District of Columbia - General Government
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 1961
District of Columbia Hospital Extension
H.R. 4913 Public Law 8779, approved June 30, 1961
This measure extends the Federal grant authority of the District of Columbia Hospital Center Act for 1 year, from June 30, 1961, to June 30, 1962. This act has the dual purpose of providing the District and other interested Federal agencies with the additional time to formulate a coordinated program of Federal assistance to George Washington University Hospital and other hospitals in the metropolitan area, and also preserves the present program of expanding private hospitals in the District through Federal grants provided under the provisions of the Hospital Center Act.
__________ Elections
H.R. 8444 Public Law 87389, approved October 4, 1961
To implement the 23d amendment to the Constitution providing that District residents may vote in the presidential elections, this measure will Retain 21 as the minimum age for qualified voters in the District. Abolish permanent registration and require all qualified voters to register in the year in which the presidential election is held. Liberalize requirements relating to absentee registering and voting, but permit only the physically incapacitated to register by absentee. Establish procedures for presidential elections to be selected in two ways: (1) By certification of the executive committee recognized by the national committee of a major political party; that is, a party which has had its candidates for electors of President and Vice President on the ballot in each of five States in the last election. (2) Any other party may have its candidates for electors submitted to the Board of Elections by presenting a petition to the Board signed by at least 5 percent of the registered qualified voters as of July 1 immediately preceding the election. Require an elector to take an oath or solemnly affirm that he or she will vote for the candidate of the party he has been nominated to represent; and that it shall be his duty to vote this way in the electoral college. Provide that only the names of the candidates of each political party for President and Vice President shall be placed on the ballot. Require a 1year residency in the District before one has the privilege of voting. Require that nominees for presidential electors must qualify as voters and must have been residents of the District for 3 years. Forbid the sale of alcoholic beverages on the day of the presidential election and during the hours when the polls are open, except sales by pharmacists on physicians' prescriptions.
__________ Fire Department Workweek
S. 1292 Public Law 87399, approved October 5, 1961
Reduces the present 60hour workweek of officers and members of the Firefighting Division of the Fire Department of the District of Columbia to a 56hour average workweek.
__________ Gambling in the District of Columbia
H.R. 4669 Public Law 87259, approved September 21, 1961
Strengthens the law relating to gambling in the District by authorizing forfeiture to the District of property seized in connection with a gambling violation. The procedure prescribed for forfeiting property is a libel action brought in the municipal court by the Corporation Counsel. Unless good cause is shown to the contrary, the property is forfeited to the District and may be made available for the use of any agency of the District government or may be disposed of as the Commissioners may, by order or regulation, provide. Where there are bona fide liens against forfeited property, the property may be sold at public auction; however, before the bona fide lienholder is satisfied, the District's costs for the public auction must first be paid.
__________ Police Force Strength
H.R. 7218 Public Law 8760, approved June 27, 1961
This bill raises the authorized minimum limit of the Metropolitan Police Force of the District of Columbia from 2,500 to 3,000 (at present the force has 2,714 members, 214 above the minimum level) to provide more adequate protection for citizens of the District.
District of Columbia, 1962
Capital Punishment--Abolish
H.R. 5143 Public Law 87423, approved March 22, 1962
This act
Abolished the mandatory death sentence for first degree murder in the District of Columbia, the only jurisdiction (State or Federal) which retains that penalty as mandatory in first degree murder convictions. Provided that life imprisonment may be the penalty for first degree murder if recommended by a unanimous jury vote, or by the court, should the jury be unable to decide between the death penalty and life imprisonment for a convicted first degree murderer. Provided that a defendant convicted of first degree murder, if sentenced to life imprisonment, will be eligible for parole in 20 years, to distinguish the first degree murder penalty from that for second degree murder under which parole is possible before 20 years.
_______ District of Columbia Courts
H.R. 12708 Public Law 87873, approved October 23, 1962
Increased jurisdiction of the municipal court of District of Columbia in civil cases from $3,000 to $10,000; increased its subpoena powers to an area up to 25 miles outside the boundaries of the District. Allowed the District Court of the District of Columbia to certify actions to the municipal court which do not justify a judgment in excess of $10,000. Changed names of municipal court to District of Columbia court of general sessions, and the municipal court of appeals for District of Columbia to District of Columbia court of appeals.
__________ Fire Department Workweek
S. 3086 Public Law 87697, approved September 25, 1962
Reduced the present 56hour workweek of officers and members of the Firefighting Division of the Fire Division of the Fire Department of the District of Columbia to a 48hour average workweek.
__________ George Washington Hospital Facilities
H.R. 6747 Public Law 87460, approved May 31, 1962
Authorized $2,500,000 to enable the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to make grants to George Washington University equal to 50 percent of the cost of planning and carrying out a project of construction to expand and improve the facilities of George Washington University Hospital in the District of Columbia. Vested authority in the Surgeon General to approve any project plans. The expansion will include both teaching and patient facilities.
________ Juvenile Court Judges--Two Additional
H.R. 6747 Public Law 87413, approved March 9, 1962
This measure provided for the appointment of two additional juvenile court judges for the District of Columbia, making a total of three. The two new judges to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The judges appointed as a result of this measure to serve for a 10year term, or until his successor is appointed and qualified. To qualify, one must Be a member of the District of Columbia bar for a period of 5 years preceding his appointment. During a period of 10 years immediately preceding appointment have been a resident of the District of Columbia or of the metropolitan area of the District for at least 5 years of which not less than 3 years must immediately precede appointment. "Metropolitan area" means Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland, and Arlington and Fairfax Counties and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church in Virginia. Have a broad knowledge of social problems and procedures and an understanding of child psychology. This act provides the present judge of the court shall continue in office and be considered as occupying one of the three positions of judge provided in this legislation. The chief judge, to be designated by the President, will receive $18,000 a year, and the associate judges will receive $17,500 a year.
__________ Policemen and Firemen Retirement and Disability Act
H.R. 6836 Public Law 87857, approved October 23, 1962
Amends existing law to create an additional category of service-connected disability which will enable policemen and firemen to retire if an injury or disease contracted other than exclusively in the performance of duty is aggravated by the performance of duty so as to disable the member from further duty. A member retiring under this bill will receive the same annuity as if there were no doubt of the disability having resulted exclusively in the performance of duty.
__________ Policemen and Firemen Salary Increase
S. 3705 Public Law 87882, approved October 24, 1962
Provided an average salary increase for District of Columbia police and firemen of 11.6 percent. In addition to the salary increase the bill provides for recognition of assigned responsibilities of certain officers and members of the several police forces and Fire Department of the District of Columbia. It provides a one-step advancement for privates with long years of service to more nearly equalize such service with the time required for newly appointed privates to reach the top. Eliminates the rank of corporal and permits better pay alignment among members.
__________ Tax Increase
H.R. 258 Public Law 87408, approved March 2, 1962
Provides for means of collecting needed revenue for supplementing the District of Columbia budget. There is a $21.3 million deficit in the District of Columbia proposed budget, due to the cut in the Federal contribution to pay the expenses of the District of Columbia government and also due to the mandatory increases in District of Columbia government employees. The increases in taxes include an increase to 3 percent from 2 percent on sales tax with no change on present 1percent tax on groceries and imposes a new tax on each deed at the time it is submitted at one-half of 1 percent of the consideration of the deed, with certain specified exemptions. Increases from 3 to 4 percent tax on transient lodging. Provides for the establishment of a parking fee account within the highway fund of the District of Columbia. The account would receive the revenue of all parking meters and other revenue acquired under the operations of the Motor Parking Facility Act and all the revenue now in the motor vehicle parking fund. The money will be used to maintain roads and highways and pay for the removal of snow and ice from the streets. Provides for standby authority for the District of Columbia government to raise water rates and sanitary sewer service charges by as much as 25 percent to meet continuing construction and operating costs. Permits the District of Columbia to be considered as an impacted area in order to receive Federal payments for school construction purposes. Increases the tax on alcohol and spirits from $1.25 to $1.50 per gallon.
