United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, states whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare benefits for individuals who require total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as a result of intestinal surgery.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare benefits for individuals who require total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as a result of intestinal surgery.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1977
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to permit the Bank to extend credit to the Peoples Republic of China. Eliminates the avoidance of arms races between countries not menaced by Communist China from the factors considered by the President in determining whether the prohibitions against credit extensions by the Export-Import Bank for defense sales to developing countries should be waived in the national interest.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension of underground nuclear explosions to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from conducting underground explosions, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear explosions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to qualify an individual who, although employable, is unable to care for his or her personal needs without assistance as a disabled person eligible for the services of a home health aide.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a specified segment of the Delaware River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Declares it the policy of the United States to encourage, develop, and implement, at the earliest possible date, policies and programs which act to stabilize by voluntary means, consistent with human rights and individual conscience, the population of the United States and thereby promote the future well-being of the citizens of this Nation and the entire world.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare benefits for individuals who require total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as a result of intestinal surgery.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Wildlife on Federal Lands Trapping Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue such regulations, relating to trapping, as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any type of trap unless such trap utilizes the most humane capture method available for the species concerned, and minimizes the probability of capturing species for which such trap was not intended. Directs the Secretary to undertake a research program to develop such types of traps. Establishes an advisory commission to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to traps designed or intended for use. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting trapping on Federal lands where such trapping may reduce any species below specified levels. Sets forth a procedure for the application and issuance of trapping permits. Requires the attachment of a shipping certificate to any package containing the fur, hide, skin, horn, or feathers of any mammal or bird captured by any trap within any State or the District of Columbia if such package is transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) engaging in trapping without a permit issued pursuant to this Act; (2) violating any condition of such permit; (3) violating any regulation of the Secretary relating to trapping; (4) selling or transporting in interstate commerce an unapproved trap; or (5) falsifying the shipping certificate. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States with respect to the imposition of trapping regulations consistent with those prescribed under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Diplomatic Relations Act - Repeals provisions relating to diplomatic immunity which (1) deem void judicial writs or process issuing against persons with diplomatic immunity, (2) impose penalties for wrongful suit, and (3) exempt certain servants of diplomatic personnel from immunity. Extends the privileges and immunities specified in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to diplomatic personnel and families from nations which have not ratified the convention. Permits the President to grant to diplomatic personnel privileges and immunities more or less favorable than those in the Convention. Directs any judicial action brought against immune personnel to be dismissed. Requires such personnel to have liability insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1977
Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act - Requires each agency to establish a flexible scheduling or compressed work schedule experimental program covering a sufficient number of positions and work time alternatives on which to base an evaluation of the effectiveness of such program. Requires the Civil Service Commission to render educational and technical assistance to agencies for such programs. Requires the Commission to establish a master plan to study and evaluate experiments conducted under this Act. Sets forth the procedure whereby an agency head may seek an exemption from the requirements of this Act. Title I: Flexible Scheduling of Work Hours - Requires that the experimental testing of flexible work schedules include designated periods of required presence of employees and designated periods during which employees may choose arrival and departure times or accumulation of credit hours. Permits an agency head, upon a determination that the agency's functions are being handicapped or its costs are increasing, to restrict choice of arrival and departure time or credit hours, or to exclude any employees. Prescribes the method of computation of overtime under such a schedule, granting employees a choice of compensatory time in lieu of overtime. Limits premium pay for night-work under such a schedule. Requires payment to employees prevented from working on holidays because of such schedule. Permits use of time clocks under such experiments. Prohibits carryover of more than ten credit hours from one biweekly period to the next. Title II: Four-Day Week and Other Compressed Work Schedules - Permits agencies to conduct experiments with four-day workweeks or other compressed schedules. Stipulates that an employee in a unit not represented by an employee organization having exclusive recognition, will not be required to participate in any program under this Act unless the majority of employees in such unit have voted to so participate. Requires an agency, upon finding that participation in such a program would impose a personal hardship on an employee who has requested exemption from such program, to either except or reassign such employee. Exempts the hours of compressed schedules from provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act relating to premium pay for overtime work. Allows overtime pay for hours worked in excess of the hours of such compressed schedules. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Includes employees in labor organizations in experiments under this Act only to the extent provided in an agreement between such organizations and the agencies involved. Prohibits threats or coercion by fellow employees against employees regarding the choice of work hours and credit hours. Requires an interim and a final report by the Commission to the Congress on results of and recommendations relating to the experiments conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should declare a moratorium on United States manufacture of chemical weapons (lethal and incapacitating nerve and mustard agents and "binary agents') and order the destruction of certain United States stockpiles of such weapons. Urges other nations to destroy their stockpiles. Urges the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament to conclude a treaty banning the manufacture and possession of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make real estate and operating loans available to private domestic corporations and partnerships controlled by farmers and ranchers engaged primarily in farming or ranching who, individually or as to their principal stockholders and partners, are United States citizens. Excepts ability to obtain credit for guaranteed loans from the eligibility requirement that applicants for real estate or operating loans must be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance their actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Increases the maximum allowable total principal indebtedness for real estate loans which may be outstanding by any one borrower to $200,000 or $300,000 in the case of a guaranteed loan. States that special consideration for: (1) water and waste facilities loans may be given rural areas having a population of more than 5,500; and (2) soil and water conservation, pollution control and private business enterprise loans may be given to rural areas having a population of more than 25,000. Revises the maximum interest rate on real estate loans other than guaranteed loans under such Act from five percent to a rate determined by the Secretary not to exceed the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States. Removes the $500,000 ceiling from the aggregate principal of loans made using the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Increases the amount of indebtedness which may be outstanding for operating loans under such Act for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000 or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. States that the interest rates on such loans which are guaranteed shall be the rate agreed upon by the borrower and lender. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase the guaranteed portion of any rural development loan using funds from the Rural Development Insurance Fund and the guaranteed portion of all other loans with funds from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions under such Act in connection with property securing a loan made, insured, or held by the Secretary notwithstanding the fact an area ceases to be eligible for assistance under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure for appeal and review of determinations by a county committee that a loan applicant is not unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Provides for congressional authorization of program levels under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1977
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Requires organizations which expend more than $1,250 per quarter year or which employ at least one or more individuals who spend a specified amount of time engaged in lobbying activities to register with the Comptroller General and to update such registration annually. Requires the identification of any persons retained for lobbying purposes and the source and amounts of income of such organization as a part of such registration. Requires such organization to file quarterly reports concerning such lobbying activities including: (1) listing of total lobbying expenditures including each expenditure over $35 made to or for the benefit of any Federal officer, congressional employee, or Member of Congress; (2) expenditures made for dinners or receptions; and (3) the issue for which lobbying was carried out identified by bill number or agency involved. Requires the Comptroller General to make copies of each registration and report required by this Act available for public inspection and copying. Requires the Comptroller General to render written advisory opinions upon request of any individual or organization with respect to the requirements of this Act. States that anyone who acts in good faith reliance upon such advisory opinion shall be presumed to be in compliance with this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to enforce this Act using informal methods of conference or conciliation or, if necessary, by referring apparent violations to the Attorney General. Sets forth civil and criminal sanctions for violation of this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1977
Young Families' Housing Act - Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance Act - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a regular basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income. Sets a percentage limit on the mortgage value ratio of mortgages which will be insurable under this Act. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such insurance. States that mortgages or loans insured pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to State usury laws in most cases. Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid in cash into an individual housing account. Defines the term "individual housing account" for the purposes of this Act. Limits annual tax deductions to $2,500 and lifetime deductions to $10,000. Makes provisions for tax treatment upon distribution of such accounts. Exempts individual housing accounts from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1977
Postal Service Reform Act - Requires all revenues and fees collected by the Postal Service to be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury of the United States. Requires the Postal Service to describe all operations and provide any other necessary information to Congress when seeking appropriations for its operations before the appropriate Congressional committees as required by this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Postal Service for public service costs incurred in maintaining post offices which are not self-sustaining. Requires the Postal Service to provide door or curbline mail delivery to all permanent residential addresses receiving such service on or after the date of enactment of the Postal Reorganization Act Amendments of 1976 until September 15, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1977
Pilot Guaranteed Employment Opportunities Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct a pilot program up to 20 counties having populations of 20,000 or less designed to provide employment opportunities for unemployed persons from low income households. Includes among the elements of the pilot program (1) partial reimbursement of private businesses for wages paid to newly employed eligible individuals, (2) partial reimbursement of State and local government for wages paid eligible individuals employed in community improvement related jobs, and (3) reimbursement at a rate equal to the Federal minimum wage for wages paid to eligible persons who are are employed in jobs created for those individuals not employed in jobs under (1) or (2). Directs the chief executive officer of each participating county to establish an advisory council to assist in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1977
