary of State who shall then transmit such agreement to the Congress. States that if, in the opinion of the President, the immediate disclosure of such an agreement would be prejudicial to the security of the United States the agreement shall be transmitted to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House under an appropriate written injuction of secrecy to be removed only upon due notice from the President. Provides that any such agreement shall come into force with respect to the United States at the end of the first period of 60 calendar days after the date on which the executive agreement is transmitted to the Congress or such committees, as the case may be unless, both Houses pass a concurrent resolution stating in substance that both Houses do not approve the executive agreement. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by the Congress in the case of concurrent resolutions described above.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1973
Requests the President to enter into negotiations with the major oil importing countries for the purposes of establishing an international organization of oil importing countries and establishing common practices and policies affecting oil pricing, importation, and consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Parole Commission Act - Creates as an agency of the Department of Justice the United States Parole Commission, the members of which shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the President shall designate from among the Commissioners one to serve as Chairman, five to serve as National Parole Commissioners and such others as may be necessary to serve as Regional Parole Commissioners. Specifies the duties of the Chairman of the Commission. Provides that the national Parole Commissioners, by majority vote, shall: (1) have authority to accept, reject, or modify any decision of any Regional Parole Commissioner; (2) give reasons in detail for their decisions in any appropriate case, including the review of any decision of any region; (3) transfer to themselves the authority to grant, modify, or revoke an order paroling any eligible person when the national well-being so requires; and (4) perform other functions specified in this Act. Authorizes a Regional Commissioner to carry out specified duties, including: (1) to grant or deny any application or recommendation to parole or re-parole any eligible person, (2) to specify reasonable conditions of any order granting parole; and (3) to re-parole any person whose parole has been revoked and who is not otherwise ineligible for parole. Makes a person eligible for parole after serving one-third of his term or terms or after serving fifteen years of a life sentence or of a sentence of more than forty-five years. Provides that once a person is eligible for parole he must be given a parole appearance and at least one additional parole appearance every two years. Authorizes the Commission to release such a person if it appears from a report and recommendation by proper institution officers that such person has observed the rules of the institution, that there is a reasonable probability that such person will live and remain at liberty without violating the law and if in the opinion of the Commission such release is not incompatible with the welfare of society. Sets forth the procedures for an appearance of a person before the Parole authority. Provides that a warrant for the retaking of any person who is alleged to have violated his parole may be issued by any Commissioner within the maximum term or terms for which such prisoner was sentenced. States that such person shall be given a hearing before a United States magistrate as soon as possible subsequent to his being retaken pursuant to such a warrant. Provides that counsel may be appointed if the alleged violator is unable to retain counsel. Authorizes the magistrate to release the parolee on bail until a determination has been made as to whether or not his parole will be revoked. Provides that, upon entering a judgement of conviction, the court having jurisdiction to impose sentence, when in its opinion the ends of justice and best interests of the public require that the defendant be sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, may: (1) designate in the sentence of imprisonment imposed a minimum term at the expiration of which the person shall become eligible for parole, which term may be less than but shall not be more than one-third of the maximum sentence imposed by the court, or (2) fix the maximum sentence of imprisonment to be served in which event the court may specify that the person may become eligible for parole at such time as the Commission may determine. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, upon the commitment of any person sentenced to imprisonment under any law of the United States for a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, and under such regulations as the Attorney General may prescribe, to cause a complete study to be made of the person and to furnish to the Commission a summary report, together with any recommendations which in the Director's opinion would he helpful in determining the suitability of the prisoner for parole. Creates an Advisory Corrections Council and specifies the members of such Council. Provides that the Council shall consider problems of treatment and corrections of all offenders against the United States and shall make such recommendations to the Congress, the President, the Judicial Conference of the United States and other appropriate officials as may improve the administration of criminal justice and assure the coordination and integration of policies of the Federal agencies, private industry, labor and local jurisdictions respecting the disposition, treatment and correction of all persons convicted of crime. Provides that the Commission may grant or deny any application or recommendation for parole, modify, or revoke any order of parole of any person sentenced pursuant to the Federal Youth Corrections Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to designate one Commissioner to serve as Youth Corrections Comissioner. States that it shall be the responsibility of such Commissioner to oversee the policies pertaining to offenders sentenced under such Act, and to serve as vice chairman of the Commission. Re-enacts applicable sections of the Federal Youth Corrections Act to make the language conform to the changes made by this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
Provides that children's benefits received by an individual under the Social Security Act shall be disregarded in determining whether that individual is a dependent of a taxpayer under the Internal Revenue Code. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 152)
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
States that the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force shall jointly establish and implement a uniform merit promotion program for technicians in the National Guard which shall apply in all States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Provides that a technician may not be required to wear a military uniform while performing duties within the scope of his employment as a technician. Requires any technician who is required to fulfill annual training requirements in order to qualify for his technician's position to, during any calendar year, be granted appropriate military leave for the purpose of meeting such qualifications, and such military leave shall be in addition to any other annual military leave authorized by law or regulation in the case of such technician. States that a person performing service as a National Guard Technician who is separated from such service after becoming fifty years of age and completing twenty years of service in the performance of such duty is entitled to an annuity if the Secretary of the military department concerned recommends his retirement and the Civil Service Commission approves the recommendation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1973