__________ Teachers' Salary Increase
S. 1447 Public Law 87881, approved October 24, 1962
Provided an overall salary increase of approximately 10 percent for teachers in the District schools and a 5percent increase in annuities. Specifically the bill provides An increase in the salary schedules for teachers and school officers; A reduction from 18 to 15 in the number of classes in the pay schedule for teachers and school officers; Authorization for the Board of Education to discontinue the annual increments of employees whose performance is less than satisfactory; Placement of principals of elementary and secondary schools in the same class of the salary schedule; and A revision upward of the salary schedule for summer and evening school employees; A 5percent increase effective January 1, 1963, in all annuities then payable from the fund which commenced on or before that date; That the initial increase be extended on a graduated percentage basis total annuities which commence in the 5year period following January 1, 1963.
_________ Washington Hospital Center Increased Appropriation
S. 1834 Public Law 87511, approve July 1, 1962
Increased the authorization for the Washington Hospital Center from $3 million to $3,375,000 to provide one-half the additional funds needed to complete the Greater Southeast Community Hospital in Washington, D.C. It also extends the expiration date from June 30, 1962, to the end of this session. Thirty percent of the Federal contribution is to be reimbursed by the District of Columbia.
District of Columbia, 1963
Business
H.R. 4330 Public Law 88111, approved September 3, 1963
Amends the District of Columbia Business Corporation Act to Prevent any District of Columbia corporation from pleading usury statutes. Establish procedures whereby such corporations or a foreign corporation may change the address of the registered office. Permit foreign corporations to conduct certain activities within the District without being considered as transacting business.
__________ Commercial Redevelopment
S. 628 Passed Senate July 16; pending in House District of Columbia Committee
Amends the District of Columbia Redevelopment Act to provide clear legislative authority for the use of the urban renewal process in redevelopment of commercial areas within the District of Columbia, as well as residential areas, to which it is presently restricted. This bill brings the law of the District of Columbia in line with that of other major cities in the country by permitting it to conduct redevelopment activities in commercial as well as residential areas.
__________ Communicable Diseases Minors
H.R. 2485 Public Law 88137, approved October 11, 1963
Authorizes the Department of Public Health of the District of Columbia to treat minors for venereal disease on their own consent, when they present themselves voluntarily to the Department's health centers, rather than having to obtain such permission from their parents or guardians (as under existing law). Requires the Director of Public Health to exercise reasonable diligence in ascertaining the whereabouts of a parent, and notifying him of the minor's condition.
__________ Condominium Owners
H.R. 4276 Public Law 88218, approved December 21, 1963
Establishes within the District of Columbia a new estate in property known as "condominium," which is the ownership of single units in a multiunit structure with common elements. This fee simple ownership of a unit in a multiunit structure may be designed either for a residence, office, the operation of any industry or business, or other type of use, with its accessory units and will be known as horizontal property regime or condominium projects. In addition to the fee simple ownership, the owner would also have an undivided interest in the public portions of the building, which includes the corridors, stairways, basements, roofs, heating, and air-conditioning plants, and all other elements of common use. Under the bill, persons will be able not only to purchase and convey, but to lease and encumber units in a building in the same manner as other real property, and purchasers will be entitled to deed conveying said units to them along with an undivided share in the common elements of the structure.
__________ Correctional Industries
S. 1082 Passed Senate June 26; pending in House District of Columbia Committee
Creates a correctional industries revolving fund for the District of Columbia government with a net limitation of $2,500,000 to be used for performance and production of services which will contribute to the rehabilitation of the inmates of institutions in the Department of Corrections of the District of Columbia.
__________ Fiscal Affairs
H.R. 6177 Public Law 88104, approved August 27, 1963
Authorizes a permanent annual Federal payment to the District of Columbia of $50 million to help pay the expenses of running the District. The measure also increased the borrowing authority from a flat $75 million to $175 million.
__________ Insurance Laws
H.R. 1937 Public Law 8857, approved July 8, 1963
Purpose of this bill is to make the District of Columbia perjury statute applicable to those persons who make false statements under oath when applying for licenses or renewal of licenses as insurance agents and brokers in the District of Columbia.
__________ Junior College
S. 1406 Passed Senate November 26; pending in House District of Columbia Committee
Authorizes the Board of Education of the District of Columbia to establish a junior college division of the District of Columbia Teachers College with a 2year program of general pre-professional and terminal education by leading to the degrees of associate in arts.
__________ Learner's Permit
S. 1964 Passed Senate November 26; pending in House District of Columbia Committee
Provides authority to increase from $2 to $5 the fee charged for a District of Columbia learner's permit, to enable an expansion of the driver education program.
__________ Life Insurance Companies
H.R. 3191 Public Law 88191, approved December 5, 1963
Exempts life insurance companies from a 1913 act regulating money lending on securities in the District of Columbia. Under existing law, exemptions are applicable to the legitimate business of national banks, licensed bankers, trust companies, savings banks, building and loan associations, small business investment companies licensed and operating under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, or real estate brokers. To be exempt, a life insurance company must be authorized to do business in the District of Columbia or in any of the States of the United States.
__________ Motor Vehicles
S. 490 Public Law 8889, approved August 5, 1963
Eliminates the requirement that an alphabetical file on motor vehicle and trailer liens be kept by the District of Columbia.
__________ Motor Vehicles Inspection
S. 485 Passed Senate June 26; pending in House District of Columbia Committee
The purpose of this bill is to require the payment of a $1 reinspection fee for every reinspection subsequent to the initial one. Authorizes the Commissioners, at their discretion, to provide by regulation for the inspection of motor vehicles or trailers which, at the time of inspection, are not required to be registered in District of Columbia.
__________ Municipal Court
H.R. 3537 Public Law 8860, approved July 8, 1963
This bill will
Increase the jurisdiction of the municipal court of the District of Columbia in civil cases from $3,000 to $10,000. Increase the subpoena powers of the municipal court of the District of Columbia to issue and serve subpoenas for attendance any point within a 25mile radius of the District. Allow the district court for the District of Columbia to certify actions to the municipal court which will not justify a judgment in excess of $10,000. Change the name of the municipal court for the District of Columbia to the District of Columbia Court of General Sessions, and also change the name of the municipal court of appeals to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
__________ Practical Nurses' Licensing Act
S. 933 Passed Senate August 28; passed House, amended November 6
Amends the District of Columbia Nurses' Licensing Act to make it possible for competent practical nurses to obtain a practical nursing license without written examination if they have resided in the District and actively cared for the sick in the Washington metropolitan area for the year preceding the effective date of the licensing act (July 29, 1961).
__________ Registered Nurses Act
H.R. 1933 Public Law 8881, approved July 30, 1963
Amends existing law to lower from 21 to 19 years the age requirement for registration as a nurse by the Nurses' Examining Board of the District of Columbia.
__________ Relocation Costs
S. 1024 Passed Senate November 26; pending in the House District of Columbia Committee
Authorizes appropriation of District of Columbia funds for relocation costs, to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations displaced by District governmental activities up to $200 per individual or family, and $3,000 per business or nonprofit organization, unless in the latter case a greater amount of actual moving expense is certified. Payment of relocation costs to displaces must be caused by the acquisition of property for construction of highways, buildings, and other public works. However, the bill also provides expanded and more effective relocation services for displacees resulting from condemnation of unsafe and unsanitary buildings, and enforcement of housing regulations.
__________ School Census
S. 1078 Passed Senate July 22; pending in House District of Columbia Committee
Authorized an annual appropriation of $102,700 to take care of the expenses of the school lunch program in the District of Columbia.
__________ Transit System
S. 1533 Public Law 88212, approved December 18, 1963
Transfers functions relating to mass transportation from the District of Columbia Public Utilities Commission to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission. Specifically it amends existing law to permit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, instead of the District of Columbia Public Utilities Commission, to make an annual determination of D.C. Transit System's net operating income and to certify it to the District of Columbia Commissioners for computation of exemptions from the motor vehicle fuel and real estate tax. Under the terms of D.C. Transit's franchise, the transit company is exempt from payment of these taxes to the District of Columbia, to the extent its net earnings are less than 6 ½ percent of gross operating revenues.