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Requires organizations which expend more than $1,250 per quarter year or which employ at least one or more individuals who spend a specified amount of time engaged in lobbying activities to register with the Comptroller General and to update such registration annually. Requires the identification of any persons retained for lobbying purposes and the source and amounts of income of such organization as a part of such registration. Requires such organization to file quarterly reports concerning such lobbying activities including: (1) listing of total lobbying expenditures including each expenditure over $35 made to or for the benefit of any Federal officer, congressional employee, or Member of Congress; (2) expenditures made for dinners or receptions; and (3) the issue for which lobbying was carried out identified by bill number or agency involved. Requires the Comptroller General to make copies of each registration and report required by this Act available for public inspection and copying. Requires the Comptroller General to render written advisory opinions upon request of any individual or organization with respect to the requirements of this Act. States that anyone who acts in good faith reliance upon such advisory opinion shall be presumed to be in compliance with this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to enforce this Act using informal methods of conference or conciliation or, if necessary, by referring apparent violations to the Attorney General. Sets forth civil and criminal sanctions for violation of this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1977
Public Safety Officers' Group Life Insurance Act - Authorizes the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to purchase from life insurance companies a policy or policies of group life insurance to provide the benefits provided under this Act. Provides that each such life insurance company must: (1) be licensed to issue life insurance in each of the 50 states of the United States and in the District of Columbia; and (2) as of the most recent December 31 for which information is available to the administration have in effect at least one percent of the total amount of group life insurance which all life insurance companies have in effect in the United States. Provides that any purchased policy shall automatically insure any Public Safety Officer employed by a State or local government which has applied to participate in the insurance program and agreed to deduct from such officer's pay the amount of the premium, to be forwarded to the proper Federal agency as designated by the Administration. Specifies the amount of life insurance an officer may receive on the basis of his pay rate. Requires that policies purchased under this Act provide officers accidental death and dismemberment insurance in an amount equal to the applicable amount of life insurance. Provides that each policy purchased by the Administration under this Act shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Administration, to the effect that any insurance thereunder on any public safety officer shall cease two months after; (1) his separation or release from duty as such an officer; or (2) discontinuance of his pay as such an officer, whichever is earlier. Provides that each policy purchased under this Act shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Administration, for the conversion of such insurance effective the day following the date such insurance would cease. Specifies that during the period such insurance is in force the insured, upon request to the Administration, shall be furnished a list of life insurance companies participating in the program established under this Act, and upon written application (within such period), to the participating company selected by the insured and payment of the required premiums be granted insurance without a medical examination on a permanent plan then currently written by such company which does not provide for the payment of any sum less than the face value thereof, or for the payment of an additional amount of premiums if the insured engages in public safety activities. Requires that during any period in which a public safety officer is insured under a policy of insurance purchased by the Administration under this Act his employer shall withhold each pay period from his basic or other pay until separation or release from duty as a public safety officer an amount determined by the Administration to be such officer's share of the cost of his group life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Sets forth the order of precedence in which the survivors of the officers will be awarded insurance benefits. States that each policy issued under this title shall include a schedule of basic premium rates and provide for the readjustment of rates. Establishes an Advisory Council on Public Safety Officer Group Life Insurance consisting of the Attorney General as Chairman, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Provides that the Council shall meet once a year, or more often at the call of the Attorney General, and shall review the Administration of this Act and advise the Administration on matters of policy relating to activities thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1974, to increase to three the number of Lyndon Baines Johnson congressional interns which may be hired by each Member of the House of Representatives. Authorizes the payment of additional compensation to such interns from the clerk-hire allowance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Amends the Older Americans Act by adding the following title: Title X: Relief for Older Americans Who Own or Rent Their Homes - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to reimburse the States for real property tax relief programs aimed at elderly households with incomes of $15,000 or less. Provides that the amount of such reimbursement shall be a percentage (determined on the basis of the household income) of the tax relief provided multiplied by the aggregate number of households receiving such relief. Authorizes to be appropriated the sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1977 through 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1977