Provides that the report of the Subcommittee on Securities of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs entitled "Securities Industry Study" be printed as a Senate document, and that there be printed two thousand additional copies of such document for the use of that committee.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Permits, under the Labor Management Relations Act, employer contributions to jointly administered trust funds established by labor organizations to defray costs of legal services.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Establishes within the Department of State a Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental Affairs to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of State. Transfers to this Bureau those functions of the Department of State relating to oceans, environmental, fisheries, wildlife and conservation affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Hemophilia Act - Provides that any individual suffering from hemophilia may file a claim for benefits under this part with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in such form and containing such information as he may reasonably require. States that benefits under this part shall be paid to, or on behalf of a claimant, in an amount equal to 100 percent of the actual cost of providing blood, blood products, and services associated with the treatment of hemophilia, less: (1) amounts payable by third parties (including governmental agencies), and (2) amounts determined by the Secretary (in accordance with this Act) to be payable by the individual suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 1973, and ending June 30, 1976, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of no less than fifteen new centers for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this section $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. Provides that the Secretary shall establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of individuals suffering from hemophilia. States that such program shall be made available through the facilities of the Public Health Service to any individual requesting diagnosis, treatment, or counseling for hemophilia. Permits the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, and to enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals to establish blood fractionation centers, for the purpose of fractionating and making available for distribution blood and blood products, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary to hemophilia treatment and diagnostic centers. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 for this purpose. Establishes in the National Institutes of Health a National Hemophilia Advisory Board to be composed of twenty members. States that it shall be the function of the Board to: (1) establish guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia; and (2) submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress not later than January 31 of each year on the scope of activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Full Benefits for Elderly Tenants Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to disregard the increase in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act pursuant to Public Law 92-336 in determining eligibility or the amount of assistance under specified laws relating to low-income housing.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Congressional Free Speech Act - Provides that no court or grand jury shall inquire of a Member or an aide either directly or indirectly into the protected legislative activities of a Member in a criminal proceeding without the Member's consent. Requires the Attorney General of the United States to personally approve the issuance of any subpena to a Member who is at that time serving in Congress, and to notify in writing that Member, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in the case of a Representative, and the President pro tempore of the Senate, in the case of a Senator, not less than forty-eight hours in advance of the issuance of the subpena. Provides that when an aide is served with a subpena which he has reason to believe may require his testimony on the protected legislative activity of a Member, the aide shall immediately inform that Member. Permits any Member to move in United States district court to quash any subpena issued by a court or grand jury in a criminal proceeding requiring him or an aide to appear to give testimony where the Member believes that the subpena seeks testimony about protected legislative activity. Sets forth the procedure for such a motion.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Provides for coverage under the hospital insurance program established by part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) of inpatient hospital services provided outside the United States to individuals insured under such program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Provides, under title XVIII (Health Insurance for the Aged) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physician's prescription or certification shall be included among the items and service covered under the hospital insurance program at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Expert Committee on Drug Coverage to advise the Secretary on matters of general policy in the administration of this program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Provides for the automatic coverage, without premium, under the supplementary medical insurance program established by part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Health Insurance for the Aged) for individuals who are covered (without payment of premium) under the hospital insurance program established by part A of such title.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1973
Allows any Senator, or former Senator, to refuse to testify before any court or grant jury in a criminal proceeding concerning his legislative activity while a Member of the Senate. Prohibits an aide or former aide to a Senator or to a former Senator from testifying before a court or grand jury in a criminal prosecution in the performance of legislative activity by that Senator while he was a member of the Senate, unless otherwise instructed by that Senator. Provides that no memorial or other paper presented to the Senate, except original treaties, finally acted upon, shall be withdrawn from its files except by order of the Senate, except that when an act may pass for the settlement of any private claim, the Secretary is authorized to transmit to the officer charged with the settlement the papers on file relating to the claim, (contained in House Rule XXX). Provides that no memorial or other paper upon which an adverse report has been made shall be withdrawn from the files of the Senate unless copies thereof shall be left in the Office of the Secretary (presently contained in House Rule XXX). Requires a Senator to immediately notify the President Pro Tempore of any demands for testimony or documents made upon him or an aide which might fall within the provisions of this rule.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1973
Grand Canyon National Park Enlargement Act - Provides for the recognition of the entire Grand Canyon as a natural feature of national and international significance. Prohibits the transfer of any lands held in trust for any Indian Tribe. Establishes the Grand Canyon Zone of Influence which gives the Secretary of the Interior the authority to coordinate a protective management program for those lands adjacent to the Grand Canyon or affecting the environment of the Grand Canyon. Institutes programs for the recreational, historical and cultural development of the area, and authorizes cooperative agreements between the States, Indian Tribes, and the Federal Government for the regulation of the area. Provides for the Administration of wilderness land under the Wilderness Act. Authorizes those sums as are necessary for the carrying out of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1973