ECONOMY AND FINANCE
Economy and Finance, 1961
Area Development
S. 1 Public Law 8727, approved May 1, 1961
As a demonstration of the Senate's "persistence," it has, for the fourth time, passed a $451 million program in an effort to aid in alleviating the suffering in distressed areas hit by unemployment and underemployment where it is substantial and continuous not temporary and seasonal. This 4year program declares its purpose to be one of Federal help for areas needing economic redevelopment, to expand their economic activities, and pride employment wherever possible by Authorizing the President to appoint an Area Redevelopment Administrator in the Department of Commerce (confirmed by the Senate) to receive compensation equal to an Assistant Secretary. The Administrator is to perform such duties under the act as are assigned to him by the Secretary of Commerce. Creating an Area Redevelopment Advisory Board to advise the Administrator. The Board is to be composed of the Secretary of Commerce as Chairman and seven other department and agency heads. Requiring the Secretary to appoint a 25member National Public Advisory Committee on area redevelopment, composed of representatives of labor, management, agriculture, State, and local governments and the general public. Authorizing $300 million in Treasury-financed loans
(1) To industrial areas for constructing new factory buildings, rehabilitating and converting existing buildings for industrial use, redeveloping land and purchasing facilities, including machinery and equipment in cases of demonstrated need; (2) For rural areas for similar type loans; and
(3) For construction, alteration, and expansion of public facilities in both industrial and rural areas. Authorizing an appropriation of $75 million for public facility grants to be used in areas where the project could not be undertaken without the grant. Including an anti-pirating provision which prohibits Federal assistance for relocating an existing business enterprise from one area to another. Setting up eligibility requirements which must be met before assistance can be obtained. Limiting loans for private projects to 25 years, and up to 40 years for public facilities.
Authorizing grants of $4.5 million to help redevelopment areas evaluate developing potentialities for economic growth. Making urban renewal grants available to industrial redevelopment areas for nonresidential projects under existing urban renewal programs. Authorizing an annual appropriation of $10 million for retraining subsistence payments by the Department of Labor to unemployed workers who are undergoing training for a new job under the vocational training program. Terminating the program as of June 30, 1965.
__________ Dependent Children Aid
H.R. 4884 Public Law 8731, approved May 8, 1961
This bill will
1. Authorize a 14month program, from May 1, 1961, through June 1962 to permit States to aid needy unemployed persons and their children who are not now eligible for aid in which the Federal Government participates. 2. Use the same matching formula as is used in the present Federal-State aid to dependent children. 3. Require the State agency administering the expanded aid to dependent children program to enter into cooperative arrangements with the State agency administering the public employment officers in order to try to obtain employment for the parent. 4. Require that State welfare agencies enter into cooperative arrangements with the State vocational education agency for retaining unemployed parents. 5. Give the States the option to exclude from the benefits of the bill individuals who are receiving unemployment compensation. 6. Extend until 60 days after the close of the next regular session of the legislature, the effective date of the Flemming ruling which would have denied Federal matching funds to States who have terminated assistance to children in a home determined to be unsuitable unless the State makes other provisions for the children affected. 7. Allow the States the option of bringing needy dependent children under the program where a court of competent jurisdiction finds that the children are not receiving proper care and protection in their own homes and gives responsibility to the State agency to place them in approved foster family homes. 8. Increase from 80 to 100 percent Federal financing of grants for training of public welfare personnel from July 1, 1961, through June 30, 1963. 9. Authorize the use of appropriations to the Department of Labor for its administration of the employment security program to pay costs involved in borrowing State employment security personnel for the recently enacted Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act. 10. Increase by $3 the maximum amount to which the Federal Government will participate, on a matching basis, in State programs carrying out the special medical care provision of 1960 for recipients of old-age assistance (from $12 to $15). Effective July 1, 1961. 11. Increase the $9 million overall ceiling on public assistance grants to Puerto Ricoby $75,000 for fiscal 1961 and by $300,000 for fiscal 1962. 12. Include all States, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, District of Columbia and Guam.
__________ Duty-Free Allowance Reduction
H.R. 6611 Public Law 87132, approved August 10, 1961
As a part of the balance-of-payments program Congress has authorized, for a 2year period to July 1, 1963, a reduction from $500 to $100 the amount of purchases abroad that a returning resident of the United States may bring in duty free. However, because of the new program to promote tourism in the Virgin Islands, an additional $100 will be permitted tourists returning from the Virgin Islands, thus totaling $200 in this instance.
__________ Federal Unemployment Compensation Extension
H.R. 4806 Public Law 876, approved March 24, 1961
To help ease the unemployment problem throughout the country, Congress authorized Federal advances to permit the States to extend unemployment benefits up to an additional 13 weeks for workers who have exhausted their regular benefits during the recession, thus providing an unemployed worker with benefits up to a total of 39 weeks. These additional payments are to be made available to unemployed workers who have exhausted their benefit rights under a State program after June 30, 1960, and before April 1, 1962. It provides for financing by advances from the Treasury which will be repaid by a temporary increase in the net Federal unemployment tax of four-tenths of 1 percent on the existing wage base of $3,000, effective for calendar years 1962 and 1963. The act requires that temporary unemployment compensation be reduced by amounts received as a retirement pension or annuity under a public or private retirement plan provided, or contributed to, by a base period employer. Thus an individual would not be permitted to receive unemployment benefits under the bill, without reduction for retirement benefits, if both types of payments arise by reason of service for the same employer. The statutory limitation on amounts which may be granted to States for administration of their unemployment security systems is increased to $385 million (from $350 million) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1961, and to $415 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1962. The agency administering the State law is required to furnish the Secretary of Labor information relating to the personal characteristics, family situation, and employment of background of individuals entitled to temporary extended unemployment compensation under this act (on a sample basis).
__________ Public Debt Increase
H.R. 7677 Public Law 8769, approved June 30, 1961
This measure will increase the public debt limit for 1 year from the statutory level of $285 billion, by $13 billion, to $298 billion. Since 1946, when the wartime statutory limit came down from $300 billion to $275 billion, the permanent limit has been increased twice, from $275 billion to $283 billion in 1958, and then to $285 billion in 1959. It has been increased temporarily (for 1 year) five times since 1954. This year's temporary increase of $13 billion compares with 1959's 1year increase from $285 billion to $295 billion and 1960's increase from $285 billion to $293 billion.
__________ Public Debt--Reduce by Gifts
H.R. 311 Public Law 8758, approved June 27, 1961
This act specifically authorizes the U.S. Government to accept gifts of money or other property which are to be used to reduce the public debt. It provides for deposit of cash gifts, or proceeds from sales of other gifts, in a special account on the books of the Treasury, and money in this account is to be used to retire obligations of the United States which are a part of the public debt. Occasionally the U.S. Government receives gifts of money or other property made on the condition that the gift be used to reduce the public debt. However, the Treasury Department has no specific authority to use gifts it receives in this manner and, in the past has been depositing them in the general fund of the Treasury. Thus, this act will permit the gift to be used as the donor designated.
__________ Railroad Unemployment Insurance Extension
H.R. 5075 Public Law 877, approved March 24, 1961
Congress unanimously approved additional temporary unemployment benefits to unemployed railroad workers who have after June 30, 1960, and before April 1, 1962, exhausted all their rights to benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. The maximum number of additional days would be 65 (13 weeks), but these benefits cannot exceed in any individual case 50 percent of the amount of unemployment benefits which could be paid to the unemployed worker in the benefit year. The act authorizes the Treasury to provide in advance the funds needed to pay for these temporary benefits, estimated to be $24 million. It adds temporarily, for the years 1962 and 1963, one-quarter of 1 percent to the rate of contribution now required of railroad employers to pay for the benefits regularly provided. These advances will be repayable primarily from the additional money contribution.
__________ Small Business Increase
H.R. 8922 Public Law 87198, approved September 5, 1961
This measure increases by $20 million the amount that the Small Business Administration may commit for loans under their regular basis loan program. This will enable SBA to continue its business loan program without interruption for approximately 1 month.