Amends the Internal REevenue Code to increase the amount of the excise tax refunds on gasoline and other motor fuels to local transit systems, and to revise the definition of tax-exempt commuter revenue. Extends the refund of the excise tax for lubricating oil to local transit systems.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Foreclosure Forebearance Standards Act - Requires any person who makes a federally related mortgage loan to maintain facilities sufficient to assure availability to the mortgagor of information concerning such mortgage. States that within 60 days after payments on a mortgage become delinquent and within 30 days before the initiation of any foreclosure proceedings the following must occur: (1) a meeting with the mortgagor to work out a repayment plan; and (2) a transfer of information with respect to such proceedings to the mortgagor. Places restraints on the initiation of foreclosure proceedings, including the requirement that a mortgagee refrain from instituting such proceedings until at least three full monthly installments are due and unpaid, except where the mortgagor abandons the secured property. States that a mortgagee must cease foreclosure proceedings where a mortgagor tenders the total amount due plus attorneys fees. Provides that any mortgagee who fails to comply with such stated requirements shall no longer be eligible for Federal assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Directs that any alien who is a national of Chile and is not in the United States be issued a nonimmigrant visa and be admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant if the consular officer involved determines that such alien: (1) is being persecuted or is in danger of persecution in Chile on account of his political opinions; (2) is not otherwise excludable from the United States; and (3) has applied for such admission during the one year period following the enactment of this Act. States that admission under this Act shall be for a period of two years during which the aliens shall be allowed to accept employment. Directs the Attorney General to examine the case of the alien before the expiration of the two-year period and to grant permanent resident status to such eligible alien. Directs that any alien who: (1) is a national of Chile; (2) is in the United States on the date of enactment of this Act; and (3) would be persecuted or be in danger of persecution in Chile on account of his political opinions, be placed in the custody of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Requires that such alien be inspected and examined for admission into the United States according to the applicable provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Regards such resident aliens, as lawfully if found to be admissible after such examination, admitted to the United States for permanent residence as of the date of their arrival. Allows the spouse, child, or parents of a national of Chile who has been admitted to the United States pursuant to this Act, to be issued a nonimmigrant visa, admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant, and treated as other aliens issued nonimmigrant visas under this Act. Declares that aliens who acquire permanent residence status under this Act shall not be charged against the quota of immigrants allotted to Chile under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Directs the Attorney General to inform any alien who is a national of Chile or the spouse, child, or parent of a national of Chile of the treatment which may be applied for under this Act before such alien is excluded from admission into or deported from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Lifeline and Electric Rate Reform Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Defines the scope of coverage under this Act. Stipulates that direct Federal regulation shall not apply where regulation is specifically reserved and effectively enforced by the States in accordance with applicable national minimum standards. Title III: Electric Energy Office - Creates an Electric Energy Office in the Federal Power Commission to establish and enforce National Minimum Standards for Ratemaking to be binding upon all electric utility regulatory agencies. Requires that all electric utilities and local distributors furnish monthly reports to the office disclosing information on the amount of electric energy supplied, the amount and rate of charges for each consumer class, and the amount and costs of fuel utilized by each utility. Imposes criminal and civil penalties for failure to make full disclosure of such information. Title IV: Rate Structures - Directs the Federal Power Commission, in the exercise of its regulatory functions, to accord highest priority to residential and small business users. Prohibits regulatory authorities from permitting the sale of electric energy to low priority users at rates less than those charged to high-priority consumers. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of electric-energy at rates or charges which have not been specifically approved by the appropriate regulatory agency after public hearings. Directs the Federal Power Commission to encourage conservation of electric energy by requiring that rates be graduated progressively upward for consumption of electric energy in amounts above subsistence quantities. Title V: Lifeline Electric Rates - Requires that electric utility rate charges for subsistence quantities of electric energy to residential consumers not exceed the lowest rate charged to any other electric consumer. Requires the use of graduated rate structures for consumption of electric energy in amounts above subsistence quantities. Title VI: Electric Rates for Nonresidential Customers - Requires that electric utility rate changes for nonresidential customers be the lowest rate charged to any other electric consumer in the same class. Requires progressively higher rates for consumption in excess of the basic requirements of such nonresidential customers. Title VII: Effective Dates - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall become effective one year from the date of its passage, unless otherwise indicated.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Authorizes and requests the President to designate 1979 as "Thomas A. Edison Centennial Year. Establishes the Thomas A. Edison Centennial Commission. Stipulates that such Commission shall terminate on September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1977
Establishes a delegation of United States citizens to confer with similar delegations from NATO democracies, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, in commemoration of the Marshall Plan, to assess existing institutions and recommend means to perfect and preserve these institutions to protect the general welfare, liberty, and sovereignty of the people of the participating countries.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require States applying for assistance under such Act to establish and implement basic standards of secondary students' educational proficiency, including the passing of reading, writing, and mathematics examinations as a prerequisite to graduation. Establishes the National Commission on Basic Education and directs it to (1) establish such standards; and (2) review and approve or disapprove State plans implementing such standards. Requires the Commission to report to the President and to the Congress no later than three years after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to financially assist States in preparing such educational standards plans.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to permit importation of chrome, shipped from a country other than Rhodesia under a contract entered into prior to March 18, 1977, if the seller is not of Southern Rhodesian origin.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