National Energy Research and Development Policy Act - Title I: Coordination and Augmentation of Federal Support for Research and Development of Fuels and Energy - Declares it to be the policy of the Congress to establish and maintain a national program of research and development in fuels and energy adequate to meet specified objectives. Establishes an Energy Research Management Project which shall have a Chairman appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the duties of the Project, initiating: (1) to review the full range of Federal activities in and financial support for fuels and energy research and development, giving consideration to research and development being conducted by industry and other non-Federal entities, to determine the capability of ongoing research efforts to carry out the policies established by this Act and other relevant Federal policies, particulary the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; and (2) to formulate a comprehensive energy research and development strategy for the Federal Government which will expeditiously advance the policies established by this Act. Provides that in evaluating proposed opportunities for particular research and development undertakings pursuant to this title, the Management Project shall assign priority to types of projects listed in this title. Requires the President not later than five years from the date of this Act, if the authorities and duties of the Management Project are not reassigned to a permanent agency in the interim, to report to the Congress on his evaluation of the progress of fuels and energy research and development and his recommendation for further management of the Federal research and development programs. Provides that the Chairman shall keep the Congress fully and currently informed of all of the Management Project's activities and shall submit to the Congress an annual report. States that neither the Chairman nor any other member of the Management Project or his employees may refuse to testify before the Congress or to submit information to the legislative or appropriations committees of either House of the Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 annually for the administrative expenses of the Management Project. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $800,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and, subject to annual congressional authorizations, $800,000,000 for each of the four following fiscal years to carry out the provisions of this title with respect to energy research and development. Title II: Establishment of a Coal Gasification Corporation - Establishes the Coal Gasification Development Corporation. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation to select, on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more most technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for manufacturing substitute natural gas from coal. Authorizes the Corporation to design construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical, environmental, and economical feasibility thereof and to design, construct, operate, and maintain, for each such method demonstrated, which is technically and economically feasible, a fullscale, commercial-size facility to manufacture substitute natural gas from coal by such method. Provides that the Corporation shall transmit to the President of the United States and the Congress, annually, commencing one year from the date of the enactment of this Act, and at such other times as it deems desirable, a comprehensive and detailed report of its operations, activities, and accomplishments under this title. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for fiscal year 1974, the sum of $6,000,000, and for each of the next nine succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: Establishment of a Shale Oil Development Corporation - States that it is the policy of the Federal Government to bring into being the technology for commercial development of shale oil as quickly as possible by establishing a Government-industry program jointly managed and funded to demonstrate commercial methods of producing environmentally acceptable fuels from shale oil. Establishes the Shale Oil Development Corporation which shall have a Board of nine Directors consisting of individuals who are citizens of the United States, of whom one shall be elected annually by the Board to serve as Chairman. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation to select on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for producing a syncrude from shale oil. Authorizes the Corporation to design, construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical, environmental, and economical feasibility thereof and to design, construct, operate, and maintain, for each such method demonstrated, which is technically and economically feasible, a full-scale, commercial-size facility to produce a syncrude from shale oil by such method. Requires the Corporation to transmit an annual report to the President and the Congress and at such time to submit such legislative recommendations as it deems desirable. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for fiscal year 1974, the sum of $5,000,000 and for each of the next seven succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Establishment of an Advanced Power Cycle Development Corporation - Establishes the Advanced Power Cycle Development Corporation which shall have a Board of nine Directors consisting of individuals who are citizens of the United States, of whom one shall be elected annually by the Board to serve as Chairman. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation to select, on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more most technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for producing electricity at high efficiencies using advanced power cycles with minimum adverse environmental impacts using coal. Authorizes the Corporation to design, construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical and economical feasibility thereof and to design, construct, operate, and maintain, for each such method demonstrated, which is technically and economically feasible a full-scale commercial-size facility to produce electricity from coal by such mehtod. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation for fiscal year 1974, the sum of $6,500,000, and for each of the next nine succeeding fiscal years, such sums as may be necessary. Title V: Establishment of a Geothermal Energy Development Corporation - Establishes the Geothermal Energy Development Corporation which shall have a Board of nine Directors consisting of individuals who are citizens of the United States, of whom one shall be elected annually by the Board to serve as Chairman. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation, on the basis of the best geologic information and after field exploration, to select suitable sites for the construction of two or more demonstration installations to develop technologies for the generation of steam and electric power from geothermal resources. Authorizes the Corporation to operate a full scale commercial-size facility to produce electricity from geothermal energy. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, for fiscal year 1974, the sum of $8,000,000, and for each of the next fourteen succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Title VI: States that it is the policy of the Federal Government to bring into being the technology for commercial development of coal liquefaction processes as quickly as possible by establishing a Government-industry program jointly managed and funded to demonstrate commercial methods of producing synthetic liquid petroleum products from coal. Establishes the Coal Liquefaction Corporation which shall have a Board of nine Directors consisting of individuals who are citizens of the United States, of whom one shall be elected annually by the Board to serve as Chairman. States that it shall be the function of the Corporation to select, on the basis of the best engineering information available, the two or more technically, environmentally, and economically feasible methods for producing synthetic liquid petroleum products from coal. Authorizes the Corporation to design, construct, operate, and maintain a demonstration-type facility for each such method selected in order to determine the technical, environmental, and economical feasiblity thereof and to design, construct, operate, and maintain, for each such method demonstrated, which is technically and economically feasible, a full-scale, commercial-size facility to produce synthetic fuel from coal by such method. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Corporation, fiscal year 1974, the sum of $7,500,000, and for each of the next eleven succeeding fiscal years, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake emergency erosion control projects. Authorizes an appropriation of $35,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. (Amends 33 U.S.C. 426)
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Makes the fact findings that there is a need for further research and study in determining the causes and means of preventing shore line erosion. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to secure the assistances of the States in entering into research studies on shore line erosion. Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1973