__________ Small Business Act Amendments
H.R. 8762 Public Law 87305, approved September 26, 1961
Increase the Small Business Administration's revolving fund by $105 million to enable the agency to operate its lending programs through fiscal year 1962. The bill also provided for SBA, the Defense Department, and the General Services Administration to develop cooperatively within 90 days a small business subcontracting program. Before the Defense Department and GSA officials promulgate any subcontracting regulations, they must seek the concurrence of SBA. Should SBA not concur, the issue must be referred to the President.
__________ Small Business Investment Act Amendments
S. 902 Public Law 87341, approved October 3, 1961
The Small Business Investment Act of 1958 was designed to increase the supply of long-term loans and equity capital for small business concerns. It provided incentives for private investors to form small business investment companies, licensed and regulated by the Small Business Administration, to supply venture capital and long-term loans to small businesses. It authorized SBA to make loans to State and local development companies engaged in lending to small businesses. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Major changes in this act are: 1. The amount of subordinated debentures of a small business investment company which the Small Business Administration may purchase was increased from $150,000 to $400,000. 2. The amount of its capital and surplus that a bank may invest in an SBIC was increased from 1 to 2 percent. 3. The amount of section 303 (b) loans which SBA may make to an SBIC was set at $4 million, provided funds are not available from private sources. 4. The amount of funds from any source which an SBIC may furnish to a business concern was fixed at $500,000. A larger amount will require SBA approval. 5. SBA was given authority to institute administrative proceedings to suspend licenses of SBIC's for violation of the act or regulations. 6. SBA's revolving fund SBIC operations was increased by $75 million.
Economy and Finance, 1962
Accelerated Public Works Program
S. 2965 Public Law 87658, approved September 14, 1962
Enacted into law a bill designed to relieve some of the unemployment problems throughout the 50 States as well as provide for immediate public works programs. Authorized an immediate $900 million public works program in areas of chronic unemployment to initiate or accelerate projects already authorized or State or local projects for which Federal aid has been previously authorized. Areas eligible are those designated by the Secretary of Labor as areas of substantial unemployment during at least 9 of the preceding 12 months or designated by the Commerce Secretary as "redevelopment areas" under the Area Redevelopment Act. Earmarked $300 million of the $900 million to rural areas designated for redevelopment under the Area Redevelopment Act. Authorized the President to allocate funds appropriated to the heads of the departments and agencies responsible for construction of Federal projects or Federal aid to State or local projects. Allocated funds to be subject to requirements in the authorizing legislation except provisions limiting allocations of funds among the States and limiting total amount of grants for specified period of time. Authorized Federal share of cost to be at least 50 percent, and up to 75 percent if the State or local government is not financially capable of raising 50 percent of the funds. Authorized the President to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures to assure adequate consideration of the relative needs of eligible areas such as severity and duration of unemployment, the income levels, and the extent of underemployment in eligible areas. Limited to 10percent commitments to any one State.
Required that projects to receive aid must be initiated or accelerated within a reasonably short time, must meet an essential public need, must contribute significantly to reducing local unemployment and not be inconsistent with locally approved comprehensive plans, and must be able to be substantially completed within 12 months. Prohibited use of funds, directly or indirectly, for planning or construction of schools or other educational facilities. Required that financial assistance provided under this act must produce a net increase in expenditures by the applicant for capital improvement projects approximately equal to the amount of non-Federal funds for the aided project. In signing the bill into law, President Kennedy stated:
I am today approving S. 2965, a bill which authorizes the appropriation of $900 million to initiate and accelerate Federal public works projects and to provide Federal assistance for a similar expansion of local public works to relieve unemployment and spur economic expansion in those areas of the country which have failed to share fully in the economic gains of the recovery from the 196061 recession. Enactment of this bill is a significant milestone in our effort to strengthen the economy and provide a greater measure of economic security to the unemployed. It is an important companion measure to other efforts already underway. The Area Redevelopment Administration has begun the long difficult task of stimulating the creation of new, permanent jobs in communities which have suffered economic reverses for the longest periods. Through the manpower development and training program, tens of thousands of jobless men and women will soon be learning the skills needed to improve their employment prospects and productivity. Because of expanded distribution of surplus agricultural commodities, thousands of destitute families now have at least the essentials of a decent diet. I shall shortly transmit to Congress a request for the appropriation of funds necessary to get the program underway. To insure that prompt use is made of the new authority as soon as funds are available, I am today issuing an Executive order designating the Secretary of Commerce as the coordinator of this program. Four principles will guide his efforts: The funds will be invested in worthwhile and necessary projects designed to make eligible communities better places in which to live and work. The jobs created will be made available to the maximum feasible extent to the unemployed within the eligible communities. The program will become operative as quickly as prudent management and respect for the foregoing principles permit.
__________ Federal Reserve Bank Authority--Extension
S. 3291 Public Law 87506, approved June 28, 1962
Extends to June 30, 1964, the present authority of the Federal Reserve banks to purchase securities directly from the Treasury in amounts not to exceed $5 billion outstanding at any one time. The Government has had this authority since 1942. It has been used rarely and only for brief periods, and has not been used at all since 1958. The bill is needed, however, to permit direct access to Federal Reserve credit which provides the margin of safety necessary if the Treasury is to fall to exceptionally low levels prior to the large inflow of cash over a tax date. In addition there may be occasions when Treasury financing operations ought to be postponed for a short period because of market disturbances, and direct access to Federal Reserve credit increases the Treasury's elbowroom in such a situation. And in the event of a national emergency which would disrupt financial markets, direct access to Federal Reserve credit would be necessary to continue the functions of Government.
__________ Foreign Bank Deposits
H.R. 12080 Public Law 87827, approved October 15, 1962
To help slow the U.S. gold outflow, this act removed for a period of 3 years the Federal Reserve Board's present ceiling--which ranges up to 4 percent varying with the duration of a depositon interest rates paid by U.S. commercial banks on time deposits of foreign governments, their central banks or other monetary authorities, and international institutions of which the United States is a member. Time deposits are interest-bearing savings deposits left in a bank for a set period. The intent is to attract funds that might wind up in foreign central banks and that might otherwise be converted into gold out of U.S. stocks.
__________ Public Debt Limit--Temporary Increase
H.R. 10050 Public Law 87414, approved March 13, 1962
Enacted a $2 billion temporary increase in the public debt limit lifting the ceiling from $298 to $300 billion to June 30, 1962.
__________ Public Debt Limit
H.R. 11990 Public Law 87512, approved July 1, 1962
Provides for a temporary debt limit of $308 billion for the period from July 1, 1962, through March 31, 1963; a temporary limit of $305 billion from April 1, 1963, through June 24, 1963, and a temporary limit of $300 billion through the remainder of the fiscal year 1963. Current statutory debt limitation is $300 billion. This consists of a permanent limit of $285 billion and a $15 billion temporary additional limit which expires as of June 30, 1962. Reason for need.The Treasury Department expects a seasonal budget deficit reaching a peak of $11.2 billion on December 15 of this year, just before the receipt of large tax payments. The Department has estimated the current fiscal year will end with a debt of about $294 billion. Adding the customary $3 billion allowance for flexibility to this figure gives a total of about $297 billion, or about $3 billion less than the current statutory debt limitation of $300 billion. This $3 billion, plus the additional $8 billion increase now asked in the statutory limitation, would provide the $11.2 billion seasonal deficit.
_________ Small Business Act Amendment
S. 2970 Public Law 87550, approved July 25, 1962
Increased the Small Business Administration's revolving fund to a total of $1.66 billion. Of this, $1,325 million put into a single pool for regular business loans and disaster loans and $341 million will be used for expanding the programs provided by the Small Business Administration Act of 1958. Also changed method of computing the interest that SBA pays Treasury for the funds it receives from Treasury for its lending programs. The Secretary, instead of setting a flat interest rate, will compute in June of each year a weighted average interest rate taking into consideration prior annual rates. In pooling the funds for business and disaster loans, Congress was mindful of the fact that so many business loans are made that there is danger of running low on disaster funds. They were assured by the SBA that a minimum of $14 million would be kept in reserve for this possibility. Authorizes the SBA to make loans, either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lenders through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis, to assist any firm to adjust to changed economic conditions resulting from increased competition from imported articles but only if an adjustment proposal of a firm has been certified by Secretary of Commerce under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962; the Secretary has referred the proposal to the Administration under that act and the loan would provide part or all of the financial assistance necessary to carry out the proposal; and the Secretary's certification in force at the time the Administration makes the loan.