International Security Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act to authorize the appropriation of not more than $5,000,000 for the disaster relief contingency fund for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of $39,000,000 for international narcotics control for fiscal year 1978. Amends such Act to authorize the appropriation of $228,900,000 for fiscal year 1978 for military assistance, including specific amounts for Greece, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand. Permits the President to increase such amounts by not more than ten percent. Sets forth restrictions on such appropriations. Amends such Act to increase to $255,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 the value of defense articles which may be added to stockpiles in foreign countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to restrict the utilization of military personnel in the overseas management of foreign assistance and sales programs. Restricts the use of defense attaches for such functions. Permits regular armed forces units to be used to standardize military operations between the United States and NATO countries. Restricts to 400 the number of military personnel which may be assigned to the management of international security assistance programs. Places military personnel performing such functions under the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission in the recipient country. Charges the overseas management costs of security assistance programs to funds appropriated by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Exempts personnel performing functions on a fully reimbursable basis under the Arms Export Control Act from prohibitions on the use of military personnel in the management of foreign assistance and sales programs. Removes administration of foreign military assistance from the direction of the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission. Amends such Act to exempt programs in southern Africa from the restriction of security supporting assistance to no more than 12 countries in any fiscal year. Requires security supporting assistance to be furnished to promote development objectives to assist the poor, avoiding large-scale development projects. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,214,700,000 for such purposes for fiscal year 1978, specifying amounts for Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Cyprus, Lebanon, and Portugal. Exempts such assistance for Cyprus, Lebanon, and Portugal, from the limitation on the number of countries which may receive security supporting assistance in any fiscal year. Restricts $100,000,000 of appropriations for security supporting assistance for assistance to the majority ruled countries of southern Africa for problems of economic dislocation and educational training of Africans from Namibia and Zimbabwe. Requires the President to notify the Congress prior to obligation of funds for assistance in southern Africa. Expresses Congressional support for (1) negotiations to establish majority rule in Zimbabwe, and (2) establishment of an international fund for economic justice and development in Zimbabwe. Prohibits the use of more than $200,000,000 of funds appropriated for security supporting assistance, for economic development loans to Portugal unless the President certifies to Congress (1) that other countries have made commitments for economic assistance loans to Portugal, and (2) the justification for funds in excess of $200,000,000. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the appropriation of $31,400,000 for fiscal year 1978 for international military education and training. Amends such Act to prohibit the use of funds made available under such Act for the construction, operation, or supply of fuel for any nuclear powerplant. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations not to exceed $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for the Middle East Special Requirements Fund. Requires the President to justify utilization of such Fund rather than funds for development assistance. Directs that funds appropriated for such Fund or for security supporting assistance be available to assist Egypt and Israel in carrying out the agreement of October 10, 1975, and to implement the Sinai early warning system. Exempts certain funds from the requirement that the President report such obligations to Congress. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to repeal the requirement that the President notify Congress 30 days prior to approving transfer of defense articles. Delays the effectiveness of such approval for 30 days, during which Congress may disapprove such consent, unless the President certifies the existence of an emergency requiring immediate transfer. Exempts (1) transfers of maintenance or repair defense services or articles, (2) temporary transfers of defense articles for maintenance or repair, and (3) cooperative cross servicing arrangements among NATO members, from restrictions on the transfer of defense articles. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize the appropriation of $675,850,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out such Act. Increases to $2,098,500,000 for fiscal year 1978 the limitation of the total of credits or loans for foreign military sales, of which not less than $1,000,000,000 shall be available only for Israel. Extends through fiscal year 1978 certain exemptions and repayment conditions for such assistance to Israel. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to exempt the issuance of licenses for the export of major defense equipment to Australia, Japan, or New Zealand from the $25,000,000 limitation on the value of arms exports to non-NATO countries. Exempts the authorizations of appropriations and limitations of authority for arms exports for fiscal year 1977 from provisions of this Act, when enacted. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1978 to carry out defense cooperation agreements between Greece and Turkey. Prohibits obligation or expenditure of such funds until such agreement is approved by legislation. Prohibits the obligation of funds appropriation for fiscal year 1978 for military assistance to Turkey until the President certifies that Turkey is in compliance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, and that substantial progress is being made toward agreement regarding the military forces in Cyprus, except for sales, credits and guarantees to enable Turkey to fulfill obligations to NATO. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase to $175,000,000 the limitation on military sales assistance to Turkey. Directs the President to study United States policies and practices with respect to the national security and military implications of international technology transfers. Specifies factors to be examined by such study. Requires the President to submit to Congress the findings of such study and recommendations for legislation. Prohibits assistance of any kind during fiscal year 1978 which would promote military operations in Zaire, unless the President determines that such assistance would be in the national security interests of the United States and submits to Congress the reasons for such determination and a description of such assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit military assistance under such Act or sales under the Arms Export Control Act for aiding foreign governments in the repression of the rights of the populations of such countries contrary to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President (1) take all effective measures to assure the cooperation of the Republic of Korea with the Department of Justice investigation of allegations of improper activity in the United States by agents of the Republic of Korea, and (2) report to Congress the extent of such cooperation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity and the customer has authorized disclosure; (2) the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or (3) disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Makes any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting official until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observation or service by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Establishes a delegation of United States citizens to confer with similar delegations from NATO democracies, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, in commemoration of the Marshall Plan, to assess existing institutions and recommend means to perfect and preserve these institutions to protect the general welfare, liberty, and sovereignty of the people of the participating countries. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to carry out this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income tax credit for the amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer to convert land held in the United States and formerly used for agriculture or raising livestock into an area used exclusively for providing vegetative cover for wind erosion control or wildlife habitat. Provides that such wind erosion control and wildlife habitat areas must: (1) meet such requirements as are established by the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) be no less than 20 feet, nor more than 60 feet in width; and (3) comprise no more than 15 percent of the area of any farm. Provides for the recapture of such credits to the extent that credit is taken for land which ceases to be a wind erosion control or wildlife habitat area, or is transferred by the taxpayer (except by reason of death, or in certain tax-free corporate acquisitions) within three years after the credit is taken. Provides for the carryover of allowable credit to the extent it exceeds the taxpayer's liability. Reduces the taxpayer's basis, and disallows any deduction of expenditures properly charged to capital account for which this credit is taken.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Federal Aid Highway Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1976 to increase and extend the appropriations authorized under such Act for the Federal Aid primary system to $3,350,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1990. Increases the Federal Share for projects financed with primary funds on the Federal aid primary system from 70 percent of its cost to 80 percent, or to 95 percent under specified circumstances. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109, 120)
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
International Development and Food Assistance Act - Title I: International Development Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to make development assistance available to the relatively least developed countries on a grant basis to the maximum extent consistent with United States development objectives. Amends the policy statement of such Act with respect to maximizing the effectiveness of development assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1976 and to authorize the appropriation of $613,200,000 for fiscal year 1978, for food and nutrition assistance. Requires that not less than $10,000,000 of such funds be used only for research, development, and use of small-scale, renewable energy sources for rural areas, undertaken with the cooperation of the Energy Research and Development Administration. Authorizes the appropriation of $181,000,000 for family planning and population growth control assistance for FY 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of $105,900,000 for FY 1978 for health assistance. Requires that such assistance be administered with attention to developing the standard of living in developing countries. Restricts $1,700,000 of the above health funds to be used for contribution to the World Health Organization Onchocerciasis Control Program. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the authorization of appropriations for FY 1976 and to authorize the appropriation of $84,900,000 for FY 1978 for education and human resources development assistance. Amends such Act to repeal the authorization of appropriations for FY 1976 and to authorize appropriations of $110,000,000 for FY 1978 for technical assistance, energy research, reconstruction, selected development problems, and assistance for severe environmental damage in less developed countries. Requires that not less than $8,000,000 of such funds be used to design and implement nonnuclear energy sources. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to exempt from cost-sharing and funding limits grant assistance to the relatively least developed countries and intermediate technology assistance. Requires that not less than $10,000,000 of funds made available for FY 1978 be used only for technical assistance in the development and use of cooperatives. Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on the integration of women into the developing economics of countries receiving development assistance. Prohibits the use of certain funds made available by this Act for any country receiving security supporting assistance or assistance for Middle East peace, unless specifically authorized by Congress. Repeals prohibitions for using such funds for any country receiving (1) assistance for relief of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, or (2) Indochina postwar assistance. Requires that $750,000 of development assistance funds made available for FY 1978 be used to study and promote civil and political rights in countries receiving assistance. Prohibits the use of such funds to influence any election. Requires the administration of certain development assistance to give attention to the impact of programs on population growth. Requires certain activities to be reviewed for their impact on fertility. Directs particular attention to be paid to building motivation for family planning. Authorizes the President to study the factors affecting population and motivation of family planning. Encourages the President to promote breastfeeding programs. Directs the President to take into account the impact of development programs on the natural resources of the recipient country. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance for the long-term development of the Sahel. Directs the President to prepare an annual report on the Sahel development program. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for FY 1978 for such purposes. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the authorization of appropriations for American schools and hospitals abroad for FY 1976. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for FY 1978 for such purposes. Prohibits the furnishing of such assistance to more than four institutions in one country. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,000,000 for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 in foreign currencies for such purposes. Amends such Act to repeal the authorization of appropriations for FY 1976 for international organizations and programs and to authorize the appropriation of $271,750,000 for FY 1978 for such purposes. Requires that not less than $500,000 be used for a contribution to the Namibia Institute. Requests the President in making contributions to international organizations, to take into account the economic integration of women. Amends such Act to repeal the authorization of appropriations for FY 1976 for international disaster assistance, and to authorize the appropriation of $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for such purposes. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for FY 1978 for relief assistance to the victims of the 1976 earthquakes in Italy. Amends such Act to permit the furnishing of services and commodities through foreign voluntary nonprofit relief agencies, approved by the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid under regulations issued by the President when no United States voluntary nonprofit relief agency is available. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the prohibitions on aid to countries assisting or trading with Cuba or Vietnam. Repeals the authority of the President to waive prohibitions on aid in the national interest. Amends such Act to abolish the office of Inspector General, Foreign Assistance, in the Department of State. Authorizes the President to assign the duties of such officer to the Inspector General, Foreign Services. Amends such Act of repeal the direction to the President to establish a Development Coordination Committee. Directs the President to submit to Congress an annual report on United States international development policies and programs. Authorizes the President to use up to $2,000,000 of funds appropriated under this Act for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 to work with friendly countries which do not receive development assistance to facilitate access to natural resources and stimulate reimbursable aid programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $220,200,000 for FY 1978 for operating expenses under such Act, and of such sums as may be necessary for employee benefits. Permits the transfer of funds appropriated under such Act to operating expenses. Amends such Act to prohibit the obligation of funds under such Act for activities not justified, or in excess of the amount justified to Congress, unless certain Congressional committees are notified in advance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare it the sense of Congress that the United States should substantially increase assistance for self-help development of the world's poorest people. Title II: Food for Peace - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to repeal the prohibitions against agricultural financing by the Commodity Credit Corporation for any exporter trading with Vietnam. Repeals the requirement that applications for financing by the Corporation be accompanied by certain information regarding corporate officers and subsidiaries. Amends the definition of "friendly country" under such Act to repeal the exclusion of nations trading with Cuba, Vietnam, or the United Arab Republic. Revises the criteria, under such Act, for allocation of food aid commodities to prohibit more than 25 percent of such commodities from being provided to countries that do not meet the poverty criteria established by the International Development Association. Eliminates the power of the Congress to disapprove a Presidential waiver of such criteria for humanitarian food purposes upon certification to Congress. Directs the President to assure that purchase authorizations under such Act are consistent with requisite storage facilities in the recipient country. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to prohibit agricultural commodity agreements with any country which engages in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations, unless such agreement will directly benefit the needy people in such country. Sets forth procedures for determining the existence of a consistent pattern of human rights violations. Amends such Act to declare it the policy of the United States that the United States shall assist economic self-sufficiency in food assistance recipient-countries and shall continue provision of high protein, blended or fortified foods. Permits the President to waive repayment of food assistance up to the costs of processing, enrichment, or fortification. Authorizes the President to establish food for development programs by encouraging the use of the resources provided by the concessional financing of agricultural commodities under this Act by permitting the funds accruing from the local sale of such commodities which are used for such purposes to be applied against from the local sale of such commodities which are used for such purposes to be applied against the repayment obligation of governments receiving concessional financing under this Act. Sets forth the criteria for eligibility for such food for development programs, and procedures for implementation of such programs (including multiyear use proposals integrating the programs into development plans and development assistance, and review of such programs). Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to require the President to submit to Congress, every five years, a comparative cross-country evaluation of the food for development programs and commodity assistance programs for famine and other purposes. Increases the annual minimum quantity of commodities distributed for famine and other purposes to 1,600,000 tons of which 1,300,000 tons shall be distributed through nonprofit voluntary agencies and the World Food Program. Permits the President to utilize a foreign nonprofit voluntary agency approved by the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Aid when no United States nonprofit voluntary agency approved by the Committee is available. Requires the use of indigenous workers to the extent feasible to furnish nutrition information and conduct food distribution programs. Directs that food distribution priority by given to those suffering from malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to condition certain assistance to States, local governments, and agencies thereunder on the adoption of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights to include as a minimum the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances; and (5) establishing a law enforcement officers' grievance commission in the jurisdiction to determine officer grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