Interns for Political Leadership Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, under title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to enter into a contract or other arrangement with a private nonprofit agency (to be known as the "National Coordinating Agency") under which such Agency will plan, develop and carry out an internship program under which third-and fourth-year students at institutions of higher education will be provided practical political involvement with elected officials in the performance of their duties at all levels of government through internships in their offices. Provides that such internship program shall be carried out through arrangements with institutions of higher education and State and local governments under which students will serve as interns in offices of State and local elected officials. Provides that the students who have participated in the internship programs at State and local levels may become interns in the offices of Members of Congress for up to three months during the first year following the receipt of their bachelor's degree. Stipulates that students shall be chosen by the Agency from among those whose names are proposed by participating institutions. Limits the Federal contribution to the Program to one-half its cost. Authorizes the Agency to prescribe and administer the terms and conditions of internships, including stipends therefor. Authorizes an appropriation of $3 million in each of the three fiscal years 1974-1976, for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Provides that no unfair labor practice shall be construed to prohibit any strike or refusal to perform services or any inducement of any individual employed by any person to strike or refuse to perform services at the site of the construction, alteration, painting, or repair of a building, and directed at any of several employers who are in the construction industry and are jointly engaged as joint ventures or in the relationship of constructors and subcontractors, and there is a labor dispute, not unlawful under this Act or in violation of an existing collective-bargaining contract, relating to working conditions of employees employed at such site by any of such employers and the issues in the dispute do not involve a labor organization which is representing the employees of an employer at the site who is not engaged primarily in the construction industry. Requires a labor organization to give ten days notice to specified authorities prior to any such strike at a military installation. (Amends 29 U.S.C. 158(b))
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
National Community Television Antenna Act - States that the Congress declares that community antenna television systems provide an essential service, and that access to a full offering of diversified television communications and supplemental electronics service via such systems is not a luxury, but is an essential condition for the survival of our society; that few communities will need, or be able to support, two such systems and that a full offering of such service must be uniformly and universally available for public needs and public use. Provides under Communication Act that "community antenna system" means any facility which, in whole or in part, receives directly or indirectly over the air and amplifies or otherwise modifies the signals transmitting programs broadcast by one or more broadcast stations and distributes such signals by wire or cable to subscribing members of the public who pay for such service. Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission, as the public interest, convenience and necessity requires, to prescribe such rules and regulations, issue such authorizations and orders, and prescribe such conditions and restrictions, with respect to community antenna television systems as may be necessary to regulate community antenna systems.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Provides that Federal employees shall be entitled to accumulate annual leave in excess of thirty days, or receive payment therefor, for periods such employees have been in a missing status while serving in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 6304)
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Limits the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to impose, by regulations, restrictions upon the availability and use of Federal funds authorized for social services under the public assistance programs established by the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide for water transportation facilities for access to the William Fitts Ryan Gateway National Urban Recreation Area in the States of New Jersey and New York. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for such facilities (including ferry services and docking facilities). (Amends P.L. 92-592)
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1973
Permits a married couple to deduct under the Internal Revenue Code household and depandent care expenses when one spouse is a full-time student to the same extent that a deduction would be allowable were both spouses employed. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 214 (e))
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
Child Abuse Prevention Act - Establishes a National Center of Child Abuse and Neglect to monitor research, maintain a clearinghouse on child abuse programs, and compile and publish training materials for persons working in the field. Establishes a program of demonstration grants to be used in training personnel in the fields of medicine, law and social work and to support innovative projects aimed at preventing or treating child abuse or neglect. Creates a National Commission on Child Abuse and Neglect to examine some of the issues relating to child abuse including the effectiveness of existing laws and the proper role of the Federal Government in the area of child abuse. Modifies existing legislation authorizing child welfare programs to require a State plan outlining the system used to deal with child abuse. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Title I: Coordination, and Personnel - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, shall coordinate efforts, in carrying out the purposes of all other Federal health, welfare, rehabilitation, highway safety, law enforcement and economic opportunity legislation, to deal with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Provides that the Director of the Institute may employ and prescribe the functions of such officers and employees, including attorneys, as are necessary to administer the programs and authorities under the Act. Title II: Federal Assistance for State and Local Programs - Authorizes further appro- priations for grants to States under the Act of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that State plans for assistance under the Act must set forth standards for construction and licensing of public and private treatment facilities, as well as standards for other community services or resources available to assist individuals to meet problems resulting from alcohol abuse. Provides that the Secretary acting through the Institute is authorized to make grants to the states for the implementation of the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act. Transfers all authorities pertaining to alcohol abuse and alcoholism under the Community Mental Health Centers Act to the authority authorized under the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act. Provides that grants under the Community Mental Health Centers Act for the construction of facilities for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism shall be approved in accordance with plans setting forth: (1) a description of the site of the project; (2) plans and specifications therefor in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary for general standards of construction and equipment for facilities of different classes and different types of locations; and (3) reasonable assurance that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors of the project will 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. Removes the requirement under the Act that grants for specialized facilities may be made only to facilities which are a part of or affiliated with a Community Mental Health Center providing at least those essential elements of comprehensive community mental health services which are prescribed by the Secretary. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out part B of the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, 120,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and 120,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1974, and each of the next nine fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to continue to make grants for staffing with respect to sections under such part for which a staffing grant was made from appropriations under the above for any fiscal year ending before July 1, 1976. Removes the compulsory suspension of Federal financial assistance, under the Act, to private and public hospitals for refusing to admit or treat alcoholics.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Domestic Volunteer Service Act - Title I: National Volunteer Anti-Poverty Programs - Provides for the Volunteers in Service to America (Vista) program of full-time volunteer service, together with appropriate powers and responsibilities designed to assist in the development and coordination of such program. Authorizes the Director to recruit, select, and train persons to serve in the VISTA program. Authorizes the Director to assign VISTA Volunteers, upon the request of Federal, State, or local agencies or private nonprofit organizations. Directs the Director, wherever feasible, to assign low-income VISTA volunteers to serve in their home communities in teams with nationally recruited VISTA volunteers having an appropriate specialty which would benefit that community. Requires the Director to terminate the assignment of an individual VISTA volunteer within thirty days of a Governor's request or within a mutually agreeable time frame. Requires that VISTA Volunteers make a full-time, personal commitment to combating poverty, including, to the extent practicable, a commitment to live among and at the economic levels of the people with whom they are assigned to work, and to remain available for services without regard to regular working hours, at all times during their term of service except for authorized periods of leave. Authorizes a two-year term of enrollment for VISTA Volunteers. States that no volunteer shall serve for more than five years. Directs the Director to support volunteers serving under this Act through living allowances, travel allowances, and leave allowances, and through housing, supplies, equipment, subsistence, clothing, health and dental care, transportation, supervision, technical assistance, and any other support which he deems necessary or appropriate for volunteers to carry out their assignments. Directs the Director, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of HEW, the Secretary of Labor, and appropriate State officials, to conduct a special emphasis program by assigning VISTA, UYA, or other ACTION volunteers to departments of corrections in a State, county, city, or public school district in futherance of the purpose of the Act. Directs him to place a special emphasis on the recruitment of rehabilitated criminal offenders as participating volunteers. Provides that the Director, in consultation with the VA Administrator, the Commissioner of Education and the Secretary of Labor, shall conduct a program in furtherance of the purpose of this Act, with a special emphasis on the recruitment as volunteers of persons who are Vietnam-era veterans. Directs the Director, in consultation with the Director of the Special Action Office on Drug Abuse Prevention, the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, and the VA Administrator, to conduct the special emphasis program by assigning VISTA, UYA, or other ACTION volunteers to programs in furtherance of the purpose of rehabilitating drug abusers. Title II: National Older American Volunteer Programs - Provides for the making of grants by the Director of ACTION to State agencies to develop a volunteer service program, limiting those volunteers to individuals over 55 years of age. Requires the Director to coordinate programs under this title with relevant programs in other Federal agencies in disseminating information about the availability of assistance under this title, and in promoting the identification and interest of older persons whose services may be utilized under this title. Title III: National Volunteer Programs to Assist Small Business and Promote Voluntary Service by Small Businessmen - Directs the Director to consult with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in order that they may cooperate in the operation of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and Active Corps of Executives (ACE) program which provides managerial and other assistance to small businesses. States that the Director shall be responsible for: (1) conducting a national publicity and recruitment effort to publicize the accomplishments of these programs and to encourage others to serve in them; (2) providing general budgetary planning for the SCORE/ACE program and appropriate logistical support (including office space and supplies when the SBA has none available to the SCORE/ACE volunteers serving Small Business Administration clients; and (3) expanding the application of the expertise of SCORE and ACE volunteers to other projects and agencies, besides the Small Business Administration, to carry out programs authorized by this Act or the Economic Opportunity Act. Declares that such volunteers, while working on SBA projects or new programs under this title, shall be considered Federal employees for purposes of Federal tort claims and compensation for work injuries. Prohibits SCORE/ACE volunteers serving in connection with the responsibilities of the Director of the ACTION Agency under this Act from participating in any screening or evaluation activities on behalf of the Small Business Administration in connection with applications for loans from the Administration, and prohibits them from providing services to a client of the Small Business Administration with a delinquent loan outstanding except when specifically requested by such a client after the loan has become delinquent. Title IV: Administration and Coordination - Provides the Director with general authorities which are in addition to those given him by other provisions of the Act. Prohibits funds appropriated to carry out programs under the Act or to carry out the Act from being used to finance political activity or election, and authorizes the Director to issue rules and regulations for the enforcement of these political prohibitions and similar prohibitions in any programs assisted under the Act. Prohibits agencies or organizations to which volunteers are assigned, or which operates or supervises any volunteer program authorized by this Act, from requesting or receiving any compensation for services of those volunteers. Prohibits the use of funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act from being used to finance labor or anti-labor organizations. Authorizes the Director to prescribe requirements for volunteer service in programs authorized by this Act and requires volunteers and prospective volunteers to provide information concerning their qualifications. Establishes in the ACTION Agency a National Voluntary Service Advisory Council to be composed of not more than 25 members appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the President. Provides that the Council shall advise the Director with respect to administrative and policy matters, and at his request, review the effectiveness of the programs operating under this and the Peace Corps Act. Prohibits the Director from providing financial assistance for any program under this Act unless the financial arrangement specifically prohibits discrimination because of race, creed, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, or belief. Provides that the stipend paid to volunteers under this Act shall not be taxed until actually received by the volunteers. Exempts from the income tax the allowances received by VISTA and University Year for ACTION volunteers and volunteers serving in full-time programs of at least one-year's duration under part C of title of this Act, except for stipends (to VISTA or UYA Volunteers or Volunteer Leaders), leave allowances, and that part of the living allowance which the Director determines is basic compensation. Title V: Authorization of Appropriations - Provides authorization for appropriation for each of the programs under ACTION for the next three fiscal years. Prohibits the expenditure in excess of ten percent of the total amount appropriated and made available for this Act for administrative expenditures, including the compensation of Federal employees. Title VI: Amendments to Other Laws and Repealers - Supersedes the program and administrative provisions of Reorganization Plan No. 7 relating to domestic volunteer programs. Provides that all official actions taken by the Director of the ACTION Agency his designee, or any other person under the authority of such Reorganization Plan which are in force on the effective date of this Act and for which there is continuing authority under the provisions of this Act shall continue in full force and effect until modified, superseded or revoked by the Director. Provides that VISTA, University Year for ACTION Volunteers, and volunteers serving in full-time programs of at least one-year's duration under title I of this Act who subsequently become members of the Federal Civil Service shall have their volunteer service time counted as creditable toward Civil Service retirement, in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Provides that veterans who serve in VISTA or the Peace Corps shall have an extension on the time period in which they are eligible for veterans educational assistance under the GI Bill equal to the time which they spent in VISTA or Peace Corps training and service.