__________ War Claims--General Aniline
H.R. 7283 Public Law 87846, approved October 22, 1962
Enacted an omnibus war claim bill which permitted the Government to sell General Aniline & Film Corp., seized during World War II, as German owned. Government now has a 93percent stock interest in the company. This legislation was required because Federal seizure has been challenged by a Swiss holding company, which contends to be the true prewar owner. If the claim should be upheld in the courts, proceeds from the sale of the Government stock--estimated at $150 million--will be used to compensate the Swiss company. In addition to authorizing the sale of General Aniline, it authorized compensation to U.S. citizens, or their heirs who lost property in Europe, the Far East, or at sea during World War II, or who suffered death, disability, or property loss on civilian passenger vessels attacked before the United States entered the war. Funds for these general war claims will be made available from sales of alien property seized in this country. This bill authorizes an immediate transfer of $100 million. Full payment must be made in cases of death or injury and to small businesses as defined in the Small Business Act. Small Business Act definition is a manufacturing concern with no more than 250 employees, a wholesale concern with annual sales under $5 million, or a retail or service concern with annual sales or receipts under $1 million. Should there be a balance remaining in the war claims fund, consideration will be given for payment for losses as late as 1951 by residents of Iron Curtain countries who have since become U.S. citizens; for World War II losses by any foreigner who has since been naturalized in this country; for Americans who were taken prisoner while serving in the armed forces of any country; and for Americans who were taken prisoner while serving in the armed forces of any country allied with the United States in World War II. Authorized returning to former owners the estates, trusts, insurance policies, annuities, and pensions seized by the United States during the war. Authorized payment of $500,000 to the Jewish Restitution Successor Organization to be used for rehabilitation of World War II persecutees who have since settled in this country. Funds would be made available from sale of property seized in this country from residents of enemy countries who were killed and persecuted during the war and left no heirs. Provided 18 months for claims to be filed. Foreign Claims Commission must complete action within a 4year period. Provided for return to persons entitled copyrights or rights or interests arising preventing contracts relating to copyrights (91 days following enactment).
Economy and Finance, 1963
Additional Mint Facilities
S. 874 Public Law 88102, approved August 20, 1963
Authorized a 10year program of construction and equipping of buildings in connection with the Bureau of the Mint operations and limits total expenditures to $30 million.
__________ Area Redevelopment Act Amendments
S. 1163 Passed Senate June 26; House Calendar
Amending the Area Redevelopment Act of 1961 to provide $455 million in additional Federal funds and to Clarify language in the act in regard to eligibility for designation of Indian reservations to make it clear that not only Federal but also State Indian reservations are eligible for designation as redevelopment areas. Increase the amount authorized to be outstanding for industrial or commercial loans from $100 to $250 million for projects in urban areas. Increase the amount authorized to be outstanding for industrial or commercial loans from $100 to $250 million for projects in rural areas. Increase the amount authorized to be outstanding for public facility loans from $100 to $150 million. Increase the authorization for appropriations for public facility grants from $75 to $175 million. Permit the required State or local 10percent contribution for industrial or commercial projects to be repaid concurrently with financial assistance extended by the Area Redevelopment Administration. Increase the annual authorization for appropriations for technical assistance from $4.5 to $10 million. Require that construction workers on any private project financed by ARA be paid prevailing wages as required by the Davis-Bacon Act. Permit funds appropriated for the area redevelopment program to remain available until expended; provide that any funds appropriated for business or public facility loans shall be deposited in the area redevelopment fund; and require payment of interest by the fund to the Treasury on any such appropriated funds used for business and public facility loans. Eliminate requirement that cities of less than 150,000 must pay three-fourths rather than twothirds of the cost of urban renewal projects. Designate as a redevelopment area any area within the United States where substantial unemployment exists and it has been certified that there are at least 50,000 Cuban refugees. Bar assistance to any foreign concern to establish plants or facilities or to establish or expand plants or facilities in the United States. Permit designation of redevelopment areas by contiguous groupings.
__________ Attorneys' Fees--Bankruptcy
H.R. 2833 Public Law 8817, approved May 8, 1963
In bankruptcy proceedings, permits courts on their own motion to examine into the reasonableness of attorneys' fees. Also provides that if an agreement is made, either before or after filing, to pay legal fees after filing, the court may on its own motion or on petition of the bankrupt made prior to discharge, examine into the reasonableness of such fees. Fees are to be held valid only to the extent of a reasonable, fair charge for the services. Anything over a reasonable fee will be canceled and if payment has been made, the excess will be returned to bankrupt. Under existing 60d of the Bankruptcy Act, the court can examine into the reasonableness of attorneys' fees only on petition of the trustee or any creditor. Amounts determined in excess may then be recovered by the trustee for the benefit of the estate.
__________ Cadmium Disposal from Stockpile
S. 1089 Public Law 888, approved April 9, 1963
Authorized the General Services Administration to dispose of approximately 2 million pounds of cadmium from the national stockpile, and permits the disposal to begin upon enactment of this bill instead of waiting until 6 months after October 20, 1962, the date of publication of the disposal notice in the Federal Register (statutory requirement). The initial offering for sale will be for approximately 300,000 pounds with subsequent offerings scheduled at least 60 days apart. Small lot sales will permit small business to participate in the purchase of cadmium. Cadmium is used chiefly in electroplating, pigments and chemicals, alloys, and storage batteries.
__________ Chicory--Duty Allowance
H.R. 2827 Public Law 8849, approved June 29, 1963
Extends for 3 years, to June 30, 1966, existing suspension of duty on crude chicory except endive, and continued for the same period the statutory rate of duty of 2 cents a pound for chicory, ground or otherwise prepared.
__________ Cork Insulation
H.R. 2053 Public Law 8832, approved May 29, 1963
Authorized a temporary (3year) suspension of import duty on corkboard insulation.
_________ Dependent Children--Foster Care
H.R. 2651 Public Law 8848, approved June 29, 1963
This bill extended for 1 year to June 30, 1964, the provision of the Public Welfare Amendments of 1962 which permits the responsibility for placement and foster care of dependent children under the program of aid to needy families with dependent children to be exercised by a public agency other than the one which regularly administers this program. Under the permanent provisions of existing law, Federal matching is made available to certain children placed under foster care pursuant to court order. The 1962 legislation provided an exception to the requirement that the responsibility for placement and care must reside solely with the State or local agency administering the title IV program to take care of the situation in a few States where it has been the practice for other public agencies, particularly juvenile courts, to be responsible for arranging placement and providing for supervision of children who the courts have decided should live in homes other than those of their own families.
__________ Deposit of Funds of Bankrupts' Estates
H.R. 2849 Public Law 8816, approved May 8, 1963
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to authorize the bankruptcy court to permit trustees to deposit funds of the bankrupt estates in interest-bearing accounts, such as time deposit accounts, savings accounts, and the like so that some increment will accrue to these estates. At present section 47a (2) requires a trustee in bankruptcy to deposit all money received by him in "designated depositories," and section 61 provides that the courts of bankruptcy "shall designate, by order, banking institutions as depositories for the money of estates***." These provisions have been interpreted to require the trustee to deposit the money of a bankrupt's estate in demand deposit accounts; thus, unless the creditors consent, the trustee could not make deposits in interest-bearing accounts.
__________ Duty-Free Allowance
H.R. 6791 Public Law 8853, approved June 29, 1963
Extended for 2 years, to June 30, 1965, the $100 exemption from import duties allowed on foreign goods brought back from outside the United States. Retained the present ceiling of $200 for goods from the Virgin Islands through March 31, 1964, when the exemption will be reduced to $100.
__________ Flood Disaster Victims--Study
S. 2032 Passed Senate November 8; pending in House Banking and Currency Committee
Authorizes the Housing and Home Finance Administrator to make a study of alternative programs to help provide financial assistance to victims of future flood disasters, including the present and other possible Federal flood insurance programs. Report to be made to Congress within 9 months from enactment or the appropriation of funds, whichever is later. The report must include an indication of the feasibility of each program studied, an estimate of its cost to the Federal Government and to property owners on the basis of reasonable assumptions, and the legal authority for State financial participation.