New Jersey Pine Barrens National Ecological Reserve Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to the State of New Jersey for the development of a plan for the conservation of natural resources in the Pine Barrens area in New Jersey. Sets requirements for such grants, including the establishment of a management commission. Requires the Secretary to publish specified guidelines for the contents of such plan. Authorizes the Secretary, upon approval of the New Jersey plan, to establish the Pine Barrens National Ecological Reserve, to acquire lands within the reserve and to transfer such lands and other Federal lands to the State, and to make grants to the management commission for the acquisition of land in the reserve, compensation to landowners, and payments in lieu of taxes to local governments. Allows the Secretary to retain a reversionary right in such transferred lands and authorizes him to establish a federally-managed National Ecological Reserve upon the failure or nonsubmission of the plan. Requires the establishment of a Pinelands Citizens Advisory Committee, prior to approval of the State plan, to consult with the management commission established under such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase from 50 to 90 the percentage of the cost of a water or waste project which the Department of Agriculture may fund by a grant to a local association. Requires that such a grant be in an amount that will leave the average domestic user payment rate in the area served by the project at no more than: (1) one percent of the median family income of the area if such income fails in the lowest 25 percentile of the national median income; (2) one-and-one-half percent, if the median income falls in the 26 to 49 percentile; (3) two percent, if the median income falls in the 50 to 74 percentile; or (4) two-and- one-half percent, if the median income is above the 75 percentile of the national median income. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to seek State and Federal assistance if the maximum amount of a grant will be insufficient to result in the applicable user cost limitation prescribed. Specifies conditions under which the Secretary may increase the amount of a grant. Revises the priorities for recipients of such grants to accord the highest priority to specified municipalities or public agencies which have a hazardous public health situation (currently, such priority is accorded to municipalities or public agencies which already have community water supply or waste disposal systems, when due to unanticipated occurrences such systems are suddenly inadequate to serve the community needs).
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this Title. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operations. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other moneys, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the Funds sufficient to meet current annuity and disability benefit outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia, the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the government of the State of Maryland, or the government of any political subdivision thereof, or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia, Virginia, or Maryland. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to periodically determine: (1) the amount required to be deposited in each Fund annually in perpetuity in order to meet the cost of annuities and other retirement and disability benefits payable in perpetuity from the Fund less the amount of employee contributions to the Fund; (2) in years before fiscal year 2004, the base level amount required to be deposited in each fund annually in perpetuity to meet the cost of annuities and other retirement and disability benefits payable from the Fund less the amount of employee contributions; and (3) the amount received to meet the obligations of each Fund for the next fiscal year less employee contributions for such period. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal amortization payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriations of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia for Federal and District of Columbia contributions to each Fund, respectively. Requires each member of the Board to submit detailed annual personal financial disclosure statements to Congress and the D.C. government. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds' operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefits. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions, including periodic updates containing material modification, be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Designates the Board and each member of the Board fiduciaries with respect to the Funds. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary of responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, and Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Requires every fiduciary of a Fund established by this Title and every person who handles its funds to be bonded. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil action grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes in Retirement Benefits - Revises the method for determining the salary base period for computation of annuities of participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund. Permits any member or officer of the Metropolitan Police or Fire Department who is on approved leave without pay to serve as a full-time official of an employee organization to have such service credited towards his retirement upon meeting specific requirements. Sets forth separate procedures and standards for members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department with respect to (1) eligibility for voluntary retirement, (2) eligibility for disability retirement, (3) amount of disability annuities, (4) suspension of disability annuities, (5) physical examination of disability annuitants, and (6) amount of survivors annuities. EnTitles any such member who completes five years of service and who is thereafter separated from service other than through disability retirement or voluntary optional retirement to elect to either (1) receive at the time of separation the amount of deductions from such individual's salary deposited in the Fund, or (2) receive an annuity beginning on the first day of the month during which such individual attains age 55 or on the first day of the month after such individual's separation from service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund. Permits the Mayor to waive collection of any overpayment to an annuitant if such overpayment is less than $100. Permits the Mayor, in the case of payments due to mental incompetents or minors, to make payment to any person, who in his judgement, is responsible for the care of such claimant. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Teacher's Retirement Fund and District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund. Revises the means for determining eligibility for each such adjustment. Revises the amount of benefits due under a teacher's annuity in the event the named beneficiary of such annuity predeceases the annuitant.