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Public Health Service Act Extension - Extends authorizations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Public Health Service Act: (1) research and demonstrations relating to health facilities and services; (2) systems analysis of national health care plans; (3) national health surveys and studies; (4) traineeships for professional public health personnel; (5) project grants for graduate training in public health; (6) health services for domestic agricultural migrants; (7) grants to States for comprehensive State health planning; (8) project grants for areawide health planning; (9) project grants for training, studies, and demonstrations related to comprehensive national health planning; (10) grants for comprehensive public health services; (11) project grants for health services development; (12) assistance for construction of medical library facilities; (13) grants for training in medical library sciences; (14) grants for establishing, expanding, and improving the basic resources of medical libraries and related instrumentalities; (15) grants for establishment of regional medical libraries; (16) financial support of biomedical scientific publication; (17) grants for the construction of public or other nonprofit long-term care, outpatient, and rehabilitation facilities; (18) grants for the construction of public or other nonprofit hospitals and public health centers; (19) grants for the modernization of long term care, outpatient, and rehabilitation facilities, and of hospitals and public health centers; (20) loan guarantees and loans for modernization and construction of hospitals and other medical facilities; (21) construction or modernization of emergency rooms; (22) grants for construction of teaching facilities for allied health professions personnel; (23) basic and special grants to improve the quality of training for allied health professions; (24) special projects for experimentation, demonstration, and institutional improvements related to training allied health personnel; (25) traineeships for advanced training of allied health professions personnel; (26) scholarship grants for allied health professions personnel; (27) grants to encourage full utilization of educational talent for allied health professions; (28) work-study programs for personnel in the allied health professions; (29) loans for students of the allied health professions; and (30) grants for education, research, training and demonstrations in the fields of heart disease, cancer, stroke, kidney disease and other related diseases. Extends authorizations through fiscal year 1974 for the following programs under the Community Mental Health Centers Act: (1) grants for construction of public and other nonprofit community mental health centers; (2) grants for initial costs of professional and technical personnel of community mental health centers; (3) grants for developing specialized training programs, training personnel, conducting surveys and and programs of special significance related to community mental health centers; (4) grants for facilities for alcoholic rehabilitation; (5) grants for training programs, personnel, and studies related to drug abuse and rehabilitation; (6) grants for drug abuse education; (7) project grants for construction and staffing of facilities for the prevention and treatment of alochol and drug abuse; (8) grants for consultation services for alcohol and drug abuse; and (9) grants for treatment facilities to provide mental health services for children.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1973
Federal Drug Abuse Enforcement Reorganization Act - Sets forth Congressional findings related to law enforcement and illegal drug traffic. Establishes in the Department of Justice an Office of Drug Abuse Investigation and Enforcement which shall be headed by a Deputy Attorney General appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the Deputy shall: (1) review the investigative practices and capabilities, regulations, guidelines, and procedures for the several agencies under his direction and control as provided in this Act, in terms of their adequacy and consistency with the policies and priorities he provides or establishes; (2) recommend changes in organization, management, and personnel, which he deems advisable to implement the policies, priorities, and objectives he provides or establishes; and (3) conduct or provide for the conduct of evaluation and studies of the performance and results achieved by all Federal agencies working in the areas of drug abuse enforcement. Transfers to the Attorney General all of the functions of the Secretary of Treasury, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Secretary of State and Commissioner of customs which pertain to seizures and arrests, as well as manufacture and control, of narcotics and dangerous drugs. States that it is the intent of the this Act that the Federal Bureau of Investigation exercise investigative jurisdiction in cases involving alleged violations of Federal narcotics and drug abuse laws when it is determined by the Deputy and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, upon request of the Deputy that such exercise will facilitate the successful investigation and prosecution of such cases or the development of useful intelligence information, either independently or in concert with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Provides that in carrying out his functions under this Act, the Deputy shall strengthen coordination among all Federal departments and agencies engaged in law enforcement investigations, programs and activities, and activities which relate to drug abuse enforcement and control functions. Directs the Deputy to prepare for the Attorney General and the Cabinet Committee on International Narcotics Control an annual report on the use of the resources and personnel of the Federal Government and international organizations in which the United States is a member in controlling illicit narcotics traffic. Provides that the Deputy shall coordinate or assure coordination and cooperation of Federal drug enforcement functions with functions of State and local governments and agencies. Establishes a special fund under the direction and control of the Deputy, in order to provide: (1) incentives to Federal, State, and local law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies and international organizations, to develop innovative concepts, methods, and techniques in the investigation and successful prosecution of narcotics trafficking cases generally; and tactical and strategic intelligence information relating to the nature, extent, and impact of such trafficking, and to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of local law enforcement efforts in this area; and (2) funding assistance to such agencies, particularly local law enforcement agencies, to complete successfully specific cases against major narcotics traffickers, and to expedite the disposition of narcotics trafficking cases within local judicial systems. Authorizes for the purposes of providing such assistance appropriations of $30,000,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1973 and $30,000,000 for each of the next succeeding fiscal years.