__________ Heptanoic Acid
H.R. 5712 Public Law 8893, approved August 8, 1963
Continues the existing suspension of the import duty on heptanoic acid for 3 years.
__________ Istle or Tampico Fiber
S. 6011 Public Law 8890, approved August 8, 1963
Continues to September 5, 1966, the existing suspension of duty on dressed or manufactured istle or Tampico fiber.
__________ Lumber Tariff
S. 1032 Public Law 88103, approved August 22, 1963
Excludes cargo which is lumber from certain tariff-filing requirements under the Shipping Act of 1916. This bill amends section 18 (B) (1) of the Shipping Act, 1916, to exempt lumber from the requirement that rates and charges for transportation in both directions between U.S. ports and foreign ports be filed with the Federal Maritime Commission and that increases in such rates and charges shall not become effective until 30 days after filing the increased rates and charges. At present these filing requirements apply to all cargo except cargo loaded and carried in bulk without mark or count. This will permit shippers of lumber to secure rates for transportation of lumber in foreign trade that are more competitive with those paid by foreign producers.
__________ Metal Scrap--Duty Suspension
H.R. 4174 Public Law 8850, approved June 29, 1963
Extends to June 30, 1964, the suspension of duties on metal scrap including such principal types of scrap as iron and steel, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, and nickel alloys.
__________ National Service Corps
S. 1321 Passed Senate August 14; pending in House Education and Labor Committee
Establishes a National Service Corps to strengthen community service programs in the United States. Life of the Corps is limited to 2 years. Authorizes appropriation of $5 million for fiscal year 1964 and $10 million for fiscal year 1965. Authorizes the President to appoint a Director for confirmation by the Senate at $20,000 a year. The Corps will work with the health and education needs of migratory farm families, Indians living on reservations, and rural and urban slums and depressed areas; the training and education of youth, particularly school dropouts; and the care and rehabilitation of the elderly, the disabled, the mentally ill, and the mentally retarded. The bill requires a request from the Governor of a State to the President before implementation of a program in that State. Specifies that projects should be undertaken only on local invitation and in cooperation with local governmental and other agencies and, if possible, should be supervised by those agencies. Specifies that no project will displace regular workers or duplicate or replace an existing service in the same locality. Limits the number of corpsmen to 1,000 during fiscal year 1964, and 5,000 thereafter. Authorizes payment of $75 a month plus minimal living allowances. Applicants must be of good moral character and enrollees are limited to those of American citizenship and Cuban refugees. Corpsmen will be made available to any department or agency of the United States or of any State or political subdivision, the District of Columbia, and any private person or organization pursuant to a contract or agreement which will not extend at any time for more than 2 years. Authorizes the President to establish a National Service Corps Advisory Council of 25 persons representative of agencies, public and private organizations, and individuals interested in Corps programs and objectives to advise and consult with the President on Corps projects and policies. Authorizes the employment of experts and consultants with compensation at rates not exceeding $75 a day. However, only 2 percent of the funds authorized or appropriated may be used for this purpose. Requires the President to submit an annual report to Congress each fiscal year.
__________ Polished Sheets and Plates of Iron or Steel
H.R. 3674 Public Law 8886, approved August 5, 1963
This bill eliminates an unintended tariff classification anomaly in Tariff Act of 1930 that permits polished stainless steel sheets to enter the United States as a lesser duty than is applicable to stainless steel sheets that are unpolished.
__________ Public Debt Ceiling
H.R. 6009 Public Law 8830, approved May 29, 1963
Provides a temporary debt limit of $307 billion for the remainder of fiscal 1963 and $309 billion for the first 2 months of fiscal 1964. H.R. 7824Public Law 88106, approve August 27, 1963
Extends to November 30, 1963, the temporary debt limitation of $309 billion. H.R. 8969Public Law 88187, approve November 26, 1963
Extends the present temporary debt limit of $309 billion for the remainder of this fiscal year but, also, provides an additional leeway of $6 billion to be available during the year for seasonal variations. The $315 billion limitation expires June 29, 1964, thus reducing the ceiling to the present $309 billion.
__________ Public Works Planning
Senate Joint Resolution 129.Passed Senate November 19; pending in House Banking and Currency Committee
Authorizes an additional $10 million for Housing and Home Finance Agency's program of advances for public works planning. This additional authorization will be provided by increasing from $58 to $68 million the statutory limits on the amounts which may be appropriated to the revolving fund from which advances are made. The program of advances for public works planning was enacted to encourage municipalities and other public agencies to prepare and maintain a current and adequate reserve of planned public works which could readily be placed under construction, and to promote economy and efficiency in planning and building public works. Eligible applicants include States, municipalities, and other public agencies of the States, including regional or metropolitan area authorities provided they have the legal authority to finance and construct the proposed facilities within a reasonable period of time. However, the public work for which the advance is requested must conform to any existing overall State, local, or regional plan, and must be checked with any Federal agency whose clearance is required. The agreement between the Government and the applicant requires the repayment of the advance when construction begins and authorizes repayment of a proportionate amount if only a portion of the project is initiated. Advances are interest free, but interest is charged on delinquent payments at a 4percent rate. Advances outstanding to public agencies in any one State are limited to not more than 12 ½ percent of the aggregate amount authorized to be appropriated to the revolving fund for the program.
__________ Silver Purchase Repeal
H.R. 5389 Public Law 8836, approved June 4, 1963
This bill repeals the Silver Purchase Act of 1934, section 4 of the act of July 6, 1939, and the act of July 31, 1946, which required the Treasury Department to purchase newly mined domestic silver at 90 ½ cents an ounce and authorized the Department to sell at the same price. Continues the requirement that the Treasury must keep a reserve of silver to match outstanding silver certificates and must supply silver in exchange for silver certificates on the holder's demand. Authorizes the issuance of $1 and $2 Federal Reserve notes to meet the needs of business and the public. Requires that the Secretary of Treasury not dispose of any free silver unless the market price of the silver exceeds its monetary value of $1.29plus an ounce, except that any free silver could be sold to other departments and agencies of the Government or used for the coinage of standard silver dollars and subsidiary silver coins. Repeals the tax on transfers of silver bullion after the date of enactment.
__________ Small Business Act Amendments
S. 1309 Passed Senate November 21; pending in House Banking and Currency Committee
Increased by $34.3 million the authorization for the small business investment fund bringing the total authorization under SBA's revolving fund to $1,700,300,000. Of the $34.3 million, it was estimated that $15.9 million would be allocated to operate the business investment fund under existing law and $18.4 million allocated to cover increased costs under the small business investment company program and the lending program to State and local development companies through fiscal year 1964. Broadened the causal basis of SBA's authority to make loans from its disaster fund to cover all natural disasters and provided that criminal charges could be brought against anyone who conceals, removes, disposes of or converts to his or someone else's use any property mortgaged to SBA as a security for a loan. Under existing law loans were limited to small businesses suffering losses through major drought or excessive rainfall disasters only. Bill also provides that loans be extended to firms that have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the inability of the firm to process or market a product for human consumption because of disease or toxicity occurring in the product through natural or undetermined causes.
__________ Small Business Investment Act Amendments
S. 298 Passed Senate November 21; House Calendar
Liberalizes the Small Business Investment Act to encourage increased capitalization of SBIC's by raising the amount of capital that SBA may invest in an SBIC, on a matching basis, from $400,000 to $700,000, and increase the time within which such sale may be made to 5 years from the date of licensing of the date of the enactment of these amendments, whichever is later. Gives SBA specific statutory authority for the standby program under which SBA stands behind loans made under the act by private banks to SBIC's. This section also increases the maximum amount of loans from $4 to $5 million. Repeals an amendment which limited to $500,000 the amount which an SBIC could provide to a single small business concern. Permits SBIC's to deposit idle funds in savings and loan associations, the accounts of which are insured by the FSLIC. Directs the SBA to promulgate regulations for the purpose of controlling conflicts of interests and require that such regulations include provisions for public disclosures in cases involving conflicts of interest.