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 · 6 March 1973
Environmental Protection Act - Declares that each person is entitled to the protection, preservation and enhancement of his environment. Establishes the right of any person to maintain a judicial action for declaratory or equitable relief, either individually or in behalf of a class of persons, without regard to the amount in controversy, to protect the environment or public trust from pollution, impairment or destruction which results from or reasonably may result from any activity and such action for relief constitutes a case or controversy. Provides that complaints in such actions shall be supported by affidavits of at least two technically qualified persons affirming that the defendant's activities damage or reasonably may damage the environment. Prescribes various judicial procedures and standards which are to govern the administration of this Act by the courts. Grants the courts authority to provide declaratory relief, temporary and permanent equitable relief, or to impose conditions on the defendant's operations which are required for the protection of the air, water, and land from unreasonable pollution impairment or destruction. Provides that the Act shall be supplementary to existing administrative and regulatory procedures provided by law and grants the court authority to remand the parties to such procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the granting of appropriate interim equitable relief to protect the rights recognized under this Act for as long as is necessary. Provides that any person entitled to maintain an action under the Act may intervene as a party in all such administrative and regulatory procedures. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent the maintenance of an action to protect rights recognized in the Act where the court finds existing administrative or regulatory procedures to be inadequate for the protection of such rights. Provides that at the initiation of any person entitled to maintain an action under this Act, such procedures shall be reviewable in a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent necessary to protect the rights recognized in the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1973
National Advisory Commission on Health Science and Society Resolution - Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Health Science and Society comprised of 15 members to undertake a comprehensive investigation and study of the ethical, social, and legal implications of advances in biomedical research and technology, which shall include, without being limited to: (1) analysis and evaluation of scientific and technological advances in the biomedical sciences, past, current, and projected; (2) analysis and evaluation of the implications of such advances, both for individuals and for society; (3) analysis and evaluation of laws, codes, and principles governing the use of technology in medical practice; (4) analysis and evaluation through the use of seminars and public hearings and other appropriate means, of public understanding of and attitudes toward such implications; and (5) analysis and evaluation of implications for public policy of such findings as are made by the Commission with respect to biomedical advances and public attitudes toward such advances. Requires the Commission to transmit to the President and to the Congress one or more interim reports and, not later than two years after the first meeting of the Commission, one final report, containing detailed statements of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations, including such recommendations for action by public and private bodies and individuals as it deems advisable. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $1,000,000 for each of the two years during which the Commission shall serve for the purpose of carrying out this joint resolution. Provides that on the ninetieth day after the date of submission of its final report to the President and the Congress the Commission shall cease to exist.
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 · 28 February 1973
Increases the amounts prescribed for determining the amount of income to which the retirement income credit under the Internal Revenue Code is allowable.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Oil and Gas Investment Act - Presents the finding of the Congress that oil programs are affected with a national public interest and the interest of investors are adversely affected when oil programs are managed by irresponsible persons and when the control of oil programs is unduly concentrated through pyramiding or inequitable methods of control. Divides oil programs as classified for purposes of this Act as repurchase and nonrepurchase programs, and as diversified and nondiversified programs. Authorizes the Securities and Exchange Commission to conditionally or unconditionally exempt any person, security or oil or gas interest or transaction from any provision of this Act. Provides that no oil program organized under the laws of the United States or of a State, unless registered under this Act, shall purchase or offer for sale, sell or deliver after sale any security having reason to believe that such security or interest will be made the subject of a public offering by use of the mails or any means of interstate commerce. Provides for the registration of oil programs with the Commission. Makes specified classes of persons ineligible for service in the capacity of employee, officer, director, manager or principal underwriter or any oil program registered under this Act. Sets forth restrictions upon the functions and activities of oil programs. Requires oil programs annually to file reports with the Commission in such form and containing such information as the Commission shall prescribe. Authorizes the Commission to make studies and investigations of oil programs in implementing the provisions of this Act. Provides that any person who willfully violates any provision of this Act shall upon conviction be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1973
Provides that a charitable organization shall be denied exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code where amounts paid or incurred by such organization during each taxable year to influence legislation, including an attempt to affect the opinion of the general public, normally exceeds five percent of the yearly expenditures; or where such amounts exceed twenty percent of the yearly expenditures in any attempt to influence legislation, on a matter which directly affects any purpose for which the organization is organized through communication with its own members or with any member or employee of a legislative body, or with any other government official or employee who may participate in the formulation of the legislation. Defines charitable organization for purposes of this Act, and designates certain activities which are not included within the term "influence legislation". Provides that no income tax deduction shall be allowed for a contribution to a charitable organization if the contribution is made for the purpose of influencing legislation. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 501, 1970)
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