H.R. 2675 Public Law 8892, approved August 8, 1963
Extends for an additional 3 years the period during which certain tanning extracts may be imported free of duty, and the period during which extracts of hemlock or eucalyptus suitable for use for tanning may be imported free of duty.
__________ Uniform Commercial Code
H.R. 5338 Public Law 88243, approved December 30, 1963
Adopts the Uniform Commercial Code, approved by the American Bar Association, for the District of Columbia.
__________ Urban Construction
S. 626 Passed Senate June 24; pending in House Public Works Committee
Authorized a 5 percent (from 10 to 15 percent) increase on the limitation on payments for construction engineering for Federal aid primary, secondary, and urban projects. Present law provides for a maximum Federal participation in engineering construction costs of 10 percent of the total estimated cost of a project financed with Federal aid primary, secondary, or urban funds, after excluding from such total estimated cost the estimated costs of rights-of-way, preliminary engineering, and construction engineering. Since the proposed amendment applies only to the Federal share of payments, the maximum net benefit to any State, with reference to the affected projects, would be a 2 ½percent transfer to construction engineering costs of Federal funds which would otherwise be used for the Federal share of actual construction.
__________ Youth Conservation Corps
S.1 Passed Senate April 10, 1963; H.R. 5131House Calendar
Authorized a 5-year, $100 million (fiscal year 1964) program to employ and train jobless youngsters between the ages of 16 and 22 in a Youth Conservation Corps and a Hometown Service Corps. Major provisions of S. 1 are:
Title 1 Youth Conservation Corps
Establishes a Youth Conservation Corps within the Department of Labor, headed by a Director appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate at $20,000 a year. Purpose of the Corps is to provide on-the-job training for young unemployed men aged 16 to 21 together with supplemental training and education programs to increase their opportunities for permanent employment. Primary work would be conserving our natural resources. Enrollees must be permanent residents of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish standards of safety, health, and conduct for enrollees, and to enter into agreements with the Secretary of HEW for provision for such services. The Secretary is also authorized to enter into agreements with Federal and State agencies for conservation and recreational area development. Establishes a four-member Interdepartmental Committee on the Youth Conservation Corps composed of: Secretary of Labor, or his designee, as chairman, a representative of Department of HEW, a representative of Department of Agriculture, and a representative of the Department of the Interior. The committee will consult with and advise the Secretary on all operational phases of the Corps. Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Advisory Council on the Youth Conservation Corps composed of the Secretary, or his designee, as chairman, and up to 14 additional members appointed by the Secretary without regard to civil service laws. The members will represent the fields of conservation, agriculture, education, training, youth employment, labor, management, and the public in general. The Council is to review the operations of the Corps at the request of the Secretary. Enrollees in the Corps cannot exceed 15,000 during the first fiscal year and during the next 4 years the number will depend on congressional appropriations. Enrollment will be for not less than 6 months and, if permitted by the Secretary, an individual may reenroll, but his total enrollment cannot exceed 2 years. Fifty percent of the enrollment allocation will be made on the basis of the comparative populations within the male 16 to 21 age group. The remaining 50 percent will be distributed among the States by the Secretary based on the State's share of national unemployment. Enrollees will be paid $60 a month for the first enrollment and an additional $5 a month for each subsequent enrollment; up to an additional $10 a month may be paid on the basis of assigned leadership responsibilities or special skills.
Title II State and Community Youth Employment Program
This program has the same purpose for the same age group as title I. The States, if they choose, may establish conservation camps on State lands to improve natural resources or recreational facilities. In addition, work opportunities in improving educational, recreational, or other community assets; the elimination of blight; or assisting in hospitals, libraries, playgrounds, and welfare activities may be provided under the direction of the States or local communities. Enrollees may live either in State conservation camps away from home or may live at home. Provides for educational and vocational training, evaluation, testing counseling, and guidance. Title II will be administered by the Secretary of Labor but immediate supervision and control will be in the hands of States and communities. During the first year the program will be limited to 60,000 fulltime enrollees, and the remaining 4 years will be dependent on congressional appropriations. Authorizes $50 million for the first year, and the 4 remaining years will be determined by Congress. Costs will be shared half by the Federal Government and half by the State or community, except in cases of severe financial hardship where, in the judgment of the Secretary of Labor, a lower cost-sharing ratio may be required to enable the State or community to participate. In no case, however, may the State or local share be less than 25 percent but the State or local contributions may be made in kind as well as cash. Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Advisory Council on State and Community Youth Employment Programs composed of the Secretary or his designee, as chairman, and nine members appointed by the Secretary who are recognized authorities in professional or technical fields related to the employment of youth. Under both titles, the Secretary is required to submit annual reports to the President for transmittal to Congress. Participants under both titles will be from the 50 States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
EDUCATION
Education, 1961
College Housing
S. 1922 Public Law 8770, approved June 30, 1961
Increased the loan authorization for college housing by $300 million for each of the 4 years beginning July 1, 1961, through 1964, and increased the limitation for other educational facilities by $30 million for each of the same 4 years.
__________ Education of Blind Act Amendment
H.R. 9030 Public Law 87294, approved September 22, 1961
Authorizes wider distribution of books and special instruction materials for the blind by increasing the appropriations and the functions of the American Printing House for the Blind.
__________ Scholarships--Eligibility
S. 539 Public Law 87153, approved August 17, 1961
Permits legally classified American nationals to qualify and receive financial assistance under the Fulbright Act for advanced education abroad. The original act limited this aid to American citizens. However, through inadvertence or by an interpretation of the statute, the people of American Samoa were not considered American citizens and, as a result, could not qualify or receive financial assistance to continue their education abroad, as originally contemplated by the act. By removal of this barrier, it is possible for these people to qualify in the same manner as other American citizens who pursue advanced education abroad.
__________ Training for Teachers of Deaf
S. 336 Public Law 87276, approved September 22, 1961
This act establishes a 2year program to assist in training additional teachers for the deaf. It authorizes appropriations of $1.5 million annually to higher education institutions which are approved as training centers for teachers of the deaf. Provides for grants-in-aid to assist in providing and improving courses of training and study and to establish scholarships for qualified persons who wish to enroll in these training courses. Provides for an advisory committee, composed of persons with special knowledge and interest in training teachers of the deaf and in teaching deaf children, to review the program and applications of grantsinaid. The national shortage or classroom teachers of the deaf began during World War II and has become more acute each year. It is the task of the teacher of the deaf to bridge the gap between the deaf child's world of silence and the world of sound and hearing, the world of language and speech. The success with which a deaf child is able to bridge this barrier, to develop language and proportionately to minimize his great education handicap, depends upon the skill, the understanding, and the professional training of his teacher.
__________ War Orphans Education Extension
H.R. 3587 Public Law 87377, approved October 4, 1961
This measure provides additional time within which certain children may complete a program of education under the War Orphans Education Assistance Act of 1956. The class of eligibles afforded additional time is limited exclusively to persons whose opportunities for an education under the act have been impaired by virtue of their residence in the Republic of the Philippines. Additional time will be available to a person who had not reached his 23d birthday on June 29, 1956, and resided in the Philippines during all or part of the period June 29, 1956, through June 18, 1958. The 1956 act provided that the educational assistance could be afforded only to an eligible person enrolled in a school or other educational institution in the United States, its territories, or possessions. This provision prohibited eligible persons residing in the Philippines from receiving assistance under the program while enrolled in a Philippine educational institution. In 1958 Congress removed this barrier by permitting the eligible orphans to pursue their educational program in their home country, but failed to grant the additional entitlement of 36 months to make up the original 5year grant.
Education, 1962
Armed Forces--Educational Opportunities
H.R. 7727 Public Law 87555, approved July 27, 1962
Permits qualified members of the Armed Forces and the Public Health Service to accept, from non-governmental sources, competitive fellowships, scholarships, or grants for educational purposes. Bill is intended to relax restrictions against Federal employees receiving contributions and awards as provided in the Government Employees' Training Act (Public Law 85507). The military now assigns many of its personnel to non-governmental institutions for training. This bill would permit those persons to receive deserved honors for their work, which in turn would partially defray Government expenses in maintaining them. To avoid duplicate payment to a grantee, the bill provides if the grant pays for travel, quarters, etc., a reduction will be made from authorized Government payments.
__________ Captioned Films for the Deaf
S. 2511 Public Law 87715, approved September 28, 1962
Raised present ceiling of $250,000 to $1,250,000 for the established loan service of captioned films for the deaf in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and authorized the Secretary to provide for (a) research in the use of educational and training films for the deaf, (b) production and distribution of training films for the deaf, and © training persons in the use of films for the deaf.
__________ College Aid
H.R. 6984 Public Law 87638, approved September 5, 1962
Provided for a method of payment of indirect costs of research and development contracted by the Federal Government at universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. Authorized contracting agencies to include provisions in cost-type research and development contracts and grants with educational institutions for payment of reimbursable indirect costs on the basis of predetermined, fixed percentage rates applied to the reimbursable direct costs incurred.
__________ Depository Libraries
H.R. 8141 Public Law 87579, approved August 9, 1962
Increased total of depository libraries from the present 594 to a possible 1,174. Redefined "Government publication" to permit depositories to receive publications from subsidiary printing plants throughout the Nation, as well as from the Government Printing Office. Authorized the Government to assume the cost of mailing these publications. Permitted, in addition to the permissible two depositories per congressional district, up to two regional depositories for each State and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Permitted depositories to dispose of unwanted materials after 5 years for purposes of space saving. Present law provides for one depository library per congressional district. After much redistricting, 5 districts have 3 each, 37 have 2 each, and 104 have none.
__________ Educational Television
S. 205 Public Law 87447, approved May 1, 1962
This bill is designed to assist, through matching grants, in the construction of education television broadcasting facilities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1963, and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years such sums, not exceeding $32 million in the aggregate, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the bill. Construction grants.For each project for the construction of educational television broadcasting facilities there must be submitted to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an application for a grant containing such information regarding the project as the Secretary may require by regulation, including the total cost of the project and the amount of the Federal grant requested, and it must contain assurance that (a) the applicant is (1) an agency or officer responsible for the supervision of public elementary or secondary education or public higher education within that State, or within a political subdivision; (2) the State education television agency; (3) a university or college deriving its support in whole or in part from tax revenues; or (4) a nonprofit foundation, corporation, or association which is organized primarily to engage in or encourage educational television broadcasting and eligible for a license from FCC for a noncommercial educational television broadcasting station; (b) the operation of the facility will be under the control of the applicant or a person who qualifies under section (a); © funds to construct, operate, and maintain the facility will be available when required; and (d) the facility will be used only for educational purposes. Limits to $1 million the total amount of construction grants available to any one State. Requires applicants to advise State education television agencies of applications for grants and requires the Secretary of HEW to advise the agency on the disposition of the application. Authorizes the Secretary to base his approval determinations for awarding grants on prompt and effective use of all available educational TV channels, equitable geographical distribution, and service to the greatest number of people in the greatest number of areas. Limits construction grants to 50 percent of the amount which the Secretary determines will be the cost, plus 25 percent of the amount which he determines to be the necessary cost of any education television broadcasting facilities owned by the applicant on the date of the application, thus limiting the total amount of the grant, in any case, to 75 percent of the cost. Limits to 15 percent of any grant the amount that may be used to acquire and install microwave equipment, boosters, translators, and repeaters to connect two or more broadcasting stations. Requires reimbursement to the United States if, within 10 years after completion of the facility for which the grant was made, the facility ceases to be used for educational purposes or the operator ceases to qualify. Requires each recipient of assistance to keep records of the amount and use of the grant, total cost of the project, any assistance from outside sources and the amount, and any other information required by the Secretary. Gives the Secretary of HEW and the Comptroller General of the United States full access to all such records, documents, papers, etc., for the purpose of audit. Authorizes the Secretary of HEW and Federal Communications Commission to consult and cooperate closely in carrying out the provisions of the act. Prohibits Federal interference in or control over educational television broadcasting or over the curriculum, program of instruction, or personnel of any educational institution, school system, or educational broadcasting station or system. Includes Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia within the definition of the term "State."
__________ National Science Foundation Amendments
H.R. 8556 Public Law 87835, approved September 16, 1962
Eliminated the non-Communist disclaimer from the National Science Foundation Act, and instead added a new provision making it a crime for any member of a Communist organization to apply for or to use any scholarship or fellowship awarded under the provisions of section 10 of the act. Required each applicant for scholarship or fellowship to provide the National Science Foundation with a full statement of the crime for which he had been convicted other than crimes committed before reaching age 16 and minor traffic violations for which a fine of $25 or less was imposed. Also required information regarding any criminal charges punishable by confinement of 30 days or more which may be pending against the applicant. Authorized the National Science Foundation to refuse or revoke and scholarship or fellowship award in the interests of the United States. Repealed the disclaimer affidavit requirement in section 1001 (f) of the National Defense Education Act and substituted a criminal penalty. Reenacted the loyalty oath provisions which are presently contained in section 1001 (f). Criminal penalties under section 1001 (f) provide for a penalty of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, for a violation of this section. Added a new provision authorizing the Commissioner of Education to refuse or revoke a fellowship award if not in the best interests of the United States.
__________ War Orphans' Educational Assistance Act
H.R. 1811 Public Law 87546, approved July 25, 1962
Permits eligible beneficiaries under the War Orphans' Educational Assistance Act to attend foreign educational institutions under certain limited conditions. As originally enacted in 1956, war orphans' educational assistance was not available to a person eligible and enrolled in a course at an educational institution located outside of the States, territories, or possessions of the United States, District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. An amendment enacted in 1958 (Public Law 85460) extended the program to courses pursued in the Republic of the Philippines. This bill does not authorize enrollment in foreign educational institutions other than in the Republic of the Philippines, directly; however, it does recognize the practice of some of our own schools of offering programs which include prescribed study in a foreign educational institution (for example, a "junior year abroad" program), and would permit an eligible person to participate in such a program while continuing to receive war orphans' educational assistance. More specifically it authorizes such enrollments if (1) the subjects to be taken are an integral part of and fully creditable toward satisfactory completion of an approved course in which the person is enrolled in an institution of higher learning located in a State or in the Republic of the Philippines, (2) the tuition and fees for attendance at such foreign educational institution are paid for by the principal institution, and (3) the principal institution agrees to assume the responsibility for submitting to the Veterans' Administration required enrollment certificates and monthly certifications of training as to attendance, conduct, and progress.
__________ War Orphans Education Aid
H.R. 9737 Public Law 87819, approved October 15, 1962
Raised to 31 the present ceiling age of 23 when a war orphan must have completed his education provided suspension was due to conditions beyond his control.
Education, 1963
Educational Assistance
H.R. 221 Passed Senate amended December 10
Provides educational assistance to the children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability arising out of active military, naval, or air service during a period of war or the induction period. Wars include Spanish--American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict. Educational training cannot exceed 36 months for those generally between the ages of 18 and 23. The allowance for fulltime training is $110 a month, $80 for the three-quarters time, and $50 for halftime training.
__________ Exceptional Children--Teachers
S. 1576 Public Law 88164, approved October 31, 1963
Title III of the Mental Retardation Act authorizes grants to public or other nonprofit institutions of higher learning to assist them in providing professional or advanced training for personnel engaged or preparing to engage in employment as teachers of handicapped children, as supervisors of such teachers, or as speech correctionists or other specialists providing special services for education of such children, or engaged or preparing to engage in research in fields related to education of such children. To carry out the purposes of this act, authorizes $11,500,000 for fiscal 1964; $14,500,000 for fiscal 1965; and $19,500,000 for fiscal 1966. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to public or other nonprofit institutions of higher learning to assist them in establishing and maintaining scholarships for training personnel preparing to engage in employment as teachers of the deaf. Authorizes $2 million to enable the Commissioner of Education to make grants to States, State or local educational agencies, public and nonprofit private institutions of higher learning, and other public or nonprofit private educational or research agencies and organizations for research or demonstration projects relating to education for mentally retarded, hard of hearing, deaf, speech impaired, visually handicapped, seriously emotionally disturbed, crippled, or other health impaired children who require special