Personal Safety Firearms Act - Title I: Registration - Makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly possess a firearm that is not registered under this Act. Excludes from the registration requirement any firearm which has previously not been registered, if it is held for sale by a certified dealer who keeps records as required by the Secretary of the Treasury or if it is possessed by a Federal, a State or a local government body. Allows to remain unregistered for 180 days after the effective date of this Act any firearm possessed by a person on such date and continuously held by that person during the 180 day period. Provides that a certified dealer, before selling a firearm to a person who must register it, must file such application with the Secretary at the time of sale. Requires that when a person other than a certified dealer sells a firearm, the purchaser must file an application for registration prior to receipt of the firearm. Stipulates that the application form to be prescribed by the Secretary must include at least the following: (1) the name, address, date, and place of birth, and social security number of the applicant; (2) the name of the manufacturer, caliber, the model, the type, and the serial number of the firearm; and (3) the date, place, and the person from whom the firearms was obtained and such person's appropriate registration or license number. Requires that the prospective registrant keep a duplicate of his registration application, which duplicate shall suffice as temporary evidence of registration. Provides for the automatic expiration of the certified record of a firearm upon any change of name of the registered owner or residence, unless the Secretary is notified within 30 days of such change. Makes unlawful the carrying of a firearm required to be registered without having a registration certificate or temporary evidence of registration. Makes unlawful the refusal to exhibit such required registration information upon demand of a law enforcement officer. Requires any registrant, who sells his registered firearm, to return his registration to the Secretary within 5 days of the sale and to give certain information about the transferee. Makes it mandatory for one who acquires a firearm subject to registration regulations to require the seller to exhibit a registration certificate, whose number must then be placed on the new registration application. Prohibits a licensed dealer from taking a firearm by way of pledge or pawn without also taking and retaining the registration certificate. Requires prompt notification of the death of a registrant or of the loss, theft or destruction of a firearm. Forbids a licensed dealer from selling ammunition for use in a firearm required to be registered without requiring the purchaser to exhibit his registration certificate for a firearm which uses such ammunition. Provides that whoever violates the registration requirements shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000. Allows the Secretary to pay reasonable value for firearms voluntarily relinquished to him. Provides that any information as to any registration or application shall be disclosed only to the National Crime Information Center. Title II: Licensing - Requires the Secretary to determine which States have adequate permit systems for the possession of firearms and to publish in the Federal Register the names of such States. Provides for certain provisions to be met for an adequate permit system. Makes it unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise transfer any firearm or ammunition to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer or licensed dealer unless: (1) the sale or transfer is not prohibited by any other provision of this Act and (2) the purchaser or transferee exhibits a valid permit issued to him by a State or political subdivision having an adequate permit system, or the purchaser or transferee exhibits a valid Federal gun license. Directs a licensed dealer to issue a Federal gun license to a person upon presentation of the following: (1) a valid official document issued by the person's State or political subdivision, showing his name, current address, age, signature and photograph; (2) a Statement, in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary and dated within six months and signed by the chief law enforcement officer (or his delegate) of the locality of residence of the person, that to the best of that officer's knowledge that person is not under indictment, has not been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, is not a fugitive from justice, and is not otherwise prohibited by any provision of Federal, States, or local law from possessing firearms and ammunition; (3) a statement in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary, dated within six months and signed by a licensed physician, that in his professional opinion such person is mentally and physically capable of possessing and using a firearm safely and responsibly; (4) a statement signed by the Secretary, that he may lawfully possess firearms and ammunition under the laws of the United States and of the State and political subdivision of his residence; and (5) a complete set of such person's fingerprints certified to by a Federal, State or local law enforcement officer, and a photograph reasonably identifying the person. Provides that such Federal gun licenses shall be issued in the form prescribed by the Secretary and shall be valid for a period not exceeding three years. Accords any person denied a Federal gun license the right to apply directly to the Secretary for the issuance of a Federal gun license. Permits, unless otherwise prohibited by this Act, a licensed dealer to ship a firearm or ammunition to a person only if the dealer confirms that the purchaser has been issued a valid permit pursuant to an adequate State permit system, a Federal gun license, or a Federal dealer's license, and notes the number of such permit or license. Prohibits any person to possess a firearm or ammunition without a valid State or local permit, if he is resident or a State or locality having an adequate permit system, or a Federal gun license. Title III: Hand-Held Firearms - Makes it unlawful for any person to import, manufacture, sell, buy, transfer, receive, or transport any hand held firearm which the Secretary determines to be unsuitable for such purposes as law enforcement, military and protective uses or hunting and sport shooting. Permits the Secretary, consistent with public safety and necessity, to exempt from the hand held firearm prohibition such importation, manufacture, sale, purchase, transfer, receipt, or transportation of firearms by importers, manufacturers, dealers, licensed under this Act. Provides that such exemptions may take into consideration not only the needs of police officers and security guards, sportsmen, target shooters, and firearms collectors, but also small businesses in high crime areas and other who can demonstrate a special need for self-protection. Defines the term "hand held firearm" to mean any weapon designed or redesigned and intended to be fired while held in one hand; having a barrel less than ten inches in length and designed, redesigned or made or remade to use the energy of an explosive to expel a projectile or projectiles through a smooth or rifled bore. Title IV: General Provisions - Provides that no provision of this Act shall be construed as indicating an intent on the part of the Congress to occupy the field in which such provisions operate to the exclusion of the law of a State or possession or political subdivision thereof, on the same subject matter, or to relieve any person of any obligation imposed by any law of any State, possession, or political subdivision thereof. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 923A; 931-938; Amends 18 U.S.C. 922(n))
![Official portrait of Sen. Williams, Harrison A., Jr. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000502_200.jpg)